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 may allow for adjustment of an elongation length of the retractable flexible cable.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting at least part of the weight of a snowboard on a boot of a snowboarder while sitting in a chairlift having no footrest, the snowboard having a boot binding for receiving and securing the boot onto the snowboard, where the device includes an elongated support member having a central portion, and fasteners at both ends, one for joining to the boot, and the other for joining to the boot binding so that the elongated support member is operable to transfer at least a portion of the weight on the boot binding to the boot. Other techniques are described that incorporate the foregoing back foot support device directly into the boot binding, by, for example, the boot binding manufacturer.

Abstract: A slider comprises a main board and a brake plate. The main board has a bottom face facing to and movable on a snow ground, and has a rear end raised to an angle relative to the snow ground. The brake plate has a connecting portion connected with the bottom face of the main board at the rear end of the main board, and a shovel portion protruding from the connecting portion for shoveling into the snow ground. Additionally, the shovel portion has plural drain holes formed thereon for draining the snow shoveled by the shovel portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice-skate blade edge squareness verification device comprising an indicator element with a plurality of squareness indicia on its face and a verification element removably mounted across a skate blade's edges for verification of squareness of those edges in conjunction with the squareness indicia of the indicator element. The indicator element includes a mounting means comprising a magnet for removably mounting this element onto an ice-skate's blade such that the squareness indicia are perpendicular to the blade's side. The mounting means have a configuration allowing the indicator element to be easily placed and removed from the blade while the blade is held inside a sliding carriage provided to hold an ice-skate during sharpening. The mounting means also allows for continuous visual verification of squareness of a blade edge substantially along the entire length of the blade.

Abstract: An outrigger edge enhances ability to turn and maintain control of a ski or snowboard on ice or snow. The outrigger edge is provided outside and above the normal edge of a ski so it only makes contact with the snow or ice when the ski is tilted through a sufficient angle with respect to the surface of the snow or ice. The angle is preferably in the range from about 30 to about 60 degrees, more preferably around 45 degrees, to reduce or avoid contact during skiing on flat terrain but to allow contact when needed on ice.

Abstract: A skateboard tension strap is provided for temporarily connecting a skateboard to the body of the user in order to allow the user to perform “hands-free” stunts without having to use his or her hands to hold or control the skateboard. A waist belt is worn by the user. A tension strap resiliently and adjustably connects the waist belt to the skateboard. The tension strap includes an elastic section and has a first end anchored to the skateboard and a second, upper end for adjustably connecting the tension strap to the waist belt. A connector extends between the waist belt and the upper end of the tension strap to provide the adjustable connection. The tension strap and the waist belt are sufficiently wide and flat to allow the application of logos or other designs thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety ski binding (1) with a toe and a heel binding (4, 5) and an electronic circuit arrangement (6). This circuit arrangement (6) comprises a computer unit and a memory system as well as a sensor system (8) for detecting at least one set safety release value of the safety ski binding (1). The circuit arrangement (6) has at least one electronic evaluation device (13, 14) with a software-driven, programmable micro-controller (39, 40), the micro-controller (39, 40) having a non-volatile memory system (41, 42) or being connected to a non-volatile memory system (41, 42). This micro-controller (39, 40) is programmed to store manually altered settings of the safety release value and/or changing states of the safety ski binding (1) detected by the sensor system (8) in the memory system (41, 42).

Abstract: A slider includes a main board movable on a snow ground, and a brake plate mounted on the main board and protruding outward from the main board to face the snow ground. The brake plate is formed with a shovel portion extended toward the snow ground. Thus, the shovel portion of the brake plate is inserted into the snow ground to provide a braking effect to the main board.

Abstract: A wheel holder assembly includes a mounting frame fixedly fastened to the footplate of a skateboard, a screw bolt mounted in the mounting frame, a hook plate mounted on the screw bolt and hooked on a barrel at the mounting frame, a swivel wheel holder frame mounted on the screw bolt to hold a pair of wheels, a first corrugated washer and a second corrugated washer mounted on said screw bolt and matched with each other between the hook plate and the wheel holder frame, the first corrugated washer having a locating groove engaged with a locating rib at the wheel holder frame for enabling the first corrugated washer to be turned with the wheel holder frame about the screw bolt relative to the second corrugated washer, and a compression spring mounted on the screw bolt to force the wheel holder frame against the first corrugated washer.

Abstract: A portable lightweight grind rail assembly formed of a tube supported on a multiplicity of spaced apart tube supports, each tube support having a base, a tube receiving surface and tube receiving mechanism which retains a portion of the tube on the tube receiving surface.

Abstract: A slide plate having a front slide piece is adapted to engage the outboard side of a skateboard truck. The front slide piece is made from a hard material adapted to slide over an obstacle surface and to protect the outboard surface of the skateboard truck from damage and by adding distance, keep soft wheels from contact with obstacles during maneuvers.

Abstract: A cover designed to accommodate the unique shape of a wheel for a skate board. In one embodiment, the cover snaps onto the wheel. In another embodiment, security of the cover to the wheel by an adhesive gasket. Various patterns are punched into the cover providing distinguishing decorative characteristics.

Abstract: Various structures designed to protect an in-line skate frame from direct impact with damaging and/or abrasive surfaces are disclosed. Such protective structures mount to the skate frame and may be manufactured from various materials, including metals, plastics, composites, and ceramics. Also disclosed are methods of preventing direct impacts to or abrasions of a skate frame using the disclosed protective structures.

Abstract: An attachment or a set for the front end of a ski for multiple of purposes, such as extending upwardly the length of the ski and/or widening the ski end, the attachment may be of one piece or two pieces.

Abstract: A skateboard leash that is to be held against the rider's feet when the rider is performing aerial maneuvers using the skateboard. The skateboard leash has a mounting strap which is to be wrappable transversely about the skateboard platform. A swivel joint is connected to the mounting strap. A length adjusting strap assembly is connected to the swivel joint. An elongated strap assembly connects to the length adjusting strap with this elongated strap assembly terminating in a bulbous member at its free outer end.

Abstract: A skateboard having a deck with an arched center, two bumper regions, one at either end of the deck, each of the bumper regions extending above and rigidly affixed to the deck. Truck and wheel assemblies mounted beneath respective ones of the bumper regions.

Abstract: A ski caddy includes a telescoping shaft coupled to a pair of wheels at one end and a handle at the other. The wheels are preferably dish shaped. A generally U-shaped cup resides between the wheels for holding the butt end of a pair of skis. A generally W-shaped member is provided beneath the handle to support the skis in the space the skis in the space between the front and rear boot bindings. Two cutouts, adapted to receive the upper portion of a pair of ski poles, are provided on each opposite side of the W-shaped member and allow the poles to be rotated and crossed into a tripod-like configuration with the shaft. A pair of pole receiving sleeves are provided on opposite sides of the U-shaped cup for receiving the sharp ends of the ski poles. The ski caddy moves easily through snow and on hard surfaces, and can be maintained in an upright position on virtually any surface.

Abstract: A skate mounted receptacle device (10) including a receptacle member (20) provided with a curved bottom (22) having a pair of spaced mounting apertures (23) dimensioned to receive a short strap member (40) for attaching the receptacle member (20) to the laces (201) of a skate (200); and, further including an independent lid member (30) having a contoured top (31) provided with a mounting slot (38) dimensioned to encircle the receptacle member (20) and the circumference of the shoe portion (205) of the skate (200) to releasably secure the lid member (30) to the receptacle member (30).

Abstract: A step-in binding system (20, 220) including a binding (24, 224) and an engagement member (26, 226) for securing a snowshoe to footwear (22). In one embodiment, the binding includes a pivotable latch (78) and a fixed latch (80), each having a pair of catches (116) for engaging a corresponding receiver (110) on the engagement member. The pivotable latch is pivotable between a closed position (CP) and an open position (OP) and is biased into the closed position by a helical rotational spring (100). The binding further includes an adjustment mechanism (32) extending between a toe member (28) and a heel member (30) that allows the distance between the toe and heel members to be selectively changed by a user. In another embodiment, the binding includes a pair of pivotable latches (278, 280), each biased into its closed position by two torsional rotational springs (300).

Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus. The device has a lateral portion and a medial portion demarcating a zone for receiving the boot. At least one strap is connected to each of the portions. For at least one of the lateral and medial portions of the strap, a separation mechanism is provided for separation, at least partially, the lateral and/or medial portion from the receiving zone when the lateral and/or medial portion moves away from a reference position.

Abstract: A device that is attached to a ski or other host instrument and which comprises a rigid body with a slot cut into it. The slot size is such that a ski pole shaft fits into and slides through the slot but the ski pole basket that is attached to the ski pole shaft does not pass through the slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antiskid device which covers inline skate wheels and which can be folded onto itself so as to become half as long. In this way, it is much easier to conceal inside a pocket or a pouch.

Abstract: A skateboard tension strap is provided for temporarily connecting a skateboard to the body of the user in order to allow the user to perform “hands-free” stunts without having to use his or her hands to hold or control the skateboard. A waist belt is worn by the user. A tension strap resiliently and adjustably connects the waist belt to the skateboard. The tension strap includes an elastic section and has a first end anchored to the skateboard and a second, upper end for adjustably connecting the tension strap to the waist belt. A connector extends between the waist belt and the upper end of the tension strap to provide the adjustable connection. The tension strap and the waist belt are sufficiently wide and flat to allow the application of logos or other designs thereto.

Abstract: A pull structure of a skateboard comprises a buckling ring installed on a center of a gravitation of a plate body of the skateboard; and a pull strip. A lower end of the pull strip has a buckle. The buckle can be buckled to the buckling ring; and a top end of the pull strip has a handle. In use, a first user stands on the plate body, and than a second user pulls the skateboard to move forwards. The handle is enclosed by a holding cover. Two ends of the skateboard are installed with buckling rings, respectively. A buckling ring is installed at a front end of a wheel seat at a lower side of the skateboard.

Abstract: An advertising ski paraphernalia basket is securely mounted in non-rotatable relation to a safety bar of a chair ski lift. The basket includes one or more surfaces on which is placed indicia, usually advertising. The advertising is preferably replaceable, making the basket a site for third party paid advertising exposed to a captive audience that produces a continuing revenue source. The chair ski lift safety bar is moveable in an arcuate path between a passenger safety position whereat the safety bar is disposed forwardly of an apex balance point in blocking relation in front of the chair portion of the chair ski lift, and an entry-exit position whereat the safety bar is disposed above and rearwardly of the chair portion of the chair ski lift and rearwardly of the apex balance point. The basket comprises a floor suitable for receiving ski paraphernalia, and walls extending upwardly from the floor about the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A truck with a discrete shield for skateboards and the like is described. A base has at least one truck assembly affixed to the underside thereof that mounts wheels. The truck assembly defines a lower surface between the wheels that is susceptible to damage. A discrete sheet of material has a smooth, low-friction surface and is formed to encircle portions of the truck assembly so as to hold the sheet of material in a fixed position underlying and covering the lower surface of the truck with the smooth, low-friction surface directed downwardly.

Abstract: A dual-purpose sports footwear is formed of a boot, an elastic plate, an arcuate outer plate, and a wheel mount plate. The boot has an arcuate inner plate which is detachably fastened to the elastic plate. The arcuate outer plate is detachably fastened to the elastic plate. The boot, the elastic plate and the arcuate outer plate form a jumpshoe. The wheel mount plate is provided with a plurality of wheel sets and is detachably fastened to the arcuate inner plate of the boot to form a roller skate.

Abstract: A binding and boot engagement system for use with a snowboard having a step-in binding system is disclosed. The system has a flexible tether connectable at one end to the snowboard and at the other end to the user. When a user is in an elevated lift and has one boot removed from a binding, the user may apply an upward force to the tether, thereby causing the board to elevate. By positioning the free boot over the binding and applying the upward force, the boot is caused to engage with the binding. Features of the invention include having first and second portions of the tether wherein the first portion is generally non-stretchable and the second portion is resiliently connected to the user. In this configuration, a slight tension is usually present in the system, thereby decreasing the chances for unintentional engagement of the system with undesirable objects such as lift equipment or mountain hazards.

Abstract: A non-locking boot clip, mountable on a snowboard, is provided. The clip permits a user to quickly, easily, and reversibly stabilize an unbound snowboard boot to the snowboard. The clip comprises a base and a retainer. The retainer is preferably cantilevered over the snowboard for easy clipping and unclipping of a boot to the clip. The clip preferably includes an adhesive layer to permit retrofitting of the clip to an existing snowboard so that the clip may be placed on the snowboard as desired by a user. Alternatively, a combination conventional mount and reversible mounting clip may be used.

Abstract: To effectively clear for a skier preparatory to a downhill skiing run other skiers that otherwise might be in harm's way, use is made of a metal rail of a rectangular shape in cross section marking the beginning of the ski run on which the skier balances on one leg using a bracket extending laterally of an outboard side of a ski boot that tracks along the top of the rail, wherein the skier's two skis are in the ready to complete the skiing run when the skier dismounts from the end of the rail onto the ski slope.

Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus. The device includes a covering portion, which itself includes a longitudinal reinforcement and a shock-absorbing pad. The hardness of the shock absorbing-pad increases from an inner end toward an outer end of the reinforcement.

Abstract: The snow skate is a product with a similar appearance to a skateboard. The primary difference being the mini-ski on the bottom that allows for use on the snow. The freestyle maneuvers performed on the snow skate mimic those on a skateboard. Flip tricks, grabs, and slides are all possible with the current setups on the market today. The current setups do not allow for locking of these slides/grinds. My product, the snow skate grind lock, will have a more skateboard-like feel by allowing the rider to lock into slides and grinds.

Abstract: A skateboard truck guard, which is adapted for attaching to a truck having a bottom portion and defining a ground contacting surface thereon, includes an elongated guard body, which is shaped and sized for detachably mounting to the bottom portion of the truck, having an outer side and defining a grinding surface thereon, and an inner side for covering the ground contacting surface and a fastening arrangement mounted on the guard body for securely fastening the guard body on the truck.

Abstract: An anti-wear strip equipped wheel seat comprises a main body, an axle, and an anti-wear strip, in which the anti-wear strip is a U-shaped plate made of a wear-resist material, having an arcuate recess in each of two end edges thereof for mounting the axle directly. The axle and the anti-wear strip are embedded stably in the main body except an anti-wear face at the bottom edge of the anti-wear strip and both ends of the axle so that the bottom edge of the wheel seat is protected against wearing, particularly for a technical trick performance or race.

Abstract: The snow arc ski board and sports arc is an arch-shaped handle mounted to a snowboard or to any of a variety of sport boards, such as snowboards, skateboards, or boards used in water sports. The arch is removably coupled to the board such that the plane of the arch is aligned with the board's longitudinal axis, thereby enabling the rider, standing beneath the arch, to firmly grasp the two vertical handles while standing sideways on the board. An elevated platform and sport arc mounted thereon may be attached to the surface of a narrow sport board, the elevated platform having a horizontally planar surface sufficient to enable the rider to stand sideways to the longitudinal axis of the board. A multitude of spines disposed on the upper surface of the board, provides traction for controlling the movement of the sport board.

Abstract: This device is an aid for a downhill skier regain his upright stance after a fall. A socket or loop of fabric is attached at the tail of the skis such that the tips of the poles can be thrust through the loop and into the underlying snow. When the skier then pulls himself up by pushing down and back on the poles, the skis are held in place and the skier easily regains his upright stance.

Abstract: A roller skate with generator design comprises a coil base and a generator, in general, wherein the roller skate has a sound and lighting circuit connected to the generator, a pair of side plates pivoted with wheels underneath the roller skate, the principle of generating electric power is to counter rotate a magnetic ring and an inductive coil, wherein the coil base comprises a cover and a pair of fins extending from respective sides, and a wheel has a wheel cover extending a pipe at its center for a shaft to insert there through and is adapted to secure the magnetic ring thereon, by securing the two fins onto the side plates of the roller skate with shafts, the coil base is also secured thereon, whereas the pipe will be inserted into the coil base with the magnetic ring inserted into the inductive coil, so that when rolling the roller skate, the magnetic ring rotates with respect to the inductive coil and generates electric power.

Abstract: An attachment or a set for the front end of a ski for multiple of purposes, such as extending upwardly the length of the ski and/or widening the ski end, the attachment may be of one piece or two pieces.

Abstract: A skateboard truck guard, which is adapted for attaching to a truck having a bottom portion and defining a ground contacting surface thereon, includes an elongated guard body, which is shaped and sized for detachably mounting to the bottom portion of the truck, having an outer side and defining a grinding surface thereon, and an inner side for covering the ground contacting surface and a fastening arrangement mounted on the guard body for securely fastening the guard body on the truck.

Abstract: A retention system for retaining a climbing skin to the tail end of a ski comprises an elongated resilient tensioning member secured to one end of the skin, a generally C-shaped clip adapted to removably hook about the tail end, and means on an upper portion of said clip for releasably retaining a portion of said tensioning member thereon. In the preferred embodiment the upper portion of the clip includes an aperture for receiving the tensioning member therethrough and a projection for engaging in one of several eyelets provided on the tensioning member.

Abstract: A new and improved hand held training device for instructing able bodied and disabled skiers. A gripping bar is attached proximal to the top of a pole member which declines to be attached to a planar member on bottom. The planar member includes a curved up front-end running surface and a normal sliding section for moving the device forward. A rearwardly inclined and extended suspension member attaches and suspends one or more downward extended anti-skid members (fins and adjustable flaps) above and substantially to the rear of the normal sliding section of the planar member. Preferred suspension members include said pole member (which inclines and extends rearward from the planar member), and a rearwardly inclined and extended addition to the planar member. To operate, able bodied skiers use one device having a crossbar on top. Whereas, disabled skiers use two devices having a gripping bar and forearm cuff.

Abstract: An in-line skate apparatus has a frame for attachment to the sole of a shoe with a pair of outer, substantially flat side faces, a front end, a rear end, and a lower edge. A plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted on the frame in a line from the front end to the rear end of the frame, and a cut out extends upwardly from the lower edge between an adjacent pair of wheels. A separate H-block is releasably mounted in the cut-out so as to substantially fill the cut-out, and has a width at least equal to the width of the frame, so that its outer side faces are substantially flush with the outer side faces of the frame. The H-block has an arcuate, downwardly directed sliding region extending across its width and along at least part of the height of each side face, whereby the sliding region of the H-block includes the only sliding surface of the apparatus during sliding maneuvers.

Abstract: A skate blade angle controlling device fastened to a lower face of a fixing plate having a rectangular, integral projection part. A fastening bolt is screw-fastened through the fixing plate to a fastening nut onto a connection flat provided on an upper face of the skate blade. A pivotally moving part has an open upper face closed by a lower part of the projection part and has one side pivotally mounted on the projection part on a hinge axle. A concave flute of a concave shape is formed in a lower part of the projection part positioned away from the hinge axle. A controlling plate having a fastening hole is inserted into the concave flute. A controlling screw is fastened in the fastening hole from the top to control the pivoting angle of the pivotally moving part by an upward and downward movement of the controlling 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 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: A thin plastic planar sheet of material on which map indicia in printed is releaseably attached to the upper surface of a snowboard.

Abstract: An accurate, portable skate blade gauge comprises an extruded body having a blade-receiving recess, a clamping screw for pressing the blade against a side wall of the recess, and a pivoted indicator arm having a base near the pivot for engagement with the blade edge, and a pointer remote from the pivot for indicating squareness of the blade. The pivot is a resilient pin of spring metal disposed in a hole in the gauge body and fixed to the bottom of the hole. A clearance between the pin and the wall of the hole allows the pin to flex when the skate blade is pressed against the base of the indicator. The resilience of the pin ensures that the blade remains in firm contact with the base of the indicator arm to achieve precise and accurate measurements.

Abstract: A strap and climbing skin attachment assembly and kit having an elongated strap having a thickened end portion, two flat plates riveted to sandwich one end of the climbing skin, a rectangular cutout extending inward from the sandwiched end of the climbing skin between the plates, the unthickened end and body of the strap being insertable through an opening in at least one of the plates to thread the strap through the opening and between the plates until the strap is secured by the thickened opposite end engaging within the opening and in the cutout.

Abstract: A snowboard tether for supporting a snowboard during a chair-lift ride and permitting the user to harness his or her back foot to the snowboard during the course of the chair-lift ride. A fastener attached to the snowboard allows the user to connect a strap to the fastener prior to sitting upon the chair-lift. The user may then attach the strap to the chair-lift, causing the strap to support the rear of the snowboard and permitting the user to exert downward force with his or her foot upon the rear binding of the snowboard. The fastener incorporates a storage container.

Abstract: A snowboard tether for supporting a snowboard during a chair-lift ride and permitting the user to harness his or her back foot to the snowboard during the course of the chair-lift ride. A fastener attached to the snowboard allows the user to connect a strap to the fastener prior to sitting upon the chair-lift. The user may then attach the strap to the chair-lift, causing the strap to support the rear of the snowboard and permitting the user to exert downward force with his or her foot upon the rear binding of the snowboard. The fastener incorporates a storage container.

Abstract: A sportsboard such as a snowboard or wakeboard includes board structure having a handle structure defining a generally smooth surface to be grasped by at least a portion of a hand of the user such that (1) the user may remain in contact with the board structure when the bottom surface of the board structure is out of contact with the medium being ridden and (2) the board structure may be transported by hand more easily by the user. In one embodiment, an opening sufficiently sized to receive the forefingers of a rider's hand is formed in at least one end of the sportsboard. In another embodiment, at least two openings are formed on at least one end of the sportsboard, the two openings being on opposite sides of a lengthwise center axis of the sportsboard. In a third embodiment, at least one end of the sportsboard is rolled-up sufficiently to form a lip which can be grasped by the thumb or forefingers of a rider.