Abstract: A device particularly suitable for propelling an in-line skater by harnessing the energy of air currents. More particularly, the invention concerns a device which is particularly effective in harnessing and transmitting air current energy to an in-line skater in a controllable, simple, and intuitive manner. The device is simple to construct, rugged and durable, and safer to use than conventional sail devices. The device is easily disassembled and in the disassembled state assists the skater to return to an upwind starting position.

Abstract: A sliding board includes a device of the "stress plate" type, having a layer of viscoelastic material covered by a stress plate with a high elasticity modulus, the layer of viscoelastic material being joined to one outer surface of the sliding board and to the stress plate. According to the invention, the stress plate has at least one strip-shaped area that is not joined to the board over part of the width and part of the length of the plate, the strip being elastically flexible and being connected to the board by its ends so that when the board flexes, it behaves like a leaf spring acting mechanically by buckling between its two ends connected to the board.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for securing a piece of chalk to a skate. The device includes a chalk holder defining a chalk opening sized for receiving a piece of chalk. The device also includes an arrangement for connecting the chalk holder to the skate such that the chalk is adapted to contact a ground surface when the skate is used by a skater.

Abstract: A lock system is disclosed for use on an in-line roller skate to positively lock the wheels. The lock system includes a mounting member for mounting the lock to the chassis of a roller skate. The mounting member includes a movable abutment member having a plurality of abutments for selective engagement with the wheels. The abutment member may comprise a plurality of spaced apart stops for interstitial between wheels to be locked. The arrangements have marked advantages over the existing systems in that the same are readily engagable with a minimum of effort. In this manner, the user can simply engage and disengage the lock device without any encumbrances typically associated with the prior art.

Abstract: A wheel axle mounting structure including an axle holder fastened to a mounting frame at a bottom side of a sole plate of a roller skate by a bolt and a pair of cushions and a pair of ring caps and having a holder base holding an axle, two wheels mounted on two opposite ends of the axle and a guard frame fastened to the axle to protect the holder base of the axle holder, wherein the guard frame has two end caps with coupling means respectively and detachably coupled to the two opposite ends of the axle, the end caps having a respective outside flange respectively disposed in contact with the wheels and serving as cushion means.

Abstract: A storage compartment for mounting to a snowboard having a plurality of pre-existing threaded mounting holes includes a base member, a lid member hinged to the base member, and an insert fitted within the base member for receiving loose objects such as a wrench, wax, a locking cable and/or personal items. An anchoring post is secured to the base member. A closed loop end of a locking cable is passed around the anchoring post and the other end of the locking cable extends through an aperture formed in an end wall of the lid or base member where it is secured to a fixed object. A lock is provided to lock the lid member to the base member to prevent removal of the locking cable and theft of the snowboard when the snowboard is secured to the fixed object.

Abstract: An improved traction enhancing article is provided which is applicable to many different items such as shoes, skateboards, snowboards and the like. The traction enhancing article has a plurality of regularly spaced cleats embedded in a flexible base which, in at least one embodiment, has an adhesive backing allowing it to be removably secured to a variety of different items. The cleats are preferably formed of aluminum and have a hexagonal base which tapers to a rounded top. Both sides of the surface are roughened to enhance traction and to ensure the cleat remains embedded in the base even under extreme stress conditions.

Abstract: A Snowboard Mounting Apparatus for safely storing and displaying a snowboard or similar article on a wall or other supporting surface. The inventive device includes a jaw for clamping the snowboard or similar article and a mounting plate for mounting the jaw to the wall or other supporting surface.

Abstract: A frame for a skate has a base, on which a shoe can be associated, and two wings for supporting two or more pivots for the wheels. A protective plate is slidingly and selectively associated with the two wings of the frame and can be interposed between two adjacent wheels. It is thus possible to provide optimum protection of the frame against impacts during sports practice.

Abstract: A lock system is disclosed for use on an in-line roller skate to positively lock the wheels. The lock system includes a mounting member for mounting the lock to the chassis of a roller skate. The mounting member includes a movable abutment member having a plurality of abutments for selective engagement with the wheels. Hub projections are provided on the wheels for engagement with the abutment member. In another embodiment, the abutment member may comprise a plurality of spaced apart stops for interstitial between wheels to be locked. The arrangements have marked advantages over the existing systems in that the same are readily engagable with a minimum of effort. In this manner, the user can simply engage and disengage the lock device without any encumbrances typically associated with the prior art.

Abstract: A steerable roller skate includes: a sole member of a skate boot or strap of roller skate having a pair of rear wheels transversely rotatably secured to a rear bottom portion of the sole member, a steering base steerably secured on a front bottom portion of the sole member, a pair of front wheels transversely rotatably secured on the steering base, a first magnet secured on a central bottom portion of the sole member, and a second magnet secured on the steering base adjacent to the first magnet having opposite magnetic polarities of the first and second magnets for normally attracting the second magnet to the first magnet for magnetically restoring the steering base and the front wheels for automatically resetting a straightforward orientation of the roller skate.

Abstract: A device for covering and protecting edges of a snow ski or snowboard. The inventive device includes lateral edge covers which can be frictionally engaged to opposed longitudinal edges of a ski or snowboard. A tip cover extends between upper ends of the lateral edge covers for coveting the tip of the ski or snowboard. The device may be configured to extend around all outer peripheral edges of a ski or snowboard.

Abstract: In a combination of a cross-country ski binding and a complementary cross-country ski boot, the boot comprises engagement elements in the front part of its sole which are complementary to and insertable into engagement elements of the binding to form a joint-like connection. The engagement elements of the sole comprise a joint axle oriented transversely to the long direction of the ski and substantially parallel to the undersurface of the boot. The complementary engagement elements of the binding comprise a retaining hook with a U-shaped stirrup piece that forms a hinge joint with the joint axle by enclosing it from behind and which can be moved out of a closed position into a boot-release position and conversely. The joint-like connection between joint axle and retaining hook or associated stirrup piece is so arranged that the undersurface of the boot is held against the upper surface of the ski body in the ball region of the boot.

Abstract: A skateboard has a row of rollers, with a rear roller of relatively larger diameter for improved ground contact during turning maneuvers. Rollers are pivotally mounted for steer-ability, preferably being mounted on inclined axes for the effecting of turning torque about the axes in desired directions in response to exertion by a person of downward force on selected side portions of the skateboard, whereby improved turning of the rollers in desired directions is provided. A roller may be mounted on a pivotable yoke with the roller mounted on one end portion and a spring retainer on the other, so that upon a roller encountering an obstruction, bump or depression, the roller moves upwardly or downwardly to pivot the retainer against a spring, and impact energy is absorbed.

Abstract: The clamping device for connecting a snowboard formed from two skis and a center part has a connection member which is supported on the center part so as to be swivelable around a swivel pin, this connection part having hooks formed at its ends which define corresponding receiving openings. Hardware fittings are arranged on the skis, wherein a movable hardware part is supported on a hardware part that is held on the ski in a stationary manner. Each movable hardware part has an eccentric with which hooks cooperate so as to effect a clamping after the rotation of the movable hardware parts and the compulsory rotation of the eccentrics.

Abstract: A stabilizer beam for a roller blade skater. The beam has a first end which supports a brake pad for stopping the skater. A second end detachably retains an insert for supporting an implement useful for stabilizing the roller blade skater on the roller blades. The implement may be one of another brake pad, a free turning wheel and a hockey stick blade. The invention therefore provides a simple, reliable beam which assists roller blade skaters in stopping reliably in minimum space and provides a beam which promotes stability on roller blades by permitting the user to adapt the beam to his skill and/or activity. A brake pad on each end of the beam is preferred for beginner skaters, a wheel on one end of the pad is preferred for experienced skaters wishing to travel at high speed, while a hockey stick blade is preferred for skaters of any skill level wishing to manipulate a ball or a puck while skating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting the weight of legs, boots, and skis of a skier while riding on a ski lift chair which uses a support strap (24) of elongated flexible material attached at one end to each boot in conjunction with a boot attachment strap (20). The other end of the support strap (24) extends up the back of a skier's leg to at least the back of the thigh area. The support strap (24) attaches to either a pull tab (30), a reel (42), an elastic strap (76) or an elasticized cord (50) which draws taut the support strap against the front edge of the chair seat (24) so as to slightly elevate the skier's legs, boots, and skis and support their weight. Either the weight of the thigh and buttock (34) on the support strap (24), a gear lock (46) on the reel (42), or a union between a hook tab (56) which attaches to the support strap (24) and a pile strip (58) which attaches to the ski apparel holds the support strap (24) taut and holds the supported weight of the legs, boots, and skis of a skier.

Abstract: A device for retaining a ski which has become detached in powder or deep snow. The device comprises a strap that links a ski boot to a winding apparatus mounted on the ski. The winding apparatus comprises two units each of which includes a spring positioned adjacent to a bearing unit. An elongated pin extends between the two units and the strap winds around the pin in the space between the two units. The bearing unit has an aperture extending through it and the pin extends through the aperture. Each end of the pin is attached to one of the springs.

Abstract: Various means designed to protect an in-line skate frame from direct impact with damaging and/or abrasive surfaces are disclosed. Such protective means 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 means.

Abstract: Ski comprising a body and at least one cap, i.e., tip or tail element made independently. According to the invention, the cap is made of a synthetic material molded in situ on a frame associated at least in part with the reinforcing frame of the ski body.

Abstract: A sports board (e.g., a snowboard, ski, or surfboard) has a sensor panel comprising a plurality of individual sensors on a surface thereof such that deflection or vibration of surface of the sports board due to contact with a surface of the medium being ridden (e.g. snow or water) causes the individual sensors of the sensor panel to detect such contact. Each sensor on the sensor panel may be a simple switch, piezoelectric sensor, strain gauge, or a variable resistance type sensor. The sensors are monitored so as to detect the points of contact of the lower surface of the sports board with the snow or water. Detailed information related to the contact between the sports board and the snow or water is processed so as to provide auditory, visual or training information.

Abstract: A roller skate wheel which includes a transparent wheel mounted around a ball bearing to hold a set of lamps, a set of battery cells, and an integrated circuit board, a transparent tire mounted around the wheel, and an annular cover covered on the wheel to hold down the battery cells and the integrated circuit board, wherein the tire has a corrugated portion to refract light from the lamp; the annular cover has a slot and an insulative partition plate detachably inserted into the slot to disconnect circuit of the the battery cells before the use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in-line roller skate having a main frame with a front, a back, a top side and an underside, and having an attachment mechanism on the top side of the main frame for attachment of the in-line roller skate to the foot of the user and having an in-line skating wheel attachment frame on the underside of the main frame, with a plurality of in-line skating wheels thereon. The skate has a side motion wheel support and a plurality of side wheels rotatably connected to the support, arranged at approximately right angles to the skating wheels. The side wheels are arranged such that when the roller skate is placed on a flat surface upright with the skating wheels vertical, the skating wheels contact the flat surface and the side wheels do not, and when the roller skate is placed on the flat surface and tilted beyond a predetermined contact angle from vertical, the side wheels do contact the flat surface.

Abstract: A combined tether and support for a snowboard includes an adjustable support strap that is releasably connected at its upper end to a harness worn on the body of the user and releasably connected at its lower end to a snowboard to support the weight of the snowboard when the user is riding a chair lift. A short tether extends between the support strap and a lower leg portion of the user to tether the snowboard to the user when the snowboard is being ridden. Adjustment of the length of the support strap enables the user to ride the snowboard normally when the strap is lengthened, and supports the weight of the snowboard when the strap is shortened and the user is sitting on a chair lift. Quick-connect couplings are provided between the support strap, snowboard and harness.

Abstract: A modified truck piece for attachment to a board surface such as a skate board. The truck has two pair of extended ridges each pair having an upper and a lower ridge and each pair running the length of the truck. Skidding pads are attached to the ridges and offer a protective surface covering for the ridges and thus allow the skateboard to be tilted (rolled) to one side or the other with safety. A channel in the bottom of each truck half allows an in line set of wheels to be attached to the underside of the truck piece. The pads may be replaced or reversed as needed.

Abstract: The foot support apparatus of the present invention includes a resilient hinge including an upper portion hingedly connected to a lower portion. The lower portion is securely attachable to an upper surface of a sportsboard. A strap has a first end connectable to the upper portion and a second end being so connected so as to urge the upper portion toward the upper surface of the sportsboard. Thus, when the user's foot is placed under the upper portion, the user's foot is wedged within the hinge for support. This wedging action and commensurate ability to conveniently and easily move the foot are advantages which have not heretofore been realizable by available foot support systems.

Abstract: A beam of electromagnetic wave is suspended at an adjustable distance above a floor or an ice surface by a mechanism that generates electromagnetic wave energy and detects that same energy bounced back from a reflector plate placed a distance apart from the generator source. This beam of electromagnetic transmission suspended across the distance between the transceiver and reflector keeps an electric switch open and an electric alarm disabled or silent. Whenever the invisible beam is broken or cut by any obstruction, such as a skate's boot or leg, the alarm mechanism is energized and it will signal an interruption. The alarm signal indicates how high the skater did not reach, so that a practicing skater can be certain of step by step upward progress by constantly trying to keep the alarm off or silent.

Abstract: A ski brake assembly (21, 21a) for snow skis (24) or snow boards (24a). The ski brake assembly includes a framework (22) to which a snow-engaging braking blade assembly (26, 26a) is mounted for movement between a retracted position and a plurality of braking positions. The braking blade (26, 26a) is driven by an electric motor (36) through a blade drive assembly (51) formed to displace the blade (26, 26a) in response to operation of the motor (36). The drive assembly (51) and motor (36) are formed to hold the braking blade (26, 26a) in a selected one of a plurality of braking positions against the snow when the manually-operated switch assembly (42, 42a) is released. The control circuit (39) is coupled to the switch assembly (42, 42a) so as to switch polarity of the motor (36) for driving the motor (36) in opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the friction between a slide such as a ski and a responsive material such as snow by heating or cooling a portion of the material to change the material's coefficient of friction is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slide, a power source, and a thermal means which uses power from the power source to heat or cool the material the slide glides over. Electrical and chemical power sources are described. In one presently preferred embodiment, the slide is a ski, the power source includes electric batteries, and the thermal means includes heating elements embedded in the ski. The amount and location of heat produced may be controlled manually, remotely, or automatically. The batteries may be enclosed in the ski or attached to the skier's back. Other presently preferred embodiments include heated ice skate blades, snowmobile runners, and sled runners. Thermal means which heat the snow directly rather than heating the slide first are also disclosed.

Abstract: In this composite ski, each cap, i.e., tip or tail, comprises at least one recess terminating in an end surface thereof for attachment to the ski body, with a reinforcing frame of the ski body extending longitudinally beyond the ends of the ski body to engage the at least one cap recess. The ski body is then injected with foam made of synthetic material, which constitutes the core of the body and also fills the at least one cap recess thereby forming a composite ski with greater flexibility that is much safer and less susceptible to damage.

Abstract: A pivoted knee skate comprising a leg rest having an upper surface and lower surface; a foot rest having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of wheels; a coupling mechanism rotatably coupling wheels to the lower surface of the leg rest and wheels to the lower surface of the foot rest; a securement mechanism coupled to the leg rest and foot rest for securing the upper surface of leg rest to the lower leg of a user and the upper surface of the foot rest to the foot of a user; and a hinge mechanism securing the leg rest to the foot rest, whereby creating a mobile platform for supporting a user's lower leg and foot, thus allowing a user to glide across a surface upon assuming a kneeling position thereon, and providing pivotal movement of the foot rest relative to the leg rest, thus allowing a user to stand or walk in an erect position with the platform coupled thereon.

Abstract: An exercise belt which is worn around the waist or hips of the user having an outer band of neoprene (10) which expands and contracts with the pulling and releasing of the belt. A continuous band of webbing (12) with expansion loops (14) and web loops (16), is attached to the outer band of neoprene (10). The expansion loops limit the neoprene (10) from over expanding. The web loops (16) allow for connecting to a tow line. A patch of velcro pile (18) at the rear of the belt allows accessories to be attached. An inner band of neoprene (10) with velcro (18 & 20) assists in a firm fit, and adjusts for various user sizes. The belt is characterized as quick and easy to put on and take off.

Abstract: Slope ski specially adapted to slalom and comprising a central down-side load-bearing portion (10) ending in a front contact line (12) beyond which is extended, in the area of the tip (2), a raised up-side portion (11) on which is mounted an asymmetrical tip end-piece (3) which extends the raised part through a central part (4) having the overall shape of a horn whose tip (34) is offset to the inside of the ski (INT) in relation to the median longitudinal axis (I, I'). The end-piece comprises an overhanging lateral part (5) connecting with the central part and constituting a skirt for the side of the outer edge of the ski and whose upper surface (50) is designed to come into contact with the pole. The invention also relates to the deflector end-piece designed to be mounted on a ski. The invention allows the ski tip to remain in continuous contact with the snow, even in the event of contact of the skirt (5) with the slalom pole (24).

Abstract: A ski defines a compound curve undersurface having a concave camber portion and a reverse camber convex portion. The ski includes an upwardly curved tail portion and an upwardly curved front shovel portion. The transition between the concave camber portion and the reverse camber frontal portion defines a front contact point while the transition between the concave camber portion and the upwardly curved tail portion forms a rear contact point. A ski boot is secured to the upper surface of the ski in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and is positioned overlying the concave camber portion.

Abstract: A baton structure having first and second cylindrical housings arranged for securement relative to one another are provided, wherein each of the first and second housings include housing tubes and rods arranged for telescoping extension and locking relative to each of the housings, with each of the rods having a resilient tip for use as a friction tip to promote displacement along a skating surface by an individual. The first housing includes a reflective mirror structure for viewing traffic conditions rearwardly of an individual, with the second housing having a fluid dispenser to dispense a defensive fluid such as (MACE) therefrom.

Abstract: A ski including a ski body and a spatula tip cooperating with the front end of the ski body, wherein the end of the ski body includes two lateral cut outs, and that spatula tip includes an opening adapted to cooperate with the front end of the body of the ski and that a blockage element latches the tip of the spatula on the front end of the body of the ski by acting on one of the cut outs of this ski body.

Abstract: A brace shaped and dimensioned to receive the tip of a snowboard-riding boot is swivelingly mounted on the top surface of a snowboard to facilitate the carrying of the board while riding a ski-lift with one foot fully engaged in one of the boot-binding fixture and the other foot engaged into the brace.

Abstract: An ice skate blade squaring device comprises a squaring body which is removably mountable to an ice skate blade. The squaring body includes a standard squaring line across one face thereof. Arranged on each end of the squaring line are sets of graduations which are utilized in determining the out of squareness of the skate blade. An angle is provided which is magnetically attachable to the skate blade. The angle is designed to abut against the face of the squaring body having the squaring indica thereon. Once the angle is abutted to the squaring frame, a visual determination of the intersection of a free edge of the angle with the squaring indicia permits a simple and accurate determination of the out of squareness of the ice skate blade. In another embodiment, a squaring body includes an arm pivotally mounted thereto. The arm supports a dial indicator which assists in determining the squareness of the skate blade.

Abstract: A ski retrieval apparatus for mounting on a snow ski boot and attaching to the ski or ski binding for locating the ski when the skier falls and the ski is dislodged from the binding. The ski retrieval apparatus includes a housing fitted with a drum which receives a length of line, the free end of which extends from the housing and is attached to the binding or ski when the housing is secured to a ski boot. In one embodiment a winding knob projects from the spool and when the ski is dislodged from the boot, the line extends from the housing by rotation of the spool to link the skier with the lost ski. Retrieval of the ski is effected by manually winding the line back on the spool and pulling the ski to the skier. In another embodiment an automatic winding apparatus includes a spring-loaded ratchet which operates such that line is paid out from the housing against spring tension and may be rewound on the rotating drum or spool by releasing the ratchet mechanism and applying spring bias to the spool.

Abstract: A braking and stabilizing system for use by a roller blade skater comprises an elongated shaft adapted to be manually held by the skater and having a roller on at least one end thereof adapted to be biased against a skating surface and a brake mechanism controllable by the skater for braking rotation of the roller.

Abstract: A protective device for the upturned tip of snow skis which is in the form of a cap made from a resiliently flexible, weatherproof material and which provides a cushioning surface to the tip of the ski as protection against injury to skiers who may be hit by runaway skis. The cap is preferably mounted to the ski tip by a weather resistant adhesive so as to be in place at all times. In an alternative embodiment, the cap may be provided with friction producing elements to resist inadvertent removal while allowing its interchangability between multiple skis.

Abstract: An improved ski binding reduces the risk of knee injuries. The binding measures the angle of the knee flex of the skier with a sensor and used this measurement in making the retention/release decision. When the skier is in a position susceptible to knee injury, the release of the ski boot from the ski is caused or facilitated.

Abstract: A ski comprising a central zone adapted to support the weight of a skier, a heel zone, and tip zone defining a spatula defined in thickness by an upper surface corresponding to the top of the ski and a lower surface corresponding to the sole of the ski wherein at least one of the lateral sides of the spatula is bordered by a reinforcement which projects with respect to at least one of the surfaces defining the thickness of the spatula.

Abstract: A skate housing assembly for high speed in-line roller skates. There is a frame with a top surface attached to a sole of a skate boot and two descending side skirts having multiple linear transverse bores. A pocket located on the inside surface of each descending skirt surrounding a bore receives a flange from a bearing insert mounted within a skate wheel. A shaft axially mounted through the skirt bores and bearing insert aligns the wheel on the skate housing.

Abstract: A guiding rib for a cross-country ski boot having at least one support surface on which is placed an adhesive covered by a protection sheet arranged on the adhesive and overhangs the adhesive. The guiding rib has at least one transverse groove constituting zones of lesser resistance permitting the breaking of the rib. The adhesive includes a transverse indentation coinciding with each of the transverse grooves of the rib. The protective sheets also include transverse indentations coinciding with the indentations of the adhesive, but are interrupted in the projecting part of the sheets to preserve a continuous part of each protective sheet.

Abstract: A skate pole device can be used alone or in pairs by a roller skater in order to advance or retard movement along a skate surface. The skate pole has an elongated shaft with a handle portion on one end and a foot portion on the other end. First and second pads are mounted in the foot portion. The first pad is constructed of a type adapted to frictionally grip the skate surface so that the skater may exert a thrusting motion with the skate pole, and this material may be a stiff, yet resilient, rubber-like substance such as a soft thermoplastic. The second pad is constructed of a different type of material, such as a hard thermoplastic, that is adapted to act as a brake pad against the skate surface so that the skater may apply a drag force. A pair of such skate poles may be used and, if desired, interconnecting elements are provided to releasably secure two such skate poles alongside one another.

Abstract: A skateboard accessory for attaching a stretchable handle member or one or more of a variety of such handles to a point near the center of the skateboard in a readily disconnectable manner that does not protrude from or take up space on the surface of the board. In a preferred embodiment, two thin discs of lightweight material connect together through a hole near the center of the skateboard and present one mating part of a quick release snap-in connector to the upper side of the board. A second mating part of the quick release snap-in connector having the opposite gender is attached to a stretchable strap or tube handle member, which may take many forms, including an elongate member of rubber-like material 10 to 30 inches (0.25 to 0.76 meters) long and having a tether at its other end for attachment to the rider or the rider's clothing.

Abstract: A ski in which one or more additional masses of inertia are added to change the characteristics of the ski. A front additional mass of inertia is located substantially at a front transverse line of contact of the bottom surface of the ski with the ground. A rear additional mass of inertia may be located substantially at a rear transverse line of contact with the ground.

Abstract: A grass ski is designed to simulate a snow ski in skiing characteristics. The grass ski has an elongate footboard with forward, central and rear portions. The central portion is arched lengthwise in elevation. Suspended beneath the footboard are spaced pairs of rollers including at least one roller pair on the forward portion, at least three roller pairs on the central portion and at least one roller pair on the rear section. One of the roller pairs is mounted on a resilient T-shaped bracket. There are elevated side guards on the forward section.

Abstract: A balance training apparatus for a roller transportation device having a series of in-line wheels positioned beneath the user's foot. The training apparatus has a U-shaped wheel well attached to the tandem roller skate for positioning a training wheel adjacent the roller wheels for rotation about an axis parallel with the axis of the roller wheel rotation and along a parallel, nonintersecting line of travel to the roller wheels when the roller wheels engage a travel surface at an acute angle.