Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a slidable runner, adjustable between a folded configuration for transport or storage and an unfolded configuration for use, and tunable to match various terrain characteristics and user characteristics and preferences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attachment to a slidable runner, adjustable between a folded configuration for transport or storage and an unfolded configuration for use, and tunable to match various terrain characteristics and user characteristics and preferences.

Abstract: A water toy comprising a foam tube having a first end, a second end and a body therebetween, an optional seat positioned on the body, a first feature attached to the first end, and a second feature attached to the second end, the first and second features being aesthetic and/or functional and/or a combination of the same.

Abstract: A frame apparatus for a lightweight rollator has a front frame and a rear frame. The front frame has a base and a handle frame. The base has two connecting tabs, two locking elements and a mounting frame. The handle frame is rotatably connected to the base and has a front wheel and two connecting arms. The connecting arms are formed on and protrude from the handle frame and are pivotally connected to the base between the connecting tabs. The rear frame is connected to the front frame and has a bottom mount, two rear wheels and at least one driving motor. The bottom mount is connected to the mounting frame and has a guiding rod and an engaging shaft. The rear wheels are rotatably connected to the bottom mount. The at least one driving motor is mounted on the bottom mount and is connected to the rear wheels.

Abstract: A ski for a snowmobile is provided with a pair of lateral wings and a central channel for increasing the flow of snow under a gliding surface at the bottom of the ski. The increased flow of snow enhances flotation of the ski. The channel may be formed by two downwardly extending keels. The wings are defined between the keels and outer edges of the ski. The keels may be asymmetric with a shorter keel being positioned toward an outer edge of the snowmobile to improve handling characteristics of a snowmobile.

Abstract: A snow-sliding vehicle including a bearing rear runner and a directional front runner to which is connected a steering column pivoting in a sleeve firmly attached to the upper end of a stiff frame connecting both runners, and the lower end of which is attached to a supporting base surmounting the bearing runner and provided for supporting the feet of the user. The front portion of said base is connected to the bearing runner by a mechanical connection providing it with clearance ostensibly perpendicular to said runner controlled by a damping device.

Abstract: The quad parabolic snowmobile ski is an elongated body having a top side, a bottom side, a tip at the front end, a rear end, a pair of symmetrically opposed ski parabolic cutting edges disposed longitudinally along the bottom of the ski, and a keel. The keel is attached to the bottom of the ski and has a central median ridge, i.e., a keel rail, a substantial portion of which protrudes below the bottom of the ski to form a central and longitudinal point of contact with the snow. The keel defines symmetrically opposed snow-funneling channels along the opposite sides of the central median ridge. Varying radii of curvature of the channels form parabolically-shaped channel outer sidewalls. Symmetrically opposed keel parabolic cutting edges are formed by contouring a keel body width to follow the contour of the parabolic shaped outer sidewalls at a constant cutting edge width.

Abstract: A steerable snow sled has a forward section pivotably joined to a rear section, with metal runners attached to the bottom of both sections. A steering arm is attached to the forward section. The forward section also includes a pivot assembly that is attached to the runners. The rear section includes several sliding connections between the sled and the runners that allow the runners to bend in an arc when a person riding the sled applies turning pressure to the steering arm.

Abstract: A sled includes a pair of runners that are formed from a single, continuous, hollow plastic pipe. The runners are fixed to a platform at three locations: the rear ends of the runners curve upward and are attached to the rear end of the seat, while intermediate portions of the runners are attached to downwardly extending legs of the seat. The forward ends of the runners curve upward and support a footrest via retainers. The seat and the footrest are connected together by a rope. The runners are twistable during a steering operation.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski includes an elongate ski element. The elongate ski element has a tip and a tail defining a length therebetween, top and bottom surfaces, first and second lateral edges extending longitudinally between the tip and the tail defining a width therebetween, and an attachment flange extending upwardly from the top surface. At least one lateral extension element is detachably secured to one of the lateral edges to thereby increase the lateral width of the snowmobile ski.

Abstract: An articulated snowboard includes first and second members that are joined at a first end by an articulation mechanism that permits vertical offset between the members while preserving parallel orientation of at least one of a longitudinal axis through each member and a leading edge of each member. Articulation enhances stability, user control, and braking action. Further, the articulation mechanism permits folding the articulated snowboard in half for storage and transport, and also permits separating the two members. When separated the two members can be worn by a user as emergency snowshoes or short skis.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski with a pair of outboard keels and laterally projecting, upwardly slanting, lateral wings attached proximate the outboard keels is disclosed. A ski of this structure has improved flotation and resistance to side slippage in turns.

Abstract: A sled having left and right runners pivotably attached to front, center and rear cross members. A central longitudinal member is axially pivotably attached to the front and rear cross members. When rotated, the central longitudinal member moves the central cross member right and left, causing the runners to bend and the sled to turn. The front and rear cross members are free to move toward and away from each other to facilitate the smooth deflection of the runners.

Abstract: A sled includes a pair of runners that are formed from a single, continuous, hollow plastic pipe. The runners are fixed to a platform at three locations: the rear ends of the runners curve upward and are attached to the rear end of the seat, while intermediate portions of the runners are attached to downwardly extending legs of the seat. The forward ends of the runners curve upward and support a footrest via retainers. The seat and the footrest are connected together by a rope. The runners are twistable during a steering operation.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski includes a bridge adapted to connect to a ski leg of a snowmobile, a ski body having an inner lateral edge, an outer lateral edge, a top surface adapted to be connected the bridge, and a bottom surface adapted for moving over snow, a keel running lengthwise along the bottom surface of the ski body in such a manner that a centerline of the keel is offset from a centerline of the bridge in a direction toward the outer lateral edge of the ski body, and a runner connected to the keel.

Abstract: A vehicle snow ski system for creating a preload force upon a front portion of a ski in combination with a resilient preload member. The method basically comprising an elongate ski body having a front portion in a position P1, applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body thereby bowing the front portion into position P2, securing a preload member to the front portion and a middle portion of the elongate ski body, and releasing the force applied to the front portion whereby the resiliency of the front portion deforms the preload member until the front portion is into position P3. Position P1 of the elongate ski body is preferably less than 20 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate ski body. The preload member is preferably comprised of a first segment and a second segment having an obtuse angle between one another. The first segment is preferably longer than the second segment thereby deforming an amount greater than the second segment.

Abstract: A vehicle snow ski system for creating a preload force upon a front portion of a ski in combination with a resilient preload member. The method basically comprising an elongate ski body having a front portion in a position P1, applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body thereby bowing the front portion into position P2, securing a preload member to the front portion and a middle portion of the elongate ski body, and releasing the force applied to the front portion whereby the resiliency of the front portion deforms the preload member until the front portion is into position P3. Position P1 of the elongate ski body is preferably less than 20 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate ski body. The preload member is preferably comprised of a first segment and a second segment having an obtuse angle between one another. The first segment is preferably longer than the second segment thereby deforming an amount greater than the second segment.

Abstract: A snowmobile having asymmetrical, high floatation skis. The snowmobile includes left and right steerable skis carried by a front suspension system that in turn is mounted to the snowmobile's chassis. Each ski has a downwardly extending longitudinal keel, and inner and outer floatation portions extending laterally from the keel. The inner floatation portion of each ski is wider than the outer floatation portion of such ski, making the ski asymmetrical with respect to the keel and giving the ski greater floatation without increasing the overall width of the snowmobile. Preferably the front suspension system includes left and right generally downwardly and forwardly extending spindles, each spindle carrying at its lower end the corresponding ski. The spindles define the steering axes for their respective skis. Preferably the steering axis of the spindle passes through the keel.

Abstract: A vehicle snow ski system for creating a traverse curve within a front portion of a snow ski. The snow ski comprised an elongate body having a rear portion, a middle portion and a front portion wherein the front portion has a traverse curved structure. The front traverse curvature directs snow inwardly toward the keel member thereby improving the handling of the ski. The snow ski may be manufactured with the traverse curvature permanently molded within the front portion. However, the snow ski may also be manufactured in an initially straight structure thereafter applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body which longitudinally bows the front portion into position P2 and traversely bows the front portion creating the desired traverse curvature within the front portion of the ski member.

Abstract: A flexible ski support system for increasing the overall flexibility of a snowmobile ski through the elimination of a metal saddle. The flexible ski support system consists of a ski having an elongate body and a support portion having a first member and a second member, a first aperture extending within the first member, a second aperture extending within the second member, a first bushing member positioned within the first aperture, and a second bushing member positioned within the second aperture. The elongate body and the support portion are both molded into a one-piece structure from a relatively highly flexible material such as plastic. The bushing members each have a concentric bore for receiving a connecting pin for allowing attachment to a suspension arm of a snowmobile. The bushing members distribute the vertical and horizontal forces over a relatively broad area within the support portion thereby preventing damage or breakage to the support portion.

Abstract: A flexible ski loop system for allowing a loop member for a ski to easily pivot at opposing ends thereof. The flexible ski loop system comprises a ski having an elongate body having a front portion, middle portion and a rear portion, a receiver cavity within the front end of the front portion, a front aperture extending through the front end within the receiver cavity, a loop member having a first end pivotally attached to a middle portion of the elongate body by a first fastener and a second end pivotally attached within the receiver cavity by a second fastener. The receiver cavity has a curved structure and the second end of the loop member has a curved end that is pivotally positionable within the receiver cavity. The front aperture is preferably broader in diameter than the second fastener thereby allowing movement of the second fastener when the second end of the loop member is pivoted within the receiver cavity.

Abstract: A sled (24) traversing a surface is provided. The sled includes a shell (22) having an upper surface, a lower surface, and spaced first and second ends. The sled also includes a steering assembly (24) coupled to at least the shell, elongate first and second runners (26a) and (26b), and a pivot assembly (60) extending between the shell and at least one of the first and second runners. The pivot assembly permits pivoting motion of the first or second runner relative to the shell. The sled also includes a first attachment assembly (58a-58c) extending between the shell and at least one of the first and second runners, such that the first attachment assembly permits sliding and pivoting motion of the first and second runners relative to the shell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ski for creating a preload force upon a front portion of a ski in combination with a resilient preload member. The method basically comprising the steps of molding an elongate ski body having a front portion in a position P1, removing the elongate ski body from the mold after solidified, applying a force upon a front portion of the elongate ski body thereby bowing the front portion into position P2, securing a preload member to the front portion and a middle portion of the elongate ski body, and releasing the force applied to the front portion whereby the resiliency of the front portion deforms the preload member until the front portion is into position P3. Position P1 of the elongate ski body is preferably less than 20 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate ski body.

Abstract: A flexible ski which is molded in one piece entirely of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene plastic. The adjustable flex ski is made up of a ski body which forms the majority of the invention and provides the base from which the other components are formed. This ski body is molded in a flat configuration. The front portion of this ski is given a pre-load function by bending the forward most portion of the ski body in an upward fashion. It is then held in this position by the use of pre-load bar which extends pivotally rearward from the tip of the ski to a ski saddle located on the upper center surface of the ski body. This saddle provides various attachment points for the pre-load bar and can thus, vary the amount of pre-load on ski. The saddle is also supplied with an attachment point for mounting the ski on the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible ski which is molded in one piece entirely of UHMW plastic. The adjustable flex ski is made up of a ski body which forms the majority of the invention and provides the base from which the other components are formed. This ski body is molded in a flat configuration. The front portion of this ski is given a pre-load function by bending the forward most portion of the ski body in an upward fashion. It is then held in this position by the use of pre-load bar which extends pivotally rearward from the tip of the ski to a ski saddle located on the upper center surface of the ski body. This saddle provides various attachment points for the pre-load bar and can thus, vary the amount of pre-load on ski. The saddle is also supplied with an attachment point for mounting the ski on the vehicle. This configuration allows the tip of the adjustable flex ski to flex in an upwardly fashion when confronting obstacles which provides the operator with a greater degree of control in rough terrain.

Abstract: An articulated two-section snowboard has a first and second section joined together for twisting and oscillation. Each section has an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer portion and an inner portion. A flexible connector joins the inner portions of the first and second sections and a pair of bindings for securing the feet of a user to the upper surface of the first and second sections.

Abstract: A steerable toboggan for sledding on snow is disclosed which includes a support having a bottom gliding surface which slides directly on the snow, and a pair of runner arms carrying guide ribs which extend forwardly beyond the gliding surface. Each of the guide ribs includes a curved portion which is vertically movable relative to the other between a raised position, with the curved portion raised above the snow, and a lowered position where the curved portion of the guide rib is brought against the snow. The toboggan is steered by selectively lowering the curved portion of one of the guide ribs onto the snow as the toboggan moves. The bulk of the user's weight is supported by the underlying snow, enabling the support to be formed from thinner less expensive materials, without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The toboggan proposed has a device which adjusts the runner to allow the toboggan to negotiate curves, the adjustment being made by means of a steering member in such a way that the radius of curvature of the runners is the same as the radius of the curve to be negotiated. The toboggan may be stopped by an automatic braking member when the steering member is not pulled rearwardly or restrained by the operator of the toboggan.

Abstract: An articulated two-section snowboard includes separate front and rear sections joined together for articulation and oscillation, each section having a binding for one foot. In a preferred embodiment, the joint between the two sections is achieved by one or more flexible straps. The front end of the strap being attached to the rear end of the front section and the rear end of the strap being attached to the front of the rear section, the strap preferably passes through openings formed for the purpose in the front of the rear section. A spacer may be provided to keep the rear section from riding up over the front section, and a quick-connect and disconnect latch may be provided to separate the sections for purposes of storage or replacement of a section.

Abstract: A toboggan comprises a sheet-like coilable gliding part of glidable material having a cross-bracing along its front region as viewed in the direction of gliding. A pair of support portions for the feet of a seated user of the toboggan is provided spaced from each other in the longitudianl direction of the cross-bracing. The cross-bracing and/or the foot support portions are provided with curved surfaces on the snow side similar to the curved front portion of a ski. The foot support portions are parts separately mountable on the cross-bracing swivable about the longitudinal axis thereof. In its rolled up condition the gliding part can be substantially accommodated in the cross-bracing.

Abstract: A coaster having a pair of longitudinally-extending and laterally-spaced flexible sled runners which support and define a path for the coaster along a ground surface. The coaster includes forward, intermediate, and rearward lateral struts extending between the flexible runners. The flexible sled runners extend forward from the forward lateral strut to leading rail ends. A longitudinally-extending body support board is mounted above the runners in such a manner as to-allow it to pivot or tilt, relative to the flexible sled runners, about a longitudinal axis. A steering handle is operably connected to the leading rail ends to laterally displace the leading rail ends and to thereby arc the flexible sled runners. Interlinkage between the steering handle and the body support board pivots the body support board in response to turning the steering handle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dog sled that has improved steering capabilities, and includes spaced-apart sideframes and a plurality of rigid cross ties that hold the sideframes spaced apart in parallel relationship, the cross ties connecting to the side frames by flexible joints, and a flexible bumper or brush bow interconnects front ends of the sideframes. A runner is secured to each sideframe, the front end of the runner connects to the front of the sideframe and a central part of the runner connects to the lower end of the sideframe, providing the runner with a long, rearwardly extending portions. A handle extends transversely from the upper part of one sideframe to the upper part of the other sideframe, and each opposite end of the handle pivotally connects to the sideframe for rotation about an axis in the vertical plane of the sideframe and inclined at a substantial angle between the horizontal and the vertical.

Abstract: An extendable nesting ski support structure as for supporting cargo including collapsed shelter devices for towing or pulling over ice, snow, and terrain. The skis are pivoted on brackets attached to the supported base and the brackets are atttached to the upper surface of flexible and resilient skis. By longitudinal shifting of the skis they are extendable and retractable as between sill supports beneath the supported base. The resilience and the flexibility improves the support system by providing shock absorption while in the extended position. A single lock serves both the extended and retracted skis, and on extension and locking, the skis are shaped by the flexural characteristics of the material of the ski.

Abstract: Each sled runner or rail from a conventional snow sled is provided with a pair of skis for attachment thereto. In particular, the section of the sled which bends or twists in response to the sled handle has a sled ski attached thereto which corresponds to the length of the bending section while the remaining length of sled rail has a second, separate sled ski attached thereto. As a result, when the handle is actuated in the desired direction, the metal sled rails will bend in that direction and the section of sled ski attached thereto will easily be directed in the direction of the bent sled rail. In this way, control and maneuverability of the sled is greatly increased relative to the numerous single piece sled ski attachments typically found in the prior art.

Abstract: A sled having a planar platform with tubular runners mounted for pivoting and sliding at points fore and aft of the platform. Because the runners can pivot and slide at the fore and aft points, the entire length of the runner can be bowed for increased maneuverability. The runners are of low friction plastic tubing for speed and are mounted by means of clips which allow for sliding, pivoting, and easy replacement of the runners.

Abstract: A windsurfing mechanism that comprises a plurality of gliding parts to permit travel at the surface of a medium and adapted to prevent the windsurfing mechanism from sinking into the body of the medium, said plurality of gliding parts being mechanically secured to one another to form an elongate but flexible structure having a surface to support a surfer. To provide propulsion of the mechanism along the surface of the medium a sail is secured to the ski like gliding parts. To the flexible structure is also secured a fin extending rearwardly from the flexible structure to engage said medium. The fin is vertically flexible and laterally bendable.

Abstract: A sled is provided for traversing a snow covered surface comprising an elongate frame and an elongate flexible runner pivotally mounted to each side of the frame. The runners are mounted onto the frame at a longitudinal position of the runner through which a single resultant force acts in opposition to a force exerted onto the respective runner by a snow covered surface when the sled is traversed thereacross. To provide steering, the runners are rotated about their respective mounting axes and front portions thereof are initially bent toward the direction of turn. A transverse link connects the runners at their frame mounting points assuring that both runners rotate in concert about their respective axes. Conventional snow skies are modified to act as the runners.

Abstract: A wide runner, steerable, lightweight sled, and more particularly to a sled construction which incorporates the use of a pair of aluminum one piece runner extrusion, at least 21/2" wide, with recessed groove along bottom center and vertical sides for stiffness, together with an aluminum channel member extrusion, which, by the nature of its design and useage, provides integral structural components in the framework of said sled, with steering means provided involving a flexing or tilting of runner members, the degree of flex diminishing rearwardly to zero, allowing the unflexed back end of runner members to slide around curves as in skiing.

Abstract: An articulated, body-steerable sled, particularly useful as a child's recreational sled, provides the user with a high level of protection against pinching and collision. In a preferred embodiment, the sled comprises two or more sled body units flexibly coupled together by a hinge. A cover plate locks over the hinge to hold it in position and covers the region between the two units to protect the user from pinching. Contoured portions in the sled body units permit the user to steer the sled with his body and, at the same time, protect his body against collision.

Abstract: A bobsled having a load supporting forward steerable member hingably connected to a load supporting trailing member is disclosed wherein the trailing member is spaced behind the forward member. The hinge connected members are adapted to turn and tilt relative to one another for changing the direction of movement of the sled and for folding the members upon one another for ease of handling, transportion and storage. Hand grips located on a front end portion of the forward member permit a rider lying prone on the sled to turn or tilt the same while in motion to alter the direction of motion of the sled or brake the forward momentum thereof. The members each contain a pair of runners having lower surfaces tapered away from a weight-bearing surface of the members as the runners extend from the front to the back of each member. Elongated, flat, rectangular reinforcing strips formed of durable material such as metal are attached to rear portions of the lengths of the sled runners.

Abstract: A modified skateboard has runners attached to existing trucks. Top and bottom rails of the runners are jointed and slotted to allow changing runner length upon turning. Mounts are slotted to accommodate varying axle base lengths of skateboard trucks and to permit shifting during turns. Right and left turns are achieved by shifting weight from side to side and shortening the runners and sliding the runners relative to the trucks. Runners are braced to keep rails perpendicular to the top of the board.

Abstract: A steerable plastic sled molded in one piece and requiring no factory assembly labor. The sleds are readily stackable, one above the other and within each other to provide minimum bulk during shipment. The sled includes a rear sitting section and a front leg section joined by a relatively flexible pleated or bellows-like section that permits the sled to flex in the horizontal plane to permit steering and to flex in the vertical plane to allow the sled to conform to uneven terrain. The sled includes a set of molded in runners.In a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a windshield which is joined to the front leg section by a molded living hinge and is secured to the leg section by rivets, bolts or the like. The windshield includes provision for steering.Both embodiments are nestable and stackable for storage or shipment.