Abstract: This invention relates to a ski incorporating an injected core and to a process for manufacturing such a ski. The ski includes an internal reinforcement of perforated, reinforced fabric which is short, located at the level of the runner, in the form of an upturned gutter and which is separated from the upper face of the ski by distance pieces in the form of beads of hot melt adhesive. When manufacturing in the mould, these beads enable the reinforcement to be pre-positioned whilst maintaining it at a distance from the upper face.

Abstract: A ski comprising: a first, lower assembly (10), including a planar running sole (11) having a plane of symmetry (P) perpendicular to the plane of the running sole and passing through the longitudinal mid-axis of the running sole; a second, upper assembly (15), forming a top (16) and lateral sides (17); and these two assemblies define an intermediate space (20), in which the neutral fiber (FN) is located, wherein the inclined longitudinal reinforcement element consists of a flat strip (25) which, while defining an acute angle with respect to the plane of the running sole (11), is arranged asymmetrical with respect to the plane (P) of symmetry of the lower assembly (10).

Abstract: An interface device between a ski (1) and bindings (3, 4) designed to hold in place the ends of a ski boot on a ski. The device comprises a longilinear plate (15) which extends above the ski, in the runner area. One end of the plate (15) is connected to the ski by a linkage (17, 18, 19) which permits this end to slide freely in relation to the ski. A stop blocks this sliding motion beyond a determinate ski flexion. The other end of the plate is connected to the ski by a linkage (30, 33, 31) which can become deformed longitudinally by elastic stretching. This linkage is constituted by a glue layer (33) which exhibits both adhesive and stretching properties.

Abstract: An interface device between a ski and front and rear bindings (2, 3) designed to hold the ends of a boot in place on the ski. The device comprises a plate (13) with an elongated the central part (14) which extends above the upper surface of the ski in the area of the runner. A first end (15) of the plate is fastened to the ski, and a second end (16) is attached to the ski by a block of damping material (17) mounted in a sandwich configuration between the end of the plate and the ski. The block of damping material is preferably provided in order to function under compression and shearing action.

Abstract: A carrying plate having a fastening portion for connecting the carrying plate to a ski in at least three zones that are located one beside the other in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The carrying plate is connectable to the ski in the at least three zones in a torsionally fixed manner with respect to the longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes of the ski zones, is connectable to the ski in the at least three zones in a non-compliant manner in the transverse and vertical directions of the ski, and is connectable to the ski in only one of the at least three zones in a non-compliant manner in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

Abstract: An improvement to known ski shock-absorption devices is constituted by an elongate beam having an arched portion of a length (LC) between a forward contact line and a rear contact line; the central portion including a binding mounting zone. The ski includes two transmitters located in the central portion and each on either side of the mounting zone. One of the ends of each transmitter is linked to the beam by a complete connection; the other end is connected by a partial connection, free in translation along a longitudinal direction, constituted of an elastic and/or visco-elastic element that resists the longitudinal displacement of the transmitter; the portion of length (l.sub.T1, l.sub.T2) of each transmitter between the two connections being left free, at least in translation, with respect to the beam; the ratio (l.sub.T1) of front transmitter over (l.sub.T2) of rear transmitter being comprised between 1.5 and 2.5 and (l.sub.T1 +l.sub.T2)/LC being comprised between 0.15 and 0.25.

Abstract: Device for damping the vibrations of a ski, comprising a flexion plate movably connected to the ski by at least two longitudinally spaced damping mechanisms. At least one of the damping mechanisms is a flexible linkage element formed by an interface of pliable material, such as a layer of viscoelastic material welded or glued to the flexion plate. One of the damping mechanisms may be of the dry friction type, or of the viscous friction type.

Abstract: An improvement to known ski shock-absorption devices is constituted by an elongate beam having an arched portion of a length (LC) between a forward contact line and a rear contact line, the central portion including a binding mounting zone. The ski includes two transmitters located in central portion and each on either side of the mounting zone. One of the ends of each transmitter is linked to the beam by a complete connection; the other end is connected by a partial connection, free in translation along a longitudinal direction, constituted of an elastic and/or visco-elastic element that resists the longitudinal displacement of the transmitter. Under bending stress, the displacement ratio (.DELTA.1) of partially connected end of front transmitter over the displacement (.DELTA.2) of the partially connected end of rear transmitter being comprised between 1.2 and 2.

Abstract: A ski having a first lower assembly or base, whose front end is raised to form the spatula, and the second upper assembly or stiffener, the two assemblies being connected to one another by a flexible and/or partially rigid connection.

Abstract: A ski equipped with at least one shock-absorption device adapted to absorb the vibrations of a ski having at least one flexion blade which includes a first portion fixed rigidly to the ski and a second portion connected to the ski in a longitudinally mobile manner by a shock-absorption arrangement of the viscous friction type.

Abstract: A ski comprises a body with a plate arranged thereon and which plate is connected pivotally with a bearing arrangement secured to the ski body. The plate is connected at one side through at least one pivot lever to the bearing arrangement and the pivot lever is acted upon by an adjustable spring force. The ski has an improved damping action, exhibiting stepless variation of the rigidity distribution and the surface pressure distribution, thus permitting achievement of desired running properties, as well as simple mounting or removal of the plate arrangement.

Abstract: A ski including a first sub-assembly or base having its own distribution of stiffness and a second upper sub-assembly or stiffener connected to the base by means of flexible and/or partially rigid connections. The stiffener includes two parts separated and spaced from one another by a short distance when the ski is at rest. The two parts cooperate with each other when the ski is biased flexionally in certain functional conditions so as to increase the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: Ski, in particular downhill ski, comprising a binding mounting plate provided above the ski body and fixed thereto at least in part at a distance therefrom, wherein at least one guide means 5, 7, 8, 10 is provided which guides the binding mounting plate 2 in a plane normal to the surface of the ski body 1 and parallel to the longitudinal ski axis, and prevents twisting of the plate 2 or of regions thereof about an axis parallel to the longitudinal ski axis.

Abstract: A cross country ski in which, in the central portion of the ski, in the gripping zone of the boot, the heel zone acts as a support of the foot during a sliding phase, and a metatarso-phalangian support zone of the impulsion in the impulsion phase of the ski, a transverse slit is arranged, crossing the ski. The slit defines two flexion beams, upper and lower, respectively, in the thickness of the ski. This arrangement enables, during the impulsion phase, a good flattening on the ground of the lower beam and thus of the sole portion of the ski, i.e., the waxing chamber. The efficiency of the impulsion is thus substantially increased without affecting the sliding phase.

Abstract: A ski including a running sole (17) and a metal edge (18), whose lateral ridges are connected to the upper surface (3) of the ski by lateral side walls (2). On the upper face (3) and in front and/or behind the central zone of the support face (8), at least one recess (9, 10) extends, whose depth decreases from the zone of the support face in the direction of the two ends (4, 5) of the ski.

Abstract: A system for arranging the stiffness of a ski includes an engagement member attachable to a ski and having a free end, and an impedance device engageable with the free end of the engagement member as the ski bends to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: Shock absorption device adapted to damp the vibrations of a ski, comprising at least one flexion blade that includes a first portion fixed to the ski and a second portion connected to the ski in a longitudinally mobile manner by a friction device.

Abstract: A binding block for elevating the binding on a snow ski in order to achieve increased turning leverage has a mid-region wherein maximum ski flexibility is permitted. In one embodiment, the binding block is comprised of two separate elements forming a gap between them in order to provide such maximum flexibility. The binding block is constructed from a lightweight, flexible yet compressible material so as to not inhibit the natural flexibility characteristics of the ski, while at the same time performing the desirable function of absorbing or dampening ski vibration. In another embodiment of the invention, the binding block is slidably mounted on the ski so as to move relative thereto in response to the flexing of the ski, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the ski and the "feel" thereof by the skier.

Abstract: A device adapted to modify the pressure distribution of a ski, such as especially an alpine ski, over its sliding surface. The device includes a sensor element adapted to sense the vertical biases of the boot, and also a linking device in order to transmit, at least towards one of the ends of the ski, in the form of a flexional moment, at least a portion of the vertical, downward thrust of the boot sensed by the sensor element. The linking device includes a calibration device to induce a pre-stress. The linking device also has a sensor which is sensitive to the presence or absence of the boot so as to automatically control the calibration device in accordance with the presence or absence of the boot. A ski brake is also provided. The brake arms are borne by one of the levers constituting the linking device and the calibration device.

Abstract: A ski having a shell forming its upper surface and its lateral sides, a core, and a lower surface comprising longitudinal bars located on either side of a sliding base further includes at least one stiffener, located in contact with one of the internal surfaces of the two lateral sides of shell, and located at least in the central part or runner zone of the ski.

Abstract: A ski having a first lower assembly or base whose front end is raised to form the spatula, and a second upper assembly or stiffener whose front and rear ends are connected to the base by a flexible and/or partially rigid connection, and includes at least one support or stirrup connected to the base adapted to receive the bindings in order to maintain the boot on the ski.

Abstract: A ski comprises a laminated top strap integrated in a U-shaped shell, a bottom strap including a running surface layer and at least one additional reinforcement layer, and running edges along the two sides of the running surface layer and abutting free ends of the shanks of the U-shaped shell along a longitudinally extending line running in a horizontal plane of contact between the running edges and shank ends. The shell and the bottom strap define an inner hollow space and a ski core is arranged in this space. Support elements are arranged on the upper and lower core sides, the support elements defining longitudinally and transversely extending recesses therebetween and between the upper and lower core sides and the top and bottom straps.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes an engagement member attachable to a ski and having a free end, and an impedance device engageable with the free end of the engagement member as the ski bends to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski flexing apparatus comprises a flexible snowmobile ski with a curved front portion and a flexible elongate loop attached at a first end to the front portion of the ski and bending upward and rearward and then down upon the ski to abut it at a second end at approximately its midpoint. A retainer comprising a chain is secured at one end to the ski at its front portion, while its other end is slidably engaged to the loop, allowing the latter to move lengthwise relative to the ski. A tubular sleeve with rectangular cross-section circumscribes the loop near the second end thereof and allows sliding movement of the loop when the ski is flexed, allowing flexing of a large portion of the ski and acting as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A binding block for elevating the binding on a snow ski in order to achieve increased turning leverage has a midregion wherein maximum ski flexibility is permitted. In one embodiment, the binding block is comprised of two separate elements forming a gap between them in order to provide such maximum flexibility. The binding block is constructed from a lightweight, flexible yet compressible material so as to not inhibit the natural flexibility characteristics of the ski, while at the same time performing the desirable function of absorbing or dampening ski vibration. In another embodiment of the invention, the binding block is slidably mounted on the ski so as to move relative thereto in response to the flexing of the ski, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the ski and the "feel" thereof by the skier.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes a set of finger members movable longitudinally as the ski bends, and a cam disc having peripheral members for engaging the finger members to increase the stiffness of the ski as the ski bends.

Abstract: A snow surfboard having symmetric construction, but endowed with asymmetric characteristics, a vibration absorption device, composed of at least one vibration absorption element (7, 8), inside or outside of surface (9) of the surfboard, having a relatively small mass, positioned asymmetrically so as to cause vibrations to be absorbed predominantly on the back side (4).

Abstract: Ski shaped like an elongated beam, comprising a lower slide face bounded laterally by two lower edges, an upper face bounded laterally by two upper edges, and two lateral faces, the ski being constituted by a central part extended toward the front by a front part ending, at its front end, by the tip and extended toward the rear by a rear part ending, at its rear end, in the heel-piece. The front part is constituted by a front section connected to the central part by a front intermediate connection section, while this rear part is formed by a rear section connected to the central part by a rear intermediate connection section. The two upper edges of the upper surface are parallel in the central part, while one of the two front or rear section is such that, in this area, first, the lateral faces are inclined so as to converge upward, and second, the upper surface is narrower than it is in the central part and has a uniform width.

Abstract: This invention relates to a board for sliding over snow, such as a ski, snow surf or the like, provided with at least one vibration damper (9, 10) made of visco-elastic material (3) and plate or other stress element (4). At least one of these dampers (2, 5) has a complex section, for example an upturned U, so that it partially follows different planes (7, 8, 9) of the zone of the structure (1) on which it is added.

Abstract: A device for modifying, dynamically, the pressure distribution of a ski, such as an alpine ski, along its sliding surface. The ski is equipped with front and rear binding elements and support elements for the front and rear ends of the sole of the boot. The device includes a sensor element in contact with the sole of the boot, and additionally, mobile along a vertical direction, a flexion device to generate a flexional moment on at least one front or rear end of the ski, and a connection device between the sensor element and the flexion device to transmit, to the flexion device, at least one part of the vertical thrust of the boot sensed by the sensor element.

Abstract: I have devised a force modulating device, for use as a force modulating member of a ski device, in which I have made a first member thereof to be movably interconnected with a body member of the force modulating device and I have disposed therebetween fluid pressure medium for floating the first member with respect to the body member and controlling the relative movement between such two members. The fluid pressure medium can be a gas, a liquid or a combination gas and liquid. The fluid pressure medium can be provided with a member for communicating with a fluid pressure supply source, illustratively located off of the ski, permitting external manual or automatic adjustments or changes to the fluid pressure to be made after a ski device incorporating this invention has been fabricated so as to optimize the force modulating capability of the ski device for a particular user load and use.

Abstract: Shock absorption device adapted to damp the vibrations of a ski, comprising at least one flexion blade that includes a first portion fixed to the ski and a second portion connected to the ski in a longitudinally mobile manner by a friction device.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes apparatus for variably limiting the longitudinal movement of a ski binding support plate mounted on a ski. The degree of movement determines the amount of bending possible, and thus controls ski stiffness.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes springs for urging a ski boot into a ski binding, and apparatus for modifying the biasing force to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: Ski, especially an alpine ski, having the shape of an elongated beam including a core, a lower reinforcement and an upper reinforcement and including, in the assembly zone of the bindings, at least one shock absorption element, wherein the shock absorption element is arranged on the first upper reinforcement and beneath a second upper central reinforcement.

Abstract: The ski includes a forebody, waist and tail section, with a running surface extending from an upturned front tip to the tail. The ski has sideouts formed with a continuous, constant radius of curvature along the entire length of the running surface. A ski binding area is provided on the top surface of the ski with the toe of the boot of the ski binding area rearward of the median of the length of the running surface, with the running surface rearward of the heel of the boot providing approximately less than 20% of the total length of the running surface of the ski. A chamber in the front section of the ski is filled with flowable material; and there is also provided concave undersurface toward the tail of the ski.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes an engagement member attachable to a ski and having a free end, and an impedance device engageable with the free end of the engagement member as the ski bends to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: In a plastic shell ski (1) with a body formed by hollow sections and a lower part with a running surface, and top (10) is connected to the lower part by substantially vertical webs (3, 5) running in the ski longitudinal direction, hollow sections (2, 4) are formed by at least two U sections open on the same side and variable in height, whose webs (3, 5) are connected to connecting sections (9), running in the longitudinal direction, for the connection with a substantially plate-shaped part (8) by welding and/or gluing.

Abstract: A ski with a non-rectangular cross section has a filling core, for example made of polyurethane foam, a shell forming the upper face and at least a part of the lateral faces of the ski, a lower face equipped with longitudinal metal edges and with a central sliding sole. The ski includes two longitudinal reinforcement elements which extend at least in the binding mounting area of the ski and are arranged on either side of the core, each reinforcement element has a lower face which extends to a great extent over the width of an edge so as to afford it an effective support, and extends over at least a part of the height of the ski, the reinforcement elements not being covered laterally by the shell and thus forming the narrow sides of the ski, at least in the binding mounting area of the ski.

Abstract: A cross country ski in which, in the central portion of the ski, in the gripping zone of the boot, the heel zone acts as a support of the foot during a sliding phase, and a metatarso-phalangian support zone of the impulsion in the impulsion phase of the ski, a transverse slit is arranged, crossing the ski. The slit defines two flexion beams, upper and lower, respectively, in the thickness of the ski. This arrangement enables, during the impulsion phase, a good flattening on the ground of the lower beam and thus of the sole portion of the ski, i.e., the waxing chamber. The efficiency of the impulsion is thus substantially increased without affecting the sliding phase.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ski, and a ski manufactured by the process. The process according to the invention includes at least the following steps for manufacturing a ski whose body includes a core covered with a shell, wherein the shell is a composite sub-assembly: positioning the sub-assembly adjacent the cavity of a mold; positioning the core adjacent the shell; and exerting a force against the core to thereby force the shell within the mold cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the sub-assembly includes at least one layer of a filling material, preferably a thermoplastic material, which is caused to soften and flow under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions. In a modified embodiment, the mold cavity includes a depression or a projection on, for example, its lower surface which thereby produces a corresponding projection or depression, respectively, on the upper surface of the ski.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for damping deflections and vibrations in a ski, and further for adjustably biasing a ski to enhance its performance. An elongated damping member is attached by one end to the upper surface of the ski, and bears at its other end on the upper surface of the ski to resist deflection of the end portion of the ski. The damping member may also be urged against the ski for biasing the end of the ski downward relative to the center of the ski. A resilient bearing pad may be disposed between the ski and the bearing end of the damping member. The damping member may be mounted at a lateral angle to differentially damp one side edge of the ski. The damping member is adjustable in its mounting to provide adjustable damping and biasing force. A second damping member may be mounted to the ski to damp and bias the opposite end of the ski in a like manner. A central damping member may be mounted to the center portion of the ski.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes springs for urging a ski boot into a ski binding, and apparatus for modifying the biasing force to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: The cross-country ski according to the invention is characterized by a relatively regular curvature of the lower surface of the ski, i.e., a curvature such that the modules of variation of slope of the lower surface of the ski is less than 9.10.sup.4 cm.sup.-1 when the ski is at rest. Simultaneously, the front zone of the ski has a relatively high rigidity. Likewise, the rear zone can be relatively rigid. Preferably, the lateral surfaces of the ski are hollowed. Such a ski structure is particularly well adapted to obtain a good gripping of the edges, a good sliding on the edges, and a good sliding in direct tracks.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes apparatus for variably limiting the longitudinal movement of a ski binding support plate mounted on a ski. The degree of movement determines the amount of bending possible, and thus controls ski stiffness.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes an engagement member attachable to a ski and having a free end, and an impedance device engageable with the free end of the engagement member as the ski bends to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: A ski with a core between a lower and upper strip layer over the entire length of the ski, with attached portions of lightweight material in front of and behind the ski boot support zone. The attached portions are glued to the upper strip layer. The ski is encased by a molded integral sheath of plastic material.

Abstract: A ski with a base portion having a running surface of varying width and a hollow ski body. The height of the ski varies over the length of the ski. The ski body is hollow with lateral edges extending parallel to each other over the length of the ski. The width of the ski body is constant and is less than, or equal to, the narrowest width of the base portion.

Abstract: I have devised a force modulating device, for use as a force modulating member of a ski device, in which I have made a first member thereof to be movably interconnected with a body member of the force modulating device and I have disposed therebetween fluid pressure means for floating the first member with respect to the body member and controlling the relative movement between such two members. The controlled movement of the first member relative to the body member provided by the fluid pressure means causes impact forces that are imparted to a ski device incorporating the present invention to be so modulated as to allow for good ski performance in terms of spring-action, smooth ride, handling, and service life. The fluid pressure medium of the fluid pressure means can be a gas, a liquid or a combination gas and liquid.

Abstract: A damping device is arranged between a surface of a ski and a binding holding a ski boot on the ski surface. The binding has a toe clamping member and a heel clamping member supported on a surface of a respective support portion. The damping device has a respective damping plate having an extension projecting from each support portion, the damping plate extensions extending towards each other in the same plane and having facing end faces defining therebetween at least a small gap. The damping plate extensions overlap in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the ski and are freely displaceable relative to each other in this direction.