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: In a ski (1) with a damping element (5) for damping shocks that act transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski in the area of the ski binding, with a carrier body (3) for at least one layer of damping material (5), in particular elastomer damping material, which is arranged between the carrier body (3) and the ski (1) the carrier body (3) is connected directly to the upper chord (7) of the ski in a middle area (4) that is located between the front and rear ends, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the ski, and is connected to the upper side of the ski (1) in front of and behind the middle area (4) through an interposed layer of damping material (5).

Abstract: A ski (1) which consists of a core (2), at least one upper surface layer and one lower surface layer. Recesses (6) are provided in the binding area, in which recesses containers (8) are fixed. Inserts to anchor fastening screws are inserted into the containers. Each insert consists of a layer of an elastomer material and of a layer of a fixed material, for example metal or glassfiber-reinforced plastic. In order to avoid in this ski (1) a drilling through the layer (10) of elastomer material and in order to also be able to stress this layer (10) with respect to tension and compression, the invention provides that this layer (10) is below the layer (9) of solid material and is fixedly connected both to the bottom wall (8a) of the container (8) and also to the layer (9) of solid material.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for skis including a rigid plate for supporting ski boot bindings and having at least two holes which act as seats for at least one rigid spacer. At least one resilient member is arranged coaxially to the rigid spacer, and the spacer interacts with a screw for interconnection with the ski and for supporting the resilient member. The resilient member has a washer for supporting the rigid plate. The device thus allows the optimum damping of the vibrations which occur along an axis which is vertical with respect to the ski, without altering the possibility of transmitting the efforts imparted along different axes.

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 vehicular snow ski is disclosed having an ultra high molecular weight polymer material for extended wear and an adjustable curvature tip end. The tip end is adjustable using a variable length turnbuckle for controlling the curvature and tension of the curved tip end. The radius of the curved tip end is changed to meet varying snow conditions encountered by an operator. The under side of the ski includes a plurality of concave surfaces extending longitudinally therealong for compacting snow and lifting the ski in the snow when moving therein. Two concave surfaces are recessed from a center concave surface to form two vertically oriented steering surfaces for controlling the direction of the ski in opposite directions. A wear bar with carbide inserts extends beyond the center concave surface for running on ice and other hard surfaces. Attached to the top surface is a shoe for mounting the ski to the suspension of a vehicle such as a snowmobile.

Abstract: A ski is provided with a device for damping vibrations which arise in use in the ski by the effect of impacts between the asperities of icy snow and the tip and tail of the ski itself. The device consists of at least one concentrated mass which is floatingly carried by at least one end of the ski in such a way as to be free to move in the vicinity of this end.

Abstract: In a ski that has integrated elements for the attachment for components of the binding system, the ski is bonded rigidly to an essentially plate-shaped carrier body that extends in the longitudinal direction of the ski, in an area that lies between the ends that face in the longitudinal direction of the ski. Outside the area that is bonded rigidly to the ski, the carrier body incorporates guide rails or grooves that extend in the longitudinal direction of the ski and are used for the attachment of the components of the bindig system, and the ends of the carrier body that face in the longitudinal direction of the ski are arranged at a distance from the upper side of the upper chord of the ski. It is preferred that outside the area that is bonded rigidly to the ski the carrier body is bonded rigidly to the ski or to the upper chord of the ski through interposed damping material.

Abstract: In an alpine ski there is provided a simplified laminated construction by providing a glass fiber reinforced beam laminated on the tensile facing to a single laminate layer of stiffening material and a bottom running surface. Grooves are machined into the central glass fiber reinforced beam to adjustably control both the ski's weight and stiffness and a continuous metallic sidewall is provided between the bottom edges and the top edges. A decorative cap that conforms to the contour of the top surface of the glass fiber beam is laminated to the beam.

Abstract: System for binding a shoe or boot onto a cross-country ski. The system includes an upper support plate which is movably mounted along a direction having a component which is substantially perpendicular to the ski. The system further includes an elastic means for elastically biasing the movable support plate in a direction separating it from the ski.

Abstract: A multi-layered ski includes an upper strap disposed over at least a part of the length of the ski, a core, and a running surface, with the core disposed between the upper strap and the running surface. The upper strap is constructed so as to attenuate low frequency vibrations, without reduction in the torsional stiffness of the ski, thereby enhancing the running properties of the ski. The upper strap includes a top layer, and a layer of damping material (e.g. an elastomeric synthetic plastic having a modulus of elasticity of about 10.sup.7 -10.sup.10 Pa, and a dissipation factor tan .delta. greater than 0.8). The damping layer is just below the top layer. At least one lower laminating layer is also provided, below the damping layer. At least one slot is formed in the top layer transverse to the dimension of elongation of the ski and separating portions of the top layer from each other in the dimension of elongation. The lower laminating layer overlaps the slots in the dimension of elongation.

Abstract: A vehicular snow ski is disclosed having an ultra high molecular weight polymer material for extended wear and an adjustable curvature tip end. The tip end is adjustable using a variable length turnbuckle for controlling the curvature and tension of the curved tip end. The radius of the curved tip end is changed to meet varying snow conditions encountered by an operator. The under surface of the ski includes a plurality of concave surfaces extending longitudinally therealong for compacting snow and lifting the ski in the snow when moving therein. Two concave surfaces are recessed from a center concave surface to form two vertically oriented steering surfaces for controlling the direction of the ski in opposite directions. A wear bar with carbide inserts extends beyond the center concave surface for running on ice and other hard surfaces. Attached to the top surface is a shoe for mounting the ski to the suspension of a vehicle such as a snowmobile.

Abstract: A foldable ski structure comprising a front slide and a rear slide connected by an intermediate link arm which maintains the two slide sections of the ski in a longitudinally aligned condition; the intermediate link arm is hinged to the front slide and to the rear slide of the ski to enable the ski to be folded; engageable and disengageable hooking members are provided between the intermediate link arm, the front slide and respectively between the intermediate link arm and the rear slide of the ski.

Abstract: In the context of a ski with a damping layer or sheet of viscoelastic material attached to its surface, the invention seeks to provide improved damping properties and achieves this since the layer or sheet is arranged to extend continuously from the zone of the shovel as far as the end zone of the ski.

Abstract: A ski comprises an elongated body having opposed lateral surfaces and opposed upper and lower walls, a longitudinal core having upper and lower walls extending along the length of the body between front and rear ends of the ski, mechanical resistance elements, internal longitudinal shock absorption elements made of a viscoelastic material, and filling elements connecting the resistance elements to the other elements. At least one of the internal shock absorption elements is a strip of viscoelastic material which is substantially continuous over the entire length of the body of the ski. The width of the strip is limited by the lateral surfaces of the ski, and the thickness of the strip is limited by a wall of the core and a wall of the body. The strip has a thickness along the length of the body which is a nonconstant function of the length of the body conferring on the ski mechanical shock absorption properties which vary along the length of the ski.

Abstract: A ski comprises a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinal median plane and having a sole substantially perpendicular to the plane and adapted to slidably engage a surface. The sole has a central zone lying between front and rear contact zones. The body comprises a core having opposed top and bottom walls, and opposed lateral walls, the core extending substantially the length of the body. The body further includes a shell having a top layer overlying the top wall of the core and lateral surfaces spaced from respective lateral walls of the core. The shell further includes lateral strips of viscoelastic material interposed between each lateral surface of said shell and the respective lateral walls of the core for forming a shock absorber. The cross-sectional area of the lateral strips are a non-constant function of length along the body of the ski at least between said contact zones.

Abstract: A ski includes a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinal median plane and having a sole substantially perpendicular to said plane and adapted to slidably engage a surface, the sole having a central zone lying between front and rear contact zones. The body has opposite side exterior surfaces and comprises a core which extends substantially the entire length of the body, and a plurality of elements operatively associated with the core, the elements including mechanical reinforcing elements, viscoeleastic shock absorption elements, and filling elements connecting the reinforcing elements to the other elements. The shock absorption elements are continuous and extend substantially over the entire length of the body of the ski. The shock absorption elements are constructed and arranged so that the mechanical shock absorption property of the ski at a given location along the length of the ski is a function of the given location.

Abstract: A ski for use on snow comprises a longitudinally extending body defining a longitudinal median plane and having a sole substantially perpendicular thereto for slidably engaging a surface. The sole has a central zone lying between front and rear contact lines. The width of the body is established by opposed lateral surfaces, and the thickness of the body is established by an upper wall opposed to the sole. A longitudinal core extends along the length of the body between front and rear ends of the ski and has a width established by lateral side walls that respectively face the lateral surfaces of the body. The thickness of the core is established by upper and lower walls. The ski also includes mechanical resistance elements, internal longitudinal shock absorption members made of a viscoelastic material, and filling elements connecting the resistance elements to the other elements.

Abstract: A vibration damper is used in combination with a ski having an upper surface, a turned up front end, a rear end, and a central ski binding on the upper surface. The damper is between 5 cm and 20 cm long and comprises a viscoelastic sheet flatly engaging the upper surface immediately behind the front end, immediately ahead of the rear end, or immediately ahead of the ski binding and a damper plate with a high modulus of elasticity overlying the viscoelastic sheet. The plate is secured atop the sheet on the upper ski surface. The damper is between 10% and 20% of the length of the ski from the rear end of the ski, between 65% and 75% of the length of the ski from the rear end, and/or between 85% and 97% of the length of the ski from the rear end. A 2 m ski normally has a distance of 180 cm between the rear end of the ski and the start of the front upturned end of the ski.

Abstract: A pair of skis suitable for both slalom and giant slalom ski racing. This is achieved by providing a pair of skis so that corresponding inside edges have the same sidecut. Each of the outside edges of the skis may have the same sidecut as the other, but different from the sidecut of the inside edges. When the skis are reversed, the outside edges become the inside edges, and the inside edges become the outside edges, either changing the skis' suitability from giant slalom or slalom, or from slalom to giant slalom. Stiffening plates can be attached to the skis to provide rigidity and stability required by the skis for giant slalom racing and removed for slalom racing.

Abstract: A double-shoe ski comprising a front shoe and a rear shoe aligned according to their longitudinal axis; an intermediate floating arm linking together the two shoes.Compression spring members are disposed between said linking arm and the shoes of the ski.

Abstract: A method of producing skis (1) with different vibration absorptions and skis produced by this method. Bores (4) traversing at least one of the side walls (14) are introduced into the core (15) of the ski and are filled with a damping material (5).

Abstract: A vibration damper is used in combinataion with a ski having an upper surface, a turned up front end, a rear end, and a central ski binding on the upper surface. The damper is between 5 cm and 20 cm long and comprises a viscoelastic sheet flatly engaging the upper surface immediately behind the front end, immediately ahead of the rear end, or immediately ahead of the ski binding and a damper plate with a high modulus of elasticity overlying the viscoelastic sheet. The plate is secured atop the sheet on the upper ski surface. The damper is between 10% and 20% of the length of the ski from the rear end of the ski, between 65% and 75% of the length of the ski from the rear end, and/or between 85% and 97% of the length of the ski from the rear end. A 2 m ski normally has a distance of 180 cm between the rear end of the ski and the start of the front upturned end of the ski.

Abstract: The ski has a box-shaped, substantially rigid middle portion, a front portion and a rear portion which can be easily bent and are elastic and resilient in an upward direction and are capable of torsion in the longitudinal axis. Balancing elements formed of soft, but permanently elastic material, are inserted at the transition of the middle portion to the rear portion in the direction of the rear end of the ski, on the one hand, and/or at the transition of the middle portion to the front portion in the direction of the tip of the ski on the other hand. The balancing elements are inserted in the ski so as to be either not detachable or fixed, but detachable and exchangeable.

Abstract: Ski with an upper layer, a lower layer, and optionally an intermediate layer. The ski has a central core made of a hard material, especially a hard wood, and has a running surface and laterally extending edge protectors. At least one of the two outer surfaces of the core has one or more recesses for matching damper elements made of an elastic material.

Abstract: The present sliding device (1), particularly an alpine ski, is formed by upper and lower parts (2, 3) connected by spacing parts (6, 7). A torsion-resistant box (49) formed by the parts (2, 3; 6, 7) in the region close to the binding ends, is capable of elastically absorbing loads or shocks through the interval (37) maintained between the upper and lower parts. A sliding device of this kind relieves the strain on the human motor system and, at the same time, improves the sliding performance.

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 sidecuts 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 cross country ski has a bending resistance which is changeable with the help of at least one bending beam, the beam extending longitudinally of the ski and being arranged in the center of the ski. The bending beam is arranged loosely inside of the ski, symmetrically in relationship to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the ski, and is supported at its two ends on support surfaces of the body of the ski which extend approximately parallel to the running surface. In a first preferred embodiment, pressure can be applied to the beam on a side thereof which does not face the support surfaces by a pressure element which is supported on the body of the ski in the region of the upper side thereof. In a second preferred embodiment, the beam has on its side which does not face the support surfaces a pressure-transmitting member, to which a pressure toward the beam can be applied by a control mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating optimum adjustment of a cross-country ski, the bending resistance and/or arch of which can be adjusted, includes a sensor connected to a control circuit, and the control circuit is in turn connected to either a drive mechanism which automatically controls the adjustment of the ski or to an indicating device which visually indicates the necessary adjustment to be made manually. The control circuit monitors ski performance at a given adjustment for a predetermined interval, thereafter determines an appropriate adjustment, then monitors ski performance at the new adjustment for the predetermined interval, and so forth. A gearing mechanism powered manually or by an electric motor can be provided to effect the automatic adjustment of the ski in response to an output of the control circuit.

Abstract: A ski comprises a ski upper-surface constituting member provided with at least one cut portion of any desired shape; and an upper-surface projection member defined by at least one upper-surface member and a reinforcing member which are separately formed, and having the shape of a roof whose ridge is defined by the widthwise central portion thereof. The upper-surface projection member is fitted and secured into the cut portion, thereby to form a roof-shaped projection on the upper-surface constituting member.

Abstract: A ski with increased torsional stiffness while of normal flexural strength. A pair of substantially rigid rectilinear members that are stiff in torsion, are attached to the top of the ski by pivoted mounts that are rigidly secured to the ski. Two mounts lie to the rear of the ski's binding area, and two mounts lie in front of the binding area. The rigid members are mounted longitudinally of the ski, and the pivoting is transverse thereto. One mount of each pair of mounts is directly pivoted to its rigid member, while the other mount has an intermediate member pivoted transversely to the ski and also transversely pivoted at a point spaced therefrom to its rigid member.

Abstract: A ski that is stiff in torsion and is flexible in the vertical direction. The ski body that is relatively weak and flexible both in beam and in torsion, having a ski binding area in between its ends for affixation of a user's ski boot, providing forward and rear top surface portions. At least one tubular elastomeric member is rigidly secured atop said ski body, it may be on said forward surface portion, or on said rear surface portion, or on both surface portions, the tubular member being provided with reinforcing comprising helically wound braiding of high-tensile-strength filaments.

Abstract: A damping device for controlling the vibration of skis. The device comprises a damper, preferably a pellet packed damper, and a fastener for fastening the same to a selected area of the ski, preferably to the upper surface of the ski tip.

Abstract: This method of manufacturing laminated skis by the so-called wet process consists in incorporating at least one metal blade or a sheet of high-strength fibres among the strata, the width of the blade or sheet being inferior to that of the ski, and the width of its ends decreases gradually to a point in the transitional area between the heel and body and also in the transitional area between the body and the tip of the ski.

Abstract: A ski that is stiff in torsion and is flexible in the vertical direction. The ski body that is relatively weak and flexible both in beam and in torsion, having a ski binding area in between its ends for affixation of a user's ski boot, providing forward and rear top surface portions. At least one bellows members is rigidly secured atop said ski body, it may be on said forward surface portion, or on said rear surface portion, or on both surface portions.

Abstract: An alpine ski with flexible impact absorbing edges and elastomeric sidewalls is provided to enable the bottom edges to follow the contour of the ground by moving therealong and absorbing the unevenness of the ground.

Abstract: Flexible vibration damping units, and vibratile products including flexible vibration damping units as components thereof, are provided wherein, in the vibration damping unit, at least one laminar group of flexible strip portions of a flexible framework is included having flexible longitudinally free-ended strip portions in the group firmly secured in the framework to one of the flexible strip portions in the group so as to have the strip portions in the group flex, and relatively move longitudinally with reference to one another, when the framework is flexed, this with the vibration damping unit further being characterized by including visco-elastic means, preferably of a visco-elastic adhesive kind, between the interfacially opposed flexible strip portions in the laminar group and engaging the flexible strip portions in that group so as to damp the longitudinal relative movements of the flexible strip portions in the group when the framework is flexed.

Abstract: An alpine ski has an independent element forming the shovel and tip of the ski, this element being secured to the front end of the ski body which is provided with a slightly upwardly turned transverse edge abutting a shoulder upon a rear part of this element where it is attached to the ski.

Abstract: The ski comprises a basic self-supporting ski structure, the front and rear portions whereof are provided with mounts made rigid therewith and retaining at least a replaceable small thickness rectangular batten or insert mechanically affecting the flexure and torsional characteristics of the ski in such a way as to cause the ski stiffness to be varied.

Abstract: An adjustable flex alpine ski is disclosed. The ski includes tensile members embedded below the neutral plane in the center, shovel and tail sections of the ski. The tensile members are each fixed at one end and are independently adjustable by means of tension adjustment mechanisms located at the free ends of the members. The tension adjustment mechanisms are controlled by means of flexible shafts which terminate at hex nuts opening flushly onto the sidewalls of the ski, so as to be unobtrusive and aerodynamic, yet readily accessible in the field.

Abstract: The span of the ski is provided with a horizontal slit passing through the span and dividing it into an upper part and a lower part, the lower part being more easily bendable in vertical direction than the upper part. For influence of the front sole part of the ski boot is arranged a pressure member, movable in vertical direction, which member passes through upper part and is fastened to or in any other way arranged to engage with the lower part of the span.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a ski having a longitudinal slot extending therethrough and terminating before the forward and rearward edges to form a partially slit ski structure. The partially slit ski structure forms side-by-side inside and outside sliding portions having mating surfaces at the cut faces wherein said cut faces are cut at an angle. Means are provided to flex the inside sliding portions to partially overlap the inside and outside sliding portions.

Abstract: A ski damper which can be inserted into a hole formed in the ski blade comprises a pair of housing portions which can be joined together from opposite sides of the blade to define a receptacle in which a disk is shiftable between a pair of foam rings. The disk is composed of a material having a specific gravity greater than 10 and has a thickness/diameter ratio between 1/3 and 1/30 and damps primarily vibrations in the frequency range between 100 and 200 Hz.

Abstract: A ski, particularly a cross-country ski, with a subdivided lower bearing sheet, with the individual sheet members of said lower bearing sheet extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski being overlapped and an elastic layer of elastic-viscous material being arranged in the overlapping portion of said sheet members between said overlapping sheet members.

Abstract: A slalom ski includes in the structure of its body a stressed viscoelastic band extending from about the middle of its tread zone forward over a length equaling 15% to 30% that of the ski body.

Abstract: A ski which is provided internally with vibration-damping elements. According to the invention, at least two vibration-damping elements in the form of bands or strips of constrained visco-elastic material extend longitudinally within the ski and are spaced apart therein. The bands have lengths of 10 to 20% of the total length of the ski and a spacing which can also be equal to 10 to 20% of the total length of the ski. When the ski is a tour ski, e.g. for alpine touring or cross-country, three such bands may be provided, one at the spoon or point of the ski, one in the region of the binding and one at the heel of the ski. When the ski is for downhill or slalom skiing, two such bands are provided, one at the spoon or point and the other at the binding region.

Abstract: A snow ski having adjustable camber-flattening resistance and characterized by a flat ski body having opposing side surfaces defining insert-receiving voids extending along the body mid-portion, and elongate body-stiffening inserts removably secured within the voids and providing with the body a particular camber-flattening resistance. A method for providing a ski having a desired camber-flattening resistance characterized by providing a flat ski body with the aforementioned voids defined in the side surfaces thereof, providing an array of inserts having differing stiffness characteristics but each being dimensioned for insertion in the voids, selecting a pair of inserts from the array, and securing such inserts in the voids. Preferred embodiments include inserts which may be used in one of two orientations to provide differing camber-flattening resistances.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively adjusting the stiffness of a ski using prestressed, curved rod members. The rod members are positioned lengthwise of the ski in bores and the stiffness of the ski can be selectively adjusted by rotating the rod members about their longitudinal axes. For a stiff ski, each rod member is rotated so that the prestressed curve faces upwardly and for a soft ski, each rod member is rotated so that the prestressed curve faces downwardly. By rotating the rod members between these extremes, intermediate degrees of stiffness can be obtained. One or more rod members can be used and when plural rod members are used, the stiffness of the ski can be adjusted both lengthwise and crosswise. Indicating means are provided for showing the rotational position of each rod. The rod members can be placed directly in drilled out bores in the ski, in drilled out bores of a housing which can then be inserted in the ski, or in tubes mounted within or atop the ski.

Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting the position of weights mounted for longitudinal movement within a ski. A drum is rotatably supported within a housing on the ski and has flat belts wound thereon, one belt extending to a weight supported for movement between the binding area on the ski and the tail of the ski and the other belt extending to a weight mounted for movement between the tip of the ski and the binding area. A manually engageable setting member is provided for rotating the drum to control the amount of flat belt wound onto the drum. A hollow member is provided in the ski to simplify the manufacturing process. The hollow member has the flat belts and the weights mounted therein for movement with respect thereto along the longitudinal axis of the ski. Printed indicia can be provided on either the flat belts or on the ski to indicate the relative location of the weights with respect to the tip and the tail of the ski.

Abstract: A ski comprising an upper protective plate, a lower low-friction sole plate and a core of a synthetic-resin material molded between the plates and reinforced with steel filaments or wires extending the full length of the ski. Except at the spoon or toe of the ski and at the heel thereof, the steel filaments are bonded directly (without give or play) to the synthetic-resin core while at the heel and toe portions of the ski the steel filaments are bonded to the synthetic-resin core by an elastic pliable material (i.e. with give or play).