Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching with a ski to provide improved traction while climbing snowy grades. Exemplary climbing track assemblies can include an attachment to the bottom of a ski that improves traction for hiking or climbing uphill. Assemblies can also include an under-binding bracket, which is mounted under the toe-piece binding of the ski which allows the device to be securely fastened. Assemblies may further include a shim, provided as a small plate mounted under the heel-piece binding, which operates to keep the binding level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for attaching with a ski to provide improved traction while climbing snowy grades. Exemplary climbing track assemblies can include an attachment to the bottom of a ski that improves traction for hiking or climbing uphill. Assemblies can also include an under-binding bracket, which is mounted under the toe-piece binding of the ski which allows the device to be securely fastened. Assemblies may further include a shim, provided as a small plate mounted under the heel-piece binding, which operates to keep the binding level.

Abstract: A nose clip and a tail clip for a splitboard ski assembly may each comprise at least three hooks. The nose clip and the tail clip may be adaptable to various splitboard ski designs. A stretcher for a skin assembly may be configured to interface with the tail clip. The tail clip may comprise at least two elongated apertures defining a rail. The stretcher may be configured to interface with the rail via friction and/or secure a skin assembly to a splitboard ski assembly.

Abstract: A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.

Abstract: A climbing aid for a ski has a plane base element which is connected on the inner side to a fastener to be detachably fastened to a running surface of the ski and which is connected on the outer side to backwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to a direction of travel. A flexible plastic support material forms the base element, and the backwards-slipping prevention elements are integrally formed with the plastic support material. In lateral regions, the base element has backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings positioned obliquely to the direction of travel and, in the central region, has backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements of a first type are of lesser length and/or of lesser height than the push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements of a second type.

Abstract: Provided are a sliding instrument having a low frictional resistance to the snow surface, the ice surface, or the water surface and having excellent sliding performance and a method for manufacturing the sliding instrument. A sliding instrument to slide on snow, ice, or water includes a sliding surface (1) to come into contact with the snow surface, the ice surface, or the water surface, and the sliding surface (1) has a surface roughness Ra of 1.0 ?m or less. A method for manufacturing the sliding instrument includes polishing a sliding surface (1) using a polishing composition slurry containing abrasives to make the sliding surface (1) have a surface roughness Ra of 1.0 ?m or less.

Abstract: One aspect is an exemplary climbing skin extending along a longitudinal axis. For example, the skin may comprise: an attachment surface engageable with an undersurface of the snow device; a glide surface that slides across snow when moved in a forward direction along a longitudinal axis of the skin and resists sliding across the snow when moved in a rearward direction along the longitudinal axis; and a stiffener element disposed between the attachment surface and the glide surface to resist a lateral bending about the longitudinal axis and permit a longitudinal bending about a lateral axis of the skin that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An accessory traction device removably attached to undersides of backcountry skis is described herein. The device will provide users' ability to ascend terrain without removing skis and walking uphill. As designed, the device has novel structure with flanged or clamping ends with a threaded fastening rod that improves longevity while minimizing any possible damage to the ski itself. The traction wave patterns and grooves are also optimally designed and tapered. An additional inventive aspect involves a few hinge options wherein the hinge allows the device to be conveniently folding and stowed in a backcountry skier's backpack.

Abstract: A snowshoe-ski kit comprising a hybrid snowshoe-ski comprising a main body defining a bottom surface operative for moving over snow and having a snowshoe-ski traction coefficient, and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The hybrid snowshoe-ski further comprises a binding attached to the main body for attachment to a person's foot atop the top surface. The kit also comprises a first removable and reversible sheet-like skin having opposite first and second surfaces each defining respective first and second skin traction coefficients that differ from each other and that differ from the snowshoe-ski bottom surface traction coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention is a skin cleat device for increasing grip while ski touring. The skin cleat is configured to be attached around a ski by a skier without disengaging the ski boot from the skis and can be removed and re-attached depending on the needs of the user. The skin cleat is a strap-like device that includes two end sections and a studded central section there-between. The central section is intended to be placed underneath the base of the ski and skin such that the studs extend into the snow. The two end sections can be attached together by a coupling to form a continuous structure around the waist of the ski. Using the coupling, the structure can be tightened around the ski securing it in place and preventing the skin cleat from rotating around the ski or the studs from moving substantially when in use.

Abstract: A piece of snow sports equipment comprises a sliding board with a sheetlike central part (110) which extends in a longitudinal direction, and two sheetlike side parts (120, 130) which are fastened to the central part (110) on both sides. The central part (110) has a sliding coating (115) on a lower side. The side parts (120, 130) can be folded over from a first position, in which a first main surface of the side parts (120, 130) is substantially co-planar with the lower side of the central part (110), into a second position, in which the side parts (120, 130) are folded under the central part (110) such that the first main surfaces of the side parts (120, 130) are supported on the lower side of the central part (110). Second main surfaces of the side parts (120, 130), which second main surfaces lie opposite the first main surfaces, have a climbing skin (125, 135).

Abstract: The present invention is a skin cleat device for increasing grip while ski touring. The skin cleat is configured to be attached around a ski by a skier without disengaging the ski boot from the skis and can be removed and re-attached depending on the needs of the user. The skin cleat is a strap-like device that includes two end sections and a studded central section there-between. The central section is intended to be placed underneath the base of the ski and skin such that the studs extend into the snow. The two end sections can be attached together by a coupling to form a continuous structure around the waist of the ski. Using the coupling, the structure can be tightened around the ski securing it in place and preventing the skin cleat from rotating around the ski or the studs from moving substantially when in use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski skin, wherein a silicon compound is applied to the reverse side of the plush skin tread and adheres to the ski by van der Waals forces.

Abstract: Braking device for a touring ski comprising a brake (1) and a blocking device able to occupy a blocking configuration in which the brake (1) is immobilized by the blocking device in the position of non-braking and a non-blocking configuration in which the brake is able to brake the ski in a braking position, characterized in that the blocking device is mounted with the ability to move in sliding with respect to the brake (1) so as to occupy the blocking configuration or non-blocking configuration.

Abstract: The present invention includes a climbing skin plate and a climbing skin plate kit. The climbing skin plate includes a rigid plate, a front bracket, and a binding system. The climbing skin plate kit includes a pair of climbing skin plates, a pair of skis, and a plate holder.

Abstract: A climbing aid attached releasably to a ski underside includes a flexible, strip-like carrier layer with a first longitudinal end connectible to a front tip ski section and a distally opposite second longitudinal end, an adhesive side adherable to the ski underside and a flat side opposite the adhesive side including at least one climbing aid section inhibiting backwards sliding and at least one sliding section with greater slidability. The ski has a front, upwardly bent front section, which is not in contact with flat ground in the unloaded state of the ski and extends over a longitudinal section of between at least 20% and 50% of the ski length. The sliding section extends from its first longitudinal end over a longitudinal section of between at least 20% and 50% of the length of the carrier layer and over the entire width of the carrier layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a modified ski and climbing skin plate kits. The climbing skin plate kit is for use with a ski and includes at least one rigid plate, at least one front bracket, and at least two protrusions. The modified ski includes a ski and two protrusions protruding from either side of the ski.

Abstract: A snowshoe/ski that allows a rider to glide and turn going downhill as well as to climb and navigate a variety of terrain in varying snow conditions. At its base is a center ski which operates on hard-pack snow surrounded by an integrated outer ski or hull that creates buoyancy in deep powder preventing the device from sinking. The center ski has a fine scaled traction area under the foot zone that allows it to slide forward but not backwards. The underside of the main body has an exaggerated version of this traction extending a little beyond the foot zone but away from tip and tail granting maximum glide. The top of the device has a convex shape keeping unwanted snow from building up and weighing down the wearer. The present invention thus relates to a hybrid device that combines elements from snowshoes and cross-country and/or downhill skis.

Abstract: A device for trimming a climbing skin to fit a snow travel aid such as a ski or snowboard is provided as well as a kit comprising such a device and at least one strip of climbing skin material. Also provided is a method of using the device. The device comprises: (a) a guide comprising a first surface for contact with a side of the snow travel aid and a second surface for contact with the snow travel aid base; and (b) a cutter connected to the guide opposite to the second surface, the cutter being offset from the first surface.

Abstract: Braking device for a touring ski comprising a brake (1) and a blocking device able to occupy a blocking configuration in which the brake (1) is immobilized by the blocking device in the position of non-braking and a non-blocking configuration in which the brake is able to brake the ski in a braking position, characterized in that the blocking device is mounted with the ability to move in sliding with respect to the brake (1) so as to occupy the blocking configuration or non-blocking configuration

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a ski or snowboard is provided as are kits and climbing skins joined to such apparatus. Included is an apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a front portion of a ski or snowboard, the front portion including ski sides which converge toward a front end of the ski or snowboard, the apparatus including: (i) opposing first and second holders, each holder being configured to receive one of the converging ski sides; and (ii) a connector between the first and second holders which includes at least one hinge. Also included is a kit including the apparatus and a climbing skin. Also included is a climbing skin having a fastener, the fastener including a portion which is retained between layers of the skin and one or more portions which extend from the skin for attachment of the skin to a ski or snowboard.

Abstract: A climbing aid attached releasably to a ski underside includes a flexible, strip-like carrier layer with a first longitudinal end connectible to a front tip ski section and a distally opposite second longitudinal end, an adhesive side adherable to the ski underside and a flat side opposite the adhesive side including at least one climbing aid section inhibiting backwards sliding and at least one sliding section with greater slidability. The ski has a front, upwardly bent front section, which is not in contact with flat ground in the unloaded state of the ski and extends over a longitudinal section of between at least 20% and 50% of the ski length. The sliding section extends from its first longitudinal end over a longitudinal section of between at least 20% and 50% of the length of the carrier layer and over the entire width of the carrier layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel elevator device for a ski (120), wherein the heel elevator device (100) is adapted for being fixed to the ski (120) and adapted for connecting a plate element (108) to the ski (120), wherein the plate element (108) comprises a ski binding or a sole of a ski boot. The heel elevator device (100) comprises a supporting element (102) with a supporting section (801), a gravity based positioning element (130) movably supported in the supporting element (102), and a force transmitting piston (805) with a piston engaging section (806). The force transmitting piston (805) is slideably attached to the supporting section (801) in such a way that, when an engagement force is exerted, the force transmitting piston (805) moves slideably into an engagement position. In the engagement position, the piston engaging section (806) is engaged with the gravity based positioning element (130) for fixing the gravity based positioning element (130).

Abstract: The ski with a climbing system, particularly a cross-country ski consists of a front gliding part (1) and a rear gliding part (2) with an integrated kick zone (3).

Abstract: A ski skin includes a directionally oriented flock applied to a carrier surface. The flocked textile material may be further processed directly (glue application, assembly) as skin, or it may be laminated onto other, additional carriers. The fibers of the directionally oriented flock extend at an acute angle relative to the carrier layer.

Abstract: A snowboard includes an elongate board member having an upper surface, a bottom surface and a pair of lateral edges. A footbrake is pivotally mounted to the upper surface of the board member by a pivot rod and is pivotable between a raised and undeployed position and a lowered and deployed position. A footbrake retractor attached to the footbrake urges the foot brake toward the raised and undeployed position. A pair of lateral brake paddles are operatively connected to the footbrake and extend beyond the lateral edges of the board member. When the footbrake is in the lowered and deployed position, the pair of lateral brake paddles extend below the bottom surface of the board member. A footbrake conversion kit and method for converting a conventional snowboard into a snowboard with a footbrake are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a climbing skin plate and a climbing skin plate kit. The climbing skin plate includes a rigid plate, a front bracket, and a binding system. The climbing skin plate kit includes a pair of climbing skin plates, a pair of skis, and a plate holder.

Abstract: The present invention includes a modified ski and climbing skin plate kits. The climbing skin plate kit is for use with a ski and includes at least one rigid plate, at least one front bracket, and at least two protrusions. The modified ski includes a ski and two protrusions protruding from either side of the ski.

Abstract: A snowboard with retractable braking device includes a board member with a brake member reversibly pivotal through a hole in the board member. When retracted, the bottom surface of the brake member is flush with, or above, the bottom surface of the board member. A retractor, such as a torsional spring, may resiliently hold the brake member in a retracted position. Also provided is a snowboard with an automatically deployable retractable braking device which deploys when the rider falls off a pressure pad affixed to the board member. Also provided is a braking device for boards that glide on snow, and an automatically deployable braking device for boards that glide on snow.

Abstract: A snowboard board member is provided with inwardly tapered side walls such that a flat bottom surface of the board member is significantly narrower than the corresponding top surface of the board member. The side walls may be linear or curved. Also provided is a releasable foot strap for attachment to the top surface of the board member using strap mounts affixed to the board member. The foot strap may be adjustable in size, position, and orientation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a ski brake is positioned on a ski, such that a ski brake device is integrated into a bottom side of a ski and comprises a squeegee cut tread with an open position and a closed position. The squeegee cut tread has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the squeegee cut tread exposes the inner surface to a snow surface in the open position when the ski bottom side is in a flexed position. The squeegee cut tread exposes the outer surface to the snow surface in the closed position when the ski bottom is in a non-flexed position.

Abstract: The ski with a climbing system, particularly a cross-country ski consists of a front gliding part (1) and a rear gliding part (2) with an integrated kick zone (3).

Abstract: A multi-functional board-type gliding device, which has two end portions spaced at a distance apart from another in the direction of a longitudinal axis and is designed to be split in its longitudinal extension to form gliding part-devices . Several first and second coupling mechanisms are disposed in the direction of longitudinal extension in order to provide a mutual connection between the two gliding part-devices. The two mutually coupled gliding part-devices constitute a first operating mode and in the position separated from one another constitute a second operating mode. In the first operating mode in the coupled position, the two gliding part-devices form a first end portion which defines a first direction of use. In the second operating mode in the position separated from one another, the or the other end portions define a second direction of use opposite the first direction of use.

Abstract: Ski brake comprising two brake branches (1) capable of occupying two positions, a closed position for skiing and an open position in which they brake the ski, which comprises a means for adjusting the width of the brake.

Abstract: A ski skin is comprised of a carrier surface (1) coated with glue and a flock (2) applied thereto at an angle alpha. The flock (2) can be made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The production of the ski skin is accomplished more simply than that of previously known methods.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a ski brake is positioned on a ski, such that a ski brake device is integrated into a bottom side of a ski and comprises a squeegee cut tread with an open position and a closed position. The squeegee cut tread has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the squeegee cut tread exposes the inner surface to a snow surface in the open position when the ski bottom side is in a flexed position. The squeegee cut tread exposes the outer surface to the snow surface in the closed position when the ski bottom is in a non-flexed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a ski or snowboard is provided as are kits and climbing skins joined to such apparatus. Included is an apparatus for attaching a climbing skin to a front portion of a ski or snowboard, the front portion comprising ski sides which converge toward a front end of the ski or snowboard, the apparatus comprising: (i) opposing first and second holders, each holder being configured to receive one of said converging ski sides; and (ii) a connector between the first and second holders which comprises at least one hinge. Also included is a kit comprising the apparatus of this invention and a climbing skin. Also included is a climbing skin comprising a fastener, the fastener comprising a portion which is retained between layers of the skin and one or more portions which extend from the skin for attachment of the skin to a ski or snowboard.

Abstract: A device for trimming a climbing skin to fit a snow travel aid such as a ski or snowboard is provided as well as a kit comprising such a device and at least one strip of climbing skin material. Also provided is a method of using the device. The device comprises: (a) a guide comprising a first surface for contact with a side of the snow travel aid and a second surface for contact with the snow travel aid base; and (b) a cutter connected to the guide opposite to the second surface, the cutter being offset from the first surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device comprising a supporting device as a climbing aid for a ski, the supporting device having at least two supporting positions, in which the supporting device prevents a boot that is held in a ski binding from being lowered below a climbing angle between the boot and the ski that is associated with the respective supporting position. It also comprises an adjusting device, which is actively connected to the supporting device and can be directly or indirectly actuated by a user. The device is distinguished by the fact that the adjusting device is formed in such a way that, in an adjusting process, it can move the supporting device from a current supporting position into a new supporting position, the adjusting process being initiated with a time delay in relation to an actuation of the adjusting device.

Abstract: A kick-enhancing system for a ski, including a band or strip which on one flat surface thereof is attachable to a portion of the ski sole by means of an adhesive, and which on the opposite side is equipped with a skin, a no-wax covering or a ski wax covering. Mounted in the ski is an engagement block which has at least one engaging hole able to engage with a retaining piece to which a forward portion of the band or strip is fastened, the retaining piece being equipped with at least one fastening lug for engagement in the engaging hole upon insertion from the underside of the ski.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of fastening device for fastening a skin to a glide board body, in particular a ski body, with at least one glide board body fastening element that can be anchored in the glide board body, forming at least one mount that is open on the bottom of the glide board, and with one skin-side fastening element, which can be inserted into the at least one mount in order to fasten the skin.

Abstract: A ski or ski-like device with an improved edging feature to assist skiers in edging during icy conditions. The edging feature includes a structure and method that provides a lateral edge on the inside of the ski that can extend into the snow surface beneath the bottom surface of the ski. When the ski is turned (i.e., rotated about its longitudinal axis) the extended inside edge of the downhill ski digs into the snow surface to provide improved gripping and control. The edge adapted to extend beneath the bottom surface of the ski is provided either by attaching an edge that extends below the bottom surface of the ski, or by providing a bottom surface of the ski in the region adjacent to the extended edge that is arranged to yield under pressure, to expose the extended edge when vertical force is applied to the bottom surface of the ski during a turn.

Abstract: A cross-country ski with wheels generally has a chassis with a middle beam and two supports for wheels, one being located in front of the middle beam and the other at the rear. A front wheel is mounted on the front support and at least one rear wheel is mounted on the rear support. The front support has an articulation situated in front of the front wheel whereby permitting the front wheel to pivot about an axis located in a longitudinal plane and vertical with regard to the cross-country ski with wheels.

Abstract: Ski binding (1; 1?; 1?), in particular touring, telemark or cross-country binding, with a front retaining element associated with the front sole end (7a) of a ski boot (5), a back retaining element (21) so constructed that it engages an edge (7b) at the front part of the boot sole or at the heel of the boot, and a tensioning device (17; 25; 47; 17?; 17?) that connects the front and back retaining elements to one another, and that allows the front and back retaining elements to be locked to the ski boot and, in particular in the locked state, allows the heel of the boot to be raised away from the ski, wherein the front retaining element grips the sole of the ski boot on both sides near the tip of the boot, in particular with lateral resilience, and with the front retaining element there is associated an elastic pressing element (13) to press the upper side of the sole against the retaining element.

Abstract: Stiff cambered, profiled, flat plates are bonded to a snow adhering surface of a ski base. The plates are coupled to the ski base via straps, snaps or other securing devices to eliminate the need for glue.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a collapsing approach ski for maneuvering over terrain in a climbing and sliding fashion, with a traction component operative below the sliding surface on the underside of the ski to facilitate climbing uphill without substantially interfering with sliding downhill. It combines the advantages of a snowshoe, including a large surface area, a toe cleat that claws into the terrain and a lifting of the front tip with each step, with the advantages of an approach ski, including a fibrous skin for added traction climbing uphill and an ability to slide down hill. A stretchable portion in the skin adjacent to a hinge in the ski permits the ski to be compactly collapsed without removing the skin, for easy packing and storage while not in use. For climbing up a steep incline, a removable fixed cleat provides added traction, and a heel riser reduces the strain on the lower leg and Achilles tendon region of the skier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (1) between a sports shoe (2) and sports device (3), with a toe piece (5) and a heel piece (6) and a brake device (7) mounted between the latter for the sports device (3), with a longitudinal guide (9, 10) mounted on the surface (8) of the sports device (3) for the heel piece (6), in which the heel piece (6) is guided laterally and vertically in dimensions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The brake device (7) is provided with guiding elements (14, 15) that can engage in the guiding track (12, 13) of the longitudinal guide (9, 10) and between the brake device (7) and the heel piece (6), a longitudinal coupling device (19) is arranged for mobile connection with the heel piece (6) and the brake device (7) is guided in a play-free manner exclusively by the guiding track (12, 13) in all dimensions running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guiding track (12, 13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable ski skin attachment device that can be used to efficiently attach a skin to a ski or snowboard. In accordance with the present invention, an adjustable ski skin attachment device includes two threaded members, a coupler, and a cover. The two threaded members are threaded in reverse directions from one another. The coupler includes two receiving portions with reverse threaded receiving portions such that when the threaded members are inserted into the two receiving portions and the coupler is rotated in one direction, the two threaded members move closer together. And when the coupler is rotated in the opposite direction, the two threaded members move away from one another. The cover is positioned over the two threaded members opposite the coupler. Unlike conventional skin attachment devices, the adjustable ski skin attachment device in accordance with the present invention can be adjusted to fit over a wide variety of widths and tip shapes.

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

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