Abstract: A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board.

Abstract: Snow-ski board, especially a ski, having at least one trimming mechanism with at least one trimming rod with its axis oriented in the longitudinal direction of the snow-ski board, including at least one damping element and at least one adjusting or tensioning mechanism for supporting the trimming rod on both ends by adjustable mechanical tension.

Abstract: The securing device, to be mounted on a ski-board, includes a main body with a support base for a sole, two lateral flanges, and an assembly for the attachment of the shoe to the main body, including: a protective element and first and second means for attaching the latter onto the first and the second flanges. The first means include two serrated straps, namely front and rear. The proximal end of at least one strap is mounted so that it pivots on the first flange. The distal ends mate with front and rear locking systems fixed onto the protective element, for adjusting the length of said straps. The second flange is fitted with front and rear attachment systems. The second means of attachment include a fixing handle, pierced with two holes, in which the attachment systems engage, and a closure system by which the handle is connected to the protective element.

Abstract: A gliding board with an effective edge length to waist width ratio of 3.8 to about 4.35, a waist width of at least about 250 mm, a core that has an approximately constant thickness of greater than 5 mm along substantially the entire running length of the board and to within about 80-100 mm of the effective edge points, but thins to a thickness of about 2 mm or less in areas nearer the effective edge points, and/or side edges that include a curved, concave sidecut portion at the waist, curved, convex transition zones at the forward and rear effective edge points and a straight section in the running length adjacent each transition zone.

Abstract: A snow glider comprises a longitudinally-extending runner for supporting a rider on ridden snow and having a generally central, longitudinally-extending slot. The glider further comprises an elevated rider-supporting deck and chatter-absorbing means straddling the slot for supporting the deck above the runner. Preferably, the bottom surface of the runner is preferably generally convex across its width, with curved outer edges that provide directional control to the rider when turning, and at least one longitudinally-extending, generally straight longitudinally-extending inner edge adjacent the periphery of the slot for greater directional control when the rider is going straight. To enhance controllability, the deck of the preferred embodiment is preferably coupled to the runner near the runner's outer periphery so that the force exerted by the rider is transmitted from his/her feet directly to the outer edges of the runner.

Abstract: A gliding board including a primary core positioned between a lower sub-assembly and an upper sub-assembly, the upper sub-assembly and the lower sub-assembly including at least one first upper reinforcement and one first lower reinforcement, respectively, extending longitudinally over at least two thirds of the length of the gliding board, and further including a frictional damping arrangement. The damping arrangement includes a blade having a thickness of less than 2 mm and a structure that enables the sliding of at least one of the ends of the blade. The damping arrangement is positioned between the first lower reinforcement and the first upper reinforcement, and the distance separating the damping arrangement from the first upper reinforcement, or from the first lower reinforcement can range, for example, between 0 mm and four times the thickness of the blade.

Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a boot to a ski with the heel end of the boot being height adjustable. The toe end portion of the boot is pivotly attaching to the ski. A pair of members engaged to the heel end portion and the ski respectively engage each other in a manner to provide height adjustability of the heel end of the boot. A track on either of the boot or the ski is slidably engaged by the respective member. One of the members has an inclined serrated surface which engages a serrated surface of the other member for adjusting height. Alternatively, one of the members has an inclined surface, and height adjustment is achieved by a threaded rotatable member on one of the members which threadedly engages longitudinally spaced indents or other formations in the other member.

Abstract: A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for canting a skier comprising a cant angle plate that locks on to the heel bearing surface of a ski binding. The cant angle plate has portions of varying thickness for inducing a cant angle when the heel of a boot rests on the cant angle plate locked on to the heel bearing surface of the binding. Thus, the cant angle plate alters the cant angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg, relative to the longitudinal running surface or bottom plane of an attached ski.

Abstract: An adapter enables a rider to adjust an angular orientation of a binding relative to a sport board without removing a foot, comprising a base plate, a top plate, and a locking mechanism supported by the top plate having a pair of insertion members configured to selectively engage a plurality of recesses formed in the base plate. The top plate and base plate can each have a center opening and a fastener supported by the center opening of each of the top plate and base plate to axially couple the top plate to the base plate.

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: A snow gliding board includes an upper protective layer and an internal mechanical structuring beam. The upper protective layer partially covers the internal beam, without significantly influencing the mechanical behavior defined by the internal beam while also including a visible skin, and a 3D visible decorative element which projects above the skin while being fixed in a cutout perforated in the visible skin.

Abstract: Safety binding for the practice of ski touring, including a baseplate having a rear end and a front end, the baseplate being adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a ski; a rear base adapted to be fixed to the ski; a heel lift capable of taking at least a support position in which the heel lift limits the rotation of the baseplate, and a storage position in which the heel lift does not limit the rotation of the baseplate; and a mechanism enabling the baseplate to be alternatively fixed to and released from the rear base. The mechanism includes a locking device capable of switching from a first closed position to a second open position. The binding also includes a release member having an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, the bias of the actuation surface thereof driving the locking device toward the second open position; and a return member biases the locking device toward their first closed position.

Abstract: The invention describes a ski (2) or a snowboard in the form of a board-type gliding device (1). By reference to the width (13) of the gliding board body, at least one slot (14) is provided in its middle portion extending in the depth direction—arrow (15)—from the top face (7) of the gliding board body in the direction towards the running surface facing (10) and in its longitudinal direction essentially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the gliding board body. This at least one slot (14) is provided with a view to causing a cross-sectional weakening and reducing the stiffness of the gliding board body transversely to its longitudinal direction. Also provided is at least one geometry-influencing means (19), by means of which the cross-sectional shape or contour of the gliding board body is variable as a function of load and/or can be manually varied.

Abstract: Ski or similar device for sliding on snow having a mounting aid for a binding (28) or for components thereof, which aid is mounted on the top face (32) of the ski and is especially in the form of a binding plate (10), wherein the mounting aid or binding plate (10) is durably connected to the top face (32) of the ski in such a manner that ski (23) and mounting aid or binding plate (10) form an integral constructional unit in terms of the mechanical properties.

Abstract: A binding device for a ski or other sports apparatus. The ski or sports apparatus provides an upper service adapted to receive a binding device for retaining a boot, the binding device including an anchoring mechanism to anchor the binding device to the ski, the anchoring mechanism including a slide and at least one tightening mechanism which enables the binding device to be forced in place against the upper surface of the ski or sports apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski (2) or a snowboard in the form of a board-type gliding device (1), comprising a multi-layered gliding board body. A force-transmitting element (13) is supported on the top face (7) of the gliding board body, the top face of which is provided as a means of supporting a binding mechanism (3) for a connection to a sports shoe which can be released as and when necessary. The force-transmitting element (13) is of a plate-type design and extends across more than 50% of the length of the gliding board body. Within its longitudinal extension, the plate-type force-transmitting element (14) is supported in at least part-portions on the top face (7) of the gliding board body so as to transmit load and is connected to the gliding board body by means of a plurality of connecting zones (30) disposed in the longitudinal direction of the plate-type force-transmitting element (13).

Abstract: A two-piece snowboard includes an improved bottom shape and connector. The bottom surface of each snowboard section facilitates three primary functions: riding in a straight line, turning, and stopping. The bottom surfaces are concave or substantially flat, and grooves or ribs are provided along bottom edges of the sections to provide for turning and/or braking. Thus placed, the grooves and/or ribs do not interfere with straight line riding. The connector is somewhat stiff, and resists twisting. An example of a suitable connector is a length of reinforced hydraulic hose. The connector allows both vertical and horizontal flexing to facilitate riding over irregular terrain, while resisting twisting between sections to facilitate control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a board-like sliding device in the form of a ski or snowboard. Said board-like sliding device comprises a multilayered sliding board body and at least one elongated force-transmitting element supported on the upper side of the sliding board body for influencing the bending resistance or the vibrational behaviour of the sliding board body as well as a binding device for a potentially detachable connection with a sports shoe. Between the lower side of the force-transmitting element and the upper side of the sliding board body at least one engaging coupling means is formed. The force-transmitting element is designed in this case as a thin-walled shell body with a wall thickness of less than 5 mm, which at least over the main part of its longitudinal extension has a substantially U-shaped cross section. At least part sections of the side arms of the force-transmitting element run at least partly in groove-like depressions on the upper side of the sliding board body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski binding that includes an elastic buffer adapted to exert a return force on a boot when the boot heel is raised from the upper surface of the ski. The elastic buffer has a support surface adapted to come into abutment against the bottom of the sole of the ski boot, the support surface forming an angle with a plane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the ski ranging between 0° and 80°. The invention also relates to a ski in combination with the aforementioned binding.

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: One embodiment of a foot or boot mounting for a sportboard such as a snowboard, wakeboard, mountainboard, surfboard, kiteboard, or similar article, having a tilted base plate (72) with a bearing raceway (73B) or other means providing an axis of rotation that is inclined by a predetermined angular amount (?), pivotably guiding a tilted rotating plate (86) that has a top surface (87T) tilted with respect to its axis of rotation by a predetermined angular amount (?). Top surface (87T) provides direct or indirect support for the bottom surface of a rider's foot. The tilt of top surface (87T) is aligned relative to its axis of rotation such that the upward tilted portion is generally aligned toward the inside of a rider's foot. Thus, a rider's feet and body members are aligned more naturally while the rider is free to continually rotate his or her feet and change posture more comfortably.

Abstract: An assembly for affixing footwear to a gliding board, such as fixing a boot to a cross-country ski, such assembly including a retention device, or binding, an interface to be positioned between the retention device and the gliding board, the interface having a receiving surface for receiving the retention device and the retention device having a support surface to be supported on the interface, the receiving surface of the interface and the support surface of the retention device being mechanically non-compatible. The assembly further includes an adapter to couple the interface to the retention device, the adapter having a support surface mechanically compatible with the receiving surface of the interface, as well as a receiving surface mechanically compatible with the support surface of the retention device, the support and receiving surfaces of the adapter being opposite with respect to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski, especially a downhill ski, and a trimming rod for such a ski. The ski comprises an elongate ski body and a gliding surface on the bottom face of the ski body. The ski is characterized by at least one approximately longitudinally extending recess and/or one or more receiving devices for detachably receiving a trimming rod. The flexural stiffness and/or the weight of the ski can be adjusted by inserting different trimming rods, thereby allowing to adapt the handling characteristics of the ski to the skier. The ski can also be provided with one or more damping elements.

Abstract: Skis and methods of skiing are provided. In some implementations, the skis include a preload, and/or have a relatively low spring rate. In one aspect, the skis include (a) a ski body having a front and a back, the front and back terminating, respectively, at a tip and tail at opposite ends of the ski body; and (b) a suspension system connected to the ski body so as to apply a load to the front and back of the ski body. In some cases, the suspension system is configured to provide the ski with a spring rate that diminishes as the ski is flexed from a normal unloaded state or a predetermined state of deflection to a state of greater deflection.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reinforced skateboard deck during the skateboard deck manufacturing process with adhering non-wood materials to the laminate ply's of wood with non-wood materials and the steps of adhering the non-wood material to the wood ply laminate for installation on the top wood laminate and or between any of the laminated layers of the skateboard deck during the normal laminating process and a method of manufacturing a skateboard deck during the skateboard deck manufacturing process with the installation and adhering of a strip or strip's of non-wood metallic material to a laminate ply of wood with the method comprising of the steps of adhering the non-wood metallic material to the wood ply laminate creating a center core cartridge with the non-wood metallic material installed for the installation during the normal skateboard deck laminating process.

Abstract: A sliding board, the outsides of which have a running surface and an upper cup, has a foam core created by foaming during its manufacture, and at least one guide element with lateral profiles for arranging and guiding of a binding element on the upper side of the sliding board. The guide element is connected to the sliding-board body by several anchoring elements. The guide element is a plastic part with formed-on anchoring elements, which plastic part is manufactured in one piece. The guide element is bound into the core by the anchoring elements during foaming of the core and is held therein by the hardened foam.

Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recreational and sporting device (10) comprising a foot support (12) that is mounted on a first wheel (26) such that the foot support is located below the axis of rotation of a first wheel (26). The foot cradle (12) is hingedly attached to a leg support (18) which is adapted to be attached to a user's leg. The device (10) may further include a second wheel (56) used for stabilization and to assist in steering. The device (10) provides a recreational and sporting apparatus that is more manoeuvrable and can be used on uneven terrain where conventional skates, such as in-line skates, cannot be used.

Abstract: A sports board, such as a snow board, has a board core structure that provides desired structural characteristics localized to select regions of the board while maintaining predictable produceability and optimum operating qualities of the board. In an embodiment, the sports board includes a plurality of layered elements or segments, of which certain elements or segments are joined using interlocking elements.

Abstract: Gliding board equipment systems and individual components are disclosed herein. A gliding board equipment system of one embodiment includes a gliding board, a boot having an upper cuff and a lower boot, and a binding selectively attaching the boot to the gliding board. The upper cuff of the boot defines opposed slots, and a respective pin passes through each slot to couple the upper cuff to the lower boot and allow the upper cuff to move laterally relative to the lower boot.

Abstract: Suspension systems are provided for skis. In some implementations, the suspension system includes a spring-like element and a support structure configured to attach one end of the spring-like element to the central half of the longitudinal running length of a ski body. The spring-like element is configured so that the opposite end of the spring-like element contacts the ski body at a contact point on the front-most or rear-most fifth of the longitudinal running length of the ski body, and applies a downward force at the contact point such that the degree of free camber of the ski is increased relative to the natural free camber of the ski body without the suspension system attached.

Abstract: A foldable ski is part of a system for traversing over snow and ice covered terrain. The ski is configured to be moved from a deployed condition and shortened in length to a stowed condition. Thus, stowing the ski enables it to fit in small spaces such as in a snowmobile compartment or backpack pocket. The ski is constructed with a plurality of hinges, sections, and locking mechanisms configured to move the sections between the deployed condition and the stowed condition. The ski may also include a mechanism for pivotally coupling footwear to the ski, whether a user is wearing hardshell boots or softshell boots for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and/or snowboarding. The mechanism for coupling footwear may include an adjustable binding platform capable of position adjustment and/or length adjustment.

Abstract: An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.

Abstract: Flexible binding wedges are provided with flexion slots cut in a widthwise direction to allow flexibility when mounted to a sportsboard such as a snowboard. “T” inserts through the wedges provide a mount for boot bindings. Flex adjustment bushings may be inserted into the slots to adjust the flexibility of the wedge when mounted on a sportsboard, e.g., a snowboard. The flexible wedges may be mounted under a top surface of the sportsboard, or even on top of the finished upper surface of the sportsboard.

Abstract: A snow board having an elongated body with concavely curved side margins and an elongate web in its center separated from the body by lateral slots and joined with the forward and rear sections of the body in a curved configuration.

Abstract: A downhill ski having a thrust support acting elastically downwards on a point in that portion between the front jaw (P) of the binding and the section where the tip curvature commences.

Abstract: A snow gliding board comprises an upper protective layer (5) and an internal mechanical structuring beam (21). The upper protective layer (5) partially covers the internal beam (21), without significantly influencing the mechanical behavior defined by this internal beam (21), and comprises a visible skin (7), and a 3D visible decorative element (6) which projects above this skin (7) while being fixed in a cutout (8) perforated in the visible skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding board, especially a ski, comprising a treadsole, an upper surface, a lower rib and a core, and at least one element which comprises especially at least one rail-type guiding element, is connected to the body of the sliding board by means of at least one anchoring element, and is used to arrange and guide at least one binding element on the upper side of the sliding board. In order to avoid subsequently fixing guiding elements to the finished ski, the at least one anchoring element (9, 9?, 9?, 19) is integrated into the core (5, 5?) during the expansion thereof and is held by the hardened foam material.

Abstract: A sliding board, in particular a ski, includes a running surface, steel edges, an upper cup, a premanufactured core and at least one interface element connected to the sliding-board body by anchoring elements, for the arrangement of at least one binding element on the upper side of the sliding board. The anchoring elements have a head section held on the interface element or connected to the interface element, and have a shaft extending through an opening in the upper cup into the inside of the sliding board. In order to reduce installation operations on the finished sliding board, the interface element has been connected to the core during the building of the sliding board by at least one of the anchoring elements.

Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding board, in particular a ski or snowboard, with at least one interface element connected to the sliding board body, in particular a rail or guide element for the arrangement of binding elements on the upper side of the sliding board. A cradle or cassette (7) is integrated in the body of the sliding board, to which interface element(s) (5, 5?) is(are) fixed, whereby the cradle or cassette (7) and preferably also the interface element(s) (3, 3?) is(are) connected to further sliding board components with foam or preferably with a foamed core (6).

Abstract: A sliding board, particularly a ski, comprising a sliding surface, an upper shell, optionally, a core, steel edges, an upper belt and a lower belt, and comprising at least one interface element, which is joined to the sliding board body and which is provided for mounting at least one binding element on the top surface of the sliding board. The interface element(s) is/are shaped onto lateral flanks that extend along the longitudinal sides of the ski. These lateral flanks are bound in the sliding board construction during the production of the sliding board.

Abstract: A springloaded snowblade unit with complimentary binding complexes consisting of a snowblade with a skiboot support plate affixed thereto with spring components affixed to the snowblade and support plate with a clearance therebetween and with the binding complexes both anterior and posterior being made up of square u-bolts and binding plates with means for tightening the u-bolts and binding plates together fast to the toe and heel portions of a skiboot with the u-bolts being held by clips located between the snowblade and support plate when the clips are held by screws inserted through holes in the support plate.

Abstract: A sports board comprising a core member and a mounting structure interposed between the core member and an upper layer. The mounting structure defines a region on which the binding can be mounted, wherein the mounting structure comprises a flexible structure with holes that permits the core to flex during use.

Abstract: A binding for a boot includes a platen (4) which is manually mountable to a snowboard in a selected angular position. The platen includes a central hole (4a) and a circular array of upwardly facing teeth (4c). A base (9), mounted to the snowboard, has a spindle (16) and locking arms (16a, 16?a) which extend through the platen central hole. A central pivot body (5) includes a circular peripheral surface (5a) and downwardly projecting teeth (5b) which interact with the central hole and teeth of the platen. Ramping cam elements (8d, 8?d) on a locking disk engage the locking arms and progressively clamp the pivot body to progressively press the teeth of the pivot body against the teeth of the platen to prevent rotation. A clamp (22) having cam ends (22a, 22?a) is pivotal between a vertical release position which permits the central locking disk to rotate and a flat position which locks the central locking disk against rotation.

Abstract: A board (1) for gliding, in particular on snow, having a protective upper layer (3) covering the internal structure of the board, including the core (5) and any reinforcements (10), wherein: it has a metal plate (2) arranged between the protective upper layer (3) and the internal structure of the board, said plate (2) is located level with a transparent region (4) of the protective upper layer (3), said plate (2) has at least one recess (12) formed on its upper face, inside which the material of the protective upper layer (3) penetrates.

Abstract: A telescopic assembly of a shoe comprises a sole having a sliding groove at an upper side thereof and an opened groove at one side of the sliding groove; the opened groove being communicated to the sliding groove and being opened at one side of the sole; a head; a lower side of the head being formed with a sliding block; a teeth bank being formed on the sliding block; the sliding block being engageable to the sliding groove of the sole; the sliding block having a teeth bank; and a detachable unit being made of soft and elastic material; one side of the detachable unit being formed with teeth; another end of the detachable unit being formed with a movable unit having a form like a fork.

Abstract: A device for the adjustable fastening of an accessory on a gliding board, which comprises a base comprising means for fastening the accessory and which accommodates a bar having a toothed part suitable for positioning in a complementary toothed part secured to the gliding board, which device comprises a crank that can rotate within the base and one end of which is connected to a lever, and wherein the bar has one degree of freedom and a part in contact with the bent part of the crank, so that a first position of the lever corresponds to the low position of the toothed part and a second position corresponds to a high position of the toothed part.