Abstract: A ski having a sole equipped with discontinuous serrations comprising a smooth or lightly structured front portion and a strongly structured rear portion. The rear portion extends towards the rear in the direction of rear contact line from a transverse line located between the boot center line and a transverse line located at a distance (d) from the boot center line, equal to 0.4 times the distance (D) separating the line from forward contact line. The invention is more specifically related to an alpine ski whose ability to glide is thus improved.

Abstract: A ski or other snow board, has an injected core extending at least up to the tip. Along a neutral fiber there is placed either a metal plate which is coated with rubber on its two faces, or a simple band of rubber or visco-elastic material. Resilience to shear forces is thus obtained, and the risk of breaking the tip is thereby reduced. The same structure may also be provided at the heel of the ski.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ski comprises the steps of providing a shell with a substantially U-shaped cross section, a top strap being integrated into the shell, the shell having a base and shanks extending downwardly and outwardly at an angle to the base, placing a ski core in between the shanks, but not contacting either the shanks or the base, placing a bottom strap on and spanning the space between the outwardly projecting ends of the shanks, and filling all hollow spaces between the core, the shell, and the bottom strap with a liquid plastic material to bond the core, the shell and the bottom strap.

Abstract: A ski is provided with an internal support structure configured to ensure adequate strength for the ski. The internal support structure is formed to define at least one internal cavity. An outer shell surrounds the internal cavity and the internal support structure and defines the exterior of the ski. The internal support structure may be formed from opposed halves assembled to one another. The internal support structure may include a plurality of outwardly extending positioning legs formed unitarily therewith for positioning the internal support structure within an injection mold cavity. The ski may further be provided with metal edges snapped into grooves formed on portions of the bottom surface adjacent the sides.

Abstract: A ballet ski is provided for achieving enhanced stability when a skier is stationary or moving slowly. The bottom surface of the ski has a planar elliptical portion centrally under the foot of the skier. Remaining portions of the bottom surface are convex from front to rear and convex from side to side. Thus, a skier can easily roll from the planar ellipse and into the curved portion to carry out selected ballet maneuvers. Preferably, the ski is formed from separate top and bottom components configured to form air pockets that reduce the weight of the ski. The ski may also include chamfers near the rear binding to enable a brake to rotate into the snow. Additionally, hook receiving apertures may be formed through the rear end of the ski. A pair of the skis may then be used with straps having hooks engageable in the apertures for conveniently suspending the skis in a carrying position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowboard and method of making the same using a heavy cloth material thereby eliminating some toxic materials completely and decreasing the use of other hazardous materials substantially. The snowboard constructed from the present material maintains a stiffness underfoot and a flexibility in the tip and tail to absorb bumps and irregularities in the terrain.

Abstract: Ski comprising a body and at least one cap, i.e., tip or tail element made independently. According to the invention, the cap is made of a synthetic material molded in situ on a frame associated at least in part with the reinforcing frame of the ski body.

Abstract: A ski has a filling core, for example, polyurethane foam, a shell forming an upper face and lateral faces of the ski and a lower face including longitudinal metal edges and a central sliding sole. The ski has two longitudinal reinforcement elements which extend at least in the central part of the ski and are arranged on either side of the core. The two longitudinal reinforcement elements contact the core and at least part of the internal surface of the lateral faces of the ski. Each reinforcement element includes a lower face which extends mainly over a width of a corresponding edge to provide support, and extends over at least a part of a height of the ski.

Abstract: The ski described is characterized by the use of a selected fiber reinforced material comprising a sheetlike textile material and a thermoset resin, the fiber content being 30-70% by weight and the fiber being not less than 30% by weight synthetic. This material is notable for high flexibility and high restoring forces and confers excellent properties on the ski, for example good vibration damping.

Abstract: A top strap for a ski comprising more than one layer and integrated in a shell of a substantially hat-shaped profile cross-section defining a hollow space housing a core, the shell having a base forming the surface of the ski and shanks extending downwardly from the base and inclined at an angle with respect thereof, the shanks forming the side faces of the ski and having ends remote from the base. One of the layers is a cover layer, another one of the layers is a reinforcement layer, the cover layer and the reinforcement layer extending along the cross-section of the whole length of the hat-shaped profile, and a further layer is an intermediate layer arranged in the region of the base of the shell and facing towards the core, the intermediate layer consisting of a reinforcement material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gliding board, especially a snowboard, which is intended to support both boots of a skier. The board includes a base structure of which at least the front end is turned up to form the shovel. It further has a central zone with two mounting zones for the binding elements, a front zone, and a rear zone. The board has, at least in one of the front or rear zones, a long reinforcement shaped according to the length and width of the zone. The reinforcement extends from the vicinity of the end of the front or rear zone to at least the vicinity of the mounting zone located near the zone.

Abstract: A ski includes longitudinal reinforcement elements that are supported on edges of the ski and that form the lateral sides of the ski. The reinforcement elements also serve to support and fix the sides of a shell of the ski. In one zone of the ski, the height of the reinforcement elements may be substantially equal to the height of the ski, while in at least one other zone of the ski, the height of the reinforcement elements is smaller than the height of the ski. The shell includes a central portion and peripheral wings. In at least one zone of the ski, the central portion of the shell is spaced above the peripheral wings, the central portion being connected to the peripheral wings by a lateral side portion.

Abstract: A runner for gliding over snow that includes a thermoplastic composite structural layer. The runner is preferably a snow ski. The snow ski includes an outer layer, a core, a structural layer, a base, and edges. The core has upper and lower surfaces and two lateral sides. The structural layer is joined to the outer layer and is made of a thermoplastic material having multidirectional, high-modulus reinforcing fibers embedded within the thermoplastic. The thermoplastic material is disposed across the upper surface and along the lateral sides of the core and joins the outer layer to the core. The base has a bottom sliding surface for contact with the snow, lateral sides, and a top surface. The top surface of the base is joined to the core and includes a resin-impregnated fiber material for structural rigidity. The edges extend longitudinally along the lateral sides of the base.

Abstract: A tunable snowboard having a base with perimetric edge tunability so that the controlling edge can be formed to meet the specific needs of the end user. The tunability is provided by a sheet of tunable material that covers some or all of the base. The amount of the base that is covered with tunable material in any one part of the snowboard is selected based on how much adjustment is to be provided in that part. A method for making a snowboard is also disclosed, including providing tunable material in the approximate shape of a snowboard. The tunable material is shaped to cover preferably from 10-percent to 100-percent of the base of the finished snowboard and a deck of structural material is bonded to the tunable material. In addition, the method can include cutting a hole in the tunable material adjacent an end of the snowboard and then extruding a portion of the deck material through the hole, and molding indentations, a step plate pattern and binding mounting plate patterns into the deck.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a shaped ski in a single step, which includes:in laying down, in the bottom of a mold, at least one lower reinforcing layer (13, 14);in positioning, on this lower assembly (10), an upper reinforcing layer (22) composed of mechanization elements;in placing, on this upper reinforcing layer (22), a protective and decorative layer (21);in closing the cover of the mold;in injecting, between the lower assembly (10) and upper assembly (22), a fluid intended to expand the various elements against the walls;wherein, in the region of the upper reinforcing layer (22), at least one additional element (30) is positioned, said additional element being intended to vary the relative position of the mechanization elements of said reinforcing layer (22) with respect to the faces of the ski.

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

Abstract: This ski comprises longitudinal reinforcing elements, each bearing on one edge, and forming the sides of the ski, at least one of them extending over a part of the height of this ski, and a shell forming the upper face and a part of at least one of the lateral walls of the ski, and the longitudinal borders of which rest and are fixed on the upper face of the sides, the respective heights of a side and of the shell on at least one of the lateral parts of the ski varying in the same proportions over the length of the ski.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a ski for gliding on the snow. The ski includes a longitudinal beam whose front end is turned up to form the shovel. The ski has a box structure on a portion of its length, and a sandwich structure on its remaining length. Preferably, the ski has a box structure at least in its median zone of the middle sole, and a sandwich structure at least in one of the front or rear zones.

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

Abstract: A ski formed by injecting foam within a tubular compartment constituted by a deformable and stretchable membrane made of polyurethane or copolyamide or ABS. During expansion the foam deforms the membrane and presses the elements against the peripheral walls of the ski maintained in the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the friction between a slide such as a ski and a responsive material such as snow by heating or cooling a portion of the material to change the material's coefficient of friction is disclosed. The apparatus includes a slide, a power source, and a thermal means which uses power from the power source to heat or cool the material the slide glides over. Electrical and chemical power sources are described. In one presently preferred embodiment, the slide is a ski, the power source includes electric batteries, and the thermal means includes heating elements embedded in the ski. The amount and location of heat produced may be controlled manually, remotely, or automatically. The batteries may be enclosed in the ski or attached to the skier's back. Other presently preferred embodiments include heated ice skate blades, snowmobile runners, and sled runners. Thermal means which heat the snow directly rather than heating the slide first are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for decorating the top portion of the ski including a step of assembling and affixing an external, thick layer of transparent plastic material onto an opaque internal layer. Prior to the assembly step, the first decoration is transferred onto the external surface of the external layer and a second internal decoration, different from the first, is transferred onto one of the surfaces connecting the internal layer with the external layer. The invention enables an economical production of varied and easily interchangeable decorations.

Abstract: In this composite ski, each cap, i.e., tip or tail, comprises at least one recess terminating in an end surface thereof for attachment to the ski body, with a reinforcing frame of the ski body extending longitudinally beyond the ends of the ski body to engage the at least one cap recess. The ski body is then injected with foam made of synthetic material, which constitutes the core of the body and also fills the at least one cap recess thereby forming a composite ski with greater flexibility that is much safer and less susceptible to damage.

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

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

Abstract: Compounds which can be defined by the formula (I):CF.sub.3 --C.sub.n F.sub.2n --C.sub.m H.sub.2m --CH.sub.3 (I)wherein:n is a numeral comprised within the range of from 1 to 21;m is a numeral comprised within the range of from 3 to 25;n+m is a numeral equal to, or higher than, 18;with the chain of carbon atoms being either linear or branchedare used as agents affording sliding characteristics (ski-waxes) for skis, to be applied onto the ski sole, and/or to be incorporated inside the ski sole.A sliding composition is also disclosed, which contains a paraffinic wax and at least one compound with formula (I).

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

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

Abstract: A ski with a profiled top with a core located between a top strap, a bottom strap and a pair of side faces. An intermediate ply is located over the top strap and underneath a top running surface ply. The intermediate ply or the core, or both, has a varying shape over the length of the ski. The intermediate ply additionally includes a damping element formed therein.

Abstract: Improvements in the construction of skis, sleigh runners and the like having extended and improved wear characteristics. In one form a ski is fabricated with lower left and right edging thereof which is subject to wear and dulling during use by frictional attrition defined by a hard synthetic material having the hardness in the range of natural diamond or higher. The hard material may comprise a coating of synthetic diamond formed in situ on a flexible strip of metal or ceramic material by chemical vapor deposition, radiation beam deposition or other means such as lamination sintering.

Abstract: The invention relates to adhesion of various elements of a structure, such as a ski, consisting of an assembly of at least one first element and a second element by the action of an adhesive layer made of resin or foam, by interspersing at least one thermoplastic film, adapted for adhesion, and composed of a compound of polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers and of copolymers of olefins, the latter preferably being constituted of at least two different monomers of olefins, between the adhesive layer and the junction surface of the first element. The composition of the thermoplastic film is such that the thermoplastic elastomers represent at least 50% and preferably 60% of the total weight of the compound.

Abstract: A ski base sheet and ski body are disclosed. The ski base sheet is removable from the ski body and reusable. The ski base sheet is attached to the ski body by using a structured surface. A number of different ski base sheets may be used interchangably on the ski body.

Abstract: A ski, such as an alpine ski, a cross-country ski, a jumping ski, a monoski or a snowboard, e.g., having attached thereto an element, such as a slide plate of a safety binding, with a layer of thermofusible material. The attachment of the element to the ski, such as the attachment of the binding plate to the upper surface of the ski, is accomplished, e.g., by vibrational welding, to provide a secure connection between the slide plate, e.g., and the ski, and to provide a connection that enables a superior flexion characteristic of the ski in the area of the slide plate, without the use of screws that penetrate the structure of the ski.

Abstract: A ski and a method of forming a ski. The ski includes a lower element and an upper element, each having the shape of a beam casing. The lower element has an upper surface that has either a longitudinally extending groove or a longitudinally extending projection and the upper element has a lower surface that has a groove or a projection that has a transverse cross-section that is respectively complementary to a transverse cross-section of the groove or to a transverse cross-section of the projection of the lower element, and in which the groove or projection of the lower element is nested in the projection or groove, respectively, of the upper element. Depending upon the nature of the desired response characteristics of the ski, the interior of the upper and lower elements can be selectively filled with specific materials or left empty.

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

Abstract: A snowboard with a recessed bottom and upturned edges is provided to house a specialized base. The base consists of a metal plate between the longitudinal edges of the bottom with a plastic coating over it. The base is slick when wet and resilient enough to resist blows and abrasion.

Abstract: A ski sole having a first section situated in the ski runner region and two other sections corresponding to the two ends of the ski. The first section is fabricated of a material having a greater hardness than that of the two other sections.

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

Abstract: A ski having a composite structure. The ski includes a first element, a second element, an injected core positioned between the first element and the second element, with a polymer film positioned between the injected core and at least one of the first element and the second element, which is in contact with the film through a reinforcement component. The ski is produced by a process of providing on the internal surface of the first and/or second elements a solid compatibilizer film. The film forms an interface between an injected foam and the first and/or second elements to promote adherence.

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

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

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

Abstract: An alpine ski with reinforcement layers, a top surface layer and a running surface layer. The ski has a width which is greater than 10 cm and is in the range of five percent and twenty percent of the length. The ski design makes skiing on soft snow, especially deep snow, possible for average skiers.

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

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

Abstract: Ski comprising a lower sub-assembly providing mechanical resistance (2) and an upper cover sub-assembly (3). The lower sub-assembly (2) comprises an outer sole plate for sliding (20), lateral metal edges (21), a core (22), at least one lower reinforcement piece (23) and at least one upper reinforcement piece (24). The upper sub-assembly (3) comprises at least one thin, flexible outer membrane (30) and a filling material (31) made of deformable, elastic plastic foam interposed over at least a portion of the length of the ski between the membrane (30) and the upper reinforcement piece (24).

Abstract: A ski comprising a multi-layered top web, a multi-layered bottom web, the webs having a sandwich web including a web core and two layers covering respective surfaces of the web core incorporated therein, a ski core arranged between the top and bottom webs, respective side ledges extending along the ski core, and respective side edges extending along the top and bottom webs.

Abstract: A snow ski has a main body with a recess located in the central portion of the top surface of the ski. The recess is adapted to receive a complementary shaped ski binding mounting plate which is bonded to an intermediate layer of viscoelastic material, which is, in turn, bonded to the main body of the ski. The ski binding mounting plate has a thickness such that the fasteners used to hold the ski binding thereon do not extend through the mounting plate into the body of the ski. The body of the ski may also include reinforcing material in the central portion of the ski containing the recess.

Abstract: A ski comprising an upper decoration and protection subassembly, and a lower mechanical assembly, and the process of its manufacture. The decoration and protection sub-assembly is a double layer comprised of a polyamide, a copolymer of styrene, and either of carboxylic acid or its anhydride or a mixture containing those copolymers. This double layer can be coextruded, and it has excellent adhesive properties with the lower mechanical subassembly during the ski molding operation.