Laterally sliding roller ski

Abstract

A roller ski allowing the skier to slide laterally in a manner similar to a snow ski. The system includes at least one ski and it would attach one foot per ski. Each ski has an optionally height and longitudinal angularly adjustable center platform for fixturing the skier's foot with an optionally releasable ski binding system, an optionally height and longitudinal angularly adjustable front tip and rear tail for attaching at least four fixed wheels, and at least two biased pivoting casters which are all positioned along the center platform's longitudinal axis. The fixed wheels function similarly to conventional roller skate trucks. The casters rotate to align themselves with the direction of force exerted on the center platform. The casters are spring biased to align them selves with the longitudinal axis of the center platform. A height differential between the wheels and rollers enables the skier to transfer weight from one to the other, alternating between the carving and sliding characteristics of snow skis. Another option is at least one ski pole for increased ease of skier balance and self propulsion, with modified tips to accommodate more surfaces than just snow.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to a roller ski, specifically to one that can transition in and out of a mode of controlled omnidirectional motion, and be able to stop on inclined surfaces, in a manner similar to the behavior of a snow ski.[0002]Throughout roller skiing's history, which dates back to the 1930's, the basic configuration of equipment has been consistent: skis, single axis rotational wheels, some form of fixturing the wheels, an optional mechanical braking system and some form of restraining the skier's feet. Product advances have always occurred in the context of this basic configuration. Improvements in wheel, bearing and ski material and skier foot fixturing have been made but the essential functionality of the skis nor their motion characteristics have been changed. During the history of roller skiing, snow skiing has also existed and grown in popularity. The market desired lateral motion experienced during snow skiing result from complex in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0025](b) to provide the ability to shift into a mode of omnidirectional behavior, where the device can easily travel forwards, backwards, sideways or any combination thereof;

[0026](c) to provide the ability to transition smoothly and controllably between carving and the omnidirectional mode;

[0028](e) to provide the ability to rotate the ski 180°, 360°, or more repeatedly, without lifting or unweighting the ski, while in motion over terrain;

[0029](f) to provide a means such that the relative ease of entering the omnidirectional mode can be increased or decreased according to the user's preference;

Problems solved by technology

The market desired lateral motion experienced during snow skiing result from complex interactions between the skier, ski and snow conditions.

This effect results from the presence of side cut and flex in the ski design.

This maneuver never gained wide spread popularity for several compelling reasons: (1) it was very difficult to learn and execute and thus potentially dangerous due to risk of falling; (2) it requires considerably high speeds and therefore greater risk of damaging impact forces in event of falling; (3) overcoming the considerable friction of the wheels required the users to twist their bodies very hard and place a lot of torsional stress on their knees, ankles and hips; and (4) risk of injury was also high to much of the rest of the body in the event of an failed attempt leading to a collision with the ground or other objects.

All of the subtle mixtures of forward and sideways motion components, which are so compelling on snow skis, are virtually impossible to engage during a powerslide.

None of these examples allow true lateral sliding with respect to the terrain being traveled over.

Amongst the prior art examples attempting to offer true lateral motion, U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,258 to Giorgio (1994) uses an array of ball-type roller bearings, unlike a snow ski or snowboard, this device includes no means for controlling the omnidirectional motion.

Also, while perhaps functional on a constructed wooden “half pipe”, it would be functionally undermined by dirt and the rougher surface of pavement on a street or playground.

No means is provided to stabilize the casters or to smooth the transitions as weight is transferred from a pivoting caster to a fixed caster.

These inventions do not allow lateral sliding; they do not permit the caster to rotate through 180° or 360°; they do not allow for the possibility of multiple locations of bias on the caster; and they do not permit the characteristics of the bias force to be optimized.

This configuration satisfies only the ability to rotate 360° unimpeded, It does not permit more than one direction of bias; its force profile starts low and grows gradually, allowing wobbling and doing little to help the rider back into the straight ahead position; and the force profile cannot be modified.

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