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

[0034](k) to create a device th...

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 ...

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