Snow jet generator for skiing

Abstract

An apparatus for generating a stream of snow while moving. The apparatus includes a channel member attached to a ski or snowboard during use. The channel member has an inlet located at or below the snow line during use. The inlet leads to an upwardly sloping channel and an outlet above the snow line, whereby as the ski or snowboard moves across the snow line, snow enters the channel and is forced upward through the outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that can be attached to a snow ski or snowboard or incorporated into the base design of the ski or boot binding to generate a jet of snow during forward or downward movement and / or to act as a braking mechanism for skiers, especially beginners.

[0002] The device can be retrofitted to a ski or snowboard or can be incorporated into the design of the ski or snowboard base. [Background technology]

[0003] Skiing is a sport and recreation enjoyed by millions of people each year. As the number of people on the slopes increases, safety and visibility on the slopes become paramount. Furthermore, there is a constant desire to enhance the enjoyment of skiing and attract new skiers to the slopes.

[0004] Traditionally, ski manufacturers have been reluctant to modify the design of skis, especially for recreational use. They advise against drilling holes in the ski, as this could compromise the structural strength of the ski. They also advise against attaching additional components to the ski, for example with glue, as this could damage the ski when the components are removed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for producing a snow jet or spray, the device being arranged to be attachable to the rear of a ski or snowboard, with the primary purpose of producing a snow jet as the skier descends the slope.

[0006] The device provides a removable attachment mechanism that does not damage the ski surface or require permanent modifications. The device is easily removable and reattachable, allowing for easy maintenance or sharpening of the ski bed, if necessary, without interference from the device. Furthermore, if a user wishes to select skis without the device, the device can be easily removed without the need for tools.

[0007] The device provides universal compatibility with skis from various manufacturers, accommodating variations in width, thickness, and upward curvature of the rear end of the ski. The device provides height adjustment and adaptability relative to the snow line while remaining securely attached to the ski to ensure effective jetting against the three primary forces acting on the ski: vertical lift, rearward pull, and lateral torque. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for generating a stream of snow while moving, the apparatus comprising a channel member attached in use to a ski or snowboard, the channel member having an inlet that is located at or below the snow line in use, the inlet leading to an upwardly sloping channel and an outlet above the snow line, whereby as the ski or snowboard moves across the snow line, snow enters the channel and is forced upwardly through the outlet.

[0009] Preferably, the surface of the channel has a concave curve.

[0010] Preferably, the channel members are located at the side ends of the ski or snowboard.

[0011] Preferably, the channel member is attached to or forms part of the binder in the front toe area.

[0012] Preferably, the channel member is attached to or forms part of the brake assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the channel member is located at one end of the ski.

[0014] Preferably, the device, in use, further comprises a first clamping member secured to the surface of the ski or snowboard, an upper body member attachable to the first clamping member, and a second clamping member attachable to the upper body member, and the channel member is secured to the second clamping member.

[0015] Preferably, the second clamping member is shaped to fit over the end of the ski.

[0016] Preferably, the channel member comprises a snow jet generator and an exhaust member.

[0017] Preferably, the snow jet generator comprises a flexible torsion bar connected to an upper body member and a blade member extending downwardly from the torsion bar.

[0018] Preferably, the blade members comprise semi-annular members.

[0019] Preferably, the blade member is detachable from the torsion bar.

[0020] Preferably, the upper body member is made from a flexible material.

[0021] Preferably, the upper body member is made from a rubber material.

[0022] Preferably, the device comprises two longitudinally adjacent, oppositely positioned channel members.

[0023] Preferably, the device comprises two channel members, one on each side of the ski or snowboard.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a ski or snowboard having means for forming a snow jet as it is moved across the ground, the means for forming the snow jet comprising a recess extending inwardly from at least one longitudinal end of the ski or snowboard, the recess having laterally extending walls which slope upwardly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 shows a snow jet generating device constructed in accordance with the present invention and attached to a ski in use; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the snow jet generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 shows the clamp of the device separated from the body. [Figure 4] A side view of the clamp is shown. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembled device attached to a ski. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the device showing the position of the device relative to the snow line. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the device showing the direction of snow spray. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 1 shows a snow jet generating device constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention and attached to a ski in use; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the device of FIGS. 10 and 11. [Figure 13] 10 shows a ski equipped with a snow jet generating device constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a detailed view of the device of FIG. 13. [Figure 15]1 shows a binding assembly in the front toe area incorporating a snow jet generating device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view of the binding of the front toe portion of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 1 shows a ski brake assembly incorporating a snow jet generating device. [Figure 18] 18 shows the brake assembly of the ski of FIG. 17 in use. [Figure 19] 1 shows a snowboard incorporating a ski jet generating device constructed in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of the device of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 1 shows the direction of flow of the snow jet when the snowboard is moving in a first direction. [Figure 22] 10 shows the direction of snow jet flow when the snowboard is moved in a second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a snow jet generating device 2 attached to a ski 4 .

[0028] The components of the device 2 are now described with reference to FIG.

[0029] The clamp 6 is adhered to the surface of the ski 4 by a section of super strong adhesive double sided tape 8 .

[0030] An upper body 10, having a shape complementary to the clamp 6, is attachable to the clamp 6 in use. The upper body 10 is made of polyurethane rubber or a similar semi-flexible material and has a recess for receiving a C-clamp assembly 12. The C-clamp 12 is constructed from a hard plastic. The clamp assembly 12 includes a base 14 having a U-shaped end that forms a slot to fit over the rear end 16 of the ski 4. Arms 18 extend from opposite sides of the base 14 and, in use, extend above the upper body 10 of the assembly to connect to the clamp 12. A central arm 20 extends between the two outer arms 18 and is received within a complementary shaped recess 22 formed in the underside of the upper body 10.

[0031] A snow jet generating device 24 and a snow jet exhauster 26 connect to each other and to the rear of the clamp assembly 12. A retaining pin 28 secures the snow jet exhauster 26 and the jet generator 24 to the clamp 12.

[0032] 3 shows the clamp 6 attached to the rear of the ski 4. The upper body assembly 10 is removable from the clamp 6.

[0033] The upper body 10 has an opening 30 that receives a plug 32 formed on the clamp 6 so that the upper body 10 is positioned over the clamp 6 .

[0034] The base of the rear section of the clamp 6 has a plurality of laterally extending slots 34 which act as hinges, allowing the base of the clamp 6 to accommodate skis with different curved end profiles.

[0035] Also, as can be seen in FIG. 4 , there is provided on the base of the rear section of clamp 6 an array of upstanding ridges or teeth 36 which, in use, extend through slots 38 formed in the underside of the flexible rubber portion of body 10 to prevent lateral movement S of upper body 10 relative to clamp 6.

[0036] 5 shows a cross-section of the installed assembly. The upper body 10 has deformed and extended above the clamp 6. A plug 32 extends through the opening 30 to prevent movement of the device in direction R relative to the base of the ski 4.

[0037] 5 also shows the clamp assembly 12 fitted to the end 16 of the ski to prevent movement of the device in direction P relative to the ski 4. Once connected, the teeth 36 extend into spaced slots 38 to accommodate the curved formation of the ski 4. In addition to the teeth 36, the flexibility of the rubber upper body 10 allows it to bend to accommodate the curvature.

[0038] 6 shows the snow jet generating device 24 forming part of the assembly. The device 24 comprises a body forming a flexible torsion bar 40. The bottom surface of the bar 40 includes a blade 42 in the form of a downwardly extending semi-annular flange. The blade 42 is formed from a plastic material. The device 24 attaches to the C-clamp 12 via a keyway 44 extending from the top surface of the torsion bar 40. The keyway protrusion 44 is positionable within a complementarily shaped recess 46 formed in the rear of the central arm 20 of the C-clamp 12.

[0039] The bar 40 acts as a suspension unit that allows the hard plastic blade 42 to move in direction P and rotate in direction R about a keyway 44, minimizing the forces acting on the device 2 and preventing the assembly from coming off the rear of the ski 4.

[0040] 7 shows blade 42 positioned below snow line V. If the assembly is fitted to a ski with a curvature such that the end 16 of the ski is high enough that blade 42 does not penetrate the snow, blade 42 can be removed from bar 40 and replaced with one having a larger annulus, ensuring that blade 42 is positioned at or below snow line V.

[0041] The flexibility of the torsion bar 40 allows the blade 42 to move to accommodate the snow line V or any hard surface below the snow line V without applying excessive force to the upper body 10, which could otherwise cause the upper body 10 to become detached from the ski 4.

[0042] The exhaust device 26 has an annular body 48 and is designed to be positioned above or below the snow line V. The exhaust device 26 is made of a soft, flexible material, such as polyurethane, which allows the exhaust device 26 to flex up and down to conform to any hard surface.

[0043] 8 shows blade 42 scooping snow from below snow line V in direction P. Exhaust device 26 then smooths the flow and controls the height of the exit. The angle of the generated snow jet 50 can be changed by adjusting the height of exhaust device 26.

[0044] The assembly can act as a brake for skiing on ice by increasing the downward force of the blade 42 onto the ice, instead of increasing the stiffness of the torsion bar.

[0045] As can be seen in FIG. 9, the upper body 10 includes a tab 52 that can be pulled in direction P to separate the body 10 from the ski clamp 6 and ski 4 .

[0046] Figures 10 to 12 show a further embodiment of the invention. The figures show a snow jet generating assembly 54 attached to the rear of a ski 4. The assembly comprises a plate body 56 made of a flexible rubber material. As can be seen in Figure 2, the rear of the ski 4 has a fastener 58 onto which the plate body 56 can be fixed using a fixing screw 60.

[0047] Additionally, the rear end 62 of the plate body 56 functions as a ski protector when the ski 4 is placed upright on a hard surface during transport or storage. The blades 64 are formed by upwardly curved recessed channels formed on both sides of the plate body 56. The blades 64 function to scoop up snow from the surface and push the snow upward to create a stream or jet of snow as the ski moves forward.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the back of plate 56 has a flange that fits over the end of the ski, allowing the user to simply bend the flange away from the ski to release the assembly.

[0049] 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of a snow jet generating assembly in which the rear of the ski is formed with opposing inwardly extending recesses 66, the inner surfaces 68 of which are curved upward to form blades that scoop up snow and jet it upward.

[0050] Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in which snow jet generating blades 70 are formed as upwardly curved concave surfaces located on either side of the binding assembly 72 in the front toe area. Figure 16 shows how the blades 70 can scoop up snow from ground level L and jet the snow upward in direction M.

[0051] 17 and 18 show a further embodiment of the invention, in which snow jet generating blades 74 are formed as upwardly curved concave surfaces located on either side of a ski brake assembly 76. FIG. 17 shows the brake assembly in its closed position, with blades 74 remaining engaged with snow level L and generating a snow jet in direction d. This braking position is the position when a ski boot is inserted into the binding 78. FIG. 18 shows the ski brake assembly 76 in its fully down position, which occurs when a ski boot is not inserted into the boot binding 78. In this mode of operation, the ski braking effect is fully engaged.

[0052] Figures 19 to 22 show a further embodiment of the present invention in which a dual blade snow jet generator 80 is attached to each side of the snowboard.

[0053] 20, the blades 80 are configured with opposite, upwardly curved concave surfaces on either side of the snowboard 82. Snowboarders and some skiers can use dual-bladed skijets because they can travel in both directions on their snowboards or skis.

[0054] FIG. 20 shows a dual blade assembly 80 mounted on a snowboard 82 moving in direction s and generating a jet of snow in direction t.

[0055] FIG. 21 shows a snowboard 82 moving in direction u and generating a jet of snow in direction v.

[0056] All of the described embodiments utilize a blade that sinks below or within the snow line and raises a stream of snow. This stream of snow is then controlled and shaped by being directed through an exhaust pipe, creating a smooth jet of snow that makes the ski appear rocket- or jet-propelled. As can be readily appreciated from this description, the present invention provides adaptability to a variety of ski shapes while maintaining an optimal position of its blade relative to the snow line. All of these adjustments must be made without being affected by the three primary forces acting on the device and without compromising the device's resistance to detachment.

[0057] Users can compete to see who can produce the highest or biggest jet of snow, and the device can be used as an indicator that a skier is properly "carving" a turn, rather than simply sliding their skis through the turn.

[0058] By generating a jet of snow up to a height of 5 to 30 meters, the device can be used to signal the presence of young skiers, thereby encouraging adults to be aware of and maintain a minimum distance of 15 meters from children and not get too close.

[0059] A range of interchangeable blade lengths can be offered to accommodate the various rear heights across different manufacturers' ski designs, ensuring proper blade penetration into the snow. Additionally, the exhaust is also interchangeable, allowing for a variety of jet heights and effects, ranging from high jet to low jet and even split jet.

[0060] The exhaust system may have a fixed or interchangeable stylized outer shell, which may resemble a rocket, a jet airplane engine, or a lion's head, to name a few.

[0061] Although this embodiment shows the snow jet generating device having an upwardly curved concave surface, the surface may also have an angled, inclined surface with no curvature. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 2 equipment 4. Skiing 6 Clamp 8 Super strong double-sided tape 10 Upper body 12 C-clamp assembly 14 Base 16 Ski End 18 Arm 20 Central Arm 24 Snow Jet Generating Device 26 Snow-jet exhaust system 28 Retaining pin 30 Opening 32 plug 34 slots 36 teeth 38 slots 40 Torsion bar 42 Blades 44 keyway 46 Recess 48 Annular Body 50 Snow Spray 52 tabs 54 Snow Jet Generation Assembly 56 Plate body 58 Fixtures 60 fixing screws 62 Rear end 64 blades 66 Recess 68 Inner 70 Snow Jet Generator Blade 72 Binding Assembly 74 Snow Jet Generating Blade 76 Brake Assembly 78 Binding 80 Dual-blade snow jet generator 82 Snowboarding

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for generating a snow stream while moving, comprising: the device comprises a channel member that is attached to the ski or snowboard in use; the channel member has an inlet that is located at or below the snow line in use; The device, wherein the inlet leads to an upwardly sloping channel and an outlet above the snow line, whereby as the ski or snowboard moves across the snow line, snow enters the channel and is forced upwardly out of the outlet.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the surface of the channel has a concave curve.

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel member is located at the side end of the ski or snowboard.

4. 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel member is attached to or forms part of a front toe binder.

5. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel member is attached to or forms part of a brake assembly.

6. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the channel member is located at one end of the ski.

7. The device comprises: a first clamping member secured, in use, to the surface of the ski or snowboard; an upper body member attachable to the first clamp member; a second clamp member attachable to the upper body member; and Furthermore, 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the channel member is secured to the second clamp member.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second clamping member is shaped to fit over the end of the ski.

9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the channel member comprises a snow jet generator and an exhaust member.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the snow jet generator comprises a flexible torsion bar connected to the upper body member and a blade member extending downwardly from the torsion bar.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the blade member comprises a semi-annular member.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the blade member is detachable from the torsion bar.

13. 13. The device of any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the upper body member is made from a flexible material.

14. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the upper body member is made from a rubber material.

15. 15. The device of any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising two longitudinally adjacent, oppositely positioned channel members.

16. 6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises two channel members, one on each side of the ski or snowboard.

17. 1. A ski or snowboard having means for producing a jet of snow as it moves across the ground, comprising: the snow jet forming means comprises a recess extending inwardly from at least one longitudinal end of the ski or snowboard; the recess has a laterally extending wall; A ski or snowboard characterized in that the wall is inclined upward.

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