U.S. patent application number 12/684040 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-08 for adjustable width ski.
This patent application is currently assigned to Steep N Deep, LLC. Invention is credited to Stephen H. Miller, Matt Nicosia.
Application Number | 20100171288 12/684040 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42311190 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100171288 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nicosia; Matt ; et
al. |
July 8, 2010 |
ADJUSTABLE WIDTH SKI
Abstract
An adjustable width ski can comprise a top plank and two bottom
planks. The relationship between the top plank and the two bottom
planks can be adjusted to increase the width of the ski. The ski
can further comprise a fastener to secure the top and bottom planks
in the different configurations. A user can adjust the width of the
ski depending on the preferences of the user. The ski can further
have a mechanical or electro-mechanical adjustment mechanism.
Inventors: |
Nicosia; Matt; (Irvine,
CA) ; Miller; Stephen H.; (Irvine, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
Steep N Deep, LLC
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
42311190 |
Appl. No.: |
12/684040 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61143022 |
Jan 7, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/609 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 5/126 20130101;
A63C 5/0422 20130101; A63C 2203/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/609 |
International
Class: |
A63C 5/04 20060101
A63C005/04 |
Claims
1. An adjustable width ski comprising: a top plank; and two half
planks having substantially the same length as the top plank;
wherein the top plank is attached to the tops of the two half
planks and the two half planks adjust outwardly from the sides of
the top plank to form a base that has an adjustable width.
2. The ski of claim 1, wherein the ski has a width of about 85 mm
in a first position and about 135 mm in a second position.
3. The ski of claim 1, wherein the adjustment is an expansion of up
to 150 to 160%.
4. The ski of claim 1, wherein the entire width of the ski adjusts
between 0-50 mm inclusive.
5. The ski of claim 1, wherein the two half planks are mirror
images of one another.
6. The ski of claim 1, wherein the outward adjustment of the two
half planks comprises a sliding outward from the center of the ski
from a first position to a second position along the entire length
of the ski.
7. The ski of claim 1, configured for adjustment along the entire
length of both sides of the ski.
8. A snow slider comprising: a top portion; and a bottom portion;
the snow slider having a first locked position and a second locked
position, wherein in the first locked position the bottom portion
has a first set width and in the second locked position the bottom
portion has a second set width greater than the first set
width.
9. The snow slider of claim 8, wherein in the second locked
position the bottom of the bottom portion and a bottom section of
the top portion are configured to slide on snow.
10. The snow slider of claim 8, wherein the snow slider is manually
adjustable between the first locked position and the second locked
position.
11. The snow slider of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of
slots and a plurality of fasteners, each fastener engaged in a slot
and securing the top portion and the bottom portion in a
preselected position, preselected between the first locked position
and the second locked position.
12. The snow slider of claim 8, further comprising a quick release,
the quick release unlocking the snow slider from the preselected
position and allowing . . . .
13. The snow slider of claim 12, wherein the quick release
comprises a cam and a lever that adjusts the position of the cam to
tighten or loose the quick release.
14. The snow slider of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
protrusions, each protrusion being within a slot forming a slidable
joint.
15. The snow slider of claim 14, wherein the slidable joint
comprises a dovetail joint.
16. The snow slider of claim 11, the slot having a first and second
recess, corresponding with the first and second locked positions,
respectively.
17. The snow slider of claim 11, further comprising at least two
channels and at least two keys, wherein the key fits into the
channel in either the first position or the second position.
18. The snow slider of claim 17, further comprising two keys and
four channels, the two keys being on the bottom of the top portion
and two channels being on one half of the bottom portion and two
channels being on the other half of the bottom portion, each half
having one inner channel and one outer channel, wherein the two
inner most channels engage the two keys in the first position and
the two outermost channels engage the two keys in the second
position
19. The snow slider of claim 17, wherein the channels comprise a
V-shaped groove and the keys comprise a V-shaped protrusion.
20. A board for sliding on snow comprising: an I-beam; and two
C-members on opposite sides of the I-beam, each C-member engaging a
side of the I-beam and a part of the bottom of the I-beam.
21. The board of claim 20, wherein the C-members are adjustable
from a first position to a second position and the width of the
board is greater in the second position than in the first
position.
22. The board of claim 21, further comprising an electro-mechanical
adjustment mechanism.
23. The board of claim 21, further comprising a mechanical
adjustment mechanism.
24. The board of claim 23, wherein the mechanical adjustment
mechanism comprises a scissor mechanism controlled by a worm
gear.
25. The board of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of slots
and a plurality of fasteners, each fastener engaged in a slot and
securing the 1-beam and one of the C-members in a preselected
position, preselected between the first position and the second
position.
26. A method of adjusting an adjustable width ski comprising:
unlocking an adjustable width ski from a first position, the
adjustable width ski comprising: a top portion; and a bottom
portion having two opposite sides and an adjustable width measured
between the two opposite sides, the bottom portion having a first
width in the first position and a second width in a second
position, the second width being larger than the first width;
moving the two opposite sides outward and away from one another
from the first position to the second position; and locking the
adjustable width ski in the second position.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of moving comprises
sliding.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of moving comprises
moving along a single plane
29. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of unlocking comprises
releasing a quick release mechanism.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of locking comprises
securing a quick release mechanism.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/143,022, filed Jan. 7, 2009, entitled
ADJUSTABLE WIDTH SKI, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein and should be considered a part of
this specification.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to improvements in boards
that slide on snow such as skis and snowboards. In particular, the
invention is related to adjustable width skis for use in different
weather conditions and snow conditions.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] On the ski slopes for downhill skiing and in other places
with snow, the snow conditions can be constantly changing. For
example, snowfall during the day or night can create a layer of
powder with a low density. Over time, the layer of powder can
become packed down creating a snow pack with a higher density than
the original powder. This can be the result of use of the snow by
skiers or snowboarders. The repeated sliding over the snow can
cause the snow to be packed down. In addition, the heat of the day
can melt the snow and powder. Then as the day or night gets colder,
the melted snow can refreeze. This also results in a harder snow
pack than the original powder.
[0006] There can be an exceeding number of variables in deciding
what particular size or style of ski or snowboard to use when
sliding on snow. The weather conditions and condition of the snow
can be some of those variables. For some skiers, it is preferred to
use wider skis on powder and narrower skis on packed snow.
[0007] It can be desirable to have wider skies on powder so that
the skier can float over the powder. The wider skies can allow the
user to more easily glide over and through the powder, where
narrower skies can have a tendency to sink into the snow, causing
the skier to travel slower and not be able to maneuver as easily.
In normal conditions with a certain amount of packed snow, it may
be more desirable for a narrower width ski to be used by the skier.
This can have the benefit of being more maneuverable in snow that
is already packed down. Thus, the wider width may not be necessary
to keep the skier on top of the snow. The user may feel that it is
necessary to have different skis based on the snow conditions to
provide a better skiing experience.
[0008] Thus, the skier may take two or more sizes of skis with him
or her to the slopes. The skier may use the wider skis, for
example, in the morning to ride on freshly fallen powder and then,
the skier may change to the narrower skis later in the day as the
snow pack has become harder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] For these reasons, there exists competing needs related to
the width of a user's ski.
[0010] In certain embodiments, (we will summarize the claims
here).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable width
ski.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates some the different components of an
embodiment of an adjustable width ski and some of the different
configurations of the adjustable width ski.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the width of an
embodiment of an adjustable width ski in the first, second and
third positions as the ski goes from the initial shortened width to
the widest width.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of an adjustable width ski with a quick release and slot
in the bottom planks of the ski.
[0015] FIG. 4A shows a method of adjusting the adjustable width ski
of FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an adjustable width
ski showing a tongue and groove system to ensure proper alignment
of the ski.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a lengthwise cross-sectional side view showing
multiple variations of an adjustable width ski.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an
adjustable width ski with an eye-beam top plank and two "C"-shaped
bottom planks.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an
adjustable width ski with a mechanical adjustment mechanism.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
an adjustable width ski with an electro-mechanical adjustment
mechanism.
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a lengthwise cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of an adjustable width ski with another type of
mechanical adjustment mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable width ski 10 comprising a
top plank 2 and two bottom planks 4. The adjustable width ski 10
can have a tip 12, a tail 14 and a waist 16. The adjustable width
ski 10 can further comprise bindings (not shown) and other features
commonly known in the art. An adjustable width ski 10 can be easily
adjustable from an initial configuration to a second, third or
additional configurations. A user can adjust the width of the ski
depending upon the desired width. The desired width can be based on
many variables, such as: the user's skiing style, personal
preference, snow conditions, weather conditions, experience of the
skier, etc.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates some of the components of certain
embodiments of an adjustable width ski 10. At the top of FIG. 2 are
shown two bottom planks 4, followed by a top plank 2. Under that,
an adjustable width ski 10 is shown wherein the bottom planks 4
have been adjusted outward to a second position. Lastly, at the
bottom of FIG. 2, is shown an adjustable width ski 10 in a fully
extended position with the bottom planks 4 adjusted to the farthest
out position. In the embodiment shown, the fully extended position
corresponds to a third position; other embodiments may have more or
less positions. Also as shown in some embodiments, an adjustable
width ski 10 can adjust the width of the entire ski 10 from the tip
12 to the tail 14.
[0024] In some embodiments the top plank 2 and the bottom plank 4
can be two separate skis that have been joined together. In certain
embodiments, the bottom planks 4 can be a ski that has been cut in
half. In some embodiments, the bottom planks 4 are essentially
mirror images of one another. In some embodiments, the top plank 2
is a full length ski.
[0025] Also shown are screw holes 8 that can be used to secure the
top plank 2 and the bottom planks 4 in the different
configurations. As illustrated, the adjustable width ski 10 has one
grouping of screw holes 8 near the tip 12 of the ski and one
grouping of screw holes 8 near the tail 14 of the ski. Some
embodiments have more or less groupings of screw holes 8.
[0026] The adjustable width ski 10 can be made from many materials,
including carbon fiber, wood, and/or other natural and synthetic
materials. For example, the adjustable width ski 10 can be made
from glass fiber, KEVLAR.RTM., titanium, polymer, hardened plastic
and/or composite materials. In addition, the adjustable width ski
can contain a wood core. In some embodiments, the top plank 2 and
the bottom planks 4 can be made out of either the same materials or
different materials. In a preferred embodiment, the top plank 2 and
the bottom planks 4 are made from carbon fiber. The carbon fiber
can be fabricated in a honeycomb fashion on the interior and
covered in a carbon fiber material to enclose the honeycomb
internal structure.
[0027] As can be seen in FIG. 2, an adjustable width ski 10 can
have a width that varies along the length of the ski 10. For
example, the waist 16 of the ski 10 may be narrower than the tip 12
and tail 14. In some embodiments, the tail 14 may be narrower than
the tip 12. In some embodiments, the ski can have a width that does
not vary along the width of the ski 10.
[0028] In some embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be
approximately 85 mm in the initial configuration. In some
embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be between approximately
80 and 95 mm in the initial configuration. In some embodiments, the
width of the ski 10 can be approximately 130 mm in the fully
extended configuration. In some embodiments, the width of the ski
10 can be approximately 135 mm in the fully extended configuration.
In some embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be between
approximately 120-160 mm in the fully extended configuration. In
some embodiments, the ski 10 can increase its width up to 150%. In
some embodiments, the ski 10 can increase its width up to 160%.
[0029] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate cross-sections of various embodiments
of an adjustable width ski at the location taken along lines A-A of
FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an adjustable width ski 10' in an initial
position, a second position and a third position. In the initial
position, the bottom planks 4' are shown adjacent one another so
that the ski 10' has a narrow width. In the second and third
positions the width is shown in gradually wider configurations. The
cross-section shows screws 6' through screw holes 8' in both the
top plank 2' and the bottom planks 4'. The screws 6' can be
adjustable so that releasing the screws or unscrewing the screws
allows a user to adjust the adjustable width ski 10' to a different
position or a different configuration. For example, from the
configuration at the top of FIG. 3, screws 6' can be unscrewed from
the bottom planks 4' and the bottom planks 4' moved outwards to the
second or third position. Then the screws 6' can reengage with the
bottom planks 4' at different screw holes 8' in the bottom planks
4' to secure the adjustable width ski 10' in the different
configuration, as shown at the middle and bottom of FIG. 3.
[0031] Also shown on the bottom of the bottom planks 4' and on the
bottom of the top plank 2' is a coating 11. The coating 11 can be
configured to enhance the experience of the user while skiing. The
coating 11 can comprise a ski wax. In some embodiments, the coating
11 can be applied by a user. The coating can be applied using
various methods. In some embodiments the top plank 2' can be fully
separated from the bottom planks 4'. The user can then apply a
coating 11, such as wax to the bottoms of the top 2' and bottom
planks 4'. Independent of whether the top and bottom planks are
fully separable, a user can also apply a coating to the bottom
planks 4' in any of the configurations show. In addition, the user
can apply a coating 11 to the bottom of the top plank 2' when the
ski has been adjusted to the widest configuration, such as that
shown at the bottom of FIG. 3, or to any configuration where at
least part of the bottom of the top plank 2' is exposed. In some
embodiments, the top plank 2' can comprise markings along the
bottom of the top plank 2'. The markings can indicate where the
user should apply the coating 11. In some embodiments, the top
plank 2' can comprise a slot 18. The slot 18 can be configured to
receive the coating 11. The slot 18 can be configured such that a
coating 11 can be applied to the bottom of the top plank 2' without
interfering, warping or distorting the adjustability of the ski 10'
along the length of the ski 10'.
[0032] A gap 13 can be seen in the second and third configurations
of FIG. 3 where the bottom planks 4' have been adjusted to the
second and/or third positions. This gap 13 can advantageously work
as a rudder to help the ski move in the correct direction. In some
embodiments the gap 13 can be configured to increase the speed of
the ski 10'.
[0033] Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of an
adjustable width ski 10'' is shown. This embodiment, similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has screw holes 8'' through the top
plank 2'' and the bottom planks 4''. In the embodiment of FIG. 4,
instead of using a screw the adjustable width ski 10'' uses a quick
release 15 to adjust the width of the adjustable width ski 10''.
The quick release can comprise a lever 17 with a cam mechanism 19
for quick adjustability. The quick release 15 can also comprise a
shaft 21 and a widened end 23. As shown, the widened end 23 is at
the opposite end of the shaft 21 from the lever 17 and cam
mechanism 19. In some embodiments, the quick release 15 can have a
structure different from that shown.
[0034] The widened end 23 is shown within a slot 25 in the bottom
plank 4''. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 25 has a channel
27 and indentations 29. The channel 27 can be configured to connect
a series of indentations 29. The channel 27 can be configured such
that the widened end 23 of the shaft 21 can pass through the
channel 27 when the quick release 15 is in the unlocked position.
The indentations 29 can be configured to engage the widened end 23
of the shaft 21 to help securely lock the quick release mechanism
in place. The slot 25 can have an indentation for every lockable
position of the adjustable width ski 10''.
[0035] Some embodiments of a quick release mechanism 15 work as
follows. The user releases the quick release mechanism 15 by
securing the lever and moving the lever from the first position to
a second position such as that shown in FIG. 4A. In the illustrated
embodiment, after releasing the quick release mechanism 15, the
planks 2'', 4'' are still secured together but are no longer
tightly secured. Releasing the quick release 15 can also allow the
widened end 23 of the shaft 21 to lower into the channel 27 of the
slot 25. With the widened end 23 in the channel 27 the bottom plank
4'' can slide along the bottom of the top plank 2'' until the
bottom plank 4'' reaches the desired location or position. At that
point, the widened end 23 can be raised into the indentation 29 and
the lever 17 secured back into the initial locked position. Thus,
tightening and securing the adjustable width ski 10'' into the
desired position.
[0036] The quick release mechanism 15, as shown, can advantageously
allow a user to quickly and easily adjust the width of the
adjustable width ski 10'' without the use of tools. The slot 25 and
indentations 29 can work together with the widened end 23 of the
shaft 21 to ensure that the ski 10'' does not come apart. This can
allow for a user-friendly interaction where the user does not have
to worry about components or parts of the adjustable width ski
10''.
[0037] In some embodiments, the quick release mechanism 15 can be
used without a slot. For example, the widened end 23 can comprise a
"T" shape and the holes in the bottom plank can be configured such
that the widened end 23 can enter the hole in one position and then
rotating the "T" can lock the quick release 15 into position. Some
embodiments of a quick release 15 can comprise a spring.
[0038] In some embodiments an adjustable width ski 10'' can
comprise markings 24. The markings 24 can be on the top of the
bottom planks 4''. The markings 24 can be used to with the edge of
the top plank 2'' to indentify when the planks 2'', 4'' are in a
lockable position.
[0039] Moving now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of an adjustable
width ski 10''' is shown. This embodiment is very similar in some
aspects to the embodiment of FIG. 3. In addition to the features of
FIG. 3, this embodiment shows grooves 31 and tongues 33. The
tongues 33 are configured to fit within the grooves 31. As
illustrated, the grooves 31 are on the top of the bottom planks
4''' and the tongues 33 are on the bottom of top plank 2''' In some
embodiments, this configuration is reversed. In some embodiments,
one side of the adjustable width ski 10''' has a different
configuration of tongues 33 and grooves 31 then the other side.
This can help indicate to a user if an improper connection between
the bottom planks 4''' and the top plank 2'' is attempted.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the tongues 33 and the grooves 31
can extend along the length or substantially along the length of
the adjustable width ski 10'''. In some embodiments, the tongues 33
and grooves 31 can extend along parts of the length of the ski
10'''. In some embodiments, the length of the various tongues 33
and corresponding grooves 31 on the ski 10''' can vary.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the top plank 2''' has two tongues 33 on
its right side and two tongues 33 on its left side. Also as shown,
each bottom plank 4''' has six grooves 31. Each groove or set of
grooves can be aligned or configured to be aligned with a
particular configuration of the adjustable width ski 10'''. The
grooves 31 and tongues 33 can be used to ensure the proper
alignment of the adjustable width ski 10'''. As shown, the grooves
31 and tongues 33 have a "V"-shape which fits into one another, in
other embodiments, other shapes can be used.
[0042] An adjustable width ski 10 can also comprise a tongue and
groove system along the width of the ski 10. FIG. 6 shows sections
of multiple embodiments of an adjustable width ski 10 in
cross-sectional view of the length of the adjustable width ski 10,
taken along lines B-B of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 also shows certain
different configurations for connecting the top plank 2 and the
bottom plank 4. In certain embodiments, a joint 90 is made between
the top and bottom planks 2, 4. The joint 90 can comprise a tongue
and groove wherein the tongue is a part of one plank and a groove
is a part of the other plank. The tongue fits into the groove such
that while sliding the bottom plank 4 and the top plank 2, the top
and bottom planks 2, 4 remain connected and in proper alignment
along the width of the ski 10. As shown the joint 90 can be next
to, away from or inline with the screw 6, quick release 15 or other
attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can also comprise a
mechanical mechanism or electro-mechanical mechanism as described
in more detail hereinafter. In other embodiments, a tongue and
groove can be used that fit into each other but do not create a
joint. This can allow the top 2 and bottom 4 planks to be secured
in proper alignment without having to be constantly connected.
[0043] Moving now to FIG. 7, a different type of adjustable width
ski is shown. The adjustable width ski 100 has an I-beam shaped top
plank 20 and two "C"-shaped bottom planks 40. Similar to some of
the other embodiments, the top plank 20 and bottom planks 40 can
have a bottom covering 111 used to enhance the skiing experience.
There is also a gap 113 formed when the bottom planks 40 are
adjusted to positions other than the initial position shown at the
top of FIG. 7.
[0044] The I-beam and "C"-shaped configuration can provide many
advantages. This configuration can enhance the structural integrity
of the adjustable width ski 100. For example, carbon fiber skis can
be highly flexible and as such some carbon fiber skis have a
tendency to flap as the speed of the ski increases. In some
embodiments where the ski 100 is made from carbon fiber, the
layering of the ski 100 in this manner with an 1-beam top plank 20
and two "C"-shaped bottom planks 40, can reinforce the carbon fiber
structure with the many layers. This can reduce the tendency of the
carbon fiber ski 100 to flap which can provide more rigidity and
thus better control of the ski. Also, the configuration allows for
a stiffer ski in the narrowest width which can be ideal for normal
conditions on packed snow and a more flexible ski as the width is
increased and the bottom planks 40 move farther out from the bottom
of the ski, which can be ideal for powder conditions. Similar
benefits can also be achieved when the ski 100 is made from other
materials and/or combinations of materials.
[0045] Though not all features are shown, the adjustable width ski
100 can comprise similar features as discussed above. For example,
the adjustable width ski 100 can comprise one or more of the
following features or combinations of features including: screws
and screw holes, quick release mechanisms, tongues and grooves,
etc.
[0046] Shown in at the bottom of FIG. 7 is one embodiment of an
adjustable width ski 100 comprising screws 6 and screw holes 8. In
some embodiments, the screw 6 or other fastener can be threaded
through multiple layers of the ski, such as through three layers
and into a fourth layer as shown. In other embodiments, the
fastener can be threaded through one or two layers and into a
second or third layer respectively. In some embodiments, the
fastener can comprise a quick release mechanism.
[0047] Another benefit of the I-beam top plank 20 and two
"C"-shaped bottom planks 40 is that the ski 100 can be ideally
situated to install a mechanism to expand the width of the ski. As
will be shown in more detail below, the mechanism can comprise, for
example a mechanical mechanism or an electro-mechanical mechanism.
The mechanism of some embodiments can adjust the width of the ski
automatically and some embodiments can require a manual adjustment.
In addition, some adjustments can require tools and others may not
require tools. Many variations of a mechanical mechanism can be
used to mechanically adjust the width of the adjustable width ski
100.
[0048] One embodiment of a mechanical mechanism 60 is shown in FIG.
8. For convenience in showing the mechanism 60, the central region
of the I-beam top plank 20 is not shown. The top and bottom regions
of the 1-beam top plank 20 are shown. In some embodiments, the
amount of material removed or otherwise lacking from the full
I-beam structure can vary greatly. Thus, the I-beam top plank 20
can have small voids where the mechanism 60 is installed. In some
embodiments, the void is minimized to conform precisely or nearly
precisely to the particular mechanism used. In some embodiments,
the void can be a block of space.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows a mechanism 60 comprising a screw 62 and a nut
64. In addition, linkages 66 are attached to the nut 64 and to the
bottom planks 40'. A user can adjust the width of the ski 100' by
rotating the handle 68 of the mechanism 60. Rotating the handle 68
will cause the screw 62 to turn and the nut 64 will travel either
up or down depending on the direction of rotation. A downward
movement of the nut 64 will cause the linkages 66 to force the
bottom planks 40' to move outwards, increasing the width of the
adjustable width ski 100'. Adjusting the nut 64 upwards will force
the linkages 66 to move inwards which also causes the bottom planks
40' to move inward, decreasing the width of the adjustable width
ski 100'.
[0050] In some embodiments, the mechanism 60 can not have a handle
68. For example, the mechanism can require a tool be inserted into
the mechanism 60 to rotate the screw 62 instead of or in addition
to having a handle 68.
[0051] FIG. 9 shows an additional embodiment wherein the mechanical
mechanism 60 has been replaced by an electro-mechanical mechanism
70. The electro-mechanical mechanism 70 can function in a similar
manner to the mechanical mechanism 60 of FIG. 8. The
electro-mechanical mechanism 70 can allow a user to simply press a
button 72 to adjust the adjustable width ski 100. The button 72 can
be on the ski itself or on a remote control 74. As shown, the
button 72 can be pressed in one direction to make the ski 100''
narrower, as represented by the "N" and in the other direction to
make the ski 100'' wider, as represented by the "W".
[0052] One embodiment of electro-mechanical mechanism 70 can
comprise a control 76, a screw 62', nut 64' and linkages 66'. The
control 76 can include a control circuit and a motor. The motor can
drive the screw 62' to move the nut 64' and thereby adjust the
width of the adjustable width ski 100''.
[0053] Some embodiments of adjustable width ski can comprise a
mechanical mechanism or an electro-mechanical mechanism and can
further comprise a screw, quick release, etc. to secure the
relationship between the top plank and the bottom planks and to
thereby lock the ski in place after it has been adjusted.
[0054] Moving now to FIG. 10 an additional mechanical mechanism 60'
as used in an adjustable width ski 100''' is shown. The
cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 is an embodiment of an adjustable
width ski taken along lines C-C of FIG. 7. As can be seen in FIG.
10, the mechanical mechanism 60' includes a worm gear 82, a cuff
84, and a scissor mechanism 86. The worm gear 82 can advantageously
run the length of the ski 100''' so that only one adjustment can be
required and multiple points along the ski 100''' can be
mechanically strengthened/adjusted as shown. The scissor mechanism
86 can comprise at least two arms, fixed arm ends 88 and a slider
87. The arms can be made up of one or more linkages 85. One arm end
can be connected to the cuff 84. One fixed arm end 88 can be
connected to the top plank 20''' and one fixed arm end 88 can be
connected to the bottom plank 40'''. The slider 87 can be connected
to the bottom plank 40''' and can allow one arm end to slide within
the slider 87.
[0055] Some embodiments of a worm gear mechanism can work as
follows. A user can adjust the worm gear 82 by turning the worm
gear one way or another. The act of turning can be performed by
various ways, which are not shown, but which can include using: a
handle, a tool or an electro-mechanical mechanism. As the worm gear
rotates, the cuff 84 will move in one direction or the other. At
the same time, the scissor mechanism 86 can either open or close.
In FIG. 10 to open the scissor mechanism 86, the cuff 84 is moved
away from the fixed arm end 88 connected to the top plank 20'''.
This can cause the adjustable width ski 100''' to contract towards
a narrower width. To close the scissor mechanism 86, the cuff 84
can be moved towards the fixed arm end 88 connected to the top
plank 20''. This can cause the adjustable width ski 100''' to
expand towards a wider width.
[0056] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not
intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel
methods and apparatus described herein may be embodied in a variety
of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and
changes in the methods and apparatus described herein may be made
without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. In addition,
though certain mechanisms and methods of adjusting the width of the
adjustable width ski have been shown, other methods to achieve the
same or similar purposes are also within the scope of the
disclosure. Further, while an adjustable width ski has been
described, the scope of the invention, can also include snowboards,
sleds, runners, wake boards, surf boards and other boards for
sliding on snow or water or other environments where a board for
sliding is desired.
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