U.S. patent application number 14/779195 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-18 for climbing aid, ski and method for producing a climbing aid.
The applicant listed for this patent is FISCHER SPORTS GMBH. Invention is credited to HEINZ MAYRHOFER, CHRISTIAN PLOMBERGER.
Application Number | 20160045813 14/779195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50512992 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160045813 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MAYRHOFER; HEINZ ; et
al. |
February 18, 2016 |
Climbing Aid, Ski and Method for Producing a Climbing Aid
Abstract
A climbing aid for a ski has a plane base element which is
connected on the inner side to a fastener to be detachably fastened
to a running surface of the ski and which is connected on the outer
side to backwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to a
direction of travel. A flexible plastic support material forms the
base element, and the backwards-slipping prevention elements are
integrally formed with the plastic support material. In lateral
regions, the base element has backwards-slipping prevention
elements with push-off wings positioned obliquely to the direction
of travel and, in the central region, has backwards-slipping
prevention elements with push-off wings arranged substantially
perpendicular to the direction of travel. The push-off wings of the
backwards-slipping prevention elements of a first type are of
lesser length and/or of lesser height than the push-off wings of
the backwards-slipping prevention elements of a second type.
Inventors: |
MAYRHOFER; HEINZ; (WALDZELL,
AT) ; PLOMBERGER; CHRISTIAN; (FRANKENMARKT,
AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FISCHER SPORTS GMBH |
RIED/INNKREIS |
|
AT |
|
|
Family ID: |
50512992 |
Appl. No.: |
14/779195 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AT2014/050069 |
371 Date: |
September 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/604 ;
156/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 7/02 20130101; A63C
5/12 20130101; A63C 7/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63C 7/08 20060101
A63C007/08; A63C 5/12 20060101 A63C005/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2013 |
AT |
A 50196/2013 |
Claims
1-23. (canceled)
24. A climbing aid for a ski, the climbing aid comprising: a
fastening device; and a plane base element connected on an inner
side to said fastening device in order to be detachably fastened to
a running surface of the ski, said plane base element having an
outer side with backwards-slipping prevention elements acting
contrary to a direction of travel, said plane base element formed
from a flexible plastic support material, said backwards-slipping
prevention elements are integrally formed in said flexible plastic
support material, said plane base element containing lateral
regions having said backwards-slipping prevention elements with
push-off wings positioned obliquely to the direction of travel and,
in a central region, having said backwards-slipping prevention
elements with said push-off wings disposed substantially
perpendicular to the direction of travel, and/or, in said lateral
edge regions, said plane base element having said
backwards-slipping prevention elements of a first type, and, in
said central region, having said backwards-slipping prevention
elements of a second type, wherein said push-off wings of said
backwards-slipping prevention elements of said first type have at
least one of a lesser length or of a lesser height than said
push-off wings of said backwards-slipping prevention elements of
said second type.
25. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said push-off
wings of said backwards-slipping prevention elements in said
lateral regions are disposed at an angle of 30.degree. to
60.degree. to the direction of travel.
26. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said
backwards-slipping prevention elements in said lateral regions and
in said central region are of identical design.
27. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said plane base
element, in at least one of said lateral regions or in said central
region, has side wards-slipping prevention elements extending in
the direction of travel.
28. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said plane base
element is manufactured of a polyolefin material.
29. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said
backwards-slipping prevention elements have ramp elements rising
contrary to the direction of travel and each forming one of said
push-off wings.
30. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said push-off
wings have a height of 0.2 to 1 mm.
31. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said push-off
wings form acute-angled undercuts.
32. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said
backwards-slipping prevention elements are disposed in a plurality
of rows which are offset from each other.
33. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said plane base
element contains a hinge connection and at least two longitudinal
sections which are connected with each other by said hinge
connection.
34. The climbing aid according to claim 33, wherein said hinge
connection has a connection element disposed substantially
perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of said plane base
element, said connection element having a higher flexibility than
said flexible plastic support material.
35. The climbing aid according to claim 33, wherein said hinge
connection is formed from said flexible plastic support material,
said hinge connection has at least one notch formed therein and
extending over an entire breadth of said plastic support
material.
36. The climbing aid according to claim 35, wherein said flexible
plastic support material has at least one notch formed therein on
said inner side and at least one notch formed therein on said outer
side.
37. The climbing aid according to claim 33, further comprising a
connection layer, said flexible plastic support material is under
laid with said connection layer having at least one of a lower
layer thickness or a higher elasticity than said flexible plastic
support material, wherein a respective gap is formed between said
two longitudinal sections of said flexible plastic support
material.
38. The climbing aid according to claim 33, wherein said plane base
element has a detachable connection and said at least two
longitudinal sections are connected with each other by said
detachable connection.
39. The climbing aid according to claim 38, wherein said detachable
connection has cooperating form locking elements which are adapted
to prevent detaching of said detachable connection in a
longitudinal plane of said plane base element and to allow
detaching perpendicular thereto.
40. The climbing aid according to claim 24, wherein said fastening
device is an adhesive layer for an adhesive, detachable fastening
to the running surface of the ski.
41. The climbing aid according to claim 40, further comprising an
adhesive agent layer disposed between said flexible plastic support
material and said adhesive layer.
42. A ski, comprising: a sliding board body having a running
surface; a climbing aid, wherein, in a climbing position, said
running surface is detachably connected to said climbing aid, said
climbing aid containing: a fastening device; and a plane base
element connected on an inner side to said fastening device in
order to be detachably fastened to said running surface of the ski,
said plane base element having an outer side with
backwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to a
direction of travel, said plane base element formed from a flexible
plastic support material, said backwards-slipping prevention
elements are integrally formed within said plastic support
material, said plane base element containing lateral regions having
said backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings
positioned obliquely to the direction of travel and, in a central
region, has said backwards-slipping prevention elements with said
push-off wings disposed substantially perpendicular to the
direction of travel, and/or, in said lateral edge regions, said
plane base element having said backwards-slipping prevention
elements of a first type, and, in said central region, having said
backwards-slipping prevention elements of a second type, wherein
said push-off wings of said backwards-slipping prevention elements
of said first type have at least one of a lesser length or a lesser
height than said push-off wings of said backwards-slipping
prevention elements of said second type.
43. The ski according to claim 42, wherein said climbing aid, in
the climbing position, extends along the ski substantially over an
entire breadth of the ski, covering longitudinal edges of the
ski.
44. A method for producing a climbing aid for a ski, which
comprises the steps of: connecting a plane base element on an inner
side to fastening means in order to be detachably fastened to a
running surface of the ski and is connected on an outer side to
backwards-slipping prevention elements acting contrary to a
direction of travel; and manufacturing the plane base element from
a flexible plastic support material in which the backwards-slipping
prevention elements are formed.
45. The method according to claim 44, wherein in a first step,
producing a film web which is, in a second step, processed with a
roller profiled in accordance with the backwards-slipping
prevention elements.
46. The method according to claim 44, wherein in a first step,
producing a film web by extrusion, which is connected with an
adhesive agent layer for application of an adhesive layer.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a climbing aid for a ski, in
particular a touring ski, comprising a plane base element which is
connected on the inner side to fastening means in order to be
detachably fastened to a running surface of the ski and which is
connected on the outer side to backwards-slipping prevention
elements acting contrary to a direction of travel, wherein a
flexible plastic support material is provided as a base element,
and the backwards-slipping prevention elements are integrally
formed with the plastic support material, and to a ski having such
a climbing aid.
[0002] The invention further relates to a method for producing a
climbing aid for a ski, in particular a touring ski, wherein a
plane base element is connected on the inner side to fastening
means in order to be detachably fastened to a running surface of
the ski and is connected on the outer side to backwards-slipping
prevention elements acting contrary to a direction of travel.
[0003] During ski touring, so-called climbing skins are usually
used as a climbing aid. The climbing skins are applied on the
running surface of the ski. Usually, the back of the skins is
provided with a flexible adhesive glue which is connected with the
running surface of the ski. In this condition climbing is
performed. Prior to downhill running, the skins are removed,
possibly covered by a thin film on the side coated with the glue,
and folded.
[0004] Such a climbing skin and a method for producing same are,
for instance, known from EP 2 000 182 A1. The climbing skin
comprises a support layer to which a pile of fibers is fastened.
The fibers may be a mono filament or a multi filament.
[0005] The known climbing aids basically work in a satisfactory
manner, but they have some disadvantages. Due to the complex
structure their production is relatively cost-intensive.
[0006] Furthermore, the skins are relatively heavy. The substantial
disadvantage of the climbing skins, however, consists in that the
climbing skins, in certain snow conditions, tend to balling, which
means to the forming of clots of snow and ice. If, at the beginning
of a ski tour in lower altitude, very moist snow conditions exist,
the fibers of the climbing skins are soaked. During climbing the
temperature decreases, having as a consequence that the snow cover
transitions to a so-called dry snow. This dry snow may adhere in
the form of ice to the moist and/or soaked climbing skin, which may
entail the balling mentioned, and which may greatly aggravate the
further climbing.
[0007] Moreover, flexible climbing aids of plastic in which
backwards-slipping prevention elements are formed have already been
proposed in the state of the art. The design of the
backwards-slipping prevention elements of these climbing aids has,
however, proved little satisfactory for touring skis, so that the
known plastic climbing aids could not establish themselves. In
practice it was observed in particular that such climbing aids
either had too high sliding resistance or did not offer sufficient
hold in the case of hillside crossing.
[0008] DE 83 25 866 U1 discloses a band-shaped climbing aid device
which can be fastened to a ski by means of loops; alternatively,
however, an adhesive layer may also be provided. The climbing aid
device comprises, on the useful surface facing away from the
running surface layer, a saw tooth structure with undercuts, so
that the climbing aid slides better on snow in the one direction
than in the opposite direction. This climbing aid, however, does
not offer sufficient slip prevention in the case of climbing routes
with hillside crossing.
[0009] CH 162175 A provides a slip prevention strip for skis which
can be rolled up and which is to replace the climbing skins known.
The slip prevention strip is made of rubber, wherein barb-type slip
prevention means are provided which consist of a piece of the lower
surface and scarcely prevent forward sliding, but are to prevent
backward slipping. In one embodiment the slip prevention comprises
slip prevention means on both sides which protect from backward
slipping with the one face and from sideward slipping with the
other face. In practice, however, no satisfactory results could be
achieved with such slip prevention means, either.
[0010] DE 84 22 010 U1 describes another climbing aid consisting of
a band which is provided with backward-directed lamellas on a side
facing the ground. The lamellas and the band may be manufactured
integrally of plastic. The climbing aid is applied to the ski by
means of an adhesive layer on the upper side of the band. The
lamellas are formed in a scale-like manner in rows, wherein the
rows are arranged in the form of a circular arc. It is, however, a
disadvantage with this lamella-type design that moist snow may
accumulate in the covering lamella gaps--similar to the classical
climbing skin--and may easily become ice as the temperature changes
during climbing. Such icing-up produces a high decelerating effect,
so that climbing is correspondingly aggravated.
[0011] FR 1 170 272 A discloses another slip prevention aid which
can be detachably fastened to a ski and which is produced of a
rubber material. This results in flexibility of the slip prevention
aid which comprises at its underside tongue elements preventing
backward slipping. The arrangement of the tongue elements on the
slip prevention aid, however, also entails the afore-described
disadvantage that sufficient slip prevention cannot be achieved in
the case of hillside crossing.
[0012] DE 82 05 601 U1 describes another climbing aid which may be
formed by a rubber part or an elastic plastic part. Elasticity is
such that the climbing aid can be hooked in on the ski by means of
eyes and hooks. On the other hand, however, gluing to the ski is
also conceived. The climbing aid comprises saw tooth-like
elevations on the underside. This climbing aid is also subject to
the afore-described restrictions.
[0013] Furthermore, climbing aids in the form of ski crampons are
known in the state of the art. AT 12 128 U1 illustrates such a
climbing aid which is produced of a hard, rigid material, in
particular inert steel or plastic. The climbing aid comprises
lateral steel bands. Moreover, resistance lamellas are provided.
This climbing aid is fastened in the binding region by means of
textile or plastic bands which are provided with hook-and-loop
fasteners. Such climbing aids of hard, rigid material are
especially suited for climbing on icy ground. For lengthy climbing
on snow the ski crampons are not suited, though. Moreover, such
climbing aids cannot be adapted to the ski geometry.
[0014] Moreover, langlauf skis are known in the state of the art in
which a scale-like region is provided in the central region. EP 0
592 384, for instance, discloses a langlauf ski in which the
scale-like region serves as a push-off aid in order to prevent
backwards slipping during the langlauf step. Such a backwards
slipping aid can, however, not be used for touring skis since
touring skis are provided with steel edges, so that the region
preventing backwards slipping would be positioned between the steel
edges and thus could not press itself sufficiently into the snow
surface.
[0015] Another example of a different langlauf ski is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,447 A.
[0016] It is an object of the invention to provide a climbing aid
of simple construction which can be produced in a cost-efficient
manner and by which the disadvantages of known climbing aids are
eliminated or at least mitigated. Accordingly, the particular aim
of the invention is to provide a climbing aid which cares for
sufficient hold on the ground in the case of changing snow
conditions and in the case of hillside crossing.
[0017] For solution of this object, a climbing aid with the
features of claim 1, a ski with the features of claim 19, and a
method with the features of claim 21 are provided. Preferred
embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims.
[0018] The base element of the climbing aid is a flexible plastic
support material, wherein the backwards-slipping prevention
elements are formed integrally with the plastic support material.
Accordingly, the plane base element of the climbing aid consists of
a flexible plastic support material which comprises a profile with
the backwards-slipping prevention elements on the side facing the
snow. This design guarantees optimum hold on the ground even in the
case of changing snow conditions, wherein the production of clots
on the side facing the snow, also referred to as balling, is
largely prevented. The plastic support material with the
backwards-slipping prevention elements has substantially less
tendency to wetting with water than the known climbing skins, so
that the soaking of the fibers which is a problem in the state of
the art with respect to balling is avoided. Thus, sufficient slip
prevention can even be ensured if the snow conditions during
climbing vary due to the prevailing temperature and weather
conditions. The backwards-slipping prevention elements are here,
other than the fibers of the climbing skins, arranged substantially
immovably on the plastic support material, wherein a certain
deformability exists, of course, due to the inherent elasticity of
the plastic material. Due to the flexibility of the plastic support
material the handling of the climbing aid advantageously
corresponds to that of climbing skins, so that the climbing aid can
be fastened to the ski or be detached from it in the usual manner.
For the purposes of the instant disclosure, a material sheet of
plastic is meant to be the flexible plastic support material, which
is, by manual force, adaptable to the geometry of the running
surface of the ski at least in sections, preferably, however, over
the entire length. In the mounted climbing position the climbing
aid extends preferably over the entire length of the ski, so that a
favorable introduction of forces in the snow surface is cared for.
This embodiment of the climbing aid moreover advantageously enables
efficiency increases and cost reductions in series production.
[0019] For solution of the initially indicated object the base
element comprises, in accordance with one embodiment, in lateral
regions backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings
positioned obliquely to the direction of travel and, in the central
region, backwards-slipping prevention elements with push-off wings
arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Advantageously, the sliding resistance in forward direction, in
particular in the case of hillside crossing, can be reduced,
wherein the slipping prevention in backward direction is guaranteed
by the perpendicular arrangement of the backwards-slipping
prevention elements in the central region. Advantageously, the
backwards-slipping prevention elements in the lateral regions are
arranged in a plurality of rows obliquely to the direction of
travel, wherein the backwards-slipping prevention elements in the
central region are preferably also arranged in a plurality of rows,
but substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. Each
row in the lateral regions and/or in the central region preferably
comprises a plurality of, in particular between 2 and 10,
backwards-slipping prevention elements.
[0020] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
invention for solution of the same object the base element
comprises, in lateral edge regions, backwards-slipping prevention
elements of a first type and in the central region
backwards-slipping prevention elements of a second type, wherein
the push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements of
the first type have lesser length and/or lesser height than the
push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements of the
second type. In correspondence with the foregoing alternative
embodiment it is thus possible to achieve the common technical
effect that sliding in the direction of travel is facilitated by
the less pronounced backwards-slipping prevention elements at the
lateral regions while slip prevention is ensured by the more
pronounced backwards-slipping prevention elements in the central
region.
[0021] In this embodiment it has turned out to be of advantage if
the push-off wings of the backwards-slipping prevention elements in
the lateral regions are arranged at an angle of 30.degree. to
60.degree. to the direction of travel. The angle between the
obliquely positioned backwards-slipping prevention elements at the
sides and the direction of travel may, for instance, substantially
be 45.degree..
[0022] It is additionally preferred if the backwards-slipping
prevention elements in the lateral regions and in the central
region are designed equally, in particular substantially
identically. Accordingly, this embodiment provides preferably
backwards-slipping prevention elements of equal shape and size,
wherein the backwards-slipping prevention elements in the lateral
regions are positioned obliquely to the backwards-slipping
prevention elements arranged there between.
[0023] In order to avoid sideward slipping, in particular in the
case of hillside crossing, it is preferably provided that the base
element comprises, in the lateral regions and/or in the central
region, sidewards-slipping prevention elements which extend in the
direction of travel. The sidewards-slipping prevention elements are
preferably formed by longitudinal webs extending substantially in
the direction of travel, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the
climbing aid. The lateral support, in particular in the case of
hillside crossing, can thus be improved.
[0024] An embodiment, in which the base element is made of a
polyolefin material, in particular polyethylene, is particularly
preferred. The polyolefin materials have the advantage that they
have a low specific weight, usually between 0.9 and 0.98
g/cm.sup.3, on the one hand, and furthermore very good sliding
properties on snow, and are additionally little susceptible to the
formation of ice when used.
[0025] In order to achieve the slip-preventing effect of the
climbing aid it is favorable if the backwards-slipping prevention
elements comprise ramp elements which rise contrary to the
direction of travel and which ramp elements each form a push-off
wing. The push-off wings are preferably arranged at least in
sections substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of
the climbing aid so as to achieve the holding effect on the snow
surface. With respect to the shape of the ramp elements, various
embodiments and modifications are conceivable in the scope of the
invention. For instance, the ramp elements may be designed
scale-like. The ramp elements may, however, also be elongate,
wherein the ramp elements may also extend over substantially the
entire breadth of the plastic support material. The push-off wings
of the ramp elements may extend straightly or curved in an arc. In
plan view the backwards-slipping prevention elements may, for
instance, be of polygon, in particular trapezoid, design.
[0026] In tests it has surprisingly turned out to be favorable if
the push-off wings have a height of 0.2 to 1 mm, in particular of
0.4 to 0.8 mm. This is because it has shown that a height of the
push-off wings of less than 0.2 mm would provide too little hold
during climbing, but a height of the push-off wings of more than 1
mm would result in a too strong decelerating effect.
[0027] In order to improve the slip prevention contrary to the
direction of travel, it is moreover of advantage if the push-off
wings form acute-angled undercuts.
[0028] In accordance with a preferred embodiment the
backwards-slipping prevention elements are arranged in a plurality
of rows which are preferably offset from each other. Preferably, a
plurality of backwards-slipping prevention elements are provided in
each row. With respect to the introduction of force into the snow
surface it is favorable if the backwards-slipping prevention
elements are arranged substantially over the entire length and/or
breadth of the climbing aid, wherein in the mounted climbing
position the climbing aid preferably covers substantially the
entire running surface of the ski.
[0029] In order to facilitate the transport of the climbing aid it
is favorable if the base element comprises at least two
longitudinal sections which are preferably connected with each
other by a respective hinge connection. In some embodiments the
flexibility of the plastic support material may suffice to be able
to arrange the climbing aid in a compact transport position, in
particular in a folded or rolled-up position. In another embodiment
the arrangement in the transport position may be facilitated by the
hinge connection. The hinge connection may, for instance, be used
as a folding line about which sequential longitudinal sections of
the climbing aid are folded.
[0030] In accordance with a preferred embodiment the hinge
connection comprises a connection element which is arranged
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
base element and which has higher flexibility than the plastic
support material. In this case it is favorable if the climbing aid
is produced in a 2-component injection molding process, wherein the
connection element is formed by a flexible material.
[0031] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment the
plastic support material, for forming the hinge connection,
comprises at least one notch extending preferably over the entire
breadth of the plastic support material, wherein each hinge
connection preferably comprises a plurality of adjacent notches.
Due to the reduction in cross section of the plastic support
material in the region of the notch the swiveling capacity of the
longitudinal sections relative to each other is improved. This
embodiment is particularly favorable with respect to production
technology.
[0032] In order to be able to arrange the climbing aid in a compact
transport position it is favorable if the plastic support material
comprises at least one notch on the inner side and at least one
notch on the outer side, wherein preferably more than two notches
are provided alternatingly on the inner side and on the outer side
of the plastic support material. For storing the climbing aid, the
longitudinal sections may be folded along the notches.
[0033] The swiveling capacity of the longitudinal sections relative
to each other may further be achieved in that the plastic support
material is underlaid with a connection layer having lower layer
thickness and/or higher elasticity than the plastic support
material, wherein a respective gap is formed between two
longitudinal sections of the plastic support material. Accordingly,
the climbing aid comprises increased flexibility in the region of
the gaps between the longitudinal sections, said increased
flexibility facilitating the folding of the climbing aid for
transport.
[0034] In the afore-described embodiments the climbing aid in
particular comprises longitudinal sections which are fixedly
connected with one another. Contrary to this it is provided in
accordance with a further preferred embodiment that the base
element comprises at least two longitudinal sections which are
connected with one another by a detachable connection. Accordingly,
with this embodiment the climbing aid is of dismountable
design.
[0035] In order to be able to dismount the climbing aid for
transport, it is favorable if the detachable connection comprises
cooperating positive locking elements which are preferably adapted
to prevent detaching of the connection in the longitudinal plane of
the base element and to allow detaching perpendicular thereto. The
positive locking elements are preferably designed in the kind of a
groove and tongue connection, wherein the cooperating positive
locking elements engage in a positive locking manner in the mounted
climbing position. The positive locking elements may, for instance,
be formed by a projection and a matching recess. In this embodiment
the longitudinal sections of the base element are preferably formed
by injection molded parts.
[0036] As is per se usual with the known climbing skins, an
adhesive layer for the adhesive, detachable fastening to the
running surface of the ski is preferably provided as a fastening
means.
[0037] In order to improve the application of the adhesive layer it
is favorable if an adhesive agent layer, in particular of a fleece
material, is provided between the flexible plastic support material
and the adhesive layer.
[0038] If the climbing aid in the climbing position extends along
the ski substantially over the entire breadth of the ski, covering
the longitudinal edges of the ski, an optimum backwards-slipping
prevention can surprisingly be achieved.
[0039] The object underlying the invention is additionally solved
by a method, as initially mentioned, in which the base element is
produced of a flexible plastic support material in which the
backwards-slipping prevention elements are formed. Advantageously,
savings and simplifications as compared to the relatively complex
production of climbing skins can be achieved therewith.
[0040] In the method for producing the climbing aid, preferably in
a first step, a film web is produced, preferably by extrusion,
which is, in a second step, processed with a roller profiled in
accordance with the backwards-slipping prevention elements.
Depending on the profile of the roller, various shapes of
backwards-slipping prevention elements can therefore be produced,
so that the climbing aid can be adapted specifically to the
respective requirements.
[0041] In this method it is moreover favorable if, in a first step,
a film web is produced by extrusion which is connected with an
adhesive agent layer, in particular of a fleece material, for the
application of an adhesive layer. After the extrusion the adhesive
agent layer, e.g. a fleece of plastic or glass fibers or a mesh, is
applied, wherein the adhesive agent layer anchors in the melt.
Thus, the adhesion between the film web and the adhesive layer can
be improved. Subsequently, the backwards-slipping prevention
elements can be formed by stamping with a profiled roller.
[0042] Alternatively, the base element may be produced in an
injection molding process, preferably in a plurality of
longitudinal sections.
[0043] The invention will be explained in detail in the following
by means of embodiments illustrated in the drawing, to which it is
not intended to be restricted, though. There show:
[0044] FIG. 1 a climbing aid according to the invention to be
detachably fastened to a ski, wherein the climbing aid comprises a
flexible plastic support material with scale-like
backwards-slipping protection elements;
[0045] FIG. 2 a side view of the ski with the climbing aid in the
climbing position mounted on the ski;
[0046] FIG. 3 a bottom view of the ski with the climbing aid;
[0047] FIG. 4 schematically a production plant for producing the
climbing aid according to the invention;
[0048] FIG. 5 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
in which scale-like backwards-slipping prevention elements are
arranged in rows offset from each other;
[0049] FIG. 6 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
in which, in plan view, approximately trapezoid backwards-slipping
prevention elements are provided;
[0050] FIG. 7 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
with different backwards-slipping prevention elements;
[0051] FIG. 8 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
in which, in the lateral regions, obliquely positioned
backwards-slipping prevention elements and, in the central region,
backwards-slipping prevention elements arranged perpendicular to
the direction of travel are provided;
[0052] FIG. 9 a section of an embodiment of the climbing aid
modified relative to FIG. 8;
[0053] FIG. 10 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing
aid in which, at the lateral edge regions, shorter and less
pronounced backwards-slipping prevention elements than in the
central region are provided;
[0054] FIG. 11 a section of a further embodiment of the climbing
aid with ramp-shaped backwards-slipping prevention elements which
extend over the entire breadth of the climbing aid;
[0055] FIG. 12a a section of a further embodiment of the climbing
aid with pimple-shaped backwards-slipping prevention elements;
[0056] FIG. 12b a section of a further embodiment of the climbing
aid with pimple elements of a different design;
[0057] FIG. 13 a view of the climbing aid in a condition
corresponding to the climbing position on the ski (FIG. 13a) and/or
in a rolled-up transport condition (FIG. 13b).
[0058] FIG. 14 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
in which two longitudinal sections are provided which are connected
by a hinge connection, wherein the climbing aid in FIG. 14a is
illustrated in a condition corresponding to the climbing position
mounted on the ski and in FIG. 14b in a folded transport
condition;
[0059] FIG. 15 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
in which the plastic support material comprises notches
alternatingly on the inner side and on the outer side, so that the
climbing aid can be transitioned between a condition corresponding
to the climbing position mounted on the ski (FIG. 15a) and a folded
transport condition (FIG. 15b).
[0060] FIG. 16 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
in which the longitudinal sections of the plastic support material
are underlaid with a relatively thin connection layer, so that the
longitudinal sections of the climbing aid are foldable at the
gaps;
[0061] FIG. 17 a view of a further embodiment of the climbing aid
in which the longitudinal sections are connected with each other in
a positive locking manner;
[0062] FIG. 18 a view of an embodiment of the climbing aid which is
modified with respect to FIG. 7;
[0063] FIG. 19 a view corresponding substantially to FIG. 15A,
wherein, however, a plurality of narrower notches are provided for
forming the hinge connection;
[0064] FIG. 20 a view corresponding substantially to FIG. 8,
wherein longitudinal sidewards-slipping prevention elements are
additionally provided in the lateral regions.
[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates a climbing aid 1 to be detachably
fastened to a ski 1'. The climbing aid 1 is used in ski tours so as
to enable climbing over hillsides covered by snow and ice. The
climbing aid 1 consists of a plane base element 2, i.e. a base
element extending in the longitudinal plane, which base element is
connected on the inner side to fastening means 3 to be detachably
fastened to a running surface 4 of the ski 1' without a tool. In
the illustrated embodiment the fastening means 3 are formed by an
adhesive layer 5 which can be connected with the running surface 4
in the direction of the arrow P. In the climbing position mounted
on the ski 1' (FIG. 2) the climbing aid 1 extends substantially
over the entire length and substantially over the entire breadth of
the ski 1', including its longitudinal edges of steel, so that the
required transfer of force on the snow surface is ensured. For
detaching of the climbing aid 1 the adhesive connection is
released.
[0066] As may further be gathered from FIGS. 1 and 2,
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are provided on the outer
side of the climbing aid 1, i.e. on the side facing the snow
surface, said backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 preventing a
backward slipping of the ski 1' contrary to the direction of travel
W during climbing. The backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are
substantially distributed over the entire length and breadth of the
climbing aid 1.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, a flexible plastic support
material 2' is provided as a base element 2, wherein the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are formed integrally with
the plastic support material 2'. Accordingly, the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are formed as a profile of
the plastic support material 2'. In the illustrated embodiment the
plane base element 2 with the backwards-slipping prevention
elements 6 formed therein is made of the same material as the
running surface 4 of the ski 1', wherein preferably a polyolefin
material such as polyethylene is used.
[0068] As may further be gathered from FIGS. 1 to 3, in the
illustrated embodiment ramp elements 7 rising contrary to the
direction of travel W are provided as backwards-slipping prevention
elements 6, said ramp elements 7 comprising at least in sections
push-off wings 8 extending obliquely to the direction of travel W.
In accordance with FIGS. 1 to 3 the ramp elements 7 are of
scale-like design, wherein the ramp elements 7 are arranged in a
plurality of rows extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction
of the climbing aid 1, each row comprising a plurality of ramp
elements 7. The sheet and/or film-like plastic support material 2'
is adhered to the running surface 4 in correspondence with the
known climbing skins in the direction of the arrows P. In a forward
movement of the ski 1' in the direction of travel W the ski 1' can
slide forward, but is prevented from sliding contrary to the
direction of travel W by the push-off wings 8 of the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 which push-off wings 8
preferably extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the
ski.
[0069] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a production plant for
producing the climbing aid 1. In an extruder 10 the plastic
material is molten and subsequently pressed through a nozzle 11. In
the illustrated embodiment a flat nozzle is used by means of which
a sheet and/or film-like material web 12 is produced. The material
web 12 is subsequently conveyed through cooperating rollers 13, 14
which are charged with a predetermined pressure P. The roller 14 is
provided with a profile 15 which reproduces the profiling of the
base element 2 in the negative. In engagement with the pair of
rollers 13, 14 the profile 15 is pressed into the material web 12
with the pressure P, wherein the finished base element 2 consisting
of the plastic support material 2' with the backwards-slipping
prevention elements 6 corresponding to the profile 15 of the roller
14 is obtained.
[0070] With this simple production method it is possible to produce
climbing aids 1 with various configurations of the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6, wherein FIGS. 5 to 12
illustrate strongly magnified sections of preferred embodiments of
the base element 2, to which the invention is not restricted,
though.
[0071] In accordance with FIG. 5, scale-like, i.e. locally
restricted, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are provided
which are arranged in rows offset from each other, wherein the
offset between the rows in the illustrated embodiment corresponds
substantially to half the breadth of the scale-like
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6. The push-off wings 8 of
the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are curved in an arc
in the illustrated embodiment.
[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
scale-like backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 which comprise
straight push-off wings 8 substantially perpendicular to the
direction of travel W. In plan view, the backwards-slipping
prevention elements 6 are approximately trapezoid.
[0073] In accordance with FIG. 7, backwards-slipping prevention
elements 6 which are rectangular in plan view and the longitudinal
sides of which are oriented in the direction of travel W, wherein
the narrow sides extend perpendicular to the direction of travel W
are provided on the one hand. The front narrow sides--seen in the
direction of travel W--of these backwards-slipping prevention
elements are designed as push-off wings 8. Moreover, further,
substantially rectangular backwards-slipping prevention elements 6
are provided, wherein the push-off wings 8 are each formed on the
rear longitudinal sides--seen in the direction of travel W--of
these backwards-slipping prevention elements 6.
[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the climbing aid
1 in which the base element 2 comprises, in the lateral regions,
i.e. adjacent to the longitudinal edges, backwards-slipping
prevention elements 6' positioned obliquely to the direction of
travel. The push-off wings 8 of the lateral backwards-slipping
prevention elements 6' are arranged in the illustrated embodiment
at an angle .alpha. of 45.degree. to the direction of travel W.
Moreover, in the central region between the lateral regions of the
base element 2, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6'' are
provided which comprise push-off wings 8 arranged substantially
perpendicular to the direction of travel. This kind of design has
the advantage that the resistance to sliding in the direction of
travel W, in forward direction, especially in the case of hillside
crossing, can be reduced, but sufficient resistance to backward
slipping is given by the orthogonal arrangement of the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6'' in the central region.
In the embodiment of FIG. 9 the backwards-slipping prevention
elements 6' in the lateral regions and in the central region are of
substantially identical design, wherein the backwards-slipping
prevention elements 6', 6'' are each arranged in a plurality of
rows along the base element 2. In the illustrated embodiment the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6', 6'' comprise straight
push-off wings 8.
[0075] The embodiment according to FIG. 9 differs from that of FIG.
8 in particular in that the push-off wings 8 of the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6', 6'' are in sections
curved in an arc.
[0076] In accordance with the embodiment of the climbing aid 1
illustrated in FIG. 10, the base element 2 comprises, at the two
lateral regions, backwards-slipping prevention elements 6a of a
first type and, in the central region, backwards-slipping
prevention elements 6b at least of a second type. The push-off
wings 8 of the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6a of the
first type at the sides have lesser length and/or lesser height
than the push-off wings 8 of the backwards-slipping prevention
elements 6b of the second type. Substantially the same effect as
with the embodiment pursuant to FIG. 9 can be achieved herewith.
Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, in the central region,
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6c of a third type are
provided, which correspond substantially to the backwards-slipping
prevention elements 6b of the second type, but have smaller size.
The backwards-slipping prevention elements 6b of the second type
and/or the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6c of the third
type are designed in the form of symmetrical, isosceles
trapezoids.
[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates a climbing aid 1 in plan view, in which
the backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 extend in the form of
ramp elements 7 along the entire breadth of the climbing aid 1. The
result is a saw tooth-like profile of the base element 2.
[0078] In accordance with FIG. 12a, pimple elements 16 projecting
substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal plane of the
base element 2 and arranged in rows offset from each other are
provided as backwards-slipping prevention elements 6.
[0079] FIG. 12b illustrates a climbing aid 1 with an alternative
design of the pimple elements 16 which are each composed of a
plurality of small plates 16' slightly offset from each other.
Moreover, central webs 16'' are provided which are composed of
elongate small plates.
[0080] As may be gathered from FIG. 13, for transport purposes the
climbing aid 1 may be rolled up from a condition corresponding to
the climbing position on the ski 1' (FIG. 13a) to a transport
condition (FIG. 13b). Since the base element 2 is produced of a
plastic support material 2' it is, other than with climbing skins,
not necessary here that the adhesive layer 5 be covered with a
separating film before the climbing aid 1 is rolled up.
[0081] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in which
the base element 2 comprises a plurality of longitudinal sections
17 which are connected with one another in pairs by a respective
hinge connection 18. In accordance with FIG. 14, the hinge
connection 18 comprises a connection element 19 arranged
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base element 2,
said connection element 19 having higher flexibility, i.e. lower
resistance to deformation, than the plastic support material 2'.
For this purpose, the climbing aid 1 may be produced in the
2-component injection molding process. The longitudinal sections 17
of the climbing aid 1 can, on the one hand, be arranged in a
condition corresponding to the mounting position on the ski 1',
which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 14a by a plane
orientation of the longitudinal sections 17. On the other hand, the
climbing aid 1 may be folded along the hinge connections 18 if the
climbing aid 1 is to be stored after use. FIG. 14b illustrates the
folding of the longitudinal sections 17 schematically with arrows
20. In FIGS. 14 to 16 the adhesive layer 5 and the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6 are not illustrated for
the sake of clarity.
[0082] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in
which the plastic support material 2' comprises notches 21 for
forming the hinge connections 18. The notches 21 are formed by
groove-shaped recesses of the plastic support material 2'. In order
to improve the swiveling capacity of the longitudinal sections 17
at the notches, the notches 21 extend over the entire breadth of
the plastic support material 2'. In the illustrated embodiment the
notches 21 are provided alternatingly on the inner side and on the
outer side of the plastic support material 2'. Due to the hinge
connections 18 formed by the notches 21, the climbing aid 1 can be
transferred from a condition corresponding to the climbing
position, which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 15a as a plane
arrangement of the longitudinal sections 17, to a folded transport
condition (FIG. 15b) which is particularly suited for storing the
climbing aid 1 in a backpack.
[0083] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in
which the plastic support material 2' is connected over the entire
length with a connection layer 22 having a smaller layer thickness
than the plastic support material 2'. The longitudinal sections 17
of the plastic support material 2' are arranged to be spaced by
gaps 23, wherein the gaps 23 are designed as hinge connections 18
in the illustrated embodiment. In the region of the gaps 23 the
climbing aid 1 has higher flexibility and/or lower resistance to
deformation than in the remaining sections, so that the storing of
the climbing aid 1 is facilitated by the folding of the
longitudinal sections 17 along the hinge connections 18. An elastic
film or a flexible mesh may, for instance, be provided as a
connection layer 22, wherein, due to the spacing between the
adjacent longitudinal sections 17, the foldability of the climbing
aid 1 is ensured.
[0084] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in
which the longitudinal sections 17 are connected with each other by
means of connections detachable without tools. The detachable
connections comprise cooperating positive locking elements 25 in
the kind of a groove and tongue connection which is detachable in
the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the base
element 2. In the connected condition, the positive locking
elements 25 effect that the connection in the longitudinal plane of
the base element 2 is blocked, so that unintentional detaching of
the connection in use is reliably prevented. In this embodiment,
the longitudinal sections 17 may be formed by injection molded
parts.
[0085] FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment of the climbing aid 1 in
which a detachable connection is provided between adjacent
longitudinal sections 17. The detachable connection comprises as
positive locking elements 25 at least one male connecting part 26
at the one longitudinal section 17 and at least one matching female
connecting part 27 at the other longitudinal section 17. In the
illustrated embodiment connecting parts 26, 27 are punched from the
plastic support material 2'.
[0086] FIG. 19 illustrates a modification of the embodiment of FIG.
15a in which a plurality of narrower notches 21 are provided for
forming the hinge connections 18. FIG. 19 additionally shows
schematically an adhesive agent layer 28, in particular of a fleece
material, which is provided on the underside of the flexible
plastic support material 2' which faces the running surface of the
ski 1', so as to improve the application of the adhesive. The
adhesive agent layer 28 is preferably applied after the extrusion
of the film web forming the plastic support material 2'.
[0087] FIG. 20 illustrates a modification of the embodiment
pursuant to FIG. 8 in which the base element 2 comprises, in the
lateral regions, sidewards-slipping prevention elements 6''' in the
form of narrow longitudinal webs which extend in the direction of
travel W. This embodiment has turned out particularly advantageous
for hillside crossing. The longitudinal webs overlap the
backwards-slipping prevention elements 6. In the illustrated
embodiment the base element 2 comprises, in the lateral regions,
two respective rows of sidewards-slipping prevention elements 6'''
offset in the direction of travel W.
* * * * *