Thrust-responsive surface material for skis
OwnerStephen S. Daniellinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A thrust-responsive structure for skis includes a plurality of retractable elements. Each retractable element includes a portion configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position. Each retractable element further includes a first retention feature. The structure further comprises a matrix surrounding at least a subset of the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix is static relative to the plurality of retractable elements. The matrix includes a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the plurality of retractable elements. A position of each retractable element of the plurality of retractable elements, in the elevated position, is limited by contact between the first retention feature and the second retention feature.
Claims19
A ski comprising:
- a ski body including a top surface, a bottom surface, a tip and a tail, the top surface of the ski body having a binding to secure a boot of a skier, the binding having a plate positioned to receive the boot of the skier, the ski body further including a kick zone in the bottom surface of the ski body, the kick zone having a region opposite the binding and the plate;
- and
- a thrust-responsive module positioned to enter within the kick zone, the thrust-responsive module including
- an array of teeth, each tooth being configured to move from an elevated position to a retracted position, each tooth further including a first retention feature, and
- a tooth array matrix formed within a plane of the kick zone, the tooth array matrix fully surrounding a perimeter of at least a subset of the array of teeth, the tooth array matrix being static relative to the array of teeth, the tooth array matrix including a plurality of second retention features configured to captively engage the first retention features of the array of teeth,
- wherein when the skier stops or applies rearward force, the array of teeth extends to the elevated position, and when the skier applies force on the kick zone, the array of teeth are forced to the retracted position.
A ski equipped to be biased to forward motion, comprising:
- a ski body including a recess, the recess being formed in the bottom of the ski body;
- an insert compatible with the recess in the bottom of the ski, the insert including an array of teeth formed within a plane of the ski base and pliably coupled to a commensurate tooth array matrix, the tooth array matrix being held positionally stationary relative to the ski body and remaining substantially static relative to selective movement of the array of teeth;
- and
- fastening means to interchangeably attach the insert to the recess in the ski body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.