US 6,682,083 B2Granted

Snowboard system

OwnerDaniel J. Melcherinventor

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Abstract

A snowboard-type ski system and apparatus utilizing two skis and rotary linkage to provide the skier with the natural feel of snowboarding and the response and control of two skis. The system coordinates and maintains parallel alignment, vertical motion, and consistent horizontal separation of the two skis through the use of two linkage cranks which rotate about an axis transverse to the direction of travel intended for the two skis. The linkage includes an elevated mounting assembly positioned between the two skis and above the snow upon which a skier may mount bindings. The points of attachment and rotation are between the skier's feet such that the point of attachment to the two skis is proximate to the ski manufacturer's intended loading point. The transverse rotary motion permits the two skis to cant with respect to one another, as the skier enjoys rough terrain, and maintains' natural motion and transfer of force between the two skis.

Claims34

Dependent claims

A snowboard system, comprising, in combination:

a) at least one first ski lying substantially in a first plane and having a first longitudinal axis;
b) at least one second ski lying substantially in a second plane and having a second longitudinal axis;
c) at least one mounting assembly structured and arranged to mount at least one boot binding;
and
d) at least one linkage structured and arranged to link said at least one mounting assembly to and between said at least one first ski and said at least one second ski;
e) said at least one mounting assembly lying normally in a substantially horizontal third plane above the first and second planes and having a third longitudinal axis;
f) wherein said at least one linkage is structured and arranged to
i) maintain the first and second planes normally substantially parallel to the third plane,
ii) maintain the first, second and third planes to be never simultaneously collectively co-planar,
iii) maintain substantially parallel alignment among the first longitudinal axis, second longitudinal axis and third longitudinal axis;
iv) control vertical motion among the first longitudinal axis, second longitudinal axis and third longitudinal axis;
v) maintain substantially fixed horizontal separation among the first longitudinal axis, second longitudinal axis and third longitudinal axis;
vi) permit rotation of said at least one first ski and said at least one second ski about an axis of rotation transverse to the third longitudinal axis;
and
vii) permit cant between said at least one first ski relative to said at least one second ski.

12 more elements

An apparatus, for linking at least one first ski lying substantially in a first plane and having a first longitudinal axis to at least one second ski lying substantially in a second plane and having a second longitudinal axis, comprising, in combination:

a) at least one mounting assembly structured and arranged to mount at least one boot binding;
and
b) at least one linkage structured and arranged to link said at least one mounting assembly to and between said at least one first ski and said at least one second ski;
c) said at least one mounting assembly lying normally in a substantially horizontal third plane above the first and second planes and having a third longitudinal axis;
d) wherein said at least one linkage is structured and arranged to
i) maintain the first and second planes normally substantially parallel to the third plane,
ii) maintain the first, second and third planes to be never simultaneously collectively co-planar,
iii) maintain substantially parallel alignment among the first longitudinal axis, second longitudinal axis and third longitudinal axis;
iv) control vertical motion among the first longitudinal axis, second longitudinal axis and third longitudinal axis;
v) maintain substantially fixed horizontal separation among the first longitudinal axis, second longitudinal axis and third longitudinal axis;
vi) permit rotation of said at least one first ski and said at least one second ski about an axis of rotation transverse to the third longitudinal axis;
vii) permit cant between said at least one first ski relative to said at least one second ski.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.