SNOW SKIS HAVING ASYMMETRICAL EDGES

Abstract: Snow skis (100, 200) having asymmetrical edges to make turning easier while telemark or alpine skiing. Each ski (100, 200) has concave, curved lateral edges (110, 120, 210, 220). These lateral edges are asymmetrical, in that the medial edge (120, 210) of each ski (100, 200) is substantially longer than its outer edge (110, 220). In addition, the point of maximum side cut (115, 225) on the outer edge (110, 220) is adjacent to the toe area of the skier's boot (160, 260), while the point of maximum side cut (125, 215) on the medial edge (120, 210) is adjacent to the middle of the ski boot (160, 260) to facilitate easier turns while telemark skiing.

Description: SNOW SKIS HAVING ASYMMETRICAL EDGES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates generally to the field of snow skis. More specifically, the present invention discloses snow skis having asymmetrical lateral edges. 2. Conventional Types of Skis. A variety of types of skis are currently in use. The present invention is intended primarily for telemark skiing, although it can be readily adapted for other types of skis, including the following types of skis in common use: The "alpine ski", or fixed heel ski, is characterized by its utilization rather than its design. The binding by which a skier's boot is attached to the ski secures both the toe and heel of the ski boot to the ski simultaneously. This method of binding characterizes the use of this ski as "alpine." In alpine skiing, both skis are generally maintained parallel to one another. The skier turns by shifting weight to the medial edge of the outside ski (i.e., the ski farther from the center of the circle describing the turn). The "telemark ski", or free heel ski, is similarly characterized by its utilization rather than its design. The binding by which the skier's boot is attached to the ski causes only the toe component of the ski boot to be fixed to the ski, while leaving the heel free to rise off the ski. Other than the binding, the ski is essentially the same as an alpine ski. Turning in telemark skiing is quite different than in alpine skiing. The skier positions the inside ski (i.e., the ski closer to the center of the circle describing the turn) behind the outside ski, so that the heel of the inside boot is raised off the inside ski. Any pressure applied by the skier to the inside ski is exerted via the toe area of the boot (i.e., the general area between the ball of the skier's foot to the lip of the boot). In contrast, the outside boot remains flat against the outside ski, so that pressure is exerted on the ski over the entire area of the ski boot. When the inside boot is raised and the outside boot remains flat, a "telemark posture" is attained. In telemark skiing, the points of applied pressure (resulting from the skier's application of weight and resulting additional forces) exist at different locations along the longitudinal axes of each ski. The inside ski (i.e., the ski closer to the center of the circle describing the turn) receives the application of pressure at the toe area of the attached boot. The outside ski receives the application of pressure along the entire bottom of the boot's sole. The "active edge" refers to the edge of each ski closer to the center of the turn being executed, i.e., the inside edge of the turn. By tilting the ski and applying pressure on the active edge, the active edge of each ski engages the underlying snow surface causing the ski to turn. The "cross-country ski" is similar to the telemark ski, except that it is designed for flatter terrain. Cross-country skis tend to be narrower and lighter than telemark skis. The "randonee ski" is a hybrid of free heel and fixed heel skis, wherein the heel binding can either be fixed or free at the option of the skier. Prior Art. The prior art in the field includes the following: Inventor Patent No. Issue Date Staufer 4,377,297 Mar. 22, 1983 Meatto et al. 4,688,821 Aug. 25, 1987 Gauer 4,705,291 Nov. 10, 1987 Fagot 4,971 ,350 Nov. 20, 1990 Floreani 5,301 ,965 Apr. 12, 1994 Petkov 5,405,161 Apr. 11 , 1995 Nelson 5,603,522 Feb. 18, 1997 Karlsen 5,876,056 March 2, 1999 Richmond 4,895,388 Jan. 23, 1990 "Open the Toy Box," Skiing Trade News, page 20 (January, 1997) "All Aboard! Ski and Snowboard Design Rides the Boom into the Backcountry," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Getaways, page 8 (Oct. 23, 1997) "Arc Angles: We Test Some Skis You Can Bank On," Skiing, page 108 (vol. 49, no. 4, Dec. 1997) "Inbounds Adventure," Skiing, page 124 (vol. 51 , no. 1 , Sept. 1998) "A Slice of Heaven," Skiing, page 156 (vol. 51 , no. 3, Nov. 1998) The article from Skiing Trade News mentions and shows a picture of the "Radarc" skis introduced by Fischer GmBH of Austria. The articles from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Skiing also describe the Fischer Radarc skis. The Fischer Radarc skis have asymmetrical side cuts with the longer edges on the outside of the skis, which is opposite from the present invention. The side cut on the outer edge is shifted farther back toward the tail of the ski than the side cut on the inside edge. This arrangement is also backward from the present invention. It appears that the Radarc ski is intended for a specialized style of alpine skiing known as "carving", in which the skier's legs are spread apart and turns are made by exerting substantially equal force on the active edges of both skis. The active edges make substantially concentric circles for both skis. Therefore, since the outside ski turns with a larger radius than the inside ski when carving, it may be advantageous for the medial edge of the outside ski to have a larger radius than the lateral edge of the inside ski. However, it should be expressly understood that the Radarc ski addresses a completely different problem and teaches away from the present invention. Meatto et al. disclose asymmetrical alpine skis with offset boot platforms. The medial edges of the skis have side cuts but the outer edges are substantially straight. Fagot discloses an alpine ski with a symmetrical bottom surface, but having asymmetrical, inwardly sloping sidewalls. Gauer discloses a short symmetrical alpine ski that is convex from front to rear, and also convex from side to side. Floreani, Nelson, Karlsen, Petkov, and Richmond disclose other examples of symmetrical skis of various types. Staufer discloses a symmetrical alpine ski with a series of side cuts along both edges. In addition to the prior art discussed above, several types of asymmetrical snowboards have been marketed in the past. Snowboard bindings typically hold the rider's feet at a diagonal angle with respect the snowboard. As a result, the center of pressure shifts slightly forward or rearward as the rider transfers his weight to the right or left edges to turn the snowboard. Some snowboards compensate for this axial shift in the center of pressure by placing the point of maximum side cut on the right side of the board further forward than on the left side, for a right-footed snowboarder. This would be reversed for a left-footed snowboarder. 4. Statement of the Problem. Properly designed skis must accommodate a number of concerns in today's highly competitive market. It is particularly important that the skier should be able to execute turns without undue effort, and that the skis should be stable and easy to control. The prior art listed above has several shortcomings, particularly with regard to telemark skiing: (a) Asymmetrical Edge Pressure Problem With Existing Snow Skis. In the telemark posture, it is difficult to apply a large amount of pressure on the active edge of the inside ski, because the knee over that ski is bent and contact with that ski is only made by the toe area of the boot. Since there is less pressure on the active edge of the inside ski, it is more difficult to turn that ski. However, in the telemark posture, it is comfortable and easy to apply pressure on the active edge of the outside ski, because the knee over that ski is straighter and the contact with the ski is made by the entire bottom of the boot. Since there is more pressure on the active edge of the outside ski, it is easier to turn that ski. In the utilization of existing telemark ski equipment in the telemark posture, the amount of pressure on the active edge of the inside ski is significantly less than the amount of pressure on the active edge of the outside ski, owing to the different locations of application of pressure for each of the two skis when a telemark posture is employed. In order to best turn both skis together, it would be ideal if the pressure on each active edge were close to equal. The problem with existing skis is that their design results in a substantial disparity of pressure on the active edges. (b) The Center of Pressure Problem With Existing Snow Skis. As previously discussed, turns are accomplished on skis by applying pressure on the active edge. The active edge turns the ski by virtue of its shape, which is curved inward toward the center of the ski, as shown for example in FIGS.4 and 5. Since this curvature is achieved by effectively cutting out the side of the ski, it is known in the ski industry as "side cut". The point along the edge having the greatest side cut can be referred to as "maximum side cut." Maximum side cut can also be defined as the point along the edge that is furthest from an imaginary straight line running between the two ends of the edge. The center of pressure on a ski is the point underneath the boot denoting the center of downward pressure from the skier onto the ski. On any snow ski, there is a particular point either at maximum side cut, or very close to it, where it is best to have the center of pressure located for optimal turning. Ski manufacturers typically mark that point "boot center", and bindings are mounted on the ski so that the center of pressure is at that point. Existing snow skis are constructed so that maximum side cut on each edge is located at the same point along the length of the ski on each side. This symmetrical arrangement of maximum side cuts makes sense for alpine skiing, where the boot is fixed in one place. In telemark skiing, due to the telemark posture, there are two different centers of pressure on each ski. One center of pressure is under the middle of the boot sole when the ski is the outside ski and the boot is resting flat on the ski. However, when the ski is the inside ski, the skier's knee is bent so that the heel rises, and the center of pressure shifts forward and is located under the toe area of the boot. Symmetrical maximum side cuts on existing skis are not well-suited for telemark skiing because they are designed as if there were only one center of pressure. This flaw results in the telemark skier's application of pressure in a location on the inside ski that is not ideal for the physical properties of the curved edge. (c) Proportional Length Problem With Existing Telemark Skis. Skis are typically designed with predetermined proportions of the ski in front and behind the center of pressure exerted by the skier's boot. For example, many conventional skis are optimal if have approximately 55% of their length is in front of, and approximately 45% is behind the center of pressure. In telemark skiing, the center of pressure for the inside ski shifts forward when turning, as previously discussed. This also shifts the proportion of the ski in front and behind the center of pressure, resulting in less than optimal performance for that ski, and causing a disparity with the proportional lengths of the other ski. 5. Solution to the Problem. The present invention addresses the edge pressure problem discussed above by shortening the active edge of the inside ski. By reducing the length of the active edge receiving less pressure, the lineal force along that active edge is increased so it is brought closer to parity with the lineal force on the active edge of the outside ski. This leads to increased facility and fluidity while turning. In other words, the present invention makes it easier to turn the inside ski by shortening the active edge of that ski. The present invention also solves the problem of having two centers of pressure in telemark skiing by locating the point of maximum side cut at a point along each edge corresponding to the location of the center of pressure when that edge is the active edge. By locating the point of maximum side cut for each active edge according to that edge's center of pressure, the present invention increases the maneuverability and responsiveness of the skis. The present invention also solves the proportional length problem associated with conventional telemark skis by using different medial and outer edge lengths. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides snow skis having asymmetrical edges to make turning easier. In particular, each ski has concave, curved lateral edges, whereby the medial edge of each ski is substantially longer than its outer edge. In addition, the points of maximum side cut on the ski edges can be asymmetrical with one in front of the other. The point of maximum side cut on the outer edge is generally adjacent to the toe area of skier's boot, while the point of maximum side cut on the medial edge is generally adjacent to the middle of the ski boot to facilitate easier turns while telemark skiing. These and other advantages, features, and objects of the present invention will be more readily understood in view of the following detailed description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention can be more readily understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a pair of telemark skis embodying the present invention. FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the right ski 200 corresponding to FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the left ski 100 corresponding to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the right ski 200 corresponding to FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a pair of telemark skis in a right turn. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a pair of telemark skis in a left turn. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a right alpine ski embodying the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Turning to FIG. 1 , a top plan view is presented of a pair of telemark skis 100, 200 embodying the present invention. FIG. 2A is a corresponding side elevational view and FIG. 3 is a corresponding bottom plan view of the right ski 200. FIG. 2B is a side elevational view of the left ski 100 in FIG. 1. Each ski 100, 200 has a front tip 101 , 201 and bindings 150, 250 for securing the skier's boots to the skis. Each ski 100, 200 also has a left lateral edge 110, 210 and an opposing right lateral edge 120, 220, respectively. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, both left lateral edges of each ski have concave, curved shapes. This is normally referred to as side cut. Although the left ski 100 is typically a mirror image of the right ski 200, it is important to note that these lateral edges are not symmetrical for each ski. In particular, the left edge 110 of the left ski 100 has a length, L 0 , that is substantially shorter than the length, L,, of its right edge 120. Similarly, the left edge 210 of the right ski 200 has a length substantially longer than that of its right edge 220. Generally, the medial edges 120, 210 of both skis 100, 200 have the same length, L,, and the outer edges 110, 220 of both skis have the same length, L 0 , which is substantially shorter than L,. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer edges 110 and 220 have a length, L 0 , that is approximately 2 to 14 inches shorter than the length, L,, of the medial edges 120, 210. It should be expressly understood that the lateral edges of the skis 110, 120, 210, and 220 are determined not by the part of the ski that has metal edges, but instead by the curved (i.e., side cut) portion of the side of the ski used for turning. The ends of the lateral edges 110, 120, 210, and 220 are determined by the point at which the side of the ski substantially departs from a concave curve and turns back inward toward the opposing lateral edge. The radius of curvature of the outer edges 110, 220 can either be equal or less than the radius of curvature of the medial edges 120, 210. In contrast, the length of each edge is measured along a line extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski (i.e., L, or L 0 ) as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, it should be noted that an edge does not necessary have a uniform curvature over its entire length and could have relatively straight portions, particularly near the area of maximum side cut. The tips 101 , 201 of the skis are typically symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of each ski for greater stability, although asymmetrical tips are possible. As shown in the side elevational views provided in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the tips 101 and 201 curve upward to help the skis ride over the surface of the snow. In the preferred embodiment, both the left and right medial edges of the ski begin at substantially the same distance behind the tip of the ski, as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the longer length of the medial edge 120, 210 results in an asymmetrical tail section 102, 202 for each ski. One possible configuration of the tail section 102, 202, depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, extends diagonally inward from the trailing end of the outer edge 110, 220 toward the trailing end of the medial edge 120, 210 for each ski. Alternatively, the tail section 102, 202 could be rounded or have any other suitable contour connecting the trailing end of the medial edge 120, 210 with the trailing end of the outer edge 110, 220 of the ski. Each ski typically has a tail section 102, 202 that is a mirror image of the other ski's tail section. When the present invention is used in telemark skis as shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 and 5, the points of maximum side cut on the medial and outer edges relative to the binding 150, 250 and the skier's boot 160, 260 are significantly different. Please note that the point of maximum side cut 115 on the left edge 110 of the left ski 100 is generally adjacent to the toe area of the skier's left boot 160. Similarly, the point of maximum side cut 225 on the right edge 220 of the right ski 200 is generally aligned with the toe area of the skier's right boot 260. In contrast, the point of maximum side cut 125 on the right edge 120 of the left ski 100 is adjacent to the middle of the skier's left boot 160, and the point of maximum side cut 215 on the left edge 210 of the right ski 200 is adjacent to the middle of the skier's right boot 260. Thus, the locations of the points of maximum side cut correspond to the shifting of the center of pressure exerted by the telemark skier's boot 160, 260 while turning, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The distance between these points of maximum side cut as measured along the longitudinal axis of the ski is in the range of approximately 1 to 10 inches in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a pair of telemark skis 100, 200 in a right turn, and FIG. 5 is a corresponding top plan view of a left turn. To execute a turn, the skier positions the inside ski behind the outside ski, so that the heel of the inside boot is raised off the inside ski. Any pressure applied by the skier to the inside ski is exerted via the toe area of the boot. In contrast, the outside boot remains flat against the outside ski, so that pressure is exerted over the entire area of the ski boot. The active or turning edges are the medial edge of the outside ski and the outer edge of the inside ski, as shown in bold lines in FIGS. 4 and 5. The present invention recognizes and accommodates this difference in the centers of pressure for the inside and outside skis by aligning the point of maximum side cut 115, 225 on the outer edge of the inside ski with the toe area of the inside boot, while the point of maximum side cut 125, 215 on the medial edge of the outside ski is adjacent to the middle of the outside boot. In other words, the point of maximum side cut 115, 225 on the outer edge of each ski is in front (i.e., closer to the ski tip) of the point of maximum side cut 125, 215 on its medial edge. This configuration enables the center of pressure for each ski to remain aligned with the point of maximum side cut (i.e., center of curvature) for the active or turning edge for that ski, thereby providing greater stability and ease of turning. More specifically, please consider the right turn illustrated in FIG. 4. The right ski 200 is the inside ski, while the left ski 100 is the outside ski in the turn. The skier positions the right ski 200 behind the left ski 100, so that the right knee is bent and the heel of the right boot is raised off the right ski 200. The active edges are the right edges 120, 220 of both skis 100, 200. Any pressure applied by the skier to the right ski 200 is exerted via the toe area of the boot, which is adjacent to the point of maximum side cut 225 on the right edge 220 of the right ski 200. In contrast, the left boot remains flat against the left ski 100, so that pressure is exerted over the entire area of the left ski boot. The point of maximum side cut 125 on the right edge 120 of the left ski 100 is adjacent to the middle of the skier's left boot. Similarly, in the left turn depicted in FIG. 5, the skier positions the left ski 100 behind the right ski 200, so that the left knee is bent and the heel of the left boot is raised off the left ski 100. The right boot remains flat against the right ski 200. The active edges are the left edges 110, 210 of both skis 100, 200. The point of maximum side cut 115 on the left edge 110 of the left ski 100 is adjacent to the toe area of a skier's left boot. In contrast, the point of maximum side cut 215 on the left edge 210 of the right ski 200 is adjacent to the middle of the skier's right boot. FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate the present invention used in telemark skis. It should be expressly understood that the present invention could be applied to other types of skis, such as alpine, randonee, and cross-country skis. For example, FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a right alpine ski 300 embodying that aspect of the present invention relating to different edge lengths. In alpine skiing, the inside or medial edge of the outside ski is used for turning. For example, in a left turn, pressure is applied to the left edge of the right ski. The ideal in alpine skiing is to place nearly all of the skier's weight and pressure on that active edge. In a left turn, the right edge of the right ski is not used. By reducing the length of this superfluous edge, the present invention causes the skis to be lighter. Lighter skis are easier to maneuver and quicker to place on edge. ln addition, the outer edge of the inside ski (e.g., the left edge of the left ski in a left turn) must make a tighter-radius turn if the inside ski is to remain parallel with the outside ski. This is made more difficult by the fact that only a minimal amount of pressure is normally applied to the inside ski. Here again, the present invention addresses these concerns by reducing the length of the outer edge of the inside ski, thereby increasing the lineal force on that edge, making it easier to perform shorter-radius turns. The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments of the present invention. Other arrangements or embodiments, not precisely set forth, could be practiced under the teachings of the present invention and as set forth in the following claims.

Claims: I CLAIM: 1. A snow ski to be worn primarily on a ski boot, said snow ski comprising: a concave, curved, outer edge; and a concave, curved, medial edge having a length substantially longer than said outer edge. 2. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said outer edge has a point of maximum side cut substantially adjacent to the toe area of a ski boot. 3. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said medial edge has a point of maximum side cut substantially adjacent to the middle of the ski boot. 4. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said outer edge has a point of maximum side cut approximately 1 to 10 inches in front of the point of maximum side cut of said medial edge. 5. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said ski comprises a telemark ski. 6. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said ski comprises an alpine ski. 7. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said ski comprises a randonee ski. 8. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said ski comprises a cross-country ski. 9. The snow ski of claim 1 further comprising an asymmetrical tail section extending from the trailing end of said outer edge to the trailing end of said medial edge. 10. The snow ski of claim 1 wherein said outer edge has a length approximately 2 to 14 inches shorter than said medial edge. 11. A pair of snow skis primarily to be worn on ski boots, each ski comprising: a concave, curved, outer edge; and a concave, curved, medial edge having a length substantially longer than said outer edge. 12. The snow skis of claim 11 wherein said outer edge has a point of maximum side cut substantially adjacent to the toe area of a ski boot. 13. The snow skis of claim 11 wherein said medial edge has a point of maximum side cut substantially adjacent to the middle of the ski boot. 14. The snow skis of claim 11 wherein said skis comprise telemark skis. 15. The snow skis of claim 11 wherein said skis comprise alpine skis. 16. The snow skis of claim 11 wherein said skis comprise randonee skis. 17. The snow skis of claim 11 wherein said skis comprise cross- country skis. 18. The snow skis of claim 11 wherein at least one of said skis further comprises an asymmetrical tail section extending from the trailing end of said outer edge to the trailing end of said medial edge. 19. A pair of snow skis primarily to be worn on ski boots, each ski comprising: an outer edge with a side cut forming a concave, curved edge having a point of maximum side cut; and a medial edge with a side cut forming a concave, curved edge having a point of maximum side cut; wherein said point of maximum side cut of said outer edge is in front of said point of maximum side cut of said medial edge. 20. The snow skis of claim 19 wherein said medial edge has a length substantially longer than said outer edge. 21. The snow skis of claim 19 wherein said skis comprise telemark skis. 22. The snow skis of claim 19 wherein said skis comprise alpine skis. 23. The snow skis of claim 19 wherein said skis comprise randonee skis. 24. The snow skis of claim 19 wherein said skis comprise crosscountry skis. 25. The snow skis of claim 19 wherein at least one of said skis further comprises an asymmetrical tail section extending from the trailing end of said outer edge to the trailing end of said medial edge. 26. A pair of snow skis to be worn primarily on ski boots, each ski comprising: an outer edge with a side cut forming a concave, curved edge; and a medial edge with a side cut forming a concave, curved edge; wherein said outer edge has a point of maximum side cut substantially adjacent to the toe area of a ski boot and wherein said medial edge has a point of maximum side cut substantially adjacent to the middle of the ski boot. 27. The snow skis of claim 26 wherein said medial edge has a length substantially longer than said outer edge. 28. The snow skis of claim 27 wherein at least one of said skis further comprises an asymmetrical tail section extending from the trailing end of said outer edge to the trailing end of said medial edge. 29. The snow skis of claim 26 wherein said skis comprise telemark skis. 30. The snow skis of claim 26 wherein said skis comprise alpine skis. 31. The snow skis of claim 26 wherein said skis comprise randonee skis. 32. The snow skis of claim 26 wherein said skis comprise crosscountry skis.

Inventors: CARLSON SCOTT R, CARLSON, SCOTT, R.
Applicants: CARLSON SCOTT R, SKI LOGIC LLC, CARLSON, SCOTT, R., SKI LOGIC, LLC
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A63C5
IPC codes: A63C5