Abstract:
The present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user&#39;s preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package. The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The ski supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method. In cooperation with the end supports, a binding insert is used to retain the ski on the tuning bench while providing the user full access to three sides of the ski.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application No. 60/316,084, filed Aug. 30, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable device for supporting skis and snowboards during the tuning process thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to a collapsible device that allows a user to tune a pair of skis or a snowboard in any location using the portable ski and snowboard tuning table of the present invention.  
           [0003]    Currently, the use of ski tuning and clamping devices is well known in the prior art. A number of prior art ski tuning devices have been devised and utilized for the purpose of tuning skis and are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless specific objectives and requirements.  
           [0004]    Nearly all of these devices include a central component for clamping the ski in place and two end support components for holding and stabilizing the front and rear ends of the ski while the edges are filed and the bottom is waxed. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,887, issued to Weissenborn et al., discloses a ski holding device that is mounted to a table, if one is available, that includes two end supports that also must be mounted to the table to keep the ski tip and tail from flexing during the tuning process. U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,356, issued to Thomas, discloses an automatic ski-tuning device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,220, issued to Yurick, Jr., discloses a ski edge tuning tool. U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,030, issued to Gaston et al., discloses a multipurpose apparatus and method for tuning and grooving a ski. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,250, issued to Fonas, discloses a method and apparatus for tuning a pair of skis.  
           [0005]    The difficulty with all of the cited the prior art devices is that while they all fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, none of them describe a portable ski and snowboard tuning table for allowing a user to tune a pair of skis or a snowboard in any location. A major drawback to all of these devices is that they must generally be mounted to an additionally required workbench. This is particularly inconvenient because skis are occasionally tuned at the top of an alpine run on a mountain side in the snow. Generally, benches are not readily available at the top of a ski slope and bringing them to the required location requires a great deal of effort and advanced planning. In addition, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,373 issued to Wasylynko discloses a portable table for tuning skis, the clamping devices are inefficient in that they wrap over the edges and bottom of the ski to hold the ski in place during tuning thus interfering with the ability of the tuner to have full, unimpeded access to the components of the ski being tuned. Also, vices cannot be used with the new trapezoidal or cap style skis where the top of the ski is not flat. In this manner, it prevents the individual who is tuning the ski to apply full smooth strokes to both the edges and bottom of the ski when filing the edges or applying wax. Another drawback to the Wasylynko device is that the device is not self-contained, when broken down the device has several individual components that all must be handled separately, thus interfering with true portability.  
           [0006]    Finally, none of the prior art devices allow a user to employ the device with equal effectiveness to alpine skis as well as the wide variety of short powder skis, telemarking skis and snowboards. This is a large drawback to the prior art devices given the increased popularity related to the traditional alpine ski alternatives such as snowboards.  
           [0007]    Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table which is self contained, easily portable and can be used for allowing a user to tune a pair of skis or a snowboard in any location. In addition, there is a need for a portable ski tuning table that firmly holds the ski or snowboard in place while allowing the user unobstructed access to the bottom surface and edges. Further there is a need for a ski tuning bench that is light, simple to use and compact enough to be fully portable.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    In this regard, the present invention provides a new and improved portable ski and snowboard tuning table, which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. The present invention provides an integrated system that can be employed with skis or snowboards of any length, width or binding style including downhill, telemark or cross-country. In addition, the device allows the skis or snowboards to be installed in either a horizontal or side mounted fashion depending on the user&#39;s preference. The device is integrated to include storage for all of the tools required to tune the skis as well as being completely portable in a compact package.  
           [0009]    The present invention essentially comprises a horizontal work surface, the upper surface of which has access holes to storage compartments, a central opening through which a clamping device is inserted and end sections onto which end supports are mounted. The supports on the end sections of the bench pivot inwardly and outwardly and can be placed in several locations along the work surface of the bench to accommodate varying length skis and to allow the bench to have a smaller profile when collapsed for transport. Further, the supports only support the skis from the lower surface and do not wrap around the edges of the ski providing an obstruction to the optimal full stroke tuning method. In cooperation with the end supports, a binding insert is used to retain the ski on the tuning bench while providing the user full access to three sides of the ski. In addition, this insert allows the user to adjust the tension of the ski in the tuning bench to provide a slight camber if desired and to accommodate skis having various thicknesses and different binding riser plates from a single centrally controlled location.  
           [0010]    The lower surface of the work surface has four legs that are pivotally connected and can be selectable rotated to either a retracted position beneath the work surface or an extended position for use of the table. The legs also are reversible having rubber tips on one end for indoor use and pointed tips on the opposite end for outdoor use on icy conditions. The storage compartments are located on the interior of the work surface and are designed to contain all of the clamping components and required tuning tools when they are not in use, allowing the present invention to be both conveniently portable and self-contained. Covers are installed over the compartment openings to retain the components stored within during transport and storage and provide a level working surface when the device is in use. Additionally, a tool pouch is provided to contain the tools in a readily accessible location beneath the device when in operation.  
           [0011]    Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is the provision of completely self-contained and portable ski tuning bench that provides integrated storage for all of the components necessary for tuning skis. Another object of the present invention is the provision of a tuning bench that can be used with equal efficacy with any type of ski or snowboard. Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a tuning bench that can firmly retain the ski or snowboard being tuned while providing unobstructed access to both edges and the bottom surface without requiring the supports to be moved. A further object of the present invention is the provision of a universal ski tuning system that is completely portable that includes integral tool storage in addition to allowing the user to mount the ski or snowboard in either a vertical or horizontal position.  
           [0012]    Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable ski-tuning bench of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view thereof with a downhill ski mounted horizontally therein;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof with a downhill ski mounted vertically therein;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the adjustable binding insert of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the storage compartments of the ski-tuning bench of FIG. 1;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view thereof in a folded position ready for transport;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the end of the ski-tuning bench of FIG. 1 with the end supports pivoted in an inward position;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the end of the ski-tuning bench of FIG. 1 with the snowboard end supports installed;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the ski tuning bench of FIG. 1 with a snow board mounted horizontally therein; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ski-tuning bench of FIG. 1 with a snowboard mounted vertically therein.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]    Referring now to the drawings, the universal ski tuning system of the present invention is generally shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 . FIGS.  4 - 8  generally show operational details of the present invention. Finally, FIGS. 9 and 10 show the present invention in use with a snowboard. The universal tuning bench is generally indicated at  10 . As will hereinafter be more fully described, the tuning bench  10  generally includes a storage box  12  with a work surface  14  installed on the top thereof. Retractable legs  16  are connected to the sides of the storage box  12  to allow the bench  10  to be set-up at a comfortable working height for the user. A universal support and clamping system, as will be more fully described below, is provided on the top of the work surface  14  that provides support for the front and tail ends of the skis or snowboards but also provides tensioning to retain the equipment in the bench  10  for the tuning process. Further, the support and clamping system is fully adjustable to accommodate a wide range of ski and snowboard shapes and sizes as well as binding configurations. In operation, the bench  10  is universal in application to all types of alpine equipment while also being completely collapsible, making it easily portable thereby creating a convenient and economical self-contained ski tuning bench  10  that has not been previously available in the prior art.  
         [0025]    Turning to FIG. 1, the universal tuning bench  10  is shown with a conventional down hill alpine ski installed in a horizontal position for tuning. The bench  10  consists of a storage box  12  with a work surface installed  14  on the top of the box  12 . The storage box  12  is provided to contain any tuning tools required in the ski tuning process such as files, screwdrivers, scrapers, waxes and heaters in a convenient location integral to the ski-tuning bench  10 . In this manner, all of the tools and any of the optional, removable components of the bench  10 , as are indicated below, can be placed in the storage box  12  and retained in one package for portability. This feature is an important improvement over the prior art where all of the accessories and tools had to be transported separately.  
         [0026]    The support legs  16  of the ski-tuning bench  10  are pivotally connected to the sides of the storage box  12  using a threaded fastener and a thumbscrew  18 . The legs  16  are a tubular material and can be placed in either an extended position depending downwardly from the bench  10  allowing the bench to be set up in any location for use. In addition, the legs  16  can be pivoted upwardly under the edge of the work surface  14  in a compact storage position for transport. The thumbscrews  18  are tightened against the legs  16  to retain them in grooves in the sides of the storage box  12  in the desired position making the tuning bench  10  a stable work platform. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the edges of the work surface  14  extend beyond the edges of the storage box  12 . Since the legs  16  are mounted against the sides of the storage box  12 , this overhanging feature provides protection for the thumbscrews  18  and the legs  16  thereby preventing any falling debris or wax from building up on these surfaces. The support legs  16  are also reversible, having rubber feet  20  on one end thereof to provide for use of the ski tuning bench  10  of the present invention on finished floor surfaces without scratching or marring them. On the opposite end of the legs  16 , spikes (not shown) are provided so that the ski-tuning bench  10  can be set up and used on the icy conditions usually encountered on the mountainside ski slopes while keeping the bench  10  firmly in place and manintaining its stability.  
         [0027]    Two universal end supports  22  are provided on each end of the work surface. The end supports  22  are pivotally mounted onto the work surface  14  and fastened in the desired location using thumbscrews  24 . The ability to pivot the end supports  22  serves several purposes. First, they can be pivoted inwardly for storage and portability. Further, by allowing the end supports  22  to pivot inwardly by a full 180° the supports  22  have a closer spacing so that the bench  10  can support shorter skis such as children&#39;s skis or the shorter, wider powder skis that are currently popular. Finally, by slightly pivoting the end supports  22  the skis can be tensioned and retained on the bench  10  when installed in the vertical position as will be more fully described below.  
         [0028]    The bottom support surface  26  of the end supports  22  is slightly elevated from the work surface  14  to allow them to freely rotate over the work surface  14  even if there is a build up of wax on the surface  14 . The universal end supports  22  also include several features that facilitate their use with a variety of different equipment and binding configurations. Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2 the ski bench  10  can be seen in use with a conventional high performance downhill alpine type ski. Posts  28  are provided on the end supports  22  upon which the tip and tail of the ski rests. The posts  28  are narrower than the overall width of the ski so as not to obstruct full and unimpeded access to the edges of the ski. The clamping assembly  30  cooperates with the end supports  22  to firmly retain the ski in position. In FIG. 2, the clamping assembly  30  is shown engaged, slightly flexing the ski causing the tip and tail of the ski to exert downward pressure on the posts  28  of the end supports  22 . In this manner, it can be seen that the ski is retained in in such a way as to allow access to all of the side and bottom surfaces of the ski so that a person tuning the ski can use continuous smooth strokes to sharpen the edges of the ski and to apply wax to the bottom of the ski.  
         [0029]    Turning to FIG. 3, the present invention  10  is shown with a conventional downhill ski installed in a vertical position as may be the preference of the user. In this fashion, the center of the ski is rigidly maintained in position by the clamping assembly  30  and the end supports  20  are slightly pivoted to exert outward pressure against the tip and tail of the ski. Again, as can be seen the posts  28  on the end supports  22  are lower than the edge of the ski allowing uninterrupted access to the edge of the ski. Further, on either side of the support post  28  the end supports  22  have shoulders  32  provided where both skis in the pair can be placed after the edges have been tuned so that wax can be evenly applied to the bottom surface of the skis. This feature allows both skis to be waxed simultaneously thereby saving time for the user of the table  10 .  
         [0030]    Turning now to FIG. 4, a close up view of the clamping assembly  30  is shown with a boot dummy  34  insert for use with traditional alpine style ski bindings. The clamping assembly  30  has two components. The first component is a boot dummy  34 . The boot dummy  34  engages the binding of the ski in the same manner that a ski boot engages the binding. The boot dummy  34  has a toe portion  36  with a lip that is latched under the toe of the ski binding and a heel portion  38  with a corresponding lip to engage the spring-loaded rear portion of the binding. The heel  38  and toe  36  portions of the boot dummy  34  are interconnected using a central section  40  that is slidable to allow the user to freely adjust the length of the boot dummy  34  to accommodate the length and preset dimensions of the binding on any ski being tuned. In operation, the boot dummy  34  is set to the size of the binding snapped into place as a ski boot would be snapped into place. Alternatively, the binding of the ski can be latched in the closed position. The latching mechanism  42  on the central section  40  of the boot dummy  34  is loosened allowing the heel  38  and toe  36  to slide freely relative to one another. The boot dummy  34  is placed into the binding, the toe  36  and heel  38  portions are slid apart to firmly engage the binding, and the latching mechanism  42  is tightened. In this manner, the boot dummy  34  is firmly engaged with the ski to be tuned. The second component of the clamping mechanism  30  is the clamping bar  44 . The clamping bar  44  has a slot  46  on one end to receive the central portion  40  of the boot dummy  34 . The bar  44  can be attached to the ski perpendicular or parallel to the bottom surface of the ski allowing the ski to be mounted onto the bench  10  in either a vertical or horizontal position as described above. The other end of the clamping bar  44  extends through a hole  48  in the top center of the work surface  14  where it is frictionally engaged by a threaded thumbscrew  50 . The ski is placed onto the ski bench  10  as shown in FIG. 2 or  3  and the clamping bar  44  is placed into the opening  48  in the work surface  14 . Once the desired tension is placed on the ski, the thumbscrew  50  is tightened locking the clamping assembly  30  in place. It can be further seen that a stop mechanism  52  is provided on the clamping bar  44  to prevent it from dropping complete through the opening  48  in the work surface  14  or pinching the hands of the user should the clamping bar  44  be unintentionally released from the boot dummy  34 . Vertical adjustment of the clamping bar  44  allows a centrally located single control for adjusting the bench  10  to the required dimension for various ski and riser thicknesses.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 illustrates the storage compartments  54  provided in the ski-tuning bench  10  of the present invention. The storage compartments  54  are located on the interior of the storage box  12 . Access to the storage compartments  54  is provided through openings in the top of the work surface  14 . Covers  56  are provided to keep debris from the tuning process out of the storage compartments  54 . Further, the covers  56  are provided to retain any tools required for the tuning of the alpine equipment in addition to the components of the clamping assembly  30  and the additional components for the end supports  22 . Once these components are placed into the storage compartment  54 , the covers  56  are installed so that all of the parts remain in the storage compartment  54  during transport and handling of the ski-tuning bench  10 .  
         [0032]    Turning now to FIG. 6, the ski-tuning bench  10  of the present invention is shown in a completely collapsed and folded position ready for transport. As can be seen, the clamping assembly  30  has been removed and placed in the storage compartment  54 . The storage compartment  54  covers  56  are installed. The end supports  22  are rotated inwardly and secured in a flat position and the legs  16  are folded up under the work surface  14 . In this manner, the ski-tuning bench  10  is completely collapsed and ready for transport. This is an important feature of the present invention because often this type device needs to be transportable by plane, train or automobile and useable in a minimal amount of space. For this reason a compact, portable, self-contained device is necessary to allow convenience of transport and ease of set up and use.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIGS. 7 and 8 are close up views of the end supports  22  of the present invention  10 . In FIG. 7 the end supports  22  are shown clearly illustrating slots  58  into which a ski or snowboard can be installed in a vertical position. Once the equipment is placed into the slot  58 , the end supports  22  can be rotated as earlier described to place tension onto the equipment and firmly retain it within the device  10 . This feature allows the device of the present invention  10  to be employed with alpine equipment that does not include the traditional downhill alpine ski binding. For example, since cross-country and telemark skis have a different binding, a modified boot dummy  34  can be inserted, they can be tuned on the universal tuning bench  10  of the present invention in this manner. FIG. 8 shows a wide end cap  60  installed onto the end support  22 . The wide end cap  60  is used when the user desires to tune a snowboard in the horizontal position.  
         [0034]    The universal tuning bench  10  of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 with a snowboard installed thereon. In FIG. 9, the snowboard is shown in a horizontal position. As described above, the wide end caps  60  are installed onto the end supports  22  and the snowboard is in turn placed onto the end caps  60 . Retaining straps  62  are provided with end hooks  64  to latch over the ends of the snowboard and retain the snowboard in place during the tuning operation. FIG. 10 shows the snowboard installed vertically using the slots  58  described above to retain and support the snowboard for the tuning process. Additional tensioning screws  66  are provided to retain the snowboard in the slot  58  is desired.  
         [0035]    It can be seen that an important aspect of the present invention is that it firmly retains skis or snowboards without obstructing access to the edges or bottom surface. This is an advantage that allows the edges to be sharpened and the bottom waxed in a smooth and uninterrupted motion without having to reposition the ski or snowboard in the device  10  In addition, the present invention  10  is entirely self-contained allowing any required components to be stored as an integral component of the present invention thus allowing complete portability.  
         [0036]    It can therefore be seen that the present invention provides a unique and novel universal alpine equipment tuning bench  10  that is completely self-contained and portable unlike the devices in the prior art. Further, the present invention can be used with equal efficiency for the tuning of any type of ski or snowboard and in any location. For these reasons, the instant invention is believed to represent a significant advancement in the art, which has substantial commercial merit.  
         [0037]    While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.