Patent Publication Number: US-10758811-B2

Title: Collapsible ski having fabric hinge

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/288,390 filed on Jan. 28, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire contents of U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,782 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a collapsible ski having a hinge mechanism, the ski being useful for uphill and/or cross-country travel, for example, over unpacked or partially-packed snow in the backcountry. The invention also concerns related methods and kits. 
     2. Related Art 
     Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities. While most winter sports enthusiasts participate in such activities within the bounds of privately-operated, lift-accessible mountain resorts, many avid skiers and snowboarders also seek access to so-called backcountry terrain. In order to access such terrain without the use of motorized vehicles such as, for example, snow machines, snow cats, and/or helicopters, specialized equipment is typically required in order to enable a skier or snowboarder to traverse cross-country and/or uphill over unpacked, partially packed, or packed snow to a point of descent. 
     For skiers, accessing and ascending backcountry terrain can often be achieved by slight modifications to the same equipment used for descending. For example, by utilizing specialized bindings with detachable heel pieces and a pair of detachable skins, an alpine skier can easily traverse and ascend over unpacked snow. At the point of descent, the skier can simply remove the skins, lock the heel portion of each binding, and descend. Telemark skiers may similarly attach skins to the bottom of their skis, ascend to a desired location, remove the skins, and descend. 
     Snowboarders, on the other hand, typically require additional and/or highly modified equipment to access such terrain without significantly increasing the amount and weight of equipment required. For example, snowboarders have been known to utilize split snowboards, various types of modern snowshoes, or so-called “short skis” to traverse and ascend in the backcountry. These solutions, however, have disadvantages. A split snowboard, for example, is essentially a snowboard constructed in two pieces and separable along the longitudinal axis thereof into two distinct “skis” separately attachable to the user&#39;s respective boots for ascending and traversing. To descend, the distinct pieces are then coupled together by the user along mating longitudinal edges with known locking/latching mechanisms to form a snowboard. Accordingly, while allowing for both ascending and descending, split boards do not have the same stability and feel as a modern (one-piece) freestyle snowboard when ridden downhill due to the inherent center seam and the resulting play introduced by the large number of locking/mating parts. Moreover, split boards are typically heavy and cumbersome and provide compromised feel and long transition time. Additionally, they can be relatively expensive. Snowshoes also have disadvantages in that they make travel comparably inefficient and slow and do not allow the backcountry snowboarder to take advantage of tracking along packed ski tracks created by, for example, skiers. Likewise, short skis with releasable bindings and removable skins are still similarly inefficient and ineffective as they are both too long to fit in a backpack and not long enough for climbing and traversing through and over unpacked terrain. 
     What is needed is an effective, lightweight backcountry access tool for snowboarders and/or other outdoor enthusiasts or military that is easily stowable (such as in a backpack) and thereby avoids the foregoing disadvantages. Additionally, a hinge mechanism and/or binding suitable for this and other applications is needed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of the invention relates to a collapsible ski device, having: a first forward ski member having a bottom surface, a tip and a rear end; a second middle ski member having a bottom surface, a forward end and a rear end; and a third rear ski member having a bottom surface, a forward end and a tail. In such an embodiment, the forward end of the second middle ski member is pivotably coupled to the rear end of the first forward ski member by a first hinge mechanism. The first hinge mechanism has a flexible component attached at a first location to a first attachment surface on the first forward ski member and attached at a second location to a second attachment surface on the second middle ski member. The rear end of the second middle ski member is pivotably coupled to the forward end of the third rear ski member by a second hinge mechanism. The second hinge mechanism having a flexible component attached at a first location to a third attachment surface on the second middle ski member and attached at a second location to a fourth attachment surface on the third rear ski member. 
     An embodiment of the invention relates to a kit for accessing and ascending snow-covered back-country terrain, having a pair of the collapsible ski devices above. 
     An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of making a collapsible ski device, including the steps of: providing a first forward ski member, a second middle ski member, and a third rear ski member; pivotably coupling a rear end of the first forward ski member to a forward end of the second middle ski member by a first hinge mechanism; and pivtoably coupling a rear end of the second middle ski member to a forward end of the third rear ski member by a second hinge mechanism. In such an embodiment, the first hinge mechanism has a flexible component attached at a first location to a first attachment surface on the first forward ski member and attached at a second location to a second attachment surface on the second middle ski member. The second hinge mechanism has a flexible component attached at a first location to a third attachment surface on the second middle ski member and attached at a second location to a fourth attachment surface on the third rear ski member. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be now described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a collapsible ski device in an extended position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the collapsible ski device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of one of the hinge mechanisms of the collapsible ski device of  FIG. 1  in a folded position; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible ski device in a folded position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows the continuous body surface of a collapsible ski device when in an extended position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows an alternative view of the collapsible ski device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a collapsible ski device in a folded position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternative view of the folded ski device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows a collapsible ski device in an extended position with a boot binding according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  shows a kit for accessing and ascending snow-covered back-country terrain, having a pair of collapsible ski devices according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide example. 
     An embodiment of the invention relates to a collapsible ski device, having: a first forward ski member having a bottom surface, a tip and a rear end; a second middle ski member having a bottom surface, a forward end and a rear end; and a third rear ski member having a bottom surface, a forward end and a tail. In such an embodiment, the forward end of the second middle ski member is pivotably coupled to the rear end of the first forward ski member by a first hinge mechanism. The first hinge mechanism has a flexible component attached at a first location to a first attachment surface on the first forward ski member and attached at a second location to a second attachment surface on the second middle ski member. The rear end of the second middle ski member is pivotably coupled to the forward end of the third rear ski member by a second hinge mechanism. The second hinge mechanism having a flexible component attached at a first location to a third attachment surface on the second middle ski member and attached at a second location to a fourth attachment surface on the third rear ski member. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, where the ski device is configured to be collapsed from an extended position to a folded position. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, where the flexible component is a fabric such as, for example, a woven fabric. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, where the first attachment surface is disposed on a location on the bottom surface of the first forward ski member. In such embodiments, the second attachment surface is disposed on a first location on the bottom surface of the second middle ski member, the third attachment surface is disposed on a second location on the bottom surface of the second middle ski member, and the fourth attachment surface is disposed on a location on the bottom surface of the third rear ski member. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, where the first hinge mechanism further has a first support mechanism. In such embodiments, the second hinge mechanism further has a second support mechanism. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, where the first support mechanism has a first hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the rear end of the first forward ski member and a second hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the forward end of the second middle ski member. In such embodiments, the second support mechanism has a third hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the rear end of the second middle ski member and a fourth hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the forward end of the third rear ski member. The first hinge limitation contact surface and the second hinge limitation contact surface are configured to contact one another when the first hinge mechanism is in an extended position. The third hinge limitation contact surface and the fourth hinge limitation contact surface are configured to contact one another when the second hinge mechanism is in an extended position. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, where an angle between the bottom surfaces of adjacent ski members is less than 180 degrees when the collapsible ski device is in the extended position. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, where the bottom surfaces of the adjacent ski members define a facted camber. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, further having a strip of climbing material secured to the bottom surface of each of the first forward ski member, the second middle ski member and the third rear ski member. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, further having a boot binding coupled to the second middle ski member. 
     An embodiment of the invention relates to a kit for accessing and ascending snow-covered back-country terrain, having a pair of the collapsible ski devices above. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the kit above, further having a backpack configured to receive and stow the ski devices when the ski devices are in a folded position. 
     An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of making a collapsible ski device, including the steps of: providing a first forward ski member, a second middle ski member, and a third rear ski member; pivotably coupling a rear end of the first forward ski member to a forward end of the second middle ski member by a first hinge mechanism; and pivtoably coupling a rear end of the second middle ski member to a forward end of the third rear ski member by a second hinge mechanism. In such an embodiment, the first hinge mechanism has a flexible component attached at a first location to a first attachment surface on the first forward ski member and attached at a second location to a second attachment surface on the second middle ski member. The second hinge mechanism has a flexible component attached at a first location to a third attachment surface on the second middle ski member and attached at a second location to a fourth attachment surface on the third rear ski member. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the method above, where the flexible component is a fabric, such as, for example, a woven fabric. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the method above, where the first attachment surface is disposed on a location on a bottom surface of the first forward ski member, the second attachment surface is disposed on a first location on a bottom surface of the second middle ski member, the third attachment surface is disposed on a second location on the bottom surface of the second middle ski member, and the fourth attachment surface is disposed on a location on a bottom surface of the third rear ski member. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the method above, where the first hinge mechanism also has a first support mechanism, and the second hinge mechanism also has a second support mechanism. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the method above, where the first support mechanism has a first hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the rear end of the first forward ski member and a second hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the forward end of the second middle ski member, the second support mechanism includes a third hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the rear end of the second middle ski member and a fourth hinge limitation contact surface disposed on the forward end of the third rear ski member. In such embodiments, the first hinge limitation contact surface and the second hinge limitation contact surface are configured to contact one another when the first hinge mechanism is in an extended position and the third hinge limitation contact surface and the fourth hinge limitation contact surface are configured to contact one another when the second hinge mechanism is in an extended position. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the method above, also including attaching a strip of climbing skin to a bottom surface of each of the ski members. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the method above, also including coupling a boot binding to the second middle ski member. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to the ski device above, further having a boot binding coupled to the second middle ski member. Methods of coupling a boot binding to a ski surface are understood in the art. Some such methods are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,782, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a collapsible ski device  10  in an extended position according to an embodiment of the invention. The collapsible ski device has: a first forward ski member  12  having a bottom surface, a tip and a rear end; a second middle ski member  14  having a bottom surface, a forward end and a rear end; and a third rear ski member  16  having a bottom surface, a forward end and a tail. The forward end of the second middle ski member  14  is pivotably coupled to the rear end of the first forward ski member  12  by a first hinge mechanism  18 . The first hinge mechanism has a flexible component  22  attached at a first location to a first attachment surface on the first forward ski member and attached at a second location to a second attachment surface on the second middle ski member. The rear end of the second middle ski member  14  is pivotably coupled to the forward end of the third rear ski member  16  by a second hinge mechanism  20 . The second hinge mechanism has a flexible component  24  attached at a first location to a third attachment surface on the second middle ski member and attached at a second location to a fourth attachment surface on the third rear ski member. As will be described in more detail below, the first hinge mechanism  18  and/or the second hinge mechanism  20  can comprise a fabric or other flexible material. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the collapsible ski device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a view of one of the hinge mechanisms of the collapsible ski device of  FIG. 1  in a folded position. The hinge mechanism  18 ,  20  includes a support mechanism which includes a hinge limitation contact surface  26  disposed on the rear end of the first forward ski member and/or the rear end of the second middle ski member, and another hinge limitation contact surface  28  disposed on the forward end of the second middle ski member and/or the forward end of the third rear ski member. The adjacent ski members are joined by a flexible component  24 . The hinge limitation contact surfaces are configured to contact one another when the hinge mechanism is in an extended position (e.g. when the first forward ski member  12  is aligned with the second middle ski member  14  and/or when the third rear ski member  16  is aligned with the second middle ski member  14 . The hinge limitation contact surfaces prevents the adjacent ski members from collapsing when the ski is in use. These hinge limitation contact surfaces can be understood to act as stop elements for the hinge mechanism when in an extended position. 
       FIG. 4  is a view of a hinge mechanism of a collapsible ski device in a folded position according to an embodiment of the invention. The collapsible ski device has steel edges  30  on the underside, a flexible hinging fabric connection  24 , and adjacent ski member limitation contact surfaces  26 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the continuous body surface  32  of a collapsible ski device when in an extended position according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  shows an alternative view of the collapsible ski device of  FIG. 5 . The three adjacent ski members  12 ,  14 ,  16  are shown in an extended position. 
       FIG. 7  shows a collapsible ski device in a folded position according to an embodiment of the invention. The three adjacent ski members  12 ,  14 ,  16  are shown in a folded position. 
       FIG. 8  shows an alternative view of the folded ski device of  FIG. 7 . The adjacent ski members are joined by a flexible fabric  22 ,  24 . The flexible fabric  22 ,  24  can extend from the bottom of one ski member to another. 
       FIG. 9  shows a collapsible ski device in an extended position with a boot binding according to an embodiment of the invention. The adjacent ski members are joined by a flexible fabric  22 ,  24 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a kit  100  for accessing and ascending snow-covered back-country terrain, having a pair of collapsible ski devices  10  and a backpack  40  for carrying the ski devices when they are in a folded position. 
     Some embodiments of the invention relate to a ski for use in overland travel having: separate parts making up a single ski (e.g., 2, or 3 parts). Each section of ski can have an underside and edges  30  ( FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, these edges are made of steel. In some embodiments, adjoining ends are designed to fit together  22  ( FIG. 9 ). Some embodiments include a hinging fabric  24  located between the adjoining ends  30  for joining them together rigidly in a position that is both aligned and co-planar with the ski ( FIG. 4 ). A view of the ski in an extended position is shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . The hinge allows for the two parts of the ski to fold under (without becoming completely detached) in a folded position ( FIG. 7 ), underside against underside ( FIG. 8 ). As shown in  FIG. 9 , some embodiments include a flexible fabric connector  24  for stabilizing the two parts of the ski in the aligned position. Aligned and coplanar, adjoining ends match and fit together  22  ( FIG. 9 ). 
     Some embodiments of the invention include a flexible component which is made of a woven fabric that connects multiple segments that make up a ski when un-folded. 
     In some embodiments, the fabric is attached to the ski segments on the bottom (underside) of the ski segments, on the top of the ski segments, or is located somewhere in between (e.g., sandwiched within the laminated layers of each ski segment). 
     In some embodiments, the fabric comprises one piece that extends along the bottom of the first, second, and third ski segments. 
     In some embodiments, the fabric is attached to the ski segments by bonding (e.g. via the use of adhesives), fasteners (e.g. staples, screws, buckles, etc.) or combinations thereof. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize from this disclosure the types of methods and fibers that are used to create flexible fabrics to adjoin the ski segments. In some embodiments, the woven fabrics are made of durable fibers that are made up of natural materials (such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, cashmere, hemp, jute or blends thereof), synthetic materials (such as synthetic polymers), or combinations thereof. 
     Some embodiments of the invention include a segmented ski with flexible fabric connections that act as hinges so the ski can fold. 
     Some embodiments of the invention include a flexible component which is made of a woven fabric that connects multiple segments that make up a ski. To achieve rigidity when a person walks on the apparatus, the support mechanism, which is formed by a flexible fabric, maintains its form and length, creating a contact point (or pinch) in the ends of the ski segments above said fabric. That contact point between the segments (pinch) prevents the ski from collapsing when a person stands on it. 
     The fabric hinged ski can be made of segments. The first segment has a hinge attachment surface, a second ski segment with a hinge attachment surface, and a fabric hinge member. The fabric hinge member is secured to the hinge attachment surfaces of the first and the second segments whereby at least some of the fibers of the fabric hinge member are embedded within the hinge attachment surfaces of the first and the second members. 
     The flexible hinged ski may consist of a molded flexible hinge section ( FIG. 4 ), a hinge attachment surface, and a hinge limitation contact section  26  ( FIG. 4 ). The molded flexible hinge section ( FIG. 4 ) provides a flexible and reliable member allowing the segments to be folded approximately 180 degrees in one direction only. The contact section  26  ensures that the segments remain in a straight and solid configuration during use. 
     In some embodiments, the various binding and locking mechanisms described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,782 are coupled to the collapsible ski device described above. 
     The following claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope of the invention. The illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and should not be taken as limiting the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.