RIDING DECK FOR A MONOSKI
United States Patent 3802714
The deck comprises a two-part pedestal, the parts of which are relatively reciprocable in one vertical plane of the pedestal, and adapted to be superposed on a ski and interengaged with the bindings thereof. A two-part platform is mounted on the pedestal to support the skier, and the parts of the platform are relatively reciprocable in conjunction with the parts of the pedestal so that binder means on the parts of the platform, adjacent the upper surface thereof, can be readily interengaged with the boots of the skier. When the parts of the pedestal are interengaged with the bindings of the ski, the parts of both the pedestal and the platform are fixed in relation to one another.
US Patent References:
/1330644.html
Matson - February 1920 - 1330644
Snow skate
Kinsley - April 1931 - 1802116
Roller skate
Lang - February 1932 - 1846265
Ski binding
Durham - December 1949 - 2491485
Ski boot fitting device
Lundberg - February 1958 - 2822613
/1330644.html
Matson - February 1920 - 1330644
Snow skate
Kinsley - April 1931 - 1802116
Roller skate
Lang - February 1932 - 1846265
Ski binding
Durham - December 1949 - 2491485
Ski boot fitting device
Lundberg - February 1958 - 2822613
Application Number:
05/215794
Publication Date:
04/09/1974
Filing Date:
01/06/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
280/618
International Classes:
A63C5/03; A63C9/00; A63C5/00; A63C5/00
Field of Search:
280/11.13W,11.13T,11.35C,11.35R,11.37S,12F,12K,12H,11.16,11.26,15
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Betts, Kenneth H.
Assistant Examiner:
Mitchell, David M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Cole & Jensen
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A deck for use in riding a monoski comprising: a two-part pedestal, the parts of which are relatively reciprocable longitudinally of said monoski and adapted to be superposed on a ski and inter-engaged with the bindings of the ski, means defining a two-part platform which is mounted on the pedestal to support the skier, and the parts of which are interconnected and relatively reciprocable longitudinally of said monoski and which have binder means on the upper surface thereof which are inter-engageable with the boots of the skier, means for fixing the parts of the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another when the binder means and the parts of the pedestal are inter-engaged with the boots and the bindings, respectively, one part of said two-part platform being apertured and fixed on one part of the pedestal, and the other part of said two-part platform being slidably mounted in the aperture of the one part of the platform, substantially flush with the upper surface thereof, with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom.
2. The riding deck according to claim 1 wherein the one part of the platform has a pair of spaced individually countersunk slots in the upper surface thereof, on opposite sides of an parallel to the plane of the pedestal, and the other part of the platform takes the form of a pair of spaced, horizontally disposed clamping plates which are slidably engaged in the countersinks of the slots, with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom on interconnecting means in the slots.
3. The riding deck according to claim 2 wherein the interconnecting means takes the form of a pair of fasteners which are slidably interposed in the slots and adapted to clamp the plates and the other part of the pedestal to the one part of the platform to fix the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another.
4. In combination, a monoski having spaced bindings thereon, and a riding deck on the ski, between the bindings, comprising a two-part pedestal the parts of which are relatively reciprocable longitudinally of the ski, and inter-engageable with the bindings, a two-part platform which is mounted on the pedestal to support a skier thereon, the parts of which platform are interconnected and also relatively reciprocable longitudinally of the ski, said platform having binder means on the upper surface thereof which are interengageable with the boots of the skier, and means for fixing the parts of the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another when the parts of the pedestal and the binder means are inter-engaged with the bindings on the ski and the boots of the skier, respectively, said two-part platform including a first part detachably secured for stationary support to one part of said pedestal and having elongated aperture means therein, and a second part including plate means connected to said first part for slideable movement in said aperture means, said second part being detachably secured to the other part of said pedestal.
5. The combination according to claim 4 wherein said first part includes a countersunk area around said aperture means such that said plate means move within said countersunk area so that the upper surface of said plate means is substantially flush with said first part, said plate means being connected through said aperture means to the other part of said pedestal.
1. A deck for use in riding a monoski comprising: a two-part pedestal, the parts of which are relatively reciprocable longitudinally of said monoski and adapted to be superposed on a ski and inter-engaged with the bindings of the ski, means defining a two-part platform which is mounted on the pedestal to support the skier, and the parts of which are interconnected and relatively reciprocable longitudinally of said monoski and which have binder means on the upper surface thereof which are inter-engageable with the boots of the skier, means for fixing the parts of the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another when the binder means and the parts of the pedestal are inter-engaged with the boots and the bindings, respectively, one part of said two-part platform being apertured and fixed on one part of the pedestal, and the other part of said two-part platform being slidably mounted in the aperture of the one part of the platform, substantially flush with the upper surface thereof, with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom.
2. The riding deck according to claim 1 wherein the one part of the platform has a pair of spaced individually countersunk slots in the upper surface thereof, on opposite sides of an parallel to the plane of the pedestal, and the other part of the platform takes the form of a pair of spaced, horizontally disposed clamping plates which are slidably engaged in the countersinks of the slots, with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom on interconnecting means in the slots.
3. The riding deck according to claim 2 wherein the interconnecting means takes the form of a pair of fasteners which are slidably interposed in the slots and adapted to clamp the plates and the other part of the pedestal to the one part of the platform to fix the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another.
4. In combination, a monoski having spaced bindings thereon, and a riding deck on the ski, between the bindings, comprising a two-part pedestal the parts of which are relatively reciprocable longitudinally of the ski, and inter-engageable with the bindings, a two-part platform which is mounted on the pedestal to support a skier thereon, the parts of which platform are interconnected and also relatively reciprocable longitudinally of the ski, said platform having binder means on the upper surface thereof which are interengageable with the boots of the skier, and means for fixing the parts of the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another when the parts of the pedestal and the binder means are inter-engaged with the bindings on the ski and the boots of the skier, respectively, said two-part platform including a first part detachably secured for stationary support to one part of said pedestal and having elongated aperture means therein, and a second part including plate means connected to said first part for slideable movement in said aperture means, said second part being detachably secured to the other part of said pedestal.
5. The combination according to claim 4 wherein said first part includes a countersunk area around said aperture means such that said plate means move within said countersunk area so that the upper surface of said plate means is substantially flush with said first part, said plate means being connected through said aperture means to the other part of said pedestal.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING CERTAIN OBJECTS THEREOF
Monoskiing is now a popular variation of conventional two runner skiing. One object of the present invention is to provide a deck structure which can be added to one of a conventional pair of skis, so that the single ski can be used as a monoski. Another object is to provide a deck structure of this nature which is adapted to serve as a platform on which the skier can ride the ski in conventional stance, with his feet substantially abreast of one another. A further object is to provide a deck structure of this nature which elevates the skier sufficiently above the ski that he can readily execute his skiing maneuvers. Still another object is to provide a deck structure of this nature which enables the skier to monoski with the same equipment, including boots, that he employs for two runner skiing; and moreover, if he desires, to use the same bindings for monoskiing as he uses for two-runner skiing. Other objects include the provision of a deck structure of this nature, the platform of which provides a fastening surface and/or fastening mechanism for boots of all sizes; and moreover, a surface and/or mechanism which is quickly and easily adjusted to any size of boot while continuing to achieve a firm grip on the boots. Still further objects will become apparent from the description of the invention which follows hereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These objects and advantages are realized by a deck structure of my invention which comprises a two-part pedestal, the parts of which are relatively reciprocable in one vertical plane of the pedestal, and adapted to be superposed on a ski and interengaged with the bindings thereof. The deck structure also comprises a two-part platform which is mounted on the pedestal to support the skier, and the parts of the platform are also relatively reciprocable in the vertical plane of the pedestal, so that binder means on the parts of the platform, adjacent the upper surface thereof, can be interengaged with the boots of the skier. When the parts of the pedestal are interengaged with the bindings of the ski, the parts of both the pedestal and the platform are fixed in relation to one another.
Preferably, the parts of the platform are relatively reciprocable in conjunction with the parts of the pedestal, and vice versa, to automatically transfer the functional relationship between the bindings of the ski, to the binder means on the parts of the platform.
In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the platform is mounted in an elevated position on the pedestal, and the parts of the pedestal have means on the base portions thereof, which are interengageable with the bindings of the ski. For example, the parts of the pedestal may have oppositely disposed recesses in the base portions thereof, forming shoulders which are clamped to the ski by the bindings thereon. In fact, in one of these embodiments, the pedestal takes the form of a pair of spaced standards each having a shoe at the base thereof, the upper edges of which shoes are rabbetted to form shoulders about the front and back faces thereof, respectively. Also, the shoes are rotatably mounted on the standards to assist in the binding operation.
Where the parts of the pedestal and the platform are conjointly relatively reciprocable, one part of the platform may be apertured and fixed on one part of the pedestal, and the other part of the platform may be slidably mounted in the aperture of the one part of the platform, substantially flush with the upper surface thereof, and with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom. As an example, the one part of the platform may have a pair of spaced individually countersunk slots in the upper surface thereof, on opposite sides of and parallel to the plane of the pedestal, and the other part of the platform may take the form of a pair of spaced, horizontally disposed clamping plates which are slidably engaged in the countersinks of the slots, with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom, on interconnecting means in the slots. The latter means are preferably slidably interposed in the slots and adapted to clamp the plates and the other part of the pedestal to the one part of the platform, when it is desired to fix the parts of the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These features will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one of the presently preferred embodiments.
In the drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the riding deck;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deck as it appears when mounted on a monoski;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the ski and deck when in use by the skier; and
FIG. 4 is a part plan view of the deck when it is in the mounted condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the deck 2 comprises a two-part aluminum pedestal 4 and a two-part aluminum platform 6 which are surmounted in conjunction with one another on a monoski 8 in use. The parts or components of the pedestal each include a standard 10 of cylindrical tubing, and a round-ended, flat-bottomed, rake-topped shoe 12 which has a bore 13 at the top thereof, within which the standard is inserted and bonded thereto. In addition, each shoe 12 has a rabbetted upper edge about the rounded end thereof which provides a shoulder 14 for interengagement with one of the bindings 16 of the monoski, as shall be explained. The relatively forward component 18 (FIG. 3) of the pedestal 4 also includes a yoke-like saddle 20, the underside of which is deeply relieved for lightness, but equipped with a bore 22 in the bight portion thereof, within which the standard 10 for that component is inserted and bonded. The saddle 20 also has two pairs of threaded holes 24 in the leg portions thereof, for receiving pairs of flat-headed machine screws 26 from the upperside of the platform 6, as shall be explained.
The principal deck component 28 of the platform is generally rectangular in outline, though the corners of the same are rounded, and the relatively transverse edges of the component are deeply notched into the body of the same. The deck component 28 also has a pair of longitudinally extending slots 30 in the forward portion thereof, which are disposed to either side of the notch 32 in its forward edge. Again, for lightness of construction, the underside of the deck component is also deeply relieved, though in a manner to maintain the strength of the same, and to provide a land for a bore 34 in the relatively rear portion thereof, within which the standard 10 of the rearward component 36 (FIG. 3) of the pedestal 4 is bonded when the deck is assembled.
On the upperside of the deck component 28, the slots 30 are widely countersunk in the longitudinal sense of the platform, and the countersinks 38 are provided with a pair of similarly shaped, threadedly apertured plates 40 which are slidably engaged therein, substantially flush with the upper surface 41 of the component. The plates 40 are fastened to the saddle 20 of the pedestal by the machine screws 26, which are firstly, threadedly engaged within the apertures 42 of the plates, and thence passed downwardly through the slots 30 into the threaded holes 24 of the saddle. In this way, the screws 26 also serve as guides for the forward pedestal component 18, during the forward and rearward adjustment of the plates in the countersinks 38 of the slots, as well as a means for clamping the plates and the pedestal component to the deck component 28 of the platform, when the proper positioning of the plates 40 is found.
This position corresponds to that in which the shoes 12 of the pedestal interengage with the step-in bindings 16 of the ski. Normally, the bindings 16 are set for the size of the user's boots 44, and according to the invention, the two platform components 28 and 40 have means such as two additional pairs of step-in bindings 46 upstanding thereon, whereby when the plates 40 are positioned to interengage the shoes 12 with the bindings 16, the additional bindings 46 are in turn positioned to interengage with the boots 44 of the user. Hence, the step of setting the plates 40 for engagement of the deck on the ski, also has the effect of setting the bindings 46 for engagement with the user's boots.
The notches 32 and 48 in the component 28, facilitate the process of engaging and disengaging the ski bindings 16 with the shoes 12.
Monoskiing is now a popular variation of conventional two runner skiing. One object of the present invention is to provide a deck structure which can be added to one of a conventional pair of skis, so that the single ski can be used as a monoski. Another object is to provide a deck structure of this nature which is adapted to serve as a platform on which the skier can ride the ski in conventional stance, with his feet substantially abreast of one another. A further object is to provide a deck structure of this nature which elevates the skier sufficiently above the ski that he can readily execute his skiing maneuvers. Still another object is to provide a deck structure of this nature which enables the skier to monoski with the same equipment, including boots, that he employs for two runner skiing; and moreover, if he desires, to use the same bindings for monoskiing as he uses for two-runner skiing. Other objects include the provision of a deck structure of this nature, the platform of which provides a fastening surface and/or fastening mechanism for boots of all sizes; and moreover, a surface and/or mechanism which is quickly and easily adjusted to any size of boot while continuing to achieve a firm grip on the boots. Still further objects will become apparent from the description of the invention which follows hereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These objects and advantages are realized by a deck structure of my invention which comprises a two-part pedestal, the parts of which are relatively reciprocable in one vertical plane of the pedestal, and adapted to be superposed on a ski and interengaged with the bindings thereof. The deck structure also comprises a two-part platform which is mounted on the pedestal to support the skier, and the parts of the platform are also relatively reciprocable in the vertical plane of the pedestal, so that binder means on the parts of the platform, adjacent the upper surface thereof, can be interengaged with the boots of the skier. When the parts of the pedestal are interengaged with the bindings of the ski, the parts of both the pedestal and the platform are fixed in relation to one another.
Preferably, the parts of the platform are relatively reciprocable in conjunction with the parts of the pedestal, and vice versa, to automatically transfer the functional relationship between the bindings of the ski, to the binder means on the parts of the platform.
In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the platform is mounted in an elevated position on the pedestal, and the parts of the pedestal have means on the base portions thereof, which are interengageable with the bindings of the ski. For example, the parts of the pedestal may have oppositely disposed recesses in the base portions thereof, forming shoulders which are clamped to the ski by the bindings thereon. In fact, in one of these embodiments, the pedestal takes the form of a pair of spaced standards each having a shoe at the base thereof, the upper edges of which shoes are rabbetted to form shoulders about the front and back faces thereof, respectively. Also, the shoes are rotatably mounted on the standards to assist in the binding operation.
Where the parts of the pedestal and the platform are conjointly relatively reciprocable, one part of the platform may be apertured and fixed on one part of the pedestal, and the other part of the platform may be slidably mounted in the aperture of the one part of the platform, substantially flush with the upper surface thereof, and with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom. As an example, the one part of the platform may have a pair of spaced individually countersunk slots in the upper surface thereof, on opposite sides of and parallel to the plane of the pedestal, and the other part of the platform may take the form of a pair of spaced, horizontally disposed clamping plates which are slidably engaged in the countersinks of the slots, with the other part of the pedestal suspended therefrom, on interconnecting means in the slots. The latter means are preferably slidably interposed in the slots and adapted to clamp the plates and the other part of the pedestal to the one part of the platform, when it is desired to fix the parts of the pedestal and the platform in relation to one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These features will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one of the presently preferred embodiments.
In the drawings, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the riding deck;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deck as it appears when mounted on a monoski;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the ski and deck when in use by the skier; and
FIG. 4 is a part plan view of the deck when it is in the mounted condition.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the deck 2 comprises a two-part aluminum pedestal 4 and a two-part aluminum platform 6 which are surmounted in conjunction with one another on a monoski 8 in use. The parts or components of the pedestal each include a standard 10 of cylindrical tubing, and a round-ended, flat-bottomed, rake-topped shoe 12 which has a bore 13 at the top thereof, within which the standard is inserted and bonded thereto. In addition, each shoe 12 has a rabbetted upper edge about the rounded end thereof which provides a shoulder 14 for interengagement with one of the bindings 16 of the monoski, as shall be explained. The relatively forward component 18 (FIG. 3) of the pedestal 4 also includes a yoke-like saddle 20, the underside of which is deeply relieved for lightness, but equipped with a bore 22 in the bight portion thereof, within which the standard 10 for that component is inserted and bonded. The saddle 20 also has two pairs of threaded holes 24 in the leg portions thereof, for receiving pairs of flat-headed machine screws 26 from the upperside of the platform 6, as shall be explained.
The principal deck component 28 of the platform is generally rectangular in outline, though the corners of the same are rounded, and the relatively transverse edges of the component are deeply notched into the body of the same. The deck component 28 also has a pair of longitudinally extending slots 30 in the forward portion thereof, which are disposed to either side of the notch 32 in its forward edge. Again, for lightness of construction, the underside of the deck component is also deeply relieved, though in a manner to maintain the strength of the same, and to provide a land for a bore 34 in the relatively rear portion thereof, within which the standard 10 of the rearward component 36 (FIG. 3) of the pedestal 4 is bonded when the deck is assembled.
On the upperside of the deck component 28, the slots 30 are widely countersunk in the longitudinal sense of the platform, and the countersinks 38 are provided with a pair of similarly shaped, threadedly apertured plates 40 which are slidably engaged therein, substantially flush with the upper surface 41 of the component. The plates 40 are fastened to the saddle 20 of the pedestal by the machine screws 26, which are firstly, threadedly engaged within the apertures 42 of the plates, and thence passed downwardly through the slots 30 into the threaded holes 24 of the saddle. In this way, the screws 26 also serve as guides for the forward pedestal component 18, during the forward and rearward adjustment of the plates in the countersinks 38 of the slots, as well as a means for clamping the plates and the pedestal component to the deck component 28 of the platform, when the proper positioning of the plates 40 is found.
This position corresponds to that in which the shoes 12 of the pedestal interengage with the step-in bindings 16 of the ski. Normally, the bindings 16 are set for the size of the user's boots 44, and according to the invention, the two platform components 28 and 40 have means such as two additional pairs of step-in bindings 46 upstanding thereon, whereby when the plates 40 are positioned to interengage the shoes 12 with the bindings 16, the additional bindings 46 are in turn positioned to interengage with the boots 44 of the user. Hence, the step of setting the plates 40 for engagement of the deck on the ski, also has the effect of setting the bindings 46 for engagement with the user's boots.
The notches 32 and 48 in the component 28, facilitate the process of engaging and disengaging the ski bindings 16 with the shoes 12.