SKI VIBRATION DAMPING LINKAGE

MONTAGE DE SPATULE ANTI-VIBRATILE

English Abstract

This invention, in one aspect, relates to a ski and a
spatula attachment, reducing the spatula vibrations without
affecting other ski or spatula characteristics.
The damping is obtained through a dissipative spatula to ski
linkage. The various embodiments described achieve
dissipative action through frictionally slidably engaged
surfaces.
Another aspect of this invention relates to a linkage
forming an integral part of a ski, wherein the spatula
vibrational, torsional and flex characteristics are
substantially determined by the linkage as described in the
various embodiments.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive
property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1 A dissipative vibration damping attachment, for mounting
onto a ski having a central longitudinal axis; a transverse
axis; an upper surface; a forward upper surface; and a
forward upturned upper surface, comprising: a linkage
element, terminating at its longitudinal limits in a first
termination and in a second termination; a first linkage
engaging device, engaging said first termination; a second
linkage engaging device, engaging said second termination;
and dissipative surfaces; wherein said linkage element
dissipative slidably joins said first and second linkage
engaging devices via said dissipative surfaces, and wherein
said linkage engaging devices are positionally
interchangeably spaced apart along said central longitudinal
axis, secured onto said forward upper surface and onto said
forward upturned upper surface, and wherein said dissipative
surfaces mutually slide upon ski flexion.
2 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claim 1, wherein said dissipative surfaces comprise
frictional dissipative materials.

3 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a mounting portion,
securing at least one of said linkage engaging devices onto
said forward upper surface; side flanges, integral with said
mounting portion and extending upwardly, disposed juxtaposed
and parallel to said central longitudinal axis; dissipative
surfaces, affixed to said side flanges; a friction bar,
having affixed dissipative surfaces and; hinging means,
wherein said friction bar is vertical rotatable hingedly
secured to said side flanges via said hinging means,
mutually engaging said side flanges and friction bar affixed
dissipative surfaces and wherein said dissipative surfaces
impede movement between said friction bar and said side
flanges, and wherein one of said first and second
terminations is transverse hingedly secured to said friction
bar, providing rotatable dissipative engagement between
said linkage element and said upper surface.
4 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claim 3, wherein said side flange affixed dissipative
surfaces and said friction bar affixed dissipative surfaces
comprise frictional dissipative materials.

A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: pillow blocks; internal
cylindrical dissipative bearing surfaces, affixed to said
pillow blocks; and a friction bar having affixed dissipative
surfaces, wherein said pillow blocks are secured onto said
forward upper surface, wherein said friction bar is vertical
rotatably secured to said pillow blocks via said pillow
block affixed dissipative surfaces and said friction bar
affixed dissipative surfaces and wherein one of said first
and second terminations is transverse hingedly secured to
said friction bar, providing rotatable dissipative
engagement between said linkage element and said upper
surface.
6 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claim 5, wherein said pillow block affixed dissipative
surfaces and said friction bar affixed dissipative surfaces
comprise frictional dissipative materials.
7 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3,or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: tubular portions, having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged, and

wherein said dissipative surfaces comprise dissipative
materials, providing dissipative slidable and rotatable
movement.
8 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element comprises:
telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces, longitudinal
slidably and rotatable slidably engaged, and wherein said
dissipative surfaces comprise frictional dissipative
materials, providing frictional dissipative slidable and
rotatable movement.
9 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element comprises:
telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces, longitudinal
slidably and rotatable slidably engaged, and a spline,
providing longitudinal slidably dissipative movement and
minimal rotatable slidable movement between said telescopic
tubes.
A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative
surfaces, longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably
engaged, and a spline, providing longitudinal slidably

frictional dissipative movement and minimal rotatable
slidably movement between said telescopic tubes.
11 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
resilient element, disposed external to said telescopic
tubes: wherein said resilient element urges said telescopic
tubes towards a longitudinally extended position.
12 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
resilient element, disposed internal to said telescopic
tubes; wherein said resilient element urges said telescopic
tubes towards a longitudinally extended position.
13 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative
surfaces, longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably
engaged; a resilient element, disposed external to said
telescopic tubes portions; wherein said resilient element
urges said telescopic tubes towards a longitudinally
extended position.

14 A dissipative vibration damping linkage as defined in
claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element comprises:
telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
resilient element, disposed internal to said telescopic
tubes; wherein said resilient element urges said telescopic
tubes towards a longitudinally extended position.
15 A dissipative ski vibration damping attachmment as
defined in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
resilient element, disposed external to said telescopic
tubes and a spline, wherein said resilient element urges
said telescopic tubes towards a longitudinally extended
position.
16 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
resilient element, disposed internal to said telescopic
tubes and a spline, wherein said resilient element urges
said telescopic tubes towards a longitudinally extended
position.

17 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes having frictional dissipative
surfaces, longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably
engaged; a resilient element disposed external to said
telescopic tubes, and a spline, wherein said resilient
element urges said telescopic tubes towards a longitudinally
extended position.
18 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative
surfaces, longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably
engaged; a resilient element, disposed internal to said
telescopic tubes; and a spline, wherein said resilient
element urges said telescopic tubes towards a longitudinally
extended position.
19 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; and a
spring, disposed external to said telescopic tubes, wherein
said spring urges said telescopic tubes towards a
longitudinally extended position.

20 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; and a
spring, disposed internal to said telescopic tubes, wherein
said spring urges said telescopic tubes towards a
longitudinally extended position.
21 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element comprises:
telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; and a
spring, disposed external to said telescopic tubes and
wherein said spring urges said telescopic tubes towards a
longitudinally extended position
22 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1,3, or 5, wherein said linkage element comprises:
telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably rotatable slidable engaged; and a
spring, disposed internal to said telescopic tubes and
wherein said spring urges said telescopic tubes towards a
longitudinally extended position.

23 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having dissipatve surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
spring, disposed external to said telescopic tubes; and a
spline, wherein said spring urges said telescopic tubes
towards a longitudinally extended position.
24 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
spring, disposed internal to said telescopic tubes; and a
spline, wherein said spring urges said telescopic tubes
towards a longitudinally extended position.
25 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element comprises:
telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative surfaces,
longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably engaged; a
spring, disposed external to said telescopic tubes; and a
spline, wherein said spring urges said telescopic tubes
towards a longitudinally extended position.

26 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claims 1, 3, or 5, wherein said linkage element
comprises: telescopic tubes, having frictional dissipative
surfaces, longitudinal slidably and rotatable slidably
engaged; a spring, disposed internal to said telescopic
tubes; and a spline, wherein said spring urges said
telescopic tubes towards a longitudinally extended position.
27 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a mounting portion,
securing at least one of said linkage engaging devices onto
said upper surface; channels, integral with said mounting
portion, disposed juxtaposed and parallel to said central
longitudinal axis; a friction bar; dissipative surfaces,
affixed to said channels, mounting portion and friction bar,
and wherein said friction bar is longitudinal slidably and
vertical rotatably guided by said channels, wherein said
dissipative surfaces impede rotatable and slidable movement
between said friction bar, said channels and said mounting
portion, and wherein one of said first and second
terminations is secured to said friction bar, providing
rotatably slidable and longitudinally slidable dissipative
engagement between said linkage element and said upper
surface.

28 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 27 wherein said channels and mounting portion
affixed dissipative surfaces and said friction bar affixed
dissipative surfaces comprise frictional dissipative
materials.
29 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 27 wherein said channels and mounting portion
affixed dissipative surfaces and said friction bar affixed
dissipative surfaces comprise yieldably deformable
dissipative materials.
30 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 27, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a compressively resilient
element, urging said friction bar towards said linkage
element, impeded by said dissipative surfaces.
31 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 28, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a compressively resilient
element, urging said friction bar towards said linkage
element, impeded by said frictional dissipative surfaces.

32 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined in
claim 29, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a compressively resilient
element, urging said friction bar towards said linkage
element, impeded by said yieldably deformable dissipational
surfaces.
33 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 27, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a spring, urging said
friction bar towards said linkage element, impeded by said
dissipative surfaces.
34 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 28, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a spring, urging said
friction bar towards said linkage element, impeded by said
frictional dissipative surfaces.
35 A dissipative vibration damping attachment as defined
in claim 29, wherein at least one of said first and second
linkage engaging devices comprise: a spring, urging said
friction bar towards said linkage element, impeded by said
yieldably deformable dissipative surfaces.

36 A ski comprising: the dissipative vibration damping
attachment, as defined in any one of claims 1 through 35.
37 A ski comprising: a flexible forward portion and
spatula, and the dissipative vibration damping attachment as
defined in any one of claims 1 through 35, wherein the
forward ski portion and spatula longitudinal and torsional
flexing characteristics are substantially determined by the
dissipative vibration damping attachment.
38 A ski comprising: a binding supporting structure and
the dissipative vibration damping attachment, wherein the
most forward portion of the binding supporting structure is
integral with one of the linkage engaging devices as defined
in any one of claims 1 through 35.

Description

-~ -- ------ --- --~A 02035668 1999-05-20 _ 2,035,668 -
amendments in response to
Fvaminer's mport datod
1999/01 /20
Vibration Damping Linkage.
When skiing on hard surfaces, skis frequently develop a
considerable amount of vibration. It is believed that ski
vibrations reduce the amount of control a skier may have
over his skis. The spatula plays an important part in
guiding the ski along its intended traject. Most ski
vibrations are the result of the ski spatula encountering
rigid irregularities and protrusions of the terrain while
making only intermittent contact with the running surface.
It is an object of this invention to provide a vibration
damping spatula and ski attachment.
The vibration damping attachment in one embodiment according
to this invention comprises a linkage having damping means,
frictionally dissipating some of the vibrational energy
imparted to the spatula and reducing the amplitude and
duration of the vibrations. The vibration damping linkage in
another embodiment according to this invention comprises
damping means more specifiically coacting with a ski having a
modified spatula. The total amount of energy that can be
stored in the spatula is proportional to the mass of the
spatula. Therefore, it is important to maintain the spatula
mass at a minimum, compatible with requirements of strength
and fle>< .
-1-

~ _ ~'A 02035668 1999- - 2,035,668
- OS 20 --
amendments in response to
' E.raraiaer's report cLtteri
1999/01 /20
It is an object of this invention to provide a ski having a
more weight efficient spatula comprising a resiliently
compressive dissipative linkage.
The damping attachment according to this invention takes
advani:age of the ski and spatula geometry and in one
embodiment comprises two longitudinally frictional slidably
and frictional rotatably engaged telescopic tubes, forming a
linkage element, of which a first termination is vertically
frictional hingedly and torsional rigidly attached to a
forward portion of the spatula through a universal type
joint and of which the second termination is vertically
frictional hingedly and torsional rigidly attached to a
forward portion of the ski.
When the upper portion of the spatula of a forward moving
ski encounters a rigid surface protrusion, the spatula and
to a lesser extend the forward ski portion flexes, slidably
compressing the telescopic tubes. The frictional engagement
between the two telescopic tubes dissipates some of,,the
energy imparted to the spatula. When the spatula and forward
ski portion returns to its original position, the two
telescopic tubes extend relatively to each other, again
dissipating some of the energy imparted to the spatula.
-2-

CA 02035668 1999-05-20 ~ - a,o35,sss
amendments in response to
E.~miner's report dated
1999/01 /20
It is an object of this invention to provide vibration
damping through dissipative frictional slidable engagement
between two slidably engaged portions of the linkage.
When the lower rearward portion of the spatula of a forward
'moving ski encounters a rigid surface protrusion, the
rearward spatula portion and the forward ski portion may
flex, changing the vertical angle between the telescopic
tubes and the forward ski portion without compressing the
telescopic tubes but changing the angle between the linkage
and the forward ski portion. The vertical angular movement
between the forward ski portion and the frictional hingedly
attached telescopic tubes dissipates some of the energy
imparted to the spatula. When the angle between the
telescopic tubes an the forward ski portion returns to its
original position, the angular frictional movement again
dissipates some of the energy imparted to the spatula.
It is an object of this invention to provide vibration
damping through vertically frictional hinged engagement
between the telescopic tubes and the forward ski portion.
When the spatula twists torsionally, the torsion is
transmitted to the telescopic tubes via a universal type
joint and causes a rotating movement between the
frictionally engaged telescopic tubes, dissipating some of
the energy imparted to the spatula.
-3-

-~ - - - CA 02035668 1999-OS-20 - - z,o3s,66s
amendments in response to
E.vttniner's report tiaYml
1999/01 /20
It is an object of 'this invention to provide torsional
vibration damping through frictional rotatable engagement
between the telescopic tubes.
The spatula damping attachment may be provided as a
detachable damper.
It is an object of this invention to provide a ski
attachment, retrofittable to conventional skis, for damping
of the ski and spatula vibrations, without substantially
affecting the ski and spatula characteristics.
A conventional spatula is only partially and intermittently
in contact with the running surface, inviting undamped
spatula vibrations. A more downwardly cambered and more
flexible spatula is advantageous in respect to spatula
vibrations, since it urges the spatula towards more
prolonged contact with the running surface. However, a more
flexible and downwardly cambered spatula is not compatible
with more fundamental spatula requirements such as strength
and may lack torsional rigidity. When made an integral
portion of the ski, the linkage according to this invention
is resiliently urged towards a neutral position, allowing a
redesign of the spatula, resulting in a more effective and
more weight efficient spatula structure.
-4-

---- ---~A 02035668 1999-OS-20 2,035,668
amendments in n;sponse to
. Examiner's mFxmt date
1999K11 /20
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved ski
wherein the spatula and forward ski portion are optimized to
provide a frictionally damped downward flex in conjunction
with the linkage according to this invention.
In a conventional ski, a vertically flexible spatula is
equated with a torsionally flexible spatula.
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved ski
wherein the spatula may be vertically flexible while
simultaneously being torsionally rigid.
When the ski is equiped with a binding support such as
described in Canadian Patents Nr.750,259 and Nr.767,525,
one of the linkage engaging devices may advantageously be
made part of the forward mounting portion of the binding
support, limiting the amount of ski top surface mounting
hardware.
It is an object of this invention to provide a damping
linkage of which one of its linkage engaging devices is
frictional hingedly attached to and integral with the
forward mounting portion of a binding support.
Zp These and other objects and advantages will become apparent
from the following description when taken in conjunction
with vthe accompanying drawings forming a part thereof,
wherein identical parts have the same numerals.
-5-

CA 02035668 1999-05-20 a,o3s,66s
amendments in response to _
Examiner's report datrxi
1999101/20
Brief description of the Drawings.
Figure 1 is a side elevational view, showing a ski having an
attachment according to this invention moving forward,
towards an encounter with a surface protrusion.
Figure 2 is a top plan view, showing a ski having an
attachment according to this invention moving forward
towards a central encounter with a surface protrusion.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a ski having an
attachment according to this invention centrally
encountering a surface protrusion.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of of a ski having an attachment
according to this invention moving forward towards an off
centre encounter with a surface protrusion.
Figure 5 is a top plan view of a ski having an attachment
according to this invention showing the torsionally twisting
deflection of the spatula upon an encounter with an off
centre surface protrusion.
Figure 6 is a detailed side elevational view of a ski and
spatula having an attachment according to this invention.
Figure 7 is a detailed top plan view of a ski and spatula
having an attachment according to this invention.
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
a linkage engaging device.
-6-

- . - - - CA 02035668 1999-05-20 ----- a,o35,65a
amendments in response to
Etaminer's cc~ort dauxl
1999/01 /20
Figure 9 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of
a linkage engaging device.
Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the alternative
embodiment shown in figure 9.
Figure 11 is a top plan view of another alternative
embodiment of a linkage engaging device.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of
line 12-12 of figure 11.
Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown
in figure 11.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the
telescopic tubes.
Figure 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
telescopic tubes.
Figure 16 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a
linkage engaging device.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of
line 17-17 of figure 16.
Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown
in figure 16.
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional taken along the plane of line
19-19 of figure 18.
_7_

-CA 02035668 1999-OS-20 z,oss,~6s
amendments in response to
Examiner's n,~ort datext
1999/01 /2U
It is understood that skis are generally used in pairs,
being either identical or mirror images, therefore only one
ski and its attachments, modifications and improvements will
be shown and described.
For the purpose of this disclosure, the shovel or spatula is
defined as the forward upturned ski portion while the ski
portion immediately behind the spatula is defined as the
forward ski portion.
The foremost limit of the ski is defined as the ski tip and
lOthe most rearward ski portion as the ski tail.
Refers-ing to the drawings in detail:
Figure 1 shows a forward moving ski 20 having a forward tip
21, a shovel or spatula 22, a forward ski portion 23 and a
fait portion 24, shown in relation to a skiing surface 25
and a surface protrusion 26. The vibration damping linkage
is generally identified as 30-60 and comprises a telescopic
tube 31, a telescopic tube 61, a linkage engaging device 30
and a linkage engaging device 60.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the ski shown in figure 1
wherein 27 are the spatula side margins, 28 are the ski side
margins and 30-60 indicates the vibration damping linkage. A
portion of the linkage is secured to the spatula by linkage
engaging device 60 while another portion of the linkage is
secured to the forward ski portion by linkage engaging
device 30. -8-

~ CA 02035668 1999-OS-20 2,035,668
amendments in response to
E~.~miner's report datexi
~ 9~9ro oao
Figure 3 shows a ski having a vibration damping linkage
according to this invention, wherein the spatula is
vertically deflected by surface protrusion 26.
At the initial encounter with the surface protruson, the
spatula is deflected upwardly, transforming some ofi the
ski's forward momentum into an upwards movement of the
spatula, resulting in a marginal slowdown of the ski.
Depending on the energy imparted to the spatula, the spatula
may momentarily lose contact with the surface protrusion
while the mass of the spatula tends to maintain the spatula
in an oscillating pendulum like motion until the energy
imparted has been frictionally dissipated.
The spatula and ski flexing resulting from a spatula
encounter with a rigid surface protrusion depends
substantially on the point of impact between protrusion and
spatula. In one case, the spatula deflection may cause a
shortening of line 30-60 of figure 3 without a change in
angle a'. This causes telescopic tubes 31 and 61 to
longitudinally move relative to each other, dissipating some
ofi the energy imparted to the spatula through frictional
slidable engagement between tube 31 and tube 61.
In another case, the spatula deflection may cause a change
in angle a' without changing the distance between 30 and 60,
-9-

CA 02035668 1999-OS-20 2,035,668
amendments in response to
Etaminer's report datcxi
1999/01 /20
and wherein the upwards spatula deflection will only result
in a vertical angular movement, frictionally dissipating
some of the energy imparted to the spatula.
In the example shown, the spatula encountered a surface
protrusion along the longitudinal axis of the ski.
Frequently these encounters take place away from the
longitudinal ski axis.
Figure 4 shows a ski heading towards an encounter with a
surface protrusion wherein the encounter will take place
away from the longitudinal ski axis.
Figure 5 shows the resulting torsionatly twisting movement
of the spatula and the movement of linkage 30-60 from a
position as shown in figure 2 to a position as shown by line
30-60 of figure 5. This twisting spatula movement causes a
rotational movement between the two telescopic tubes, again
providing frictional dissipation of the energy imparted to
the spatula.
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the vibration damping
linkage according to this invention, more particularly
showing the attachment area between linkage engaging device
and the forward ski top surface and the attachment area
between linkage engaging device 60 and the top surface of
the spatula. Figure 7 is a top plan view of the linkage
shown in figure 6.
-10-

- ~ ~A 02035668 1999-OS-20 z,o35,668
amendments in response to
Examiner's report datxd
1999101/20
More particularly showing the position of linkage engaging
device 30 relative to the ski side margins and the position
of linkage engaging device 60 relative to the spatula side
margins. It shows the vertical rotatable axis of the linkage
engaging devices to be perpendicular to the longitudinal ski
axis and shows the telescopic tubes to be parallel to the
longitudinal ski axis.
Figure 8 is a detailed exploded view of linkage engaging
device 30.
In the embodiment shown, tube 31 terminates in linkage
terminations 32 and 33 which comprise attachment apertures
34 and 35. Screws 36 and 37 rotatably secure the linkage
terminations to friction bar 38 which comprises friction bar
flanges 39, 40 and retaining aperture 41. Friction bar
flanges 39 and 40 as well as other frictionally engaged
surfaces forming a part of the embodiments of this invention
may be coated with materials that enhance dissipative
slidable engagement. The linkage engaging device further
comprises mounting portion 42 which is either removably
attached to the upper forward ski portion, is an integral
part of the forward ski portion, or forms an integral part
of the forward portion of a binding support, and is disposed
w
within the ski side margins 28.
-11-

CA 02035668 1999-OS-20 2,035,668
amendments in response to
' E.wminei s myrt daTOd
1999/01 /2U
Mounting portion 42 is secured to the ski by screws 43 and
44 which protrude through apertures 45 and 46 in the base of
mounting portion 42. Mounting portion 42 comprises two side
flanges 47 and 48, having apertures 49 and 50 which
rotatably engage friction bar 38. The friction bar is
frictional rotatably secured to the side flanges by pin 51,
which comprises a head 52 at one end, a threaded portion 53
and a knurled adjustment nut 54 at the opposite end. The
degree of frictional engagement between the flanges of
friction bar 38 and mounting portion side flanges 47 and 48
is determined by the pressure exerted on the side flanges by
head 52 and knurled adjustment nut 54. Removal of pin 51
allows quick detachment and attachment of various different
linkages.
In figures 1 through 7, linkage engaging device 30 as shown
is identical to linkage engaging device 60. In the following
description of the different embodiments, various
combinations of linkage engaging devices and linkages may be
utilized.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of
a linkage engaging device, wherein pillow blocks 70 and 71
are secured to the upper ski surface via screws 72, 73, 74
and 75.
-12-

CA 02035668 1999-OS-20 a,o3s,66a
--__ _ _- __ -_
. amendments in msponse to
~ F~caminer's n.~rt dated
1999/01120
Friction bar 76 is frictionally vertical rotatably secured
-~ to the pillow blocks and is transverse rotatably secured to
the telescopic tube as described in reference to figure 8.
Portion 76 is prevented from transverse movement by collars
79 and 80.
Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown
in figure 9. The end sections of portion 76 are slotted
providing a more consistent pressure onto the inner sliding
surface of the pillow blocks.
One or both hinges of the linkage engaging devices may be of
the character as described in this alternative embodiment.
In another embodiment of this invention, the two telescopic
tubes are rigidly secured together, forming one single tube
while the longitudinal frictional slidable movement, the
vertical frictional rotatable movement and the torsional
frictional movement is provided by the first linkage
engaging device, the second linkage engaging device, or is
shared between both devices.
In one embodiment, retaining aperture 41 of friction bar 38
shown in figure 8 is sufficiently enlarged to allow
longitudinal, torsional, lateral, as well as vertical
angular movement between portion 38 and pin 51.
-13-

-- . -- ~A 02035668 1999-OS-20 -- 2>035,668
amendments in response to
' Gvaminer's report dated
1999/01 /2U
Figure 11 is a top plan view of a linkage engaging device
w providing longitudinal frictional sliding movement,
frictional vertical rotatable movement and frictional
torsional twisting movement. The linkage comprising single
tube 90 is forwardly secured to the spatula via one of the
linkage engaging devices described in this disclosure.
Rearwardly, tube 90 is transverse hingedly secured to
friction bar 91.
Friction bar 91 is frictional slidably retained within the
limits of mounting portion 92.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of
line 12-12 of figure 11, particularly indicating the limits
of torsional twisting and wherein 93 is the mounting
portion, 94 and 95 are the mounting screws securing mounting
portion 93 to the forward upper ski surface. The transverse
movement limiting side flanges are identified as 96 and 97
and the torsional movement limiting upper flanges as 98 and
99.
Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown
in figure 11, showing the circular cross-section of portion
91 in dotted lines.
In another embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in
figure 11, tube 90, instead of being transverse hingedly
secured to friction bar 91, is rigidly secured to portion
91, -14-

--.-E- - CA 02035668 1999-OS-20 a,o3s,66s
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while the frictional retaining action between portions 91
and 92 allow sufficient lateral angular movement. Finally,
portion 91 may be retained within the confines of portion 92
with the aid of low resilience yieldably deformable
materials.
The embodiments as shown and described indicate various ways
to enhance a conventional ski spatula by providing an
attachment retrofittable to conventional skis or forming an
integral part of a conventional ski.
The spatula plays an important role in accurately guiding
the ski along its intended path, more particularly where it
involves following a predetermined course as in the case of
slalom competition. When made an integral part of the sl<i,
the linkage according to this invention allows the
implementation of various features, providing a more
technologically advanced spatula, affording characteristics
not obtainable within a conventional spatula structure. More
particularly: Improved control over torsional and flex
parameters in conjunction with vibrational damping,
w 20 providing a spatula that is torsionally rigid while being
vertically flexible.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of a linkage forming an
integral portion of a ski wherein longitudinal aperture 100
disposed in tube 61 and guiding pin and key 101,
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---- -CA 02035668 1999-05-20 a,o35,65s
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disposed on the outer surface of tube 31 provides a
telescopic linkage with a spline structure that affords
longitudinal movement and prevents any torsional twisting
motion between the telescopic tubes. When combined with
torsionally rigid linkage engaging device embodiments as
shown in figures 6,7,9 and 10, the spatula will be
torsionally rigidized without being vertically rigidized.
Figure 15 is a top plan view showing another embodiment of
this invention wherein the longitudinally slidable and
frictionally engaged telescopic tubes are resiliently urged
towards a neutral position by means of coil spring 110,
shown externally for clarity. Spring 110 is attached to tube
31 at 111 and to tube 61 at 112. Spring 110 may
advantageously be replaced by an internal coil spring or
other resilient positioning means.
Figure 16 is a top plan view of another alternative
embodiment of a linkage engaging device wherein friction bar
91 is longitudinal frictional slidably, vertical hingedly
and torsional rigidly guided by portion 130 and urged
towards the linkage by spring 120. The linkage comprising
single tube 90, which is shown as being lateral hingedly
attached to friction bar 91, may in another embodiment be
rigidly secured to friction bar 91. Friction bar 91 as shown
in figure 16 is urged towards the linkage by coil spring
120. -16-

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In another embodiment it may be urged towards the linkage by
a block of resilient material.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of
line 17-17 of figure 16 particularly indicating the limits
of torsional twisting, wherein 131 is the mounting portion,
132 and 133 are mounting screws securing the mounting
portion to the forward upper ski surface. The side flanges
are identified as 134 and 135.
The upper flanges are identified as 136 and 137.
lO.The upper flanges, side flanges and part of mounting portion
131 form channels to guide friction bar 91.
Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown
in figure 16.
Figure 19 is a a cross-sectional view taken along the plane
of tine 19-19 of figure 18.
It is obvious that 'the embodiments as described are not
limited to the exact size, shape, contour or combinations of
the various portions. Numerous alternative embodiments can
be envisioned without departing from the broader scope and
- 20 spirit of this invention.
Therefore, the scope of this invention is not limited to the
w
exact embodiments as shown, but only as indicated by the
appended claims.
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Representative Drawing