Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A SNOWSKATE AND A TIP FOR A SNOWSKATE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001]This invention relates to the field of snowskates, and
more specifically, to a bi-deck snowskate configured for use
in varied snow conditions.
BACKGROUND
NOMA snowskate is a type of snowboard that does not have
bindings. There are generally three kinds of snowskates:
powderskates, single deck snowskates, and bi-deck snowskates.
[0001]A powderskate is a bindingless snowboard that is meant
for use in powder snow conditions. A powderskate may include a
rubber traction pad applied to a snowboard deck instead of
bindings. It may include a rope and handle that a rider or
user pulls on to keep pressure on their feet and hence on the
rubber traction pad and snowboard deck. Powderskates are
available from several manufacturers (e.g., NoboardTm, etc.).
gmmA single deck snowskate includes a deck that is generally
composed of either a laminated wood core with a P-Teirm base
or of solid plastic. On the top surface of the deck is a
traction surface which may be composed of a foam grip
material. The base of the deck may be grooved for tracking in
the snow and locking onto trails. The deck is generally not
equipped with a metal edge or leash. Single deck snowskates
are generally ridden in backyard snowskate parks. They can be
ridden down hills with practise but are not suitable for
mountain or resort riding due to the lack of control on steep
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slopes and hard packed snow. Single deck snowskates are
available from several manufacturers (e.g., Premier, etc.).
[0005]A bi-deck snowskate has an upper skateboard style deck
raised over a lower ski or snowboard style deck. The upper
deck may be a skateboard deck built for winter use while the
lower deck may have the same construction as a snowboard
having a wood core, metal edges, and a P-TexTm base.
Connecting the upper and lower decks are snowskate trucks
which may be non-articulated (or stiff) or articulated to
offer a more consistent flex of the lower deck. The upper deck
upon which a rider or user stands is equipped with a traction
surface such as foam grip. The lower deck is typically
narrower than the upper deck to allow the bi-deck snowboard to
be controlled by a rider or user in a manner similar to that
of a conventional snowboard having bindings. The leverage the
rider or user gets by pressing down with his or her feet on a
side of the upper board is similar to the effect that is
achieved by lifting on the bindings of a conventional
snowboard to initiate a turn. Bi-deck type snowskates provide
riders or users with the highest level of control and are
intended for mountain riding. Bi-deck snowskates are available
from several manufacturers (e.g., Ralston, etc.).
[0006] One problem with current snowskates is that they are not
suitable for riding in all snow conditions. That is, in snow
ranging from deep powder to hard packed icy conditions. In
particular, powderskates and single deck snowskates may be
ridden in powder but are difficult to ride on hard packed
snow. On the other hand, current bi-deck snowskates may be
ridden on hard packed snow but tend to sink in powder.
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[0007] A need therefore exists for an improved snowskate.
Accordingly, a solution that addresses, at least in part, the
above and other shortcomings is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008]According to a first broad aspect of the invention,
there is provided a snowskate, comprising: an upper deck
having a first tip at one end of the snowskate, the upper deck
having an upper surface for supporting a user while riding the
snowskate; a lower deck having a second tip at the one end,
the lower deck having a lower surface for contacting snow upon
which the snowskate is ridden by the user; and, one or more
trucks for mounting the upper deck above the lower deck;
wherein the second tip extends above the first tip at the one
end to thereby reduce the snow from gathering between the
upper and lower decks when the snowskate is ridden in the
direction of the one end; wherein the upper deck has a lower
surface for contacting the snow when the lower deck is
submerged in the snow when ridden to thereby support the
snowskate in the snow; and wherein the upper deck is wider
than the lower deck.
[0008A] According to a second broad aspect of the invention,
there is provided a tip for a snowskate, comprising: a first
tip of an upper deck at one end of the snowskate, the upper
deck having an upper surface for supporting a user while
riding the snowskate; and, a second tip of a lower deck at the
one end, the lower deck having a lower surface for contacting
snow upon which the snowskate is ridden by the user; wherein
the upper deck is mounted above the lower deck by one or more
trucks; and, wherein the second tip extends above the first
tip at the one end to thereby reduce the snow from gathering
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between the upper and lower decks when the snowskate is ridden
in the direction of the one end; wherein the upper deck has a
lower surface for contacting the snow when the lower deck is
submerged in the snow when ridden to thereby support the
snowskate in the snow; and wherein the upper deck is wider
than the lower deck.
[0009]In the above snowskate, the first and second tips may be
separated by a gap formed therebetween and the gap may be
sized further reduce the snow from gathering between the upper
and lower decks when the snowskate is ridden. The upper deck
may have a lower surface for contacting the snow when the
lower deck is submerged in the snow when ridden to thereby
support the snowskate in the snow. The lower surface of the
upper deck may be a gliding surface to reduce friction between
the lower surface of the upper deck and the snow when the
lower surface of the upper deck contacts the snow. The gliding
surface may be a P-TexTm base. The upper surface of the upper
deck may be concave. The upper deck may be wider than the
lower deck. The snowskate may further include a grip pad
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mounted on the upper surface of the upper deck. The lower
surface of the lower deck may be a gliding surface and the
gliding surface may be a P-Tex'4 base. And, an other end of
the snowskate and the one end of the snowskate may have a same
configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Features and advantages of the embodiments of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, taken in combination with the appended drawings,
in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a left side view illustrating a snowskate in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0012]FIG. 2 is a left side detail view illustrating a tip of
the snowskate of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the snowskate of FIG. 1
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the snowskate of
FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the snowskate of FIG.
1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and,
[0016]FIG. 6 is a top perspective view illustrating the
snowskate of FIG. 1 in use in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
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[0017] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings,
like features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
gmliq In the following description, details are set forth to
5 provide an understanding of the invention. In some instances,
certain structures and techniques have not been described or
shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a bi-deck snowskate that is configured for riding in
varied snow conditions. The snowskate has a large top or upper
deck, two primary gliding surfaces, and a lower deck or ski
length that allows a rider or user to access all necessary
positions over the ski's edge from tip to tail depending on
snow conditions or terrain while limiting friction and
increasing surface area. The snowskate provides for improved
performace in powder, improved groomer control, and improved
stance options on all terrain that may be encountered in a run
simply by a rider adjusting the position of his or her feet.
These advantages are provided by the increased length of the
top deck made possible by the snowskate of the present
invention. The increased length of the upper deck accommodate
rider stances necessary for different snow conditions allowing
the rider to be over the most effective part of the lower
deck's or ski's edge depending on the snow condition.
[00201 FIG. 1 is a left side view illustrating a snowskate 100
in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a
left side detail view illustrating an end or tip 200 of the
snowskate 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of
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the invention. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the snowskate
100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom view illustrating the snowskate
100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the snowskate
100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. And, FIG. 6 is a top perspective view illustrating
the snowskate 100 of FIG. 1 in use in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] According to one embodiment, the snowskate 100 has a top
or upper deck 110 coupled to a ski or lower deck 120 by two
trucks 130, 140. The decks 110, 120 are for riding on snow 610
(in most cases) by a rider or user 600. The tips 111, 121 of
the two decks 110, 120 don't meet at the tip 200 of the
snowskate 100. Rather, the two tips 111, 121 almost meet and
hence form a unique snowskate tip 200. The tips 111, 121 are
separated by a gap 210 which allows the decks 110, 120 to flex
without making contact in most cases. According to one
embodiment, the tip 121 of the lower deck 120 rises or extends
above the tip 111 of the upper deck 110. According to one
embodiment, the lower deck 120 is longer than the upper deck
110. According to one embodiment both ends or tip and tail or
tips 200, 201 of the snowskate 100 are similarly configured.
According to one embodiment, the gap 210 is approximately 1 cm
wide. According to one embodiment, the tip 121 of the lower
deck 120 extends above the tip 111 of the upper deck 110 by
approximately 1 cm. According to one embodiment, the tip 121
of the lower deck 120 extends at least to the level of the tip
111 of the upper deck 110.
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[0022]The snowskate 100 allows a rider 600 to ride in virtually
all snow conditions in a single decent on a skiable hill with
no bindings. The ability to deal with different snow
conditions in one descent is accomplished by the rider 600
adjusting his stance on the snowskate 100 to take advantage of
the unique tip 200 and other features of the snowskate 100.
For example, the stance (i.e., placement of the feet) of the
rider 600 would be forward on the snowskate for the groomed
runs or hard packed snow and the stance of the rider 600 would
be farther back on the snowskate 100 for the powder runs. The
change in a rider's stance for different snow conditions
activates the different features of the snowskate's two decks
110, 120 and allows the tip 200 to be effective by
manipulating the snowskate's two gliding surfaces 112, 122.
[0023] The upper deck 110 of the snowskate 100 is equipped with
a traction pad, grip tape, foam grip, or grip pad 300 to
provide traction for a rider's feet. The grip pad 300 provides
the rider 600 with a surface to stand on that provides
traction. The grip pad 300 is applied to the upper deck 110 by
self adhesion (e.g., the bottom surface of the grip pad 300
has an adhesive applied thereto for securing the pad 300 to
the upper surface 113 of the upper deck 110). According to
one embodiment, studded or spiked pads 310 are also provided
on the upper surface 113 of the upper deck 110. The rider's
feet will sink into the foam based grip pad 300 and the spiked
pads 310 will stick into the rider's boots to provide
traction. Grip and spiked pads 300, 310 are available from
several manufacturers (e.g., Xtremegripm, FS Original Foam
Grip, etc.). The grips 300, 310 may be purchased in bulk and
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cut to fit the upper deck 110. Selection of grips 300, 310
may be made based on rider preference. The grips 300, 310
allow the rider 600 to control the board without the worry
that their feet will be slide around.
[0024] The upper deck 110 may be similar to an oversized
skateboard style riding platform. It is mounted over the lower
deck 120 and is used to gain edge control over the lower deck
120. According to one embodiment, the upper deck 110 is wider
than the lower deck 120 and has a concave upper surface 113
and raised tips 111, 114 (like a skateboard) which may be the
same at both ends (or tip and tail) of the deck 110. The upper
deck 110 may be made or pressed in several plies of wood
(i.e., laminated) or with another type of moulded material for
weight reduction. The upper deck 110 is oversized in length
when compared to previous bi-deck snowskates. Accordingly to
one embodiment, the upper deck 110 may have a length of
approximately 140 cm. The extended length of the upper deck
110 allows a rider 600 to position him or herself over the
correct portion of the lower deck 120 to gain maximum edge
control. This length also allows riders to use any stance
width that they need or desire and to change stances in
seconds. The concave upper surface 113 provides additional
traction and edge initiation for stopping and turning.
(0025]The lower surface 115 of the upper deck 110 is provided
with a fully waxable P-TexTm base (i.e., a porous, plastic
(polyethylene) material that is saturated with wax) that is
applied during the pressing or moulding process to create a
gliding surface 112 on the lower surface 115 of the upper deck
110. When the lower deck 120 is fully submerged in snow 610
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during powder riding conditions, the lower surface 115 of the
upper deck 100 will become the primary gliding surface for the
snowskake 110 for short periods of time when the lower deck
120 is submerged in the snow. This significantly reduces
friction from the snow and allows the tips 200, 201 of the
snowskate to operate effectively. In particular, the upper
deck 110 is matched to the lower deck 120 to create the tips
200, 201. That is, the tips 111, 114 of the upper deck 110 are
aligned with the tips 121, 124 of the lower deck 120 such that
the actual riding surface (i.e., the upper surface 113 of the
upper deck 110) of the upper deck 110 is at or below the tips
121, 124 of the lower deck 120. The gliding surface 112 on the
lower surface 115 of the upper deck 110 helps to pull the tip
121 of the lower deck 120 out of the snow 610 when it becomes
submerged therein.
[0026]Trucks 130, 140 are used to connect or couple the upper
deck 110 to the lower deck 120. The trucks 130, 140 may be
bolted or screwed to the upper and lower decks 110, 120.
Inserts or holes 320 for receiving the bolts or screws may be
provided in the upper and lower decks 110, 120. The trucks
130, 140 transfer the edging initiated on the upper deck 110
by the rider to the lower deck 120. The trucks 130, 140 may
be rigid (or solid) or flexible (or articulated (e.g., via an
axle)) to help initiate turns. Selection of trucks 130, 140
may be made based on rider preference. Flexible trucks provide
for consistent flex in the lower deck allowing more consistent
edge hold while rigid trucks tend to keep the lower deck
stiff. Trucks 130, 140 are available from several
manufacturers (e.g., Rocker Trucks, etc.).
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[0027] The lower deck 120 is used to control the snowskate 100
at all times even when in powder snow. The lower deck 120 may
be constructed in several layers usually including P-Tex,
fiber glass, and wood, but other materials may also be used to
5 gain weight reduction and stiffen or soften the flex of the
deck 120. The materials are then pressed to the necessary
shape for the lower deck 120 so that the tips 200, 201 are
created when it is combined with the upper deck 110. The lower
surface 125 of the lower deck 120 is provided with a fully
10 waxable P-Tex714 base (i.e., a porous, plastic (polyethylene)
material that is saturated with wax) that is applied during
the pressing or moulding process to create a gliding surface
122 on the lower surface 125 of the lower deck 120.
[0028]The lower surface 125 of the lower deck 120 is the
primary gliding surface in all riding situations until the
lower deck 120 is completely submerged in powder snow. When
submerged in powder snow, the lower surface 125 becomes the
secondary gliding surface for short periods of time until the
upper deck 110 aids in pulling the tip 121 up out of the snow
as described above. Even though the tips 121, 124 of the lower
deck 120 rise or extend above those 111, 114 of the upper deck
110, they can still become submerged in snow in which case the
lower surface 115 of the upper deck 110 acts similar to the
secondary hull of a hydrofoil.
[0029]The rise of the tips 121, 124 of the lower deck 120 above
those 111, 114 of the upper deck 110 leaves little or no room
for the snow to get between the upper deck 110 and the lower
deck 120 thereby helping to prevent the nose or tip 121 of the
lower deck 120 from being dragged down into the snow 610.
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glowl The lower deck 120 may have a side cut or hour glass
shape (e.g., 6 inches at the centre and 7.25 inches at the
tips 121, 124) to provide for improved edge control on groomed
runs. The lower deck 120 may be thinner than the upper deck
110 thereby allowing the upper deck 110 to control the lower
deck 120 through the trucks 130, 140. The length and width of
the lower deck 120 may be varied in coordination with the
length and width of the upper deck 110 such that the
configuration of the tips 200, 201 is maintained.
[0031]According to one embodiment, the width of the upper deck
110, its shape, its length, and its degree of concavity may be
varied. For example, the tips 111, 114 of the upper deck 100
may be thinner to further reduce friction. Lighter or
different materials and higher performance gliding surfaces
112, 122 may also be employed.
(0032.1.According to one embodiment, different sizes and shapes
of trucks 130, 140 may be used. For example, higher rising
trucks 130, 140 may be used for improved carving on groomed
terrain. Different shaped (e.g., circles or rounded) trucks
may be used to reduce friction and clearing of snow between
the upper and lower decks 110, 120. Trucks with adjustable
dampening may be used to allow a rider to adjust stiffness of
movement according to personal preference or terrain or snow
conditions.
[0033]According to one embodiment, the shape and length of the
lower deck 120 may be varied in accordance with the upper deck
110. For example, variations in tip width, waist width, and
the amount of side cut may be made. In addition, the rise of
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the tip 121 of the lower deck 120 above the tip 111 of the
upper deck 110 may vary (e.g., it may be higher) for better
powder performance or the gap 210 between the tips 111, 121
may be varied to give the lower deck 120 more movement
according to different terrain and snow conditions. The lower
deck 120 may have more or less flex according to rider
preference or to give a better feel under certain conditions.
Other changes to lighten and make the lower deck 100 more
durable may also be made.
L0034] Thus, according to one embodiment, there is provided a
snowskate 100, comprising: an upper deck 110 having a first
tip 111 at one end 200 of the snowskate 100, the upper deck
110 having an upper surface 113 for supporting a user 600
while riding the snowskate 100; a lower deck 120 having a
second tip 121 at the one end 200, the lower deck 120 having a
lower surface 125 for contacting snow 610 upon which the
snowskate 100 is ridden by the user 600; and, one or more
trucks 130, 140 for mounting the upper deck 110 above the
lower deck 120; wherein the second tip 121 extends above the
first tip 111 at the one end 200 to thereby reduce the snow
610 from gathering between the upper and lower decks 110, 120
when the snowskate 100 is ridden in the direction of the one
end 200.
L0035] In the above snowskate 100, the first and second tips
111, 121 may be separated by a gap 210 formed therebetween and
the gap 210 may be sized (e.g., minimized) to further reduce
the snow 610 from gathering between the upper and lower decks
110, 120 when the snowskate 100 is ridden. The upper deck 110
may have a lower surface 115 for contacting the snow when the
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lower deck 120 is submerged in the snow 610 when ridden to
thereby support the snowskate 100 in the snow 610. The lower
surface 115 of the upper deck 110 may be a gliding surface 112
to reduce friction between the lower surface 115 of the upper
deck 110 and the snow 610 when the lower surface 115 of the
upper deck 110 contacts the snow 610. The gliding surface 112
may be a P-Tex734 base. The upper surface 113 of the upper deck
110 may be concave. The upper deck 110 may be wider than the
lower deck 120. The snowskate 100 may further include a grip
pad 300 mounted on the upper surface 113 of the upper deck
110. The lower surface 125 of the lower deck 120 may be a
gliding surface 122 and the gliding surface 122 may be a P-
Tex7" base. And, an other end 201 of the snowskate 100 and the
one end 200 of the snowskate 100 may have a same
configuration.
[0036] The above embodiments may contribute to an improved
snowskate 100 and may provide one or more advantages. First,
the snowskate 100 allows a rider 600 to ride in virtually all
snow conditions on one board. This is possible because of the
snowskate's tips 200, 201 which provide protection from
submersion in the snow 610. Second, the tips 200, 201 of the
snowskate 100 help to keep snow from getting between the upper
deck 110 and the lower deck 120 which improves performance in
powder. Third, the length of the upper deck 110 and traction
pad 300 provides a broad range of stance options to the rider
thereby allowing for proper positioning over the lower deck
120 depending on snow conditions. Current snowskates do not
provide such a large traction pad surface as they are
generally designed for one specific application (i.e., powder
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or groomed snow but not both). As such, their traction pads
are only provided in the area of the board needed for riding
in the type of snow the board is designed for. Fourth,
configuration of the tips 200, 201 of the snowskate 100, in
particular the rising of the tips 121, 124 of the lower deck
120 above the tips 111, 114 of the upper deck 110, reduces
snow from getting between the lower and upper decks 110, 120
and dragging the lower deck 120 down. Fifth, the P-Texrm base
112 on the lower surface 115 of the upper deck 110 provides a
secondary gliding surface 112 for increased floatation in
powder and proper stance position over the lower deck 120.
Sixth, a user or rider 610 may ride the snowskate 100 in
virtually all types of snow conditions simply by adjusting his
or her stance on the upper deck 110. For example, in powder
snow, the rider 610 may stand more toward the uphill end of
the snowskate 100. In hard parked snow, the rider 610 may
stand more toward the centre of the snowskate 100. Seventh,
the snowskate 100 may be used as a crossover product in the
ski and snowboard industry. For example, the snowskate 100
allows riders of traditional snowskates to ride powder and
allows riders of powderskates to ride groomed runs under
control. The snowskate 100 eliminates the need for a rider to
choose which board to ride or what terrain he or she is going
to ride in advance as it allows a rider to ride in virtually
all snow conditions.
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[0037] The embodiments of the invention described above are
intended to be exemplary only. Those skilled in this art will
understand that various modifications of detail may be made to
these embodiments, all of which come within the scope of the
5 invention.
