SKIING EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A skiing equipment (1) is provided, comprising a ski (2) defining a longitudinal direction (2a) and two ends (2b, 2c) and including at least an upper layer (21), a lower layer (22) mutually coupled, and a groove (25) passing through the upper and lower layers (21, 22) between the ends (2b, 2c) and delimited by at least two transverse edges (25a) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction (2a) and two lateral edges (25b) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (2a); wherein each of the lateral edges (25b) includes a first insert (26) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (2a) and including a material that is more rigid than the rest of the lateral edge (25b).

Claims

1. Skiing equipment (1) comprising a ski (2) defining a longitudinal direction (2a) and two ends (2b, 2c) and including at least: an upper layer (21), a lower layer (22) mutually coupled, characterized in that said ski (2) comprises, a groove (25) passing through said upper and lower layers (21, 22) between said ends (2b, 2c) and delimited by at least two transverse edges (25a) extending transversely to said longitudinal direction (2a) and two lateral edges (25b) extending parallel to said longitudinal direction (2a),

2. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of said lateral edges (25b) includes a first insert (26) extending parallel to said longitudinal direction (2a) and including a material that is more rigid than the rest of said lateral edge (25b).

3. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first insert (26) extends along a first section downstream of said groove (25) and along a second section upstream of said groove (25) along said longitudinal axis (2a); and wherein the length of said sections is less than 30% of the length of said ski (2).

4. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein said ski (2) further comprises at least a second insert (27) made of polymeric material, extending parallel to said longitudinal direction (2a) and overlapping said first insert (26) in such a way as to protrude from said upper layer (21) transversely to said upper layer (21).

5. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 4, wherein said ski (2) comprises two of said grooves (25), which are mutually distinct and spaced along said longitudinal direction (2a), and wherein said second insert (27) extends continuously between said grooves (25) so as to overlap each said first insert (26) on the side of each said groove (25).

6. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 4, wherein said ski (2) comprises two of said second inserts (27) extending parallel to said longitudinal direction (2a) at said respective lateral edges (25b) of each said groove (25).

7. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein said ski (2) comprises two of said grooves (25), which are mutually distinct and spaced along said longitudinal direction (2a), and wherein said skiing equipment (1) further comprises: a track (3) closed on itself, defining a closed development trajectory (3a) around at least part of said ski (2) and passing through said grooves (25); a fastening group (4) for at least one binding (4a, 4b) defining, between said grooves (25), together with said ski (2), a sliding channel (4c) for said track (3); and a mover (5) for said track (3) around said ski (2).

8. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 7, wherein said ski (2) comprises, for each said groove (25), a cover (9) designed to fully occupy said groove (25) when inserted into said groove (25), thereby achieving at least: a tracked configuration, wherein each said cover (9) is removed from its respective groove (25) and said track (3) passes through each said groove (25); and a free configuration, wherein said ski (2) is devoid of said track (3), and each said cover (9) fully occupies a respective said groove (25).

9. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 8, wherein said cover (9) comprises one or more protrusions (90) movable transversely to said longitudinal direction (2a) and parallel to said upper layer (21) in such a way as to allow controlled locking of said cover (9) with respect to said groove (25).

10. Skiing equipment (1) according to at least claim 7, wherein said ski (2) comprises at least one roller (8) for the sliding of said track (3), designed to be removably secured to said ski (2) at said groove (25) and including a shaft (80), and wherein each said groove (25) includes at least one pair of slots (25c), extending in an L-shape at a respective said lateral edge (25b), and configured to house each respective end of said shaft (80).

11. Skiing equipment (1) according to claim 5, wherein said fastening group (4) is removably secured to said second insert (27), and wherein said second insert (27) comprises a plurality of slots (27a) distributed parallel to said longitudinal direction (2a) and each designed to house fastening means.

Description

[0019] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below through the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of skiing equipment according to the invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the ski of skiing equipment according to the invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of skiing equipment according to the invention, in which a cover is present to achieve the free configuration; and

[0023] FIG. 4 represents the detail of the groove and cover of the skiing equipment of FIG. 3;

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of skiing equipment according to the invention, in which a roller is present to achieve the tracked configuration; and

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates the detail of the groove and roller of the skiing equipment of FIG. 5;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a skiing equipment according to the invention, in which the various components are present; and

[0027] FIG. 8 represents a bottom view of skiing equipment according to the invention.

[0028] In the present document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like approximately or similar terms such as substantially or essentially, are to be understood as allowing for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, to allow for a slight deviation from the value, measure, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated.

[0029] For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0030] Additionally, terms like first, second, upper, lower, primary, and secondary, unless otherwise specified, do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relation, or relative position but may simply be used to distinguish different components more clearly one from the other.

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, as evident from the following discussions, terms such as treatment, computing, determination, computation, or similar refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or similar electronic computation device that manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic magnitudes of records of a computing system and/or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, records, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0032] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0033] With reference to the Figures, the skiing equipment according to the invention is globally denoted by the number 1.

[0034] It is configured to be used for covering distances on terrains and, in particular, on surfaces covered with snow, both uphill and downhill. For example, equipment 1 can be used for skiing, such as ski mountaineering.

[0035] Equipment 1 defines an in-use condition when worn by the user and in contact with the ground.

[0036] Skiing equipment 1 comprises at least one ski 2 defining a longitudinal direction 2a and two ends, in particular, a front end 2b and a rear end 2c. Preferably, it comprises two skis 2.

[0037] The longitudinal direction 2a is preferably barycentric to ski 2.

[0038] Ski 2 can also define a development surface, suitably barycentric to ski 2, on which longitudinal direction 2a lies.

[0039] The front end 2b and rear end 2c are defined according to the advancement direction of skiing equipment 1, specifically of ski 2 in use.

[0040] Ski 2 can be substantially straight. It thus defines a straight longitudinal direction 2a and a flat development surface.

[0041] Alternatively, it may have curved ends pointing upwards (i.e., opposite to the ground when equipment 1 is in use), with either end 2b or 2c or both ends 2b and 2c having the same or different curvature. In this case, direction 2a may define a straight central portion and curved portions at ends 2b and/or 2c; consequently, the development surface has a flat central part and curved end parts.

[0042] In use, the longitudinal direction 2a and, therefore, the contact surface may be parallel to the ground, at least at the central portion.

[0043] The cross-section of ski 2 can be any. For example, it may be constant and preferably have tapered ends 2b and 2c, or it may be sidecut, meaning parabolic in shape, narrower in the center and wider near the ends 2b and 2c, suitably tapered. The structure of ski 2 can be sandwiched. In particular, ski 2 comprises an upper layer 21 and a lower layer 22, which are mutually coupled to define the structure of ski 2. More specifically, it comprises one or more intermediate layers 23 interposed between the upper layer 21 and the lower layer 22.

[0044] The lower layer 22 is configured to be positioned in use adjacent to the ground. It may define the ski base.

[0045] These layers can be made of one or more materials chosen from polymeric, resin, metallic (for example, titanium), composite (for example, carbon fiber), or wood. Ski 2 may comprise at least one edge 24 extending along at least part and, in detail, along the entire length of the ski in the longitudinal direction 2a.

[0046] Suitably, it extends at least along the central part of ski 2.

[0047] The edge 24 may define a lateral edge of at least the lower layer 22 and, in some cases, of ski 2 in use, facing and, in detail, in contact with the ground 1.

[0048] Preferably, ski 2 comprises two edges 24, each located at a lateral edge of at least the lower layer 22.

[0049] In any case, advantageously, ski 2 comprises at least one groove 25. The groove 25 preferably passes through both the upper layer 21 and the lower layer 22. Therefore, the groove 25 creates a through-hole, defining a seat.

[0050] Furthermore, groove 25 is preferably positioned between ends 2b and 2c.

[0051] Thus, the groove 25 is delimited by at least two transverse edges 25a and two lateral edges 25b.

[0052] The edges 25a, 25b may be straight, so that groove 25 has a rectangular or quadrangular shape; alternatively, the edges 25a, 25b may have different shapes. In general, the transverse edges 25a preferably extend transversely to the longitudinal direction 2a. Consequently, the lateral edges 25b extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 2a.

[0053] Advantageously, each lateral edge 25b includes a first insert 26. These inserts preferably have a structural function, thereby preventing bending/deformation of ski 2 at the groove 25.

[0054] The first insert 26 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 2a. Thus, the first insert 26 consists of a material more rigid than the rest of the lateral edge 25b. In this regard, for example, the first insert 26 may comprise or be made of metal material.

[0055] In general, the first insert 26 is a beam-like element capable of withstanding, above all, but not exclusively, bending stresses applied laterally to the groove 25. The first insert 26 can extend along part of or even the entire ski 2. Suitably, it extends for a first section downstream and for a second section upstream of the groove along axis 2a. These sections are less than 30%, in detail less than 10%, and more specifically less than 5% of the length of ski 2.

[0056] Alternatively, more suitably, the first insert 26 may be confined exclusively within lateral edge 25b, meaning in the portion immediately adjacent to groove 25. The first insert 26 may be inserted between the layers forming the sandwich structure of ski 2, or the first insert 26 may be embedded within the structure of ski 2, for example, when the latter is made of resin inside preformed molds.

[0057] Additionally, ski 2 may further comprise at least a second insert 27.

[0058] The second insert 27 is preferably made of polymeric material.

[0059] Furthermore, the second insert 27 extends parallel to the longitudinal direction 2a. Even more specifically, the second insert 27 extends parallel to said direction and is superimposed on the first insert 26, so that the second insert 27 protrudes from the upper layer 21 transversely, for example, normally to the upper layer 21. Additionally, ski 2 may advantageously comprise two grooves 25.

[0060] If present, the grooves 25 are preferably distinct and separate along the longitudinal direction 2a. For example, grooves 25 may be distal from the ends 2b, 2c.

[0061] Thus, the second insert 27 preferably extends continuously between grooves 25, so as to overlap each first insert 26 positioned beside each groove 25.

[0062] Ski 2 may also include two second inserts 27. In this case, the second inserts 27 may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction 2a, at the respective lateral edges 25b of each groove 25.

[0063] Primarily, but not exclusively, when ski 2 includes two grooves 25, the skiing equipment 1 suitably comprises, for each ski 2, a track 3 that is closed on itself and wound longitudinally around at least part of ski 2.

[0064] Thus, track 3 defines a closed development trajectory 3a, enclosing part of ski 2, meaning that it forms a closed path on a plane parallel to direction 2a (specifically perpendicular to the contact surface) and substantially perpendicular to the cross-section of ski 2, enclosing part of ski 2 within it.

[0065] The development trajectory 3a defines a contact plane of the same trajectory 3a, which is suitably perpendicular to the contact surface.

[0066] Preferably, if barycentric, the development trajectory 3a and the longitudinal direction 2a lie on said contact plane.

[0067] In use, the development trajectory 3a and the longitudinal direction 2a may be perpendicular to the ground.

[0068] Track 3 may comprise a belt wound longitudinally around ski 2 and defining a first end and a second end, and a hinge constraining the ends together, closing the belt onto itself and, consequently, closing track 3.

[0069] The belt may be layered and comprise mutually coupled levels forming the belt. Specifically, the belt comprises one or more structural levels (meaning one or more superimposed and coupled layers configured to define the structural part of the belt and thus to support the loads acting on the belt) and preferably an outer level configured to contact the ground when the equipment 1 is in use.

[0070] The outer level may be high-friction against the ground. In particular, it may have at least a surface finish resembling sealskin or another finish configured to enable forward movement in only one direction.

[0071] The one or more structural levels may be made of composite material.

[0072] The belt, and specifically track 3, has an extension calculated perpendicularly to the contact plane of the development trajectory 3a of track 3, which is substantially not exceeding and, in detail, substantially smaller than that of ski 2. Preferably, they have this extension substantially not exceeding that of lower layer 22, so as not to overlap at least one edge 24.

[0073] The hinge is configured to constrain the ends together while suitably allowing the ends at least a mutual rotation along a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 2a and specifically perpendicular to the contact plane of the development trajectory 3a of track 3.

[0074] The skiing equipment 1 may suitably comprise, for each ski 2, a fastening group 4 for at least one binding and, in detail, a single binding. Optionally, equipment 1 may comprise, for each ski 2, at least one binding and, in detail, a single binding.

[0075] Each binding is configured to secure the footwear (specifically a boot) of a user to ski 2. It may comprise a toe portion 4a, configured to engage the toe of the boot, and a heel portion 4b, configured to engage the heel of the boot.

[0076] When attached to ski 2, the fastening group 4 defines, together with ski 2, a sliding channel 4c for track 3, which then slides along a section of trajectory 3a inside said channel 4c.

[0077] The channel 4c may have an extension, calculated perpendicularly to the contact plane of the development trajectory 3a of track 3, which is substantially at least equal to that of belt 31.

[0078] The fastening group 4 may comprise at least one profile 41 attached to ski 2 and engaging the binding, and extending along a portion of the longitudinal direction 2a, specifically along part of the central straight section of the longitudinal direction 2a. In particular, it comprises a single profile 41 engaging both the toe portion 4a and the heel portion 4b. Alternatively, it may comprise two profiles 41, a first profile 41 engaging the toe portion 4a and a second profile 41 engaging the heel portion 4b, which is separated along the longitudinal direction 2a from the first profile 41.

[0079] The fastening of the portions 4a and 4b to the profile 41 may be carried out using screws or other known fastening means.

[0080] It should be noted that the fastening point of the toe portions 4a and/or the heel portions 4b to the corresponding profile 41 can be adjusted, so as to allow the adjustment of their mutual distance along the longitudinal direction 2a.

[0081] Said adjustment may be continuous. In this case, the fastening group 4 comprises, for example, for each portion 4a, a guide integral with the profile 41, defining a sliding axis parallel to the direction 2a, a carriage that can be fastened to said portion 4a or 4b sliding along the guide, and a stop to limit the sliding of the carriage along the guide.

[0082] Alternatively, the adjustment may be discrete. In this case, the fastening group 4 comprises, for example, a series of holes made on the profile 41, spaced parallel to the longitudinal direction 2a, and means for securing each portion at one or more of these holes.

[0083] Each profile 41 has a C-shaped cross-section, thus defining, together with ski 2, the aforementioned channel 4c. It may comprise a base wall and two lateral walls.

[0084] The length of channel 4c, calculated along direction 2a, is shorter than that of ski 2 and, in particular, is substantially between 10% and 70% of the length of ski 2, also calculated along the direction 2a.

[0085] The height of channel 4c, calculated between the base and ski 2 along the contact surface of direction 2a, is at least equal to that of track 3 (i.e. that of belt 31 and any rib 33) and, in detail, between 100% and 500% of that of track 3.

[0086] The width of channel 4c, calculated between the lateral walls 41b along the contact surface of direction 2a and perpendicularly to said direction, is smaller than the width of ski 2 (calculated along the same direction) and, in particular, is substantially between 50% and 95% of the width of ski 2.

[0087] The base wall may be flat and, in detail, parallel to ski 2 (suitably to the contact surface) and, in detail, to the portion of ski 2 on which it is superimposed perpendicularly along the longitudinal direction 2a.

[0088] The base wall may have a width substantially equal to that of ski 2. This width is calculated perpendicularly to direction 2a and, in detail, parallel to the contact surface.

[0089] The lateral walls are positioned between ski 2 and the base wall, which is thus spaced from ski 2, defining channel 4c. Consequently, the sliding channel 4c is bounded above by the base wall, below by ski 2, and laterally by the lateral walls. The lateral walls are perpendicular to the base wall and/or to the contact surface. The height of each lateral wall is less than 5 cm and, in detail, less than 3 cm. This height is calculated perpendicularly to direction 2a and, in detail, to the contact surface.

[0090] Optionally, each lateral wall includes a support strip for ski 2.

[0091] The support strip has a greater width than the rest of the lateral wall and is less than 25% and, in detail, less than 10% of the width of the ski. This width, as specified above, is calculated along a direction perpendicular to direction 2a and, in detail, parallel to the contact surface.

[0092] The fastening group 4 may comprise a constraint securing profile 41 to ski 2.

[0093] The constraint is configured to integrally secure profile 41 to ski 2, for example, through a threaded coupling. It may include at least one screw configured to engage at least a threaded housing of ski 2. Preferably, the screw is configured to fasten the support strip 41c to ski 2. More preferably, the support strip 41c comprises a countersink to house the entire screw head, so that it does not protrude into channel 4c.

[0094] In detail, the fastening group 4 may be removably secured to the second insert 27. Consequently, the second insert 27 may comprise a plurality of slots 27a.

[0095] If present, the slots 27a are preferably distributed parallel to the longitudinal direction 2a and designed to house fastening means such as those just described.

[0096] To control track 3, equipment 1 may suitably comprise, for each ski 2, a mover 5 for controlling the sliding of track 3 around ski 2.

[0097] Mover 5 may comprise a motor, preferably electric, and suitably a motion transmission from the motor to track 3 and, in particular, to the belt.

[0098] The transmission may include at least one drive pulley configured to engage track 3 and, in detail, the belt, so as to transmit the torque output from the motor to the belt and thus to track 3.

[0099] In detail, the belt may comprise at least one row of slots, preferably through slots, and the drive pulley comprises at least one row of teeth engaging the slots. In detail, the teeth are configured to insert into these slots and drag track 3.

[0100] Suitably, to prevent contact between the teeth and the hinge, the slots are made at least on one of the lateral edges of belt 31, and the teeth are therefore positioned at least on one lateral edge of the drive pulley.

[0101] More specifically, the belt comprises two rows of slots, each made at a lateral edge of the belt, and the drive pulley comprises two rows of teeth, each positioned at a lateral edge of the drive pulley.

[0102] The height of each tooth may be at least equal to and, in detail, greater than the thickness of the belt.

[0103] The transmission may include a one-way clutch kinematically interposed between the motor and the drive pulley and configured to allow rotation of the drive pulley in only one direction and prevent it in the opposite direction.

[0104] Skiing equipment 1 may suitably comprise, for each ski 2, a battery 6 for powering mover 5 and, in particular, the motor.

[0105] Skiing equipment 1 may suitably comprise, for each ski 2, a connection apparatus 7.

[0106] Connection apparatus 7 is configured to integrally, preferably removably, secure mover 5 to ski 2.

[0107] It is configured to firmly, preferably removably, secure battery 6 to ski 2.

[0108] The apparatus is also configured to define an electrical connection between mover 5 and battery 6.

[0109] The connection apparatus may comprise a first binding of the mover 5 to ski 2, a second binding of battery 6 to ski 2, suitably positioned on the opposite side of the first binding and thus of mover 5 with respect to fastening group 4, and at least one cable interposed between layers 21, 22, and/or 23 of ski 2. Preferably, apparatus 7 comprises two cables.

[0110] The first binding is configured to firmly secure mover 5, particularly the motor, to ski 2. Additionally, it is configured to establish an electrical connection between the motor and at least one cable.

[0111] The first binding is configured to directly secure mover 5 to ski 2. Alternatively, as shown in the figures, it is configured to indirectly secure mover 5 to ski 2 and specifically to secure mover 5 to fastening group 4 (in detail to a profile 41, preferably associated with heel portion 4b), which is then secured to ski 2.

[0112] The second binding is configured to firmly secure battery 6 to ski 2. Additionally, it is configured to establish an electrical connection between battery 6 and at least one cable.

[0113] Consequently, at least one cable electrically connects the bindings and, therefore, battery 6 to the motor.

[0114] The first binding may be secured in a firm yet suitably removable manner to ski 2. It may comprise a first connector defining an electrical connection with the motor and a mechanical fastening with mover 5.

[0115] The first connector may include a first housing for at least part of mover 5, and for example, the motor; first fastening means to the first housing of mover 5 (for example, the motor) when it is in the first housing; and first electrical means defining said electrical connection between the motor and at least a cable when the motor is in the first housing and in particular when it is bound to the first fastening means. The first electrical means and fastening means may optionally coincide and, for example, be identified as a socket or jack. It should be noted that the motor may be equipped with electrical and fastening means capable of engaging with said first means, thereby establishing the electrical connection and mechanical fastening.

[0116] The first connector may be integrated with the base wall.

[0117] The first binding may comprise at least one first supplementary connector defining a mechanical fastening with ski 2, i.e. between the first binding and ski 2, and an electrical connection with said at least one cable, i.e. between the same first supplementary connector and cable. Preferably, the first binding comprises two first supplementary connectors, each defining an electrical connection with one of the cables.

[0118] The first supplementary connector may comprise a first cavity formed in ski 2 and a first jack integrated into the first binding and configured to be inserted into said first cavity, establishing the mechanical fastening with ski 2 and said electrical connection with at least one cable.

[0119] The first cavity may be electrically connected to a cable.

[0120] The first jack may comprise a pin configured to be inserted into the first cavity, thereby establishing the electrical connection between the first binding and at least one cable, and first clamping means configured to secure the first pin in the first cavity, thereby creating a mechanical fastening between the first binding and ski 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first cavity may be a female jack, and the first jack may be a male jack configured to mate with said female jack. In another embodiment, the first cavity may comprise a conductive wall electrically connected to a cable and a threaded portion, while the first jack may comprise a conductive cylinder configured to contact the conductive wall and a screw configured to engage with said threaded portion, clamping the cylinder against said conductive wall. The first jack may be at least partially integrated with a lateral wall and specifically with a support strip.

[0121] The first binding may comprise, for each first supplementary connector, a first electrical connection defining an electrical connection between the first connector and each first supplementary connector. Preferably, it comprises two first supplementary connectors, each defining an electrical connection between the first connector and a first supplementary connector.

[0122] The first electrical connection is integrated into this section of profile 41. In detail, it may comprise a section integrated into the base wall and an additional section integrated into a lateral wall.

[0123] The first electrical connection comprises, for example, a printed conductor and/or a wire integrated into profile 41.

[0124] The second binding may be integrally yet suitably removably secured to ski 2 and, in detail, to upper layer 21.

[0125] It may comprise a second connector defining both an electrical connection and a mechanical fastening with battery 6, i.e. between battery 6 and the second connector.

[0126] The second connector may comprise second fastening means of battery 6 to the secondo connector and second electrical means defining said electrical connection to battery 6 when battery 6 is fastened to the second connector.

[0127] The second electrical means and the second fastening means may optionally coincide and, for example, be identified in known solutions such as a socket or jack.

[0128] It should be noted that battery 6 may be equipped with corresponding electrical and fastening means capable of engaging with said second means, thereby establishing the electrical connection and mechanical fastening.

[0129] The second binding may comprise at least one second supplementary connector defining a mechanical fastening with ski 2, i.e. between the second binding and ski 2, and an electrical connection with said at least one cable, i.e. between the second supplementary connector and the cable. Preferably, it may comprise two second supplementary connectors, each of which defining an electrical connection with one of the cables.

[0130] The second supplementary connector may comprise a second cavity formed in ski 2 and a second jack integral with the second binding and configured to be inserted into said second cavity, thereby establishing the mechanical fastening with ski 2 and the electrical connection with at least one cable.

[0131] The second cavity may be electrically connected to a cable.

[0132] The second jack may comprise a pin configured to be inserted into the second cavity, thereby establishing the electrical connection between the second binding and at least one cable, and second clamping means configured to secure the second pin in the second cavity, thereby creating a mechanical fastening between the second binding and ski 2.

[0133] In a non-limiting embodiment, the second cavity may be a female jack, and the second jack may be a male jack configured to mate with said female jack. In another non-limiting embodiment, the second cavity may comprise a conductive wall electrically connected to a cable and a threaded portion, while the second jack may comprise a conductive cylinder configured to contact the conductive wall and a screw configured to engage with said threaded portion, clamping the cylinder against the conductive wall.

[0134] Finally, the second binding may comprise, for each second supplementary connector, a second electrical connection (not shown in the figures for simplicity) defining an electrical connection between the second connector and said second supplementary connector.

[0135] Furthermore, to allow track 3 to slide around part of ski 2, skiing equipment 1 may suitably comprise, for each ski 2, at least one roller 8.

[0136] Roller 8 is preferably a sliding roller for track 3.

[0137] Roller 8 is configured to be removably secured to ski 2 at groove 25. If two grooves 25 are present, preferably each groove 25 may comprise a respective roller 8.

[0138] Thus, roller 8 includes a shaft 80. Shaft 80 is the static portion of roller 8 around which the rotating part, i.e. the wheel of roller 8, rotates.

[0139] To ensure the fastening between roller 8 and ski 2, each groove 25 includes at least one pair of slots 25c.

[0140] The slots 25c preferably extend in an L-shape at a respective lateral edge 25b. Thus, the slots 25c are configured to house each a respective end of shaft 80. Through slots 25c, it is possible to allow the insertion of roller 8 into groove 25, while also ensuring the locking of the shaft 80 ends at the end of the stroke of their ends within each slot 25c.

[0141] In the preferred embodiment, the skiing equipment 1 preferably comprises, for each groove 25, at least one cover 9.

[0142] Cover 9 is designed to fully occupy groove 25, particularly when inserted into groove 25 itself.

[0143] In this way, cover 9 is capable of achieving at least a tracked configuration and a free configuration.

[0144] In the tracked configuration, each cover 9 is removed from its respective groove 25, allowing track 3 to pass through each groove 25. In this configuration, preferably, ski 2 is equipped with rollers 8 positioned at a respective groove 25.

[0145] In the free configuration, ski 2 is devoid of track 3, and each cover 9 fully occupies its respective groove 25. Thus, ski 2 can have no track 3, as well as no rollers 8, no mover 5, and no other component related solely to the movement of track 3.

[0146] To maintain a stable connection between cover 9 and groove 25, cover 9 may include one or more protrusions 90.

[0147] If present, protrusions 90 are movable transversely to the longitudinal direction 2a, at least when cover 9 is in the free configuration, and parallel to upper layer 21, in such a way as to allow controlled locking of cover 9 with respect to groove 25. To improve the functionality of cover 9, the latter may also include opposing means configured to keep protrusions 90 pushed outward from cover 9, and a manipulator designed to enable the movement of one or more protrusions 90 inward, against the opposing means, to allow the insertion of cover 9 into groove 25.

[0148] Skiing equipment 1 may comprise a control unit for at least mover 5 and, in particular, for at least the motor associated with each ski 2.

[0149] The unit may include an electronic circuit board.

[0150] The unit may be integrated into mover 5. In this case, connection apparatus 7 is configured to electrically connect the unit to the battery, which then also powers said control unit.

[0151] Alternatively, the control unit may be attached to battery 6, and in this case, apparatus 7 is configured to define a data connection between the control unit and the motor, and therefore the bindings and the at least one cable are configured to establish both said electrical connection between the motor and the battery and said data connection between the unit and the motor. In this case as well, the control unit is powered by said battery.

[0152] The unit may include a data connection antenna to an external processor configured to allow a user to control skiing equipment 1. Said external processor may be a smartphone.

[0153] The operation of skiing equipment 1, as previously described in structural terms, is as follows.

[0154] Essentially, skiing equipment 1 can be used in different modes. In particular, when cover 9 is present on ski 2, the latter can be used by the user as a regular ski, ensuring high structural integrity thanks to the occupation of groove 25.

[0155] In any case, even when cover 9 is removed from groove 25 to define the tracked configuration, first inserts 26 ensure excellent bending resistance, and therefore even with free grooves 25, ski 2 maintains high integrity and strength.

[0156] Skiing equipment 1 according to the invention achieves significant advantages. In fact, skiing equipment 1 allows effortless uphill movement, while ensuring high structural integrity of ski 2.

[0157] Furthermore, skiing equipment 1 can be easily implemented even on an existing ski and is easy to use.

[0158] Thus, skiing equipment 1 retains high construction simplicity and low production costs.

[0159] Another advantage is the short length of track 3, which results in a lower weight for equipment 1 and therefore easier transportability.

[0160] The invention is susceptible to modifications within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0161] In some cases, ski 2 may be single-layered, in which case upper layer 21 and lower layer 22 define the upper and lower surfaces.

[0162] Within this framework, all details may be replaced with equivalent elements, and materials, shapes, and dimensions may be any.