SNOW RIDING IMPLEMENT SIDEWALL

Abstract

A snow riding implement includes a top face, a bottom face, a tail portion, a tip portion, and a midportion. A core of a first material extends from the tail portion to the tip portion. A sidewall extends between the top face and the bottom face and is formed from a second material different than the first material. The sidewall has a first side portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first side portion extends along the midportion at a first angle oblique to the bottom face, wherein the first side undercuts core. The second side portion extends along the tail portion at a second angle, different than the first angle, relative to the bottom face. The third side portion extends along the tip portion at a third angle different than the first angle relative to the bottom face.

Claims

1. A snow riding implement comprising: a top face; a bottom face; a tail portion terminating at a tail end; a tip portion terminating at a tip end; a midportion between the tail portion and the tip portion; a core of a first material extending from the tail portion to the tip portion; and a sidewall extending between the top face and the bottom face, the sidewall being formed from a second material different than the first material, the sidewall comprising: a first side portion extending along the midportion at a first angle oblique to the bottom face, wherein the first side portion faces in an upward direction opposite to and facing the core; a second side portion extending along the tail portion at a second angle, different than the first angle, relative to the bottom face; and a third side portion extending along the tip portion at a third angle different than the first angle relative to the bottom face.

2. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the second angle is perpendicular to the bottom face.

3. The snow riding implement of claim 2, wherein the third angle is perpendicular to the bottom face.

4. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the core is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, a polyurethane foam and combinations thereof.

5. The snow riding implement of claim 1 further comprising a binding platform formed on the midportion.

6. The snow riding implement of claim 5, wherein the core comprises a recess receiving the binding platform.

7. The snow riding implement of claim 1 further comprising an edge strip coupled to the bottom of the sidewall.

8. The snow riding implement of claim 7, wherein the edge strip comprises a metal.

9. The snow riding implement of claim 7, where in the sidewall comprises a polymer.

10. The snow riding implement of claim 8 further comprising a top sheet extending over the core and over a top of the sidewall.

11. The snow riding implement of claim 10 further comprising a base below the core alongside the edge strip.

12. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the first angle is no greater than 80 degrees.

13. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the first angle is no greater than 70 degrees.

14. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the first angle is no greater than 60 degrees.

15. The snow riding implement of claim 1 further comprising: a second sidewall extending between the top face and the bottom face, opposite the first sidewall, the second sidewall being formed from the second material, the second sidewall comprising: a fourth side portion extending along the midportion at a fourth angle oblique to the bottom face, wherein the fourth side portion faces in an upward direction opposite to and facing the core; a fifth side portion extending along the tail portion at a fifth angle, different than the fourth angle, relative to the bottom face; and a sixth side portion extending along the tip portion at a sixth angle different than the fourth angle relative to the bottom face.

16. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the snow riding implement comprises a snowboard.

17. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the snow riding implement comprises a snow ski.

18. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the first side portion of the sidewall has a first vertical height and wherein the second side portion of the sidewall has a second vertical height less than the first vertical height.

19. The snow riding implement of claim 18, wherein the second side portion slopes downwardly towards the tail end.

20. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the first side portion has a horizontal width that tapers towards the tail end.

21. The snow riding implement of claim 1, wherein the first side portion of the sidewall has a first vertical height and wherein the third side portion of the sidewall has a second vertical height less than the first vertical height.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example snow riding implement in the form of a pair of example skis.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a side view of one of the example skis of FIG. 1.

[0004] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the example ski of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.

[0005] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the example ski of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4.

[0006] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the example ski of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5.

[0007] FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating portions of the example ski of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating portions of an example ski.

[0009] FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating portions of an example ski.

[0010] FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating portions of an example ski.

[0011] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the example ski of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10.

[0012] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the example ski of FIG. 9 taken along line 11-11.

[0013] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the example ski of FIG. 9 taken along line 12-12.

[0014] FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating portions of the example ski of FIG. 9.

[0015] FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating portions of an example ski.

[0016] FIG. 15 is a top view illustrating portions of an example ski.

[0017] FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating a first portion of an example ski.

[0018] FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating a second portion of the example ski of FIG. 16.

[0019] FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating a third portion of the example ski of FIG. 16.

[0020] FIG. 19 is a left side sectional view illustrating portions of an example ski.

[0021] FIG. 20 is a longitudinally compressed perspective view illustrating portions of an example ski.

[0022] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the ski of FIG. 20 taken along line 21-21.

[0023] FIG. 22A a is a top perspective view of an example snow riding implement in the form of an example snowboard.

[0024] FIG. 22B is a bottom perspective view of the example snowboard of FIG. 22A.

[0025] FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the example snowboard of FIG. 22A taken along line 23-23.

[0026] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the example snowboard of FIG. 22A taken along line 24-24.

[0027] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the example snowboard of FIG. 22A a taken along line 25-25.

[0028] FIG. 26 is a left side sectional view illustrating portions of an example snowboard.

[0029] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0030] Disclosed are example snow riding implements that may provide enhanced durability and performance. The example snow riding implements may better withstand the high stresses and forces imposed upon the implement during use, such as during freestyle skiing or snowboarding. The example snow riding implements have at least one sidewall that undercuts or extends below a core of the implement in midportions of the implement, proximate to where the implement experiences loading from a person wearing the implement. In some implementations, the least one sidewall undercuts the core to a greater extent in midportions of the implement as compared to tail and tip portions. In some implementations, the at least one sidewall has a greater vertical height or thickness in midportions of the implement as compared to tail and to portions of the implement.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example snow riding implement 20 in the form of a pair of skis 22. Each of skis 22 has substantially the same construction. Each of skis 22 comprises a top face 24, a bottom face 26, a tail portion 28 terminating at a tail end 30, a tip portion 32 terminating at a tip end 34 and a midportion 38 between the tail portion 28 and the tip portion 32. As shown by FIG. 1, midportion 38 underlies a user interface 40 which releasably connects the person using the skis. In the example illustrated in which snow riding implement 20 comprise a pair of skis, user interface 40 comprises a pair of ski bindings secured to the top face 24 on midportion 38.

[0032] FIGS. 2-6 illustrate portions of one of the skis 22 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of ski 22. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the ski 22 of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the ski 22 of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the ski 22 of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5. FIG. 6 is a top view of the ski 22 of FIG. 1. Ski 22 comprises core 50 and sidewalls 54-1, 54-2 (collectively referred to as sidewalls 54).

[0033] Core 50 extends from tail portion 28 to tip portion 32. Core 50 is formed from a lightweight and flexible material. In some implementations, core 50 is formed from a wood or foam material. In some implement core 50 may be formed from multiple strips of wood or foam which are laminated to one another. In yet other implementations, core 50 may be formed from other materials.

[0034] Although not shown in FIGS. 2-6, in addition to sidewall 54, ski 22 may further comprise additional layers above and below core 50. For example, in some implementations, ski 22 may additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core 50. In some implementations, ski 22 may further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges.

[0035] Sidewalls 54 extend along opposite sides of core 50 and overly a steel edge (not shown) of ski 22. Sidewalls 54, together, continuously extend about an entire periphery of core 50 and of ski 22. Sidewalls 54 provide support to the steel edge or edge strip to increase durability and performance of the snow riding implement. Sidewalls 54 are formed from material distinct from the material forming core 50. Sidewalls 54 are formed from material that is generally more rigid and dense as compared to the material or materials forming core 50. In some implementations, sidewalls 54 are formed from ABS. In yet other implementations, sidewalls 54 may be formed from other materials such as a thermoplastic polymeric material, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a wood and/or a metal.

[0036] As shown by FIGS. 3-6, each of sidewalls 54 has a non-uniform width along or about core 50 and partially underlies portions of core 50. In the example illustrated, each of sidewalls 54 comprises a central side portion 60, a rearward side portion 62 and forward side portion 64. Central side portion 60 extends between side portions 62 and 64. Central side portion 60 extends along the midportion 38 of ski 22, extending along those portions of core 50 that are to underlie the foot residing on top of ski 22. As shown by FIG. 3, central side portion 60 has a face 66 that faces in an upward direction opposite to and facing core 50. Said another way, central side portion 60 undercuts portions of core 50 that form midportion 38.

[0037] Central side portion 60 has an upper face 66 that extends at an angle A that is oblique to the bottom face 26 of ski 22 (shown in FIG. 1). In some implementations, upper face 66 extends at an angle A1 no greater than 80. In some implementations, upper face 66 extends an angle A1 no greater than 70. In yet other implementations, upper face 66 extends at an angle A1 no greater than 60. Because central side portion 60 undercuts portions of core 50 so as to upwardly face portions of core 50, a stronger mechanical bond is achievable between the material of sidewall 54 and the material of core 50 during any molding/pressing process. In particular, in some implementations, layers of ski 22 are pressed together in a vertical direction to securely bond the different layers to one another. Because portions of sidewall 54-1, 54-2 underlie and face overlying portions of core 50, the bond between the sidewall 54-1, 54-2 and core 50 may be stronger. As compared to traditional skis in which the sidewall and the core abut one another along a vertical joint (angle A1 is 90), everything else (materials, dimensions, thicknesses, manufacturing processes, adhesives) being equal, the bond between sidewall 54-1, 54-2 and core 50 may be at least 50% more durable and in some implementations more than 60% more durable.

[0038] Rearward side portion 62 extends alongside tail portion 28 of ski 22. Rearward side portion 62 has an inner face 68 that extends at a second angle A2, different than the first angle A1, relative to the bottom face 26. In the example illustrated, inner face 68 extends at the angle A2 of 90 with respect to the bottom face 26. In other words, rearward side portion 62 does not undercut any portion of core 50 along the tail portion 28. In other implementations, inner face 68 may extend an angle A2 that is less than 90 so as to undercut portions of core 50 along tail portion 28, but greater than angle A1. As result, tail portion 28 may have higher degree of flexibility as compared to midportion 38.

[0039] Forward side portion 64 extends alongside tip portion 32 of ski 22. Forward side portion 64 has an inner face 70 that extends at a third angle A3, different than the first angle A1, relative to the bottom face 26. In the example illustrated, inner face 70 extends at the angle A3 of 90 with respect to the bottom face 26. In other words, forward side portion 64 does not undercut any portion of core 50 along the tail portion 28. In other implementations, inner face 70 may extend an angle A3 that is less than 90 so as to undercut portions of core 50 along tip portion 32, but greater than angle A1. As result, tip portion 32 may have higher degree of flexibility as compared to midportion 38.

[0040] In some implementations, the angles A2 and A3 of inner faces 68 and 70, respectively, may be the same. In some implementations, the angles A2 and A3 of inner faces 68 and 70, respectively, may be different. For example, in some implementations, angle A2 may be greater than A3. In other implementations, angle A3 may be greater than angle A2.

[0041] In the example illustrated, each of sidewalls 54 is formed from a material that is uniform, having consistent material properties along the entirety of each of sidewalls 54. In some implementations, the material properties (those characteristics or properties of the material itself, not dependent on dimensions) of the material forming each of sidewalls 54 may vary along the length of ski 22. For example, central side portion 60 may be formed from a polymer that is more rigid or dense as compared to the material forming rearward side portion 62 or forward side portion 64. In some implementations, each of sidewalls 54 are formed from different individual segments forming portions 60, 62 and 64, wherein the individual segments are coupled to core 50. In some implementations, each of sidewalls 54 is a single integral unitary body, molded or otherwise, but wherein the materials forming different portions of the unitary body are not uniform. In some implementations, distinct portions 60, 62 and 64 sidewalls 54 are co-molded.

[0042] In the example illustrated, sidewalls 54-1 and 54-2 are illustrated as being identical to one another, mirroring one another on opposite sides of ski 22. In other implementations, sidewalls 54-1 and 54-2 may differ depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski 22. In such implementations, central side portion 60 of sidewall 54-1 may have a different angle A1 than the central side portion 60 of sidewall 54-2. Likewise, sidewall 54-1 may have different angles A2 and/or A3 for rearward side portion 62 forward side portion 64 as compared to sidewall 54-2.

[0043] Although each of sidewalls 54 is illustrated as having three portions, 60, 62 and 64, in other implementations, each of sidewalls 54 may have more than a single side portion on either side of portion 60. For example, rearward side portion 62 may instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom face 26 of ski 22. Likewise, forward side portion 64 may instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom face 26 of ski 22. The number of side portions of a sidewall (wherein each of the side portions has an inner face at a distinct angle with respect to bottom face 26) may vary between sidewalls 54-1 and 54-2 depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski 22.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the longitudinal ends of central side portion 60 are abrupt, transitioning from the angle A1 to angles A2 and A3 at one single longitudinal location along ski 22, along a transition line perpendicular to the sides of ski 22. In other implementations, central side portion 60 may have an upper face 66 that gradually transitions to the angles A2 and A3 of portion 62 and 64. FIG. 7 illustrates one example of such a gradual transition.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates one of two identical skis 122 of an example snow riding implement 120. Ski 122 is similar to ski 22 except that ski 122 comprises sidewalls 154-1, 154-2 (collectively referred to as sidewalls 154) in place of sidewalls 54-1 and 54-2, respectively. Sidewalls 154-1 and 154-2 are similar sidewalls 54-1 and 54-2 except that such sidewalls 154 comprise central side portions 160 in place of central side portions 60. Central side portions 160 have opposite ends that gradually taper, in a linear fashion, to rearward side portion 62 and to forward side portion 64. As shown by FIG. 7, the extent to which central side portion 160 undercuts or underlies portions of core 50 gradually declines as central side portion 160 approaches tail end d 30 and as central side portion 60 gradually approaches tip end 34.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates one of two identical skis 222 of an example snow riding implement 220. Ski 222 is similar to ski 22 except that ski 222 comprises sidewalls 254-1, 254-2 (collectively referred to as sidewalls 254) in place of sidewalls 54-1 and 54-2, respectively. Sidewalls 254-1 and 254-2 are similar to sidewalls 54-1 and 54-2 except that such sidewalls 254 comprise central side portions 260 in place of central side portions 60. Central side portions 160 have opposite ends that gradually taper, in a curved fashion, to rearward side portion 62 and to forward side portion 64. As shown by FIG. 8, the extent to which central side portion 260 undercuts or underlies portions of core 50 gradually declines as central side portion 260 approaches tail end 30 and as central side portion 60 approaches tip end 34.

[0047] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate portions of an example snow riding implement 320 which is in the form of a pair of skis 322. FIG. 9-13 illustrate one of the two identical pairs of skis 322. FIGS. 9-13 illustrate an example of how the rearward and/or forward side portions of each of the sidewalls of a ski may also undercut or underlie portions of the core in a variable fashion along the length of the ski.

[0048] Ski 322 comprises core 50 (described above) and sidewalls 354-1, 354-2 (collectively referred to as sidewalls 354. Although not shown in FIGS. 9-13, in addition to sidewalls 354, ski 322 may further comprise additional layers above and below core 50. For example, in some implementations, ski 322 may additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core 50. In some implementations, ski 322 may further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges.

[0049] Sidewalls 354 extend along opposite sides of core 50 and overlie a steel edge (not shown) of ski 322. Sidewalls 354, together, continuously extend about an entire periphery of core 50 and of ski 322. Sidewalls 354 provide support to the steel edge to increase durability and performance of the snow riding implement. Sidewalls 354 are formed from material distinct from the material forming core 50. Sidewalls 354 are formed from material that is generally more rigid and dense as compared to the material or materials forming core 50. In some implementations, sidewalls 354 are formed from ABS. In yet other implementations, sidewalls 354 may be formed from other materials such as a thermoplastic polymeric material, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a wood and/or a metal.

[0050] Sidewalls 354 each comprise central side portion 60 (described above), rearward side portion 362 and forward side portion 364. As shown by FIG. 11, rearward side portion 362 has an inner face 368 that extends at a second angle A2, different than the first angle A1, relative to the bottom face 26. In the example illustrated, inner face 68 extends at an angle A2 that is oblique with respect to the bottom face 26. In other words, rearward side portion 362 undercuts a portion of core 50 along the tail portion 28.

[0051] Forward side portion 364 extends alongside tip portion 32 of ski 22. Forward side portion 364 has an inner face 370 that extends at a third angle A3, different than angles A1 and A2, relative to the bottom face 26. In the example illustrated, inner face 70 an angle A3 that is oblique with respect to the bottom face 26. In the example illustrated, angle A3 is greater than angle A2 such that forward side portion 364 undercuts core 50 to a lesser extent as compared to rearward side portion 362. In some implementations, the angles A2 and A3 of inner face 368 and 370, respectively, may be the same. In some implementations, the angle a two may be greater than angle A3.

[0052] As discussed above, in the example illustrated, each of sidewalls 354 is formed from a material that is uniform, having consistent material properties along the entirety of each of sidewalls 354. In some implementations, the material properties (those characteristics or properties of the material itself, not dependent on dimensions) of the material forming each of sidewalls 354 may vary along the length of ski 322. For example, central side portion 60 may be formed from a polymer that is more rigid or dense as compared to the material forming rearward side portion 362 or forward side portion 364. In some implementations, each of sidewalls 354 are formed from different individual segments forming portions 60, 362 and 364, wherein the individual segments are coupled to core 50. In some implementations, each of sidewalls 354 is a single integral unitary body, molded or otherwise, but wherein the materials forming different portions of the unitary body are not uniform. In some implementations, distinct portions 60, 362 and 364 of sidewalls 354 are co-molded.

[0053] In the example illustrated, sidewalls 354-1 and 354-2 are illustrated as being identical to one another, mirroring one another on opposite sides of ski 322. In other implementations, sidewalls 354-1 and 354-2 may differ depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski 322. In such implementations, central side portion 60 of sidewall 354-1 may have a different angle A1 than the central side portion 60 of sidewall 354-2. Likewise, sidewall 354-1 may have different angles A2 and/or A3 for rearward portion 362 and forward portion 364 as compared to sidewall 354-2.

[0054] Although each of sidewalls 54 is illustrated as having three portions, 60, 362 and 364, in other implementations, each of sidewalls 354 may have more than a single side portion on either end of portion 60. For example, rearward side portion 362 may instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom face 26 of ski 322. Likewise, forward side portion 364 may instead comprise multiple sub portions, wherein each of the sub portions has an inner face at a different angle with respect to the bottom face 26 of ski 322. The number of side portions of a sidewall (wherein each of the side portions has an inner face at a distinct angle with respect to bottom face 26) may vary between sidewalls 354-1 and 354-2 depending upon whether the particular sidewall is on an outer side or an inner side of the particular ski 322.

[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates one of two identical example skis 422 of an example snow riding implement 420. Ski 422 is similar to ski 322 except that ski 422 comprises sidewalls 454-1 and 454-2 (collectively referred to as sidewalls 454) in place of sidewalls 354-1 and 354-2. Sidewalls 454 are similar to sidewalls 354 except that sidewalls 454 each include central side portion 460. Central side portion 460 is similar to central side portion 60 except that, like central side portion 160 described above with respect to FIG. 7, central side portion 460 has opposite ends that gradually taper, in a linear fashion, to rearward side portion 362 and to forward side portion 364. As shown by FIG. 14, the extent to which central side portion 460 undercuts or underlies portions of core 50 gradually declines as central side portion 460 approaches tail end 30 and as central side portion 460 gradually approaches tip end 34. In the example illustrated, the angles or rates of such tapers on opposite longitudinal ends of central side portion 460 differ from one another, providing less stiffness towards tip end 34 and greater stiffness towards tail end 30. In other implementations, this relationship may be reversed.

[0056] FIG. 15 illustrates one of two identical example skis 522 of an example snow riding implement 520. Ski 522 is similar to ski 422 except that ski 522 comprises sidewalls 554-1 and 554-2 (collectively referred to as sidewalls 554) in place of sidewall 454-1 and 454-2. Sidewalls 554 are similar to sidewalls 454 except that sidewalls 554 each include central side portion 560. Central side portion 560 is similar to central side portion 460 except that, like central side portion 260 described above with respect to FIG. 8, central side portion 560 has opposite ends that gradually taper, in a curved fashion, to rearward side portion 362 and to forward side portion 364. As shown by FIG. 15, the extent to which central side portion 560 undercuts or underlies portions of core 50 gradually declines as central side portion 560 approaches tail end 30 and as central side portion 560 gradually approaches tip end 34. In the example illustrated, the radii on opposite longitudinal ends of central side portion 560 differ from one another, providing less stiffness towards tip end 34 and greater stiffness towards tail end 30. In other implementations, this relationship may be reversed.

[0057] In the examples above, each of the skis are illustrated as having sidewalls that have height or thickness matching the height or thickness of core 50 along the longitudinal length of the ski. In some implementations, the vertical height or thickness of the sidewalls may differ along the length of the ski as well as relative to the vertical height or thickness of the adjacent portions of core 50. FIGS. 16-18 illustrate portions of an example ski having sidewalls that have a height or thickness that varies along the length of the ski and relative to the adjacent portions of core 50.

[0058] FIGS. 16-18 are sectional views of portions of an example ski 622 of an example snow riding implement 620. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along a line extending perpendicular through the midportion 38 of the ski 622. Ski 622 comprises core 650 and sidewalls 654-1, 654-2 (collectively referred to as sidewalls 654). FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along a line extending perpendicular through the tail portion 28 of the ski 622. FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line extending perpendicular through the tip portion 32 of the example ski 622. Although not shown in FIGS. 16-18, in addition to sidewall 654, ski 622 may further comprise additional layers above and below core 650. For example, in some implementations, ski 622 may additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core 650. In some implementations, ski 622 may further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges.

[0059] As shown by FIGS. 16-18, the vertical height or thickness of sidewalls 654 changes along the longitudinal length of ski 622. Central side portion 660 of sidewall 654 has the greatest vertical height or thickness. Rearward side portion 662 of sidewall 654 has a vertical height or thickness less than that of central side portion 660. Forward side portion 664 of sidewall 654 has a vertical height or thickness less than that of the vertical height or thickness of rearward side portion 662. In the example illustrated, central side portion 660 of sidewall 654 also has a horizontal width greater than the horizontal width of rearward side portion 662 and forward side portion 664 of sidewall 654. As result, enhanced durability is provided at midportion 38 of ski 622, providing enhanced durability and support in those portions of ski 622 that underlie a person's foot and that experience greater loads. At the same time, the reduced thickness and width of side portions 662 and 664 provide such portions with enhanced flexibility and reduced weight.

[0060] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, sidewall portions 662 and 664 are similar to sidewall portions 62 and 64 described above. Likewise, central side portion 660 is similar to side portion 60 described above in that the transitioning to the adjacent sidewall portions 662 and 664 may be abrupt as shown in FIG. 6. In other implementations, sidewall portions 662 and 664 may alternatively be similar to sidewall portions 362 and 364 described above. Central sidewall portion 660 may alternatively transition in a fashion similar to that shown above with respect to central sidewall portions 160, 260, 460 or 560. In all of such implementations described in this application, the proportional or relative longitudinal lengths of the central side portions, the rearward side portions and the forward side portions may vary or differ from the particular illustrated examples.

[0061] In one example, rearward side portion 662 and forward side portion 664 each have a width of between 3 mm and 6 mm and nominally 4 mm. Central side portion 660 has a width of at least 5 mm, no greater than 9 mm and nominally 7.5 mm In such examples, central side portion 960 has a vertical height or thickness of at least 4 mm, no greater than 10 mm. Rearward side portion 962 has a vertical height or thickness of at least 2 mm, no greater than 7 mm. Forward side portion 964 has a vertical height or thickness of at least 2 mm, no greater than 7 mm. In other implementations, such portions of sidewalls 654 may have other dimensions.

[0062] As shown by FIG. 16, core 650 and midportion 38 further includes a binding platform 670. Binding platform 670 comprises a recess 672 to facilitate locating a user interface in the form of binding 40 (shown in FIG. 1) of ski 22. Additional layers position on top of core 650 may have a uniform thickness such that the recess 672 is not completely filled in, remains for reception of binding 40. In other implementations, the recess 672 may be omitted or may have other configurations.

[0063] FIG. 19 is a sectional view through a left side of one example ski 722 of an example snow riding implement 720. The sectional view is through a midportion 38 of the ski similar to that shown in FIG. 1. The right side of the example ski 722 would mirror the left side shown in FIG. 19. In some implementations, the midportion 38 may include a binding platform 670 with recess 672 as shown in FIG. 16.

[0064] Ski 722 comprises core 750, sidewall 754, top sheet 780, bottom sheet 782, top coating 780, protective layer 784, bottom sheet 786, base 786, and edge 788. Core 750 comprise multiple layers of wood and/or foam laminated otherwise secured to one another. The layers of wood and such or foam are chosen so as to provide ski 722 with the desired degree of flexibility along its length. In some implementations, core 750 may be formed from other sets of material layers or a single layer of material. As shown by FIG. 19, core 750 has a downwardly facing or angled side edge 751 which faces outwardly and downwardly.

[0065] Sidewall 754 is similar to sidewall 54-1 described above. Sidewall 754 is formed from material that is more rigid than core 750. In the example illustrated, sidewall portion 754 is formed from ABS. Sidewall 754 has an inwardly and upwardly facing face 766 which extends opposite to surface 751, undercutting side portions of core 750. As shown in broken lines, portions of sidewall 754, top coating 780 and protective layer 784 along the side of ski 722 may be removed following the pressing and joining of the various layers of material forming ski 722. As discussed above, because sidewall 754 undercuts side edge portions of core 750, a stronger bond or junction between core 750 and sidewall 754 is achieved, enhancing the durability of ski 722.

[0066] In the example illustrated, the example sidewall 754 shown in FIG. 19 extends along the midportion 38 of ski 722. Those portions of Sidewall 754 that extend along the tail portion and tip portion of ski 722 (portion 62 and 64) may have a reduced width and a reduced height as compared to the central side portion 760 shown in FIG. 19. In some implementations, those portions sidewall 754 along the tail portion and the tip portion ski 722 may not undercut core 750 (similar to sidewalls 54 shown in FIGS. 2-8) or may undercut core 750, but to a lesser extent as compared to central side portion 760 (in a fashion similar to that shown with respect to FIGS. 9-15). As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6-8 and 13-15, central side portion 760 of sidewall 754 may abruptly terminate or may gradually taper the linear curve fashion as it approaches tail end 30 or tip end 34 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0067] Top sheet 780 extends over core 750 and over sidewall 754. Top sheet 780 may be formed from a polymer material such as polyurethane. Bottom sheet 782 extends below core 750 and sidewall 754. Bottom sheet 782 is similar to top sheet 780 but extends below core 750 and below sidewall 754. Bottom sheet 782 may be formed from a polymer material such as polyurethane.

[0068] Protective layer 784 is formed from material chosen to protect top sheet 780. In some implementations, protective layer 784 may be formed from a rigid thin coating or film of a polymer plastic material. Protective layer 784 may include decorative graphics, text and the like.

[0069] Base 786 extends below bottom sheet 782 and forms a lower surface which is to slide along a snowy surface. Base 786 may be coated with a wax or other lubricant. In some implementations, base 786 is formed from a rigid tougher material than bottom sheet 782. In some implementations, base 786 may be formed from an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

[0070] Edge 788 extends along an outer lower edge of ski 722. Edge 788 is formed from an extremely hard and durable materials such as a metal or steel. In the example illustrated, edge 788 is partially captured between bottom sheet 782 and base 786. In some implementations, each of such layers forming ski 722 may be joined by an adhesive such as an epoxy. As discussed above, in some imitations, such layers may be pressed during manufacture ski 722, such as with a Panini press.

[0071] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate portions of an example ski 822 of an example snow riding implement 820. FIG. 20 is a longitudinally compressed [?] perspective view of an example core 850 and example sidewalls 854 of the example ski 822. FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the ski 822 taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 20. Although not shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in addition to sidewalls 854, ski 822 may further comprise additional layers above and below core 850. For example, in some implementations, ski 822 may additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core 50. In some implementations, ski 822 may further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges. For example, ski 822 may additionally comprise top sheet 780, bottom sheet 782, protective layer 784, base 786 and edge 788 shown and described above with respect to ski 722 of FIG. 19.

[0072] Core 850 is similar to core 650 described above with respect to ski 622. Core 850 may be formed from one or more sections or layers of wood and/or foam material. In the example illustrated, Core 50 comprises a binding platform 670 in the form of a recess 672 performing a depression for receiving a binding 40, such as a binding shown in FIG. 1.

[0073] Sidewalls 854 extend along opposite transfer sides of ski 822. Sidewalls 854 are molded as a single integral unitary body from a material that is more durable and harder or rigid than the material or materials of core 850. In the example illustrated, sidewalls 854 each molded from ABS. In other implementations, sidewalls 54 may be molded from other polymers or other materials.

[0074] As shown by FIG. 20, each of sidewalls 854 comprises a central side portion 860, a rearward side portion 862 and a forward side portion 864. Similar to central side portion 60, central side portion 860 has an upper interface 866 that faces upwardly and inwardly, undercutting opposing portions of core 850. Central side portion 860 extends alongside binding platform 670 to provide additional durability and strength adjacent to binding platform 670 where ski 822 encounters increased loading from the weight of the person using ski 822.

[0075] Because central side portion 860 undercuts portions of core 850 so as to upwardly face portions of core 850, a stronger mechanical bond is achievable between the material of sidewall 854 in the material of core 850 during any molding/pressing process. In particular, in some implementations, layers of ski 822 are pressed together in a vertical direction to securely bond the different layers to one another. Because portions of sidewalls 854 underlie and face overlying portions of core 850, the bond between the each of the sidewalls 854 and core 850 may be stronger. As compared to traditional skis in which the sidewall and the core abut one another along a vertical joint, everything else (materials, dimensions, thicknesses, manufacturing processes, adhesives) being equal, the bond between each of sidewalls 854 and core 850 may be at least 50% more durable and in some implementations more than 60% more durable.

[0076] In the example illustrated, the height of each of rearward side portion 862 and forward side portion 864 of sidewalls 854 gradually tapers or slopes downwardly as sidewall 854 approaches tail end 30 and tip end 34. In other implementations, the height of rearward side portion 862 and forwards side portion 864 may decrease in other fashions, such as a stepped fashion recurve fashion. In some implementations, the horizontal thickness of rearward side portion 862 and forward side portion 864 may also decrease in a gradual or stepped manner as such sidewall portions approach tail end 30 and tip end 34.

[0077] As further shown by FIG. 20, ski 22 generally has a parabolic shape, being wider along tail portion 28 and tip portion 32 than midportion 38. As result, sidewalls 854 each are inwardly curved so as have a concave outer side and a convex inner side. In other implementations, sidewalls 854 may have other curvatures or may be linear depending upon the shape of core 850 and the shape of particular ski 822.

[0078] FIGS. 22A and 22B are top and bottom views of an example snow riding implement 920 in the form of a snowboard 922. Snowboard 922 comprises a tail portion 928 terminating at a tail end 930, a tip portion 932 terminating at a tail end 934 and a midportion 938 between tail portion 928 and tip portion 932. Midportion 938 comprises openings 939 for mounting a user interface in the form of a snowboard bindings.

[0079] Similar to the above-described skis, snowboard 922 may comprise a core 950 and sidewalls 954 which extend on opposite transverse sides of core 950. FIGS. 23-25 are sectional views of portions of snowboard 922. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along a line extending perpendicular through the midportion 938 of the snowboard 922. FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along a line extending perpendicular through the tail portion 928 of the snowboard 922. FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line extending perpendicular through the tip portion 932 of the example snowboard 922. Although not shown in FIGS. 23-25, in addition to sidewall 954, snowboard 922 may further comprise additional layers above and below core 950. For example, in some implementations, snowboard 922 and may additionally comprise composite layers, such as fiberglass, above and below the core 950. In some implementations, snowboard 922 may further comprise a base, such as an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, a top sheet formed from a material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyurethane, and steel edges.

[0080] As shown by FIGS. 23-25, the vertical height or thickness of sidewalls 954 changes along the longitudinal length of snowboard 922. Central side portion 960 of sidewall 954 has the greatest vertical height or thickness. Rearward side portion 962 of sidewall 954 has a vertical height or thickness less than that of central side portion 960. Forward side portion 964 of sidewall 954 has a vertical height or thickness less than that of the vertical height or thickness of rearward side portion 962. In the example illustrated, central side portion 960 of sidewall 954 also has a horizontal width greater than the horizontal width of rearward side portion 962 and forward side portion 964 of sidewall 954. As result, enhanced durability is provided as midportion 938 of snowboard 922, providing enhanced durability and support in those portions of snowboard 922 that underlie a person's foot and that experience greater loads. At the same time, the reduced thickness and width of side portions 962 and 964 provide such portions with enhanced flexibility and reduced weight.

[0081] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 23-25, sidewall portions 962 and 964 are similar to sidewall portions 62 and 64 described above. Likewise, sidewall portion 960 is similar to central side portion 60 described above in that the transitioning to the adjacent rearward sidewall portion 962 and forward sidewall portion 964 is abrupt as shown in FIG. 6. In other implementations, sidewall portion 962 and 964 may alternatively be similar to sidewall portions 362 and 364 described above. Central sidewall portion 960 may alternatively transition in a fashion similar to that shown above with respect to central sidewall portions 160, 260, 460 or 560. In all of such implementations described in this application, the proportional or relative longitudinal lengths of the central side portions, the rearward side portions and the forward side portions may vary or differ from the particular illustrated examples.

[0082] In one example, rearward side portion 962 and forward side portion 664 each have a width of between 3 mm and 6 mm and nominally 4 mm. Central side portion 960 has a width of at least 5 mm, no greater than 9 mm and nominally 7.5 mm. In such examples, central side portion 960 has a vertical height or thickness of at least 4 mm, no greater than 10 mm. Rearward side portion 962 has a vertical height or thickness of at least 2 mm, no greater than 7 mm. Forward side portion 964 has a vertical height or thickness of at least 2 mm, no greater than 7 mm. In other implementations, portions of sidewalls 954 may have other dimensions. In other implementations, portions of sidewalls 954 may have other dimensions. The min/max dimensions we are using 1160 mm is the longest and 1030 mm is the shortest.

[0083] FIG. 26 is a sectional view through a left side of one example snowboard 1022 of an example snow riding implement 1020. The sectional view is through a midportion 938 of example snowboard shown in FIG. 22A. The right side of the example snowboard 1020 would mirror the left side shown in FIG. 26.

[0084] Snowboard 1022 comprises core 1050, sidewall 1054, top sheet 1080, bottom sheet 1082, top coating 1080, protective layer 1084, base 1086, and edge 1088. Core 1050 comprise multiple layers of wood and/or foam laminated otherwise secured to one another. The layers of wood and such or foam are chosen so as to provide snowboard 1022 with the desired degree of flexibility along its length. In some implementations, core 1050 may be formed from other sets of material layers or a single layer of material. As shown by FIG. 26, core 1050 has a downwardly facing or angled side edge 1051 which faces outwardly and downwardly.

[0085] Sidewall 1054 is similar to sidewall 54-1 described above. Sidewall 1054 is formed from material that is more rigid than core 1050. In the example illustrated, sidewall 1054 is formed from ABS. Sidewall 1054 has an inwardly and upwardly facing face 1066 which extends opposite to surface 1051, undercutting side portions of core 1050. As shown in broken lines, portions of sidewall 1054, top coating 1080 and protective layer 1084 along the side of snowboard 1022 may be removed following the pressing and joining of the various layers of material forming snowboard 1022. As discussed above, because sidewall 1054 undercuts side edge portions of core 1050, a stronger bond or junction between core 1050 and sidewall 1054 is achieved, enhancing the durability of snowboard 1022.

[0086] In the example illustrated, sidewall 1054 shown in FIG. 26 extends along the midportion 938 of snowboard 1022. Those portions of Sidewall 1054 that extend along the tail portion and tip portion of snowboard 1022 (portion 962 and 964) may have a reduced width and a reduced height as compared to the central side portion 1060 shown in FIG. 26. In some implementations, those portions sidewall 1054 along the tail portion and the tip portion snowboard 1022 may not undercut core 1050 (similar to sidewalls 54 shown in FIGS. 2-8) or may undercut core 1050, but to a lesser extent as compared to central side portion 1060 (in a fashion similar to that shown with respect to FIGS. 9-15). As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6-8 and 13-15, central side portion 1060 of sidewall 1054 may abruptly terminate or may gradually taper the linear curve fashion as it approaches tail end 930 or tip and 934 (shown in FIG. 22).

[0087] Top sheet 1080 extends over core 1050 and over sidewall 1054. Top sheet 1080 may be formed from a polymer material such as polyurethane. Bottom sheet 1082 extends below core 1050 and sidewall 1054. Bottom sheet 1082 is similar to top sheet 780 but extends below core 1050 and below sidewall 1054. Bottom sheet 1082 may form from a polymer material such as polyurethane.

[0088] Protective layer 1080 top sheet 1080 and is formed from material chosen to protect top sheet 1080. In some implementations, particular 1084 may be formed from a rigid thin coating or film of a polymer plastic material. Protective layer 1074 may include decorative graphics, text and the like.

[0089] Base 1086 extends below bottom sheet 1082 forms a lower surface which is to slide along a snowy surface. Base 1086 may be coated with a wax or other lubricant. In some implementations, base 1086 is formed from a material or rigid tough then bottom sheet 1082. In some implementations, base 1086 may be formed from an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

[0090] Edge 1088 extends along an outer lower edge of snowboard 1022. Edge 1084 is made from an extremely hard and durable material such as a metal or steel. In the example illustrated, edge 1088 is partially captured between bottom sheet 1082 and base 1082. In some implementations, each of such layers forming snowboard 1022 may be joined by an adhesive such as an epoxy. As discussed above, in some imitations, such layers may be pressed during manufacture snowboard 1022, such as with a Panini press.

[0091] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms first, second, third and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.