ALPINE SKI TUNING APPARATUS

Abstract

A ski tuning apparatus is provided. The ski tuning apparatus includes an adjustable boot sole portion, a mounting plate, and a plurality of mounting brackets. The adjustable boot sole includes a fixed body portion secured to the mounting plate and configured to attach to a toe binding of a ski, and an adjustable body portion slidably secured to the fixed body portion and configured to adjustable secure to a heel binding of a ski. The plurality of mounting brackets can include a trailer hitch mount, a bench mount, a post mount, and an angle mount. A user can secure a ski to the tuning apparatus using the adjustable boot sole portion and can then perform tuning such as edge sharpening, grinding, and/or other maintenance procedures.

Claims

1. A ski tuning apparatus, comprising: a base plate comprising: a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a base plate post mounted to the bottom surface; a fixed body comprising: a bottom surface mounted to the top surface of the base plate, a plurality of side surface, a first top surface being a first height from the bottom surface, and a second top surface being a second height from the bottom surface, the second top surface having a longitudinal aperture therethrough to the bottom surface; a heel lip continuously molded to a first of the plurality of side surfaces proximate to an intersection between the first of the plurality of side surfaces and the first top surface, the heel lip configured to secure a heel binding of a ski; an adjustable body comprising: a bottom surface, a plurality of side surface, a first top surface being a first height from the bottom surface, and a second top surface being a second height from the bottom surface; and a toe lip continuously molded to a first of the plurality of side surfaces proximate to an intersection between the first of the plurality of side surfaces and the first top surface, the toe lip configured to secure a toe binding of a ski, wherein the adjustable body is slidably coupled to the fixed body.

2. The ski tuning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second top surface of the fixed body includes a plurality of ridges.

3. The ski tuning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the adjustable body includes a plurality of ridges.

4. The ski tuning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a mount configured to interface with the base plate post.

5. The ski tuning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mount further comprises: a vertical tubular post having a first end, a second end, and a first plurality of apertures disposed on opposing surfaces of the vertical tubular post; a horizontal tubular post having a first end, a second end, and a second plurality of apertures disposed on opposing surfaces of the horizontal tubular post; and a T-shaped tubular post continuously formed to the first end and configured to accept the vertical tubular post.

6. The ski tuning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mount further comprises: a vertical tubular post having a first end, a second end, and a third plurality of apertures disposed on opposing surfaces of the vertical tubular post; a mounting plate affixed to the first end, the mounting plate have a plurality of apertures therethrough, the plurality of apertures each configured to accept a fastener for securing the mount.

7. The ski tuning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mount further comprises: a tubular post having a substantially L-shaped profile, the post having a first end, a second end and at least two apertures disposed on opposing surfaces of the post; and a mounting plate affixed to the first end, the mounting plate have a plurality of apertures therethrough, the plurality of apertures each configured to accept a fastener for securing the mount.

8. The ski tuning apparatus of claim 5, wherein the vertical tubular post further comprises: a tubular angle portion affixed to the first end, wherein the angled portion defines an obtuse angle between at least one surface of the tubular angle portion and the vertical tubular post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus shown with a ski installed, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a frontal view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus showing adjustable toe block, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a frontal view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus showing initial ski installation toe first, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 8 is a frontal view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus showing final ski installation, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 9 is a sectional view, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8, of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus shown with an alternative mounting, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus with another alternative mount, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a ski tuning apparatus with an angled mount, according to aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0020] Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is an alpine ski tuning apparatus. The present invention includes an adjustable boot sole for quick, easy, and secure mounting of the bindings of any size to any size ski. The adjustable boot sole includes a mounting interface to mount the adjustable boot sole to one of a plurality of brackets. The adjustable boot sole of the present invention is designed and manufacture to mimic universal alpine boot configurations and industry standards, such as American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The plurality of brackets can include at least a trailer mount bracket configured to secure the adjustable boot sole to a towing interface of a vehicle, a bench mount bracket configured to secure the adjustable boot sole to a bench, a post mount configured to secure the adjustable boot to a post or upright structure. In the present invention, each of the plurality of mounts can be configured to mount the adjustable boot sole in an upright, or angled configuration. Broadly, the present invention is advantageous over prior art systems in that it can adjustably secure any size alpine ski, without the need for additional tools such as vices, quickly and is portable to allow ease of ski tuning without the need to visit a shop.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a ski tuning apparatus, shown in use, is illustrated. In embodiments, the ski tuning apparatus can include an adjustable boot sole mounted to one of a plurality of brackets, or mounts. A first bracket, as illustrated in FIG. 1 can be a trailer mount bracket including a horizontal hitch mount post 46. In embodiments, horizontal hitch mount post 46 can include a t-shaped post 48 disposed at a first end. In embodiments, t-shaped post 48 can be configured to receive a vertical hitch mount post 42, which can be secured by a fastener disposed through horizontal hitch mount post 46 and vertical hitch mount post 42. Additionally, a pin 54 can be disposed through an aperture proximate to a second end and can be configured to secure the second end of post 46 to a trailer receiver of a vehicle. In embodiments, vertical hitch mount post 42 can be a rectangular tube having a plurality of apertures disposed through the body and configured to receive a fastener for mounting vertical hitch mount post 42 to horizontal hitch mount post 46.

[0022] The adjustable boot sole can be mounted to a first end of vertical hitch mount post 42 and is configured to securely hold a ski 62 for tuning. In embodiments, the adjustable boot sole can include a fixed block 10 and an adjustable block 18. In embodiments, fixed block 10 is removably affixable to a heel binding 64 of ski 62, and adjustable block 18 is removably affixable to a toe binding 66. In embodiments, components of the adjustable boot sole can be made from polypropylene, metal, carbon fiber, etc. Advantageously, the configuration of the adjustable boot sole allows for secure attachment of any size ski without the need to utilize additional tools.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, a bottom perspective view of the ski tuning apparatus showing additional elements is illustrated. Specifically, the mounting system of the adjustable boot sole is more clearly illustrated. The mounting system can include a base plate 38 having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. The bottom surface of the base plate 38 can include a base plate post 40 affixed thereto, and configured to mount the base plate 38 on vertical hitch mount post 42. The top surface of base plate 38 can be mounted to fixed block 10 to secure the adjustable boot sole. Additionally, adjustable block 18 can include a toe lip 20 configured to seat within toe binding 66 when ski 62 is mounted.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the ski tuning apparatus is illustrated. Horizontal hitch mount post 46 can be a rectangular tubing with a first end, a second end and a plurality of faces. In embodiments, horizontal hitch mount post 46 can have a plurality of apertures disposed on opposing faces, spaced between a first end and a midpoint of horizontal hitch mount post 46, and configured to receive pin 54 for securing horizontal hitch mount post 46 to a trailer receiver of a vehicle. Advantageously, the plurality of apertures allow for adjustable mounting of horizontal hitch post 46. In embodiments, pin 54 can be a clevis pin and can include an aperture disposed therethrough, proximate to one end of pin 54. The aperture can be configured to receive a locking pin 56, such as a cotter pin, which can secure pin 54 to horizontal hitch post 46. T-shaped post 48 can be formably connected, or continuously connected, to the second end of horizontal hitch mount post 46. In embodiment, t-shaped post 48 can be formed from rectangular tubing and can have a plurality of holes 50 disposed on opposite surfaces of t-shaped post 48. In embodiments, plurality of holes 50 can be two holes, disposed on opposite surfaces of t-shaped post 48 and can be configured to receive a pin, such as hitch pin 58.

[0025] Vertical hitch mount post 42 can be rectangular tubing with a first end, a second end and a plurality of faces. In embodiments, vertical hitch mount post 42 can have a plurality of apertures 44 disposed on opposing faces, spaced between the first end and the second end of vertical hitch mount post 42. In embodiments, plurality of apertures 44 are configured to receive hitch pin 58 to secure vertical hitch mount post 42 to horizontal hitch mount post 46. Additionally, plurality of apertures 44 are configured to receive a second pin (unlabeled), similar or the same as hitch pin 58, to secure face plate post 40 to vertical hitch mount post 42. Advantageously, plurality of apertures allow for custom configuration of the positions of both vertical hitch mount post 42 and face plate post 40. In embodiments, hitch pin 58 and second pin (unlabeled) can include apertures therethrough and proximate to an end of hitch pin 58 and second pin (unlabeled) which can receive a locking pin 60, such as a cotter pin, for securing hitch pin 58 and second pin (unlabeled).

[0026] Base plate 38 can include a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces, and can have a plurality of apertures disposed from the top surface through to the bottom surface. In embodiments, the plurality of apertures can be configured to receive one or more fasteners for affixing components of the adjustable boot sole to base plate 38. In embodiments, the plurality of fasteners, can be nuts and bolts, or other known fastening mechanisms. Face plate post 40 can be affixed to the bottom surface of base plate and is configured to secure base plate 38 to vertical hitch mount post 42.

[0027] Fixed block 10 can have a main body portion that can be a polyhedron, such as a composite rectangular prism, but is not so limited as 3 dimensional shapes known in the art are also envision. In embodiments, main body portion of fixed block 10 can be composed of a plurality of three-dimensional shapes sharing a common bottom surface, but having different heights and/or lengths. Additionally, each three-dimensional shape of fixed block 10 can have a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces. Main body portion of fixed block 10 can have a plurality of apertures disposed from each of the top surfaces through to the bottom surface of main body portion of fixed block 10. In embodiments, the plurality of apertures are in alignment with the plurality of apertures of base plate 38 and are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners for securing fixed block 10 to base plate 38. In embodiments, fixed block 10, as a polyhedron, can be a composite of shapes having differing heights, lengths, and/or widths, such that a first plurality of fasteners 24 can be disposed through a top surface to the bottom surface of fixed block 10 having the largest height, while a second plurality of fasteners 26 can be disposed through a different top surface to the bottom surface of fixed block 10 having a height smaller than the largest height. In embodiments, a plurality of washers 28 can be disposed on each of plurality of fasteners 24 and second plurality of fasteners 26. Furthermore, each of plurality of fasteners 24 and second plurality of fasteners can secure fixed block 10 to base plate 38 a nut 30. In embodiments, all fasteners can be coated with material to prevent wear, such as zinc plating. In exemplary embodiments, all fasteners can be 14 inch zinc plated screws of varying lengths.

[0028] Fixed block 10 can have a heel lip 12 disposed proximate to an edge between one of the plurality of top surfaces and a side surface of fixed block 10. In embodiments, heel lip 12 is configured to seat with heel binding 64 when ski 62 is mounted. Fixed block 10 can include a top surface for actuation of an adjustable block 18. In embodiments, the top surface for actuation of adjustable block 18 can include a recessed track 16 configured to slidably secure adjustable block 18 and a plurality of ridges 14 disposed thereon to interface with a plurality of ridges 22 disposed on a bottom surface of adjustable block 18. In embodiments, plurality of ridges 14 and plurality of ridges 22 interface to form a slidable locking system to prevent adjustable block from moving while ski 62 is secured thereto. In embodiments, plurality of ridges 14 and plurality of ridges 22 each form sawtooth patterns that can interlock. In exemplary embodiments, plurality of ridges 14 and plurality of ridges 22 can include sawteeth spaced 1 millimeter apart.

[0029] Adjustable block 18 can have a main body portion that can be a polyhedron, such as a composite rectangular prism, but is not so limited as three-dimensional shapes known in the art are also envision. In embodiments, main body portion of adjustable block 18 can be composed of a plurality of three-dimensional shapes sharing a common bottom surface, but having different heights and/or lengths. Additionally, each three-dimensional shape of adjustable block 18 can have a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces. In embodiments, adjustable block 18, as a polyhedron, can be a composite of shapes having differing heights, lengths, and/or widths, such that a first plurality of fasteners 32 can be disposed through each top surface to the bottom surface of adjustable block 18. In embodiments, a plurality of washers 34 can be disposed on each of plurality of fasteners 32. Furthermore, each plurality of fasteners 32 can secure adjustable block 18 to recessed portion 16 of fixed block 10 with a nut 36. Finally, adjustable block 18 can include toe lip 12 is configured to seat with toe binding 66 when ski 62 is mounted.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 4, aspects of the adjustment mechanism is illustrated. Fixed body 10 includes recessed track 16 and a plurality of ridges 14. Fixed body 10 remains stationary while adjustable block 18 is slidable along recessed track 16 and plurality of ridges 14. In embodiments, a user can affix, or seat a toe binding of ski 62 to toe lip 12 of fixed body, while sliding adjustable block 18 to interface toe lip 20 with a toe binding of ski 62. In embodiments, plurality of ridges can be a sawtooth pattern, and are configured to prevent movement of adjustable block 18 during ski tuning.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 is illustrated. In embodiments, fixed block 10 is secured to base plate 38 (as described above), and includes a recessed track16 configured to slidably secure adjustable block 18 to fixed block 10. In embodiments, recessed track 16 is a aperture disposed through fixed block 10 of sufficient size to receive a fastener 32, and associated hardware to secure fastener 32 therein. In embodiments, fastener 32 and associated hardware secure adjustable block 18 to fixed block 10 while allowing for sliding movements of adjustable block 18 to thereby adjust the device for differing heel/toe binding lengths as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, installation of a ski 62 on the apparatus is illustrated. In embodiments, a user can secure toe binding 66 of ski 62 to adjustable block 18 via toe lip 20. Once secured to toe lip 20, the user could then secure heel binding 64 to ski 62 to fixed block 10 via heel lip 12. Securing to heel lip 12 can be accomplished by pressing ski 62 down such that both toe lip 20 and heel lip 12 are securely seated within toe biding 66 and heel binding 64, respectively. Once in a secured, and flat configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a use can tune ski 62 by applying a grind, waxing, or performing other maintenance activities.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 10-12, a plurality of different mounting apparatuses for the novel ski tuning apparatus are illustrated. In an embodiment, the novel ski tuning apparatus can be mounted to a workbench utilizing a bench mount 68. In embodiments, bench mount 68 includes a plurality of apertures on a base portion configured to accept one or more fasteners for attaching bench mount 68 to a surface. Base plate 38 can be affixed to bench mount 68 utilizing base plate post 40 similar mounting on vertical hitch mount post 42. Additionally, the novel ski tuning apparatus can be mounted to a post, or other vertical member, utilizing post mount 70. In embodiments, post mount 70 includes a plurality of apertures on a base portion configured to accept one or more fasteners for post mount 70 to a surface. Base plate 38 can be affixed to post mount utilizing base plate post 40 similar mounting on vertical hitch mount post 42. Finally, an angled hitch mount adapter 72 can be provided such that a portion of a first end of vertical hitch mount post 42, bench mount 68, and/or post mount 70 can be bent to form an angle such that the novel apparatus does not sit substantially upright giving the user access to easily sharpen edges of ski.

[0034] To utilize the novel ski tuning apparatus a user can determine the appropriate dimensions of a ski 62. In embodiments, a user can move adjustable block 18 to match a dimension of ski 62. For example, a boot size of ski 62 may be used as the appropriate dimension, or a distance between toe binding 66 and heel binding 64 may be used as the appropriate dimension. Once the appropriate dimension is determined adjustable block 18 can be moved to match the appropriate dimension. Once dimensioned properly, a user can mount a ski 62 to the apparatus by affixing toe binding of ski 66 to toe lip 20 of adjustable block 18. Once toe binding 66 is secured, mate heel binding 64 of ski 62 with help lip 12 of fixed block 10. Once heel binding 64 is secured, plurality of ridges 14 prevent ski 62 from moving and the user can then perform tuning on ski 62, such as performing an edge sharpening, performing a grind, or performing other maintenance procedures. Advantageously, the novel apparatus provides a mechanism for quick, secure, and efficient ski tuning and/or maintenance.

[0035] It is understood that all hardware components, such as fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc., can be coated with material to prevent wear, such as zinc plating. In exemplary embodiments, all fasteners can be 14 inch zinc plated screws of varying lengths. Additionally, adjustable boot sole can be formed from polypropylene, but is not so limited, as any material of sufficient rigidity, such as metal, carbon fiber, polyvinyl chloride, etc. can be utilized. Finally, posts 42 and 46 can be formed from metal such as carbon steel, but are not so limited, as any material of sufficient rigidity, can be utilized.

[0036] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.