초록 ▼

A ski comprising a front runner (1), a centre runner (2) and a rear runner (3); the runners (1, 2, 3) connectable together to form a longitudinal running surface, the centre runner further comprising a locking mechanism (4) operable to urge the front and rear runners into engagement with the centre

A ski comprising a front runner (1), a centre runner (2) and a rear runner (3); the runners (1, 2, 3) connectable together to form a longitudinal running surface, the centre runner further comprising a locking mechanism (4) operable to urge the front and rear runners into engagement with the centre runner. Part (5, 7) of the locking mechanism is concealed within the body of the ski and the remaining part (12, 13) is positioned in-between the ski boot (16) bindings so that when the ski boot is clamped into the bindings it forms a protective canopy over the locking mechanism and the assembly takes on the appearance of a one piece ski When the ski is dismantled it can be carried in a case compatible with automated luggage handling systems and inside automobiles without the need for a roof rack.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A ski comprising a front runner (1), a center runner (2), and a rear runner (3); the runners connectable together to form a longitudinal running surface, the center runner further comprises a locking mechanism (4) located in and extending through the top surface of the center runner, operable to

1. A ski comprising a front runner (1), a center runner (2), and a rear runner (3); the runners connectable together to form a longitudinal running surface, the center runner further comprises a locking mechanism (4) located in and extending through the top surface of the center runner, operable to urge the front and rear runners into engagement with the center runner, the locking mechanism being moveable between a closed position, in which the front and rear runners are urged into engagement with the center runner, and an open position to allow assembly and disassembly of the runners, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a single control member (13) which when moved to the closed position simultaneously urges the front and rear runners into engagement with the center runner and when moved to the open position allows the disassembly of the front and rear runners from the center runner. 2. A ski according to claim 1, wherein the ski includes ski boot bindings (10 and 11), the single control member of the locking mechanism is located in-between the ski boot bindings and in-between two outer edges of the center runner. 3. A ski according to claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism in the closed position is located flush with, or below, platforms of the ski boot bindings (10 and 11) which locate the ski boot. 4. A ski according to, claim 1, wherein the single control member of the locking mechanism is a lever (13) forming part of a linkage mechanism (12, 7, 12A, 13A, and 5) to urge the front runner and rear runners into engagement with the center runner. 5. A ski according to, claim 4, wherein when the locking mechanism is closed the force generated is equally distributed by the linkage mechanism along or through the center runner directly to the front and rear runner to urge them into engagement with the center runner. 6. A ski according to , claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one linkage arm (7), operable to engage with one of the front and rear runner. 7. A ski according to, claim 6, wherein the distal end of the linkage arm comprises one of a male (7A) and female connector, and the respective one of the front and rear runner comprises the other of a corresponding female(8B) and male connector. 8. A ski according to claim 7, wherein the male connector and the female connector when engaged together, form a coupled union through which a clamping load is transferred to the respective front and rear runner urging them into engagement with the center runner. 9. A ski according to claim 7, wherein the male and female connector of the linkage arm (7) are at least partially concealed within the center runner when the locking mechanism is in the locked position. 10. A ski according to, claim 6, wherein at least one of the connection interfaces between the front runner and the center runner and between the center runner and rear runner comprises a strengthening member (8), receivable in a recess (14) provided on the centre runner and providing a load carrying mechanical connection between the respective runners. 11. A ski according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the strengthening members comprises two parts (31, 32) cooperating together and a third part connected to said linkage arm, so that when the locking mechanism is closed the movement of the linkage arm connected to said third part (33) produces relative movement between said two parts which causes the strengthening member to increase in size and clamp into the respective recess in the front or rear runner. 12. A ski according to claim 11, wherein said relative movement between said two parts comprises ends of said two parts distal to an end face of the center runner moving wider apart than the ends of said two parts at the connecting interface of the center runner and the respective front or rear runner thereby producing a tapered profile so that as said two parts move apart in the recess in the respective front or rear runner the tapered profile urges the runners into engagement with each other. 13. A ski according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the distal ends of the two parts of the strengthening member projecting from the center runner are provided with a detent or abutment (25) so that when the strengthening member is assembled into the recess of the relative front or rear runner, said detent or abutment engages a mating detent or abutment (26) to provide a positive connection between the runners. 14. A ski according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises two linkage arms (5 and 7) arranged about opposing axial end faces of the center runner, each linkage arm configured to engage with a respective one of the front and rear runner said single control member connected to each of the linkage arms.