US3645347A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Guide means for skis
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-05-26
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Granted: 1972-02-29
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Expires: 1991-05-26
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable guiding and steering means for a ski which may be utilized to enhance the controllability of skis on difficult terrain is described. The guide means comprises a guide member having a portion thereof positioned beneath the surface of the skis and resiliently forced into contact with the snow or ice. The degree of penetration into the snow or ice is governed by the amount of resilient force applied to a downwardly bowed segment of the guide means. The guide means is useful in aiding both human skiers and snowmobiles to negotiate corners and maintain balance on terrain such as crusted snow or ice.
Inventors
- 👤 Williard L Brant
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:09
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62B; B62B13/00; B62B13/02; B62B13/06; B62B13/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A guide means for a ski to provide positive engagement with terrain traversed comprising: an elongated, downwardly bowed guide rod means positioned substantially parallel to the major axis of said ski and to the direction of travel thereof and having at least a portion thereof exposed beneath said skis to slidably engage the terrain being traversed; means to slidably attach at least one end of said rod means to said skis; and means to vary the amount of downward bow in said rod to alter the engagement of said rod with said terrain.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A guide means for a ski to provide positive engagement with terrain traversed comprising: an elongated, downwardly bowed guide rod means positioned substantially parallel to the major axis of said ski and to the direction of travel thereof and having at least a portion thereof exposed beneath said skis to slidably engage the terrain being traversed; means to slidably attach at least one end of said rod means to said skis; and means to vary the amount of downward bow in said rod to alter the engagement of said rod with said terrain.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The guide means of claim 1 wherein said guide rod means is urged downwardly intermediate the ends thereof with respect to said ski by a resilient means to force said rod means into retractable engagement with said terrain.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The guide means of claim 1 wherein said guide rod means has sharpened edges adapted to slidably engage the terrain traversed and urge said skis along a longitudinal path substantially parallel to the major axis of said ski.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
114 words
A snowmobile having a pair of parallel, spaced-apart direction-controlling skis mounted at the forward end thereof each ski having a guide means adapted to enhaNce the controllability and maneuverability of said snowmobile by improving the engagement of said ski with said terrain, said guide means comprising an elongated rodlike member having at least a portion thereof exposed beneath said skis to slidably engage the terrain being traversed and oriented substantially parallel to the major axis thereof, said rodlike member being slidably attached at least one end thereof to said ski at the forward end thereof and having means to vary the amount of downward bow with respect to the lower surface of said ski.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
114 words
A snowmobile having a pair of parallel, spaced-apart direction-controlling skis mounted at the forward end thereof each ski having a guide means adapted to enhaNce the controllability and maneuverability of said snowmobile by improving the engagement of said ski with said terrain, said guide means comprising an elongated rodlike member having at least a portion thereof exposed beneath said skis to slidably engage the terrain being traversed and oriented substantially parallel to the major axis thereof, said rodlike member being slidably attached at least one end thereof to said ski at the forward end thereof and having means to vary the amount of downward bow with respect to the lower surface of said ski.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The snowmobile of claim 4 wherein said member also engages said ski at a location toward the rear portion of said ski to maintain said rod substantially parallel to the major axis of said ski.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The snowmobile of claim 4 wherein said means to vary the position of said member comprises a compressible member engaging said member to variably urge said member downwardly into engagement with terrain being traversed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said ski is a snowmobile ski.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The guide means of claim 1 wherein said means to vary the downward bow of said rod comprises adjustment means varying the chord length of said rod.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The guide means of claim 1 wherein said rod means has a substantially rectangular cross section.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |