US20100171288A1

US20100171288A1 - Adjustable width ski

Info

Publication number: US20100171288A1
Application number: US12/684,040
Authority: US
Inventors: Matt Nicosia; Stephen H. Miller
Original assignee: Steep N Deep LLC
Current assignee: Steep N Deep LLC
Priority date: 2009-01-07
Filing date: 2010-01-07
Publication date: 2010-07-08

Abstract

An adjustable width ski can comprise a top plank and two bottom planks. The relationship between the top plank and the two bottom planks can be adjusted to increase the width of the ski. The ski can further comprise a fastener to secure the top and bottom planks in the different configurations. A user can adjust the width of the ski depending on the preferences of the user. The ski can further have a mechanical or electro-mechanical adjustment mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/143,022, filed Jan. 7, 2009, entitled ADJUSTABLE WIDTH SKI, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein and should be considered a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to improvements in boards that slide on snow such as skis and snowboards. In particular, the invention is related to adjustable width skis for use in different weather conditions and snow conditions.
2. Description of the Related Art
On the ski slopes for downhill skiing and in other places with snow, the snow conditions can be constantly changing. For example, snowfall during the day or night can create a layer of powder with a low density. Over time, the layer of powder can become packed down creating a snow pack with a higher density than the original powder. This can be the result of use of the snow by skiers or snowboarders. The repeated sliding over the snow can cause the snow to be packed down. In addition, the heat of the day can melt the snow and powder. Then as the day or night gets colder, the melted snow can refreeze. This also results in a harder snow pack than the original powder.
There can be an exceeding number of variables in deciding what particular size or style of ski or snowboard to use when sliding on snow. The weather conditions and condition of the snow can be some of those variables. For some skiers, it is preferred to use wider skis on powder and narrower skis on packed snow.
It can be desirable to have wider skies on powder so that the skier can float over the powder. The wider skies can allow the user to more easily glide over and through the powder, where narrower skies can have a tendency to sink into the snow, causing the skier to travel slower and not be able to maneuver as easily. In normal conditions with a certain amount of packed snow, it may be more desirable for a narrower width ski to be used by the skier. This can have the benefit of being more maneuverable in snow that is already packed down. Thus, the wider width may not be necessary to keep the skier on top of the snow. The user may feel that it is necessary to have different skis based on the snow conditions to provide a better skiing experience.
Thus, the skier may take two or more sizes of skis with him or her to the slopes. The skier may use the wider skis, for example, in the morning to ride on freshly fallen powder and then, the skier may change to the narrower skis later in the day as the snow pack has become harder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For these reasons, there exists competing needs related to the width of a user's ski.
In certain embodiments, (we will summarize the claims here).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable width ski.

FIG. 2 illustrates some the different components of an embodiment of an adjustable width ski and some of the different configurations of the adjustable width ski.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the width of an embodiment of an adjustable width ski in the first, second and third positions as the ski goes from the initial shortened width to the widest width.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable width ski with a quick release and slot in the bottom planks of the ski.

FIG. 4A shows a method of adjusting the adjustable width ski of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an adjustable width ski showing a tongue and groove system to ensure proper alignment of the ski.

FIG. 6 is a lengthwise cross-sectional side view showing multiple variations of an adjustable width ski.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable width ski with an eye-beam top plank and two “C”-shaped bottom planks.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable width ski with a mechanical adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable width ski with an electro-mechanical adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 10 shows a lengthwise cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable width ski with another type of mechanical adjustment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable width ski 10 comprising a top plank 2 and two bottom planks 4. The adjustable width ski 10 can have a tip 12, a tail 14 and a waist 16. The adjustable width ski 10 can further comprise bindings (not shown) and other features commonly known in the art. An adjustable width ski 10 can be easily adjustable from an initial configuration to a second, third or additional configurations. A user can adjust the width of the ski depending upon the desired width. The desired width can be based on many variables, such as: the user's skiing style, personal preference, snow conditions, weather conditions, experience of the skier, etc.
FIG. 2 illustrates some of the components of certain embodiments of an adjustable width ski 10. At the top of FIG. 2 are shown two bottom planks 4, followed by a top plank 2. Under that, an adjustable width ski 10 is shown wherein the bottom planks 4 have been adjusted outward to a second position. Lastly, at the bottom of FIG. 2, is shown an adjustable width ski 10 in a fully extended position with the bottom planks 4 adjusted to the farthest out position. In the embodiment shown, the fully extended position corresponds to a third position; other embodiments may have more or less positions. Also as shown in some embodiments, an adjustable width ski 10 can adjust the width of the entire ski 10 from the tip 12 to the tail 14.
In some embodiments the top plank 2 and the bottom plank 4 can be two separate skis that have been joined together. In certain embodiments, the bottom planks 4 can be a ski that has been cut in half. In some embodiments, the bottom planks 4 are essentially mirror images of one another. In some embodiments, the top plank 2 is a full length ski.
Also shown are screw holes 8 that can be used to secure the top plank 2 and the bottom planks 4 in the different configurations. As illustrated, the adjustable width ski 10 has one grouping of screw holes 8 near the tip 12 of the ski and one grouping of screw holes 8 near the tail 14 of the ski. Some embodiments have more or less groupings of screw holes 8.
The adjustable width ski 10 can be made from many materials, including carbon fiber, wood, and/or other natural and synthetic materials. For example, the adjustable width ski 10 can be made from glass fiber, KEVLAR®, titanium, polymer, hardened plastic and/or composite materials. In addition, the adjustable width ski can contain a wood core. In some embodiments, the top plank 2 and the bottom planks 4 can be made out of either the same materials or different materials. In a preferred embodiment, the top plank 2 and the bottom planks 4 are made from carbon fiber. The carbon fiber can be fabricated in a honeycomb fashion on the interior and covered in a carbon fiber material to enclose the honeycomb internal structure.
As can be seen in FIG. 2, an adjustable width ski 10 can have a width that varies along the length of the ski 10. For example, the waist 16 of the ski 10 may be narrower than the tip 12 and tail 14. In some embodiments, the tail 14 may be narrower than the tip 12. In some embodiments, the ski can have a width that does not vary along the width of the ski 10.
In some embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be approximately 85 mm in the initial configuration. In some embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be between approximately 80 and 95 mm in the initial configuration. In some embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be approximately 130 mm in the fully extended configuration. In some embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be approximately 135 mm in the fully extended configuration. In some embodiments, the width of the ski 10 can be between approximately 120-160 mm in the fully extended configuration. In some embodiments, the ski 10 can increase its width up to 150%. In some embodiments, the ski 10 can increase its width up to 160%.
FIGS. 3-5 illustrate cross-sections of various embodiments of an adjustable width ski at the location taken along lines A-A of FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 illustrates an adjustable width ski 10′ in an initial position, a second position and a third position. In the initial position, the bottom planks 4′ are shown adjacent one another so that the ski 10′ has a narrow width. In the second and third positions the width is shown in gradually wider configurations. The cross-section shows screws 6′ through screw holes 8′ in both the top plank 2′ and the bottom planks 4′. The screws 6′ can be adjustable so that releasing the screws or unscrewing the screws allows a user to adjust the adjustable width ski 10′ to a different position or a different configuration. For example, from the configuration at the top of FIG. 3, screws 6′ can be unscrewed from the bottom planks 4′ and the bottom planks 4′ moved outwards to the second or third position. Then the screws 6′ can reengage with the bottom planks 4′ at different screw holes 8′ in the bottom planks 4′ to secure the adjustable width ski 10′ in the different configuration, as shown at the middle and bottom of FIG. 3.
Also shown on the bottom of the bottom planks 4′ and on the bottom of the top plank 2′ is a coating 11. The coating 11 can be configured to enhance the experience of the user while skiing. The coating 11 can comprise a ski wax. In some embodiments, the coating 11 can be applied by a user. The coating can be applied using various methods. In some embodiments the top plank 2′ can be fully separated from the bottom planks 4′. The user can then apply a coating 11, such as wax to the bottoms of the top 2′ and bottom planks 4′. Independent of whether the top and bottom planks are fully separable, a user can also apply a coating to the bottom planks 4′ in any of the configurations show. In addition, the user can apply a coating 11 to the bottom of the top plank 2′ when the ski has been adjusted to the widest configuration, such as that shown at the bottom of FIG. 3, or to any configuration where at least part of the bottom of the top plank 2′ is exposed. In some embodiments, the top plank 2′ can comprise markings along the bottom of the top plank 2′. The markings can indicate where the user should apply the coating 11. In some embodiments, the top plank 2′ can comprise a slot 18. The slot 18 can be configured to receive the coating 11. The slot 18 can be configured such that a coating 11 can be applied to the bottom of the top plank 2′ without interfering, warping or distorting the adjustability of the ski 10′ along the length of the ski 10′.
A gap 13 can be seen in the second and third configurations of FIG. 3 where the bottom planks 4′ have been adjusted to the second and/or third positions. This gap 13 can advantageously work as a rudder to help the ski move in the correct direction. In some embodiments the gap 13 can be configured to increase the speed of the ski 10′.
Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of an adjustable width ski 10″ is shown. This embodiment, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has screw holes 8″ through the top plank 2″ and the bottom planks 4″. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, instead of using a screw the adjustable width ski 10″ uses a quick release 15 to adjust the width of the adjustable width ski 10″. The quick release can comprise a lever 17 with a cam mechanism 19 for quick adjustability. The quick release 15 can also comprise a shaft 21 and a widened end 23. As shown, the widened end 23 is at the opposite end of the shaft 21 from the lever 17 and cam mechanism 19. In some embodiments, the quick release 15 can have a structure different from that shown.
The widened end 23 is shown within a slot 25 in the bottom plank 4″. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 25 has a channel 27 and indentations 29. The channel 27 can be configured to connect a series of indentations 29. The channel 27 can be configured such that the widened end 23 of the shaft 21 can pass through the channel 27 when the quick release 15 is in the unlocked position. The indentations 29 can be configured to engage the widened end 23 of the shaft 21 to help securely lock the quick release mechanism in place. The slot 25 can have an indentation for every lockable position of the adjustable width ski 10″.
Some embodiments of a quick release mechanism 15 work as follows. The user releases the quick release mechanism 15 by securing the lever and moving the lever from the first position to a second position such as that shown in FIG. 4A. In the illustrated embodiment, after releasing the quick release mechanism 15, the planks 2″, 4″ are still secured together but are no longer tightly secured. Releasing the quick release 15 can also allow the widened end 23 of the shaft 21 to lower into the channel 27 of the slot 25. With the widened end 23 in the channel 27 the bottom plank 4″ can slide along the bottom of the top plank 2″ until the bottom plank 4″ reaches the desired location or position. At that point, the widened end 23 can be raised into the indentation 29 and the lever 17 secured back into the initial locked position. Thus, tightening and securing the adjustable width ski 10″ into the desired position.
The quick release mechanism 15, as shown, can advantageously allow a user to quickly and easily adjust the width of the adjustable width ski 10″ without the use of tools. The slot 25 and indentations 29 can work together with the widened end 23 of the shaft 21 to ensure that the ski 10″ does not come apart. This can allow for a user-friendly interaction where the user does not have to worry about components or parts of the adjustable width ski 10″.
In some embodiments, the quick release mechanism 15 can be used without a slot. For example, the widened end 23 can comprise a “T” shape and the holes in the bottom plank can be configured such that the widened end 23 can enter the hole in one position and then rotating the “T” can lock the quick release 15 into position. Some embodiments of a quick release 15 can comprise a spring.
In some embodiments an adjustable width ski 10″ can comprise markings 24. The markings 24 can be on the top of the bottom planks 4″. The markings 24 can be used to with the edge of the top plank 2″ to indentify when the planks 2″, 4″ are in a lockable position.
Moving now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of an adjustable width ski 10′″ is shown. This embodiment is very similar in some aspects to the embodiment of FIG. 3. In addition to the features of FIG. 3, this embodiment shows grooves 31 and tongues 33. The tongues 33 are configured to fit within the grooves 31. As illustrated, the grooves 31 are on the top of the bottom planks 4′″ and the tongues 33 are on the bottom of top plank 2′″ In some embodiments, this configuration is reversed. In some embodiments, one side of the adjustable width ski 10′″ has a different configuration of tongues 33 and grooves 31 then the other side. This can help indicate to a user if an improper connection between the bottom planks 4′″ and the top plank 2″ is attempted.
In certain embodiments, the tongues 33 and the grooves 31 can extend along the length or substantially along the length of the adjustable width ski 10′″. In some embodiments, the tongues 33 and grooves 31 can extend along parts of the length of the ski 10′″. In some embodiments, the length of the various tongues 33 and corresponding grooves 31 on the ski 10′″ can vary.
As shown in FIG. 5, the top plank 2′″ has two tongues 33 on its right side and two tongues 33 on its left side. Also as shown, each bottom plank 4′″ has six grooves 31. Each groove or set of grooves can be aligned or configured to be aligned with a particular configuration of the adjustable width ski 10′″. The grooves 31 and tongues 33 can be used to ensure the proper alignment of the adjustable width ski 10′″. As shown, the grooves 31 and tongues 33 have a “V”-shape which fits into one another, in other embodiments, other shapes can be used.
An adjustable width ski 10 can also comprise a tongue and groove system along the width of the ski 10. FIG. 6 shows sections of multiple embodiments of an adjustable width ski 10 in cross-sectional view of the length of the adjustable width ski 10, taken along lines B-B of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 also shows certain different configurations for connecting the top plank 2 and the bottom plank 4. In certain embodiments, a joint 90 is made between the top and bottom planks 2, 4. The joint 90 can comprise a tongue and groove wherein the tongue is a part of one plank and a groove is a part of the other plank. The tongue fits into the groove such that while sliding the bottom plank 4 and the top plank 2, the top and bottom planks 2, 4 remain connected and in proper alignment along the width of the ski 10. As shown the joint 90 can be next to, away from or inline with the screw 6, quick release 15 or other attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can also comprise a mechanical mechanism or electro-mechanical mechanism as described in more detail hereinafter. In other embodiments, a tongue and groove can be used that fit into each other but do not create a joint. This can allow the top 2 and bottom 4 planks to be secured in proper alignment without having to be constantly connected.
Moving now to FIG. 7, a different type of adjustable width ski is shown. The adjustable width ski 100 has an I-beam shaped top plank 20 and two “C”-shaped bottom planks 40. Similar to some of the other embodiments, the top plank 20 and bottom planks 40 can have a bottom covering 111 used to enhance the skiing experience. There is also a gap 113 formed when the bottom planks 40 are adjusted to positions other than the initial position shown at the top of FIG. 7.
The I-beam and “C”-shaped configuration can provide many advantages. This configuration can enhance the structural integrity of the adjustable width ski 100. For example, carbon fiber skis can be highly flexible and as such some carbon fiber skis have a tendency to flap as the speed of the ski increases. In some embodiments where the ski 100 is made from carbon fiber, the layering of the ski 100 in this manner with an 1-beam top plank 20 and two “C”-shaped bottom planks 40, can reinforce the carbon fiber structure with the many layers. This can reduce the tendency of the carbon fiber ski 100 to flap which can provide more rigidity and thus better control of the ski. Also, the configuration allows for a stiffer ski in the narrowest width which can be ideal for normal conditions on packed snow and a more flexible ski as the width is increased and the bottom planks 40 move farther out from the bottom of the ski, which can be ideal for powder conditions. Similar benefits can also be achieved when the ski 100 is made from other materials and/or combinations of materials.
Though not all features are shown, the adjustable width ski 100 can comprise similar features as discussed above. For example, the adjustable width ski 100 can comprise one or more of the following features or combinations of features including: screws and screw holes, quick release mechanisms, tongues and grooves, etc.
Shown in at the bottom of FIG. 7 is one embodiment of an adjustable width ski 100 comprising screws 6 and screw holes 8. In some embodiments, the screw 6 or other fastener can be threaded through multiple layers of the ski, such as through three layers and into a fourth layer as shown. In other embodiments, the fastener can be threaded through one or two layers and into a second or third layer respectively. In some embodiments, the fastener can comprise a quick release mechanism.
Another benefit of the I-beam top plank 20 and two “C”-shaped bottom planks 40 is that the ski 100 can be ideally situated to install a mechanism to expand the width of the ski. As will be shown in more detail below, the mechanism can comprise, for example a mechanical mechanism or an electro-mechanical mechanism. The mechanism of some embodiments can adjust the width of the ski automatically and some embodiments can require a manual adjustment. In addition, some adjustments can require tools and others may not require tools. Many variations of a mechanical mechanism can be used to mechanically adjust the width of the adjustable width ski 100.
One embodiment of a mechanical mechanism 60 is shown in FIG. 8. For convenience in showing the mechanism 60, the central region of the I-beam top plank 20 is not shown. The top and bottom regions of the 1-beam top plank 20 are shown. In some embodiments, the amount of material removed or otherwise lacking from the full I-beam structure can vary greatly. Thus, the I-beam top plank 20 can have small voids where the mechanism 60 is installed. In some embodiments, the void is minimized to conform precisely or nearly precisely to the particular mechanism used. In some embodiments, the void can be a block of space.
FIG. 8 shows a mechanism 60 comprising a screw 62 and a nut 64. In addition, linkages 66 are attached to the nut 64 and to the bottom planks 40′. A user can adjust the width of the ski 100′ by rotating the handle 68 of the mechanism 60. Rotating the handle 68 will cause the screw 62 to turn and the nut 64 will travel either up or down depending on the direction of rotation. A downward movement of the nut 64 will cause the linkages 66 to force the bottom planks 40′ to move outwards, increasing the width of the adjustable width ski 100′. Adjusting the nut 64 upwards will force the linkages 66 to move inwards which also causes the bottom planks 40′ to move inward, decreasing the width of the adjustable width ski 100′.
In some embodiments, the mechanism 60 can not have a handle 68. For example, the mechanism can require a tool be inserted into the mechanism 60 to rotate the screw 62 instead of or in addition to having a handle 68.
FIG. 9 shows an additional embodiment wherein the mechanical mechanism 60 has been replaced by an electro-mechanical mechanism 70. The electro-mechanical mechanism 70 can function in a similar manner to the mechanical mechanism 60 of FIG. 8. The electro-mechanical mechanism 70 can allow a user to simply press a button 72 to adjust the adjustable width ski 100. The button 72 can be on the ski itself or on a remote control 74. As shown, the button 72 can be pressed in one direction to make the ski 100″ narrower, as represented by the “N” and in the other direction to make the ski 100″ wider, as represented by the “W”.
One embodiment of electro-mechanical mechanism 70 can comprise a control 76, a screw 62′, nut 64′ and linkages 66′. The control 76 can include a control circuit and a motor. The motor can drive the screw 62′ to move the nut 64′ and thereby adjust the width of the adjustable width ski 100″.
Some embodiments of adjustable width ski can comprise a mechanical mechanism or an electro-mechanical mechanism and can further comprise a screw, quick release, etc. to secure the relationship between the top plank and the bottom planks and to thereby lock the ski in place after it has been adjusted.
Moving now to FIG. 10 an additional mechanical mechanism 60′ as used in an adjustable width ski 100′″ is shown. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 is an embodiment of an adjustable width ski taken along lines C-C of FIG. 7. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the mechanical mechanism 60′ includes a worm gear 82, a cuff 84, and a scissor mechanism 86. The worm gear 82 can advantageously run the length of the ski 100′″ so that only one adjustment can be required and multiple points along the ski 100′″ can be mechanically strengthened/adjusted as shown. The scissor mechanism 86 can comprise at least two arms, fixed arm ends 88 and a slider 87. The arms can be made up of one or more linkages 85. One arm end can be connected to the cuff 84. One fixed arm end 88 can be connected to the top plank 20′″ and one fixed arm end 88 can be connected to the bottom plank 40′″. The slider 87 can be connected to the bottom plank 40′″ and can allow one arm end to slide within the slider 87.
Some embodiments of a worm gear mechanism can work as follows. A user can adjust the worm gear 82 by turning the worm gear one way or another. The act of turning can be performed by various ways, which are not shown, but which can include using: a handle, a tool or an electro-mechanical mechanism. As the worm gear rotates, the cuff 84 will move in one direction or the other. At the same time, the scissor mechanism 86 can either open or close. In FIG. 10 to open the scissor mechanism 86, the cuff 84 is moved away from the fixed arm end 88 connected to the top plank 20′″. This can cause the adjustable width ski 100′″ to contract towards a narrower width. To close the scissor mechanism 86, the cuff 84 can be moved towards the fixed arm end 88 connected to the top plank 20″. This can cause the adjustable width ski 100′″ to expand towards a wider width.
While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and apparatus described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the methods and apparatus described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. In addition, though certain mechanisms and methods of adjusting the width of the adjustable width ski have been shown, other methods to achieve the same or similar purposes are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, while an adjustable width ski has been described, the scope of the invention, can also include snowboards, sleds, runners, wake boards, surf boards and other boards for sliding on snow or water or other environments where a board for sliding is desired.

Claims

1. An adjustable width ski comprising:

a top plank; and

two half planks having substantially the same length as the top plank;

wherein the top plank is attached to the tops of the two half planks and the two half planks adjust outwardly from the sides of the top plank to form a base that has an adjustable width.

2. The ski of claim 1, wherein the ski has a width of about 85 mm in a first position and about 135 mm in a second position.

3. The ski of claim 1, wherein the adjustment is an expansion of up to 150 to 160%.

4. The ski of claim 1, wherein the entire width of the ski adjusts between 0-50 mm inclusive.

5. The ski of claim 1, wherein the two half planks are mirror images of one another.

6. The ski of claim 1, wherein the outward adjustment of the two half planks comprises a sliding outward from the center of the ski from a first position to a second position along the entire length of the ski.

7. The ski of claim 1, configured for adjustment along the entire length of both sides of the ski.

8. A snow slider comprising:

a top portion; and

a bottom portion;

the snow slider having a first locked position and a second locked position, wherein in the first locked position the bottom portion has a first set width and in the second locked position the bottom portion has a second set width greater than the first set width.

9. The snow slider of claim 8, wherein in the second locked position the bottom of the bottom portion and a bottom section of the top portion are configured to slide on snow.

10. The snow slider of claim 8, wherein the snow slider is manually adjustable between the first locked position and the second locked position.

11. The snow slider of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of slots and a plurality of fasteners, each fastener engaged in a slot and securing the top portion and the bottom portion in a preselected position, preselected between the first locked position and the second locked position.

12. The snow slider of claim 8, further comprising a quick release, the quick release unlocking the snow slider from the preselected position and allowing . . . .

13. The snow slider of claim 12, wherein the quick release comprises a cam and a lever that adjusts the position of the cam to tighten or loose the quick release.

14. The snow slider of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion being within a slot forming a slidable joint.

15. The snow slider of claim 14, wherein the slidable joint comprises a dovetail joint.

16. The snow slider of claim 11, the slot having a first and second recess, corresponding with the first and second locked positions, respectively.

17. The snow slider of claim 11, further comprising at least two channels and at least two keys, wherein the key fits into the channel in either the first position or the second position.

18. The snow slider of claim 17, further comprising two keys and four channels, the two keys being on the bottom of the top portion and two channels being on one half of the bottom portion and two channels being on the other half of the bottom portion, each half having one inner channel and one outer channel, wherein the two inner most channels engage the two keys in the first position and the two outermost channels engage the two keys in the second position

19. The snow slider of claim 17, wherein the channels comprise a V-shaped groove and the keys comprise a V-shaped protrusion.

20. A board for sliding on snow comprising:

an I-beam; and

two C-members on opposite sides of the I-beam, each C-member engaging a side of the I-beam and a part of the bottom of the I-beam.

21. The board of claim 20, wherein the C-members are adjustable from a first position to a second position and the width of the board is greater in the second position than in the first position.

22. The board of claim 21, further comprising an electro-mechanical adjustment mechanism.

23. The board of claim 21, further comprising a mechanical adjustment mechanism.

24. The board of claim 23, wherein the mechanical adjustment mechanism comprises a scissor mechanism controlled by a worm gear.

25. The board of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of slots and a plurality of fasteners, each fastener engaged in a slot and securing the 1-beam and one of the C-members in a preselected position, preselected between the first position and the second position.

26. A method of adjusting an adjustable width ski comprising:

unlocking an adjustable width ski from a first position, the adjustable width ski comprising:

a top portion; and

a bottom portion having two opposite sides and an adjustable width measured between the two opposite sides, the bottom portion having a first width in the first position and a second width in a second position, the second width being larger than the first width;

moving the two opposite sides outward and away from one another from the first position to the second position; and

locking the adjustable width ski in the second position.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of moving comprises sliding.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of moving comprises moving along a single plane

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of unlocking comprises releasing a quick release mechanism.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of locking comprises securing a quick release mechanism.