US20140291947A1

US20140291947A1 - Ski Article

Info

Publication number: US20140291947A1
Application number: US14/226,969
Authority: US
Inventors: Philip J. Maniatty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-28
Filing date: 2014-03-27
Publication date: 2014-10-02

Abstract

A ski is provided and includes a ski front portion, a ski rear portion, a ski middle portion having a ski side, at least one ski blade portion, wherein the ski middle portion connects the ski front portion with the ski rear portion and wherein the at least one ski blade portion extends out of the ski side, a plurality of main roller elements, and a plurality of blade roller elements. The plurality of main roller elements are associated with the ski front portion, ski rear portion and ski middle portion and are configured to extend downward from the ski front portion, ski rear portion and ski middle portion. Moreover, the plurality of blade roller elements are associated with the at least one ski blade portion and configured to extend downward from the at least one ski blade portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/806,066 filed Mar. 28, 2013, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the sport of skiing and more particularly to the sport of snowless skiing or skiing on a non-snow surface, such as artificial and/or natural grass.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The winter sports of skiing and snowboarding are well known and extremely popular throughout the world. In fact, an entire industry and professional competition regime (such as the Olympics) has been built and dedicated to these two winter sports. In order to support and capitalize on these sports, ski resorts have been built at the base of mountains throughout the world and invest in substantial infrastructure to support the popularity of the sport. However, because skiing and snowboarding sports typically need winter weather and snow, these resorts either have to close in the warmer months or find another way to bring in revenue.
One way to accomplish this continuing revenue stream is to have the resort be able to accommodate warmer weather activities or activities that don't require snow, such as hiking, camping or amusements, such as a water park. Another way to produce revenue is to utilize the ski slopes, which have already been groomed for winter skiing, for grass skiing. Grass skiing is similar to snow skiing, but involves using a ski or board which is configured to travel over grassy areas via rollers on the bottom. Thus, instead of having skis that slide on or cut through snow, you have a ski board type of article that glides and/or rolls over grassy areas.
Unfortunately however, referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B which shows two types of current grass skis in accordance with the prior art, these grass skis do not provide the stability, controllability and ease of use that is typically required for this type of activity. The surface that is typically encountered with grass skiing is much different than the smooth surface typically encountered with snow skiing because grassy surfaces are rougher and bumpier because the surface is not typically groomed such that all of the rocks are removed and holes are filled. As such, more stability and controllability of the ski is typically required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A ski is provided and includes a ski front portion, a ski rear portion, a ski middle portion having a ski side, at least one ski blade portion, wherein the ski middle portion connects the ski front portion with the ski rear portion and wherein the at least one ski blade portion extends out of the ski side, a plurality of main roller elements, and a plurality of blade roller elements. The plurality of main roller elements are associated with the ski front portion, ski rear portion and ski middle portion and are configured to extend downward from the ski front portion, ski rear portion and ski middle portion. Moreover, the plurality of blade roller elements are associated with the at least one ski blade portion and configured to extend downward from the at least one ski blade portion.
A ski is provided and includes a ski main body having a ski side, at least one ski blade portion, wherein the at least one ski blade portion extends out of the ski side, a plurality of main roller elements, and a plurality of blade roller elements. The plurality of main roller elements are associated with the ski main body and are configured to extend downward from the ski main body. Additionally, the plurality of blade roller elements are associated with the at least one ski blade portion and configured to extend downward from the at least one ski blade portion.
A ski is provided and includes a ski front portion, a ski rear portion, a ski middle portion having a ski side, at plurality of ski blade portions, wherein the ski middle portion connects the ski front portion with the ski rear portion and wherein the plurality of ski blade portions extend out of the ski side, a plurality of roller elements, wherein the plurality of roller elements are associated with and extend downward from the ski front portion, ski rear portion, ski middle portion and plurality of the ski blade portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1A illustrates one type of grass ski, in accordance the prior art.

FIG. 1B illustrates another type of grass ski, in accordance the prior art.

FIG. 2A is top down view of a grass ski, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a side top down perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a top down view of the front portion of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4 is a side top down perspective view of the rear portion of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the front portion of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the rear portion of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7C is a front top down perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7D is a rear view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7E is a rear side perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 7F is a rear top down perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the middle and rear portion of the grass ski of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the front portion of the grass ski of FIG. 2A

FIG. 10A is top down view of the grass ski, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a side top down perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a top down view of the front portion of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 12 is a side top down perspective view of the rear portion of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 14A is a bottom view of the front portion of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 14B is a bottom view of the rear portion of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 15A is a side view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 15B is a front view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 15C is a front top down perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 15D is a rear view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 15E is a rear side perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 15F is a rear top down perspective view of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the middle and rear portion of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the front portion of the grass ski of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 18 is top down view of a grass ski, in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is top down view of the grass ski of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the grass ski of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a top down view of a pair of grass skis where two different ski embodiments are used together.

FIG. 22 is a top down view of the pair of grass skis of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23A is a bottom view of the pair of grass skis of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23B is a bottom view of the pair of grass skis of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a top down view of a pair of grass skis where two similar ski embodiments are used together.

FIG. 25 is a top down view of another pair of grass skis where two similar ski embodiments are used together.

FIG. 26 is a top down view of a pair of grass skis in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a top down view of a pair of grass skis in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 is a top down view of a grass ski-board without binders, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29A is a top down view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28 with binders.

FIG. 29B is a top down view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28 with binders.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a front top down perspective view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28.

FIG. 33 is a front view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28.

FIG. 34 is a rear top down perspective view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28.

FIG. 35 is a rear view of the grass ski-board of FIG. 28.

FIG. 36 is a top view of a grass ski highlighting some of the grass ski characteristics, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of a grass ski highlighting some of the grass ski characteristics, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38 is a side view of a grass ski highlighting some of the grass ski characteristics, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39 is a front view of a grass ski highlighting some of the grass ski characteristics, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention a grass ski and grass board is provided and described herein, wherein the grass ski may be constructed from any material, or combination of materials, suitable to the desired end purpose, such as plastic, composite, wood, metal, fiberglass material or any combination thereof. Generally, the grass ski and/or grass board of the present invention may be constructed from materials similar to that of snow skis, snowboards, skateboards and/or any combination thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment the grass ski may include carbon fiber material, top-sheet with printed graphic (or no graphic), fiberglass or epoxy, wood or foam core, metal (such as steel) inserts, resin system (glued) and/or rubber foil. It should be appreciated that the grass ski/board may include wheel wells that may be formed into the front and back of the grass ski/board to allow the installation of ski/board wheels. In another embodiment, to accommodate the more expert skier, the ski/board wheels may be a precise combination of different sizes, positions on the ski/board, angles, and relationships to each other. The ski/board may include “ski blades”, which are similar to fins, with wheel wells cut at precise angles and wheels mounted within the wheel wells at precise heights. The ski blades may be attached to or integrated with the main ski/board. The ski/board wheels, which may be axle mounted on ball-bearing rims, may be mounted in a variety of positions, heights and angles with axle mounts that are attached to the ski (for example, via a screw or other attaching means). Additionally, the ski/board wheels may be mounted via a resilient means to help absorb some of the shock as the ski/board is being used. In addition, standard ski bindings may be used to mount the skier to the ski and/or board in a manner similar to that of a common snow ski or snowboard. It is contemplated that although sizes, angles, widths and lengths of the “grass skis/boards” may be described herein, this is simply for illustration and thus, the grass ski/board (and all of the components of the grass ski/board) may be configured with different sizes and angles.
It should be appreciated that the grass ski/board of the present invention is designed to roll smoothly on a grassy surface (and may be used on non-grassy surfaces) and deliver an experience similar, but different to that of snow skiing/boarding. The front and rear wheels may be of a size and width that allow the ski to roll smoothly over grass and may be configured to move in an angular fashion (similar to a skate board) to help a rider to balance. Thus different sized wheels may be used for different grass surfaces and/or rider expertise. The wheels under the center portion (and the feet) may be in-line and of different sizes to further enable the grass ski to roll smoothly while also providing control in turns. The “ski blades” which could be described as fins are configured to extend out to the sides and up (or in another embodiment horizontal) in a curved and/or angular fashion (which angle may be continuous or precise) from the edges of the main or center portion of the ski/board. The “ski blades” advantageously assist in turning the ski/board and controlling the ski/board. It should be appreciated that the “ski blades” can be either integrated into the grass ski/board or removably attached to the main or center portion of the ski/board via screws (or some other attaching means), or the entire ski/board and blades may be cut or fabricated from one piece with the blades fixed in place. It should also be appreciated that the ‘ski blades’ may have wheels that are located at angles to provide for increased control in turns and/or while turning. In addition, as discussed further hereinafter, it is contemplated that in one embodiment two (2) similar types of grass skis may be used together and in another embodiment, two (2) different types of grass skis may be used together.
Referring to FIGS. 2-9, an exemplary embodiment of a grass ski 100 is shown and includes a ski structure 102 having a ski top 104, a ski bottom 106, a ski front 108, a ski rear 110, a ski middle portion 112 and ski side (or blade) portions 114. The ski structure 102 further includes a ski length L, a first ski width W₁and a second ski width W₂, wherein the first ski width W₁is larger than the second ski width W₂. The ski structure 102 also includes a plurality of main roller elements 116 and a plurality of side roller elements 118. The inline roller elements 116 are configured such that they protrude from the ski bottom 106 and are arranged along the ski middle portion 112. The plurality of side roller elements 118 are also configured such that they protrude from the the bottom of the ski side (or blade) portions 114. Additionally, a ski binder 120 having a binder front 122 and a binder rear 124 may be located on the ski top 104 to securingly and releasably interact with the foot (or shoe) of a skier, wherein the binder front 122 releasably associates with the front of the foot (shoe) of the user and the binder rear 124 releasably associates with the rear of the foot (shoe) of the user. Moreover, if desired foot pads (not shown) may be provided to provide traction for the user. Furthermore, if desired the plurality of inline rollers 116 may be located along a vertical plane that runs along the ski length L proximate the center of the ski 100 from the ski front 108 to the ski rear 110 or a portion of the plurality of inline rollers 116 may be located off set from the vertical plane. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the ski side (or blade) portions 114 are non-movably connected to the ski middle portion 212.
Referring to FIGS. 10A-17, another embodiment of a grass ski 200 is shown and includes a ski structure 202 having a ski top 204, a ski bottom 206, a ski front 208, a ski rear 210, a ski middle portion 212 and ski side (or blade) portions 214. The ski structure 202 further includes a ski length L, a first ski width W₁and a second ski width W₂, wherein the first ski width W₁is larger than the second ski width W₂. The ski structure 202 also includes a plurality of main roller elements 216 and a plurality of side roller elements 218. The inline roller elements 216 are configured such that they protrude from the ski bottom 206 and are arranged along the ski middle portion 212. The plurality of side roller elements 218 are also configured such that they protrude from the the bottom of the ski side (or blade) portions 214. Additionally, a ski binder 220 having a binder front 222 and a binder rear 224 may be located on the ski top 204 to securingly and releasably interact with the foot (or shoe) of a skier, wherein the binder front 222 releasably associates with the front of the foot (shoe) of the user and the binder rear 224 releasably associates with the rear of the foot (shoe) of the user. Moreover, if desired foot pads (not shown) may be provided to provide traction for the user. Furthermore, if desired the plurality of inline rollers 216 may be located along a vertical plane that runs along the ski length L proximate the center of the ski 200 from the ski front 208 to the ski rear 210 or a portion of the plurality of inline rollers 216 may be located off set from the vertical plane. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the ski side (or blade) portions 214 are movably connected to the ski middle portion 212 via a hinged member 240. This allows the ski side (or blade) portions 214 to move upward in response to the terrain on which the grass ski 200 is being ridden. It should be further appreciated that blade stabilizers 242 may be included to limit the upward movement of the ski side (or blade) portions 214, wherein the blade stabilizers 242 may be connected via any method desired suitable to the desired end purpose, such as clips, snaps, bolts, screws, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 18-20, another embodiment of a grass ski 300 is shown and includes a ski structure 302 having a ski top 304, a ski bottom 306, a ski front 308, a ski rear 310, a ski middle portion 312 and ski side portions 314. The ski structure 302 further includes a ski length L, a first ski width W₁and a second ski width W₂, wherein the first ski width W₁is larger than the second ski width W₂. The ski structure 302 may also include a plurality of inline roller elements 316 and a plurality of side roller elements 318. The inline roller elements 316 are configured to protrude from the ski bottom 304 and may be arranged along the ski middle portion 312. The plurality of side roller elements 318 are configured to protrude from bottom of the ski side portions 314. Additionally, a ski binder 320 having a binder front 322 and a binder rear 324 may be located on the ski top 304 to securingly and releasably interact with the foot (or shoe) of a skier, wherein the binder front 322 releasably associates with the front of the foot (shoe) of the user and the binder rear 324 releasably associates with the rear of the foot (shoe) of the user. Moreover, if desired foot pads (not shown) may be provided to provide traction for the user. Furthermore, if desired the plurality of inline rollers 316 may be located along a vertical plane that runs along the ski length L proximate the center of the ski 300 from the ski front 308 to the ski rear 310 or a portion of the plurality of inline rollers 316 may be located off set from the vertical plane.
As discussed briefly hereinbefore, it should be appreciated that in one embodiment two (2) similar types of grass skis may be used together and in another embodiment, two (2) different types of grass skis may be used together. Referring to FIGS. 21-23B, two (2) different types of grass skis are shown together. In this configuration, one grass ski 100, 200 from one embodiment is used with one grass ski 300 from another embodiment. This use of different grass skis 100, 200, 300 helps to prevent the ski blades 114, 214, 314 of one ski 100, 200, 300 from interfering with the ski blades 114, 214, 314 of the other ski 100, 200, 300 while simultaneously improving the performance of the skis 100, 200, 300 on grass. Referring to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, two (2) similar types of grass skis are shown together. It should be appreciated that when used in this configuration, the skis would most likely perform better if they were offset.
Referring to FIG. 26, yet another embodiment of a grass ski 500 is shown. Referring to FIG. 27, a still yet another embodiment of a grass ski 600 is shown.
Referring to FIG. 28-35, a grass ski-board 700 is shown in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention. The grass ski-board 700 may include a ski-board structure 702 having a ski-board top 704, a ski-board bottom 706, a ski-board front 708, a ski-board rear 710, a ski-board middle portion 712 and ski-board side portions 714. The ski-board structure 702 further includes a ski-board length L, a first ski-board width W₁and a second ski-board width W₂, wherein the second ski-board width W₂is larger than the first ski-board width W₁. The ski-board structure 702 also includes a plurality of roller elements 716 and a plurality of side roller elements 718. The plurality of roller elements 716 are configured such that they protrude from the bottom 706 of the ski-board and may be arranged in one or more rows along the ski-board middle portion 712. The plurality of side roller elements 718 are configured such that they protrude from the bottom 704 of the ski-board side portions 714. Additionally, one or more ski-board binders 720 having a front binder 722 and a rear binder 724 may be provided and located on the ski-board top 704 to securingly and releasably interact with the foot (or shoe) of a user, wherein the binder front 722 releasably associates with the front of the foot (shoe) of the user and the binder rear 724 releasably associates with the rear of the foot (shoe) of the user. Moreover, if desired foot pads (not shown) may be provided to provide traction for the user. Furthermore, if desired the plurality of rollers 716 may be located along one or more vertical planes that run along the ski-board length L proximate the center of the ski-board 700 from the ski-board front 708 to the ski-board rear 710 or a portion of the plurality of rollers 716 may be located off set from the vertical planes.
It should be appreciated that one or more of the rollers 116, 118, 216, 218, 316, 318, 716, 718 may be configured to adjustably extend below the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 via any distance suitable to the desired end purpose, such as in one embodiment about 65 mm. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or more of the rollers 116, 118, 216, 218, 316, 318, 716, 718 may be adjustable as desired to allow a user to separately (or as a group) adjust the distance the rollers 116, 118, 216, 218, 316, 318, 716, 718 extend downward. For example, in one embodiment, front and rear rollers 116, 216, 316, 716 may extend down from the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 by about 41 mm and/or the in- line rollers 116, 216, 316, 716 (i.e. the rollers in the center of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 under the foot) may extend down the same distance as each other or they may extend down in a increasing/decreasing manner. For example, the front most in- line roller 116, 216, 316, 716 may extend down by about 32 mm and the back most in- line roller 116, 216, 316, 716 may extend down by about 37 mm and the rollers in-between may extend down by a distance in between about 32 mm and about 37 mm. Moreover, the rollers 116, 216, 316, 716 on the blades or side portions 114, 214, 314, 714 may extend down by about 32 mm. Furthermore, it is contemplated that different sizes of rollers 116, 118, 216, 218, 316, 318, 716, 718 may be used interchangeably as desired.
It should be appreciated that the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and grass ski-board 700 may be of any size desired which may or may not be at least partially dependent upon the user. For example, referring to FIGS. 36-39, in one embodiment, the front rollers (wheel) 116, 216, 316, 716 may be about a 90 mm wheel that is about 120 mm wide, the side rollers (wheels) on the front blades 114, 214, 314,714 may be about a 60 mm wheel that are about 45 mm wide and may be set at an angle of about 25 degrees from an imaginary axis that runs vertically along the length of the ski/board. Also, the side roller elements on the rear blades may be about a 60 mm wheels that are about 45 mm wide and set at an angle of about 20 degrees from an imaginary axis that runs vertically along the length of the ski/board. Moreover, the ski/board size may be selected based on the size/height/expertise of the user and may be any length as desired. For example, in one embodiment the ski/board may range in length of between about 90 cm to about 183 cm (may be longer or shorter, as desired). In another embodiment the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 may have an length of about 160 cm. Additionally, in one embodiment the plurality of rollers may be of one size or various sides as shown. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the ski blades 114, 214, 314 and/or ski-board side portions 714 may include an angle of about 20 degrees (between 5 degrees and 30 degrees) to assist with turning. It should be further appreciated that the angle of the blades 114, 214, 314, 714 may extend from side-to-side and/or from front-to-rear of the ski- board side portions 114, 214, 314, 714.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 may be adjustable in length and/or width. As such, the length and or width of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 may be adjusted based on the size/preference/skill level of the user. Additionally, the size of the blades 114, 214, 314, 714 may be configurable such that the blades 114, 214, 314, 714 may be removable and/or contract into (or under) and out of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700. In this case, the rollers 118, 218, 318, 718 may be removable to allow the blades 114, 214, 314, 714 to be configured into or under the middle portion 112, 212, 312, 712 of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700. This would allow the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 to have the blades 114, 214, 314, 714 or not have the blades 114, 214, 314, 714, as desired.
It should be appreciated that the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 may be constructed in a fashion similar to that of a snow ski/board which is constructed with several layers of material. For example, in one embodiment, the top layer of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 may be a protective plastic layer called a “top-sheet.” This top-sheet may be used to protect the insides of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 from damage and exposure to ultra-violet rays, as well as providing a good surface for graphic overlays. It should be appreciated that inside the top-sheet may be a layer of fiberglass which lies on top of the core. The core, which lies beneath the fiberglass, wraps around the rest of the materials of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 and may make up most of the thickness of the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700. The core may be constructed from at least one of wood, foam, honeycomb panels, and/or a combination of wood and other composite materials, and may include a metal insert on which to mount the bindings. Moreover, cores made from honeycomb are lightweight and are surprisingly strong and wood cores provide a smooth response and lively flex from the board. Accordingly, the material used to construct the grass ski 100, 200, 300, 500, 600 and/or grass ski-board 700 may be selected based on desired quality, longevity and/or performance. It should be appreciated that another layer of fiberglass (or fiberglass reinforced plastic) may be used to provide a desired stiffness and strength. Moreover, it is contemplated that the elements (i.e. angles, components, etc.) of one embodiment may be used in any of the other embodiments.
It should be appreciated that while the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A ski, comprising:

a ski front portion,

a ski rear portion,

a ski middle portion having a ski side,

at least one ski blade portion, wherein the ski middle portion connects the ski front portion with the ski rear portion and wherein the at least one ski blade portion extends out of the ski side,

a plurality of main roller elements, and

a plurality of blade roller elements, wherein the plurality of main roller elements are associated with the ski front portion, ski rear portion and ski middle portion and configured to extend downward from the ski front portion, ski rear portion and ski middle portion and wherein the plurality of blade roller elements are associated with the at least one ski blade portion and configured to extend downward from the at least one ski blade portion.

2. The ski of claim 1, wherein the at least one blade portion is angled upward from the ski middle portion at an angle which ranges between about 5° to about 30°.

3. The ski of claim 1, wherein the at least one blade portion is angled upward from the ski middle portion at an angle of about 20°.

4. The ski of claim 1, wherein the main roller elements include a plurality of various sized wheels ranging from about 46 mm to about 90 mm.

5. The ski of claim 1, wherein the main roller elements include a plurality of equally sized wheels, wherein the wheel size may range from about 46 mm to about 90 mm.

6. The ski of claim 1, wherein the main roller elements include a width which ranges from about 45 mm to about 102 mm.

7. The ski of claim 1, wherein the blade roller elements include a plurality of various sized wheels of about 60 mm.

8. The ski of claim 1, wherein the blade roller elements include a width which ranges from about 45 mm to about 55 mm.

9. The ski of claim 1, wherein the ski middle portion includes a width of about 102 mm, the ski front and ski rear portions includes a width of about 178 mm and the ski blade portions include a width of about 475 mm.

10. The ski of claim 1, wherein the ski blade portions include a length of about 203 mm.

11. A ski, comprising:

a ski main body having a ski side,

at least one ski blade portion, wherein the at least one ski blade portion extends out of the ski side,

a plurality of main roller elements, and

a plurality of blade roller elements, wherein the plurality of main roller elements are associated with the ski main body and configured to extend downward from the ski main body and wherein the plurality of blade roller elements are associated with the at least one ski blade portion and configured to extend downward from the at least one ski blade portion.

12. The ski of claim 11, wherein the at least one blade portion is angled upward from the ski middle portion at an angle which ranges between about 5° to about 30°.

13. The ski of claim 11, wherein the at least one blade portion is angled upward from the ski middle portion at an angle of about 20°.

14. The ski of claim 11, wherein the main roller elements include a plurality of various sized wheels ranging from about 46 mm to about 90 mm.

15. The ski of claim 11, wherein the main roller elements include a plurality of equally sized wheels, wherein the wheel size may range from about 46 mm to about 90 mm.

16. The ski of claim 11, wherein the main roller elements include a width which ranges from about 45 mm to about 102 mm.

17. The ski of claim 11, wherein the blade roller elements include a plurality of various sized wheels of about 60 mm.

18. The ski of claim 11, wherein the blade roller elements include a width which ranges from about 45 mm to about 55 mm.

19. The ski of claim 11, wherein the ski middle portion includes a width of about 102 mm, the ski front and ski rear portions includes a width of about 178 mm and the ski blade portions include a width of about 475 mm and a length of about 203 mm.

20. A ski, comprising:

a ski front portion,

a ski rear portion,

a ski middle portion having a ski side,

at plurality of ski blade portions, wherein the ski middle portion connects the ski front portion with the ski rear portion and wherein the plurality of ski blade portions extend out of the ski side, and

a plurality of roller elements, wherein the plurality of roller elements are associated with and extend downward from the ski front portion, ski rear portion, ski middle portion and plurality of the ski blade portions.