Snow displacement apparatuses
View Patent ↗Described herein are examples of methods which include mounting a deflector onto a top surface of a ski or snowboard. A first point of the deflector may be pivotally connected to the ski via a mounting component, and a second point of the deflector is in contact with the top surface of the ski. The method may also include coupling a first fastening component to the first point of the deflector and the mounting component and adjusting the angle of the deflector relative to the top surface of the ski by rotating the deflector to a desired angle. The method may further include locking the deflector at the desired angle using a locking component.
1 . An apparatus, comprising:
a deflector configured to capture and displace snow during a skiing maneuver, wherein:
a first contact point of the deflector is pivotally connected to a top surface of a ski proximate a front end of the ski via a mounting component;
a second contact point of the deflector is in contact with the top surface of the ski; and
the deflector comprises a curved front surface having a contoured profile, wherein:
the curved front surface extends upwardly from the first contact point towards the second contact point; and
the curved front surface curves upwardly proximate the second contact point; and
a detachable fastener configured to detachably and rotatably couple the first contact point of the deflector to the mounting component, wherein an angle of the deflector relative to the top surface of the ski is adjustable.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the detachable fastener comprises a locking component; and
the locking component is configured to lock the deflector in place at an angle when in a locked position and enable the deflector to rotate freely when in an unlocked position.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the locking component comprises a cam lock.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:
the apparatus further comprises a limiting component coupled to the mounting component or adjacent to the mounting component on the ski; and
the limiting component is configured to prevent the deflector from rotating beyond a predetermined angle forward or rearward.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein:
the deflector is constructed from a heat-resistant material; and
the heat-resistant material comprises carbon fiber, fiberglass, ceramic, or a heat-resistant plastic.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a sensor configured to detect a ski movement;
a control circuit configured to operably control a heating element integrated within the deflector, wherein the heating element is configured to apply heat to the front curved surface of the deflector based on input from the sensor; and
a battery for supplying power to the heating element.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the contoured profile comprises a J-shaped configuration.
8 . An apparatus, comprising:
a deflector configured to capture and displace powder snow during a skiing maneuver, wherein:
the deflector comprises a curved front surface having a contoured profile, wherein:
the curved front surface extends upwardly from the first contact point towards the second contact point; and
the curved front surface curves upwardly proximate the second contact point; and
the deflector is coupled to a top surface of a ski via a mounting component; and
a detachable fastener for detachably coupling the deflector to the mounting component.
9 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein:
the curved front surface comprises a hydrophobic or water-repellent coating;
the hydrophobic or water-repellent coating comprises a fluoropolymer coating, silicone-based coating, polyurethane coating, nano-coating, ceramic coatings, wax-based coating, perfluorinated compound (PFC) coating, polymer-based coating, acrylic coating, or oleophobic coating.
10 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein:
the deflector is positioned at an angle relative to the top surface of the ski that is fixed or adjustable; and
if the angle is adjustable, the apparatus further comprises a locking component for adjusting the angle of the deflector relative to the top surface of the ski.
11 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein:
the mounting component is positionally coupled on a substantially flat portion of a top surface of the ski adjacent to a tip of the ski as the tip begins to curve; and
a fastening component is flush with a substantially flat portion of a bottom surface of the ski.
12 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein:
the deflector comprises a base surface;
the mounting component comprises a plate coupled to the top surface of the ski; and
the base surface of the deflector is coupled to the plate.
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the plate is integrally coupled to the ski within a receptacle cavity of the ski and is flush with the top surface of the ski.
14 . The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a quick-release component for detachably coupling the base surface of the deflector to the plate.
15 . The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the quick-release component comprises a rail, lever latch, toggle clamp, spring-loaded pin, cam lock, or magnetic quick-release component.
16 . A method, comprising:
mounting a deflector onto a top surface of a ski, wherein:
a first point of the deflector is pivotally connected to the ski via a mounting component;
a second point of the deflector is in contact with the top surface of the ski; and
the deflector comprises a curved front surface having a contoured profile, wherein:
the curved front surface extends upwardly from the first contact point towards the second contact point; and
the curved front surface curves upwardly proximate the second contact point;
coupling a first fastening component to the first point of the deflector and the mounting component;
adjusting an angle of the deflector relative to the top surface of the ski by rotating the deflector to a desired angle; and
locking the deflector at the desired angle using a locking component.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein:
the deflector is constructed from a pliable material configured to hold its shape until the pliable material is bent again; and
the pliable material comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.
18 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising detachably connecting the second point of the deflector to a magnetic mount coupled to the top surface of the ski using a detachable fastener, wherein the magnetic mount is affixed to the top surface of the ski using an adhesive.
19 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising adjusting a curvature of a front curved surface of the deflector by bending it, wherein an adjustment of the curvature of the front curved surface corresponds to altering the angle at which snow is captured and displaced during a skiing maneuver.
20 . The method of claim 16 , wherein adjusting the angle of the deflector comprises adjusting the angle of the deflector by an actuator based on a signal received from a control circuit.