Camber adjustment system and method for snow-riding devices

Abstract

The system comprises a first elongate blade and a second elongate blade. The second elongate blade is substantially in superposition with reference to the first blade. The first and the second blades are affixed together at one end. The system includes a user-actuated mechanism is connected at least to the second blade. The mechanism is selectively operable by a user of the snow-riding device to longitudinally reposition at least a portion of the second blade with reference to the first blade. This longitudinal repositioning modifies the efficient length ratio between the two blades and thereby the camber of the system. The system is self-contained and once integrated to the snow-riding device, the system permits a selective camber adjustment of at least a portion of the snow-riding device upon modifying the camber of the system.

1 . A camber adjustment system for use with a snow-riding device, the system comprising:
 a first elongate blade extending along a first longitudinal axis, the first blade having opposite first and second end portions;   a second elongate blade extending along a second longitudinal axis and being substantially in superposition with reference to the first blade, the second blade having opposite first and second end portions, the second end portion of the second blade being affixed to the second end portion of the first blade; and   a user-actuated mechanism connected to the first and second blades, the mechanism being selectively operable by a user of the snow-riding device to longitudinally reposition at least a portion of the second blade with reference to the first blade, thereby modifying the camber of the system;   whereby the system is self-contained and once integrated to the snow-riding device, the system permits a selective camber adjustment of at least a portion of the snow-riding device upon modifying the camber of the system.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the user-actuated mechanism comprises a screw having one end engaged to a threaded sleeve connected to the first end portion of the second blade, the screw extending substantially parallel to at least a portion of the second longitudinal axis and being coupled to an end member engagable against the first end portion of the first blade. 
     
     
         4 . The system as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the first end portion of the second blade includes an end face spaced apart from the end member when the system is in a neutral state, the end face of the first end portion of the second blade engaging the end member when the system has a maximum camber. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the user-actuated mechanism comprises a pulling member movable along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, the pulling member engaging the first end portion of the second blade. 
     
     
         7 . The system as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the pulling member is threadably engaged to a threaded shaft extending through the first and the second blade. 
     
     
         8 . The system as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the first blade includes a hole across which the threaded shaft extends, the threaded shaft having a free end projecting above a top side of the first blade and to which is connected a knob, the knob being in a torque-transmitting engagement with the threaded shaft. 
     
     
         9 . The system as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the threaded shaft includes a radially-projecting shoulder located under a captivation plate, the captivation plate including a hole through which project a top portion of the threaded shaft. 
     
     
         10 . The system as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising a resilient annular bushing positioned under a radially-projecting shoulder, the bushing being coaxial with the threaded shaft. 
     
     
         11 . The system as defined in  claim 6 , wherein the mechanism further comprises a rigid curved member positioned between the first end portion of the first blade and the first end portion of the second blade, the curved member creating a space between the first and second blades when the system is in a neutral state. 
     
     
         12 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first blade and the second blade have a tapered configuration with reference to the first and second longitudinal axes. 
     
     
         13 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising an elongate spacer provided between at least a portion of the first and second blades. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the snow-riding device is selected from a group consisting of alpine skis, cross-country skis, snowboards, telemark skis and skate ski blades. 
     
     
         17 . A method for adjusting a camber of at least one portion of a snow-riding device, the method comprising:
 integrating a self-contained camber adjusting system to the snow-riding device, the camber adjusting system including a first and a second elongate blade facing each other and connected at a common end;   selectively repositioning at least a portion of the first blade with reference to the second blade to change a camber of the system; and   during the repositioning, transmitting the change in the camber of the system to the at least one portion of the snow-riding device, thereby adjusting its camber.   
     
     
         18 . The method as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the step of selectively repositioning at least a portion of the first blade with reference to the second blade includes having a user engaging the system with a handheld tool and pivoting the tool to change the camber of the system. 
     
     
         19 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , wherein the handheld tool is inserted in an access port made through the top surface of the snow-riding device. 
     
     
         20 . The method as defined in  claim 19 , wherein the step of selectively repositioning at least a portion of the first blade with reference to the second blade includes removing a protective cover from the access port prior to inserted the handheld tool therein. 
     
     
         21 . The method as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the step of selectively repositioning at least a portion of the first blade with reference to the second blade includes having a user pivoting a knob positioned adjacent to a top surface of the snow-riding device to change the camber of the system. 
     
     
         22 . The method as defined in  claim 17 , wherein the step of integrating the system to the snow-riding device includes permanently embedding the system inside a cavity created within the structure when manufacturing the snow-riding device. 
     
     
         23 . The method as defined in  claim 22 , wherein embedding the system includes preventing the system from directly adhering to the structure. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . The method as defined in  claim 22 , wherein after embedding the system, a top surface of the snow-riding device is machined to create an access port. 
     
     
         26 . (canceled)