Ski tuning apparatus

Abstract

A ski tuning apparatus that is operable to provide maintenance to the bottom of snow skis and other similar equipment wherein the invention deploys a grinding drum having an outer surface that is electroplated with a diamond/zirconium material. The invention includes a base member having a plurality of walls and a bottom integrally formed to create an interior volume. An upper platform member is releasably secured to the upper edge of the base member and substantially covers the opening thereof. A motor is operably coupled to the base motor and provides operation of a drive wheel that is operably coupled to the grinding drum. A control panel provides operational control of the motor and control of the grinding drum. A spray member is mounted within the interior volume of the base member and is submerged in a liquid. A deflector member is present to inhibit spray from exiting interior volume.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A ski tuning apparatus configured to provide maintenance of snow skis and other similar equipment wherein the ski tuning apparatus comprises:
 a base member, said base member having a plurality of walls and a bottom forming an interior volume, said base member having a lower end and an upper end, said base member having an upper platform member, said upper platform member being releasably secured to said base member proximate said upper end thereof, said base member substantially covering an opening proximate said upper end of said base member, said upper platform member having a leading edge;   a motor, said motor being operably coupled to a wall of said base member;   a drive wheel, said drive wheel being operably coupled to a wall of said base member distal to said motor, said drive wheel being operably coupled to said motor via a drive member,   a grinding drum, said grinding drum being mounted to said base member distal to said motor, said grinding drum being cylindrical in surface having an outer surface, said outer surface having an abrasive material disposed thereon;   a spray member, said spray member being mounted within said interior volume of said base member, said spray member having a pump module and a spray nozzle, said pump module configured to be submerged in a liquid disposed in said interior volume of said base member, said spray nozzle configured to disperse liquid onto at least a portion of the grinding drum; and   a control panel, said control panel operably coupled to said motor, said control panel configured to provide operational control of the motor and the grinding drum.   
     
     
         2 . The ski tuning apparatus configured to provide maintenance of snow skis and other similar equipment as recited in  claim 1 , and further including a deflector member, said deflector member being mounted within said interior volume on an inner surface of said rear wall, said deflector member being intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface of said grinding drum. 
     
     
         3 . The ski tuning apparatus configured to provide maintenance of snow skis and other similar equipment as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said deflector member is secured to a mount, said mount extending substantially across a width of said base member. 
     
     
         4 . The ski tuning apparatus configured to provide maintenance of snow skis and other similar equipment as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said deflector member includes a multitude of bristles, said bristles extending across a full length of the deflector member. 
     
     
         5 . The ski tuning apparatus configured to provide maintenance of snow skis and other similar equipment as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said abrasive material on said outer surface of said grinding drum is an electroplated diamond/zirconium material. 
     
     
         6 . The ski tuning apparatus configured to provide maintenance of snow skis and other similar equipment as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said deflector member inhibits liquid from propagating through a void in between said leading edge of said upper platform member and said grinding drum.