[0001] . The object of the present invention is a ski brake, particularly a service brake for skis. [0002] . The use of emergency brakes, which are intended to operate when the user's boot is unfastened from the binding, for example as a result of a fall, is known in the ski. field. This emergency brake is intended to avoid that a ski unfastened from the skier may slide on the snow and increase its speed, thereby moving away from the skier in a troublesome manner. [0003] . On the other hand, in the ski practice field, and particularly with reference to inexperienced skiers, the need is felt to have a service brake, i.e. suitable to be operated during the skier's downhill, such as to reduce and control his speed.

[0004] . During the downhill, in fact, inexperienced skiers normally control their speed by adopting the so- called "snowplough" position. While being very effective in reducing ^' and controlling the downhill speed, this position is particularly tiring.

[0005] . From what has been stated above it is clear that a skier forced to adopt the "snowplough" position for a long time will be so tired that he will potentially lose control of his leg muscles. This being the case, the

inexperienced skier may find himself in a very uncomfortable (if not dangerous) situation, for example because he may still have to complete the track route. [0006] . It is also known to those skilled in the ski practice that most of traumas and injuries occurring while skiing to the user' s musculoskeletal system take place when, braking and turning.

[0007] . This event is quite uncommon among the inexperienced skiers,. since the speed at which they ski is typically quite low.

[0008] . On the contrary, this event is relatively common among the experienced skiers, who typically move at high speeds by relying on their experience and skill. [0009] . The object of the present invention is to conceive and provide a service brake for skis allowing to overcome the drawback stated above with reference to prior art.

[0010] . Particularly, the task of the present invention is to provide a service brake for skis, i.e. suitable to be operated during the skier's downhill, such as to control his speed.

[0011] . Another task of the present invention is to provide a service brake for skis such that an inexperienced skier will not get excessively tired while being able to control and reduce his downhill speed.

[0012] . A further task of the present invention is to provide a service brake for skis such that the risk of traumas or injuries that may occur to an experienced skier while braking or turning can be reduced. [0013] . This object and these tasks are achieved by means of a ski brake in accordance with claim 1. [0014] . Further characteristics and the advantages of the brake according to the invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments thereof, which are merely illustrative and non-limiting, with reference to the annexed figures, in which: [0015]. Fig. l.a shows an overall view of a ski, comprising a brake according to the invention, in a first configuration thereof; [0016] . Fig. l.b shows an overall view of a ski, comprising a brake according to the invention, in a second configuration thereof;

[0017] . Fig. 2 shows a detail from Fig. 1, a side elevational view of a brake according to the invention; [0018] . Fig. 3 shows a sectional view taken along plane III-III from Fig. 2;

[0019]. Fig. 4. a shows an schematic view of a pair of skis, each comprising a brake according to the invention, in a first operating configuration; [0020]. Fig. 4.b shows an schematic view of a pair of

skis, each comprising a brake according to the invention, in a second operating configuration;

[0021]. Fig. 5. a. shows an overall view of a brake kit according to the invention; [0022]. Fig. 5.b shows a further embodiment other than that shown in Fig. 5. a;

[0023] . Fig. 6 is a partially sectional view of a first embodiment of the brake according to the invention;

[0024] . Fig. 7 is a partially sectional view of a second embodiment of the brake ^• according to the invention;

[0025] . Fig, 8 is a partially sectional view of a third embodiment of the brake according to the invention;

[0026] . Fig, 9 is a partially sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the brake according to the invention;

[0027] . Fig, 10 is a partially sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the brake according to the invention;

[0028] . Fig. 11 shows a detail of an embodiment of the brake according to the invention;

[0029] . Fig. 12 is a partially sectional view of a first embodiment of a mechanical control for the brake according to the invention;

[0030] . Fig. 13 is a partially sectional view of a second embodiment of a mechanical control for the brake

according to the invention;

[0031] . Fig. 14 is a partially sectional view of a third embodiment of a mechanical control for the brake according to the invention; [0032] . With reference to the above mentioned figures, a ski has been generally designated with 1. [0033] . In the description below, reference will be made to a ski 1 in general. However, herein below the term "ski" also refers to other devices by which a user can slide down a slope, particularly a snow-covered one, both for sport and for fun.

[0034] . These devices comprise all types of actual skis (slalom, downhill, touring skis, and the like) and further comprise other equipment, such as monoskis, snowboards and other runners that can be used for causing any mass to slide down a slope in a controlled manner. [0035] . The ski 1 comprises a binding 2 and an emergency brake, which are known per se, and a service brake 10 according to the invention. [0036] . The known emergency brake 3, as may be clearly seen in Fig. l.a, is deployed when the ski 1 is unfastened from the boot 5, whereas, as may be clearly seen in Fig. l.b, the same is automatically retracted when the boot 5 is fastened to the ski 1 by means of the binding 2. This operation is dictated by the particular

task of the emergency brake 3 applied to the ski 1, i.e. limiting the run of the ski moving away from the skier when, for example following a fall, the binding 2 releases the fastening between the ski 1 and boot 5. [0037]. Fig. l.a and l.b also show clearly that the service brake 10 ^■ according to the invention can remain deployed whether the boot 5 is present in the binding 2 or not. [0038] . Fig. 2 and 3 show the service brake 10 being mounted on the ski 1 in detail. The base 4 of the ski 1 defines a surface that can be reasonably locally assimilated to a plane π. The service brake 10 comprises at least a scraping element 12 and motor means 11. [0039] . The scraping element 12 is movable between a first position indicated with I and at least one second position indicated with II. In the first position I, the scraping element 12 is entirely arranged above plane π, whereas in the second position II at least one end portion 14 of the scraping element 12 crosses the plane π and is arranged therebelow.

[0040] . Thereby, when the ski is being used and the scraping element 12 is taken to the second position II, the end portion 14 comes in contact with and is pressed against the bottom on which the base 4 is rested. Typically, this bottom is the snow and the pressure

applied by the end portion 14 defines a scraping action such as to brake the speed of ski 1 relative to the snow. [0041] . The motor means 11 are suitable to move the scraping element 12 from the first position I to the second position II and vice versa. The motor means 11 are further suitable to hold the scraping element 12 in the second position II while the ski 1 is being used. [0042] . In accordance with several embodiments, the motor means 11 are also suitable to hold the scraping element 12 in a plurality of intermediate positions between the first position I and the second position II while the ski 1 is being used. Different extents of displacements can be thus obtained for the end portion 14 below the plane π, whereby the braking action force can be modulated.

[0043] . Fig. 2 and 3 illustrate a general embodiment of the inventive brake, wherein a case 13 encloses the motor means 11 to protect the same from possible impacts, snow accumulation, ice formation, and any other event that may impair proper operation.

[0044] . The motor means 11 can comprise different elements according to the particular requirements, while still falling within the scope of this invention. [0045] . The motor means 11 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 comprise an electric motor 110. The electric motor

110 drives a reduction gear 111 that, with a series of pairs of gears 112, progressively reduces the rotational speed derived from motor 110 in a known manner. The last gear 112' of the reduction gear 111 rotates a threaded bush 113. The threaded bush 113 acts, in turn, on a threaded bar 114 by moving the same forwards and backwards along its rotation axis, in a known manner. Finally, the threaded bar 114 acts, in turn, by means of a joint 115, on a lever 120 that is integral with the scraping element 12. Particularly, the scraping element 12 and the lever 120 are hinged about a fulcrum 15 that is integral with the ski 1, such that the movement imposed to the lever 120 by the motor means 11 defines a corresponding movement of the scraping element 12. [0046] . The motor means 11 of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7 comprise an electric motor 210. The electric motor 210 operates a reduction gear 211 that with a series of pairs of gears 212, progressively reduces the rotational speed deriving from motor 210 in a known manner. The last gear 212' of the reduction gear 211 acts on a gear sector 213. The gear sector 213 is integral with a lever 220 which is, in turn, integral with the scraping element 12. Particularly, the scraping element 12 and the lever 220 are hinged about a fulcrum 15 that is integral with the ski, such that the movement

imposed to the lever 220 by the motor means 11 defines a corresponding movement of the scraping element 12. [0047] . By means of the particular embodiments of the motor means 11 of Fig. 6 and 7, the scraping element 12 can be brought from the first position I to the second position II and vice versa. Furthermore, they also allow to hold the scraping element 12 in each of both positions and in any intermediate position when the ski is being used. [0048] . The motor means ■ 11 of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8 comprise an electric motor comprising a electromagnet 310. The electromagnet 310 acts on a lever 320 integral with the scraping element 12. Particularly, the scraping element 12 and the lever 320 are hinged about a fulcrum 15 integral with the ski, such that the movement imposed to the lever 320 by the motor means 11 defines a corresponding movement of the scraping element 12.

[0049] . By means of the particular embodiment of the motor means 11 of Fig. 8, the scraping element 12 can be brought from the first position I to the second position II and vice versa ^" . Furthermore, it also allows to hold the scraping element 12 in each of both positions when the ski is being used. [0050]. As may be clearly seen in Fig. 5. a, the

embodiments of the brake illustrated in Fig. 6 and 7 and 8 comprise a battery 20 and control elements 25. [0051] . The battery 20 can either be housed near the electric motor 110, 210, 310 or, alternatively, it can be housed otherwise, such that the ski 1 is not further loaded. For example, the battery 20 can be comfortably hung to the user's belt.

[0052] . In any case, the battery 20 and electric motor 110, 210, 310 are mutually connected by means of electric conductors 30. In the event that the battery is placed away from the electric motor 110, 210, 310, the electric conductors 30 are suitable to be housed such as not to be an impediment while the ski 1 is being used, for example they are suitable to be housed along the skier's legs. [0053] . The control elements 25 are preferably arranged in a place where they can be easily manoeuvred by a user. In accordance with the embodiment from Fig. 5. a, there are two control elements 25, and they are arranged on the grips of the ski poles 6. In this particular embodiment, they are connected to the electric motor 110, 210, 310 by means of electric conductors 35 suitable to be housed such as not to be an impediment while the ski 1 is being used, for example they are suitable to be housed along the skier's arms and body. [0054]. In accordance with the embodiment from Fig. 5.b

the control elements 25 comprise on the other hand a remote transmitter 250' , which does not require the electric conductors 35 to be provided. In this case, the electric motor 110, 210, 310 is provided with a remote receiver 205" complementary to the transmitter 250' .

[0055]. The embodiment from Fig. 5.b is particularly comfortable since it allows to eliminate the electric conductors 35. Furthermore, this embodiment is particularly safe, because a person other than the user of the ski 1 can ^' act on the brake 10. For example, an instructor or expert skier who is training an inexpert skier. The greater safety deriving from the use of this type of brake according to the invention can be promptly appreciated. [0056] . With reference to the Fig. 9 to 14, several embodiments of the invention will be now described in which the motor means 11 do not comprise any electric motor 110, 210, 310, but they comprise moving means 450 of an exclusively mechanical nature by means of which the use of batteries 20 and electric conductors 30, 35 can be avoided.

[0057] . In accordance with the embodiments from Fig. 9 and 10, these mechanical moving means are operated by means of cables according to a technique known per se, for example in the cycle brake field.

[0058] . In Fig. 12 to 14, several grips for poles 6 are shown comprising control elements 25 that can be used with the embodiments of the brake from Fig. 9 and 10. [0059] . Similarly to what is known in the cycle brake field, the control elements 25 comprise means suitable to tension a cable. Typically, these means comprise a lever 70 preferably arranged on each of the grips 7, which is hinged on a pivot 71 and can tension a cable 72 sliding within a sheath 73 whenever it is operated by the user. [0060] . In accordance with the embodiment from Fig. 9, the motor means 11 comprise a cam 410 hinged on a pivot 411 integral with the ski 1 and elastic returning means, such as a helical spring 412. [0061] . The cable 72 is mechanically connected to the cam 410 acting, in turn, on a lever 420 integral with the scraping element 12. Particularly, the scraping element 12 and the lever 420 are hinged around a fulcrum 15 integral with the ski, such that the movement imposed to the lever 420 by the cam 410 defines the corresponding movement of the scraping element 12 from the first position I to the second position II.

[0062] . On the other hand, the spring 412 is arranged between the ski 1 and the lever 420 and acts such that the latter is pushed from the second position II to the first position I. Accordingly, when the cable 72 is no

longer tensioned, the spring 412 brings the lever 420 and the scraping element 12 from the second position II back to the first position I.

[0063] . Still relating to the embodiment from Fig. 9, means for adjusting (i.e. increasing or decreasing) the length of the end portion 14 of the scraping element 12 will be- described below.

[0064] . An adjusting screw passing through a threaded slot 414 formed on the lever 420 and resting on a striker 415 integral with the ski 1 is designated with 413.- By- rotating the adjusting screw 413, the slot 414, and accordingly the lever 420 and scraping element 12 connected thereto, are caused to shift along the direction indicated with A of slot 414. The length of the end portion 14 of the scraping element 12 that is lowered below plane π when the brake 10 is being used can be thus adjusted (i.e. increased or decreased). By elongating the end portion 14, a greater braking action is obtained, whereas a smaller braking action is obtained by shortening the same.

[0065] . A further option for adjusting the braking action is offered by the particular embodiment of the scraping element as illustrated in Fig. 9. In accordance with this embodiment, the end portion 14 is telescopically mounted on the scraping element 12 and can

adopt different positions, which are spaced in the direction indicated with B. A screw 416 that is integral with the end portion 14 can be selectively coupled with each of the housings 417 provided on the scraping element 12.

[0066] . Thereby, the length of the end portion 14 of the scraping element 12 that is lowered below plane π when the brake 10 is being used can be also adjusted

(i.e. increased or decreased). By elongating the end portion 14, a greater braking action is obtained, whereas a smaller braking action is obtained by shortening the same.

[0067] . In accordance with an embodiment of the brake 10 according to the invention, a mechanical control through the pole β is added to the mechanical control through the cable 72. In Fig. 9 there can be seen an extension 419 of lever 420 being arranged outside the case 13 such as to be reachable during normal use of the ski 1 being provided with the brake 10. The extension 419 of the lever 420 carries a receptacle 418 being shaped to easily receive the tip 6' of the pole 6. The pressing action applied by the skier on the receptacle 418 through the pole 6 is completely equivalent to the action applied through the cable 72. In fact, the extension 419 is integral both with the lever 420 and the scraping element

12 and the pressing action applied by the skier on the receptacle 418 with the pole 6 moves the scraping element 12 from the first position I to the second position II. The spring 412, when the action of the pole β and/or cable 72 is finished, returns the scraping element 12 from the second position II to the first position I. [0068] . The particular embodiment of the brake 10 comprising the extension 419 and the receptacle 418 can be mounted, more favourably than other embodiments, before, rather than after, the binding 2, as illustrated in Fig. l.a and l.b. By placing the brake 10 before the binding 2, the skier can more easily reach the receptacle 418 with the tip 6' of the pole 6. [0069] . In accordance with the embodiment from Fig. 10, the cable 72 is mechanically connected to the motor means 11 comprising a lever 520 integral with the scraping element 12. Particularly, the scraping element 12 and the lever 520 are hinged about a fulcrum 15 integral with the ski, such that the movement imposed to the lever 520 by the motor means 11 defines a corresponding movement of the scraping element 12 from the first position I to the second position II.

[0070] . On the other hand, the spring 512 is arranged between the case 13 and the lever 520 and acts such that the latter is pushed from the second position II to the

first position I. Accordingly, when the cable 72 is no longer tensioned, the spring 512 brings the lever 520 and the scraping element 12 from the second position II back to the first position I. [0071] . By means of the particular embodiments of the motor means 11 from Fig. 9 and 10, the scraping element 12 can be taken from the first position I to the second position II and vice versa. Furthermore, they also allow to hold the scraping element 12 in each of both positions and in any intermediate position when the ski is being used.

[0072] . Each of the cables 72 arranged in the sheath 73 is suitable to be housed such as not to be an impediment while the ski 1 is being used, for example it is suitable to be housed along the skier's arms, body, and legs.

[0073] . In accordance with the embodiments of the brake control 10 illustrated in Fig. 12 and 13, the cable 72 housed within the sheath 73 is arranged adherent to the grip 7 and pole 6 at least by a first tract thereof, such as not to be an impediment while the ski 1 is being used. [0074] . In Fig. 11 there is illustrated a removable connector 600, that can be preferably used with the embodiments of the brake 10 as illustrated in Fig. 9 and 10. At the removable connector 600, the cable 72 is interrupted, thereby a first part 72' and a second part

72" are originated. The first part 72' and the second part 72" are provided with quick coupling means 670. In accordance with the embodiment from Fig. 11, the quick coupling means 670 consist of a ball 671 integral with the first part 72' and a double hook 672 integral with the second part 72" and shaped such as to hook the ball 671.

[0075] . When the ball 671 is hooked to the double hook 672, continuity in the transmission of the tension of cable 72 is ensured. If required, however, for example when one has finished to use the ski 1, the ball 671 can be released from the double hook 672, such that the first part 72' is unfastened from the second part 72". [0076] . The removable connector 600 further comprises an abutment 601, the end section of the sheath 73 resting thereon. In order to act on the quick coupling means 670, the abutment 601 may be provided for example such as to be axially moved in the direction indicated with C in several positions obtained with a rotation in the direction D (see Fig. 11) in order to reach the quick coupling means 670. In other positions obtained with a rotation in the direction D, the abutment 601 is axially locked such as to be a firm support for the sheath 73 (this position is illustrated with a dotted line in Fig. 11) .

[0077] . Removable connectors 600 similar to that described above can be positioned at the case 13 of the brakes from Fig. 9 and 10, or at the grip 7 of the pole 6 from Fig. 12, 13, and 14, or in any position that may be of use along the extension of each cable 72.

[0078] . With reference to what has been described above and particularly the Fig. 4. a and 4.b, it is understood how a couple of brakes according to the invention can be operated either in a concurrent or differential manner. [0079] . By concurrent operation is meant that the scraping elements 12 of each of the ski pair brakes simultaneously move in the same direction and to the same extent. By this concurrent operation, such as illustrated in Fig. 4. a, a symmetrical braking action is exerted which causes a decrease in the skier's speed relative to the snow.

[0080] . ^• By differential operation is meant that the scraping elements 12 of each of the ski pair brakes simultaneously move in the opposite directions relative to each other. By this differential operation, such as illustrated in Fig. 4.b, an asymmetrical braking action is thus exerted which causes a rotation of the skier' s speed relative to the snow. [0081] . It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that both concurrent and differential operations can

be operated at the same time, with different proportions according to the requirements, such as to provide a composite operation. In this case, the scraping elements 12 of each of the ski pair brakes move simultaneously in the same direction but to different extents. By this composite operation, an asymmetrical braking action is thus exerted, which at the same time defines a decrease and a rotation of the skier's speed relative to the snow. [0082] . To the purpose, it is useful to note herein that in the embodiment from Fig. 5. a each brake 10 is controlled by a control element 25 dedicated thereto. In this way, the movement of both brakes can be controlled independently from each other. [0083] . More generally, according to particular requirements, it may be useful to arrange more brakes 10 on each of both skis 1. In this case, an individual control element 25 would control all the brakes 10 arranged on an individual ski; particularly, the control element 25 placed on the right-hand pole grip would control the set of brakes placed on the right-hand ski and similarly the control element 25 placed on the left- hand pole grip would control the set of brakes placed on the left-hand ski. [0084] . On the other hand, in the embodiment from Fig. 5.b, the control elements 25 comprise only one

transmitter 250' . In this particular case, in a manner known per se in the remote control or radio control field, the concurrent operation of the brakes can be controlled by a longitudinal movement of the control lever 25 and the differential operation of the brakes can be controlled by a lateral movement of the control lever 25. The composite operation of the brakes can be obtained by means of a diagonal movement of the control lever 25. [0085] . It is understood from the description above that the service brake for skis according to the invention is suitable to be operated when the skier, also a beginner, is moving downhill, such that his speed can be reduced and controlled. Particularly, by using the brake according to the invention the skier is not forced to adopt the "snowplough" position for a long time, which position is particularly tiring. By using the brake according to the invention, the user's fatigue is dramatically reduced, mainly with beginner skiers. [0086] . Most of traumas and injuries occurring while skiing to the user's musculoskeletal system are actually known to take place during the braking and/or turning steps. This event is also relatively common among experienced skiers. [0087] . By using the brake according to the invention, the risk of occurrence of these traumas and injuries is

also reduced. In fact, due to the particular structure of the brake according to the invention, the experienced skier' s action can be also supported during the braking and turning steps. [0088] . To the preferred embodiments of the brake 10 described above, those skilled in the art, aiming at satisfying contingent requirements, may carry out a number of modifications, adjustments and replacements of elements with others functionally equivalent, without departing from the scope of the claims below. Each of the characteristics described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be provided independently from the other embodiments described.