Knockdown, Folding, Or Collapsible Patents (Class 280/603)
  • Patent number: 11266898
    Abstract: A collapsible ski comprising two structural portions, that is the front and the rear of the ski, coupled together by provisions of a tenon formed in the rear portion of the ski along the entire width from the edge to the edge corresponding to a mortise formed on an entire width of the front portion of the ski wherein the mortise comprises a pair of arms. The ski comprises a ski binding consisting of a front part and a rear part, wherein the ski binding comprises a plate coupled to the rear portion of the ski via screws and a transversal bar sandwiched between the plate and the ski. The coupling of the ski is positioned in a location enabling attachments of the front of the ski binding onto the rear portion of the ski. The ski further comprises a latch located in a long axis of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Renata Rosiak
  • Patent number: 11173380
    Abstract: A fastening assembly for a ski crampon includes a hinge pin having a mounting portion and a securing portion. The mounting portion has a smaller dimension in a first direction and a larger dimension in a second direction, the first and second directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the hinge pin. The securing portion has substantially the same dimension in the first and second directions. A mounting fastening portion defines a gap and an opening. The gap and the opening each extends substantially transversely to a ski longitudinal direction and substantially parallel to the ski surface. The gap receives the mounting portion of the hinge pin, which is inserted through the opening. The dimension of the opening in the ski longitudinal direction is larger than the dimension of the mounting portion in the first direction and smaller than the dimension of the mounting portion in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SALEWA SPORT AG
    Inventor: Christopher Stelzer
  • Patent number: 11167199
    Abstract: A folding ski for sporting or military purposes. The technical problem is how to conceive a functional ski without a retaining projection with a latching mechanism arranged at the front end of the ski front section, which projection is used to fasten a connecting platform in the folded state of the ski. The folding ski includes a ski front section, a ski rear section, a folding connection that inseparably connects the rear end of the ski front section with the front end of the ski rear section, a connecting platform that is intended to stiffen the folding connection and is pivotal around its axis of rotation that extends perpendicularly to the upper surface of the ski, wherein the connecting platform is directly pivotally connected with the ski front or rear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: ELAN, d.o.o.
    Inventors: Vinko Avgu{hacek over (s)}tin, Andrej Hrovat
  • Patent number: 11168723
    Abstract: Provided is an angular beam connecting apparatus. Angular beams are various types of angular beams with at least one groove that includes inner walls formed on both sides of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: MACPION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jae Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 10596447
    Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable snow sliding device with a foldable deck. The foldable snow sliding device includes: a flat strip-shaped center deck; and two folding decks rotatably connected with respective longitudinal ends of the center deck so as to be folded toward the center deck in an oblique direction with respect a center line of the center deck, whereby the folding decks do not overlap each other and extend in parallel with each other when the folding decks are folded to come into close surface contact with the center deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Ji Ha Yi
  • Patent number: 10328330
    Abstract: A collapsible ski, by which the front part and a rear part of the ski, when aligned, in such position fixed by a platform, which is by hinges interconnected with a bearing plate, which is attached onto a top surface of the front part of the ski and is rotatable around geometric axis, which extends perpendicularly with respect to the top surface of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: ELAN, d.o.o.
    Inventors: Vinko Avgustin, Andrej Hrovat
  • Patent number: 9895595
    Abstract: A ski gripping system has a ski, a gripping strip and a piece of skins. The gripping strip is mounted longitudinally and laterally to an outer side of the ski along a center portion/grip zone of the ski. A width of the gripping strip is from 17 mm to 60 mm, a height of the gripping strip is from 15 mm to 25 mm, and a length of the gripping strip is from 600 mm to 800 mm. A longitudinal bottom inner edge of the gripping strip is level with an underside of the ski. An underside of the gripping strip is laterally outward sloping 5 degrees upward relative to the underside of the ski. The piece of skins is attached to the underside of the gripping strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Mikal Sæteren
  • Patent number: 9744432
    Abstract: A snowshoe (1) for mountain winter sports includes: a plate (2) for resting on the snow and distributing a user's weight, having an upper face (2?) and a lower face (2?); elements for fixing, at least partially, the user's foot to the upper face (2?) of the plate (2); and a plurality of spikes (3), where the plate (2) includes a mobile structure (4) adapted to make the plurality of spikes (3) alternately available below the lower face (2?) of the plate (2), so as to define an uphill and a downhill configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: VIGNATI LUIGI S.R.L.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Vignati, Elio Tamanti
  • Patent number: 9586127
    Abstract: A collapsible ski includes a front part and a rear part that, when arranged in their linearly aligned position, are fixed in that position by a connecting platform which is rotatable around an axis, which extends throughout a fold between the front part and rear part, and which is rectangular. Benefits of such a collapsible ski may include, to a consumer, practical storage and transporting benefits, while to the manufacturer, may include simplification of technology for manufacturing of each component, when compared with manufacturing of classic single-part skis. The collapsible ski can be assembled in place simply without using any tools. The collapsible ski is assembled of several mutually connectable yet detachable parts. The collapsible ski also provides the possibility of combining separately manufactured and preferably standardized parts in view of providing semi-products and finalizing each collapsible ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ELAN, D.O.O.
    Inventor: Vinko Avgustin
  • Patent number: 9227131
    Abstract: A gliding apparatus includes four gliding bodies that can be selectively separated or assembled together. In the assembled configuration, the first and second gliding bodies form opposite lateral portions of the gliding apparatus, and the third and fourth gliding bodies form a longitudinally extending intermediate gliding body defining a median portion of the gliding apparatus. A device to affix the four gliding bodies together includes first and second assembly elements that are affixed, respectively, to the third and fourth gliding bodies to form the intermediate gliding body. The first assembly element includes at least a first longitudinal projection, projecting from the fourth gliding body and designed to extend over an upper surface of the third gliding body. The first longitudinal projection of the first assembly element is designed to be engaged with the second assembly element to limit relative longitudinal spacing between the third and fourth gliding bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: David Adamczewski, Laurent Picchiottino, Katy Porter
  • Patent number: 9114305
    Abstract: A splitboard binding was developed specifically for boots that have toe and heel landings for full auto binding bails. The binding is also designed to interface with splitboard and solid snowboard bolt patterns. The basic components of the design can be broken up into two pieces, the parts that stay with the splitboard at all times, and the parts that are removable, only to be used when the splitboard is being ridden as a snowboard. The basic design of the mechanism is a twist lock motion with two tabs that secure the binding in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: John William Keffler
  • Patent number: 9022412
    Abstract: Splitboard boot bindings for backcountry splitboarding. Each of a pair of soft-boot bindings is provided with an integral boot binding lower that conjoins the two halves of a splitboard without the additional weight or height of an adaptor mounting plate, upper binding baseplate or “tray”, and extra fasteners of the prior art. The boot binding lower is formed as a box girder and provides improved torsional stiffness for splitboard riding. When subjected to a torque applied by the rider, the bottom mediolateral edges of the box girders are configured to contactingly engage the top face of the splitboard, thereby dynamically coupling the rider's boot sole and the board via a single rigid structure. In a preferred embodiment, the web or “spacer” members of the box girder are characterized by an aspect ratio or contour height that is varied from heel to toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 8820769
    Abstract: A ski comprising a front runner (1), a centre runner (2) and a rear runner (3); the runners (1, 2, 3) connectable together to form a longitudinal running surface, the centre runner further comprising a locking mechanism (4) operable to urge the front and rear runners into engagement with the centre runner. Part (5, 7) of the locking mechanism is concealed within the body of the ski and the remaining part (12, 13) is positioned in-between the ski boot (16) bindings so that when the ski boot is clamped into the bindings it forms a protective canopy over the locking mechanism and the assembly takes on the appearance of a one piece ski When the ski is dismantled it can be carried in a case compatible with automated luggage handling systems and inside automobiles without the need for a roof rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Clifford Green
  • Patent number: 8733782
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a locking element. The first and second hinge elements each include a plate portion and a plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The pluralities of substantially parallel fingers interlock with one another along a pivot axis such that the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position. The locking element extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis and may be configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in one of the pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another. A collapsible ascension ski having such a hinge mechanism as well as related methods and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Backcountry Garage, LLC
    Inventors: Cory Smith, David Narajowski, Bob Carrasca, David Sanders
  • Patent number: 8733783
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • Patent number: 8684376
    Abstract: Skateboard devices, and methods of riding and steering an elongated foldable skateboard with two large front wheels pivotally attached to the front of the skateboard and a single large rear centered wheel with depressible brake. The skateboard allows for the rider with one foot on the skateboard to propel the skateboard by pushing off the ground with another foot. A stabilizing assembly with angled bolt/pin/rod that inserts into an oblong eyelet opening with pliable bushing on the front axle can allow for the rider to tilt the board with their weight to turn the skateboard to the left or to the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: James Wurst
  • Patent number: 8668542
    Abstract: A multiple use, light weight, cost-effective, indoor and all-weather outdoor construction toy for stimulating children's imaginations and encouraging physical activity comprises a basic modular unit with open ended cup-like coupling-means on its perimeter for male to female coupling and decoupling to other couple-able units, is described. The coupling-means may be molded as an integral part forming one seamless basic unit. The open bottom end of the coupling means provides for coupling, the open top end prevents the buildup of snow inside the coupling unit. Coupling can be achieved via coupling-means on basic units to each other or through the use of accessory independent coupler-units. The basic unit of the modular toy may be in the form of a saucer, disc, an oval, or in a rectilinear-shape for use as a sled, skiing device, a flotation device, or as fort building modules. Additional accessory parts include skis and inner-tubes, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Joshua D Bruzgul
  • Patent number: 8469372
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • Patent number: 8226109
    Abstract: Splitboard boot bindings for backcountry splitboarding. Each of a pair of soft-boot bindings is provided with an integral boot binding lower that conjoins the two halves of a splitboard without the additional weight or height of an adaptor mounting plate, upper binding baseplate or “tray”, and extra fasteners of the prior art. The boot binding lower is formed as a modified sandwich box girder or modified monolithic box girder and provides improved torsional stiffness for splitboard riding. When subjected to a torque applied by the rider, the bottom mediolateral flanges of the box girders are configured to contactingly engage the top face of the splitboard, thereby dynamically coupling the rider's boot sole and the board via a single rigid structure. In a preferred embodiment, the web or “spacer” members are characterized by an aspect ratio or contour height that is varied from heel to toe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Publication number: 20120091693
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first hinge element, a second hinge element, and a locking element. The first and second hinge elements each include a plate portion and a plurality of substantially parallel fingers spaced from one another. The pluralities of substantially parallel fingers interlock with one another along a pivot axis such that the first and second hinge elements are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis between an extended position and a folded position. The locking element extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis and may be configured to releasably engage a receiving portion in one of the pluralities of substantially parallel fingers when the first and second hinge elements are in the extended position to lock the first and second hinge elements relative to one another. A collapsible ascension ski having such a hinge mechanism as well as related methods and kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BackCountry Garage, LLC
    Inventors: Cory Smith, David Narajowski, Bob Carrasca, David Sanders
  • Patent number: 8033564
    Abstract: A multi-functional board-type gliding device, which has two end portions spaced at a distance apart from another in the direction of a longitudinal axis and is designed to be split in its longitudinal extension to form gliding part-devices . Several first and second coupling mechanisms are disposed in the direction of longitudinal extension in order to provide a mutual connection between the two gliding part-devices. The two mutually coupled gliding part-devices constitute a first operating mode and in the position separated from one another constitute a second operating mode. In the first operating mode in the coupled position, the two gliding part-devices form a first end portion which defines a first direction of use. In the second operating mode in the position separated from one another, the or the other end portions define a second direction of use opposite the first direction of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: ATOMIC Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Riepler, Rupert Huber, Helmut Holzer
  • Publication number: 20110175325
    Abstract: A snowboard (10) comprises at least two board parts (12, 16, 14) releasably coupled together along a lateral joint (18, 40) to provide continuous upper, lower and edge surfaces (20, 22, 24). The joint (18, 40) comprises a protrusion (26) formed within the thickness of one board part and a corresponding aperture (28) formed within the thickness of the other board part. The snowboard is capable of being kept in a small bag and has a secure joint construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: James Weekes
  • Patent number: 7823905
    Abstract: Improved boot bindings for backcountry splitboarding are disclosed. Each of a pair of soft-boot bindings has an integral boot binding lower that conjoins the two halves of a splitboard without the additional weight or height of an adaptor mounting plate and extra fasteners. Attached to the integral boot binding lower are the elements of a boot binding upper. The integral boot binding lower, in combination with upper boot bindings, provides improved torsional stiffness for splitboard riding. The integral boot binding lower further includes a toe pivot for free heel ski touring. The boot bindings can be readily detached from the ski touring position and reattached to the snowboard riding position, or vice versa, as is advantageous in backcountry touring and riding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 7681904
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device includes a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow and ice covered terrain, a positionable axle rotatably coupling a mounting plate with the base member, and the axle positionable to enable one of a plurality of positions including a first position in which the mounting plate pivots above the plane of the base member and a second position in which the mounting plate pivots through the plane of the base member. The device may also include a plurality of wings coupled to the base member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings from a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend to increase the surface area of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Lane Ekberg
  • Publication number: 20090256332
    Abstract: A foldable ski is part of a system for traversing over snow and ice covered terrain. The ski is configured to be moved from a deployed condition and shortened in length to a stowed condition. Thus, stowing the ski enables it to fit in small spaces such as in a snowmobile compartment or backpack pocket. The ski is constructed with a plurality of hinges, sections, and locking mechanisms configured to move the sections between the deployed condition and the stowed condition. The ski may also include a mechanism for pivotally coupling footwear to the ski, whether a user is wearing hardshell boots or softshell boots for hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and/or snowboarding. The mechanism for coupling footwear may include an adjustable binding platform capable of position adjustment and/or length adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Lane Ekberg
  • Publication number: 20080174089
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a collapsing approach ski for maneuvering over terrain in a climbing and sliding fashion, with a traction component operative below the sliding surface on the underside of the ski to facilitate climbing uphill without substantially interfering with sliding downhill. It combines the advantages of a snowshoe, including a large surface area, a toe cleat that claws into the terrain and a lifting of the front tip with each step, with the advantages of an approach ski, including a fibrous skin for added traction climbing uphill and an ability to slide down hill. A stretchable portion in the skin adjacent to a hinge in the ski permits the ski to be compactly collapsed without removing the skin, for easy packing and storage while not in use. For climbing up a steep incline, a removable fixed cleat provides added traction, and a heel riser reduces the strain on the lower leg and Achilles tendon region of the skier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Lane Ekberg
  • Patent number: 7159875
    Abstract: An articulated snowboard includes first and second members that are joined at a first end by an articulation mechanism that permits vertical offset between the members while preserving parallel orientation of at least one of a longitudinal axis through each member and a leading edge of each member. Articulation enhances stability, user control, and braking action. Further, the articulation mechanism permits folding the articulated snowboard in half for storage and transport, and also permits separating the two members. When separated the two members can be worn by a user as emergency snowshoes or short skis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Keahi Seymour
  • Patent number: 7150464
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device may include a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow, and a plurality of wings rotatably coupled to the member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend outward laterally. Also, the device may include a traction device connected to the base member and configured for gripping snow or ice when the plurality of wings is in the snowshoe configuration. The method may include rotatating a plurality of wings coupled to a base member outward laterally to form a snowshoe configuration, and rotating the plurality of wings inward to form a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Lane Ekberg
  • Patent number: 7080850
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device may include a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow, and a plurality of wings rotatably coupled to the member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend outward laterally. Also, the device may include a first locking device configured to maintain the plurality of wings in the snowshoe configuration, and a second locking device configured to maintain the plurality of wings in the skiing configuration. The method may include rotatating a plurality of wings coupled to a base member outward laterally to form a snowshoe configuration, and rotating the plurality of wings inward to form a skiing configuration in which the wings form a surface for gliding over snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Lane Ekberg
  • Patent number: 6926301
    Abstract: A foldable ski construction comprises a front ski portion and at least a rear ski portion, coupled by at least an foldaway articulated joint, defining at least two positions, i.e. a use position, in which the ski portions are axially aligned, and a folded position, in which the ski portions are substantially parallel and adjoining one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: Ivan Americano Emanuele, Tiziano Lanza
  • Patent number: 6834867
    Abstract: A two-piece articulated snowboard having a first section held to a second section by a connector. the connector is configured so that it permits some bending so that the longitudinal axis of the board bends at the connector. Preferably, the connector permits very little or no twisting so that the first and second sections stay in the same horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Shane H. Smith
  • Patent number: 6746028
    Abstract: A knock-down transport device (10) for retrieving downed game animals from remote locations wherein the transport device (10) comprises a plurality of generally rigid intermediate plate members (20) (20′) (20″) having leading (22) and trailing (23) edges that cooperate with one another to interlock the intermediate plate members (20) (20′) (20″) together; wherein, the forwardmost intermediate plate member (20) is operably associated with an elongated front panel member (40) having a curved front portion (49) and the rearwardmost intermediate plate members (20″) is operatively associated with a generally L-shaped rear plate member (30); and, wherein all of the plate members (20) (30) and (40) are provided with hinged loop members (27) (37) (47) adapted to receive an elongated tether member (50) for securing a load (100) to the transport device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald D. Barbee
  • Publication number: 20040046363
    Abstract: A foldable ski construction comprises a front ski portion and at least a rear ski portion, coupled by at least an foldaway articulated joint, defining at least two positions, i.e. a use position, in which the ski portions are axially aligned, and a folded position, in which the ski portions are substantially parallel and adjoining one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Ivan Americano Emanuele, Tiziano Lanza
  • Patent number: 6679525
    Abstract: To effectively clear for a skier preparatory to a downhill skiing run other skiers that otherwise might be in harm's way, use is made of a metal rail of a rectangular shape in cross section marking the beginning of the ski run on which the skier balances on one leg using a bracket extending laterally of an outboard side of a ski boot that tracks along the top of the rail, wherein the skier's two skis are in the ready to complete the skiing run when the skier dismounts from the end of the rail onto the ski slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Egan Picken
  • Patent number: 6616170
    Abstract: A folding ski consists in the possibility of folding the ski itself, by means of a mechanical system contained within it and forming part, to all effects, of the construction of the ski. The innovative mechanism makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the equipment and makes it easier to transport. In addition, not only does it maintain the physical, mechanical and dynamic characteristics required for practicing the various sporting disciplines, but it offers better performance and safety qualities than a traditional ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Franco Quarti
  • Patent number: 6523851
    Abstract: A binding mechanism is used to securely couple board sections of a touring snowboard together. The binding mechanism includes a first interface mounted to at least one of first and second board sections and a second interface mounted to the base. A clamp is mounted to the first or second interface and is movable between a closed configuration, wherein the interfaces are adapted to engage with each other, and an open configuration wherein the interfaces are adapted to release each other. When in the open configuration, an amount of clearance exists between the interfaces. When the clamp is moved to the closed configuration, the amount of clearance is decreased to securely join the board sections together. The clamp may also exert a clamping force in at least two non-parallel directions to draw the board sections together. The clamp may also be employed to mount a snowboard boot binding to the board sections when in a snowboard mode, or to one of the board sections when in ascension mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventor: Paul T. Maravetz
  • Patent number: 6488308
    Abstract: An item of winter sport equipment such as a ski including at least one sliding runner whose width or waisting can be at least in part varied. The variation in width and/or waisting of the sliding runner may be effected by the sliding runner having a plurality of individual parts whose relative positions are variable as by inward and outward displacement or pivotal adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Crownvale Consultants Limited
    Inventor: Walter Clausing
  • Patent number: 6270091
    Abstract: A snowboard having a front section connected to a back section by a bendable connector. A rider places one foot on the front section and the other foot on the back section. The bottom of both sections have a series of curved longitudinal ridges positioned so that the bottom of each section curves in a convex manner both front to back and side to side. The rider's feet may be restrained from horizontal movement along the top surface by a recess in the top surface or by protrusions in the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Shane H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010009322
    Abstract: A collapsible skateboard includes an upright handle having lower portion on which is fixedly mounted a bracket, a connector having a curved slot having a lower end formed with a horizontal recess, an upper end formed with a vertical recess, and a circular hole under the vertical recess, an adjust pin inserted into the vertical recess of the connector and the elongated hole of the bracket, a pivot pin fitted through the circular hole of the connector and the circular hole of the bracket, a spring having an upper end connected to the adjust pin and a lower end to the pivot pin, and a platform on which is fixedly mounted the connector, whereby the skateboard can be easily folded up as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventor: Shui-Te Tsai
  • Patent number: 6053513
    Abstract: A snowboard is provided for riding over snow, including a front board member having a front board forward end and a front board rearward end; a rear board member having a rear board forward end and a rear board rearward end; and a hinge assembly interconnecting the front board member rearward end and the rear board member forward end. The rear board member preferably overlaps the front board member so that the front board rearward end is underneath the rear board forward end to minimize drag at the joint when the snowboard moves over snow in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Sean Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6000711
    Abstract: A skiboard system is provided, which includes a divisible skiboard having left and right skiboard halves and left and right loose heel binding. When the skiboard halves are joined, the skiboard has a central, waist portion and an upward curving front shovel area. The left and right loose heel bindings may be secured on the left and right skiboard halves when the skiboard halves are divided, oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes or the skiboard halves. When the skiboard halves are joined, the left and right loose heel bindings are mounted on opposite sides of the skiboard waist at an acute angle less than 35 degrees from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Uniboard Corp.
    Inventors: Martin J. Fey, Erik W. Fey, Marie L. Franzino
  • Patent number: 5984324
    Abstract: A snowboard is disclosed which is comprised of two separable ski members, each having at least one non-linear longitudinal edge, and being adapted for conjoining together to selectively form the snowboard. The snowboard further comprises ski bindings associated with each ski member and a snowboard binding assembly which is comprised of elements associated with each ski member. Thus, boot bindings can be readily positioned between a skiing mode and a snowboarding mode. The ski bindings of the present invention are adapted for both fixed-heel and free-heel binding to accommodate conventional alpine and telemarking skiing. The snowboard bindings may, in one embodiment, be adjustable to position the feet at any desired angle to the board, and even allow the user to select which foot is oriented to the front of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Voile Manufacturing
    Inventor: Mark J. Wariakois
  • Patent number: 5944334
    Abstract: A device for moving over snow includes a bearing surface intended to come into contact with snow in the walking position and to distribute the pressure corresponding to a user's weight. The device includes a short gliding ski having a gliding surface adjacent the bearing surface and angled thereto and allow's fastening of the user's boot selectively to the bearing surface and the gliding ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Zhen Zhao
  • Patent number: 5884933
    Abstract: A pair of snowshoes, or skis, are utilized by the user to go up the slope of a hill. A binding bracket is carried separately to the top of the slope when the user then mounts the binding bracket to the back ends of each snowshoe and thus provides a singular snowboard for the user to slide down the slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Geoffrey G. Trott
  • Patent number: 5865446
    Abstract: An articulated two-section snowboard has a first and second section joined together for twisting and oscillation. Each section has an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer portion and an inner portion. A flexible connector joins the inner portions of the first and second sections and a pair of bindings for securing the feet of a user to the upper surface of the first and second sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventors: Mark J. Kobylenski, David M. Dupill
  • Patent number: 5618051
    Abstract: An articulated two-section snowboard includes separate front and rear sections joined together for articulation and oscillation, each section having a binding for one foot. In a preferred embodiment, the joint between the two sections is achieved by one or more flexible straps. The front end of the strap being attached to the rear end of the front section and the rear end of the strap being attached to the front of the rear section, the strap preferably passes through openings formed for the purpose in the front of the rear section. A spacer may be provided to keep the rear section from riding up over the front section, and a quick-connect and disconnect latch may be provided to separate the sections for purposes of storage or replacement of a section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventors: Mark J. Kobylenski, David M. Dupill
  • Patent number: 5360228
    Abstract: A ski including a ski body and a spatula tip cooperating with the front end of the ski body, wherein the end of the ski body includes two lateral cut outs, and that spatula tip includes an opening adapted to cooperate with the front end of the body of the ski and that a blockage element latches the tip of the spatula on the front end of the body of the ski by acting on one of the cut outs of this ski body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Marie-Claude Palau
  • Patent number: 5083809
    Abstract: The ski structure has a front ski and a rear ski, vibration dampers and a mechanism for converting a lateral pressure into a rotary motion, associated with one of the skis. The front and rear skis can be temporarily mutually loosely interconnected by at least one tab and can be rigidly interconnected by a removable mechanical bridge. Thus, the rear ski follows the direction assumed by the front ski, and the ski structure can be disassembled for easy transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Marcello Stampacchia
    Inventors: Marcello Stampacchia, Caterina Sabbadin, Gianfranco Benetti, Erminio Bonsembiante
  • Patent number: 5037124
    Abstract: A foldable ski structure comprising a front slide and a rear slide connected by an intermediate link arm which maintains the two slide sections of the ski in a longitudinally aligned condition; the intermediate link arm is hinged to the front slide and to the rear slide of the ski to enable the ski to be folded; engageable and disengageable hooking members are provided between the intermediate link arm, the front slide and respectively between the intermediate link arm and the rear slide of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: S.B.P. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Vittorio Quaggiotti
  • Patent number: 5020821
    Abstract: The body of a ski has a front portion, a middle portion and a rear portion which are normally aligned longitudinally. The middle portion has a fixing device for securing a boot thereto, and the fixing device is releasable to release the boot from the ski when a predetermined vertical force is exerted upwardly on the boot relative to the middle portion. A front coupling connects the front portion to the middle portion, and a rear coupling connects the rear portion to the middle portion. The couplings are releasable in response to lateral forces which exceed a predetermined magnitude on the respective front and rear portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Dominique Leroy