Toe And Heel Fasteners Mounted On Common Support Plate Or Element Patents (Class 280/617)
  • Publication number: 20110018232
    Abstract: AT ski binding adaptor for alpine ski touring and downhill, including a floating heel lock assembly and multifunctional rotatable locking arms. Ski bindings are mounted on an adaptor mounting plate, channel or beam assembly that pivots at the toe. The heel lock mechanism “floats” on a rail or rails to accommodate ski flex, and includes a multi-position climbing bar or heel riser. The floating heelblock and locking mechanism are interconvertible for different ski modes: in fixed heel-mode—the locking arms act to firmly secure the heel to the ski for aggressive downhill conditions or riding style, and in free heel mode—the locking arms may be configured to support touring and climbing configurations. The ski binding adaptor with floating heel lock mechanism is optionally compatible with a range of alpine ski touring and downhill bindings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jason Prigge, William J. Ritter, John Parker, Dylan Bourke
  • Patent number: 7874573
    Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Christopher M. Doyle, Noah Decker, Bryan S. Davis
  • Patent number: 7828303
    Abstract: An assembly for affixing footwear to a gliding board, such as fixing a boot to a cross-country ski, such assembly including a retention device, or binding, an interface to be positioned between the retention device and the gliding board, the interface having a receiving surface for receiving the retention device and the retention device having a support surface to be supported on the interface, the receiving surface of the interface and the support surface of the retention device being mechanically non-compatible. The assembly further includes an adapter to couple the interface to the retention device, the adapter having a support surface mechanically compatible with the receiving surface of the interface, as well as a receiving surface mechanically compatible with the support surface of the retention device, the support and receiving surfaces of the adapter being opposite with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: François Girard, Eddy Yelovina
  • Patent number: 7810833
    Abstract: A ski boot binding securable to an alpine ski. The binding includes a heel unit having a base heel release threshold in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the ski to which the binding is attached. The heel unit includes a compensation mechanism that dynamically changes the base heel release threshold as a function of force conditions encountered by the ski during skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Vermont Safety Developments
    Inventors: Carl F. Ettlinger, David J. Dodge
  • Publication number: 20100219613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Kahlil Zaloom, Christopher C. Cunningham, Florian Lang, Matt Windt, Christopher M. Doyle, Richard William Wagner, JR., Ryan Larson, Gregory Aaron Dean, Greg Reagan
  • Patent number: 7762572
    Abstract: An alpine ski binding system for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski. The binding system includes a secondary toe release that provides an attenuated release threshold under lateral shear loading conditions that can cause anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The secondary toe release responds to a trigger that senses the lateral shear loads applied to the inside (medial) afterbody of the ski and triggers the secondary toe release to release the boot at an attenuated release torque. Lateral shear loads applied to the ski along the leading (medial) forebody and along the entire outside (lateral side) of the ski substantially do not cause the trigger to trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Vermont Safety Developments
    Inventors: Carl F. Ettlinger, David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 7762573
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Kahlil Zaloom, Christopher C. Cunningham, Florian Lang, Matt Windt, Christopher M. Doyle, Richard William Wagner, Jr., Ryan Larson, Gregory Aaron Dean, Greg Reagan
  • Publication number: 20100162539
    Abstract: An assembly including a ratchet tightening device and a band. The device includes a base, a driving lever, and a pawl. For at least one tooth of a series of serrations of the band, at least one straight line tangent to the meshing surface of the tooth and parallel to the band, forms, together with the longitudinal direction of the band, an angle that is less than 90 degrees. A driving end of the lever is configured to cooperate with the serrations of the band. A retaining zone of the pawl is configured to cooperate with the serrations of the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventor: Henri RANCON
  • Patent number: 7699678
    Abstract: A water sport binding is disclosed having a rigid base plate that is adapted to be mounted to a board such as a wake board. A heel loop is pivotably mounted to the base plate and a flexible upper assembly is provided that includes a forward portion that attaches to the base plate and a rearward portion that attaches to the pivotable heel loop. A lever mechanism, including a lever mounted on the heel loop and a cable that attaches to either side of the base plate and extends through a channel in the lever provides a mechanism for locking the heel loop in an upright position during use. The user pivots the lever to permit the heel loop to pivot rearwardly, permitting ready entry or egress from the binding. The flexible upper assembly may include front and back panels, an instep support, an ankle support, and attachment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Connelly Skis, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Cannon
  • Patent number: 7686321
    Abstract: A highback is provided for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member to support a rear region of the rider's leg. The highback includes a textile-like material that extends across a portion of the support member to provide support for a portion of the rider's leg. The support member may have an opening therein with the textile-like material extending across the opening to assist in transmitting forces applied to that region of the support member as the rider presses against the highback during riding maneuvers. The textile-like material may help to distribute forces across a larger area of the rider's leg or boot so as to reduce pressure points against the rider's leg. The textile-like material may include one or more filaments, a fabric, or a fabric-like material that is coupled to the support member to support the rider's leg. The textile-like material may include a mesh fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Bryan S. Davis, Christopher M. Doyle, Edward Giard, Scott T. Keller, Kahlil Zaloom
  • Patent number: 7681905
    Abstract: Ski binding (10) for fixing a ski shoe that comprises an upper and a sole (11), having a front retaining element (12) associated with the front end of the sole, a rear retaining element (13) arranged to engage at the foresole or at the heel of the ski shoe, a tensioning means (15, 16, 17, 19) effective between front and rear retaining elements, and having a means, associated with the front retaining element (12) and pivotally mounted relative to the latter about a horizontal axis, for supporting the front end of the sole or sole-supporting means (28), wherein the pivotal axis (29) associated with that supporting means simultaneously defines the pivotal axis about which a structural unit (26) comprising the front and rear retaining elements is pivotable when the shoe heel is lifted or lowered. The sole-supporting means (28) associated with the front end of the sole is pivotable relative to the structural unit (26) and is lockable, as required, by a separate locking element (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventor: Bernt-Otto Hauglin
  • Publication number: 20100038885
    Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Cunningham, Christopher Doyle, Noah Decker, Bryan Davis
  • Patent number: 7618053
    Abstract: A ski boot sole for cooperating with a ski binding to releasably hold the sole in the binding, the sole having a forward toe sole extending rearwardly from the front of the sole to a forward gap, a toe exterior insert in the forward gap which is located over a forward depression in the base of the ski boot, a central sole extending rearwardly from the front gap, a heel exterior insert located in a rearward gap over a rearward depression in the boot base and a heel sole extending from the rearward end of the rearward gap at least to the end of the boot. The foregoing boot sole is in combination with the base of the boot, and the base has forward and rearward recesses for receiving toe holders rotating about longitudinally extending axes and heel holders rotating about a transverse axis for releasably locking the respective toe exterior insert and heel exterior insert to the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignees: Marker Deutschland GmbH, Tecnica S.p.A., Völkl Sports GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Antonello Marega, Andrea Gabrielli
  • Patent number: 7618054
    Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Cunningham, Christopher Doyle, Noah Decker, Bryan Davis
  • Patent number: 7614638
    Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Cunningham, Christopher Doyle, Noah Decker, Bryan Davis
  • Publication number: 20090194971
    Abstract: An alpine ski binding system for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski. The binding system includes a secondary toe release that provides an attenuated release threshold under lateral shear loading conditions that can cause anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The secondary toe release responds to a trigger that senses the lateral shear loads applied to the inside (medial) afterbody of the ski and triggers the secondary toe release to release the boot at an attenuated release torque. Lateral shear loads applied to the ski along the leading (medial) forebody and along the entire outside (lateral side) of the ski substantially do not cause the trigger to trip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: VERMONT SAFETY DEVELOPMENTS
    Inventors: Carl F. Ettlinger, David J. Dodge
  • Publication number: 20090174172
    Abstract: A binding for fixing a shoe to a snowboard and the like comprising a base body that can be fixed to a snowboard and the like by an angular positioning disk with engagement of contact elements defined by the base body on the snowboard, elements for fastening a shoe being associable with the base body and elastic shock-absorbing elements being also associable and interposable between the snowboard and the like and the base body, the shock-absorbing elements at least partially surrounding the external lateral profiles of the rear region of the base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Martino Fumagalli
  • Publication number: 20090146396
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle strap assembly for a snowboard binding. The strap assembly includes a middle strap portion having a stiffening panel with a longitudinal slot defining upper and lower rails, and at least one stiffening member that engages the upper and lower rails. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the stiffness of a strap assembly for a snowboard binding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: K-2 CORPORATION
    Inventor: Treu Hahnenberger
  • Publication number: 20090134602
    Abstract: A snowboard binding (100) having a baseplate (110), a highback (118) attached to the baseplate, and a strap assembly (120) including an instep strap subassembly (124) pivotably attached to the baseplate on one side, and releasably attachable to a mounting strap (132) on the other side. The baseplate includes a lateral toe wall (116). The strap assembly includes a forefoot strap (140) having an upper leg (142) that engages the instep strap, optionally a medial leg (144) that attaches to the medial side of the baseplate, and a front leg (146) that engages a front end of the baseplate. The toe portion of the user's boot (90) is engaged by the forefoot strap. The user secures a boot to the binding with a single engagement mechanism, such as a ratchet buckle (130), which secures both the instep portion and the forefoot strap portions of the strap assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Pontano, Treu Hahnenberger
  • Patent number: 7523953
    Abstract: An alpine ski binding system for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski. The binding system includes a secondary toe release that provides an attenuated release threshold under lateral shear loading conditions that can cause anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The secondary toe release responds to a trigger that senses the lateral shear loads applied to the inside (medial) afterbody of the ski and triggers the secondary toe release the boot at an attenuated release torque. Lateral shear loads applied to the ski along the leading (medial) forebody and along the entire outside (lateral side) of the ski substantially do not cause the trigger to trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Vermont Safety Developments
    Inventors: Carl F. Ettlinger, David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 7520526
    Abstract: A binding, in particular a snowboard binding, comprises a base plate, a heel-cradling element and means for fastening the heel-cradling element to the base plate in a manner allowing longitudinal adjustment of its position The heel-cradling element comprises a heel-cup frame of generally U-shape in plan view, having spaced arms connected by a curved heel-cradling part, the arms fitting over opposite sides of the base plate. The arms have a profile in the form of a downwardly-open longitudinal channel, and the base plate has spaced longitudinal guide rails on which the longitudinal channels slidably engage. The fastening means include a single screw on each side, accessible from above the top of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Arnaud Muscatelli
  • Patent number: 7516976
    Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Cunningham, Christopher Doyle, Gregory Dean, Florian Lang, Scott Keller, Matt Windt
  • Patent number: 7510207
    Abstract: The invention describes a ski binding (1), with guide elements (8, 9) which can be mounted or pre-fitted on a ski (3) in the binding longitudinal direction (10), for a front and a rear jaw body (4, 5). A first coupling element (15) is connected to the front jaw body (4) and a second coupling element (16) is connected to the rear jaw body (5). Mutually facing end portions (17, 18) of these coupling elements (15, 16) co-operate with a positioning and fixing mechanism (14) disposed between the jaw bodies (4, 5) in order to adjust and retain the jaw body (4, 5) as necessary. An overlap width (19) between the two coupling elements (15, 16) can be varied to make an individual adjustment for different jaw distances (12). At least one coupling element (15, 16) is provided with at least two mutually parallel rows (21, 22, 23) of positioning elements (20), and these positioning element-rows (21, 22, 23) are disposed offset from one another in the binding longitudinal direction (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: ATOMIC Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Resch, Helmut Holzer
  • Patent number: 7503579
    Abstract: A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, such as a binding for a snowboard. The device includes a base plate associated with a rear support element/highback. The rear support element is movably mounted with respect to the base plate. A linkage is connected to the base plate and to the rear support element in order to limit the rearward movement thereof. The position of the rear support element with respect to the base plate is longitudinally adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Couderc
  • Patent number: 7494134
    Abstract: A springloaded snowblade unit with complimentary binding complexes consisting of a snowblade with a skiboot support plate affixed thereto with spring components affixed to the snowblade and support plate with a clearance therebetween and with the binding complexes both anterior and posterior being made up of square u-bolts and binding plates with means for tightening the u-bolts and binding plates together fast to the toe and heel portions of a skiboot with the u-bolts being held by clips located between the snowblade and support plate when the clips are held by screws inserted through holes in the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: James H. Mann
  • Publication number: 20080290630
    Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a boot to a ski with the heel end of the boot being height adjustable. The toe end portion of the boot is pivotly attaching to the ski. A pair of members engaged to the heel end portion and the ski respectively engage each other in a manner to provide height adjustability of the heel end of the boot. A track on either of the boot or the ski is slidably engaged by the respective member. One of the members has an inclined serrated surface which engages a serrated surface of the other member for adjusting height. Alternatively, one of the members has an inclined surface, and height adjustment is achieved by a threaded rotatable member on one of the members which threadedly engages longitudinally spaced indents or other formations in the other member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Michael M. Pupko
  • Publication number: 20080258434
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rear-step-in snowboard binding with a leg support, which is swivel-fastened between a rear step-in position, in which a boot that can be held in the snowboard binding can be inserted from rear to front into the snowboard binding, and a front riding position, and with a toe element, by which a front area of a boot that can be held in the snowboard binding can be overlapped at least partially, in such a way that it is held forward, whereby the leg support can be locked in the front riding position in such a way that a boot that can be held in the snowboard binding can be secured by the leg support and the toe element in its longitudinal direction relative to the snowboard binding, and whereby the preliminary pivoting of the leg support into the front riding position ensures the securing of the boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas KRENN, Andreas Janisch, Ronald Kittag
  • Patent number: 7431322
    Abstract: A theft deterrent security device for a snowboard, the security device is mounted on the base portion of the snowboard binding so as to cover the screws that pass through a rotator plate which attach the binding to the board. Not being able to easily remove the rotator plate on the board, the security device acts as a deterrent to someone wanting to steal the board. The security device consists of a security cover having a recess portion to receive a lock structure. This lock structure locks the security cover to the binding and prevents access to the screws on the rotator plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Sidney T. Malak
  • Publication number: 20080197607
    Abstract: An assembly for retaining a boot on a gliding board, which includes a non-releasable front retaining element and a non-releasable rear retaining element, as well as a mechanism for measuring the forces to which the boot is subjected when it is fixed on the retaining assembly. At least one of the front and rear retaining elements is fixed on a plate actuated with a translational movement, the translational movement being controlled as a function of the values provided by the measuring mechanism. The retaining assembly also includes a release device that includes the measuring mechanism as well as a mechanism for actuating the plate in its translational movement. The measuring mechanism include a front sensor and a rear sensor. The non-releasable front retaining element includes a sole clamp, and the non-releasable rear retaining element includes a step-in heel piece to ensure automatic fitting of the boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Merino
  • Patent number: 7414528
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the improving of ski jump safety comprises a first detector for detecting a skier entering a jump site, wherein the first detector produces a first signal, a second detector for detecting the skier exiting the jump site, wherein the second detector produces a second signal, a processor for processing the first signal and the second signal, wherein the processor produces a message signal, and a communicator for communicating the message signal to a next skier. Also, an apparatus and method for the improving of ski jump safety comprises an exit detector for detecting a skier exiting a jump site, wherein said exit detector produces an exit signal, and a signaller for signalling said exit signal to a next skier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: David Thomas Crichton
  • Publication number: 20080191450
    Abstract: An assembly including a plate, a base, and a device for removably attaching the plate to the base. The plate is adapted to be associated with a device for removably retaining a boot, the base is adapted to be associated with a gliding board, such as a ski, the device for removably attaching the plate to the base including an arrangement for longitudinally guiding the plate with respect to the base. An immobilization mechanism is manually actuated to immobilize the plate with respect to the base along the longitudinal guiding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Francois GIRARD, Eddy YELOVINA
  • Patent number: 7401802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Jake Hall, Brendan Perkins, Paul Terry, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 7396037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Jake Hall, Brendan Perkins, Paul Terry, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 7387309
    Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a boot to a ski with the heel end of the boot being height adjustable. The toe end portion of the boot is pivotly attaching to the ski. A pair of members extend from the heel end portion and the ski respectively and have serrated surfaces which face each other with serrations in one surface engaging complementary serrations in the other surface at various heights of the heel end portion. The members are fastened together at various heights to which the heel end portion is adjusted. A track on the heel end portion is slidably engaged by the heel end portion member. Alternatively, a pair of members are pivotly attached to the ski along a common pivot axis and are drawn together and apart by a screw, and a track structure on the boot is slidably engaged by end portions of the members. A boot plate is pivotly laterally adjustable. An extension member is attachable to an end portion of the boot plate for increasing boot plate length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Michael M. Pupko
  • Patent number: 7357406
    Abstract: A ski boot sole for cooperating with a ski binding to releasably hold the sole in the binding, the sole having front and rear recesses with front and rear fitting plates. The front recess and the front fitting plate are engaged by the front sole holder rotatable about a longitudinal axis for releasably holding the front sole holder against displacement in the forward, sideways and vertical directions. The rear recess and rear fitting plate are engageable by the rear sole holder which is rotatable about a transverse axis. The rear sole holder butts against the portion of the fitting plate extending outside the border of the sole to secure the rear portion of the sole in the rearward, sideways and vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignees: Marker Deutschlanf GmbH, Tecnica S.p.A., Völkl Sports GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Krumbeck, Michael Mangold, Andreas Mann, Antonello Marega, Andrea Gabrielli
  • Patent number: 7344149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ski, in particular an alpine ski, with a basic ski body and a binding plate. According to the invention, lateral guide elements are positioned in the mid-section of the basic ski body where the binding plate is to be inserted, and these lateral guide elements each form a lateral guide groove for the binding plates that are inserted in a form-fitting manner between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Blizzard Sport GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Leitner
  • Patent number: 7320475
    Abstract: A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus. The base of the device, having the general shape of a plate, includes a zone for anchoring to the apparatus, as well as at least one zone for fastening a foot or boot retaining mechanism, the fastening zone being apart from the anchoring zone. Stiffening ribs extend between the anchoring zone and the fastening zone. Two adjacent stiffening ribs converge toward the fastening zone, between the anchoring zone and the fastening zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Couderc
  • Patent number: 7318597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Jake Hall, Brendan Perkins, Paul Terry, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 7316412
    Abstract: A device for receiving and retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus is disclosed. The device has a seat associated with a rear support element, the rear support element having a support surface facing a free surface, the rear support element being rotatably mounted with respect to the seat, an abutment limiting a rearward rotation of the rear support element, the abutment having a cursor that is movable along the rear support element, as well as a mechanism for immobilizing the cursor on the rear support element. A wall covers the cursor on the side of the free surface, the immobilizing mechanism extending through the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Couderc
  • Patent number: 7306256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Jake Hall, Brendan Perkins, Paul Terry, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 7306255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Jake Hall, Brendan Perkins, Paul Terry, David Narajowski, Thomas Laakso, David Mellon, Chad John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 7300070
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention provide binding mounting systems for recreational boards. The board comprises a longitudinally extending chamber corresponding to each binding. The binding mounting system includes a slider assembly comprising a slider member, at least a portion of which is disposed to move longitudinally within the chamber and a slider retaining mechanism for engaging the slider member. The slider assembly is adjustable to a first configuration wherein the slider member is longitudinally moveable relative to the chamber and to a second configuration wherein the slider member is fixed relative to the chamber. The binding mounting system also comprises a binding positioned atop a rider support surface of the board and a binding retaining mechanism for engaging the slider and/or the slider retaining mechanism to couple the binding thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pelchat
  • Patent number: 7290785
    Abstract: The Angular Adjustment Mechanism for Snowboard Bindings positioned between the snowboard and boot bindings allows angular adjustment between the snowboard rider's boot bindings and the snowboard without the need for any tools or levers. The user can make adjustments at any time by weighting the board with either foot and lifting and rotating the opposite foot. A lifting action releases the mechanism allowing for the adjustment of angular orientation. Removal of the lifting force engages the locking mechanism preventing further angular movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Philip Allan Dixon
  • Patent number: 7290784
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of snow glide board, in particular a ski, with at least one binding, which is held on one snow glide board top side by locking sections interlocking behind undercuts on the snow glide board body, wherein open insertion apertures are provided on the top of the snow glide board for inserting the locking sections into the undercuts, each of which apertures pass into one undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Marker Volkl International GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Heil, Andreas Ametsbichler
  • Patent number: 7287776
    Abstract: A snowboard binding (1) including a base plate (2), arranged to receive the sole of the user's boot, and an element (5) for securing to the board located in the central part of the base plate, wherein the base plate (2) includes two plates (10, 11) for receiving the contact of the boot sole, these two plates (10, 11) partially overlapping and each having an adjustable longitudinal position, and wherein locking means (25) pass through the two plates (10, 11) in their overlap zones (14, 16) in order to anchor them in an element (5) for securing the base plate to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Papon
  • Patent number: 7284767
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a ski binding which can be positioned on a ski, the binding including two parts: a front jaw and a heel holder which can be moved in a sliding manner in the longitudinal direction of the ski in guiding mechanisms which are fixed to the ski, and are connected by a connecting element extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The position of one of the parts of the ski binding can be adjusted in relation to the connecting element, and the connecting element can be fixed in relation to the ski. The mutual position of the front jaw and the heel holder can be self-adjusted and fixed on the connecting element in such a way that the front jaw and the heel holder form, together with the connecting element, a pre-assembled unit which is separate from the ski, and which can be slid along the guiding mechanisms which are fixed to the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Alois Himmetsberger, Gernot Jahnel, Manfred Baumgartner, Karl Stritzl, Hubert Würthner
  • Patent number: 7275757
    Abstract: An arrangement for longitudinal adjustment of two binding jaws of a ski binding has base parts which are guided for longitudinal displacement on guide elements attached to the ski. Strip-shaped or similar connecting elements extend parallel to one another in the direction of the other binding jaw. A fixing device interacts with the connecting elements. Raised portions of the connecting elements can be brought into and out of engagement with raised portions of the fixing device upon actuation of the fixing device by a relative movement parallel to the upper side of the ski. If the arrangement is blocked with ice or snow, functioning is ensured because the raised portions which can be brought into and out of engagement with one another are oriented essentially vertically in relation to the upper side of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Hoesl, Christoph Wurm, Gernot Jahnel, Hubert Wuerthner, Franz Ollinger, Alois Himmetsberger
  • Patent number: 7267357
    Abstract: A multi-function binding system configured for use on a sliding board comprising: (a) a binding operable with a boot assembly, the binding comprising a support surface and toe and heel pieces; (b) a base assembly rotatably and removably secured to a deck of a sliding board and to releasably couple the binding, the base assembly comprising: (i) a support disc removably coupled to the deck of the sliding board and to secure the base assembly to the sliding board; (ii) a deck plate rotatable about the support disc and configured to be positioned adjacent the deck; (iii) a bonnet also rotatable about the support disc and configured to receive and engage the binding; (iv) an adjustment mechanism for rotational adjustment of the bonnet and the deck plate about the support disc with respect to the sliding board; (v) a coupler mechanism configured to releasably couple the binding to the base assembly, and therefore the boot system to the sliding board, thereby securing a user thereto; and (vi) a release for actuating
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Miller Sports International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Miller, Shane R. Barney, Brady S. Fox, Douglas K. Furr
  • Publication number: 20070170695
    Abstract: An assembly for binding a boot to a ski including a front retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which the front retaining element is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring, a rear retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which the rear retaining element is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring, and an additional release device that is electronically controllable and includes a mechanically controllable locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent DAMIANI, Philippe MIETTE, Jean-Francois MERINO, Pierre DESARMAUX
  • Publication number: 20070170696
    Abstract: An assembly for binding a boot to a ski, including a front retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which the front retaining element is subjected are greater than the prestress value of a first spring, a rear retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which the rear retaining element is subjected are greater than the prestress value of a second spring, the rear retaining element being mounted on a slide, and an electronically controllable additional release device. The additional release device includes a rotatable actuation mechanism, in the form of an electric motor. The additional release device includes a bar fixed to the rear retaining element or to the front retaining element, and is capable of moving longitudinally between an open position and a closed position, in reaction to the actuation of the additional release device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent DAMIANI, Philippe MIETTE