Patents Assigned to Flow Sports, Inc.
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Patent number: 9868503Abstract: A steering system for a vessel includes a tiller system having a tiller arm; a rudder system having a rudder; and a push rod system having a push rod linking the tiller arm to the rudder. Actuation of the tiller arm moves the rudder in an orientation providing directional control over the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Mark Raaphorst, Martin Giroud, Anthony Scaturro, Christoph Dworzak, Andres Martinez
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Patent number: 9248890Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to a standup paddle board system including a multi-hull board and a steering mechanism which can be activated by a user and assist in maneuvering the standup paddle board system. In addition, one or more moveable rudders can extend from a bottom surface of the multi-hull board and can change position in response to activation of the steering mechanism. In at least some variations, activation of the steering mechanism, such as a steering arm or tiller, can effectuate simultaneous movement of two or more moveable rudders.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Mark Raaphorst
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Patent number: 9125450Abstract: Disclosed is a boot system having an outer boot including a securing system and a superior end that includes a cuff; an inner boot sized to fit between the outer boot and a foot area of a user inserted in the boot system; and a harness system having a flexible panel and a lace slidably engaged with the panel. The inner boot includes a tension capture element coupled adjacent to a superior end of the inner boot. The harness system is removably secured to the outer boot.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Alex Zhao, Susanne Dachgruber, Lucien Vink
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Patent number: 8752857Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Roger Neiley, Anthony Scaturro
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Patent number: 8752845Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Mark Elkington
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Patent number: 8714579Abstract: A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Roger Neiley, Lucien Vink
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Publication number: 20140059893Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Roger Neiley
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Publication number: 20140042719Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Mark Elkington
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Patent number: 8556289Abstract: Described herein is a sports board for gliding over a surface. The board includes an upper structural layer having an outer surface, a lower structural layer, a core having an upper surface substantially covered by the upper structural layer and a lower surface substantially covered by the lower structural layer. The board also includes a deformable element covered by the core on an upper surface. A first portion of the deformable element protrudes a distance beneath the lower structural layer towards a horizontal plane of the surface underlying the sports board. The board also includes a base element substantially covering the lower structural layer and the deformable element and an edge component positioned at least in part around a perimeter of the base element. At least a portion of the deformable element can deform upon application of an amount of pressure against the base element.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Eric L. Luthardt
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Patent number: 8544870Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Mark Elkington
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Patent number: 8499475Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Roger Neiley
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Patent number: 8465044Abstract: A sports board, such as a snow board, has a board core structure that provides desired structural characteristics localized to select regions of the board while maintaining predictable produceability and optimum operating qualities of the board. In an embodiment, the sports board includes a plurality of layered elements or segments, of which certain elements or segments are joined using interlocking elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Scaturro, Eric Luthardt, Roger Neiley
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Patent number: 8376390Abstract: A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Roger Neiley, Lucien Vink
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Patent number: 8371605Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Roger Neiley, Anthony Scaturro
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Patent number: 8172252Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Mark Elkington
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Patent number: 8128117Abstract: A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Roger Neiley, Lucien Vink
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Patent number: 8016315Abstract: Disclosed is a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventors: Roger Neiley, Anthony Scaturro
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Patent number: 7891119Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.Inventor: Roger Neiley