Patents Assigned to SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
  • Publication number: 20230191234
    Abstract: The splitboard fastening system is for use with a splitboard having first and second splitboard skis. The splitboard fastening system includes an adjustable crossbar attachment, configured to be coupled to the first splitboard ski, and including a crossbar having an engagement interface that is adjustable relative to a center seam of the splitboard. A rotatable lever attachment is configured to be coupled to the second splitboard ski, and includes a post, defining an axis of rotation, and coupled to a lever. Wherein, in a locked configuration, the post exerts a lateral force against the engagement interface of the crossbar based upon rotation of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Patent number: 11577150
    Abstract: A splitboard fastening system is disclosed herein. The splitboard fastening system comprises a crossbar comprising a shear bushing interface and a hook, an eccentric post coupled to a lever and configured to engage an inside edge of the hook in response to rotation of the lever, and a shear bushing configured to engage the shear bushing interface, wherein the crossbar is configured to be coupled to a first splitboard ski, and wherein the eccentric post and the shear bushing are configured to be independently coupled to a second splitboard ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Patent number: 11413517
    Abstract: A nose clip and a tail clip for a splitboard ski assembly may each comprise at least three hooks. The nose clip and the tail clip may be adaptable to various splitboard ski designs. A stretcher for a skin assembly may be configured to interface with the tail clip. The tail clip may comprise at least two elongated apertures defining a rail. The stretcher may be configured to interface with the rail via friction and/or secure a skin assembly to a splitboard ski assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20210228971
    Abstract: A nose clip and a tail clip for a splitboard ski assembly may each comprise at least three hooks. The nose clip and the tail clip may be adaptable to various splitboard ski designs. A stretcher for a skin assembly may be configured to interface with the tail clip. The tail clip may comprise at least two elongated apertures defining a rail. The stretcher may be configured to interface with the rail via friction and/or secure a skin assembly to a splitboard ski assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20210220721
    Abstract: A splitboard fastening system is disclosed herein. The splitboard fastening system comprises a crossbar comprising a shear bushing interface and a hook, an eccentric post coupled to a lever and configured to engage an inside edge of the hook in response to rotation of the lever, and a shear bushing configured to engage the shear bushing interface, wherein the crossbar is configured to be coupled to a first splitboard ski, and wherein the eccentric post and the shear bushing are configured to be independently coupled to a second splitboard ski.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Patent number: 10974124
    Abstract: A splitboard fastening system is disclosed herein. The splitboard fastening system comprises a crossbar comprising a shear bushing interface and a hook, an eccentric post coupled to a lever and configured to engage an inside edge of the hook in response to rotation of the lever, and a shear bushing configured to engage the shear bushing interface, wherein the crossbar is configured to be coupled to a first splitboard ski, and wherein the eccentric post and the shear bushing are configured to be independently coupled to a second splitboard ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20200222786
    Abstract: A splitboard fastening system is disclosed herein. The splitboard fastening system comprises a crossbar comprising a shear bushing interface and a hook, an eccentric post coupled to a lever and configured to engage an inside edge of the hook in response to rotation of the lever, and a shear bushing configured to engage the shear bushing interface, wherein the crossbar is configured to be coupled to a first splitboard ski, and wherein the eccentric post and the shear bushing are configured to be independently coupled to a second splitboard ski.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Patent number: 10335665
    Abstract: A latching device that can latch two splitboard skis together over their lengthwise common edge. The latching device accommodates variation in the distance between latching device mounting holes. The latching device rotates about a fastener assembly secured through one of the latching device mounting holes through the first of the two splitboard skis. A slot in the latching device, engages a second fastener assembly by tension between the outside edge of the slot and the lengthwise common edge between the splitboard skis. The slot includes a series of detents that can engage the second fastener assembly. The detents are distanced progressively closer to the axis of rotation of the latching device to accommodate various distances between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 10092816
    Abstract: An improved highback adjustment system for a splitboard boot binding. A captive strut is mounted on the spine of the highback, the strut having a forward lean adjustor block such that rotation or sliding of the block lengthens or shortens the strut. The combination provides a broadly adjustable range of forward lean bias in small increments and the block is readily disengaged and stowed on the highback when not needed. Advantageously, the mechanism that can be operated and adjusted without tools, even with gloved hands, a significant benefit in winter conditions, and does not jam with snow. Methods of use of the improved forward lean adjustor and highback are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 10035058
    Abstract: A boot binding system for a splitboard that can include a latch pedal mechanism at an end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests. The latch pedal can have a dual function: either to attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface, or to attach each boot binding to a ski tour interface. In a “release position” the latch pedal is disengaged allowing the baseplate assembly to alternate between the ski tour interface and the ride mode interface. In a “lock position,” the rider depresses the latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. The latch pedal is held down by the rider's boot when in the lock position, contributing to the system's lightness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Publication number: 20170368446
    Abstract: An improved highback adjustment system for a splitboard boot binding. A captive strut is mounted on the spine of the highback, the strut having a forward lean adjustor block such that rotation or sliding of the block lengthens or shortens the strut. The combination provides a broadly adjustable range of forward lean bias in small increments and the block is readily disengaged and stowed on the highback when not needed. Advantageously, the mechanism that can be operated and adjusted without tools, even with gloved hands, a significant benefit in winter conditions, and does not jam with snow. Methods of use of the improved forward lean adjustor and highback are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Patent number: 9782664
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ankle strap and a toe strap that secures snowboard or splitboard rider's boots to corresponding boot bindings. The straps are generally made from a one-piece molding that includes indented portions on the outside surface of the molding that creates corresponding outdented portions on the boot-facing surface for cushioning. The indented portions are bound by ribs, the ribs forming a continuous interconnected rib structure. As the outdented portions flex, the continuous interconnected rib structure helps the strap maintain its shape and structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Publication number: 20160279505
    Abstract: An improved highback adjustment system for a splitboard boot binding. A captive strut is mounted on the spine of the highback, the strut having a forward lean adjustor block such that rotation or sliding of the block lengthens or shortens the strut. The combination provides a broadly adjustable range of forward lean bias in small increments and the block is readily disengaged and stowed on the highback when not needed. Advantageously, the mechanism that can be operated and adjusted without tools, even with gloved hands, a significant benefit in winter conditions, and does not jam with snow. Methods of use of the improved forward lean adjustor and highback are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Publication number: 20160199722
    Abstract: A splitboard boot binding system with single multi-angle climbing wire. The pivotable climbing wire is configured for use with any compatible ski tour interface, and folds away under the boot binding baseplate when the bindings are transferred to a ride mode interface. In ski tour mode, the baseplate pivots on a toe axis and is supported by the climbing wire when the heel is raised. Advantageously, the climbing wire is very lightweight and seats interchangeably in a plurality of detent positions on a compatible heelblock. There are no interferences with conjoint use of a slide-in crampon seated between the heelblock and the toe pivot or with use in systems having a heel locker. Surprisingly, in some combinations the climbing wire may also be used to retain the slider track in ride mode. The combinations and sub-combinations require no tools for adjustment or operation and operate cooperatively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicant: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J Ritter