Patents by Inventor Jean-Francois Merino

Jean-Francois Merino has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8936252
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety binding for skiing, including a toe piece that includes a body mounted to slide vertically relative to a front mounting base connected to the ski and defining an upper stop for a boot; a device for adjusting the vertical position of the body, which can be manipulated by the skier in the area of the upper portion of the body; at least one lever pivotally mounted relative to the body about a substantially vertical axis between a retaining position and a release position of a boot; and a spring mounted transversely in the body and biasing the lever toward its boot-retaining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-François Merino, Laurent Marechal
  • Patent number: 8714578
    Abstract: Safety binding for the practice of ski touring, including a baseplate having a rear end and a front end, the baseplate being adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a ski; a rear base adapted to be fixed to the ski; a heel lift capable of taking at least a support position in which the heel lift limits the rotation of the baseplate, and a storage position in which the heel lift does not limit the rotation of the baseplate; and a mechanism enabling the baseplate to be alternatively fixed to and released from the rear base. The mechanism includes a locking device capable of switching from a first closed position to a second open position. The binding also includes a release member having an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, the bias of the actuation surface thereof driving the locking device toward the second open position; and a return member biases the locking device toward their first closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent Marechal, Jean-François Merino
  • Patent number: 8579317
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a binding for retaining a boot on a gliding board, such as a ski, which includes a retaining device, a lower abutment surface, and a vertical spacer. The retaining device supports an upper abutment surface adapted to be in contact with at least one upper surface of a front portion of the boot. The lower abutment surface is adapted to be in contact with at least a portion of the sole of the boot. The lower abutment surface is connected to the retaining device so as to define an engagement height for the boot corresponding to the difference in height between the upper abutment surface and the lower abutment surface. The vertical spacer is rigid and includes a predetermined adjustment height. The vertical spacer is arranged relative to the retaining device and the lower abutment surface, so that the adjustment height of the vertical spacer makes it possible to adjust the engagement height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-François Merino, Daniel Soldan
  • Publication number: 20130026736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a binding for a boot on a ski, including a toe-piece, a connection member having a front end secured to the ski and a rear end, the connection member being provided with a hook-engagement structure, a rear base adapted to be attached to the ski and a hooking mechanism associated with the rear base. The hooking mechanism includes a gripping member which is movable with respect to the rear base and is capable of moving into a first position in which it engages the hook-engagement structure of the connection member so as to limit a vertical movement of the rear end of the connection member, and a first return member exerting a force on the gripping member so as to move the latter toward the toe-piece. The binding also includes a heel-piece connected to the rear portion of the connection member. The longitudinal position of the heel-piece in relation to the connection member is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent Marechal, Pierre Szafranski, Jean-François Merino
  • Publication number: 20120104707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety binding for skiing, including a toe piece that includes a body mounted to slide vertically relative to a front mounting base connected to the ski and defining an upper stop for a boot; a device for adjusting the vertical position of the body, which can be manipulated by the skier in the area of the upper portion of the body; at least one lever pivotally mounted relative to the body about a substantially vertical axis between a retaining position and a release position of a boot; and a spring mounted transversely in the body and biasing the lever toward its boot-retaining position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-François MERINO, Laurent MARECHAL
  • Publication number: 20110291386
    Abstract: Safety binding for the practice of ski touring, including a baseplate having a rear end and a front end, the baseplate being adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a ski; a rear base adapted to be fixed to the ski; a heel lift capable of taking at least a support position in which the heel lift limits the rotation of the baseplate, and a storage position in which the heel lift does not limit the rotation of the baseplate; and a mechanism enabling the baseplate to be alternatively fixed to and released from the rear base. The mechanism includes a locking device capable of switching from a first closed position to a second open position. The binding also includes a release member having an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, the bias of the actuation surface thereof driving the locking device toward the second open position; and a return member biases the locking device toward their first closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent MARECHAL, Jean-François MERINO
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080136157
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the connection between a user and a gliding or rolling apparatus on which the user is retained by a releasable retaining system, i.e., such as between a skier and ski by means of a ski binding. According to the method, the values of at least two flexion and torsion angles between the user's upper leg and lower leg are measured and the values of these angles in relation with the angles that indicate a critical posture of the user are considered, and the release of the retaining system is caused if the angle values measured exceed the indicative values. The device includes a member for measuring at least two angles and a processing circuit in relation with a table of indicative values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent DAMIANI, Jean-Francois MERINO, Pierre DESARMAUX
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7073812
    Abstract: An assembly for retaining a boot on a gliding board having a release block with at least one jaw for retaining a member for fastening the boot, the jaw being movable between a closed position in which it retains the fastening member and an open position in which it releases the fastening member, the jaw being maintained in the closed position by a movable latch. The movement of the latch is controlled by a source of pneumatic energy, with the exclusion of any other energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Rigal, Jean-François Merino
  • Patent number: 6983951
    Abstract: A gliding board in the form of a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer, possibly borders by lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Salomon, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-François Merino, Laurent Damiani
  • Publication number: 20050206131
    Abstract: A gliding board in the form of a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer, possibly borders by lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Merino, Laurent Damiani
  • Publication number: 20040124609
    Abstract: A gliding board in the form of a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer, possibly borders by lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Merino, Laurent Damiani
  • Publication number: 20040113393
    Abstract: An assembly for retaining a boot on a gliding board having a release block with at least one jaw for retaining a member for fastening the boot, the jaw being movable between a closed position in which it retains the fastening member and an open position in which it releases the fastening member, the jaw being maintained in the closed position by a movable latch. The movement of the latch is controlled by a source of pneumatic energy, with the exclusion of any other energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Rigal, Jean-Francois Merino
  • Patent number: 6688632
    Abstract: A gliding board including a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer possibly edged with lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-François Merino, Laurent Damiani
  • Patent number: 6585282
    Abstract: The invention relates to an element for retaining a boot on a ski including a body and a retaining jaw that are generally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal and vertical median plane, the jaw being biased by a return spring housed in the body, the return spring being connected to the jaw by an anchor having two lateral arms, a central strap and a central fork having two teeth, the spring elastically maintaining the arms of the anchor in support against two retaining pins affixed to the body, the jaw having a median pin engaged between the two teeth of the fork. At least one of the elements of the anchor, which are the arms, the strap and the fork, is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and vertical median plane defined by the body and the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-François Merino, Philippe Miette, Daniel Soldan, Gilles Renaud-Goud, Pascal Thomas
  • Patent number: 6585283
    Abstract: An element for retaining a boot on a skid, the retention element including a base provided to be affixedly connected to the ski, overlaid by a body, a jaw having two independent retaining wings journalled to the body about a vertical axle, the wings having, beyond their journal axle, a tip exerting an action by pressure on the head of a movable tie rod biased by a spring. A rocker, journalled with respect to the base, is inserted between the tips and the head of the tie rod, the tips being in support against an arm of the rocker, and the rocker being mounted asymmetrically with respect to the base or the tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-François Merino, Philippe Miette, Daniel Soldan, Gilles Renaud-Goud, Pascal Thomas
  • Patent number: 6457735
    Abstract: An element for retaining a boot on a ski provided to releasably retain one of the ends of a boot by means of a jaw movable laterally on either side of a centered position aligned with a longitudinal and vertical median plane of the retaining element, and a compensating mechanism acting on the jaw or its return mechanism so as to further facilitate its opening, where the compensating mechanism includes two active elements, either of which are biased as a function of the side where the jaw moves with respect to the vertical and longitudinal median plane. The two active elements are asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and vertical median plane, such that the compensating mechanism is more or less active depending on the active element biased as a function of the side on which the jaw moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-François Merino
  • Publication number: 20020011717
    Abstract: A gliding board including a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer possibly edged with lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Merino, Laurent Damiani
  • Publication number: 20010038194
    Abstract: An element for retaining a boot on a skid, the retention element including a base provided to be affixedly connected to the ski, overlaid by a body, a jaw having two independent retaining wings journalled to the body about a vertical axle, the wings having, beyond their journal axle, a tip exerting an action by pressure on the head of a movable tie rod biased by a spring A rocker, journalled with respect to the base, is inserted between the tips and the head of the tie rod, the tips being in support against an arm of the rocker, and the rocker being mounted asymmetrically with respect to the base or the tips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Merino, Philippe Miette, Daniel Soldan, Gilles Renaud-Goud, Pascal Thomas