Patents by Inventor Terry E. O'Connell

Terry E. O'Connell 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: 7104564
    Abstract: A sliding plate supports a heel (or toe or both) binding member on a ski. By depressing a remote switch the skier activates a linear actuator on the ski, thereby releasing a latch which allows a stored energy source to force a rear lock arm assembly to pivot upward. By the pivoting upward of the central pivot joint between the forward and rear lock arms, the overall length of the lock arm assembly is reduced. The sliding plate is attached to one end of the lock arm assembly. Thus, when the lock arm assembly is remotely actuated into the release mode, and shortened, the sliding plate pulls its ski binding member and increases the distance between the ski binding members, thereby releasing the boot from the ski binding members even in a backward fall. Other spring activated embodiments include a piston release assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventors: Ralph M. Martin, Terry E. O'Connell, Scott M. Nathanson
  • Patent number: 6769711
    Abstract: Downhill ski bindings are mounted with the toe and/or heel piece mounted to a moveable track. For a quick release even backward, a ski pole handle button is depressed. A signal reaches a receiver on the ski. The receiver activates an actuator which pulls the track, thereby enlarging a mounting distance for the boot. The boot is released since the binding system is instantly sized too big for the boot. Gas and spring release mechanisms are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph M. Martin, Terry E. O'Connell