Ankle Braces Patents (Class 280/11.36)
  • Patent number: 10271983
    Abstract: An ankle foot orthopaedic device (56) includes a first part (58) for association with a leg engaging item (72), a second part (60) for association with a foot engaging item (86) and a connector (62) for connecting the first part (58) to the second part (60). The connector (62) includes a first adjuster (66), which, in an adjustment condition, permits a first adjustment relative movement of the first part (58) and the second part (60) around a first device axis (150) of rotation. The connector (62) includes a second adjuster (64), which, in an adjustment condition, permits a second adjustment relative movement of the first part (58) and the second part (60) around a second device axis (144) of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: C-Pro Direct, Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip George Littleavon Morris
  • Patent number: 9717300
    Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY, LLC.
    Inventors: Scott Van Horne, David Wright Cruikshank
  • Patent number: 9656153
    Abstract: A skate boot of the type commonly used with a lower mounting frame for supporting one of an ice skating blade or rollers thereon, has a monocoque skate boot body. The monocoque skate boot body further supports i) a toe cap of dissimilar material thereon, ii) a tendon guard of dissimilar material fastened to a rear of the monocoque skate boot body, and iii) an anchor body of dissimilar material on the sole portion of the monocoque skate boot body for assisting securement of the lower mounting frame to the monocoque skate boot body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: VH Footwear Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Van Horne
  • Patent number: 9266010
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and apparatus relating to a touring snowboard binding comprising an adjustable lateral leverage device. In some embodiments, the adjustable lateral leverage device may comprise at least one first attachment generally at a top corner of a highback of a touring snowboard boot and at least one second attachment generally at an ankle portion of the binding. The adjustable tensioning element may extend generally diagonally between the at least one first attachment and the at least one second attachment such that when the tension in the adjustable lateral leverage device is increased the lateral support to the boot is increased proportionally and when the tension in the adjustable lateral leverage device is decreased the lateral support to the boot is decreased proportionally. Some embodiments also provide a touring snowboard boot comprising an adjustable leverage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Tyler G. Kloster, Bryce M. Kloster
  • Patent number: 8714567
    Abstract: A ski boot (1) includes an inner boot (1.1) that is designed to accommodate the skier's foot and a leading shell (1.2) that surrounds the inner boot (1.1), making it possible to hold the skier's ankle in place. This boot (1) also includes a calf support (3) attached to the shell (1.2) that is designed to accommodate the skier's calf, and a thigh support (5) that forms an angle (?) with the calf support (3) that is designed to accommodate the skier's thigh when the latter is in the bent position. Preferably, the boot includes a damping element (8, 23, 27) that is installed between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5), as well as elements (25, 26) for adjusting the angle (?) between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Hubert Fievet
  • Patent number: 8482417
    Abstract: A networked jump safety system and method for monitoring a jump area is described. The system comprises a safety analysis station connected via a network to least one monitoring station. The output of a sensor is analyzed at the safety analysis station to determine if it is safe for a rider to enter a jump area. A status corresponding to the determination is transmitted via the network from the safety analysis station to a light emitting output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: David Stewart
  • Patent number: 8448953
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aesthetic and functional skating boot for roller skates, ice skates or inline skates having a lace-less cowboy boot outward appearance. From the exterior, the skate boot resembles a slip-on cowboy boot, comprising a continuous vamp region connecting to a quarter region that provides stability for the user's ankles or alternatively shrouds an internal lacing structure. A skate wheel or blade frame is affixed to the boot outsole and heel lift, connecting to at least two regions of the boot for support of the frame. Interior ankle support within the boot quarter comprises either increased ankle padding or alternatively an internal tongue and lacing structure, similar to a standard pair of laceable skates. Further disclosed is a rear brake or wheelie bar mounted to the boot in the style of a boot spur. The boot provides a fashionable exterior with adequate ankle support, preserving their functional performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: John Wayne Feddersen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8342561
    Abstract: A binding with a medial and/or lateral side portion attached to a binding base and that can pivot or otherwise move about an axis that is generally along a heel-to-toe direction of the binding base. The medial and/or lateral side portions can form part of the binding sidewall and permit a rider to more freely move her feet in medial and/or lateral directions. One or more foot straps may engage with the medial and/or lateral side portions to secure a foot to the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond Robert Kavarsky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8164472
    Abstract: A jump safety system and method for monitoring a jump landing area is described. The system of examining a landing area associated with the jump includes a camera, a memory, a processor, an image processing module, and a light emitting output. The camera is positioned to generate a camera output that displays the landing area. The landing area has a declining slope angle that reduces a landing force in relation to the slope angle. The image processing module, which is controlled by the processor, determines a landing area clear status by analyzing the camera output and determining the landing area is clear of obstructions. A landing area obstruction status is determined by identifying that there is an obstruction in the landing area. The light emitting output communicates either the landing area clear status or the landing area obstruction status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: David James Stewart
  • Patent number: 8104786
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Core S.R.L.
    Inventor: Martino Fumagalli
  • Patent number: 7766364
    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: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Christopher M. Doyle, Gregory Aaron Dean, Florian Lang, Scott T. Keller, Matt Windt
  • Patent number: 7694994
    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: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Florian Lang, Christopher Cunningham, Christopher Doyle, Gregory Aaron Dean, Scott Keller
  • Patent number: 7669880
    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: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Doyle, Ryan Larson, Gregory Dean, Florian Lang
  • Patent number: 7566062
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of at least two distinct materials with different stiffnesses to achieve a desired blend of stiffness and flexibility. The highback may employ a material of greater stiffness in one or more regions to provide high force transmission between the rider and the board. The highback may employ a material of lesser stiffness in one or more regions where flexibility is desired for more gradual power transmission, comfort and/or to facilitate highback adjustability. The arrangement of the different materials provides a lightweight highback with a relatively sleek profile having selected regions of stiffness and/or flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Reuss, David J. Dodge, Ryan Coulter, Markus Koller, James D. Laughlin, Brian West
  • 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: 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: 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: 20080185799
    Abstract: The present invention provides a training device for attaining proper body alignment for jumps. The device comprises footwear (for example, a skate) and an ankle wrap. The ankle wrap may be a permanent part of the skate or may be releasably attached to the skate. The ankle wrap is constructed of neoprene and comprises a repositionable holder, an instep strap, a hook and loop two-part fastening system, and two lateral portions. The repositionable holder has a hook and loop two-part fastening system and a mesh pocket that holds a sound box. When the jumper achieves proper ankle contact, a sound is emitted from the sound box. Such sounding alerts the jumper that proper body alignment was achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Audrey K. Weisiger
  • Patent number: 7357405
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding board, in particular alpine ski or snowboard, with a sliding-board basic body and a binding-receiving plate. According to the invention, the binding-receiving plate is integrated as a supporting part in the central region of the sliding-board basic body, in which it is used, by being surrounded positively at the sides by raised regions of the sliding-board basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Blizzard Sport GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Leitner
  • Patent number: 7278651
    Abstract: A binding for a snowboard where one band has one end mounted on the one-side rising portion of a base plate and another end connected to one end of another band. The another band has another end mounted on the other-side rising using a connecting member. A structure for mounting the bands onto the rising portion includes a hole formed in the bands, a plurality of holes each having a hook groove respectively formed in the rising portion, a pin including a projection to be inserted into the hook groove, a lever disposed on the pin for rotating the pin, and an arc-shaped groove formed in a desired depth portion of each of the plurality of holes with a hook groove coaxially with the same hole and in communication with the hook groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Carmate Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Naito, Tosiaki Sato, Yosinori Uchie
  • Patent number: 7237794
    Abstract: A snowboard binding having a base element that can be fastened to the top of a snowboard. At least one instep element extends over part of a snowboard boot fastened to the base element. The instep element is movable along at least one arc-like path to improve mobility of the boot in the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Goodwell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Elkington, Ralph Kohler
  • Patent number: 7204495
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of at least two distinct materials with different stiffnesses to achieve a desired blend of stiffness and flexibility. The highback may employ a material of greater stiffness in one or more regions to provide high force transmission between the rider and the board. The highback may employ a material of lesser stiffness in one or more regions where flexibility is desired for more gradual power transmission, comfort and/or to facilitate highback adjustability. The arrangement of the different materials provides a lightweight highback with a relatively sleek profile having selected regions of stiffness and/or flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Reuss, David J. Dodge, Ryan Coulter, Markus Koller, James D. Laughlin, Brian West
  • Patent number: 7077403
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member including at least two portions that are to be contacted by and to support a rear portion of the rider's leg and that are movable relative to each other for setting a desired forward lean of the highback. The support member may include a lower portion with a pair of mounting locations for mounting the highback to a gliding board component, such as a snowboard binding, and an upper portion movably supported by the lower portion to vary the forward lean of the highback. The lower portion of the support member may be mounted to a snowboard binding baseplate for lateral rotation between a plurality of lateral positions. The highback may include a forward lean adjuster that prevents the upper portion from moving in the heel direction beyond a predetermined forward lean position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Laughlin, David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 7029023
    Abstract: A snowboard binding is provided having a base to accommodate the boot of the user and keep it in a fixed position on the base; and a highback. The highback is adapted to allow the leg of a user to articulate through a range of motion. Attached to the highback is a system of springs or elastic members for returning the leg of the user to a neutral position relative to the board in the absence of an applied counterforce. For example, the highback can be attached to the base in such a manner as to allow the highback to articulate in a range extending from a forward position to a neutral position, and optionally to a rearward position, the neutral position being disposed between the forward position and any rearward position. In this binding, a tensioning member is affixed to the highback in such a manner as to resist articulation of the highback to the forward or the rearward position, and to apply a force to the highback to return it to the neutral position in the absence of an applied counterforce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: Raymond D. Fougere
  • Patent number: 6866287
    Abstract: A quick-fit system of a shoe on a snowboard where the hell-piece also serves as locking detents and unlocking cam for the system maintaining the shoe in its fixing element. The heel-piece is divided in its lower part into two branches each interlocked to a wing of the base by a pin. The lower part of the branches are urged to be housed in a notch with matching shape, located on the shoe or heel support linked thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Frédéric Dat
  • Publication number: 20040169343
    Abstract: A snowboard binding is provided having a base to accommodate the boot of the user and keep it in a fixed position on the base; and a highback. The highback is adapted to allow the leg of a user to articulate through a range of motion. Attached to the highback is a system of springs or elastic members for returning the leg of the user to a neutral position relative to the board in the absence of an applied counterforce. For example, the highback can be attached to the base in such a manner as to allow the highback to articulate in a range extending from a forward position to a neutral position, and optionally to a rearward position, the neutral position being disposed between the forward position and any rearward position. In this binding, a tensioning member is affixed to the highback in such a manner as to resist articulation of the highback to the forward or the rearward position, and to apply a force to the highback to return it to the neutral position in the absence of an applied counterforce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond D. Fougere
  • Patent number: 6758488
    Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James Laughlin, David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 6739615
    Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a snowboard binding including a base having a toe end and a heel end, and a guide that is adapted to guide a snowboard boot back toward the heel end of the base when the snowboard boot is stepped into the binding. Another embodiment is directed to a snowboard; binding including a baseplate and a heel hoop hinged for rotation relative to the baseplate. A further embodiment is directed a snowboard binding to mount a snowboard boot to a snowboard, the snowboard boot including at least one pin extending from medial and lateral sides thereof. The snowboard binding comprises a base having medial and lateral sides; a pair of engagement cams each mounted to one of the medial and lateral sides for rotation between open and closed positions; at least one lever to move the pair of engagement cams from the closed position to the open position; and a cocking mechanism that is adapted to maintain the pair of engagement cams in the open position upon release of the at least one lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul T. Maravetz, James Laughlin, Frank Phillips, Joshua S. Reid, David J. Dodge, David L. Perry
  • Patent number: 6736413
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member including at least two portions that are to be contacted by and to support a rear portion of the rider's leg and that are movable relative to each other for setting a desired forward lean of the highback. The support member may include a lower portion with a pair of mounting locations for mounting the highback to a gliding board component, such as a snowboard binding, and an upper portion movably supported by the lower portion to vary the forward lean of the highback. The highback may include a forward lean adjuster that that prevents the upper portion from moving in the heel direction beyond a predetermined forward lean position. The forward lean adjuster may be coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion of the highback to maintain the upper portion in the selected forward lean position independent of the gliding board component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Laughlin, David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 6729642
    Abstract: A ski boot binding for snowboards includes a base (4) to which a back piece (10) is pivotally mounted. The back piece (10) extends upward from the base and supports the user's ankle. The degree to which the back piece flexes affects an amount of support which it provides to the user's ankle. A reinforcement (22) is mounted on a central part of a rear face (19) of the back piece. The reinforcement is adjustably mounted for vertical movement relative to the back piece to adjust the flexibility of the back piece, hence the amount of rearward ankle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol SA
    Inventors: Philippe Gouzes, Olivier Haupt
  • Patent number: 6672610
    Abstract: A binding in particular a step-in binding, for retaining a soft boot on a sliding device, in particular a snowboard, having retaining elements for the boot and having a calf support (8) which can be pivoted into snowboarding and step-in positions and, via a tread element (9) which is connected to it and is within reach of the boot, can be moved into the snowboarding position, in which the calf support (8) is secured against accidentally pivoting out of the snowboarding position. In the snowboarding position, with the tread element (9) subjected to loading, the calf support (8) can be supported, on binding-mounted supporting parts (20), against pivoting on its pivoting bolt (10) into the step-in position. As a result of the tread element (9) being relieved of loading, in order to eliminate the support, the calf support (8) can be displaced, in particular automatically, in relation to the bolt (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: HTM Sport- und Freizeitgeräte Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Henry Freisinger, Karl Stritzl, Franz Ollinger, Hubert Würthner, Gernot Jahnel, Raimund Premauer, Helmut Brandt, Alois Himmetsberger
  • Patent number: 6648365
    Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James Laughlin, David J. Dodge
  • Publication number: 20030193151
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of at least two distinct materials with different stiffnesses to achieve a desired blend of stiffness and flexibility. The highback may employ a material of greater stiffness in one or more regions to provide high force transmission between the rider and the board. The highback may employ a material of lesser stiffness in one or more regions where flexibility is desired for more gradual power transmission, comfort and/or to facilitate highback adjustability. The arrangement of the different materials provides a lightweight highback with a relatively sleek profile having selected regions of stiffness and/or flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Stefan Reuss, David J. Dodge, Ryan Coulter, Markus Koller, James D. Laughlin, Brian West
  • Patent number: 6631919
    Abstract: A highback includes a wing-shaped leg support adjustably extending therefrom that cooperates with a rider's leg to transmit forces from the rider's leg to the highback. The support is movable between a plurality of positions relative to the highback so that the position of the support may be selectively adjustable by the rider to accommodate the rider's particular riding preferences. The adjustable support facilitates the selection of desired force transmission to the board and may enhance board control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian West, Ryan Coulter, Stefan Reuss
  • Patent number: 6595541
    Abstract: A short ski comprises a base 10 having a pair of side walls 16 on which a pair of arms 11, which hold an ankle belt 12, and a foot belt 13 are mounted. Means are provided for adjusting and fixing the belts 12, 13 so as to accommodate shoes of most different types and sizes and avoid the need for special ski boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Marcus Kuchler
  • Patent number: 6595529
    Abstract: An improved hinge system for pivotally coupling a skate lower portion to a skate upper cuff. The multi-hinge design incorporates a four link chain mechanism that greatly increases the number of design options for a hinged boot. The pivot axis defined by the four link chain can be designed to shift through a path of travel that generally coincides with the path of travel of the anatomical pivot axis defined by the user's foot and leg. The upper cuff and boot lower portion account for two of the four links of the four link mechanism. The other two links are either rigid bars with pin connections on both the upper cuff and the lower portion, or roller links with a pin connection to the upper and a slot like sliding surface on the lower portion. A slider link can be substituted for the roller and a slide surface can be substituted for the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur G. Erdman
  • Publication number: 20030075885
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member including at least two portions that are to be contacted by and to support a rear portion of the rider's leg and that are movable relative to each other for setting a desired forward lean of the highback. The support member may include a lower portion with a pair of mounting locations for mounting the highback to a gliding board component, such as a snowboard binding, and an upper portion movably supported by the lower portion to vary the forward lean of the highback. The highback may include a forward lean adjuster that that prevents the upper portion from moving in the heel direction beyond a predetermined forward lean position. The forward lean adjuster may be coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion of the highback to maintain the upper portion in the selected forward lean position independent of the gliding board component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: James D. Laughlin, David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 6543793
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of at least two distinct materials with different stiffnesses to achieve desired blend of stiffness and flexibility. The highback may employ a material of greater stiffness in one or more regions to provide high force transmission between the rider and the board. The highback may employ a material of lesser stiffness in one or more regions where flexibility is desired for more gradual power transmission, comfort and/or to facilitate highback adjustability. The arrangement of the different materials provides a lightweight highback with a relatively sleek profile having selected regions of stiffness and/or flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Reuss, David J. Dodge, Ryan Coulter, Markus Koller, James D. Laughlin, Brian West
  • Patent number: 6520511
    Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a gliding board adapted to snowboarding. The device includes a base, an arrangement to retain the boot on the base, and a rear support element, the latter having at least one lateral lug, The device has at least one friction plate that projects at least partially with respect to an inner surface of the lug, the friction plate having a friction structure provided to oppose the separation of the upper with respect to a front surface of the rear support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-François Gonthier
  • Patent number: 6508476
    Abstract: Highback for a snowboard binding intended to come into contact with the rear part of the user's boot in order to withstand the back thrusts thereof, having a median longitudinal plane of symmetry, which has a stiffer region located asymmetrically with regard to the median longitudinal plane of symmetry of the highback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Joubert Des Ouches
  • Patent number: 6457736
    Abstract: A system is provided for automatically activating a boot-mountable highback between a walk mode and a ride position. In the walk mode, the highback is unrestrained, permitting the boot to flex freely, and consequently allowing the rider to walk comfortably. In the ride position, the highback is tilted toward the toe portion of a boot and prevented from movement in the heel direction beyond a preselected forward lean position, so that leg movement in the heel direction is transmitted through the highback into a gliding board. The highback is adjusted between the walk mode and the ride position simply by stepping into or out of a binding attached to a snowboard. Activation and deactivation of the highback may be achieved through direct or indirect interaction with a board-mounted actuator that may be attached to the binding. A forward lean adjuster may be provided that allows a rider to preselect the amount of forward lean attained when the highback is activated into the ride position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul T. Maravetz, David J. Dodge, Franklin S. Phillips, Steven C. McDonald, James D. Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20020110793
    Abstract: The invention relates to body supports and teaching aids particular for use during skiing. Skiing to greater or to lesser degrees imposes strains on the muscles of the skier causing fatigue and encouraging a skier to adopt an incorrect stance or posture not conducive to good and correct skiing. The object of the invention is to provide a simple and effective body support and teaching aid that is effective during skiing and does not need to be removed during a temporary cessation of activity but allows substantial freedom of movement of the legs during walking and sitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Owen Eastwood
  • Patent number: 6382641
    Abstract: A step-in binding system (20) for securing a boot (24) to a snowboard (22). The boot includes a sole defining a toe end, a heel end, and a binding attachment surfaces (46 and 50). The boot also has an elongate, substantially U-shaped highback (28) mounted to the exterior of the boot in the calf area thereof and extending from the ankle area to the top of the boot. The step-in binding system includes a toe and heel binding (62 and 64) attached to the snowboard for receiving and securing the boot to the snowboard. The step-in binding system also includes a lever arm (66) attached to the heel binding for selectively releasing the boot from the binding. A lean support member (68) is fastened near the rearward end of the binding for engagement with a stopper block (29) secured to the highback to define a minimum forward lean angle of the boot and to limit the aft flexure of the ankle support portion of the boot when the boot is received within the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Dennis, John D. Martin, Cameron W. Andrus, Andy J. Aiken, Cory W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6283492
    Abstract: One or more energy transfer or resistance elements are attached to a snowboard binding in order to provide gradually increasing resistance and improve performance. According to one embodiment, the resistance element can includes a housing containing a spring and an adjuster block. A bolt is passed through the spring and threaded into the adjuster block for setting a desired amount of tensioning. The angle of a highback is adjusted by a lean adjuster which is also threaded into the adjuster block. According to another embodiment, the resistance element is a strap having an expandable portion. In another embodiment, the strap is combined with the spring in order to provide energy transfer. In yet another embodiment, the resistance element includes a torsion spring. A step-in system as well as an after-market attachment are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Noah W. Hale
  • Patent number: 6273450
    Abstract: A retention device for a boot on a glide board adapted to be used for snowboarding. The device includes a base adapted to receive the sole of the boot, and a dorsal support element on which the upper of the boot is adapted to take support, a raised portion of the heel support extending the base upwardly towards the rear of device, the dorsal support element including a top part, a bottom part connected to the base, the top and bottom parts being relatively stiff. An intermediate deformable part of the dorsal support element is located between the top and bottom parts, the intermediate part allowing an inclination of the top part with respect to the bottom part along at least one transverse direction of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Salomon, S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Challande, Cedric Ragot
  • Publication number: 20010011809
    Abstract: A sensor retainer for a bicycle sprocket assembly includes an annular member for mounting and rotating coaxially with the bicycle sprocket assembly and a sensor element fixed to the annular member. Alternatively, the sensor retainer may include a fixing member for mounting a derailleur or other transmission to a bicycle frame and a sensor element mounted to the fixing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Masahiko Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6270110
    Abstract: A snowboard binding for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard. According to one aspect of the invention, the binding comprises a base, a first engagement member that is movably mounted to the base and is adapted to engage a first lateral side of the boot, and a second engagement member that is movably mounted to the base and is adapted to engage a second lateral side of the boot opposite the first lateral side of the boot. According to another aspect of the invention, the snowboard binding includes a high-back leg support mounted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James Laughlin, David J. Dodge