Bindings Pivot About Vertical Axis Patents (Class 280/14.24)
  • Patent number: 11426647
    Abstract: Splitboard binding systems including a binding that may be attached to either a left or right gliding board in a ski mode or to both gliding boards in a snowboard mode. The binding includes left and right bottom rails attached to the bottom surface of a base plate, which define channels for slidable attachment to “pucks” disposed on the gliding board in snowboard mode. Each rail has a circular bore at a forward end for attachment to a counterpart pivot pin on a ski mode toe bracket in a ski mode by a sideways movement. A securing lever is disposed on an upper surface of the toe bracket. When the securing lever is rotated into a securing position, an end of the securing lever prevents removal of the pivot pin from the rail bore. Rotating the securing lever to a removal position allows the binding to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Voile Manufacturing
    Inventors: Mark Wariakois, Eric Christensen
  • Patent number: 11117042
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to splitboard bindings. The splitboard bindings can be used to change a splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The bindings can have a first interface and a second interface configured to engage and disengage. The interfaces can be configured such that a binding has large clearances for easy transitions. The first interface can be configured with a locking mechanism. The second interface can be configured to remove large clearances between the first interface and second interface, when the locking mechanism of the first interface is engaged with the second interface, allowing the first interface to attach tightly to the second interface and splitboard to improve the ride of the splitboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • Patent number: 10702762
    Abstract: A snowboard boot and binding system is disclosed which facilitates the engagement and disengagement of a snowboard boot and binding. The snowboard boot may include a boot engagement member extending from a rear of the boot. The boot engagement member is moved downwardly into a corresponding binding engagement member to provide an arrangement which prevents forward movement of the boot. The boot engagement member also may include one or more serrations to engage with one or more pawls on the binding to prevent upward movement of the boot. A snap-in arrangement may be provided in a boot toe region. The boot has protrusions extending outwardly from each side of the boot to engage with catches on the binding sidewalls. As the boot is pressed downwardly into the binding, the protrusions splay the catches until reaching recesses, at which point the catches rebound to capture the protrusions against upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Robert Kavarsky, Jr., Christopher M. Doyle, Scott T. Keller
  • Patent number: 10525325
    Abstract: A binding system includes a base plate and a strap. The strap has a first end and a second end, the first end being affixed relative to the base plate. A strap adjustment assembly is mounted to the base plate. The second end of the strap is connectable to the strap adjustment assembly such that the strap adjustment assembly is operable to at least one of automatically tighten the strap relative to the base plate and automatically loosen the strap relative to the base plate in response to an input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Ethan W. Koppel
  • Patent number: 10258862
    Abstract: A rotating binding for a snowboard or other recreational equipment to which a user's foot is attached includes a lever having teeth at one end for engaging corresponding teeth in a disk attached to the snowboard or other equipment. Movement of the lever is resisted until an additional movement of the lever is performed in order to unsecure the lever from a secured position in which it engages the teeth within the disk. Some examples of the snowboard or other recreational equipment may include retractable fins that may be extended downward from the snowboard, or secured in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: SPECTRE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Mohler, Jonathan Mohler, Daniel Yates, Matthew Barus
  • Patent number: 10179272
    Abstract: A snowboard boot and binding system is disclosed which facilitates the engagement and disengagement of a snowboard boot and binding. The snowboard boot may include a boot engagement member extending from a rear of the boot. The boot engagement member is moved downwardly into a corresponding binding engagement member to provide an arrangement which prevents forward movement of the boot. The boot engagement member also may include one or more serrations to engage with one or more pawls on the binding to prevent upward movement of the boot. A snap-in arrangement may be provided in a boot toe region. The boot has protrusions extending outwardly from each side of the boot to engage with catches on the binding sidewalls. As the boot is pressed downwardly into the binding, the protrusions splay the catches until reaching recesses, at which point the catches rebound to capture the protrusions against upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Robert Kavarsky, Jr., Christopher M. Doyle, Scott T. Keller
  • Patent number: 10086257
    Abstract: An adjustable ski binding adapter apparatus that adapt a snowboard boot for use with alpine ski bindings. The ski binding adapter apparatus includes a back support pivotally coupled to a sole plate, where the back support pivots to aid in stepping into the ski binding adapter apparatus. The sole plate is adjustable for length. Adjustable strap assemblies are coupled to the sole plate and the back support and snugly encircle and restrain the boot in the ski binding adapter apparatus. The back support and the sole plate are configured to conform to ski boot standards and attach to a conventional ski binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Mad Jack Snow Sports
    Inventor: Eric Mehiel
  • Patent number: 9707468
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a rotatable footplate integrated with a corresponding bearing and well assembly that is imbedded into, screwed into, or otherwise, integrally a part of, a single-board sports board, such as a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Charles D. Cole, III
  • Patent number: 9568959
    Abstract: A calculating apparatus includes a baseplate, a first mother board module and a connection module. The baseplate includes a bottom surface having a first component layout region, a second component layout region and a connection component layout region all arranged in order from a first side to a second side of the bottom surface. The first mother board is drawably disposed at the first component layout region of the bottom surface. The first mother board includes a first tray, a first control board, and a first electronic hard disk drive. The connection module is electrically connected to the first mother board module so that the first mother board module is capable of performing external communication through the connection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: INVENTEC (PUDONG) TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guang-Zhao Tian, Jian-Jun Deng, Ji-Peng Xu
  • Patent number: 9468838
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a rotatable footplate integrated with a corresponding bearing and well assembly that is imbedded into, screwed into, or otherwise, integrally a part of, a single-board sports board, such as a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Charles D. Cole, III
  • Patent number: 9453517
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, brackets, systems and methods for mounting a remote control receiver off-axis and to the side of motor mount bracket inside a ceiling mounted hugger and low profile fan housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: HKC-US, LLC
    Inventors: James Burns, Brendan Byrne
  • Patent number: 9415846
    Abstract: Wakeboard bindings may comprise a first member configured for connection to a wakeboard. A selective retaining device comprising at least one retaining member may be connected to and disposed at a periphery of the first member. A second member may be rotatable with respect to the first member and may comprise at least one engagement member. The at least one retaining member may be engaged with the at least one engagement member to preclude rotation of the second member in a rotation-precluding position and may be disengaged from the at least one engagement member to permit rotation of the second member in a rotation-permitting position. A releasable step-in connection device comprising a first connection member and a second connection member biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position may be connected to the second member and configured to releasably connect to a foot restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SHUPERSTAR LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Shupe, Charles B. Shupe
  • Patent number: 9254434
    Abstract: A fixation seat for ski shoe includes a seat, a connecting structure, a left support element, a right support element, and an ankle protecting board. The connecting structure is disposed on the seat for connecting with a ski board. The left and the right support elements extend upward and obliquely from two sides of the seat toward the rear side of the seat. At the rear side of the seat, the left support element is distant from the right support element a predetermined distance. The ankle protecting board is connected to tops of the left and the right support elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: TZY SHENQ ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 9220970
    Abstract: A snowboard boot and binding system is disclosed which facilitates the engagement and disengagement of a snowboard boot and binding. The snowboard boot may include a boot engagement member extending from a rear of the boot. The boot engagement member is moved downwardly into a corresponding binding engagement member to provide an arrangement which prevents forward movement of the boot. The boot engagement member also may include one or more serrations to engage with one or more pawls on the binding to prevent upward movement of the boot. A snap-in arrangement may be provided in a boot toe region. The boot has protrusions extending outwardly from each side of the boot to engage with catches on the binding sidewalls. As the boot is pressed downwardly into the binding, the protrusions splay the catches until reaching recesses, at which point the catches rebound to capture the protrusions against upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Robert Kavarsky, Jr., Christopher M. Doyle, Scott T. Keller
  • Patent number: 9016714
    Abstract: A binding system for a recreational board is mounted atop a rider-support surface of the board. The binding system comprises: a pair of rails locatable on opposing sides of a generally flattened foot-receiving surface for the rider's foot, each rail comprising a central portion mountable to the recreational board, a toe-side leg which extends from the central portion toward a toe-side of the recreational board and a heel-side leg which extends from the central portion toward a heel-side of the recreational board. Each rail comprises at least one deformation-enhancing feature for enhancing an ability of the rail to deform elastically relative to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: JF Pelchat Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pelchat
  • Patent number: 9004503
    Abstract: A binding system for snowboards that minimizes leg pain while snowboard users are approaching or are riding on a chairlift. The rotatable binding system enables one of two boot bindings attached to a snowboard to rotate up to 90 degrees placing a user's boot in parallel with the long sides, and sliding direction, of the snowboard. The binding system includes a base plate, which is fixed to the snowboard, and a top plate that is rotatably attached to the base plate by a center screw, and a boot binding harness mounted to the top plate. A hinge plate can connect the base plate to a mid static disk, which can in turn rotatably attach to the top plate. The binding system can include a latch lever that acts as a hands-free locking system that is mounted through an outer ridge of the base plate and connected to a retractable plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Snowboard Sport Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt Bryce Sorenson
  • Patent number: 8979097
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a rotatable footplate integrated with a corresponding bearing and well assembly that is imbedded into, screwed into, or otherwise, integrally a part of, a single-board sports board, such as a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Charles D. Cole, III
  • Patent number: 8960710
    Abstract: A rear hoop (3) for a snowboard boot binding, having an overall shape in the form of a U and comprising a central connecting part (12) arranged between two arms (11) suitable for forming a movable connection with a snowboard boot binding, the hoop (3) comprising at least one zone where it consists of an extruded hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pascal
  • Patent number: 8910968
    Abstract: Binding systems for recreational boards are provided. A binding system is mounted atop a rider-support surface of the board. Portions of the binding system are pivotal with the rider's foot and with respect to the board. This pivotal motion may allow the rider to have greater control over the application of weight to the heel and/or toe edges of the board. In particular embodiments, the binding system comprises: a base rigidly mounted atop rider-support surface of the board; and a foot-retainer pivotally mounted to the base via pivot couplings for pivotal motion of the foot-retainer relative to the base and the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: JF Pelchat Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pelchat
  • Patent number: 8894075
    Abstract: A binding for board sports has at least a portion of a first layer of a surface. At least a portion of a second layer is configured to dock with the first layer. A locking mechanism is configured to prevent the second layer from undocking with the first layer in response to the second layer moving in a first direction when the first layer is docked with the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Brendan Walker
  • Publication number: 20140265179
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide a rotatable footplate integrated with a corresponding bearing and well assembly that is imbedded into, screwed into, or otherwise, integrally a part of, a single-board sports board, such as a snowboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Charles D. Cole, III
  • Patent number: 8752845
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Elkington
  • Patent number: 8662505
    Abstract: A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Scott T. Keller
  • Publication number: 20140042719
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Elkington
  • Patent number: 8596668
    Abstract: An adapter enables a rider to adjust an angular orientation of a binding relative to a sport board without removing a foot, comprising a base plate, a top plate, and a locking mechanism supported by the top plate having a pair of insertion members configured to selectively engage a plurality of recesses formed in the base plate. The top plate and base plate can each have a center opening and a fastener supported by the center opening of each of the top plate and base plate to axially couple the top plate to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Van Bregmann Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter R. Van Bregmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8469372
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • Patent number: 8371591
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disk for adjusting the angle of a snowboard binding. A base plate of the snowboard binding has a toothed gear formed at an inner periphery of a center opening thereof. As toothed gear formed at outer ends of disk gears included in the disk are engaged with the toothed gear of the base plate of the snowboard binding when a disk lever provided at the center of the disk is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the disk can be mounted to the base plate of the snowboard binding, so as to control the angle of the snowboard binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Seok Kun Hwongbo
  • Patent number: 8336903
    Abstract: A multi-function binding system configured for use on a sliding board, such as a snowboard or wakeboard, comprising a base assembly rotatably secured to the deck of a sliding board, with a binding system operable with the base assembly to releasably secure a user to the sliding board. The base assembly comprises various components, namely an adjustment mechanism and a release mechanism, supported within a bonnet that is rotatable about a support disc designed to be secured to the sliding board via the mounting configuration of the sliding board. The binding system provides a unique and advantageous release function otherwise not available in prior related binding systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Miller Sport International, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas K. Furr, Brady S. Fox, Matthew E. Miller
  • Patent number: 8322730
    Abstract: A hinged rotatable binding system for snowboards that eliminates leg pain while on the chair lift and in movement through lift lines. The binding system includes a base plate which is fixed to the snowboard and a top rotating plate which is mountable to a boot binding harness. A hinge plate connects the base plate to a mid static disk. The binding system includes a latch lever which acts as a hands-free locking system that is mounted through an outer ridge of the base plate and connected to a retractable plunger. The binding system is provided with an internal hinge and a number of friction plates therefore, fewer parts are needed. The hinged rotatable binding system for snowboards is a cost effective and light weight model with simple assembly features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Snowboard Sport Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Kurt Bryce Sorenson
  • Patent number: 8317218
    Abstract: A multi-function binding system configured for use on a sliding board comprising: (a) a binding operable with a boot assembly, the binding comprising a support surface and toe and heel pieces extending therefrom; (b) a base assembly configured to be rotatably and removably secured to a deck of a sliding board and to releasably couple the binding during use of the sliding board, the base assembly comprising: (i) a support disc configured to be removably coupled to the deck of the sliding board and to secure the base assembly to the sliding board; (ii) a deck plate rotatable about the support disc and configured to be positioned adjacent the deck; (iii) a bonnet also rotatable about the support disc and configured to receive and engage the binding, the bonnet operable with the deck plate to support one or more components of the base assembly; (iv) adjustment means for facilitating the rotational adjustment of the bonnet and the deck plate about the support disc and with respect to the sliding board, thereby fac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Miller Sports International, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas K. Furr, Brady S. Fox, Matthew E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120274036
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a binding apparatus is provided for use with a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode. Apparatus may include a binding interface that is configured to engage with multiple interfaces of a binding system. For example, a binding interface may be configured to engage with, or selectively attach to, two or more of a ride mode interface, a tour mode interface, a heel lock down interface, a heel riser interface, a riser and heel lock down interface, a crampon interface, and a snow shoe interface. A heel riser interface may comprise at least one height position configured to raise a user's heel while climbing an incline, such as a mountain or hill. The heel riser interface may also be configured to securely connect a heel of a binding interface to a splitboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • Patent number: 8276921
    Abstract: A snowboard binding comprises two assemblies that are capable of being mated or docked with each other and locked together while the snowboard is in use. One of the assemblies may be affixed to the deck of the snowboard. In an embodiment of the invention, the other assembly may be secured, e.g., to the user's boot, and in an embodiment of the invention, the features of the other assembly that support docking and locking of the assemblies may be incorporated into a boot. Either or both assemblies may comprise one or more permanent magnets configured to assist docking by attracting the assemblies to one another in a manner that encourages them to dock in a proper configuration. In embodiments of the invention, locking the docked assemblies together may be achieved without use of the hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Brendan Walker
  • Patent number: 8191917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a snowboard binding, including a mount, rear plate, top plate assembly base, rotary top pressboard, trigger support and coupling plate. The coupling plate, the mating frame of the rotary top pressboard, the mating ends of the trigger support and the top plate assembly base are coupled together to form a four-bar mechanism. The pressing state of the rotary top pressboard can be positioned directly by the perpendicular trigger support, and the rotary top pressboard can realize an expanded opening state over 90°. Thus, the snowboard boot can be slipped directly into the snowboard binding, enabling more convenient locating and release of the snowboard binding with better efficiency and applicability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Charlton Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Tsang Wang, Fan-Yi Wang
  • Patent number: 8167321
    Abstract: A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Scott T. Keller
  • Patent number: 8132818
    Abstract: A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Scott T. Keller
  • Patent number: 8104776
    Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding comprising a base plate (1) and a central plate (6) that is situated in a circular central opening (5) in the center of the base plate (1). The peripheral section of the central plate (6), which tapers towards the snowboard (8), lies against an edge section (9) of the base plate (1), which widens away from the snowboard (8) and is equipped with fixing openings (11) for the fixing elements that fix said plate to the snowboard (8). A locking device (B) on the edge section (9) of the base plate (1) around the central opening (5) locks the central plate (6) in position on the base plate (1), preventing torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Head Sport AG
    Inventors: Karl Messmer, Andreas Seebauer
  • Patent number: 8052157
    Abstract: The invention relates to a binding mechanism (1) for board-type gliding devices, in particular a snowboard binding, provided with a retaining plate (12) for a base plate (11) for securing it to a gliding board body. A setting and fixing device (23) is provided, which can be switched into at least three selectively assumable operating modes and is designed so that (i) in a first operating mode, an anti-rotation lock and an anti-lift lock for the base plate (11) are activated, (ii) in a second operating mode, the anti-rotation lock is inactive and the anti-lift lock is active, and (iii) in a third operating mode, the anti-rotation lock and the anti-lift lock are inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: ATOMIC Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Holzer
  • Publication number: 20110254239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle adjuster for a snowboard binder; the angle adjuster for a snowboard binder according to the present invention comprises a fixation member that forms a first locking part on its plate face and has first projection pieces protruding at least from both sides of its upper edge to be fixed on the snowboard, a base that has a through hole formed on its center, whereinto the fixation member is inserted, a diaphragm that is respectively formed on both sides of the base in a vertical direction, first combination grooves that are formed in a vertical direction at least on both sides of the through hole so that the first projection pieces may be inserted thereinto, a binder that is assembled with the fixation member to enable its rotation along upper grooves whereby the first projection pieces move along the upper edge of the through hole of the base, and a coupling member assembled above said binder whereon is formed a second locking part that mates with the first locking part
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: BUZRUN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Rok Jung
  • Patent number: 7959181
    Abstract: A snowboard binding has a front fixation device and a rear fixation device. The front fixation device and the rear fixation device secure a snowboard boot in a way that the snowboard boot is able to perform a free lateral roll movement about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. The front and rear fixation devices have pivot points located in an area of a toe of the snowboard boot and in an area of a heel of the snowboard boot, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Dirk Weissenberger
  • Publication number: 20100308549
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a temporary binding apparatus for binding a snowboard boot to a snowboard. A magnetic element is affixed to the snowboard and a permeable element is affixed to the snowboard boot. The magnetic element and permeable element are configured to develop a binding force that is a function of a rotation angle between the magnetic element and permeable element. In an engaged configuration, the permeable element is aligned with the magnetic element and the binding force should be sufficient to enable a snowboarder to readily perform certain simple maneuvers, such as dismounting a chairlift. A pivot means is formed by joining the permeable element and magnetic element. The pivot means enables the snowboarder to easily rotate the permeable element into misalignment with the magnetic element, thus decreasing the binding force and enabling easy detachment of the snowboard boot from the snowboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: William Rivard
  • Patent number: 7837219
    Abstract: A binding assembly comprising a binding which comprises a boot platform and a positioning unit, wherein the positioning unit secures the binding assembly to a sports board. The positioning unit comprises an anchoring subunit comprising a central member; and a locking subunit comprising a handle in communication with an engaging member. At one moment the handle exerts a first force on the engaging member thereby causing the engaging member to move towards the central member until the engaging member is in contact with the central member, at which point the handle is maneuvered to lock the binding assembly into position. At another moment, the handle exerts a second force on the engaging member thereby causing the engaging member to move away from the central member, thereby unlocking the binding assembly. When unlocked, the binding is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis, and when unlocked, the binding is fixed in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: David W. Cordes
  • Patent number: 7832742
    Abstract: One embodiment of a foot or boot mounting for a sportboard such as a snowboard, wakeboard, mountainboard, surfboard, kiteboard, or similar article, having a tilted base plate (72) with a bearing raceway (73B) or other means providing an axis of rotation that is inclined by a predetermined angular amount (?), pivotably guiding a tilted rotating plate (86) that has a top surface (87T) tilted with respect to its axis of rotation by a predetermined angular amount (?). Top surface (87T) provides direct or indirect support for the bottom surface of a rider's foot. The tilt of top surface (87T) is aligned relative to its axis of rotation such that the upward tilted portion is generally aligned toward the inside of a rider's foot. Thus, a rider's feet and body members are aligned more naturally while the rider is free to continually rotate his or her feet and change posture more comfortably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: John C. Duggan
  • Publication number: 20100194076
    Abstract: Snowboards are provided that consolidate and redirect a portion of the weight and forces of the rider to the optimal locations (near the edges and near the longitudinal center of the board), providing excellent turning and control and providing impact absorption when landing from a jump. In some implementations, an adjustable spring suspension system allows custom optimization of both the turning and ride characteristics of the snowboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Anton F. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100171277
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disk for adjusting the angle of a snowboard binding. A base plate of the snowboard binding has a toothed gear formed at an inner periphery of a center opening thereof. As toothed gear formed at outer ends of disk gears included in the disk are engaged with the toothed gear of the base plate of the snowboard binding when a disk lever provided at the center of the disk is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the disk can be mounted to the base plate of the snowboard binding, so as to control the angle of the snowboard binding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Seok Kun Hwongbo
  • Patent number: 7748729
    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: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Laughlin, David J. Dodge
  • Publication number: 20100102522
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a binding apparatus for use on a splitboard. The binding apparatus may be used to change the splitboard between a snowboard for riding downhill in a ride mode and touring skis for climbing up a hill in a tour mode. The binding apparatus can include at least one board joining device. The binding apparatus can also include a binding interface configured to receive a boot and selectively attach to a ride mode interface in a snowboard configuration and to a tour mode interface in a ski configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • 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: 7658398
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting a board 1 to a boot comprises a plate 5 which is connectable to the board 1, a button 3 having a bottom face and a top face, the top face being connectable to a boot or binding 2, and a collar 4, wherein a part of the button 3 is sandwiched between the collar 4 and the plate 5 with its bottom face adjoining the plate 5, and its top face exposed through the collar 4, such that it can rotate about an axis passing through the connection system and wherein the bottom face of the button 3 has a curved surface, which has rotational symmetry with and which adjoins a complimentary curved surface on the plate 5, such that button 3 can roll to move its axis of rotation A away from an axis P perpendicular to the plate 5, and in that the connection system comprises braking means 8, which restricts movement of the button 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Ezio Panzeri
  • Publication number: 20090273163
    Abstract: A hinged rotatable binding system for snowboards that eliminates leg pain while on the chair lift and in movement through lift lines. The binding system includes a base plate which is fixed to the snowboard and a top rotating plate which is mountable to a boot binding harness. A hinge plate connects the base plate to a mid static disk. The binding system includes a latch lever which acts as a hands-free locking system that is mounted through an outer ridge of the base plate and connected to a retractable plunger. The binding system is provided with an internal hinge and a number of friction plates therefore, fewer parts are needed. The hinged rotatable binding system for snowboards is a cost effective and light weight model with simple assembly features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Kurt Bryce Sorenson
  • Publication number: 20090212513
    Abstract: A snowboard binding has a front fixation device and a rear fixation device. The front fixation device and the rear fixation device secure a snowboard boot in a way that the snowboard boot is able to perform a free lateral roll movement about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. The front and rear fixation devices have pivot points located in an area of a toe of the snowboard boot and in an area of a heel of the snowboard boot, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Dirk Weissenberger