Pivotally Mounted Brake Member Patents (Class 280/605)
  • Patent number: 11707665
    Abstract: A brake arrangement for a touring binding adjustable between a braking position and a sliding position, including: a base having a fastening arrangement; a pedal; at least one brake arm mounted on the base and on the pedal; at least one first resilient element to preload the brake arrangement into the braking position; a locking element that is linearly displaceable along a longitudinal direction of the ski to adjust between an active position, which locks the brake arrangement in the sliding position, and a passive position; and an actuating element mounted on the brake arrangement pivotable about a pivot access, the actuating element adjustable between a locking position, where the locking element is set into the locking position, and a release position, where the locking element is set into the passive position, and wherein a pivoting movement of the actuating element causes a linear movement of the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: SALEWA SPORT AG
    Inventor: Uwe Eckart
  • Patent number: 11701571
    Abstract: A rear portion of a ski mountaineering binding includes a base, a turret rotatable with respect to the base, a brake fixable to the ski for braking the ski, first elastic element arranged to exert a force to bring the brake into a braking configuration, and a hooking member borne by the base and having a hook for hooking the brake. The hooking member has engaged and disengaged configurations. A second elastic element pushes the hooking member into the engaged configuration. A cam borne by the turret has a pusher borne by the base, activatable by the cam and movable along a second movement path. The hooking member includes an abutment for abutting the pusher and is activatable by the turret via the cam and the pusher, to assume the disengaged configuration and alternately the engaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ATK SPORTS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giovanni Indulti, Davide Indulti
  • Patent number: 11154764
    Abstract: A brake device for a sliding board, including: a base for connecting the brake device to the sliding board; and a brake, including: at least one brake paddle; a latching element which can be moved back and forth between a first position in which the brake paddle can be released in order to slow the sliding board and a second position in which the brake paddle can be fixed in a non-braking position; and a pedal which includes a bearing area for a boot and a functional element which can be moved relative to the bearing area, wherein moving the functional element releases the latching element to be moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: MARKER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Brandl, Robert Bartl
  • Patent number: 11110338
    Abstract: Presented is one embodiment of a telemark-capable ski binding system which combines the conventional tech style toe piece or front coupling with a telemark tension assembly (110) that provides the necessary rotational resistance to a ski boot (300) but still allows the ski boot heel to be raised for a telemark style turn upon descent. Telemark tension assembly (110) can be adjusted to alter the engagement of telemark tension assembly (110) according to user preference and conditions for descent. Telemark tension assembly (110) can also be loosened to the point that adjustable restraint (112) can be rotated forward and rest unengaged in front of ski boot (300) for free rotation in toe coupling (100) during ascent or touring. This embodiment provides a lightweight telemark ski binding system that has improved resistance to undesirable snow gathering. Other embodiments are described that have adjustability features and alpine descent mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 11090549
    Abstract: A snowboard binding using for a snowboard is provided. The snowboard binding includes a baseplate, a boot supporter surrounding the baseplate, an interlocking assembly, and a stopper disposed on the interlocking assembly. The boot supporter includes a first side, a second side, and a rear side. The interlocking assembly is disposed at the first side of the boot supporter. A mutual positional relationship between the interlocking assembly and the snowboard presents an initial state. As snowboard boot touches the interlocking assembly to change the initial state while the snowboard boot is put in and fixed to the snowboard binding. Concurrently the interlocking assembly drives the stopper to rotate so that the stopper leaves or inserts into snowfield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Ni-Shin Lee
  • Patent number: 10589165
    Abstract: Automated systems, methods and devices for refinishing surfaces on equipment (such as skis and snowboards), engaging the equipment and retracting ski brake arms are disclosed. The disclosure includes applying wax on at least skis and snowboards and may provide kiosks where skiers and boarders can deposit their equipment in a track and have appropriate wax for current snow conditions applied to the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SKIQUICKY, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Hart, Naeem Rahim, Fahim Rahim, Jonathan E. Hunt, Chris Witham, Devin Owen Howells, Peter Journell, Robert S. Gipple, Adam C. Eisenbarth
  • Patent number: 9895597
    Abstract: Provided is a snowboard binding in which a stopper function operates when a boot is removed and the stopper function is released when a boot is mounted, and a stopper device for a snowboard binding. The snowboard binding is provided with an urging body for rotatably urging a highback rearward, and configured so that when a lock lever of a lock mechanism is placed in an unlocked state by the rotational urging of the urging body, the highback automatically rotates rearward, and configured so that when the highback arrives at the rearward-rotation-limit position or near the rearward-rotation-limit position, a connecting cord of the lock mechanism is tensioned, the orientation in which the lock lever projects from the highback rear surface section is maintained, and the lock lever in this projecting orientation makes contact with the snow surface below a snowboard to bring about a slide-preventing effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: XEBRA INC.
    Inventor: Kentaro Suda
  • Patent number: 9868047
    Abstract: Braking device for a gliding board that includes: a base to be affixed to the gliding board; at least one braking arm pivotable about a first substantially transverse axis, the braking arm including a control element extending along an axis substantially parallel to the first axis; a movable support plate including a control element housing, the position of the control element in the guiding housing varying as a function of the angular position of the braking arm; an elastic mechanism acting on the control element along an actuation direction varying as a function of the angular position of the braking arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lapierre, Laurent Damiani, François Convert
  • Patent number: 9669553
    Abstract: A one-touch coupling/decoupling apparatus for a robot foot includes: a work shoe having a coupler protruding downwardly from a bottom of the work shoe; and a robot foot module coupled to the work shoe and having latches, each of which has one end formed in a hook shape so as to be coupled with the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Seop Lim, Kyung Mo Jung
  • Patent number: 9457259
    Abstract: A combined downhill and touring binding for a ski, including: a base plate which can be fastened on an upper side of the ski; a toe retainer; a heel retainer; a connecting structure; a shifting mechanism comprising a shifting element having a first end which is a front end in the skiing direction and a second end which is a rear end in the skiing direction; and a latching lever using which the heel retainer can be moved by the shifting mechanism into a walking position and into a travelling position and latched in the walking position or travelling position, respectively; wherein the latching lever is connected to the ski in a pivoting joint and arranged in front of the heel retainer in the skiing direction, the first end of the shifting element is connected to the latching lever, and the second end of the shifting element is connected to the heel retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Brandl
  • Patent number: 9205321
    Abstract: A snowboard binding and braking system and accompanying apparatuses which afford the user enhanced balance, control and snowboard braking ability. The system includes a foot securing member, in conjunction with a braking system. The instant apparatus also includes a brake control actuator and a braking arm to prevent the board from sliding away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Steve Geiger
  • Publication number: 20150021880
    Abstract: A control system for downhill skis enables effective, continuous control of ski-to-surface resistance, to accommodate changing steepness and other conditions during a downhill ski run. Controllably positionable brake elements are mounted on the skis, centrally between the side edges thereof. Positioning motors are mounted on each ski and are operable to controllably project or retract the brake elements relative to the ski bottoms, continuously or in finite increments, allowing the skier to maintain a safe and comfortable skiing experience over almost any ski slope under a wide variety of ski conditions. The braking elements, preferably blade-like and oriented at right angles to the ski axis, are positioned close to the skier's feet, allowing the skis to be easily controlled in turns and other maneuvers. A spring-loaded, hinged mounting arrangement allows the mechanisms to momentarily pivot to retracted positions whenever the braking elements engage a rock or other immovable object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Samuel J. Mann
  • Patent number: 8905199
    Abstract: A control system for downhill skis enables effective, continuous control of ski-to-surface resistance, to accommodate changing steepness and other conditions during a downhill ski run. Controllably positionable brake elements are mounted on the skis, centrally between the side edges thereof. Positioning motors are mounted on each ski and are operable to controllably project or retract the brake elements relative to the ski bottoms, continuously or in finite increments, allowing the skier to maintain a safe and comfortable skiing experience over almost any ski slope under a wide variety of ski conditions. The braking elements, preferably blade-like and oriented at right angles to the ski axis, are positioned close to the skier's feet, allowing the skis to be easily controlled in turns and other maneuvers. A spring-loaded, hinged mounting arrangement allows the mechanisms to momentarily pivot to retracted positions whenever the braking elements engage a rock or other immovable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel J. Mann
  • Patent number: 8646800
    Abstract: A braking device for a board for gliding, includes a brake movable between a first, braking position, in which the brake occupies a low position wherein the brake is in frictional contact with the ground, and a second, non-braking position, in which the brake occupies a raised position, and a brake control device connecting the brake with a strap of a boot binding on the board for gliding, such that the brake control device causes the brake to move to the non-braking position upon closing and/or tightening of a strap of the boot binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol
    Inventors: Denis Bertagnolio, Jean-Marc Pascal, Olivier Bizzini
  • Patent number: 8590936
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a snowboard stop device includes a bottom portion having a snowboard-contactable side and a ground-contactable side. The ground-contactable side of the bottom portion has one or more protrusions. The snowboard stop device includes a top portion having a snowboard-contactable side, and a curved edge portion joining the bottom portion of the snowboard stop device to the top portion of the snowboard stop device. The snowboard stop device is clippable on an edge of a snowboard such that the snowboard-contactable side of the bottom portion at least partially contacts a bottom side of the snowboard and the snowboard-contactable side of the top portion at least partially contacts a top side of the snowboard. Friction is caused between the ground and the one or more protrusions on the ground-contactable side of the bottom portion such that the snowboard at least partially stops relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Keith Payson
  • Publication number: 20130062861
    Abstract: A braking device for a gliding board, such as a ski, that includes a plate adapted to be fixed on an upper surface of the gliding board; two braking arms movable between a gliding position and a braking position; and two flanges, each guiding a braking arm. Each flange is rotationally movable in relation to the plate about separate axes of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Pierre DESARMAUX, Salim BOUYAHIAOUI
  • Patent number: 7983828
    Abstract: A stepwise brake control is automatically performed when TTC obtained according to a relative distance and a relative speed between a vehicle and an object is lower than a predetermined value. For example, a brake force or a brake reduction speed is gradually increased over a plurality of stages in time series. Moreover, the affect of speed change control to the automatic brake control is removed. Alternatively, automatic brake control is supported by the speed change control. Alternatively, the friction coefficient state is estimated, and the brake force or the brake speed reduction is adjusted according to the estimated result. Alternatively, an auto-cruse function is invalidated at least the final stage. Alternatively, when the brake force or the brake speed reduction generated by a brake operation by a driver is greater than the brake force or the brake speed reduction generated by the brake control means, the brake operation by the driver is handled with a higher priority than the stepwise brake control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hino Motors Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Ezoe, Shuji Narada, Naoshi Ichinose, Koichi Okamoto, Hirokazu Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20110115197
    Abstract: A braking device for a board for gliding, comprising a brake (24, 34, 44) that can occupy a first, braking position, in which it occupies a low position capable of entering into friction with the ground, and a second, non-braking position, in which it occupies a raised position, and comprising a means for controlling the position of the brake, wherein the means for controlling the position of the brake comprises a link means (22; 32; 42) adapted for a link with a strap of a boot binding on a board for gliding, such that the means for controlling the brake lead to the automatic positioning, in the non-braking position, of the brake upon closing and/or tightening of a strap on a boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Skis Rossignol
    Inventors: Denis BERTAGNOLIO, Jean-Marc Pascal, Olivier Bizzini
  • Patent number: 7819418
    Abstract: Ski brake comprising two brake branches (1) capable of occupying two positions, a closed position for skiing and an open position in which they brake the ski, which comprises a means for adjusting the width of the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Look Fixations
    Inventors: Thierry Buquet, Frédéric Farges, Nicolas Legrand
  • Publication number: 20100045000
    Abstract: A snowboard includes an elongate board member having an upper surface, a bottom surface and a pair of lateral edges. A footbrake is pivotally mounted to the upper surface of the board member by a pivot rod and is pivotable between a raised and undeployed position and a lowered and deployed position. A footbrake retractor attached to the footbrake urges the foot brake toward the raised and undeployed position. A pair of lateral brake paddles are operatively connected to the footbrake and extend beyond the lateral edges of the board member. When the footbrake is in the lowered and deployed position, the pair of lateral brake paddles extend below the bottom surface of the board member. A footbrake conversion kit and method for converting a conventional snowboard into a snowboard with a footbrake are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Randall T. WASSERMAN
  • Publication number: 20090200772
    Abstract: A ski brake is attached to a ski to provide a controllable drag to the advance of a ski on a snow surface. A cable extending from a ski-pole mounted grip to the brake allows a skier to adjust the amount of drag. The position of the ski brake and thus the amount of drag can be controlled wirelessly as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: William R. Rassman, Eddie Levin
  • Patent number: 7458598
    Abstract: A releasable riser plate assembly is provided for use with a telemark binding. The assembly is mounted to a ski. The assembly includes a base plate interconnecting a front and rear housing, and a release plate mounted over the base plate. Force transmitting members are integrated in the housings to hold the release plate. A toe adapter of the telemark binding is mounted on the release plate. The toe of a ski boot is secured in the toe adapter. Adequate force generated by the boot in either a lateral direction or vertical direction results in disengagement of the release plate from the base plate and housings. Accordingly, the boot separates from the ski. The assembly incorporates a ski brake. The ski brake activates upon separation of the release plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey Giffin, Lawrence Evan Carlson
  • Patent number: 7422227
    Abstract: Ski binding (1; 1?; 1?), in particular touring, telemark or cross-country binding, with a front retaining element associated with the front sole end (7a) of a ski boot (5), a back retaining element (21) so constructed that it engages an edge (7b) at the front part of the boot sole or at the heel of the boot, and a tensioning device (17; 25; 47; 17?; 17?) that connects the front and back retaining elements to one another, and that allows the front and back retaining elements to be locked to the ski boot and, in particular in the locked state, allows the heel of the boot to be raised away from the ski, wherein the front retaining element grips the sole of the ski boot on both sides near the tip of the boot, in particular with lateral resilience, and with the front retaining element there is associated an elastic pressing element (13) to press the upper side of the sole against the retaining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventors: Tilo Riedel, Bernt-Otto Hauglin
  • Patent number: 7249785
    Abstract: A mechanism for braking a ski (1) released from a sports boot and for holding together skis (1) placed back to back with one another by their runner surfaces (2) if necessary. Catch elements (23, 24) are provided respectively on mutually facing inner sides and an oppositely lying outer sides of the brake arms (10) and a catch element (23) dispersed at least on the inner sides can be moved into a positive connection with at least one co-operating catch element (24) disposed on the outer sides in order to produce a higher resistance to counteract mutually crossing assembled brake arms (10) of two brake mechanisms (3) from sliding apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: ATOMIC Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Resch, Helmut Holzer
  • Patent number: 7213827
    Abstract: A slider comprises a main board and a brake plate. The main board has a bottom face facing to and movable on a snow ground, and has a rear end raised to an angle relative to the snow ground. The brake plate has a connecting portion connected with the bottom face of the main board at the rear end of the main board, and a shovel portion protruding from the connecting portion for shoveling into the snow ground. Additionally, the shovel portion has plural drain holes formed thereon for draining the snow shoveled by the shovel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 7059623
    Abstract: A slider includes a main board movable on a snow ground, and a brake plate mounted on the main board and protruding outward from the main board to face the snow ground. The brake plate is formed with a shovel portion extended toward the snow ground. Thus, the shovel portion of the brake plate is inserted into the snow ground to provide a braking effect to the main board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Tzong In Yeh
  • Patent number: 6971483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a velocity of an object, and more specifically, to a braking apparatus to be attached with a piece of snow-sporting-equipment. The braking apparatus comprises a brake bracket with a deployable braking section. The deployable braking section may be actuated through use of a user-operated control. When actuated, the deployable braking section is forced into a snow's surface, creating drag and friction in order to control the snow-sporting-equipment's terrestrial velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Eryn Houston
  • Patent number: 6877759
    Abstract: A step-in binding for receiving a ski boot and preferably for telemark skiing. The binding includes a base constructed and arranged to be secured to the ski and a pair of boot support members pivotally supported from a front side of the base, and disposed laterally on either side of the base. The lateral side members may be tapered inwardly toward the front so as to receive and guide the ski boot as it is to be engaged. The pair of boot support members are biased to a boot receiving position and further having a locked position that is assumed once the boot is received, engages the pair of boot support members, and is cantilevered downwardly into the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Louis Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6722687
    Abstract: A traction device for a downhill ski. In one embodiment the traction device includes a traction member which is movably interconnected with the downhill ski. At least one biasing member actively biases this traction member toward a position where at least a portion of the traction member will extend beyond the entire lower surface of the downhill ski or an “active” position. However, the traction member can be retained in a non-traction or “inactive” position by a latch. Appropriate movement of the latch allows the biasing member(s) to move the traction member into the desired traction position. The end of a ski pole can be used to activate the latch and initiate movement of the traction member. In one embodiment this traction device is integrated with the structure of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mechanical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Lemna J. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6702315
    Abstract: A braking feature is provided that can resist gliding board runaway, i.e., uncontrolled gliding without a rider, or other movement of a gliding board, e.g., a gliding device having no foot bindings. The braking feature may always be active to resist gliding board movement, and/or resist movement only when a rider is not supported on the gliding device. Activation of a braking feature may be delayed. The braking feature may be controlled based on a force urging a bottom surface of the gliding device into contact with the gliding surface, e.g., the braking feature may be deactivated if the weight of a rider is supported on the gliding device. A force that deactivates a braking feature may be made adjustable, e.g., to accommodate riders of different weights or to provide different braking feature responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: G. Scott Barbieri, Hubert S. Schaller, Edward Giard, Benjamin Beck, Douglas Marsden, David G. Harting, Baron C. Brandt, John Earle
  • Publication number: 20040041366
    Abstract: A step-in binding for receiving a ski boot and preferably for telemark skiing. The binding includes a base constructed and arranged to be secured to the ski and a pair of boot support members pivotally supported from a front side of the base, and disposed laterally on either side of the base. The lateral side members may be tapered inwardly toward the front so as to receive and guide the ski boot as it is to be engaged. The pair of boot support members are biased to a boot receiving position and further having a locked position that is assumed once the boot is received, engages the pair of boot support members, and is cantilevered downwardly into the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Louis Dandurand
  • Patent number: 6626443
    Abstract: A multi-position binding system for snowboards having at least two preset positions, including a first position where the user is able to control the snowboard under conventional use, and a second position where the user is able to rotate the binding systems to extend a guide blade through a slot from a recessed position within the core of the board. The blade when in use projects from the bottom surface of a snowboard to provide guide means to aid the user in controlling the direction of the snowboard during forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Luc Lafond
  • Publication number: 20030132609
    Abstract: A brake plate is swingably carried on the base of a snow ski for automatic deployment upon initial rearward movement of the ski. A pivot pin permits arcuate movement of the brake plate, between limit stops, about an axis transversely disposed of the ski. The pivot pin is recessed in the bottom of the ski. A base plate also may be inset into the base of the ski.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Robert P. Detrick, Harold A. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20020175497
    Abstract: A snowboard braking assembly [10] having a support assembly/raiser-plate [140] with one of its sides a hinge member [140a] within. The center of the support [140] has a set of attachment [24] apertures [144] for the brake [10] to a snowboard [20]. Rotating within the hinge [140a] is a portion of a single irregular multiple-bent elongated lever arm member [90] forming four legs/sections. The first [90a], second [90b], and third legs [90c] form a substantial geometric irregular “U” shape. The fourth leg [90d] having a sufficiently upward orientation to the first [90a] and second [90b] legs, forming an irregular geometric “L to V” shape. The first leg [90a] having a lever arm opposite end [100], and the fourth leg [90d] terminating as a braking end [106].
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Elehue Kawika Freemon
  • Patent number: 6443477
    Abstract: A ski binding comprises a slide (2) fixed on the ski and a sliding base (4). The binding is equipped with a ski brake which can be demounted and remounted. The brake has rigid retention means in the form of two hooks (23, 24). The two hooks engage, by virtue of a longitudinal (L) then transverse (T) engagement movement, two projections (33, 34) located on a reinforcement frame (31) fastened to the base (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Look Fixations, S.A.
    Inventor: Roland Bardin
  • Patent number: 6390491
    Abstract: A traction device for a downhill ski is disclosed. In one embodiment the traction device includes a traction member which is movably interconnected with the downhill ski. At least one biasing member actively biases this traction member toward a position where at least a portion of the traction member will extend beyond the entire lower surface of the downhill ski or an “active” position. However, the traction member can be retained in a non-traction or “inactive” position by a latch. Appropriate movement of the latch allows the biasing member(s) to move the traction member into the desired traction position. The end of a ski pole can be used to activate the latch and initiate movement of the traction member. In one embodiment this traction device is integrated with the structure of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Lemna J. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6293576
    Abstract: A traction device for a downhill ski is disclosed. In one embodiment the traction device includes a traction member which is pivotally interconnected with the downhill ski. At least one biasing member actively biases this traction member toward a position where at least a portion of the traction member will extend beyond the entire lower surface of the downhill ski. However, the traction member can be retained in a non-traction position by a latch. Appropriate movement of the latch allows the biasing member(s) to pivot the traction member into the desired traction position. The end of a ski pole can be used to activate the latch and initiate movement of the traction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mechanical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Lemna J. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6254119
    Abstract: A ski brake consisting of a hoop (2) of spring metal articulated by its sides to a base (1) and having in its central part a flattened open loop (25) bearing on the base so as to form a return spring tending to hold the brake in the active position, the central part of the hoop carrying a pedal (3) fitted so as to tilt. The pedal has a protuberance (33) which engages in the open loop (25) when the brake is in the raised position. The pinching by the loop (25) on the protuberance lifts the pedal when the pressure on the latter is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventor: Roland Bardin
  • Patent number: 6244617
    Abstract: A heel piece of a safety binding for a ski boot, comprising a sole grip body (7) which is mounted on a stirrup piece (4, 5) articulated to a plate (3) which is in turn mounted so as to pivot on a base (2) mounted and immobilized on a rail (1) which is fixed to the ski. The heel piece is equipped with a ski brake (8) which is mounted on the base (2), in front of the pivoting plate (3) so that it moves with the base and remains at a fixed distance from the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Chonier, André-Jean Kruajitch
  • Patent number: 6092828
    Abstract: A snow ski traction device includes a traction blade pivotally mounted on blade-to-ski attachment device so as to secure the blade to the side of a snow ski. The blade pivots through a pivot arc of substantially 90 degrees and is stopped from pivoting outside of that arc. At one end of the arc, the length of the blade is substantially parallel to the length of the ski; while at the other end of the arc, it is perpendicular to the length of the ski. When perpendicular to the ski, the blade engages with and presses backwards against snow or ice beneath the ski, thus propelling the wearer of the ski in a forward direction and preventing backward slippage of the ski. When parallel to the ski, the blade permits a full, forward sliding movement of the ski. The ordinary motion of the ski causes the blade to pivot as required between these parallel and perpendicular positions. This device, and its method of use, are particularly applicable for cross-country skiing, though can be used by downhill skiers as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: David Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6073955
    Abstract: An alpine binding element equipped with a detachable ski brake (22) comprising a base (23) removably assembled with the binding element. The latter comprises a latch/spring assembly mounted in the base (3) of the binding element or in the rail carrying the body of the binding element, and the brake base (23) having a part (35, 36) interlocking with the latch/spring assembly in such a way that it is retained by the latch, which is itself held in the locked position by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Look Fixation S. A.
    Inventor: Frederic Chonier
  • Patent number: 6022039
    Abstract: The binding comprises a baseplate (1) intended to be fixed to the ski by screws (8). This is fitted with a detachable brake (6), mounted on the baseplate by a base (5) held on the baseplate by hooking (16, 17) and by a rotary assembly element. In the region of the brake base (5), the screws (8) for securing the baseplate (1) to the ski bear exclusively on the baseplate, and the base (5) has openings (12) making it possible to access the screws (8) using a screwdriver. The ski binding may be sold fully preequipped, and it can be mounted very quickly on a ski without it being necessary to remove the brake beforehand. When sharpening the edges, the brake can be removed without compromising the securing of the binding to the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Chevalier
  • Patent number: 6007101
    Abstract: A skeg device and system and the like, for mounting on snowboards or skis to improve performance, maneuverability, tracking and balance. Skegs are designed to easily mount on snowboards, and has blades for controlling the snowboard path in a variety of snow conditions from powder, to hard snow, to ice. Each skeg is comprised of a mounting plate for easily installing the skegs on a snowboard and a blade rotably mounted on a shaft that is spring loaded. The spring loaded rotatable shaft allows the blades to deflect when engaging a hard surface to constantly self-adjust to snow conditions. Depth adjustment is provided by a thumbscrew that adjusts the rotational position of the shaft and thus, the depth that the blade extends below the surface of the snowboard. By rotating the thumbscrew, a rider can dial in the tracking of the blade on each skeg individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Doink Incorporated
    Inventors: John C. Pritchard, Lizlott Pritchard
  • Patent number: 5931481
    Abstract: A snowmobile braking system providing blades which are downwardly extendible from each side in the central portion of a steering ski controlled by the user by means of an electrically powered pump activating a hydraulic ram which, when desired, rotates the blades downward from the plane of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory S Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5839746
    Abstract: In a ski brake (1) at least one brake arm (4) is mounted so as to be pivotable about an axis (D2) extending in parallel to the upper side of the ski. The brake arm (4) is articulately connected with a spring-loaded pedal plate (5) whose latching portion (7) in the braking position is supported by a supporting surface (9; 9') fixed relative to the ski, the pedal plate (5) being extended beyond its brake arm (4) pivot axis (D1). To prevent bending or breaking of the brake arm (4) in case of excessive load on the ski, the supporting surface (9; 9') has an associated abutment surface (10) fixed relative to the ski so as to form a latching indentation (8) for the latching portion (7); the arrangement being such that, if a pre-determined maximum force (F) acts on the brake arm (4), a safety unlatching of the latching portion (7) of the pedal plate (5) will occur against the force (F.sub.2) of the spring (12) acting on the pedal plate (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Max Luitz
  • Patent number: 5816602
    Abstract: A stopper for a snow board operates to stop sliding of the snow board when a boot is removed from a binding, and to allow sliding of the snow board when the boot is mounted on the binding. The stopper is formed of a stopping device including a base member attached to the snow board or binding, a cylindrical member attached to the base member, and a rod slidably situated in the cylindrical member; a spring attached to the base member for urging the rod in the cylindrical member downwardly; and an operating device having an operating portion linked to the rod for operating the rod in the cylindrical member. When the operation portion is moved to a lower position by an outer force, e.g. boot, the rod is moved to a retracted position, and when the operating portion is in an upper position by the spring, the rod is held in a projecting position to allow the rod to operate as a stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: S.I.N.C. Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5735063
    Abstract: A skishoe having a central, downwardly concave arch portion, an upwardly concave toe portion, an upwardly concave heel portion, and a snow gripping blade. The snow gripping blade is pivotable about an axis lying within the camber of the arch portion and extending transversely of the skishoe. A first adjustable stop is provided for limiting the angular deflection of the gripper blade from its fully retracted position in the camber. A second adjustable blade stop is provided for limiting the retraction of the blade into the camber, and a spring is provided for resiliently biasing the blade toward the first adjustable blade stop. Electric drive motors are provided for selectively positioning said stops. Manually operated control means, attached to the body of the user, are provided for controlling said electric drive motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: John H. Mc Manus
  • Patent number: 5730457
    Abstract: A device for modifying the pressure distribution of a ski over its gliding surface. The ski has a base and two binding elements. It further includes a long stiffening member which extends above the base of the ski and which has opposite ends affixed to the ski by base plates. Furthermore, the device includes a calibration device to induce a compression stress in the stiffening member that can vary between two values depending upon the presence or absence of the boot. According to a preferred embodiment, the calibration device includes a toggle joint mechanism constituted by a pair of journalled levers, one of the levers bearing the braking arms for the ski. The invention also is directed to a ski brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Salomen S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Couderc, Pierre Szafranski
  • Patent number: 5725235
    Abstract: A ski boot is supported vertically on a ski by means of a rigid support member, approximately in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the tibia of the skier's leg. The support member increases the ground pressure of the center region of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Marker Deutshcland GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Boehm, Werner Messerschmidt
  • Patent number: 5673772
    Abstract: A snowmobile ski-type runner braking system provides a braking "claw" at the trailing end of each snowmobile ski-type runner that can be activated by the operator from his console to pivot downward into digging engagement with the snow to help brake the snowmobile. The claws are activated in unison so that balanced braking force is applied to each trailing ski end on both sides of the snowmobile. Even with the claws extended into their digging mode, the operator can still steer by turning the skis. Each claw can be actuated by an electric motor and power screw mechanism mounted on the runner. Alternately, each claw can be actuated by a hydraulic piston/cylinder mechanism mounted on the runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Robert L. Martin