With Foot Supporting Plate Or Portion Patents (Class 280/607)
  • Patent number: 12048350
    Abstract: A skate (e.g., an ice skate) or other footwear for a user, in which a skate boot or other foot-receiving structure for receiving a foot of the user may be configured to enhance power transfer of the user (e.g., for push-off and skating straight), agility of the user (e.g., for turns), and/or other aspects of performance of the user, such as by comprising a sole region that is configured to be disposed under the user's foot and includes different materials strategically distributed (e.g., in a longitudinal direction of the skate boot or other foot-receiving structure) or otherwise implements these enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY LLC
    Inventors: Garnet Alexander, Marc Poirier
  • Patent number: 11931642
    Abstract: A pivoting snowboard boot binding including a snowboard assembly, a binding assembly, and a locking mechanism assembly. The snowboard assembly includes a snowboard. The binding assembly includes bindings. The locking mechanism assembly connects said bindings with said snowboard. The locking mechanism assembly has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The bindings can rotate with respect to the snowboard to look forward in the unlocked configuration. The bindings are locked in a predetermined position with the snowboard in the locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Paul Mccorkendale
  • Patent number: 11801436
    Abstract: An impact absorbing ski binding interface device includes an elongated top plate having a toe end and a heel end adapted to engage a boot toe and a boot heel, respectively, and a bottom plate adapted to engage a ski, thereby securing the device between the boot and ski. A plurality of constant force spring linkages between the top plate and the bottom plate include a constant force spring linkage between the toe end and the bottom plate, and a constant force spring linkage between the heel end and the bottom plate, such that each of the constant force spring linkages have an opposed pair of deformable members for exerting a counterforce to vertical displacement forces between the top plate and the bottom plate for load mitigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Christopher A. Brown, Madison M. Healey, Matthew Newell, Kendra S. O'Malley, Connor H. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 11731029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of coupling assemblies comprising a right coupling assembly and a left coupling assembly being configured to be mounted on aboard for board sports and to receive respectively a right boot and a left boot, wherein the right and left coupling assembly comprise an inner receiving unit and outer receiving unit, wherein each inner receiving unit comprises a locking arm which is pivotable about a main inner pivot axis from a locked position to a released position and vice versa, wherein each inner receiving unit comprises a pull mechanism comprising:—at least one elongate interlink member which extends between the two inner receiving units, and—a link pull member configured to engage the boot or the inner boot coupling part and to receive a pull force from the boot or boot coupling part when the boot or boot coupling part is no longer held by the coupling assembly and moves away from the coupling assembly, and to be pulled over a pull distance by said boot or by the boot coupl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: EMINENT BOARDSPORTS B.V.
    Inventor: Rik Zuijdwijk
  • Patent number: 11673039
    Abstract: A flat board as a base plate of a binding for splitboards with holders for the bindings' fixation on skis that are joined together to form a snowboard that has a circular slit (or opening) formed in a central part of the board. The circular slit is equipped with a perimeter recess for removable fixation of a contact ring which is, on its inner perimeter, equipped with two pairs of opposed dents (or indentations) that are designed for connection with a holder. The contact ring is also modified between the dents (or indentations) for insertion of end pins of a locking eccentric. The locking eccentric is formed by an axial shaft with end pins protruding from end hubs formed at both ends of the axial shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Michal Stanek
  • Patent number: 11648456
    Abstract: A front unit for a touring binding, comprising: two lateral bearing portions arranged on a ski transverse axis, wherein, when the front unit is in a closed position, the two lateral bearing portions are configured to engage lateral counter bearing portions of a ski boot to hold the ski boot on the front unit so that the ski boot can pivot about the ski transverse axis; and a longitudinal positioning portion on which the ski boot can be supported, wherein the counter bearing portions are positioned for engagement relative to the bearing portions, the front unit being shiftable between an open position and the closed position, wherein the bearing portions and the counter bearing portions are disengaged in the open position and engaged in the closed position, wherein the longitudinal positioning portion, relative to the bearing portions, is secured in the open position and movable in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SALEWA SPORT AG
    Inventors: Edwin Lehner, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11510455
    Abstract: A skate (e.g., an ice skate) or other footwear for a user, in which a skate boot or other foot-receiving structure for receiving a foot of the user may be configured to enhance power transfer of the user (e.g., for push-off and skating straight), agility of the user (e.g., for turns), and/or other aspects of performance of the user, such as by comprising a sole region that is configured to be disposed under the user's foot and includes different materials strategically distributed (e.g., in a longitudinal direction of the skate boot or other foot-receiving structure) or otherwise implements these enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY LLC
    Inventors: Garnet Alexander, Marc Poirier
  • Patent number: 10967243
    Abstract: A ski binding with a binding element mounted displaceably on a slide rail arranged on a ski and which can be fixed in different positions by a latching device, wherein the latching device has latch elements which engage in each other in a blocking position on the binding and ski sides, and the binding-side latch element has a pivotable lever element that in a displacement position the latch elements are not in engagement with each other, wherein the binding element has an operating element with an oblique run-on surface which is transferred between open and closed positions, wherein the operating element, upon transfer of the operating element to the open position, cooperates with an oblique contact surface of the lever element such that the lever element is moved out of the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: FISCHER SPORTS GMBH
    Inventor: Nicolas Fellin
  • Patent number: 10695653
    Abstract: A gliding apparatus for use in snow is provided. The gliding apparatus may include a riding platform, the riding platform having a top surface to support a rider's feet and a bottom surface. The gliding apparatus may also include a snow ski, a first mounting device and a second mounting device, each positioned between the riding platform and the snow ski and each having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled about a first axis to the snow ski and the bottom portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled about a second axis to the snow ski. The top portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a third axis and the top portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a fourth axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Gregory Scott Flowers
  • Patent number: 10441871
    Abstract: A snow sliding device includes a first end body on which one end of a boot is caught, a second end body provided on the opposite side of the first end body and on which the other end of the boot is caught, and a main body which is provided between the first end body and the second end body to connect the first end body to the second end body, and in which an edge surface facing the ground can be changed and selectively used. In the snow sliding device according to the present invention, an edge may be replaced from a deck or another surface of the main body may be used as the edge. Thus, when the edge is worn down, the edge may be replaced or another surface may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Ji Ha Yi
  • Patent number: 10279240
    Abstract: An interface for enabling a splitboard binding to be mounted to any snowboard is provided. The interface includes a baseplate that includes a disc for mounting the baseplate to a snowboard. The disc is configured to correspond with a common snowboard binding hole pattern to thereby allow the baseplate to be mounted on most snowboards. The interface further includes a puck that is configured to mount to the top surface of the baseplate. The puck is configured to interlock with many types of splitboard bindings. In this way, splitboard bindings can be mounted to a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Dallas Smith
  • Patent number: 9827481
    Abstract: A splitboard boot binding system with single multi-angle climbing wire. The pivotable climbing wire is configured for use with any compatible ski tour interface, and folds away under the boot binding baseplate when the bindings are transferred to a ride mode interface. In ski tour mode, the baseplate pivots on a toe axis and is supported by the climbing wire when the heel is raised. Advantageously, the climbing wire is very lightweight and seats interchangeably in a plurality of detent positions on a compatible heelblock. There are no interferences with conjoint use of a slide-in crampon seated between the heelblock and the toe pivot or with use in systems having a heel locker. Surprisingly, in some combinations the climbing wire may also be used to retain the slider track in ride mode. The combinations and sub-combinations require no tools for adjustment or operation and operate cooperatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SPARK R&D HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Ritter
  • Patent number: 9636569
    Abstract: The invention consist of a tool-less system applied for adjusting the wrist-strap and the toe-strap on snowboard bindings, where such tool-less system is made up with the combination of 3 elements, 1. It is tool-less so the attachment position of the binding strap can be unlocked from one position on the binding frame and locked into another position fairly easily with bare hands 2. It has a stable locking mechanism based on a profiled press-button/pin element fitting into at least one hole with profiled shape provided in the frame of the binding where also at least one hole provided in the strap(s) will fit in and be securely locked in when the button element is put in place 3. The press-button element is put in place from the inside and prevented from popping out during use also by the boot which blocks the only exit direction for the button element, which is inwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HiTurn AS
    Inventors: Jorgen Karlsen, Dennis Dusseldorp, Daniel Kiebert, Cleay Perham
  • Patent number: 9573044
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-function block for a snow sliding apparatus for enabling sliding on a surface of snow. The multi-function block is provided between a deck, constituting part of the snow sliding apparatus, and a bottom surface of a binding or boot, and spaces the binding or boot apart from the deck. A plurality of first fastening holes is formed in the multi-function block. At least any one of the deck, the binding and the boot is fastened to the plurality of first fastening holes. The first fastening holes are formed through at least any one of outside surfaces of the multi-function block. The multi-function block is formed in a three-dimensional shape having at least one pair of parallel outside surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ji Ha Yi
  • Patent number: 9573043
    Abstract: Boot binding systems for riding a snow gliding board, including a pair of boot bindings, each member of the pair having a toe latch pedal mechanism at the toe end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests, the toe latch pedal having dual function to either a) attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface in ride mode configuration or to b) attach each boot binding to a ski touring mode interface in ski touring configuration. In a “release position” the toe latch pedal is disengaged so that the baseplate assembly may be detached or switched between the ski touring mode interface and the ride mode interface in alternation. In a “lock position”, the toe of the rider's boot depresses the toe latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. As co-planar with the baseplate, the latch pedal also supports the rider's boot when in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 9120003
    Abstract: The disclosure herein is directed toward systems and methods for supporting a person and enabling motion of a person across a surface of snow while satisfying the countervailing requirements of increasing surface area for weight-carrying capacity on soft snow and reducing the opposing forces, like for example drag and friction, in hard snow. More specifically, a snowboard described herein includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and allows the rider to control the amount of board-to-snow contact. This snowboard is configured to improve rider support, increase speed and enhance safety performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Gilson Boards, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas James Gilson
  • Patent number: 9114309
    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. Thus, the fixation seat of the present invention is more flexible for distorting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: TZY SHENQ ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 9056239
    Abstract: An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francois Girard, Eddy Yelovina, Remy Saillet
  • Patent number: 9039031
    Abstract: A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Daniel Soldan, Matthieu Seris
  • Patent number: 9022411
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventors: Even Wollo, Aksel Pettersen, Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen
  • Patent number: 8985615
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventors: Even Wollo, Aksel Pettersen, Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen
  • Patent number: 8985614
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventors: Even Wollo, Aksel Pettersen, Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen
  • Patent number: 8876129
    Abstract: A field litter support (1) includes two side structures (2, 3), each supporting at least one wheel (4) in order to define a frame (40), connecting devices (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) for attaching a litter (100) to the frame (40), elements (5) adapted to reciprocally move the side structures (2, 3) and a mechanism (6) for blocking the elements (5), and therefore the structures (2, 3), in a predetermined position, attachable to the structures (2, 3). The structures (2, 3) are reciprocally moved close or away along the axis (60) of the wheels (4) without removing the frame (40). This characteristic, however, does not jeopardize the size, because, once the field litter support (1) has been packaged, it has a size equivalent to the one of the closed field litter supports of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Spencer Italia S.r.l.
    Inventor: Luigi Cesare Pizzi Spadoni
  • Publication number: 20140291965
    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: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • Publication number: 20140252748
    Abstract: Flexible binding wedges are provided with flexion slots cut in a widthwise direction to allow flexibility when mounted to a sportsboard such as a snowboard. “T” inserts through the wedges provide a mount for boot bindings. Flex adjustment bushings may be inserted into the slots to adjust the flexibility of the wedge when mounted on a sportsboard, e.g., a snowboard. The flexible wedges may be mounted under a top surface of the sportsboard, or even on top of the finished upper surface of the sportsboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: William H. Bollman
  • Patent number: 8801025
    Abstract: A binding for a vehicle, such as a skate for skating on ice or a ski. The binding has an upper chassis section and a lower chassis section, which are interconnected by means of coupling means. The upper chassis section and the lower chassis section are arranged to be rollable relative to each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The binding includes a first and a second contact surface at least one of the first and the second contact surface being curved. Thereby a stepless rolling motion between the upper chassis and the lower chassis is provided for, allowing the chassis to rock both backwards and forwards in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Marsblade AB
    Inventor: Per Mårs
  • Patent number: 8801026
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventors: Even Wollo, Aksel Pettersen, Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen
  • Patent number: 8794658
    Abstract: Suspension systems are provided for skis. In some implementations, the suspension system includes a spring-like element and a support structure configured to attach one end of the spring-like element to the central half of the longitudinal running length of a ski body. The spring-like element is configured so that the opposite end of the spring-like element contacts the ski body at a contact point on the front-most or rear-most fifth of the longitudinal running length of the ski body, and applies a downward force at the contact point such that the degree of free camber of the ski is increased relative to the natural free camber of the ski body without the suspension system attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Anton F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8770614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a snow glide board, in particular a ski, having a glide board body and guide and mounting elements located in a binding area of the glide board body for interlocking mounting of a binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Marker Volkl (International) GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Heil, Andreas Ametsbichler
  • Patent number: 8764043
    Abstract: A splitboard (90) having a first ski (92L) releasably attachable to a second ski (92R) and operable in a snowboard mode and in a ski mode. Corresponding toe brackets (140) are attached to the first and second skis. A pair of forward slider blocks (130) and a pair of rear slider blocks (130) are attached to the first and second skis. Left and right bindings (100L, 100R) include front hook portions (116) configured to releasably engage the corresponding toe brackets. The bindings are configured to slidably engage the forward and rear slider blocks in snowboard mode. Pull loops (120) are pivotable between a lock position, wherein a blocking portion (123) of the pull loop extends through an aperture in the binding to engage the slider block in the lock position. A heel stop (112) extends down from the binding to limit the forward slide of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Neubauer, Nigel Bruce Edward Steere
  • Patent number: 8746728
    Abstract: An alpine touring heel unit is provided which comprises a base for mounting the heel unit and an upper portion with a heel connector. The upper portion is slidably engageable with the base for movement by a user into a downhill position and a touring position spaced rearwardly from the downhill position for disconnection of the heel connector. Complete movement in at least one direction between the downhill and touring positions may be actuated by a single motion by the user. Also provided is a heel unit movable between downhill and touring positions which comprises a heel support pivotally coupled to the heel unit. Also provided is a heel unit comprising a post and a body with a heel connector, the body being coaxially mounted on the post and rotatable between opposing lateral release positions and further containing a biasing device mounted outside of the body. Also provided are kits comprising a heel unit of this invention and a toe unit which functions independently from the heel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: G3 Genuine Guide Gear Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron Allan Shute, Ernest Dawson McCrank, Robert Erik Moore, Paul Matthew Palfreyman, James William Rogers
  • Patent number: 8714577
    Abstract: Flexible binding wedges are provided with flexion slots cut in a widthwise direction to allow flexibility when mounted to a sportsboard such as a snowboard. “T” inserts through the wedges provide a mount for boot bindings. Flex adjustment bushings may be inserted into the slots to adjust the flexibility of the wedge when mounted on a sportsboard, e.g., a snowboard. The flexible wedges may be mounted under a top surface of the sportsboard, or even on top of the finished upper surface of the sportsboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Louis Fournier
  • Patent number: 8714579
    Abstract: A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Neiley, Lucien Vink
  • Patent number: 8714578
    Abstract: Safety binding for the practice of ski touring, including a baseplate having a rear end and a front end, the baseplate being adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to a ski; a rear base adapted to be fixed to the ski; a heel lift capable of taking at least a support position in which the heel lift limits the rotation of the baseplate, and a storage position in which the heel lift does not limit the rotation of the baseplate; and a mechanism enabling the baseplate to be alternatively fixed to and released from the rear base. The mechanism includes a locking device capable of switching from a first closed position to a second open position. The binding also includes a release member having an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, the bias of the actuation surface thereof driving the locking device toward the second open position; and a return member biases the locking device toward their first closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent Marechal, Jean-François Merino
  • Publication number: 20140091555
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a skier comprising a ramp angle toe on the toe bearing surface of a ski binding. The ramp angle plate has positions of varying heights for inducing a ramp angle when the toe of a boot rests on the ramp angle plate on the toe bearing surface of the binding. Thus, the ramp angle plate alters the ramp angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg, relative to the longitudinal running surface or bottom plane of an attached ski. An apparatus that allows a skier to adjust the ramp angle on the slope without stepping out of the binding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BioStance LLC
    Inventor: Chris Korich
  • Patent number: 8684392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ski or a snowboard, comprising a multilayered sliding board body comprising at least one strength-providing upper strap, at least one strength-providing lower strap, at least one strip-like core element arranged in between which is delimited essentially by a first and a second flat side and by lateral side surfaces, and which core element comprises at least in sections of its longitudinal extension an essentially trapezoidal cross section with a first base side with a first length and a second base side essentially parallel thereto with a second comparatively shorter length. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a prefabricated semi-finished product for the production of such a ski or snowboard, a suitably assembled semi-finished product, as well as a method for producing the ski or snowboard according to the invention by using the prefabricated semi-finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Holzer, Georg Klausner
  • Patent number: 8662524
    Abstract: An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: François Girard, Eddy Yelovina, Rémy Saillet
  • Publication number: 20140038480
    Abstract: Described herein is a sports board for gliding over a surface. The board includes an upper structural layer having an outer surface, a lower structural layer, a core having an upper surface substantially covered by the upper structural layer and a lower surface substantially covered by the lower structural layer. The board also includes a deformable element covered by the core on an upper surface. A first portion of the deformable element protrudes a distance beneath the lower structural layer towards a horizontal plane of the surface underlying the sports board. The board also includes a base element substantially covering the lower structural layer and the deformable element and an edge component positioned at least in part around a perimeter of the base element. At least a portion of the deformable element can deform upon application of an amount of pressure against the base element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FLOW SPORTS, INC.
    Inventor: Eric H. Luthardt
  • Patent number: 8641054
    Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device including a shoe, a plurality of wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly being configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface about an associated axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the wheel assemblies, the frame comprising a trunk and a plurality of branches extending from the trunk, each of the branches being configured for connection to at least one of the plurality of wheel assemblies, wherein at least a portion of the shoe is located vertically higher than at least a portion of the frame when at least one of the wheel assemblies is in contact with the ground surface and the at least one of the wheel assemblies is positioned to selectively roll relative to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Roger R. Adams
  • Publication number: 20130341889
    Abstract: A splitboard (90) having a first ski (92L) releasably attachable to a second ski (92R) and operable in a snowboard mode and in a ski mode. Corresponding toe brackets (140) are attached to the first and second skis. A pair of forward slider blocks (130) and a pair of rear slider blocks (130) are attached to the first and second skis. Left and right bindings (100L, 100R) include front hook portions (116) configured to releasably engage the corresponding toe brackets. The bindings are configured to slidably engage the forward and rear slider blocks in snowboard mode. Pull loops (120) are pivotable between a lock position, wherein a blocking portion (123) of the pull loop extends through an aperture in the binding to engage the slider block in the lock position. A heel stop (112) extends down from the binding to limit the forward slide of the binding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Neubauer, Nigel Bruce Edward Steere
  • Patent number: 8579301
    Abstract: A two-piece snowboard includes an improved bottom shape and connector. The bottom surface of each snowboard section facilitates three primary functions: riding in a straight line, turning, and stopping. The bottom surfaces are concave or substantially flat, and grooves or ribs are provided along bottom edges of the sections to provide for turning and/or braking. Thus placed, the grooves and/or ribs do not interfere with straight line riding. The connector is somewhat stiff, and resists twisting. An example of a suitable connector is a length of reinforced hydraulic hose. The connector allows both vertical and horizontal flexing to facilitate riding over irregular terrain, while resisting twisting between sections to facilitate control. In one embodiment, the two-piece snowboard is constructed from sandwiching upper platforms provided by a donor snowboard between a connector assembly and bottom platforms according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Shane Smith
  • Patent number: 8573614
    Abstract: A skate including a main body, a plurality of wheels, a primary foot support, a sidewall, and a foot rest. The plurality of wheels are rotatably coupled to the main body. The primary foot support is configured to support a skater's first foot. The sidewall projects above the primary foot support. The foot rest extends from the sidewall to support a skater's second foot. The foot rest includes a first portion extending rearward relative to the primary foot support, and a second portion extending laterally relative to the primary foot support. The skater's second foot can be positioned upon and simultaneously supported by both the first portion and the second portion of the foot rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Luis Miguel Duarte, Daniel David Karmazyn
  • Publication number: 20130193672
    Abstract: Combination ski-snowboard devices reversibly configured in both: a ski configuration comprising two skis each with both an inside and outside edge and a ski binding mounting systems, and in a snowboard configuration having two outside edges and two binding mounting systems. Methods for converting ski-snowboard devices from a snowboard configuration to a ski configuration and from a ski configuration to a snowboard configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: Golden Gate Foundation Co.
    Inventor: Golden Gate Furniture Co.
  • Patent number: 8480112
    Abstract: A ski or a snowboard in the form of a board-like sliding device, comprising a multi-layered sliding board body and at least one board-like force-transmitting element supported on the top side of the sliding board body, the upper side of which force-transmitting element is provided for supporting a binding device for a potentially releasable connection with a sports shoe. In at least one of the two lateral upper edge sections of the sliding board body running in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board body at least one interlocking coupling means is formed. Said at least one interlocking coupling means is formed by at least one physically independent strip or profile-like coupling element which is arranged between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body and is provided for forming an interlocking connection between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Holzer, Rupert Huber
  • Patent number: 8460505
    Abstract: Ski or similar device for sliding on snow having a mounting aid for a binding (28) or for components thereof, which aid is mounted on the top face (32) of the ski and is especially in the form of a binding plate (10), wherein the mounting aid or binding plate (10) is durably connected to the top face (32) of the ski in such a manner that ski (23) and mounting aid or binding plate (10) form an integral constructional unit in terms of the mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Madshus AS
    Inventor: Gunnar Bjertnaes
  • Patent number: 8448990
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a skier comprises a Heel Mounting (“HMP”) that locks on to the heel bearing surface of a ski binding. The HMP has a specified thickness to increase the height of the heel portion a ski boot over the toe portion when mounted in the ski binding. Thus, the HMP plate alters the ramp angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: BioStance, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Korich
  • Patent number: 8448974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a board-like sliding device in the form of a ski or snowboard. Said board-like sliding device comprises a multilayered sliding board body and at least one elongated force-transmitting element supported on the upper side of the sliding board body for influencing the bending resistance or the vibrational behavior of the sliding board body as well as a binding device for a potentially detachable connection with a sports shoe. Between the lower side of the force-transmitting element and the upper side of the sliding board body at least one engaging coupling means is formed. The force-transmitting element is designed in this case as a thin-walled shell body with a wall thickness of less than 5 mm, which at least over the main part of its longitudinal extension has a substantially U-shaped cross section. At least part sections of the side arms of the force-transmitting element run at least partly in groove-like depressions on the upper side of the sliding board body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Rupert Huber, Helmut Holzer, Georg Klausner
  • Publication number: 20130113184
    Abstract: Binding systems for recreational boards are provided. A binding system 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 comprising at least one deformation-enhancing feature for enhancing an ability of the rail to deform elastically relative to the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Jean-Francois PELCHAT
  • Patent number: 8419042
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel elevator device for a ski (120), wherein the heel elevator device (100) is adapted for being fixed to the ski (120) and adapted for connecting a plate element (108) to the ski (120), wherein the plate element (108) comprises a ski binding or a sole of a ski boot. The heel elevator device (100) comprises a supporting element (102) with a supporting section (801), a gravity based positioning element (130) movably supported in the supporting element (102), and a force transmitting piston (805) with a piston engaging section (806). The force transmitting piston (805) is slideably attached to the supporting section (801) in such a way that, when an engagement force is exerted, the force transmitting piston (805) moves slideably into an engagement position. In the engagement position, the piston engaging section (806) is engaged with the gravity based positioning element (130) for fixing the gravity based positioning element (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Micado Cad-Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Edwin Meindl
  • Patent number: 8419043
    Abstract: Flexible binding wedges are provided with flexion slots cut in a widthwise direction to allow flexibility when mounted to a sportsboard such as a snowboard. “T” inserts through the wedges provide a mount for boot bindings. Flex adjustment bushings may be inserted into the slots to adjust the flexibility of the wedge when mounted on a sportsboard, e.g., a snowboard. The flexible wedges may be mounted under a top surface of the sportsboard, or even on top of the finished upper surface of the sportsboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Louis Fournier