With Foot Supporting Plate Or Portion Patents (Class 280/607)
  • Patent number: 6848704
    Abstract: Adjustable base for a ski binding, comprising a rail (2) for mounting on a ski, a row of teeth (5) extending parallel to the axis of the rail, a plate (3), for carrying a ski-binding element, mounted slidably on the rail and carrying a toothed latch (11), that can be displaced transversely to the rail, for engaging in the teeth of the row of teeth in order to immobilize the plate on the rail through the action of a knuckle-joint mechanism. The teeth (5) of the row of teeth extend transversely to the rail, occupying approximately half the width of the rail, and the latch (11) includes a number of teeth that is greater than two and advantageously of a length substantially equal to the width of the row of teeth (5), and it is displaceable from one side of the rail to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Look Pixations S.A.
    Inventor: Christian Lucas
  • Patent number: 6840530
    Abstract: A snowboard that facilitates turn carving by distributing the load applied by the rider over a much greater portion of the edge of the board preferably comprises a spider mount drive system operably mounted on the board. The drive system includes a drive base that is operably coupled to a boot binding and is adapted to distribute a load applied by a rider to multiple locations along the edge of the snowboard. The drive base preferably includes a central cross member and first and second elongated leg members extending outwardly from its heel and toe locations and is preferably pivotally mounted to the board. The drive base may be formed integrally with the binding or, alternatively, be formed as a separate insertable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: James Steele Busby, Jr., Mark Patrick Nex
  • Patent number: 6840533
    Abstract: The boot/binding assembly for a snowboard with an automatic binding has a base (12) having a device (14) for holding the boot via its sides and complementary forms guiding and positioning the boot in the binding. The guiding and positioning forms (16) located on the binding extend above the holding device (14) for holding the boot so as to prevent the actuation of the holding device until the boot is fully positioned relative to the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Emery S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Gignoux, Alain Plassiard
  • Patent number: 6834880
    Abstract: A board for gliding for downhill skiing, of “shell” type construction having, at lest in an underfoot zone a lower gliding surface composed of a sole plate bordered by metal edges and a topsheet substantially parallel to the lower gliding surface, on either side of the center longitudinal plane of the board. The underfoot zone further includes lateral faces extending between the metal edges and the topsheet, the lateral faces having recesses located below the plane of the topsheet and opening out in the latter. The base of the recess forms a slope that is inclined longitudinally relative to the lower gliding surface and the topsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Henri-Charles Deborde, Alain Zanco, Milena Stefanova, Jacques Fagot, Michel Echevin
  • Patent number: 6834881
    Abstract: A shock absorption system for a sports board which includes a rocker assembly for attaching the board to a raised platform which rocks forward and aft on the board. A space between the platform and the board to accommodate two independent inflated bladders which create a cushion for the platform to rock into forward and aft. The pressure inside the bladders will be at the rider's desired psi and will be sufficient for the rider to exert extreme pressures for balance, control, and maneuvers on any given terrain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Thomas Mash
  • Patent number: 6789806
    Abstract: Herein taught is a new device for improving the overall function and/or aerodynamic qualities of a typical snowboard. The device may be manufactured independently as an accessory item, or it may be included in the snowboard at the point of manufacture. The main improvement being an elongated member which when combined with a snowboard, functions as a springboard respectively. Whereby, bodily movements and/or energies of a user are transferred from the springboard into the snowboard and greatly aid with overall performance, especially jumping and turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Daniel Farside
  • Patent number: 6783145
    Abstract: A raising platform for a binding for a board for gliding over snow, including a planar central zone capable of receiving the front stop and the heel piece of the binding, and two lateral portions of which the lower edge is intended for interacting with the board for gliding, wherein the lower edge of the lateral portions has, in a longitudinal plane, a certain gradient relative to the plane of the central zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Henri-Charles Deborde, Alain Zanco, Milena Stefanova, Jacques Fagot, Michel Echevin
  • Patent number: 6779810
    Abstract: A ski binding or a snowboard binding having boot holder components on the front end or the toe end and on the rear end or the heel end. The invention includes a holding device which is arranged between the boot holder components and this holding device connects said boot holder components by means of connection elements. These connection elements have an adjusting device having an adjusting input which can be operated by a motor-driven tool, and the connection elements are adjustable against a self-locking effect, that is, adjustable to provide some resistance to further toe-to-heel movement of the connection elements once adjusted. The connection elements can be part of a threaded spindle. The boot holder components and holding device are secured displaceably on the ski or the snowboard in a fixed manner in the vertical direction with a form-fitting connection on a guide rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski or snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mangold
  • Publication number: 20040150191
    Abstract: A snow sliding board (1) such as a ski, a snow board or a surf board has a vertical plane of general symmetry (P). A principal portion, called body or base, includes at least in the area of the sole a complementary, longitudinal element intended to receive the binding for retention of the user's boot The base (2) has the shape of an elongated beam, comprising a sliding sole, whose front extremity is raised in order to form a spatula, with the complementary longitudinal element having the shape of an elongated plate, limited laterally by a lateral left rim and a lateral right rim. The complementary element additionally includes a front portion connected to a rear portion by means of a middle portion. At least one of the lateral rims of the complementary element acts as lateral support, via at least its middle portion, on a lateral shock absorbing stop of deformable elastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: SKIS ROSSIGNOL SA
    Inventor: Eric Restani
  • Ski
    Publication number: 20040108687
    Abstract: A sliding board, such as a ski, with at least one interface element or guide element, connected to the sliding board via fastening elements, for arranging binding elements or the like on the upper side of the sliding board. The sliding board has a single-ply or multi-ply upper and lower skin, a running surface, and if appropriate, steel edges, and a foamed core. The interface element or guide element is arranged in a positionally fixed manner on the sliding board by at least one of the fastening elements and is allowed limited mobility in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board by at least one of the other fastening elements. The at least one fastening element fixing the interface element or guide element in a positionally fixed manner is advantageously integrated into the foam during foaming of the core and hardening of the foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Herwig Schretter
  • Patent number: 6729642
    Abstract: A ski boot binding for snowboards includes a base (4) to which a back piece (10) is pivotally mounted. The back piece (10) extends upward from the base and supports the user's ankle. The degree to which the back piece flexes affects an amount of support which it provides to the user's ankle. A reinforcement (22) is mounted on a central part of a rear face (19) of the back piece. The reinforcement is adjustably mounted for vertical movement relative to the back piece to adjust the flexibility of the back piece, hence the amount of rearward ankle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol SA
    Inventors: Philippe Gouzes, Olivier Haupt
  • Patent number: 6729640
    Abstract: A thruster (2) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the ski has a section which is fixed to the ski and an area (3) which is located at a distance from said thruster and which can be moved in a longitudinal direction of said ski and which is coupled to an abutment, which is also fixed to the ski by means of a hydraulic damper (10) via a hydraulic suspension (10). In order to enlarge the lifts of the damper (10), a multiplication gear is located between the damper (10) and the movable area (3), more particularly in the form of a lever gear (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Sedlmair, Ludwig Wagner
  • Patent number: 6715773
    Abstract: A binding (10) for securing a snowboarder's boot to a snowboard (12). The binding includes a baseplate (16) in which a plurality of apertures (38) are formed. Each aperture receives the base (50) of an adjustable dampening assembly (37). The dampening assembly (37) is retained in place by a flange (54) projecting from the lower extremity of the perimeter of the base, which is captured between the baseplate and the snowboard upper surface. A dampening pad (52) is threadably inserted into an internally threaded aperture formed in the base. The dampening pad can be twisted, either by contacting the upper surface (60) of the dampening pad with a thumb or with a driver tool. Twisting of the dampening pad selectively adjusts the height of the dampening pad, which has an elastomeric head, above the baseplate to adjust the fit and vibration and shock absorption abilities of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Andy J. Aiken
  • Patent number: 6715782
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to individually or simultaneously customize the pitch, roll, height, yaw, linear placement and lateral placement of his/her boots on his/her skis. This system allows the user to stand in a position while skiing that is closer to his/her natural position and to have the parameters of such a stance measured and quantified, thereby improving comfort, performance, and safety. As opposed to the limited variation in only some parameters described by current art, this invention allows significant variation in all individual parameters and simultaneous customization of all parameters. This simultaneity is important because of its increased ease to the skier and because altering any one parameter can change the center of pressure, thus creating the need for additional changes until the perfect combination of adjustments is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Clifford Sosin, Howard B. Sosin
  • Publication number: 20040026894
    Abstract: A suspension system for skiis which incorporates a plurality of linkage mechanisms that control absorption dynamics. The linkage mechanisms couple a plurality of plates between the ski binding and the ski. A plurality of resilient elements are located between these plates to dampen impact forces and resiliently maintain spacing between the ski bindings and the ski. The linkage mechanisms may include unitarily constructed panels having flexural couplings or formed rod linkages. These linkage mechanisms constrain the lateral rotational motion of the plates relative to the ski, thus providing edge control concurrent with vertical movement. This allows for precise edge control and significant absorption of impacts and vibration. This device may be integral with the ski, or mounted on top of the ski. In either case, it is a mounting platform for the bindings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kaj Gyr
  • Publication number: 20040017062
    Abstract: A set (1) of at least two boards (11, 12, 13) for gliding over snow has dimensions, structures and/or upper faces of different geometries. Each board (11, 12, 13) for gliding over snow is equipped with a platform (7) for raising the binding elements (8, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Cuzzit, Henri-Charles Deborde, Thierry Schrobiltgen, Olivier Perrin, Jean-Claude Deleglise
  • Patent number: 6679514
    Abstract: A binding unit support comprises a support body of a length approximately that of the binding unit and having a longitudinal axis, distal end regions of the support body receiving jaw bodies of the binding unit, a bottom face of the support body having at least part regions designed to sit on a top face of a board-type runner, and a middle region of the support body being of a lesser structural stiffness than the end regions. A fixing device mounts the support body on the top face of the board-type runner, the fixing device comprising longitudinally spaced brackets extending transversely over at least one of the end regions across the support body and guiding the support body for freely sliding in the longitudinal direction relative to the top face of the board-type runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Max Luitz, Adolf Stonig
  • Patent number: 6679525
    Abstract: To effectively clear for a skier preparatory to a downhill skiing run other skiers that otherwise might be in harm's way, use is made of a metal rail of a rectangular shape in cross section marking the beginning of the ski run on which the skier balances on one leg using a bracket extending laterally of an outboard side of a ski boot that tracks along the top of the rail, wherein the skier's two skis are in the ready to complete the skiing run when the skier dismounts from the end of the rail onto the ski slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Egan Picken
  • Patent number: 6676151
    Abstract: A device, which is preferably designed in the manner of a standing plate for a ski binding or the like, having abutments between which there is a damper unit, preferably hydraulic, which can be uncoupled from an abutment so that it is possible to switch to a state with effective damping and a state without effective damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Mangold, Werner Messerschmidt, Johann Schuhbauer, Ludwig Wagner
  • Patent number: 6666472
    Abstract: Interface plate (1) intended to be inserted between a snowboard binding and the upper face of a snowboard, and which comprises: an essentially circular central zone (2) through which the screws (38) for attaching the binding to the board can pass; two outer zones (3, 4) of a width smaller than the diameter of the central zone (2), arranged symmetrically with respect to the central zone (2), and of which the ends furthest from the central zone (2) act as supports for diametrically opposed zones of the binding so as to transmit the forces exerted from the binding to the board only at said outer zones (34) which are advantageously located near to the edges (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Joubert Des Ouches
  • Patent number: 6666471
    Abstract: A platform (1) for raising the binding intended for fitting on a board for gliding (4), one free end (6) of which has the ability to slide longitudinally relative to the board, which also comprises: a stud (20) intended for securing to the board (4) in order to form a fixed point; a movable member (40) capable of being displaced within the free end (6) of the platform and through the action of the user, said movable member being able to adopt two positions, namely: a “blocked” position in which it has a portion (43) abutting against the fixed stud (20), so as to prevent the movement of the end (6) of the platform relative to the stud (20); a “free” position in which it can slide freely relative to the stud (20) and thus allow the longitudinal sliding of the platform (4) relative to the stud (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Gatel
  • Patent number: 6659493
    Abstract: A connector plate for ski bindings of snow skis and snowboards consists of two connecting segments (1), constructed from an elastic layer (2) made of an elastic material, for example rubber or silicon, within which located along its lateral axis which lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski (4) or snowboard, is at least one solid supporting element (3), which divides the elastic layer (2) into two regions, one region is compressed and the other expands during the flexing of the ski (4) or snowboard, in addition the construction allows for longitudinal movement in the elastic layer (2) of the connecting segments (1), all of which takes place while both connecting segments are interconnected via their upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Milan Trnka
  • Patent number: 6648362
    Abstract: A ski binding assembly plate which can be fixed or can be adjusted in forward inclination and height wherein the pressure on the front guide part of the ski is increased. Because the ski binding assembly plate is fastened on the ski with a two-point support and arrest system, the ski obtains a free bending moment, by which means the ski is dynamic and runs very smoothly. A wedge function and a force transmission system prevent the ski from being propelled back by the counter pressure in the region of the ski binding. With a damping system, vibrations and knocks are absorbed. The plate may be equipped with any brand of ski binding. It fits each type or brand of ski. The individual adjusting possibility of this plate permits the adaptation, which suits each ski, each skiing style and each technical level of the skier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Roland Bünter
  • Patent number: 6644681
    Abstract: Shock-absorbing support pad to be positioned between a boot and a snowboard, or between the boot and a snowboard binding, and a snowboard binding incorporating such support pad. The support pad has at least two layers of material having different hardnesses. A first layer has a support surface for contacting the boot and it has a bonding surface opposite to the support surface. A second layer is joined to the bonding surface of the first layer. The hardness of the second layer is less than the hardness of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Couderc, Jean-Pierre Rigal
  • Patent number: 6641162
    Abstract: A glide board, especially a ski or snowboard, is provided with a profile rail system on the top of the board at least in the area of the binding consisting of at least one profile rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the glide board and serving to fasten functional elements, for example a binding or elements thereof or a binding plate, by pressing functional elements onto the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Volkl Sports GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Allmann, Franz Scherubl
  • Patent number: 6641163
    Abstract: An interface element (10) used on a gliding board, said element being inserted between the sole (20) of the user's boot and the top side of the board (8) so as to take the thrust exerted toward the board by the user at least at the front end of the sole, and which comprises at least one zone (11, 12, 15) made of a thermoformable material capable, after exposure to heat, of matching the imprint of at least the front end (21) of the sole (20) of the boot so as to fill the volume between the top side (8) of the board and the sole of the boot (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Joubert des Ouches
  • Patent number: 6637767
    Abstract: A binding (8) has a lower surface (15) has a width (L5) and is mounted on an upper surface of a ski (2) of width (L2). The width of the lower surface (15) is less than or equal to the width of the ski (2). A support body (9) diverges in width along lateral boarders (19, 20) from the lower surface (15) to an upper surface (18) of width (L4). The upper surface supports an anti-friction plate (10) that defines a support zone (17) of width (L3). The width (L3) of the support zone (17) is greater than width (L5) of the lower surface (15) and the width (L2) if the ski (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Look Fixations, SA
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Chevalier, Frédéric Quillard, Thierry Brugeas
  • Publication number: 20030193168
    Abstract: A double-deck ski mounting structure in which two shock-absorbing coupling structures are connected between a top deck board and a bottom deck board to hold the deck board in parallel, each shock-absorbing structure including a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate respectively fixedly fastened to the deck boards, and two shock absorbing pads sandwiched in between the deck boards and the mounting plates, the second mounting plate having a suspension arm pivoted to parallel bottom lugs of the first mounting plate by a pivot bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Windsor Chou
  • Publication number: 20030193169
    Abstract: In a baseplate of a ski- or snowboard binding that may be inserted into a guiderail arrangement of a ski or snowboard, a shock absorber is provided, one shock absorbing element of which may be attached immovably to a baseplate part that may be secured relative to the ski or snowboard, and the other part of which may be coupled to an abutment member that is attachable in or on the guiderail arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hans Holzinger, Michael Mangold
  • Patent number: 6631918
    Abstract: An alpine including a longitudinal beam having front and rear ends and a central zone, the beam being formed by a main core covering a running surface, a stack of gliding and reinforcing layers with two lateral running edges, the core itself being covered by a stack of reinforcing, and possibly decorating layers. In the central zone, a secondary core is superposed on the main core so as to form, in this central zone, a projecting rib having a reduced width. An interface with a plate for supporting the retaining elements is provided to be assembled to the ski by journals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Gilles Silva
  • Publication number: 20030184050
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved ski which offers many possibilities of use in a wide range of environmental conditions. The inventive ski is bent upwards at both end sections in order to form a tip at both ends. The ski is also provided with a binding plate which can be fixed in a first direction and a second direction to the ski in such a way that the ski can be used optimally in both directions. The body of the ski is thus asymmetrically configured so that said inventive ski is optimally suitable for a wide range of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Hotter, Helmut Umlauft
  • Patent number: 6623026
    Abstract: A support device on a ski for the front part of the sole of a ski boot is held by a releasable binding holding the front of the boot, including a support in which a support plate is slideably mounted transversely to the ski. A limiting arrangement limits the displacement of the support plate in the support and includes stops on both the support plate and the support. A transverse helical spring is engaged partially in the support plate and partially in the support and works in compression between the support and the support plate upon displacement of the support plate. A support device using a helical return spring is thereby produced in which the support plate travels substantially farther than in the prior art, while being perfectly guided and held in the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Dogat, Christian Lucas
  • Patent number: 6619688
    Abstract: Alpine ski has a boot middle point mark indicating a position of a middle of a boot and is equipped with a mounting platform comprising front, central and rear zones. The platform rests on the ski via three feet situated respectively in front, central and rear zones of the platform. The height measured between the lower face of each foot and the upper face of the platform is a minimum for the central foot. The platform is anchored by screws to inhibit sliding in at least the front and central zones. An anchoring point situated in the central zone is positioned in front of the boot middle point and is separated longitudinally by a distance of between 150 and 300 millimeters. Further included is a block of elastic material inserted between a front end of the platform and a stop in front of the platform. The block is compressible during movement of the platform relative to the upper face of the ski, due to bending of the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Billon, Eric Restani, Thierry Schrobiltgen, Henri-Charles Deborde
  • Patent number: 6616171
    Abstract: A device for raising at least one element (5) of a binding used on a board (3) for gliding, including an element (4) which is articulated relative to the board and one end (30) of which comes into contact with the upper face (6) of the board. The element (5) of the binding is mounted on the articulated element (4) and the end (30) of the articulated element (4) is secured to the upper face (6) of the board by attaching member (33) so that the forces exerted vertically at the location of the binding element (5) are partly transmitted to the board (3) at the location of the end (30) of the articulated element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Look Fixations SA
    Inventor: André-Jean Kruajitch
  • Patent number: 6616170
    Abstract: A folding ski consists in the possibility of folding the ski itself, by means of a mechanical system contained within it and forming part, to all effects, of the construction of the ski. The innovative mechanism makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the equipment and makes it easier to transport. In addition, not only does it maintain the physical, mechanical and dynamic characteristics required for practicing the various sporting disciplines, but it offers better performance and safety qualities than a traditional ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Franco Quarti
  • Patent number: 6612605
    Abstract: A snowboard (110) includes a body (22) formed from a primary core (130) reinforced by a structural layer (132, 134) that wraps the primary core. A secondary core formed from first and second binding lifter plates (120) is disposed above the body and adhered thereto with an elastomeric layer (142). A top layer (136) overlies the secondary core and the exposed portions of the body to integrate the secondary core into the snowboard. The snowboard further includes a bottom layer (138) reinforced with edge strips (140). The integrated modular lifter plates provides additional leverage and vibration dampening at selected regions of the snowboard without significantly impacting the torsional and longitudinal flexibility of the center section (112) of the snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Cameron Andrus, Anthony DeRocco
  • Publication number: 20030155726
    Abstract: The invention concerns a gliding board design with innovative skiing features. The gliding board design consists of two gliding board halves (1, 2) on which shoe-fastening devices are mounted. Both gliding board halves (1, 2) are connected pivotally via a linkage construction whereby a bearing is attached to each shoe-fastening device. A pole each is fitted into the bearings in relation to the longitudinal extension of the gliding board design and is extended underneath the shoe-fastening device, whereby the two gliding board halves (1, 2) can be pivoted in relation to the pole. A coupling device connects the poles (5, 6), which can be rotated, whereby each pole is kept at such a distance from the surface of the gliding board halves (1, 2) and the coupling device has been constructed in such a way that it prevents contact with the gliding board halves (1, 2) due to deflection or tilting while skiing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Dieter Braun
  • Patent number: 6604754
    Abstract: A suspension system for skiis which incorporates a plurality of linkage mechanisms that control absorption dynamics. The linkage mechanisms couple a plurality of plates between the ski binding and the ski. A plurality of resilient elements are located between these plates to dampen impact forces and resiliently maintain spacing between the ski bindings and the ski. The linkage mechanisms may include unitarily constructed panels having flexural couplings or formed rod linkages. These linkage mechanisms constrain the lateral rotational motion of the plates relative to the ski, thus providing edge control concurrent with vertical movement. This allows for precise edge control and significant absorption of impacts and vibration. This device may be integral with the ski, or mounted on top of the ski. In either case, it is a mounting platform for the bindings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Kaj Gyr
  • Patent number: 6595541
    Abstract: A short ski comprises a base 10 having a pair of side walls 16 on which a pair of arms 11, which hold an ankle belt 12, and a foot belt 13 are mounted. Means are provided for adjusting and fixing the belts 12, 13 so as to accommodate shoes of most different types and sizes and avoid the need for special ski boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Marcus Kuchler
  • Publication number: 20030127830
    Abstract: The sports shoe in accordance with the present invention mainly comprises a pivotal means, a blocking plate and a latch means. The pivotal means is adapted to pivotally connect the sports shoes to a detachable ice/roller skate and the latch means is adapted to securely lock therebetween. The blocking plate is arranged in spaced relationship with the pivotal means and a space provided therebetween is adapted to receive a pivotal hook seat of the pivotal means. The latch means includes an elastic member and a plurality of guiding studs which are used to increase the sports shoe in assembled reliability for operating the detachable ice/roller skate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Chun-Cheng Chang
    Inventors: Chun-Cheng Chang, Hong-Young Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030116941
    Abstract: A shock absorption system for a sports board which includes a rocker assembly for attaching the board to a raised platform which rocks forward and aft on the board. A space between the platform and the board to accommodate two independent inflated bladders which create a cushion for the platform to rock into forward and aft. The pressure inside the bladders will be at the rider's desired psi and will be sufficient for the rider to exert extreme pressures for balance, control, and maneuvers on any given terrain conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Thomas Mash
  • Patent number: 6575489
    Abstract: A snowboard rotatable binding conversion apparatus that is inserted between and attaches to a snowboard and a boot binding to render the boot binding rotatable in relation to the snowboard. The snowboard rotatable binding conversion apparatus includes a base, an engaging plate which sandwiches the base between he engaging plate and a snowboard, a top plate which sandwiches the engaging plate between the top plate and the base, an engaging element which engages an engaging slot in an engaging plate, an engaging bar which movably secures the engaging element to the base, a tension bar that provides tension to the engaging element, a tether attachable to the engaging element, and a plurality of screws and screw-receiving holes to attach the engaging bar to the base, the engaging plate to the snowboard, and the top plate to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Rick Albert White
  • Patent number: 6575490
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a position of a pad on a binding base. A pad can be adjusted to any one of an infinite number of positions relative to a binding base and/or without the use of tools. Adjustment can be provided by a drive mechanism, or by a locking device mounted to the pad that engages with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventor: James Laughlin
  • Publication number: 20030102651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a board-type runner device (1), in particular a ski (2) or a snowboard, comprising several layers disposed between a running surface facing (4) and a top layer (6) and a core component (15). At least a bottom face (19) of the core component (15) adjoins a layer (20) that is elastically flexible and rebounds when forces are applied to it. The core component (15), which is mounted on the elastic layer (20) so as to be flexible at least in the direction perpendicular to a running surface (3) of the runner device (1), has compression-resistant projections (21) formed on its top face (23) or separate compression-resistant spacing elements (22) are supported directly on its top face (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Bernhard Riepler
  • Patent number: 6565110
    Abstract: The invention describes a mounting plate (1) for a runner (2), in particular a ski (3), with a mounting surface (5) for a coupling mechanism, in particular a ski binding. The mounting plate (1) has fixing mechanisms (14) arranged in a longitudinal direction spaced at a distance apart, the mounting surface (5) extending across an entire mounting region for the coupling mechanism. Inset recesses (25) with insert elements (39) are provided in the mounting surface (5) in the region of the fixing mechanisms (14), extending from the longitudinal side faces (16, 17) of the mounting plate (1) in the direction of a longitudinal central axis (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Holzer
  • Publication number: 20030090086
    Abstract: A ski includes an elongated body having a bottom surface and a surface modifier having a first surface with a smooth texture and a second surface opposite to the first surface with a rough texture. The surface modifier is reversibly attached to the bottom surface of the elongated body thus providing the bottom surface with a smooth texture suitable for downhill skiing when the second rough textured surface is attached to the bottom surface and with a rough texture suitable for uphill and cross country skiing when the first smooth textured surface is attached to the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Michael B. Gousie
  • Publication number: 20030085550
    Abstract: A raising platform (6) is intended for mounting on the upper surface (3) of a board (1) for gliding over snow in order to receive and to raise the bindings securing a user's boot to a board (1) for gliding over snow. The raising platform (6) is divided into two longitudinal parts (9, 10) that are each placed directly on the upper surface (3) of the board (1) for gliding over snow and that are connected together by at least one bridge (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: SKIS ROSSIGNOL S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Christopher Godde, Denis Redor
  • Publication number: 20030085549
    Abstract: A device for the interconnection of a ski binding to a ski, comprising a first plate and second plate for interconnecting to a ski respectively a toe unit and a separate heel unit of the ski binding. The first plate and the second plate are movably associated at the bottom respectively to a third plate and a fourth plate that are associated longitudinally to said ski. Additionally, temporary means are provided which are arranged respectively between the first plate and the third plate and between the second plate and the fourth plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: BENETTON GROUP S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Gorza, Mirco Battistella
  • Patent number: 6533296
    Abstract: A snow board system for measuring and displaying parametric data such as speed and distance during and after snow boarding. The snow board system includes a board member having a cavity and designed for gliding over a snow covered surface, a pair of binding assemblies designed for securing the board member to the feet of the user, a sensor device designed for determining instantaneous velocity of the board member and positioned in the cavity of the board member, and a display assembly for displaying information determined by and derived from the sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Eric A. Farraday
  • Publication number: 20030038432
    Abstract: The present invention is disclosed the wheel assembly for roller skate. The wheel assembly mainly comprises a wheel/pivotal seat, a locking means, a singular elastic member and a wheel set. The wheel/pivotal seat includes a first end pivotally connected to a base by a mounting member for moving between an extended position and an stowed position and a second end rotatably connected to the wheel set for skating. The locking means is combined with the singular elastic member as a unit, which is adapted to optionally lock the wheel/pivotal seat either in the extended position or in the extracted position by the bias force of the singular elastic member. The singular elastic member is further adapted to bias the wheel/pivotal seat for facilitating and guiding to move between the extended position and the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Cheng Chang