With Adjustable Or Detachable Support Patents (Class 280/633)
  • Patent number: 7025373
    Abstract: A safety ski binding (1) with a toe and a heel binding (4,5) and an electronic circuit (6) incorporating an electronic display device (7) and sensor system (8) for displaying at lest one set safety release value of the safety ski binding (1). An evaluation device (13,14) is provided in both the toe binding (4) and the heel binding (5), each of which has at least one sensor (15,16) for detecting at least the set safety release values. Each of the evaluation devices (13,14) respectively has a separate power supply system (21,22) and transmitter between them, only a single display device (7) being provided on the toe binding or on the heel binding (4,5), in particular a display (25) with graphic capability, in order to display the respective values or states of the toe and heel binding (4,5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Atomic Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Holzer
  • Patent number: 7014207
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the lengthwise adjustment of a ski binding part arranged on a rail, which is fixed to the ski, so as to slide in the lengthwise direction of the ski by means of a base-plate or the like, wherein a locking part, which is subject to the action of at least one spring and can be locked on the rail in different positions, is mounted on the base-plate, this locking part being actively connected to an actuation lever, which is arranged so as to rotate on the base-plate, in order to release the locking, and being lockable on the rail which is fixed to the ski, in the lengthwise direction of the ski, by means of this actuation lever. The actuation lever (9) is pressed against the rail (2) while being pretensioned in the locked position of the locking part (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Roman Humann, Karl Stritzl
  • Patent number: 6945544
    Abstract: A boot retaining device for use with a snowboard includes a plate equipped with straps for retaining an associated boot. A pivot body is located at a central region of the plate. The pivot body retains the plate on the board and includes a central screw or central nut. A support base is attached to the board. The support base includes threading configured for threadably engaging the central screw or nut of the pivot body. The pivot body includes a downwardly open housing which receives the support base. The threaded stem of the central screw or the threaded portion of the central nut projects downward into the housing. A length of the threaded stem of the central screw or the threaded portion of the central nut is less than or equal to a depth of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Emery SA
    Inventors: Christian Feurer, Jean-Marc Pascal
  • Patent number: 6938913
    Abstract: A snowboard binding has a support structure with a base plate and side plates that project from the base plate. Tension cables, which hold a single instep element, are attached to the side plates. The instep element extends from a toe region of the boot up to at least its instep region. A single tensioning device for the tension cables is independent of a pivoting position of a heel element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Goodwell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Elkington
  • Patent number: 6935651
    Abstract: A binding system for and on skis or snowboards having slider elements that are insertable into a guiderail arrangement and may be secured for front and rear sole holder units by multi-section retaining element. The retaining element is arranged on the skis or on the guiderail arrangement longitudinally between the slider elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Krumbeck, Michael Mangold
  • 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: 6840531
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Benetton Group S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Gorza, Mirco Battistella
  • Patent number: 6824158
    Abstract: This invention concerns a basic arrangement of a ski binding having a front part or a toe end and a rear part or a heel end for securing the ski boot, and also having a front supporting part, longitudinally displaceable on a first base part fixed on the ski, for supporting the front boot holding part, and a rear supporting part, longitudinally displaceable on another base part fixed on the ski, for supporting the rear boot holding part. The invention further includes an adjusting device designed as a rack-and-pinion gear for simultaneous adjustment of both supporting parts; this adjusting device has two toothed racks, each connected to a supporting part, and a manually operable, lockable gearwheel which meshes with both toothed racks between the two supporting parts. In one embodiment, the gearwheel is arranged on a middle base part in an essentially stationary mount on the ski, and is separate from the front and rear base parts, and is held indirectly on the ski by the front and rear base parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Keller, Thomas Tchorsch
  • Patent number: 6814367
    Abstract: Interface plate (1) intended to be secured to the upper face of a ski and capable of accommodating the toe piece and the heel piece of a safety binding, characterized in that it has a longitudinal recess forming a slideway capable of holding projecting parts situated under the toe piece and under the heel piece, while allowing the toe piece and the heel piece to slide inside the slideway with a view to adjusting the binding to the length of the boot, and in which the profiles (10, 11; 12, 13) of the zones of the slideway respectively holding the toe piece and the heel piece are geometrically identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Mercier, Jean-Marc Hillairet, Frédéric Chonier
  • Patent number: 6786502
    Abstract: An adjustable mount for use with a snowboard and a snowboard binding has a center-line and a channel which longitudinally extends along the center-line of the snowboard. The snowboard binding includes a binding base plate and a disc. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface and is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The adjustable mount includes a rail and a locking mechanism. The rail is disposed in the channel and is fixedly coupled thereto. The rail is a flexible member and has a key-slot and two series of parallel notches. The binding base plate is disposed on the snowboard. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface. The disc is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The locking mechanism securely couples the rail to the binding base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6783146
    Abstract: The connecting device consists of a circular disk (7) fixed to the snowboard and fitting into a circular ring (8) holding the binding (1) on the board. The interior circular contour (11) of the ring into which the disk fits is eccentric relative to the exterior contour of the ring. The mechanical continuity provided by the ring guarantees that the binding will be held in position without high pressure needing to be exerted on this ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Emery S.A.
    Inventor: Patrice Coing
  • Publication number: 20040051278
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the lengthwise adjustment of a ski binding part arranged on a rail, which is fixed to the ski, so as to slide in the lengthwise direction of the ski by means of a base-plate or the like, wherein a locking part, which is subject to the action of at least one spring and can be locked on the rail in different positions, is mounted on the base-plate, this locking part being actively connected to an actuation lever, which is arranged so as to rotate on the base-plate, in order to release the locking, and being lockable on the rail which is fixed to the ski, in the lengthwise direction of the ski, by means of this actuation lever. The actuation lever (9) is pressed against the rail (2) while being pretensioned in the locked position of the locking part (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Roman Humann, Karl Stritzl
  • Patent number: 6705633
    Abstract: A snowboard binding system that incorporates the riding performance of a strap binding with the convenience of a step-in binding. The binding system includes a binding interface that is configured to be coupled to a step-in binding base, while also being configured to secure a snowboard boot in a manner that provides a rider with the riding performance of a strap binding. The binding interface may include one or more straps for securing a boot to a snowboard. The binding system may be configured so that the binding base engages regions of the binding interface to which the straps are attached to provide the feel of a strap binding. The binding base may include at least three engagement members to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface. The binding base may include a pair of engagement members at both the rear or heel end and the front or toe end thereof to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas V. Poscich
  • Patent number: 6676152
    Abstract: A base for supporting a boot on a board, the base having a device for angular orientation in relation to the board. The device includes a circular opening provided in the base and a disk, the latter being nested in the opening of the base to retain the base on the board. An abutment limits an axial displacement of the disk away from the upper surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-François Gonthier
  • Patent number: 6631919
    Abstract: A highback includes a wing-shaped leg support adjustably extending therefrom that cooperates with a rider's leg to transmit forces from the rider's leg to the highback. The support is movable between a plurality of positions relative to the highback so that the position of the support may be selectively adjustable by the rider to accommodate the rider's particular riding preferences. The adjustable support facilitates the selection of desired force transmission to the board and may enhance board control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Brian West, Ryan Coulter, Stefan Reuss
  • Patent number: 6557865
    Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is provided with stiffness adjustability for accommodating the rider's particular riding preferences. Adjusting the highback stiffness allows the rider to selectively increase or decrease force transmission and board response based on individual riding preferences and/or riding conditions. Adjusting highback stiffness may also allow a rider to reduce pressure points between the highback and the leg, particularly the rider's calf muscle, for increased comfort while maintaining heelside support for board control. The highback includes a back member that may employ one or more sections that can be selectively adjusted to achieve a desired highback stiffness for board response and comfort. The degree of stiffness may be established by adjusting the flexibility of the highback at preselected locations of the back member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Reuss, Brian D. West, David J. Dodge, Ryan Coulter, Christopher M. Doyle
  • Patent number: 6554295
    Abstract: A binding system for securing a boot (10) having an instep portion and a toe portion to a snowboard (28) includes an attachment member (12) provided on the toe portion of the sole of the boot, a corresponding engaging member (16) on a frame (14), and a strap (18) for securing a portion of the boot in the frame. One end (58) of the instep strap is anchored to one side of the base, while a loose end of the strap is passed over the instep boot portion and tightened by means of a ratcheting buckle mechanism (48) to the opposing side of the frame once the user has placed his foot on the frame. Thus, the toe is readily and firmly secured to the frame, and the strap is merely tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey E. Rittmeyer
  • Publication number: 20020163162
    Abstract: A binding (2) which retains a boot (11) on a snowboard (1) includes a base member (4). Rear walls (8a, 8b) and a rear arch (9) with a rear portion (21) of the base member support a heel of the boot. A front support piece (18) to which a toe strap (16) is pivotally mounted (24a, 24b), is adjustably mounted to a front part (20) of the base member. The front support piece is longitudinally adjustable and a length of the toe strap is adjustable to enable the binding to receive boots of different length and style.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Olivier Haupt
  • Publication number: 20010026061
    Abstract: An element for retaining a boot on a ski provided to releasably retain one of the ends of a boot by means of a jaw movable laterally on either side of a centered position aligned with a longitudinal and vertical median plane of the retaining element, and a compensating mechanism acting on the jaw or its return mechanism so as to further facilitate its opening, where the compensating mechanism includes two active elements, either of which are biased as a function of the side where the jaw moves with respect to the vertical and longitudinal median plane. The two active elements are asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and vertical median plane, such that the compensating mechanism is more or less active depending on the active element biased as a function of the side on which the jaw moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Merino
  • Patent number: 6283495
    Abstract: A system for preventing toe-edge travel of a hi-back is provided. The system includes a latch, supportable by the hi-back, for engaging a snowboard binding base plate. The system can include a forward lean adjuster. When engaged, the latch prevents travel of the hi-back relative to the snowboard binding base plate, thereby increasing the responsiveness of the snowboard to rider movements. The latch may be engaged in a lateral rotational position of the hi-back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Phillips
  • Patent number: 6273450
    Abstract: A retention device for a boot on a glide board adapted to be used for snowboarding. The device includes a base adapted to receive the sole of the boot, and a dorsal support element on which the upper of the boot is adapted to take support, a raised portion of the heel support extending the base upwardly towards the rear of device, the dorsal support element including a top part, a bottom part connected to the base, the top and bottom parts being relatively stiff. An intermediate deformable part of the dorsal support element is located between the top and bottom parts, the intermediate part allowing an inclination of the top part with respect to the bottom part along at least one transverse direction of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Salomon, S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Challande, Cedric Ragot
  • Patent number: 6220619
    Abstract: Holding device comprising a body (1) mounted so as to slide in a rail (4) on which it is maintained in position by means of a lock (9) that is articulated to the body (1) and is provided with an unlocking lever (20). This unlocking lever is provided with two lateral flanges (21, 22) extending toward the rail, on each side of the central region of the latter. The flanges (21, 22) are preferably divergent and their rear edge (23) is inclined. This form of unlocking lever secures the lock against accidental unlocking in the event of impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Bardin, Florence Mandon
  • Patent number: 6209890
    Abstract: A retention device for a boot on a glide board adapted for the practice of snowboarding. The device includes a base, a plate, a disk and at least one retention screw for the disk provided to be screwed into the board. The base has a rear support element, a retention mechanism affixed to tie plate retains the boot, and the device extends along a longitudinal direction which is the longitudinal direction of the boot when the latter is retained on the device. The device includes at least one translational guide mechanism for the plate with respect to the base along the longitudinal direction of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Couderc
  • Patent number: 6189899
    Abstract: An adjustable mount for use with a snowboard and a snowboard binding. The snowboard has a center-line and a channel which longitudinally extends along the center-line of the snowboard. The snowboard binding includes a binding base plate and a disc. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface and is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The adjustable mount includes a rail, a bar and a locking mechanism. The rail is disposed in the channel and is fixedly coupled thereto. The rail is a flexible member and has a key slot and two series of parallel notches. The binding base plate is disposed on the snowboard. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface. The bar is disposed about the center-line of the disc and fixedly coupled thereto. The bar engages one opposing pair of the series of parallel notches of the rail. The disc is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The locking mechanism securely couples the rail to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6131939
    Abstract: A snow ski of the type having separately constructed and joined together upper and lower elongate ski sections wherein the two sections are joined together by an elongate slide rail which slidingly interconnects the opposed faces of the upper and lower ski sections together. A connector arrangement is provided for captively holding the two sections together along the slide rail to thereby permit relative sliding movement between the upper and lower ski sections when the snow ski is flexed longitudinally. The lower ski section preferably is relatively thin and of uniform thickness between its ski tip and ski tail and is also uncambered. A camber is imparted to the lower ski section when it is slidingly interconnected to the upper ski section which itself on its lower surface is longitudinally curved. The upper ski section also preferably functions as a torsion tube and is more resistant to longitudinal flex and lateral twist than the lower section to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Fels Canadian Ski Company Ltd.
    Inventor: David M. Fels
  • Patent number: 6126190
    Abstract: An assembly for retaining a ski boot on a ski, snowboard, monoski, or the like includes a rear binding portion (1), such as a step-in rear binding. The rear binding portion (1) is supported on a body (2) having wings (10a, 10b) which are slidably received in a slide channel (7). The slide channel has slide surfaces (8a, 8b) which permit the binding body to slide longitudinally and overhanging edges (9a, 9b) which prevent the binding body from being lifted out of the channel. A rear piece (14) is removably mounted at the rear end of the channel such that a stop or abutment (11) limits rearward movement of the binding body (2). To facilitate cleaning and storage, a projection (17) on a resilient tongue (18) of the rear end piece (14) is depressed to disengage the rear end piece from an intermediate piece (13) to which the slide channel is mounted. Disengaging the rear end piece (14) permits it to be removed, which, in turn, permits the binding portion to be slid out of the end of the channel and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Look Fixations, SA
    Inventor: Patrice Viodet
  • Patent number: 6092829
    Abstract: Ski binding comprising a toe piece and a heel piece slideably mounted on a slide (1) and respectively supporting two connecting arms (2, 3) providing a rack (19, 20) engaging respectively two gears (6, 7); an auxiliary gear means (8, 9) and a gear (7) displaceable, for example, vertically in a manner to be able to occupy two different levels in which it engages with two different gears, the binding elements being displaceable either symmetrically in opposite directions in a manner to enable the adjustment of the binding to the length of the boot without changing the central position of the boot relative to the ski, or in the same direction in a manner to be able to change the central position of the boot relative to the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Michel Mercier
  • Patent number: 6089581
    Abstract: A system is provided for mounting bindings to a snowboard. The system allows relative distance between the mounted bindings to be much more accurately adjusted by the user, making snowboarding mare enjoyable and safer. The system involves a front and a rear set of parallel cavities formed on the top surface of a snowboard which accept nuts which slide in each cavity. Each nut receives a corresponding bolt from the binding to be mounted. The nuts can be easily replaced if stripped, obviating the need for frequent expensive repairs to fix stripped nuts, as is common with typical snowboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: 4117 Investments Ltd.
    Inventor: David McNair Partridge
  • 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: 6068283
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a binding on a glide board. The device includes a base plate equipped with an orifice and an edge of the orifice includes a first peripheral surface portion; a disc having a contour that exceeds that of the orifice and including an edge that has a second surface portion adapted to come into contact with the first surface portion when the disc gets nested in the orifice; an anchoring device of the disc on the board that can be actuated by tightening so as maintain contact between the surface portions, wherein at least one of the surface portions is substantially smooth and constitutes a sliding ramp for the other surface portion, and wherein the device includes a rotational stop of the base plate in an engagement position when the anchoring device is are actuated by tightening, and able to become disengaged when the anchoring device is are only partially loosened, thus allowing a rotational movement of the base plate with respect to disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Couderc, Joel Bourdeau
  • Patent number: 6065895
    Abstract: A carrying apparatus for supporting a ski binding toe piece and heel piece on a ski, the carrying apparatus having a length-adjustable coupling member arranged between a front support member and a rear support member. The carrying apparatus is easily mountable to the ski and is adaptable to accommodate numerous ski boot sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Edwin Lehner, Gerhard Sedlmair, Werner Messerschmidt
  • Patent number: 6061870
    Abstract: A bushing system for isolating movement of a rotatable member from a releasable fastener used to secure the member to a support structure. The rotatable member may be a strap and the support structure may include a wall of a boot or a binding. The bushing may include a shaft having, at one end, a network of rotation resistant radially extending teeth or interlocks that cooperates with a complementary network of interlocks provided in the support structure about a mounting hole. The interlocks may have rounded or angled sidewalls that converge at a tip to encourage the bushing and support structure to mesh together. The tip is preferably substantially pointed with a fine edge, a rounded edge or a substantially narrow flat edge. A bore through the shaft is adapted to receive a screw or other fastener for securing the bushing to the support structure at the mounting hole. The bushing extends through an opening in the strap mounting the strap for rotation relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Dodge, Stefan W. Reuss
  • Patent number: 6062576
    Abstract: A binding strap for use in a soft boot snowboard binding is provided, the binding strap including a flexible, unitary binding member having an ankle section connected to a toe section by a midsection. The binding strap may be configured and dimensioned to preferably provide a rider with easy entry and exit from the strap. In addition, the shape and flexible nature of the binding makes it comfortable to use, while also allowing it to perform well by securely engaging the rider's boot to the snowboard. The unitary construction allows the binding strap to move in an integrated manner, while the surface area of the binding strap reduces pressure points by distributing pressure exerted by the binding over a relatively large surface area of the boot, and hence foot, of the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Jake B. Carpenter, Christopher M. Doyle
  • Patent number: 6050591
    Abstract: A mounting for a ski binding including a runner (1) attached to the ski and a plate (2) slidably mounted on the runner and provided with a latch (3) that may be released by means of a lever (6) pivotably mounted under the plate (2) and extending through an aperture (10) therein. The lever and/or the plate are provided with an aperture sealing means for at least approximately sealing said aperture at least when the binding is in its operative position. The sealing means consists of, e.g., a rigid portion (11) and a flexible portion (13) of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Bardin, Michel Thevenet
  • Patent number: 6027136
    Abstract: A system for preventing toe-edge travel of a hi-back is provided. The system includes a latch, supported by the hi-back, for engaging a snowboard binding base plate. The system can include a forward lean adjuster. When engaged, the latch prevents travel of the hi-back relative to the snowboard binding base plate, thereby increasing the responsiveness of the snowboard to rider movements. The latch may be engaged in a lateral rotational position of the hi-back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Phillips
  • Patent number: 6024375
    Abstract: Attachment for a binding (1) having straps and fitting a user's boot, the binding attached to a snow gliding or wake boarding device. Upon detachment of one end of each strap of the binding, the ends are attached to a spanning bar (11). A closing lever (10) is mounted to the spanning bar (12,14) to provide a preselected mechanical advantage. A front clip (30) having a niche rod (32) is mounted near the toe end of the binding (33), and a rear clip (20) having a latch (26) is mounted near the heel end. The closing lever is engaged with the niche rod (32) and then with the latch (26), moving the spanning bar downward and tightening the straps around the boot. The first insertion of the boot requires adjustment of the strap tension; subsequent insertions do not require further adjustment. The closing lever (10) is releasable from the latch, loosening the straps for boot removal. The latch may be fitted with a cable release and a safety lock (28) to prevent disengagement of the closing lever from the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Gary E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5984324
    Abstract: A snowboard is disclosed which is comprised of two separable ski members, each having at least one non-linear longitudinal edge, and being adapted for conjoining together to selectively form the snowboard. The snowboard further comprises ski bindings associated with each ski member and a snowboard binding assembly which is comprised of elements associated with each ski member. Thus, boot bindings can be readily positioned between a skiing mode and a snowboarding mode. The ski bindings of the present invention are adapted for both fixed-heel and free-heel binding to accommodate conventional alpine and telemarking skiing. The snowboard bindings may, in one embodiment, be adjustable to position the feet at any desired angle to the board, and even allow the user to select which foot is oriented to the front of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Voile Manufacturing
    Inventor: Mark J. Wariakois
  • Patent number: 5984345
    Abstract: A mounting platform assembly for attaching a "heel-less" type of binding to a ski may comprise a toe platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough for receiving a plurality of platform screws. The toe platform also includes at least two threaded holes therein for receiving at least two mounting screws of the binding. The toe platform is attached to the ski by the platform screws, whereas the toe piece of the "heel-less" binding is attached to the toe platform by the mounting screws. A heel platform may be mounted to the ski at a position rearward from the toe platform by heel platform screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Nicholas J D Carter
  • Patent number: 5975554
    Abstract: A quick adjustment boot securement device for a snowboard is provided including a base coupled to the top of the snowboard. A boot binding housing is included with a bore that is adapted to rotatably receive the base therein. Next provided is a boot binding assembly including a floating clamp having a U-shaped configuration. The boot binding assembly further includes a clamping mechanism for engaging the clamp with the base thereby precluding rotation of the boot binding housing with respect to the snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Stanley D. Linton
  • Patent number: 5975555
    Abstract: A carrying apparatus for supporting a ski binding toe piece and heel piece on a ski, the carrying apparatus having a length-adjustable coupling member arranged between a front support member and a rear support member. The carrying apparatus is easily mountable to the ski and is adaptable to accommodate numerous ski boot sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Edwin Lehner, Gerhard Sedlmair, Werner Messerschmidt
  • Patent number: 5971419
    Abstract: A rotational boot binding for mounting on a free style snowboard. The binding allows the user of the snowboard to wear hard shell boots and while boarding rotate both feet in a vertical plane for shifting his or her weight to the toe or the heel of the board. The binding includes a base plate having a plurality of holes therein for attaching and adjusting the base plate at an angle from 30 to 120 degrees to an axis along a length of the snowboard and centered thereon. The base plate is attached to a foot plate by a horizontal pivot pin. The pivot pin allows the foot plate to rotate on the base plate in a vertical plane thereby allowing a shift of weight to the toe or to the heel of the snow board and thus control the movement of the snowboard. The binding includes a toe base plate, a toe foot plate, a heel base plate and a heel foot plate. By having separate toe plates and heel plates, the binding can be adjusted on the snowboard for a wide range of different lengths of boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Myron L. Knapschafer
  • Patent number: 5957479
    Abstract: A binding assembly includes a boot having a plate, and a binding plate secured to a snowboard. The boot plate includes at least one set of opposing, horizontally-projecting, binding tabs positioned along the sides of the boot. The binding plate includes at least one set of binding elements that correspond, respectively, to the binding tabs. In operation, the binding tabs on the boot are maneuvered to engage the binding elements on the binding plate to mount the boot to the snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Items International, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth W. Bayer, Gerald R. Anderson, Wiley A. Kittrell, Todd R. Finney
  • Patent number: 5921573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a boot support device on a gliding board such as a ski. A support plate translationally movable along a transverse direction of the ski is overlaid by a support element of the boot that is rotationally movable about a longitudinal axis with respect to the support plate. A reverse construction is possible, the goal being to combine a translational displacement and a rotational displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Challande, Pierre Desarmaux
  • Patent number: 5913532
    Abstract: A ski binding (1) is longitudinally positionable (PL) in relation to a runner (10) which is fixed to a ski (9). A lock (14) is moveable from a locked position (V1, FIG. 1) to an unlocked position (V2, FIG. 2) for selectively fixing and releasing the binding for longitudinal movement. A lever (26) cooperates with the lock to provide an upward thrust for unlocking the lock. The lever (26) extends rearwardly between side walls (320a, 320b) of a hollow housing (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Look Fixations SA
    Inventors: Patrice Viodet, Michel Thevenet
  • Patent number: 5879020
    Abstract: Binding part comprising a fitted body (1) sliding along a support (2) fixed to the ski and pushing in the direction of the middle of the binding with the aid of a drive spring (11) supported against a bolt (19) and intended to keep the boot, through its compression, cramped between the front toe-piece and the heel binding. It comprises a visual check display of the compression of the drive spring, comprising an arm (24) connected kinematically to the mainstay (19) and a window (26) on the upper side or lateral side of said body in which said arm appears, preferably only in the event of the correct adjustment of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventor: Thierry Buquet
  • Patent number: 5879019
    Abstract: A ski including a lower gliding face, bordered by ridges respectively constituting an outer edge (5) and an inner edge (4), the inner edge corresponding to the two opposite edges of two skis of a pair of skis for accommodating an intermediate device consisting of at least one platform (10, 30, 45, 60, 70, 85, 90, 91, 100) on which a safety binding, composed of a toe piece and a heel piece, is mounted, the longitudinal mid-plane (25, 66, 81, 108) of the platform being coincident with the longitudinal mid-plane (6) of the gliding board, when the device supports the skier's weight. The intermediate device includes means for shifting the position of the longitudinal mid-plane (25, 66, 81, 108) of the platform, relative to the longitudinal mid-plane (6) of the ski board and at least one return member (12, 22) for returning the two longitudinal mid-planes respectively of the platform and of the gliding board, back to the coincident position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Denis Mantel
  • Patent number: 5871225
    Abstract: A short, wide snow ski is provided having additional surface area which maintains a skier closer to the surface of powder snow. This provides the advantage of higher speeds through deep power, and in addition, the ski tips are less likely to catch on obstructed objects hidden under the snow. Other advantages of planing near the top of the snow level are more effective steering, straighter tracking, and better balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 5813690
    Abstract: An element for position retention of a boot on a ski. This element comprises a body (3) movable along a slide-rail (6) and a locking device (13) for immobilizing the body along the slide-rail in a defined position. The locking device is extended upward by a "T"-shaped control mechanism (14) which extends upward along the rear face of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent Dogat
  • Patent number: 5803481
    Abstract: A snowboard (10) is provided with front and rear foot mounts (12, 14). The front foot mount (12) is mounted for rotation or pivotable movement about an axis (22). It is lockable into a number of rider selected azimuthal positions on the snowboard (10). Foot rotation can be used to move it between some positions. In other positions, the front foot mount (12) is locked in position and cannot be moved to a new position without the rider first pulling on a pull line (112), to unlock the front foot mount (12) from the snowboard (10). The rear foot mount (14) is a step-in step-out mount. The rider can step in at a number of different azimuthal positions, selected by the rider. In each position, the rear foot mount (14) is moved by rotation into a position where it is locked to the snowboard (10). A pull line (160) is used to unlock the rear mount (114) front of the board, so that the rider can rotate his/her rear foot into a step-out position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Eric L. Eaton, John C. Bitow
  • Patent number: RE36800
    Abstract: A coupling for releasably mounting a boot with boot binding to a turntable which is adjustably secured to a snowboard. The boot binding includes a plurality of extending lock pins each with a shoe releasably locking into arcuate slots in the turntable. The boot binding is quickly directed to the coupling with a set of guide pins protruding from the boot binding, which pods also serve as improved traction devices when the boot binding is disengaged from the turntable. Also extending from the boot binding plate is a latch pin held under spring bias which when aligned in a hold position, fits into one of several latch pin holes in the turntable. To release the plates from hold position, the latch pin is pulled from the latch pin hole by a flexible hand extension release device hand operated from a standing position and the plates are rotated to disengage the shoes from the arcuate slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventors: Dennis A. Vetter, Eric L. Eaton