With Specific Detent, Adjustment, Or Tension Structure Patents (Class 280/634)
  • Patent number: 11717076
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to strap assemblies for securing a mobile device relative to an arm of a user and methods of using the same. Various embodiments are directed to a strap assembly comprising a strap panel comprising a rachet cable tension adjustment slot, a ratchet assembly for selective tightening of the strap assembly towards an arm and comprising a ratchet element on the strap panel; a dynamic cable attachment element disposed within the rachet cable tension adjustment slot and configured to move along a length of the rachet cable tension adjustment slot; and a ratchet cable extending between the ratchet element and the dynamic cable attachment element and having a looped cable portion configured for attachment to the dynamic cable attachment element; wherein the dynamic cable attachment element is movable along the length of the rachet cable tension adjustment slot in response to forces imparted from the ratchet cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Dwight Franz, Blake E Dunbar, Emily N Cort, Robert M Pierce
  • Patent number: 9463370
    Abstract: An improved ski binding heel unit comprising a lateral heel release mechanism to release the heel of a ski boot from a ski is disclosed. The ski binding heel unit typically includes an independent vertical heel release mechanism, an independent lateral heel release mechanism, and a longitudinal pressure compensator. The improved ski binding heel unit allows a reduction in the height of the heel pad. This reduction in heel pad height is generally achieved by eccentrically positioning two or more of the springs within the heel unit while superpositioning the resultant centroid of the forces of friction between the lower housing and mating heel track structures that house at least one of the eccentrically positioned springs to foster smooth longitudinal displacement of the lower heel housing when the ski flexes and counterflexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Richard J. Howell
  • Patent number: 8936252
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety binding for skiing, including a toe piece that includes a body mounted to slide vertically relative to a front mounting base connected to the ski and defining an upper stop for a boot; a device for adjusting the vertical position of the body, which can be manipulated by the skier in the area of the upper portion of the body; at least one lever pivotally mounted relative to the body about a substantially vertical axis between a retaining position and a release position of a boot; and a spring mounted transversely in the body and biasing the lever toward its boot-retaining position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-François Merino, Laurent Marechal
  • Patent number: 8910967
    Abstract: A binding (1, 100) for a ski, in particular a ski binding for a cross-country or touring ski is described, in which a portion is adapted to interact with the ski, or a mounting plate (2, 110) attached to the ski, for attaching the binding to the ski in a displaceable manner, such that the binding can be positioned in a plurality of locations on the ski. A toothed interaction device (120), which is arranged so as to interact with matching indents or notches (112) on the ski or on the mounting plate (110), is provided, wherein the interaction of the teeth of the toothed interaction device with the matching indents or notches on the ski, or mounting plate, one or more than one of: determines, changes and/or fixes the position of the binding with respect to the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Madshus AS
    Inventors: Gunner Bjertnaes, Thomas Alsgaard
  • Patent number: 8899611
    Abstract: A boot retaining unit of a ski binding or snowboard binding, including at least one boot retaining element, a restoring spring for the boot retaining element, and a damping device for absorbing short, hard impacts, wherein the at least one boot retaining element and the damping device are connected via a translation mechanism, and the translation mechanism translates a deflection of the at least one boot retaining element into a larger deflection of the damping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: MARKER Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Simon Alzner, Manfred Bader, Markus Krumbeck, Michael Mangold
  • Patent number: 8801027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-element flexor unit (1) for a ski binding (2), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The flexor unit (1) comprises: a flexor element (10) which is attached, attachable or integrally formed with a base element (30) for interaction and attachment with the ski binding (2) in a removeable manner. Further the base element (30) is provided with part of a snap-fit connector (31) for attaching the multi-element flexor unit (1) to the ski binding (2). Also disclosed is a ski binding (2) for housing the multi-element flexor unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventors: Even Wollo, Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen
  • Publication number: 20140217704
    Abstract: A heel retainer for a ski binding, includes a base plate using which the heel retainer can be fastened to an upper side of a ski or snowboard; a connecting structure connectable to the base plate; and a tensioning device using which a ski boot is tensioned onto the ski. The connecting structure includes first and second connecting structure parts. The first connecting structure part can be moved relative to the second connecting structure part in the transverse release direction when the ski binding is transversely released. The tensioning device includes a sole retainer which, in direct contact with the sole of a ski boot, tensions the ski boot onto the ski or snowboard. The sole retainer is formed as a rolling body exhibiting a rotational axis and is connected to the tensioning device such that the sole retainer can be rotated about its rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MARKER Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Mangold, Christian Brandl
  • Patent number: 8752857
    Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Neiley, Anthony Scaturro
  • Patent number: 8752845
    Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Elkington
  • Patent number: 8720910
    Abstract: Various mechanical closure systems and securing systems are disclosed, such as snowboard bindings and car rack systems. The systems include a mechanically reformable strap. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Wire Core Strap, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce J. Caslowitz
  • Patent number: 8684394
    Abstract: A snow board comprises an elongate board and at least one binding mounted transverse the longitudinal axis of the board. The binding includes an anchor pivotally mounted on the binding. The anchor moves between two operative positions to lock, and then release, the heel of a boot in the binding. A motor assembly increases and decreases the tension in a cable to move the anchor between the two operative positions. The motor assembly is remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Mitchell S Smith
  • Patent number: 8646800
    Abstract: A braking device for a board for gliding, includes a brake movable between a first, braking position, in which the brake occupies a low position wherein the brake is in frictional contact with the ground, and a second, non-braking position, in which the brake occupies a raised position, and a brake control device connecting the brake with a strap of a boot binding on the board for gliding, such that the brake control device causes the brake to move to the non-braking position upon closing and/or tightening of a strap of the boot binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol
    Inventors: Denis Bertagnolio, Jean-Marc Pascal, Olivier Bizzini
  • Patent number: 8579318
    Abstract: A geometry-shifting strap for a binding having a baseplate is disclosed. The geometry-shifting strap is shiftable between a closed position wherein the distal end of the geometry-shifting strap is biased or disposed over the baseplate, and an open position wherein the distal end of the strap is not over the baseplate. The strap includes at least one arcuate element that biases the strap to the closed position when the arcuate element is in a concave configuration, and biases the strap to the open position when the arcuate element is in a convex configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob R. Hall
  • Patent number: 8544870
    Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Elkington
  • Patent number: 8403354
    Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency release system for one or more pieces of winter sports equipment, such as skis, ski poles, snowboards, bindings and/or boots for skis or snowboards. It is equipped with a connection mechanism for detachably connecting at least two elements of one or more pieces of winter sports equipment, wherein the connection mechanism is supported substantially radially in or on one of the two elements, and a drive mechanism, which can be activated from outside and is suited for cancelling the radial support of the connection mechanism, accordingly causing the two elements to separate. The invention also relates to a release method and a manufacturing process for such an emergency release system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Universitat Munich
    Inventors: Veit Senner, Wolfgang Schott
  • Patent number: 8371605
    Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Neiley, Anthony Scaturro
  • Patent number: 8226108
    Abstract: A snowboard binding (100) having a baseplate (110), a highback (118) attached to the baseplate, and a strap assembly (120) including an instep strap subassembly (124) pivotably attached to the baseplate on one side, and releasably attachable to a mounting strap (132) on the other side. The baseplate includes a lateral toe wall (116). The strap assembly includes a forefoot strap (140) having an upper leg (142) that engages the instep strap, optionally a medial leg (144) that attaches to the medial side of the baseplate, and a front leg (146) that engages a front end of the baseplate. The toe portion of the user's boot (90) is engaged by the forefoot strap. The user secures a boot to the binding with a single engagement mechanism, such as a ratchet buckle (130), which secures both the instep portion and the forefoot strap portions of the strap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Pontano, Treu Hahnenberger
  • Patent number: 8172252
    Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Flow Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Elkington
  • Patent number: 8011676
    Abstract: A snowboard assembly includes an elongated panel has a top side, a bottom side, a front end and a back end. One of foot engaging member is positioned nearer to the front end and one foot engaging member is positioned nearer to the back end. Each of the foot engaging members comprises a first rail and a second rail each attached to the top side. A plate is positioned on the top side and extends between and engages the first and second rails. The plate is selectively slidable along the first and second rails. A foot covering is couplable to the plate to releasably secure a person's foot to the plate. A resistance apparatus engages the plate to increase or decrease a frictional force between the first and second rails and the plate to selectively alter ease of movement of the relative to the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Keast
  • Patent number: 7963546
    Abstract: An article that includes a strap for retaining or tightening a foot or a boot, the strap including a section for covering the foot or the boot, the covering section including a frame and a comfort element. The comfort element includes a synthetic material molded over the frame. In a particular embodiment, the article is a retaining device for a sports apparatus, such as a snowboard binding for a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventor: Michel Veyrat-Charvillon
  • Patent number: 7887080
    Abstract: Cross-country or telemark binding (10) which is mounted on the top face of a ski, especially on a mounting plate (12) mounted thereon, so as to be longitudinally displaceable (arrow 13) and which is lockable in a plurality of sliding positions by means of a locking device (14). The locking device is subdivided into a first locking unit (23), which is active only in the forward direction, and a second locking unit (24), which is active only in the rearward direction, so that on unlocking of that locking unit (23) which is active only in the forward direction the binding is displaceable only in the forward direction (arrow 25) and on unlocking of that locking unit (24) which is active only in the rearward direction the binding is displaceable only in the rearward direction (arrow 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventor: Bernt-Otto Hauglin
  • Patent number: 7887084
    Abstract: Ski binding heel unit includes lateral release cams and a vector decoupler mechanism that provide lateral shear release of the heel of a ski boot from a ski. The ski binding heel unit includes an independent vertical heel release mechanism, independent lateral release mechanism and a forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams have laterally outwardly flaring contact points. The vector decoupler mechanism restricts heel unit lateral rotation and translation to a control path. The shape of the lateral release cams dictates the control path. The vector decoupler mechanism redirects the non-lateral forces without effecting the vertical heel release, lateral heel release or forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams and vector decoupler mechanism avert non-lateral, benign loads from the lateral heel release, and avert non-vertical, benign loads from the vertical heel release thereby reducing the incidence of inadvertent pre-release of a boot from a ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: KneeBinding, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Howell
  • Patent number: 7887082
    Abstract: A strap for a mechanical closure device is disclosed. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Wire Core Strap, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Jay Caslowitz
  • Publication number: 20100283226
    Abstract: A foot support device configured for use on a snowboard includes a base having a bottom surface and an upper surface, with the bottom surface being configured to attach to a top of a snowboard. The device further includes a strap adapted for removable attachment to the upper surface of said base. In certain arrangements, the base comprises at least two loops, so that the strap is configured to be selectively routed through at least one of the loops. In one embodiment, the strap generally defines a longitudinal axis that passes through the at least two loops when said strap is secured to the base. The base and the strap can define an opening for at least partially receiving a boot therein. In other arrangements, the base comprises a plurality of upwardly extending protruding members configured to provide traction to a boot positioned thereagainst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Asher Metchik
  • Patent number: 7815214
    Abstract: A rotatable sports board binding adapter includes a base plate that forms a series of lock holes, and a rotatable plate that is rotatably connected to the base plate and is configured to receive a binding. The rotatable plate has a locking mechanism configured to engage any one of the lock holes. The adapter includes one or more low friction elements disposed between the base plate and the rotatable plate. A method for changing a range of rotation of a binding on a sports board includes disengaging a rotation limiter, rotating the rotatable plate from a first range of rotation into a second range of rotation, and re-engaging the rotation limiter with the rotatable plate in the second range of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Sabol
  • Patent number: 7810833
    Abstract: A ski boot binding securable to an alpine ski. The binding includes a heel unit having a base heel release threshold in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the ski to which the binding is attached. The heel unit includes a compensation mechanism that dynamically changes the base heel release threshold as a function of force conditions encountered by the ski during skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Vermont Safety Developments
    Inventors: Carl F. Ettlinger, David J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 7802808
    Abstract: A binding is used for coupling a boot to a sport board. The binding includes a base plate, an instep support, and at least one fixation strap that couples the base plate to the instep support. An adjustment mechanism such as a buckle actuates to move the instep support toward the base plate. The adjustment mechanism can be transitioned into a first locked position wherein the instep support is prevented from moving toward the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Goodwell International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Neiley
  • Patent number: 7766364
    Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cunningham, Christopher M. Doyle, Gregory Aaron Dean, Florian Lang, Scott T. Keller, Matt Windt
  • Patent number: 7681905
    Abstract: Ski binding (10) for fixing a ski shoe that comprises an upper and a sole (11), having a front retaining element (12) associated with the front end of the sole, a rear retaining element (13) arranged to engage at the foresole or at the heel of the ski shoe, a tensioning means (15, 16, 17, 19) effective between front and rear retaining elements, and having a means, associated with the front retaining element (12) and pivotally mounted relative to the latter about a horizontal axis, for supporting the front end of the sole or sole-supporting means (28), wherein the pivotal axis (29) associated with that supporting means simultaneously defines the pivotal axis about which a structural unit (26) comprising the front and rear retaining elements is pivotable when the shoe heel is lifted or lowered. The sole-supporting means (28) associated with the front end of the sole is pivotable relative to the structural unit (26) and is lockable, as required, by a separate locking element (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventor: Bernt-Otto Hauglin
  • Patent number: 7571923
    Abstract: A ski binding having two ski-binding parts is positioned on a ski, which bears guide devices for arranging the two ski-binding parts for sliding action, it being possible for each ski-binding part to be connected to an, in particular strip-like connecting element, which connecting elements can be secured in relation to the ski, between the two ski-binding parts, by means of a locking device which is fixed relative to the ski and has at least one blocking lever which can be engaged with, and disengaged from, toothing formations provided laterally on the connecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Tyrolia Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Baumgartner, Karl Stritzl, Gernot Jahnel
  • Patent number: 7568719
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a binding that can be used for securing a boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a baseplate, a toe strap, an ankle strap, a strap fastener for the toe or ankle strap, and a movable linkage that connects the toe strap to the ankle strap, such that when the fastener is operated, travel of the linkage is produced, and such travel can secure the strap that is not directly tied to the strap fastener. The invention provides for the securement of two individual straps against a snowboard boot with the operation of a single strap fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Sauter
  • Publication number: 20090152835
    Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Cunningham, Christopher Doyle, Gregory Dean, Florian Lang, Scott Keller, Matt Windt
  • Patent number: 7516976
    Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Cunningham, Christopher Doyle, Gregory Dean, Florian Lang, Scott Keller, Matt Windt
  • Patent number: 7469911
    Abstract: The invention provides a binding system for a snowboard comprising a boot (2) and a boot receiving plate (4), the boot receiving plate (4) having at least one engagement element (6), and the boot (2) having at least one boot gripping element (3) wherein the or each boot gripping element (3) and the or each engagement element are operable for flexible respective co-engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Sanders
  • Patent number: 7393002
    Abstract: Device for adjustable fixing of an accessory on a board for gliding comprising a base, comprising locations for fixing the accessory and receiving a bar having a toothed part capable of a positioning in a complementary toothed part integral with the board for gliding, wherein the bar is mounted so as to be movable in rotation on the base about an axis, comprises, on either side of this axis, the toothed part and an end, and which comprises a knob capable of occupying two different positions, comprising a cam surface that interacts with the end of the bar such that a first position of the knob corresponds to a low position of the toothed part and a second position corresponds to a high position of the toothed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventors: Gérard Thomas, Patrice Viodet
  • Patent number: 7281717
    Abstract: A snowboard binding interface assembly for connecting a snowboard binding to a snowboard, the snowboard binding interface assembly facilitating rotational movement of the snowboard binding relative to the snowboard and having a locking element attached to the snowboard leash where the locking element can be disengaged by the rider pulling on the leash such that the rider may then rotate his snowboard boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Marc Sacco, Wade Leener
  • Patent number: 7281730
    Abstract: A boot-binding for board sports such as snowboarding is provided that is both automatically closing and compatible with any style of boot or shoe. A molded plastic shell which is fixedly attached to the board's upper surface provides a substantially boot-shaped receiving space and an automatic closing gate clamps down tightly across the boot's upper surface to bind the foot tightly. In operation, the rider simply steps into the binding thereby actuating a release mechanism which allows the gate to swing closed. Gate receptors mounted to the exterior of the plastic shell opposite the hinge accept and latch the gate firmly across boot's upper surface. Several cushioning elements, some of which may be inflatable, may be included and manual adjustments may be made without special tools to adjust the fit and feel of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Ken Davies, Steven Koga
  • Patent number: 7278651
    Abstract: A binding for a snowboard where one band has one end mounted on the one-side rising portion of a base plate and another end connected to one end of another band. The another band has another end mounted on the other-side rising using a connecting member. A structure for mounting the bands onto the rising portion includes a hole formed in the bands, a plurality of holes each having a hook groove respectively formed in the rising portion, a pin including a projection to be inserted into the hook groove, a lever disposed on the pin for rotating the pin, and an arc-shaped groove formed in a desired depth portion of each of the plurality of holes with a hook groove coaxially with the same hole and in communication with the hook groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Carmate Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Naito, Tosiaki Sato, Yosinori Uchie
  • Patent number: 7219917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radius surface for use on a ski binding resistance mechanism cartridge. The radius surface of the present invention enables a cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge to bend directly adjacent to the cartridge. Since the cable is able to bend adjacent to the cartridge, the overall functionality of a binding is improved. In addition, the radius surface can be adjusted to specifically dictate the exit bend radius allowed on the cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Mark Santurbane, David Narajowski, David Mellon, Thomas Laakso
  • Patent number: 7216890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved telemark ski binding. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dual front cable under-foot telemark binding. The two front cables attach to a linkage point within the toe receiving portion. The front cables are also designed to be easily replaceable by a consumer thereby extending the overall lifespan of the binding. In addition, the coupling between the two front cables and the resistance mechanism cartridges includes a unique rotational and lateral chalking mechanism that prevents inadvertent adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ben Walker, Mark Santurbane, David Narajowski, David Mellon, Thomas Laakso
  • Patent number: 7073809
    Abstract: A snowboard binding comprises base plate with an extension in the peripheral regions on either side of its longitudinal axis, and a U-shaped support element, each extension retaining a respective leg of the support element, which supports a back support pivotably disposed in the region of the support element base and/or which is a stop restriction for a back support mounted on the extensions of the base plate. A pivot bearing mounts the support element so as to be pivotable in a limited pivot path about a pivot axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the base plate. The binding comprises an adjusting and locking mechanism for fixing the support element in a desired angular position relative to the base plate, and/or an elastically resilient damping mechanism for rebounding the support element into a pre-defined angular position relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: ATOMIC Austria GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Holzer
  • Patent number: 7059614
    Abstract: A freely rotatable binding base assembly for use on a board used in single-board sports such as snowboarding and slalom water skiing. A binding assembly mounted on and movably secured to the board, and is adapted to receive a conventional boot as worn by a rider. Additional features include a locking means for selectably blocking rotation, and a clutch for braking rotation by applying side loading to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Charles D. Cole, III
  • Patent number: 7048295
    Abstract: A boot-binding for board sports such as snowboarding is provided that is both automatically closing and compatible with any style of boot or shoe. A molded plastic shell which is fixedly attached to the board's upper surface provides a substantially boot-shaped receiving space and an automatic closing gate clamps down tightly across the boot's upper surface to bind the foot tightly. In operation, the rider simply steps into the binding thereby actuating a release mechanism which allows the gate to swing closed. Gate receptors mounted to the exterior of the plastic shell opposite the hinge accept and latch the gate firmly across boot's upper surface. Several cushioning elements, some of which may be inflatable, may be included and manual adjustments may be made without special tools to adjust the fit and feel of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Ken Davies, Steve Koga
  • Patent number: 7021649
    Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding including a baseplate and at least one strap formed from at least one strap part articulated relative to one side of the baseplate, capable of interacting with fastening mechanisin connected on the other side of the baseplate in order to allow gripping of the user's boot in the binding. This binding is defined in that each strap part has two stable equilibrium positions, namely an open position in which the strap part is released from the front of the binding and a closed position in which the strap part is folded down over the front of the binding in order to interact with the fastening mechanism, the articulation of the strap part relative to the binding being arranged in order that, between these two positions, the strap part is displaced automatically toward one of the two stable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Emery SA.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pascal
  • 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: 7004494
    Abstract: Ski equipment that provides, preferably in combination, a toe release system for reducing the risk of knee injuries and a steering system for increasing turn performance. In the toe release system, the binding has a toe binding portion secured with a securing element at a forward position relative to a rear binding portion of the binding, and a release element that communicates with the securing element for releasing the toe binding portion in response to the application of pressure to the rear cuff of a boot secured with the binding, permitting movement of the toe binding portion away from the rear binding portion and thereby releasing a toe of the boot. In the steering system, the boot includes a tracking assembly that permits controlled flexing of the front and rear cuffs of the boot by applying forward and lateral pressure to the front cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Elmer B. Wulf, Mark E. Wulf
  • 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: 6899349
    Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: James Laughlin, Christian Breuer
  • Patent number: 6898826
    Abstract: A ladder strap (150) is made by joining—for example, by co-molding—a first, relatively supple material, defining a lower strap portion (155) with a second, relatively hard material defining an upper strap portion (165). The teeth (167) of the ladder strap are comprises substantially of the harder, second material. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second materials are thermoplastic urethanes, and the co-molding is done using an injection molding process. The co-molding process may be accomplished with co-injection, wherein the two materials are injected at about the same time, or the first material may be injected into a first mold cavity and allowed to partially set, after which the cavity is modified to accommodate the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander D. Draper, Nigel Bruce Edward Steere, Kenneth Wayne Heinle
  • Patent number: 6886849
    Abstract: Snowboard binding has a base plate (1) having an arch (4), a rear support piece (24) which can be displaced on the base plate, a foot strap (13), optionally an instep strap (5), and a linking device for kinematic linking between the foot strap and the rear support piece. The kinematic linking device has linking pieces (14, 15, 25, 26) connecting the support piece (24) and the foot strap (13) and passing on each side of the central zone of the base plate. This binding may be adjusted rapidly, symmetrically or non-symmetrically, without the necessity of removing and replacing screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Florence Mandon