Sole Supports And Antifriction Devices Patents (Class 280/636)
  • Patent number: 9039031
    Abstract: A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Daniel Soldan, Matthieu Seris
  • Patent number: 8960711
    Abstract: A ski boot comprises a sole portion (2) that is attached to one or more separate outsole elements (3, 4, 5) for location between the sole portion (2) and a ski binding. At least one of the outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) prior to a secure fixing of said outsole element (3, 4, 5) to the sole portion (2) by at least one fastener (13) so as to be adjustable in forward, rearward, lateral and medial directions relative to the sole portion (2) and so as to be rotatable clockwise and counter clockwise relative to a centerline of the boot. Preferably, at least one of the outsole elements (5) is adapted for attachment to the ski binding. Advantageously, a plurality of outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is provided that are adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) independently of the other outsole elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Svensson
  • Publication number: 20140375021
    Abstract: In various sliding activities or sports, such as ice skating, a desired angle for the foot plane within a boot is selected. When conditions change, such as going to a different location or even changes within the original location such as temperature changes, the original foot plane angle is no longer appropriate to give the best convenience and performance results. In order to determine the more appropriate foot plane angle the friction coefficient of the surface for which the original foot plane angle existed is determined and then the new friction coefficient is measured at the new location or under the changed conditions. The change in initial friction coefficient to the new friction coefficient is then used to determine what change should be made to the foot plane angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: L. Patrick Kelly
  • Patent number: 8899612
    Abstract: A sports article is adapted to cooperate with a boot, including a sports apparatus and a lateral guide element for the rear portion of the boot. The sports apparatus includes at least one positioning mechanism. The lateral guide element includes at least one complementary positioning mechanism cooperating with the associated positioning mechanism(s) of the sports apparatus in order to adjust the position of the lateral guide element on the sports apparatus. The complementary positioning mechanism(s) is/are arranged so as to enable a longitudinal positioning of the lateral guide element on the sports apparatus at two different lengthwise positions by cooperating with the same associated positioning mechanism(s), the second longitudinal position of the lateral guide element including a 180° rotation of the lateral guide element about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the top surface of the sports apparatus with respect to the first longitudinal position of the lateral guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Saloman S.A.S.
    Inventor: Eddy Yelovina
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8469387
    Abstract: A ski binding device, in which a ski boot (4) is connected at its toe portion (6) to a ski (2), and in which there is arranged between the ski (2) and the ski boot (4) a guide (1) which is arranged to transfer torque (16) between the ski (2) and the ski boot (4) about the longitudinal axis of the ski (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Per Ståle Grude
  • Publication number: 20130147160
    Abstract: A ski boot comprises a sole portion (2) that is attached to one or more separate outsole elements (3, 4, 5) for location between the sole portion (2) and a ski binding. At least one of the outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) prior to a secure fixing of said outsole element (3, 4, 5) to the sole portion (2) by at least one fastener (13) so as to be adjustable in forward, rearward, lateral and medial directions relative to the sole portion (2) and so as to be rotatable clockwise and counter clockwise relative to a centerline of the boot. Preferably, at least one of the outsole elements (5) is adapted for attachment to the ski binding. Advantageously, a plurality of outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is provided that are adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) independently of the other outsole elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: K-2 Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Svensson
  • Patent number: 8448990
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for balancing a skier comprises a Heel Mounting (“HMP”) that locks on to the heel bearing surface of a ski binding. The HMP has a specified thickness to increase the height of the heel portion a ski boot over the toe portion when mounted in the ski binding. Thus, the HMP plate alters the ramp angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: BioStance, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Korich
  • Publication number: 20120227651
    Abstract: A rotatable footstrap plate (2,4,7) for a gliding board, said rotatable footstrap plate comprising: a centre disc (2) which is arranged to be mounted on the deck of the gliding board in a fixed angular position, a non-slip surface (3) mounted on the centre disc, said non-slip surface being arranged to be in contact with the user's foot during use, an outer ring element (4) which is arranged to be rotatable around the centre disc during use of the rotatable footstrap plate and footstrap mounting elements (6) fastened to the outer ring element. In addition, a footstrap assembly comprising the rotatable footstrap plate of the current invention is also provided as is a gliding board comprising said footstrap assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Henning Küntzel
  • Publication number: 20120153599
    Abstract: A sports article is adapted to cooperate with a boot, including a sports apparatus and a lateral guide element for the rear portion of the boot. The sports apparatus includes at least one positioning mechanism. The lateral guide element includes at least one complementary positioning mechanism cooperating with the associated positioning mechanism(s) of the sports apparatus in order to adjust the position of the lateral guide element on the sports apparatus. The complementary positioning mechanism(s) is/are arranged so as to enable a longitudinal positioning of the lateral guide element on the sports apparatus at two different lengthwise positions by cooperating with the same associated positioning mechanism(s), the second longitudinal position of the lateral guide element including a 180° rotation of the lateral guide element about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the top surface of the sports apparatus with respect to the first longitudinal position of the lateral guide element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SALOMON SAS
    Inventor: Eddy YELOVINA
  • Patent number: 7850194
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: Kahlil Zaloom, Christopher C. Cunningham, Florian Lang, Matt Windt, Christopher M. Doyle, Richard William Wagner, Jr., Ryan Larson, Gregory Aaron Dean, Greg Reagan
  • Patent number: 7703794
    Abstract: Embodiments of a canting device for use with a snowboard system are described herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, a snowboard system includes a snowboard, a snowboard binding mountable on the snowboard, and an adjustable canting device positionable at least partially within the binding such that the binding is positioned between the snowboard and the adjustable canting device. The canting device can be configured to selectively cant a snowboard boot relative to the binding and the snowboard when the snowboard boot is secured in the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Steve O'Hara
  • Patent number: 7287776
    Abstract: A snowboard binding (1) including a base plate (2), arranged to receive the sole of the user's boot, and an element (5) for securing to the board located in the central part of the base plate, wherein the base plate (2) includes two plates (10, 11) for receiving the contact of the boot sole, these two plates (10, 11) partially overlapping and each having an adjustable longitudinal position, and wherein locking means (25) pass through the two plates (10, 11) in their overlap zones (14, 16) in order to anchor them in an element (5) for securing the base plate to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Papon
  • Patent number: 7232148
    Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a board adapted to a sporting activity, and a boot therefor. The device includes a base, a lateral edge, a rear support element, and at least one linkage for holding the boot above the base. The edge and the rear support element each have an inner surface. One or several of the inner surfaces of the device has at least one friction plate that projects at least partially with respect to the inner surface, the friction plate being provided at least to oppose a movement of the boot in relation to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-François Gonthier
  • Patent number: 7159891
    Abstract: An all-terrain ski upon which various cross-country skiing techniques can be used by having a sliding member (2) slide over a base member (1) to simulate gliding on snow. The sliding member is held down by medium washers (6) and uses wheel and bearing assemblies (5) to glide. There is a return mechanism (3) that is connected to sliding member (2) and base member (1) which provides resistance and returns the sliding member (2) and base member (1) to their original position before the sliding member was slid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Dale Niggemann
  • Patent number: 7125025
    Abstract: A snowboard binding (1), including a base plate (2) equipped on at least one of its front (12) or rear ends with a rigid plate (10), the upper face (11) of which is tilted upward and designed to receive the forces from the front or rear zones of the boot: which includes a layer of elastomeric material (30) inserted between the base plate (2) and the plate (10); wherein the layer of elastomeric material (3) has openings (31, 32) via which the plate (10) is rigidly fastened onto the base plate (2), coming into contact with the latter; which includes apparatus (20–23) for longitudinally displacing the zone of contact between the plate (10) and base plate (2) via the openings (31, 32) in order to allow a plurality of longitudinal positions of the plate (10) relative to the base plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pascal
  • Patent number: 7073813
    Abstract: An interface adjustment mechanism 100 includes a frame member 102 and fore and aft adjustable spacer holding members 104, 106, and is disposed within the outsole of the snowboard boot 10. The interface adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a plurality of interface adjustment assemblies 160. Each interface adjustment assembly 160 includes a base member 170 having a threaded aperture and an adjustment member or spacer 172 having a threaded portion threadably engageable with the threaded aperture of the base member so that the spacer 172 can be adjustable relative to the base member 170. When incorporated into the snowboard boot 10, the interface adjustment mechanism 100 provides the rider with an adjustable spacer/dampening system that can eliminate slop and provide dampening and shock absorption between the snowboard boot 10 and the snowboard binding 30. Eliminating slop and providing dampening and shock absorption provides the rider with improved control, force transmission, and feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: K2 Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Martin, William B. Hall
  • Patent number: 7025372
    Abstract: A support device for a binding element securing a user's boot to a board for gliding over snow has a zone for mounting on the board for gliding over snow and a zone of contact with the lower face of the sole of the boot. The support device is divided into two longitudinal parts at least in the region of the zone of contact with the lower face of the sole of the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Godde, Frédéric Eudier
  • Patent number: 6994370
    Abstract: A base plate with a ring of holes is secured to any existing sports board. A flat rotatable plate, supporting a board boot binding, has a two-position spring-loaded locking shaft which locks down in one of the holes to secure the boot binding at a desired stationary angle and alternately locks up out of the holes for free rotation. A semicircular arc in one plate dividable into two smaller arcs by a movable stop limits rotation of a safety pin from the other plate alternately to one or the other of the smaller arcs. A downwardly extending ridge around the periphery of the rotatable plate overlaps the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Sabol
  • Patent number: 6991240
    Abstract: A toe ramp system for use with a snowboard binding. The system includes a toe ramp for adjustable attachment to a front portion of a base plate of the snowboard binding and including a toe ramp interlocking structure associated with a toe ramp rear wall. Also included is a first spacer having a first interlocking structure associated with a first wall for removable attachment to the toe ramp interlocking structure and having a second interlocking structure associated with a second wall for removable attachment to a base plate wall. In an implementation, the system also includes at least a second spacer having a third interlocking structure associated with a front wall for removable attachment to the second interlocking structure of the first spacer, and having a fourth interlocking structure associated with a rear wall for removable attachment to the base plate wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Vans, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Grella, Martin Dalgaard
  • Patent number: 6923465
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a heel shim and lifter assembly adapted for use in ski mountaineering. In one embodiment, the heel shim and lifter assembly is adapted for use with a ski such as, for example, a telemark ski, and comprises: a mounting plate for attaching the heel shim and lifter assembly onto the ski; and a heel shim block or component that is pivotably connected to the mounting plate. In this embodiment, the heel shim block or component is pivotably connected to the mounting plate along an axis of rotation that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the top surface of the ski when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski, and wherein the heel shim block is pivotable between a heel shim skiing position and an elevated hiking position when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Armond DuBuque
  • Patent number: 6886850
    Abstract: A boot binding, such as a snowboard boot binding, where an opening through the binding that may allow passage of undesirable substances onto the floor of the binding is covered by a gasket. The gasket may be permanently or removably attached to the binding, and may be rigid or, alternatively, compliant where desired to have the gasket conform to an associated shape of the boot placed in the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The Burton Corporation
    Inventors: G. Scott Taylor, Franklin S. Phillips, Robert L. Spraque
  • Patent number: 6863285
    Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a board adapted to a sporting activity, and a boot therefor. The device includes a base, a lateral edge, a rear support element, and at least one linkage for holding the boot above the base. The edge and the rear support element each have an inner surface. One or several of the inner surfaces of the device has at least one friction plate that projects at least partially with respect to the inner surface, the fiction plate being provided at least to oppose a movement of the boot in relation to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-François Gonthier
  • Publication number: 20040232659
    Abstract: A snowboard binding (1), including a base plate (2) equipped on at least one of its front (12) and/or rear ends with a rigid plate (10), the upper face (11) of which is tilted upward and designed to receive the forces from the front and/or rear zones of the boot:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: SKIS ROSSIGNOL S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Pascal
  • Patent number: 6808196
    Abstract: An element forming an inclined wedge, intended to be integrated with the front or rear end of the base plate of a snowboard binding, or directly with the upper face (5) of a snowboard, is disclosed. The element includes an upper face (9) intended to receive the bearing forces of the front or rear end of the sole of a boot, and having a mechanism for adjusting the angle of inclination, measured in a longitudinal plane, between the upper face of the element and the base plate of the binding or the upper face of the snowboard. The element may also provide a mechanism (30, 31) for adjusting the longitudinal position of the element in relation to the binding or snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Joubert Des Ouches
  • Publication number: 20040145156
    Abstract: A toe ramp system for use with a snowboard binding. The system includes a toe ramp for adjustable attachment to a front portion of a base plate of the snowboard binding and including a toe ramp interlocking structure associated with a toe ramp rear wall. Also included is a first spacer having a first interlocking structure associated with a first wall for removable attachment to the toe ramp interlocking structure and having a second interlocking structure associated with a second wall for removable attachment to a base plate wall. In an implementation, the system also includes at least a second spacer having a third interlocking structure associated with a front wall for removable attachment to the second interlocking structure of the first spacer, and having a fourth interlocking structure associated with a rear wall for removable attachment to the base plate wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey Grella, Martin Dalgaard
  • 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: 6698787
    Abstract: Step-in snowboard binding designed to hold a boot by its sides. The binding comprises at least one jaw (2) secured to a driving arm (9) intended to be driven by the boot. The jaw has a cam-shaped part (9) collaborating with a locking element (12) which can move in a guide (13) in such a way that the jaw is locked for various positions of the jaw. The jaw (2) is equipped with a return spring which tends to keep it in the open position, and the jaw and the locking element cooperate to keep the locking element away from its locking position when the jaw is raised. In this way, the jaw cannot be closed inadvertently and the locking element does not hamper the closure movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Emery S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Gignoux, Alain Plassiard
  • 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: 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: 20030184052
    Abstract: A support device for a binding element securing a user's boot to a board for gliding over snow has a zone (16) for mounting on the board for gliding over snow and a zone (17) of contact with the lower face of the sole of the boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Godde, Frederic Eudier
  • 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: 6604969
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binding for a water recreational device, which comprises a system for lubricating portions thereof to assist the user in inserting his/her foot into the binding. Also disclosed are methods and kits relating to such lubricating binding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Altman
  • Patent number: 6581956
    Abstract: A device for raising at least one element of a binding used on a board for gliding, including: a zone for mounting the binding, integral with the board for gliding; a bearing zone, extending the mounting zone in the direction of the end of the board, wherein the end of the bearing zone facing toward the end of the board is secured to the upper face of the board by an attaching means in such a manner that the forces exerted at the location of the element of the binding are partially transmitted to the board at the location of said end of the bearing zone, and which includes a transverse groove located between the mounting zone and the bearing zone so as to allow the deformation of the bearing zone when the board is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Look Fixations SA
    Inventor: André-Jean Kruajitch
  • Patent number: 6402184
    Abstract: Cross-country or touring ski binding (17) with a mechanism (10) for coupling an associated boot (11) so that it is rotatable about an axis (13) in the front region of the boot extending approximately parallel to the sole tread (12) and approximately transverse to the long direction of sole and ski, and with a device (14) for the elastic restoration of the position of the boot (11), from a tilted-up position into a position approximately parallel to the ski, wherein an additional elastically deformable element (15) is provided that counteracts the device (14) for elastic restoration of the boot (11), in particular at the beginning of the upward tilting of the boot (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Rottefella AS
    Inventor: Bernt-Otto Hauglin
  • Publication number: 20020053784
    Abstract: Safety binding for a ski boot, comprising a jaw having two arms (3, 4) which are independent so as to open in an opposite manner to one another when the boot is put on and are capable of retaining the boot vertically via its projecting sole (10), the jaw being able to pivot laterally counter to the action of a return spring. The arms (3, 4) bear on the upper (11) of the boot, while the sole (10) bears on front-bearing means (12, 13) which are located either on the arms or on the base (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: FREDERIC CHONIER, FREDERIC QUILLARD, JEAN-LOUIS CHEVALIER, MICHEL THEVENET
  • Patent number: 6375212
    Abstract: A binding comprising a first part (1) integral with a shoe which is fastened to a second part (2) integral with the slideboard. The second part comprises, at the front, a tilting jaw (5) coming to bear on the vertical bearing surfaces (4) and against a front bearing surface (3) of the first part and, at the rear, a stirrup (20) mounted pivotably about a vertical axis by means of a second stirrup (18) and tilting about a horizontal axis. The arms of this stirrup are in the form of a hook (33) coming to bear on a pair of lateral pegs (6) of the shoe. The jaw and the stirrup bear on slides (12, 26), between which compression springs are mounted. This binding preserves the independence of the torsion and forward-fall release assembly, and it is virtually insensitive to the changes to the exposed parts of the shoe during travel without a binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Hillairet, Juge Christophe
  • Patent number: 6338497
    Abstract: A binding, comprises a pair of jaws (7,8) which can be moved apart from one another laterally while pushing back a cam (13) acted on by springs (19) and additional holding means, such as a jaw (21) located in front of or behind the lateral jaws and capable of tilting, preferably about a swivel, s against the action of the springs. The binding is intended to receive a part (2) integrated with the sole of the boot. The binding further comprises a lever for intentional boot release (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Chevalier, Jean-Marc Hillairet, Christophe Juge
  • Patent number: 6328328
    Abstract: A device to adapt the base of a snowboard binding to the angle of the snowboard boots. The device includes a wedge-shaped element journaled on the sides of the base by means of lugs screwed into the base. The element is maintained by a screw in a predetermined position. The adaptation to the angle of the boot occurs by means of wedges, for example, which has the advantage of conforming better to the curvature of the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Rémi Finiel
  • Patent number: 6290251
    Abstract: A rear binding (6) releasably clamps a heel (5) of a boot (1) to a ski (2). A front binding (4) which engages a toe (3) of the boot releases under lateral force towards the left or right side of the ski. A support assembly (8) engages a sole (7) of the ski boot to reduce frictional forces between the ski boot and ski which might impair the release of the front binding. The support device includes a stationary support (9) which is mounted to the ski and which defines a lateral groove (13) having a generally inverted T-shaped cross section. A movable element (10) which is slidably received in the groove has an upper surface that supports the boot sole. A friction reducing element (20), such as a layer of low coefficient of friction plastic is disposed between the movable element and the stationary support such that the movable element and the toe of the boot can move laterally with minimum frictional resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Look Fixations SA
    Inventors: Christophe Chatillon, Christian Lucas, Michel Thevenet
  • Patent number: 6283493
    Abstract: An interface device adapted to be positioned between a ski and an assembly for retaining a boot on the ski, the device including front and rear platforms that are raised with respect to the surface defined by the upper surface of the ski. The platforms are supported by a cradle having a reduced length with respect to the volume of the platforms, each of the platforms being connected to the cradle by a bearing journal, and both platforms being connected to each other by a non-extensible connection located above the journals. The invention also relates to the combination of a retention assembly and a ski.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Joël Arduin, Jacques Le Masson
  • Publication number: 20010002747
    Abstract: Cross-country ski binding for a boot equipped with two bars (61, 62), comprising a latch (2) that can be actuated by a lever (5) to hold the front bar (61) and a link rod (3) equipped with a hook (4) for catching on the rear bar (62) of the boot. The link rod (3) is urged by a tension spring (6) and is articulated to a point (26) located between the two bars of the boot, preferably on a spindle (26) secured to the latch. This construction is particularly compact and allows the boot a great deal of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Pierre Gignoux, Bernard Gatel
  • Publication number: 20010001519
    Abstract: Shock-absorbing wedge provided to be arranged between a boot and a board, or between the boot and a device for retaining the boot on the board, the board being adapted to snowboarding. The wedge is characterized in that it has at least two layers of materials of a different hardness. A first layer has a support surface provided to make contact with the boot and 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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.
    Inventors: BERNARD COUDERC, JEAN-PIERRE RIGAL
  • Publication number: 20010001520
    Abstract: A snowboard suspension system which comprises a mounting plate (27) which is connected to a binding plate (29) via one or more hinges (26). One or more dampers (30) situated between the binding plate (29) and the mounting plate (27) serve to dampen any compressive forces. A connection plate (31) may be added to produce a compound system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Inventor: KAJ GYR
  • 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: 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: 6045149
    Abstract: A bearing plate for a front binding, equipped with a member (8) for retaining the boot via a part of the sole (10) resting on the bearing plate (1), this bearing plate being compressible so as to adapt to the variations in thickness of the sole. The bearing plate forms a nonlinear system comprising an elastic body (12) which is precompressed on a rigid base (11) and opposes the deformation of the elastic body beyond a certain degree of deformation, so as to form a nonlinear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Look Fixations S.A.
    Inventors: Frederic Chonier, Daniel Rocca
  • Patent number: 5997026
    Abstract: A boot-retaining arrangement, which can be disengaged in the sideways direction, and a carrying part of the same are arranged with vertical play relative to the upper side of the ski and are stressed against the upper side of the ski by means of a leaf spring or a lever part. The forces acting here and the force of a separate spring for controlling sideways disengagement are changed by a common actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Klubitschko, Edwin Lehner, Johann Schuhbauer, Gerhard Sedlmair, Premek Stepanek
  • 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