Richard D Howell

US Patent:

7318598, Jan 15, 2008

Filed:

Feb 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/780455

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Stowe VT, US

Assignee:

KneeBinding Inc. - Stowe VT

International Classification:

A63C 9/084

US Classification:

280626, 280629

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.

US Patent:

7887084, Feb 15, 2011

Filed:

Dec 11, 2007

Appl. No.:

12/001436

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Stowe VT, US

Assignee:

KneeBinding, Inc. - Stowe VT

International Classification:

A63C 9/084

US Classification:

280628, 280634

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.

US Patent:

20110193324, Aug 11, 2011

Filed:

Jan 4, 2011

Appl. No.:

12/984293

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Stowe VT, US

Assignee:

Kneebinding, Inc. - Stowe VT

International Classification:

A63C 9/00

US Classification:

280626

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.

US Patent:

D3857174, Nov 4, 1997

Filed:

Mar 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

D/051950

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Stowe VT

International Classification:

0604

US Classification:

D 6419

US Patent:

52591280, Nov 9, 1993

Filed:

Feb 1, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/649058

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Stowe VT

Assignee:

Stowe Canoe and Snowshoe Company, Inc. - Stowe VT

International Classification:

A43B 504
A44B 1112

US Classification:

36122

Abstract:

A snowshoe binding providing facilitated entry and exit which includes a support housing made of semi-rigid material having rearwardly extending lateral support arms integral with the support housing to increase lateral support. The toe binding utilizes a yoke assembly that requires only a single, relatively short strap extending both in the transverse as well as forward direction by the use of a yoke member which permits the strap to remain flat for wearer comfort. By the use of a modified buckle, the free end of the heel strap extends toward the body so that ergonomic cinching is possible. Additionally, facilitated attachment and detachment of a crampon without the use of tools is made possible by the particular pivotal arrangement of the toe stop of the toe binding part.

US Patent:

53519272, Oct 4, 1994

Filed:

Dec 7, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/986458

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Stowe VT

International Classification:

A47B 500

US Classification:

2484441

Abstract:

A book holder with a back plate, a transparent cover plate movable relative to the back plate, and a connection between the back plate and the cover plate which permits the cover plate to move relative to the back plate so as to provide guided movement of the cover plate toward and away from the back plate in substantially co-planar relationship, whereby lateral support arms are fixed relative to the cover plate, hollow receiver plates are fixed relative to the back plate and the hollow receiver plates are of such internal configuration as to enable the lateral support arms to slide therethrough.

US Patent:

48038946, Feb 14, 1989

Filed:

Dec 16, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/941581

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Winooski VT

Assignee:

The Shelburne Corporation - Shelburne VT

International Classification:

G05G 114

US Classification:

745946

Abstract:

Cycle pedalling apparatus is disclosed having a latch element that projects from a pedal, the latch element having latch members which are resiliently deflectable. A socket element on the sole of a rider's foot releasably and replaceably couples with the latch element for pedalling action, and releases from the latch element under non-pedalling loads.

US Patent:

46401512, Feb 3, 1987

Filed:

Feb 27, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/583890

Inventors:

Richard J. Howell - Winooski VT

International Classification:

G05G 114

US Classification:

745946

Abstract:

Cycle pedalling apparatus has a latch element that projects upward on a pedal and that has a pair of latch members directed and resiliently deflectable along a latch axis that extends longitudinal with the axis about which the pedal revolves. A socket element on the sole of a rider's foot releasably and replaceably couplingly seats the latch element for pedalling action, and releases from the latch element under multiple selected non-pedalling loads.