TODAY’S PATENT – SKI BINDING
Knute N. Johnson was granted a patent for his invention, “Ski binding” by the USPTO on 2nd January 1979, bearing the patent number US4131963A.
The present invention provides boots for Skiing, particularly for water skiing as there is a need for improved binding to secure the skier’s foot on each ski. The resilient bindings commonly used in water skiing hold the skier’s feet firmly and the degree of firmness is increased for competitive water skiing. At the same time, if the skier’s feet are held too firmly, the feet will not be released during a twist or fall and may result in broken legs or another serious injury. Additionally, it is very difficult for the water skier to fit his feet within the tight bindings required for firm support.
The present invention aims to overcome such disadvantages where it allows skier’s foot to be easily inserted and firmly secured within the binding, at the same time, releases the skier’s foot when sufficient forces are encountered which would cause injury to the skier.