CA2050921A1 - Snowboard binding - Google Patents
Snowboard bindingInfo
- Publication number
- CA2050921A1 CA2050921A1 CA002050921A CA2050921A CA2050921A1 CA 2050921 A1 CA2050921 A1 CA 2050921A1 CA 002050921 A CA002050921 A CA 002050921A CA 2050921 A CA2050921 A CA 2050921A CA 2050921 A1 CA2050921 A1 CA 2050921A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- binding
- ridge
- snowboard
- socket
- rider
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C10/00—Snowboard bindings
- A63C10/02—Snowboard bindings characterised by details of the shoe holders
- A63C10/10—Snowboard bindings characterised by details of the shoe holders using parts which are fixed on the shoe, e.g. means to facilitate step-in
- A63C10/103—Snowboard bindings characterised by details of the shoe holders using parts which are fixed on the shoe, e.g. means to facilitate step-in on the sides of the shoe
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C10/00—Snowboard bindings
- A63C10/02—Snowboard bindings characterised by details of the shoe holders
- A63C10/10—Snowboard bindings characterised by details of the shoe holders using parts which are fixed on the shoe, e.g. means to facilitate step-in
Landscapes
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A step-in binding for snowboards secures a rider's foot such that it can only be manually released. Ridge-entrapping members on the snowboard define opposed pockets. The pockets receive oppositely extending longitudinal ridges that are a part of a boot or harness apparatus which attaches to the rider's foot. A spring-loaded latch, operable by a camming mechanism as a rider is stepping in, engages and secures one of the ridges.
Description
~ r 1 SNOWE~OARD BINDING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for binding a rider ' 5 foot to the riding surf'ace ~f a snowboardO
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Snowboarding is a winter sport with similarities to both skiing and surfing. During a descent down a snow-covered slope, the rider stands on a "snowboard" which is shorter and wider than a ski but with a turned up front end similar to a ski. Instead of having feet pointing forward as on skis, a rider stands on the riding surface of the snowboard with the rear foot oriented approximately normally to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard and the forward foot oriented at some angle relative to the langitudinal axis of the snowboard. In other words, a rider's stance on a snowboard is similar to a surfer's or skateboarder's stance, not a skier's. In contrast to surfing, at least one o~ the rider's feet should be bound to the snowboard. In many cases, the rider's booted feet are strapped onto the riding surface. However, such straps are~cumber~ome to fasten or unfasten when the rider is mountlng or dismounting the snowboard, respecti~ely.
,"Step-in'! bindings are well-known with conven~ional snow~skis., Such bindings enable the skier to rapidly bind his booted feet to his skis, as well as ; release the ski boots ~rom the skis at the end of the ski run. Furtherj conventional ski;bindings are designed to release the ski ~rom the skier ' s boot during a ~all and whenever~the,ski is twisted relati~e to the skier's leg ln a potentially injurious manner,J *hereby'preventing sèrious ~ iniury to the skler. ' ~ jr.l :: 3~
- ~ The ;princlpal reasons why conventional snow skis aire equ,ippeidiwith";sa~ety-release bindiings are:that (à) 35 eiach of,theiekier's~booted feet is~iattached to~ai separate : ~ ~ ski, both of which cain go ~in separate directions and/or become entangled when the skier~falls,~greatly increasing ~he chance of leg ~raic~ures ~ind torn ligaments; and ~b) ~ . ,,.. , . ~
WO 90~1 1 109 PCl /US90/01 45X
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for binding a rider ' 5 foot to the riding surf'ace ~f a snowboardO
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Snowboarding is a winter sport with similarities to both skiing and surfing. During a descent down a snow-covered slope, the rider stands on a "snowboard" which is shorter and wider than a ski but with a turned up front end similar to a ski. Instead of having feet pointing forward as on skis, a rider stands on the riding surface of the snowboard with the rear foot oriented approximately normally to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard and the forward foot oriented at some angle relative to the langitudinal axis of the snowboard. In other words, a rider's stance on a snowboard is similar to a surfer's or skateboarder's stance, not a skier's. In contrast to surfing, at least one o~ the rider's feet should be bound to the snowboard. In many cases, the rider's booted feet are strapped onto the riding surface. However, such straps are~cumber~ome to fasten or unfasten when the rider is mountlng or dismounting the snowboard, respecti~ely.
,"Step-in'! bindings are well-known with conven~ional snow~skis., Such bindings enable the skier to rapidly bind his booted feet to his skis, as well as ; release the ski boots ~rom the skis at the end of the ski run. Furtherj conventional ski;bindings are designed to release the ski ~rom the skier ' s boot during a ~all and whenever~the,ski is twisted relati~e to the skier's leg ln a potentially injurious manner,J *hereby'preventing sèrious ~ iniury to the skler. ' ~ jr.l :: 3~
- ~ The ;princlpal reasons why conventional snow skis aire equ,ippeidiwith";sa~ety-release bindiings are:that (à) 35 eiach of,theiekier's~booted feet is~iattached to~ai separate : ~ ~ ski, both of which cain go ~in separate directions and/or become entangled when the skier~falls,~greatly increasing ~he chance of leg ~raic~ures ~ind torn ligaments; and ~b) ~ . ,,.. , . ~
WO 90~1 1 109 PCl /US90/01 45X
2 - t skis are usually long and can apply enormous levered forces t~ a skier's legs and leg joints during a fall, which can cause serious injury.
In contrast with conventional snow skis, snowboards are short. Further, the s~owboarder rides on only one device, rather than two as in conventional snow skiing. As a result, during a fall, the snowboarderls legs and feet are held closely together, because both are still attached to the snowboard, thereby greatly diminishing the probability o~ serious injury.
Consequently, the form of safety-relèase binding commonly found on snow skis is regarded by many as inappropriate for use on a snowboard. In fact, unplanned rPlease of a ~ snowboarder's foot from the snowboard could cause more injury during a fall than i~ the rider's feet had remained attached to the snowboard. Since a snowboarder's feet are oriented relative to-the longitudinal axis o~ the snowboard entirely dif~erently than a skier's feet on conventional snow skis, use of conventional ski bindings to secure a.snowboarder's ~eet to a snowboard will not necessarily protect the rider ~rom injury~
Dennis (U.5~ Patent Nos. 4,652,'007 and 4,'74~,550) discloses a releasable binding system ~or snowboarding that employs conventional snow'ski bindings mounted along . 25 the longitudinal~axis'o~'the snowboard. The ridér wears boots fitted with special boot plates possessing . transverse ~oot shaped wings that can be bound'into the j.j ski~indings while kéeping the rideris fe.et oriented : ;It transversely.to the.longitudinal axis o~ the snowboàrd.
30 ~The two bindings are:mechanically interconnected on the ..jrsnowboard such.that:relea~e''o~ one ~oot. ~rom''a binding will cause release o~ the second foot. ' Disadvantages of this binding syst~m inalude: ' (a) the bindings release ~when..t*e.rider.~alls,.which''can causeimore'injury to the 35 .rider.~han if..the ~nowboard remained attached to'thë
~rider;~.(b~ the forces that would causé conventional ski . bindings oriented parallel to'the longitudinal axis of the snowboard to.release are inappropriate for the release of -. .
2 ~
~VV9~/111~9 PCT/US90/01458 a snowboarder's feet which are oriented transversely to the direction of travel of the snowboard; (c) such a binding system actually requires two separate bindings for each foot, onP to bind the boot to the boot plate, the other to bind the boot plate to the snowboard; (d) if the snowboarder releases one foot, the other foot cannot remain attached to the snowboard, which can be very inconvenient and possibly unsafe when a snowhoarder must dismount from a ski lift in preparation for a downhill run. Further, many snowboarders prefer to leave one foot always bound to the snowboard (generally the forward foot) while leaving the other foot free until just before : beginning a downhill run. Leaving one foot free bettar enables the snowboarder to maneuver into a starting position or otherwise get around without having to detach the snowboard. Existing strap-in bindings, ho~ever, are inconvenient for such purposes because of the time and di~ficulty invol~ed in strapping in the free foot just before beginning a downhill run.
: 20 Hence, there is a need fox a simple binding mechanism for a snowboard that will enable the rider to qulckly detach the:bound'~oot'when required while leaving the:other ~oot bound to the.snowboard, and permitting the rider to ~uickly reat~ach the free foot to the snowboard jus~ before keginning a downhill run. Further,'there is a need for such an apparatus that wlll keèp the`rider's feet bound to the snowboard even.during a '~all. ~ Further, there is a need for such a binding~mecha~ism that 'will not release.both ~eet upon th~ releasing' à~ only one ~oot from .khe snowboard~Further, there is a nèed ~or a snowboard binding that will..enable~the rider~`to-"step into'' the binding.while~remaining standing''' ` ' ``' ~; . ... . .. ... .. . .. . .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
... .The present in~ention is'àn~appàratus for binding a rider's~oot to:the;riding.sùxfa~e of à-snowboard ln a customary riding position and orientation. 'l'he apparàtus ~.
of the present invention can be used to independently bind either one or both of the rider's ~eet to the snowboard.
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,, . . . ~ ' : ' . ' ' :. ~
. .
W0 9Otl l lO9 ~ PCT/US90/0145~
-- 4 (: -On each foot to be bound, the rider wears a soled boothaving opposing horizontally.projectin~ ridges that extend generally parallel to each other along the lateral edges o~ the boot sole. The ridges on a mounted boot are gripped by a pair of oppcsing mating sockets ~n the riding surface of the snowboard. one of the sockets has a spring-biased hooking lip that can be urged aside by the corresponding ridge on the rider's boot, thereby enabling the rider to "step into" the bindingO After the ridge is fully seated in the socket, the hooking lip returns to a latched position, there~y binding the boot to the snowboard~
To release the boot, the rider manually actuatas a lever attached to the spring-biased hooking lip, thereby releasin~ the corresponding boot ridge from the socket, and allowing the rider to lift his boot out of the binding. I~.the rider binds only one foot accordin~ to the present invention, the~other foot may be strapped onto the snowboard via a conventional snowboard binding. If both feet are.bound to the snowboard according to the present invention, release o~ one foot will not actuate :`
release of.thejother,~foot...:.Further,~the binding is not designed jto release the rider's foot during a fall. ' Pinally, according to the present invention, the rider's booted feet are gripped along the lateral edges-of the : boot sole.rather than the.. toe and heel,; the lateral edges receivIng a greater amount of mechanical s'trass~than the toe and heel.when~a.snowboarder makes a descent. '"
There~ore, a primary object of the present ~ :30 invention .is to provide a.new and improvediapparatus ~or bi~nding atlleast one of a rider's booted feèt to thé'`' riding sur~ace of a snowboard in a proper orientation and . , ' position ~or snowboarding. '~
., . . .. . ~ .. .
Ano~her.ob~e~ct is to:bind'the ridêris feet such that the~rider's feet will remain attached'`to a snowboard even during a ~all.. ~ .~r. .;: "'' ' - ' ", . , . . ~ . .
, . ,, , ~
:
, 2D~0..~.2~
A further object is to provide for manual release of c.ne foot from a snowboard without the consequential release of the other foot.
A further object is to provide a binding for snowboards that does not utilize conventional ski safety bindings which are not designed for snowboard use.
A further object of the present invention is to bind the rider's feet to a snowboard along the lateral edges of the boot, such portions of the boot receiving a greater mechanical stress during a snowboard descent of a snow~covered slope than the toe and heel ~.f the boot.
A further object is to provide a step-in binding for snowboarding that will enable the rider to quickly attach a snowboard without having to bend over or engage an ~ssistant. : .
A further object is to allow the ridex to keep one foot bc.und to a snowboard while the other ~oot is released therefrom, ~'acilitating mounting and dismounting a ski lift and perfcrming other maneuvers in preparation ~'or or after a descent.
: ~ . Finally, an object o~ the present invention is to provide a boot for-sncwboarding that can be bound to a snowboard along the lateral edges o~ the boot, not on the toe and heel,.and to provide a latching means therefor on the snowboard.
rl" ~ .BRIEF DES~RIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
: - A complete understanding of-the invention may be : ~; obtained ~rom thé~following ~e~ailed description thereo.~', ~: when.read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which~ .c . ~ ' ' f `` ' ' `~ `'' ` ~ ' FIG, l:is.a plan view o~ a .snowboard showing both ; the rider'.3 boot.~,bound to the riding sur~'ace t.hereo~
.aa~r~c.rding tc. the pre~sent-lnvention; ; -' ~``
FIG..-2-is anii.30mPtri~r~ expioded view of onè type cf~snowboarding.iboo~:and~binding`a~.icording;to ~he present invention, a po~tion o~ the boot being~broken away to show hldden detail;
': : : :
~ t,l~',3,~
WO90/111~9 ~CT~US90/01458 - 6 ~
FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view o~ a second type of snowboarding binding a~cording to the present inventlon;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the binding of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken alont3 line 6-8 -6-8 of FIG. 3, before latching the second boot ridge along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken alont~ line 6-8 -6-8 of FIG. 3, just before completing the latching of the second boot ridge along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard; and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 6-8 -6-8 of FIG. 3, at the completion of binding along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
2 0 The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus for binding one or both o~ a rider's feet to the ridingJsurface~o~ a.snowboard.. Referri~g to FIG. l, a snowboard l0 is a-longitudinally extended structurs that ; : ls similar.to both a snow ski a~d a surfboard. -It has an ..
upward turned front end 12, a riding surface 14 and a tail portion.16.. A snowboard~:is shorter and wider than a snow ski, and is~typically constructed of a laminate of ~ plas~ic, wood.and/or metal.,. In contrast`with a snow ski, whare the.rid~er~'s..feet are bound to the s~i pointing ~ 30 substantially toward the front end of the ski, a snowboard :; ~ is ridden~by the~rider in a standing position with hiis ~e2t ariented,at;or~near right~,angles to`the longitudinal axis of the ~nowboard.:.~Typically,- the rider!s tràiling oot,ishown ~in~l~IG.:l as the~rider's.righ~: foot 18, is ; 35 usua.lly oriented.substantially.at.right angles1~o the Ionsitudinal.axis ~1 of the 6nowboard~l0.- Thé~rider's forward ~oot, ~hown in FIG. 1 as the left ~oo~ 20, is usually oriented at some~angle relative.to the 2 ~
: - 7 -longitudinal axis A1 f the snowboard lO, with the toe usually pointed slightly forward~ The exaot positions and orientations of the rid~r's feet may vary somewhat, depending upon the snowhoard design, the rider's personal preference as to stance, and anticipated slope eonditions.
In contrast to the sport of surfing, where the rider merely stands with unbound hare feet on khe riding sur~ace of the surfboardl one or both of a ~nowboard~r's booted feet must be bound to the riding surface of the snowboard. FIG. l shows both feet bound to the snowboard lO using a binding apparatus 30 according to the present invention as described in detail below. As can be seen in FIG. l, a snowboarder typically wears some ~orm of boot to protect his feet and to provide support. Although FIG. l shows ~oth the rider's forward foot 20 and trailing foot .18 bound to the riding surface 14 of the snowboard lO
using a binding apparatus 30 according to the present in~ention, the "step-in" feature of the present invention, as described in further detail below, is particularly advantageous for the trailing foot 18. Hence, the rider may wish to bind his forward foot 20 using a conventional buckle-on snowboard binding.system. Howe~er, the "step-in" binding means of the present invention can be used for binding both the rider's feet to the riding sur~acè of the snowboard, as shown in FIG. l. -: :
. .Re*erring now to FIG. 2, the riding surface 14 of a snowboard is.eguipped wi~h at least`one binding means 30 according to the present;invention. ::A rider's boot`l8 : (the right boot is shown).~i.s illustràted to show an :~ 30 example;o~a.moclified bootlsole 40 according;to`the present invention~which.enables~the'bootito'be bound to the riding sur~ac~.14 with the binding 30. The modi~ied boot sole~i~o has a firs~ .longitudinally exténded binding ridge 42 projecting horizontally vutward from thë~lateral edge ~4 of the sole 40..~ Although it ~is `preféràble t~at~
the ~irst.bi~ding.ridge 42-extend from the instep edge 44 o~ the sole 40, it may also extend from the oppositè
lateral edge of the sole-40 and still be withln the scope ~: ' , ~ ~ ,. . . .
, wo90/lllos ~ c~ PCT/U~90/0~458, of the present invention. The first binding ridge 42 can be molded as an integral part of tha sole 40. For increased support as required, an upwardly projecting flap 46 may also be molded into the sole 40 along the ~ase of the first ridge 42 and cemented, sewn, riveted, or otherwise attached to the boot upper 45. The edge of the , boot sole 40 opposite the first binding ridge 42 is equipped with a second lon~itudinally extended binding ridge 50 projecting outward in a direction opposite that of the first binding ridge 42. The second binding ridge 50 is substantially parallel to the first binding ridge 42. Although the second binding ridge is shown in FIG. 2 as having a different shape than the first binding ridge ' 42, it is o~ course possible for the first binding ridge 42 to be shaped identically to the second binding ridge 50 . and still b~ within the scope of the present invention.
(A portion of the boot 18 has been cut away in FIG. 2 to show the second binding ridge 50 on the opposite edge of the sole 40 from the first binding ridg~ 42.) Similar to the ~irst binding ridge 42, the second binding ridge 50 can also be a molded extension of the sole 40,'projecting ~horlzontally,,outward:fr~om .the sole''edge and'~rom a side ,flap 52 af~ixed,,to the boot upper 45 in a manner'sim'ilar .,.to side.~flap 46. ~,, ..~ '' On the riding surface 14 o~ the snowboard is a ,: first.rldge-entr,apping member'60 defining a fixed ,ihorizontally,opening longitudinally `extended'socket 62 .
,shaped to,~interlockingly.receive':the ~irst binding ridge ~2,,~ ,The,firæt.rid~e-entrappingimember 60;can be bolted to the~,~sur~ace of,~the snowboard using-scxews 64 or bondëd to ,,the,~ur~acerwith an appropriate'adhe~ive.~ Alternatively, the first ridge-entrapping membar 60:may be ~abricàted as ,an integral;~part,~,of the'riding surface l4 of thé "' i s,nowboard,,obviat;ing the.n ed :for thë screws 64.' The i 35t longitudinal.~socXet 62i.. is.essentially the open spàcé
, de~ined..by the~ ~irst ridge entrapping'member 60 and the underlying ridin~ surface of the ~nowboard 14'.' In FIG. 2, the ~irst ridge-entrapping~memher 60 is shown mounted at WO90/1~109 2~ 2 ~ PCT/US90/014~8 _ 9 _ right angles to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard, but other orientations are possible according to the preference of the rider.
A second ridge-entrapping member 70 defining a second longitudinally extended socket 72 is also mounted to the riding surface of the snowboard 14 opposite the first socket 62 a distance approximately equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the bases of the parallel binding ridges 42 and 50~ In the example shown in FIG. 2 where the binding ridges 42 and 50 ar~
integral with the boot sole 40, the distance is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the width of the boot sole 40 at the first and second binding ridges 42 and 50, respectively.
The second ridge-entrapping member 70 is comprised o~ a base portion 74, a hooking lip 76 which is rotatably mounted.to the base portion 74, an axle 78, biasing springs 80, bushings 82 and a`bandle 84. ~he base portion 74 can be affixed to the riding surface 14 of the : 20 snowboard via screws 84-,or bonded to the surface with an appropriate adhesive. Alternativelyr the-base portion 74 :may be fabricated as an lntegral.part of~the riding surface.14 of.the snowboard,;obviating the need for the screws 84. The hooking lip 76 has opposing downward projecting portions~86 on the ends thereof, longitudinally spaced slightly further~apart from each other than the length of the base portion 74~- The hooking lip 86 is rotatably mounted,~ia the downward projecting portions 86 ~to the base,portion-74 Yia .the axls 78, which extends through the h;oles,88 in the downward~projecting portions 86,;through holes;g0 in the base portion 74 and throùgh hole 92 in the middle of the.base portion 74. - The axle 78 alsoithreads through the coiled:portion of sprlngs 80.
.The~axle,78.~is held -in~pIace ~ia two end bushingsi82, each of which ex~ends3in~o,the.~.corresponding vë;rticaliy i extended hole..90 in the:base portion':74`and either press fitted or~otherw~se secured onto the corresponding end 94 of the axle.78. One end 9G of each spring 80 is inserted :
WO90/11~09 ' PCT/US90/~1458 -- 10 ~
`3 ~ ~
'into a slot 98 in the lower sur~ace of the base portion 74. The remaining end lOo of each spring 80 extends diagonally upward and rests on the rear surface 77 of the hooking lip 76.
The springs 80 serve to bias the rotational motion of the hooking lip 76 about an axis A1 defined by the axle 78. In other words, the hooking lip 76 is urged - to remain in a latched position. To move the hooking lip 76 from the latched position to an open position, thereby permitting the binding ridg~ 50 to be seated in the longitudinal sooket 72, the handle 102 is manually moved in a direction away ~rom the ~irst ridge-entrapping member 60.
Referring further to FIG. 2`, in order for the rider to bind his boot.18 to the riding sur~ace 14 of the snowboard, he must first insert the first binding ridge 42 into the longitudinal socket 62 defined by the first .:
: ridge-entrapping member 60. After the ~irst blnding ridge 42 is ~ully seated in the socket fi2, the rider merely 20 .needs to continue-lowering the boot sole 40 toward the riding.surface l~, thereby pressing the second binding ridge.50 against,the.leading edge surface 104 of thè
,,hooking lip 76. ,Such engagement of the second hinding ~, rldge.50 against~the hooking lip 76 urges the hooking lip ,' 76~to rotate ab"out the axis defined by axle 7B into an open position (described-in further'detail belowj'.
Hooking~-lip 76~moving to ~he open position enàbles the ,, ,~econd binding ridge..50 to slip downward past thè'hooking ,,lip.,76 and become.~ully,;seated 'in thë second socket 72, at 30.~whlch timQ,.,the,:hookingllip ~76 retùrn~'to the latched ,,position. ~Now, the;boot.18~is'bound to the riding`sur~ace " ~14 o~,the"snowboard. Be¢ause the a~ove sequence can'be performed,byjthe"rider..while standing',:~the binding '' apparat-us,of:~the ~present invention"`is'a'~"stëp-in'i type whiqplis.convenient:and simple to~opera~e. ; '' '~ `'' 4 ..In-,order,to release a~bound boot-18 from the . , ,'riding surface 14 of the snowboard,'''thé~rider must manually push,the handle,10~ away ~rom the boot 18, , .
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WO90tl1J09 ~ PCT/~S90/0145~
thereby rotating the hooking lip 76 about the axle 78 from the latched position to an open position. Once the hooking lip 76 is in an open position, the second binding ridge 50 may be lifted out of the second socket 72, which then allows the ~irst binding ridge 42 to be lifted out of the ~irst socket 62.
The binding apparatus of the present invention is strictly a "manual-release" type. If the rider should ~all while on the snowboard, his bound feet will not release therefrom, unless by some unusual circumstance the handle`l02 is pushed during the fall to the open position su~ficiently to allow the boot to release. Further, each binding apparatus of the present invention is independent.
Release of one foot from a binding will not cause the release o~ the other-foot.
Re~erring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that, instead o~ affixing the first ridge-entrapping mémber 60 and second ridge-entrapping member 70 directly to the sur~aoe o~ the snowboard 14 as described above, both ridge-entrapping members may be bolted or otherwise secured to a mounting plate l50 which is thén attached to the riding sur~ace 14 of the snowboàrd.; The mounting plate 150 defines a pivot hole 152 and a selectèd number of mounting .holes"lS4 spaced along a bolt circle arc on 25 ~the mounting plate.150 at a:certain'radius from thë pivot hole 152. ~he holes-152 and l54 enable-the rider to attach the mounting plate 150 to the riding surface 14 of the snowboard in ~any of a selected number of angular . ~rientationsi relative ~o the lonqitudinal~`axis of the snowboard. ~
FIG. 3 also show~i:that, instead o~ thè first and second rldges bei.ng integral with thè boot sole as shown in Flg 2,.~the..~irst ridge l6~i and second r~dge 164 may . extend,~outward from ~opposing~lateral edges o~ à separate - 35 bindlng plate.l60.,.,The.binding platè~l60 càn be either -:
; aktached directly~to the sole of the ridër's boot (direct attachment to boot not shown) or to t~ë~sole 172 of a boot harness 166 via a suitable ~eans such ae short screws 168 .. , .: ., ., .: , . ~ .: . , - . ~. . ..
.: . ~ .. : , ,~ . .. . . , ., . ,, . ~ , . ..
fastened through countersunk holes 170 defined by the sole 172 of the boot harness 166 and into the corresponding holes 174 defined by the ba~e 176 of the bindin~ plate 160. Other means of securing the binding plate l60 to either the sole of the rider's boot or the sole of the boot harness, such as an appropriate adhesive, are also possible~ It is also possible for the binding plate l60 to be not a separate entity but molded into the sole 186 of the ~oot harness 166 analogous to the boot shown in FIG~ 2. The boot harness 16Ç may be any of several types that are commercially available for snowboarding and used for strapping the rider's shoe or boot 180 (or even the rider's bare foot, if desired) to the snowboard riding surface 14. Typically,-the boot harness 166 has two or more buckled straps 182, each o~ which wraps around a ~ront portion of the boot 180 and engages a corresponding hook 184 or analogous fastening means on the opposing side of ~he boot harness l66.
FIGS. 4-8 provide further details of the binding : 20 apparatus according to the present invention and its ... ..
operation, the version detailed being that shown in FIG. 3 utilizing.,a binding.plate l60O FIG ~ ~ï 4 - is a sectional view along;a~line.parallel to.the longitudinal axis A1 o~ the snowboard.~see F~G.,3):of..~he second ridge 164 and the second ridge-entrapping-member 170 shown in thè latched posi~tion.. As~can,be seen, the ~econd ridge 164 extends ~rom~the bindlng plate 160.. The hooking lip 76 is . ~ rotatable.aboutA~th;e~::axle .78 from a ~ully latchëd position : lOl.to an.~opan position 103,.such rotation ~rom'the fully latched position l0l resisted by torsion springs 80 and ~fl~e~ing o~.the a~xle 78.(described below). ~As described above, th;e sprlng~ 80 are held in place dùring àssembly by insertion o~;the~irs.t spring end 96~into the slo~ g8 on ;the underside;of the baæe?portion 74":and by ~ositioning ~he~secondiend l00.of the~.spring 80 àgainst the rear suxface 77 of the hooking:lip 76. The rider, in`order to re1ease hl ~boot, must manually press th~ hàndle 102 from .
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wo go/lllog 2 ~ $ ~ PCr/US90/01458 the fully latched position 101 to the open pusition 103 (FIG~ 4) .
In FIG. 4, the upper ~urface 165 of the binding ridge 164 is oriented non-hori20ntally, giving the binding ridge 164 a distinctly upward-pointing cross-sectional pro~ile, as shown in FI~. 4. The lower surface 75 of the hooking lip 76 is oriented approximately complementary to the upper surface 165 of the binding ridge 164. Such engagement of the complementary surfaces helps to keep the hooking lip 76 in a latched position 101 over the second binding ridge 64.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the length of the second ridge-entrapping membex 70 and hooking lip 76 through the axis o~ axle 78~ As can be seen, even when the hooking lip 7Ç is in the latched position, the ends 94 . of the axle ~8 are flexed slightly upwardly, imparting a ; downward bias to ~he hooking lip 76, That downward spring bias further tends to keep the hooking lip 76 in the latched position.
~eferring now to FIGS. 6-8, wherein the rider's boot is represented by a binding plate 160 (such as that llustrated in FI~. 3),;..the-latching sequence by which the : rider's boot becomes fully bound to the snowboard is shown. Although FIGS.!6-8 depict the use of a binding plate, the sequence shown:is also applicable when the ~ir~t and second binding ridges are integral with the sole of the rider's boot or~boot harness'.'`Furthex,~FIGS.`6-~
~depic~ the.use of a mounting platel150 used to mount the : first and second ridge-entrapping members to thë riding ::
surface 14 o~the~snowboaxd;-:~However, as;de~cribed above, the first and second ridge-entrapping ~embers may also be mounted directly ko the riding.~sur~ace 14 of the `
snowboard, obviating,the,rle~di~or a mounting plate.
Obviously, the sequencQs shown.`in FIGS.:6-8 arè;also 35 ~applicable.in the.~latter:situation.~
I BegInning with;F~G; 6, the rider first`insërts ; the ~irs~ binding ridge 162 into the first socket 6~
: de~ined by the ~irst ridge-entrapping ~ember 60. If .
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W~90/111~9 ~ PCTtUS90/01458 .. ~ 14 - ~ .
necessary, the first binding ridge 162 may have a slight chamfer 180 on the lower surface thereof to aid insertion ~' of the first binding ridge 162 into the first socket 62.
The edge of the first ridge-entrapping member 60 pointing toward the second ridge-entrapping member 70 may have a protrusion 182 to aid in keeping the binding plate 160 (or ' , boot or boot harness) centered in the binding after binding is completed.
once the first.binding ridge 162 has been lo inserted into the first.socket 62, the second bfinding ridge 164 is lowered aga~nst the leading edge 184 of the hooking lip 76. As the second binding ridge 164 is urged downward again t ~he hooking lip 76, a cam surface 186 on each end of the second binding ridge 164 begins to push against tfhe leading edge 184 of the hooking lip 76, thereby urging the hooking lip 76 from the latched position.(shown in FIG.. 6) to the open position (shown in Fig 7). The hooking lip 76 may have, a longitudinaily extended cham~ffer 104 on the upper surface thereof to aid the.cam action. As shown :in .iFIGS. 6 and 7, as the hooking lip 76 rotates to the open position, the rear corner 188 ,on~,~ach down~ffard projecting..portion 86 of thë hooking lip 76,presses,f.against,the.upper.surface'151 of the mounting -.
plate,.150..(or.against the ~riding 'surfface 14 of the' ... . .. ...
snowboard if.no,,mounting plate~is us'ed). 'When this'^
happens, the.hooking lip,.as~it'rotate~s to the'open''' pfositlon,"also ~oves.~slightly upwar'd,-`'the ùpward motion .' ~resis~ed..by...the,tendency.~,o,f~.the axle :78 ~o rem in lin`ear.
Vertically,elongated holes;90~extending~through each`end 30 ' of~he base.portion 74 permit-;such'':limited upward movemen~
of thejhookin~.lip ,7,6 a~it-moves toward the open '"
position. .This upward movement~o~ the hooking lip 76 ` , eases the process,,o~ insertiny the.`second binding'ridge .:
into~the.second socket:,72.c~;.The-downward bias provided by 35 the flexing axle 78,al~o.Xeeps the'~-rider's~boot tightly '' : bound to.. the snowboard a~ter.'bindin~-is completed. ' .
., ,.FIG.-7 shows the.:hooking'lip ! 76 in the full open position which was reached.by the sequential action of cam :; ' ; : ~
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WO90/11109 2 ~ S ~ I PCT/US90/01458 - 15 - .
surfaces 186 on each end of the second binding ridge 164 pressing against the leading edge 184 on the hooking lip 76 and of cam surface l90 on the second binding ridge 164 pressing againist the underside edge 192 on the hooking lip 76.
Further lowering of the second binding ridge 164 toward the riding surface 14 of the snowboard will cause the underside edge 192 of the hooking lip 76 to ride over onto the top sur~ace 165 of the second binding ridge 164, thereby allowing the hooking lip 76 to return to the latched position, as shown in FIG. 8. In the fully latched position shown in FIG. 8, the hooking lip 76 has m~ved slightly downwardly, as indicated by the lower v~rtical position o~ the bushing 82 in the vertically extended hole 9O in FIG. 8 compared to-in FIG. 7.
FIGS. 4 and 6-8 also show that the underside surface 167 of the second binding ridge 164 between the ends thereof is somewhat hollowed out to provide clearance for the springs 80 an~ the base portion 74 when the second binding ridge 164 is fully inserted int.o the socket 72.
. Havlng illustrated.and described the principles of our inveintion with..reference to several preferred embodiments, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in.the art that such embodiments may be modified in detail without departing ~rom such principles. We claim as our in~ention all such modi~ications as come within the trué spirit and~scope o~ the.~following-claims. :~
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In contrast with conventional snow skis, snowboards are short. Further, the s~owboarder rides on only one device, rather than two as in conventional snow skiing. As a result, during a fall, the snowboarderls legs and feet are held closely together, because both are still attached to the snowboard, thereby greatly diminishing the probability o~ serious injury.
Consequently, the form of safety-relèase binding commonly found on snow skis is regarded by many as inappropriate for use on a snowboard. In fact, unplanned rPlease of a ~ snowboarder's foot from the snowboard could cause more injury during a fall than i~ the rider's feet had remained attached to the snowboard. Since a snowboarder's feet are oriented relative to-the longitudinal axis o~ the snowboard entirely dif~erently than a skier's feet on conventional snow skis, use of conventional ski bindings to secure a.snowboarder's ~eet to a snowboard will not necessarily protect the rider ~rom injury~
Dennis (U.5~ Patent Nos. 4,652,'007 and 4,'74~,550) discloses a releasable binding system ~or snowboarding that employs conventional snow'ski bindings mounted along . 25 the longitudinal~axis'o~'the snowboard. The ridér wears boots fitted with special boot plates possessing . transverse ~oot shaped wings that can be bound'into the j.j ski~indings while kéeping the rideris fe.et oriented : ;It transversely.to the.longitudinal axis o~ the snowboàrd.
30 ~The two bindings are:mechanically interconnected on the ..jrsnowboard such.that:relea~e''o~ one ~oot. ~rom''a binding will cause release o~ the second foot. ' Disadvantages of this binding syst~m inalude: ' (a) the bindings release ~when..t*e.rider.~alls,.which''can causeimore'injury to the 35 .rider.~han if..the ~nowboard remained attached to'thë
~rider;~.(b~ the forces that would causé conventional ski . bindings oriented parallel to'the longitudinal axis of the snowboard to.release are inappropriate for the release of -. .
2 ~
~VV9~/111~9 PCT/US90/01458 a snowboarder's feet which are oriented transversely to the direction of travel of the snowboard; (c) such a binding system actually requires two separate bindings for each foot, onP to bind the boot to the boot plate, the other to bind the boot plate to the snowboard; (d) if the snowboarder releases one foot, the other foot cannot remain attached to the snowboard, which can be very inconvenient and possibly unsafe when a snowhoarder must dismount from a ski lift in preparation for a downhill run. Further, many snowboarders prefer to leave one foot always bound to the snowboard (generally the forward foot) while leaving the other foot free until just before : beginning a downhill run. Leaving one foot free bettar enables the snowboarder to maneuver into a starting position or otherwise get around without having to detach the snowboard. Existing strap-in bindings, ho~ever, are inconvenient for such purposes because of the time and di~ficulty invol~ed in strapping in the free foot just before beginning a downhill run.
: 20 Hence, there is a need fox a simple binding mechanism for a snowboard that will enable the rider to qulckly detach the:bound'~oot'when required while leaving the:other ~oot bound to the.snowboard, and permitting the rider to ~uickly reat~ach the free foot to the snowboard jus~ before keginning a downhill run. Further,'there is a need for such an apparatus that wlll keèp the`rider's feet bound to the snowboard even.during a '~all. ~ Further, there is a need for such a binding~mecha~ism that 'will not release.both ~eet upon th~ releasing' à~ only one ~oot from .khe snowboard~Further, there is a nèed ~or a snowboard binding that will..enable~the rider~`to-"step into'' the binding.while~remaining standing''' ` ' ``' ~; . ... . .. ... .. . .. . .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
... .The present in~ention is'àn~appàratus for binding a rider's~oot to:the;riding.sùxfa~e of à-snowboard ln a customary riding position and orientation. 'l'he apparàtus ~.
of the present invention can be used to independently bind either one or both of the rider's ~eet to the snowboard.
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W0 9Otl l lO9 ~ PCT/US90/0145~
-- 4 (: -On each foot to be bound, the rider wears a soled boothaving opposing horizontally.projectin~ ridges that extend generally parallel to each other along the lateral edges o~ the boot sole. The ridges on a mounted boot are gripped by a pair of oppcsing mating sockets ~n the riding surface of the snowboard. one of the sockets has a spring-biased hooking lip that can be urged aside by the corresponding ridge on the rider's boot, thereby enabling the rider to "step into" the bindingO After the ridge is fully seated in the socket, the hooking lip returns to a latched position, there~y binding the boot to the snowboard~
To release the boot, the rider manually actuatas a lever attached to the spring-biased hooking lip, thereby releasin~ the corresponding boot ridge from the socket, and allowing the rider to lift his boot out of the binding. I~.the rider binds only one foot accordin~ to the present invention, the~other foot may be strapped onto the snowboard via a conventional snowboard binding. If both feet are.bound to the snowboard according to the present invention, release o~ one foot will not actuate :`
release of.thejother,~foot...:.Further,~the binding is not designed jto release the rider's foot during a fall. ' Pinally, according to the present invention, the rider's booted feet are gripped along the lateral edges-of the : boot sole.rather than the.. toe and heel,; the lateral edges receivIng a greater amount of mechanical s'trass~than the toe and heel.when~a.snowboarder makes a descent. '"
There~ore, a primary object of the present ~ :30 invention .is to provide a.new and improvediapparatus ~or bi~nding atlleast one of a rider's booted feèt to thé'`' riding sur~ace of a snowboard in a proper orientation and . , ' position ~or snowboarding. '~
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Ano~her.ob~e~ct is to:bind'the ridêris feet such that the~rider's feet will remain attached'`to a snowboard even during a ~all.. ~ .~r. .;: "'' ' - ' ", . , . . ~ . .
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A further object is to provide for manual release of c.ne foot from a snowboard without the consequential release of the other foot.
A further object is to provide a binding for snowboards that does not utilize conventional ski safety bindings which are not designed for snowboard use.
A further object of the present invention is to bind the rider's feet to a snowboard along the lateral edges of the boot, such portions of the boot receiving a greater mechanical stress during a snowboard descent of a snow~covered slope than the toe and heel ~.f the boot.
A further object is to provide a step-in binding for snowboarding that will enable the rider to quickly attach a snowboard without having to bend over or engage an ~ssistant. : .
A further object is to allow the ridex to keep one foot bc.und to a snowboard while the other ~oot is released therefrom, ~'acilitating mounting and dismounting a ski lift and perfcrming other maneuvers in preparation ~'or or after a descent.
: ~ . Finally, an object o~ the present invention is to provide a boot for-sncwboarding that can be bound to a snowboard along the lateral edges o~ the boot, not on the toe and heel,.and to provide a latching means therefor on the snowboard.
rl" ~ .BRIEF DES~RIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
: - A complete understanding of-the invention may be : ~; obtained ~rom thé~following ~e~ailed description thereo.~', ~: when.read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which~ .c . ~ ' ' f `` ' ' `~ `'' ` ~ ' FIG, l:is.a plan view o~ a .snowboard showing both ; the rider'.3 boot.~,bound to the riding sur~'ace t.hereo~
.aa~r~c.rding tc. the pre~sent-lnvention; ; -' ~``
FIG..-2-is anii.30mPtri~r~ expioded view of onè type cf~snowboarding.iboo~:and~binding`a~.icording;to ~he present invention, a po~tion o~ the boot being~broken away to show hldden detail;
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WO90/111~9 ~CT~US90/01458 - 6 ~
FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view o~ a second type of snowboarding binding a~cording to the present inventlon;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the binding of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken alont3 line 6-8 -6-8 of FIG. 3, before latching the second boot ridge along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken alont~ line 6-8 -6-8 of FIG. 3, just before completing the latching of the second boot ridge along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard; and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 6-8 -6-8 of FIG. 3, at the completion of binding along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
2 0 The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus for binding one or both o~ a rider's feet to the ridingJsurface~o~ a.snowboard.. Referri~g to FIG. l, a snowboard l0 is a-longitudinally extended structurs that ; : ls similar.to both a snow ski a~d a surfboard. -It has an ..
upward turned front end 12, a riding surface 14 and a tail portion.16.. A snowboard~:is shorter and wider than a snow ski, and is~typically constructed of a laminate of ~ plas~ic, wood.and/or metal.,. In contrast`with a snow ski, whare the.rid~er~'s..feet are bound to the s~i pointing ~ 30 substantially toward the front end of the ski, a snowboard :; ~ is ridden~by the~rider in a standing position with hiis ~e2t ariented,at;or~near right~,angles to`the longitudinal axis of the ~nowboard.:.~Typically,- the rider!s tràiling oot,ishown ~in~l~IG.:l as the~rider's.righ~: foot 18, is ; 35 usua.lly oriented.substantially.at.right angles1~o the Ionsitudinal.axis ~1 of the 6nowboard~l0.- Thé~rider's forward ~oot, ~hown in FIG. 1 as the left ~oo~ 20, is usually oriented at some~angle relative.to the 2 ~
: - 7 -longitudinal axis A1 f the snowboard lO, with the toe usually pointed slightly forward~ The exaot positions and orientations of the rid~r's feet may vary somewhat, depending upon the snowhoard design, the rider's personal preference as to stance, and anticipated slope eonditions.
In contrast to the sport of surfing, where the rider merely stands with unbound hare feet on khe riding sur~ace of the surfboardl one or both of a ~nowboard~r's booted feet must be bound to the riding surface of the snowboard. FIG. l shows both feet bound to the snowboard lO using a binding apparatus 30 according to the present invention as described in detail below. As can be seen in FIG. l, a snowboarder typically wears some ~orm of boot to protect his feet and to provide support. Although FIG. l shows ~oth the rider's forward foot 20 and trailing foot .18 bound to the riding surface 14 of the snowboard lO
using a binding apparatus 30 according to the present in~ention, the "step-in" feature of the present invention, as described in further detail below, is particularly advantageous for the trailing foot 18. Hence, the rider may wish to bind his forward foot 20 using a conventional buckle-on snowboard binding.system. Howe~er, the "step-in" binding means of the present invention can be used for binding both the rider's feet to the riding sur~acè of the snowboard, as shown in FIG. l. -: :
. .Re*erring now to FIG. 2, the riding surface 14 of a snowboard is.eguipped wi~h at least`one binding means 30 according to the present;invention. ::A rider's boot`l8 : (the right boot is shown).~i.s illustràted to show an :~ 30 example;o~a.moclified bootlsole 40 according;to`the present invention~which.enables~the'bootito'be bound to the riding sur~ac~.14 with the binding 30. The modi~ied boot sole~i~o has a firs~ .longitudinally exténded binding ridge 42 projecting horizontally vutward from thë~lateral edge ~4 of the sole 40..~ Although it ~is `preféràble t~at~
the ~irst.bi~ding.ridge 42-extend from the instep edge 44 o~ the sole 40, it may also extend from the oppositè
lateral edge of the sole-40 and still be withln the scope ~: ' , ~ ~ ,. . . .
, wo90/lllos ~ c~ PCT/U~90/0~458, of the present invention. The first binding ridge 42 can be molded as an integral part of tha sole 40. For increased support as required, an upwardly projecting flap 46 may also be molded into the sole 40 along the ~ase of the first ridge 42 and cemented, sewn, riveted, or otherwise attached to the boot upper 45. The edge of the , boot sole 40 opposite the first binding ridge 42 is equipped with a second lon~itudinally extended binding ridge 50 projecting outward in a direction opposite that of the first binding ridge 42. The second binding ridge 50 is substantially parallel to the first binding ridge 42. Although the second binding ridge is shown in FIG. 2 as having a different shape than the first binding ridge ' 42, it is o~ course possible for the first binding ridge 42 to be shaped identically to the second binding ridge 50 . and still b~ within the scope of the present invention.
(A portion of the boot 18 has been cut away in FIG. 2 to show the second binding ridge 50 on the opposite edge of the sole 40 from the first binding ridg~ 42.) Similar to the ~irst binding ridge 42, the second binding ridge 50 can also be a molded extension of the sole 40,'projecting ~horlzontally,,outward:fr~om .the sole''edge and'~rom a side ,flap 52 af~ixed,,to the boot upper 45 in a manner'sim'ilar .,.to side.~flap 46. ~,, ..~ '' On the riding surface 14 o~ the snowboard is a ,: first.rldge-entr,apping member'60 defining a fixed ,ihorizontally,opening longitudinally `extended'socket 62 .
,shaped to,~interlockingly.receive':the ~irst binding ridge ~2,,~ ,The,firæt.rid~e-entrappingimember 60;can be bolted to the~,~sur~ace of,~the snowboard using-scxews 64 or bondëd to ,,the,~ur~acerwith an appropriate'adhe~ive.~ Alternatively, the first ridge-entrapping membar 60:may be ~abricàted as ,an integral;~part,~,of the'riding surface l4 of thé "' i s,nowboard,,obviat;ing the.n ed :for thë screws 64.' The i 35t longitudinal.~socXet 62i.. is.essentially the open spàcé
, de~ined..by the~ ~irst ridge entrapping'member 60 and the underlying ridin~ surface of the ~nowboard 14'.' In FIG. 2, the ~irst ridge-entrapping~memher 60 is shown mounted at WO90/1~109 2~ 2 ~ PCT/US90/014~8 _ 9 _ right angles to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard, but other orientations are possible according to the preference of the rider.
A second ridge-entrapping member 70 defining a second longitudinally extended socket 72 is also mounted to the riding surface of the snowboard 14 opposite the first socket 62 a distance approximately equal to or slightly greater than the distance between the bases of the parallel binding ridges 42 and 50~ In the example shown in FIG. 2 where the binding ridges 42 and 50 ar~
integral with the boot sole 40, the distance is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the width of the boot sole 40 at the first and second binding ridges 42 and 50, respectively.
The second ridge-entrapping member 70 is comprised o~ a base portion 74, a hooking lip 76 which is rotatably mounted.to the base portion 74, an axle 78, biasing springs 80, bushings 82 and a`bandle 84. ~he base portion 74 can be affixed to the riding surface 14 of the : 20 snowboard via screws 84-,or bonded to the surface with an appropriate adhesive. Alternativelyr the-base portion 74 :may be fabricated as an lntegral.part of~the riding surface.14 of.the snowboard,;obviating the need for the screws 84. The hooking lip 76 has opposing downward projecting portions~86 on the ends thereof, longitudinally spaced slightly further~apart from each other than the length of the base portion 74~- The hooking lip 86 is rotatably mounted,~ia the downward projecting portions 86 ~to the base,portion-74 Yia .the axls 78, which extends through the h;oles,88 in the downward~projecting portions 86,;through holes;g0 in the base portion 74 and throùgh hole 92 in the middle of the.base portion 74. - The axle 78 alsoithreads through the coiled:portion of sprlngs 80.
.The~axle,78.~is held -in~pIace ~ia two end bushingsi82, each of which ex~ends3in~o,the.~.corresponding vë;rticaliy i extended hole..90 in the:base portion':74`and either press fitted or~otherw~se secured onto the corresponding end 94 of the axle.78. One end 9G of each spring 80 is inserted :
WO90/11~09 ' PCT/US90/~1458 -- 10 ~
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'into a slot 98 in the lower sur~ace of the base portion 74. The remaining end lOo of each spring 80 extends diagonally upward and rests on the rear surface 77 of the hooking lip 76.
The springs 80 serve to bias the rotational motion of the hooking lip 76 about an axis A1 defined by the axle 78. In other words, the hooking lip 76 is urged - to remain in a latched position. To move the hooking lip 76 from the latched position to an open position, thereby permitting the binding ridg~ 50 to be seated in the longitudinal sooket 72, the handle 102 is manually moved in a direction away ~rom the ~irst ridge-entrapping member 60.
Referring further to FIG. 2`, in order for the rider to bind his boot.18 to the riding sur~ace 14 of the snowboard, he must first insert the first binding ridge 42 into the longitudinal socket 62 defined by the first .:
: ridge-entrapping member 60. After the ~irst blnding ridge 42 is ~ully seated in the socket fi2, the rider merely 20 .needs to continue-lowering the boot sole 40 toward the riding.surface l~, thereby pressing the second binding ridge.50 against,the.leading edge surface 104 of thè
,,hooking lip 76. ,Such engagement of the second hinding ~, rldge.50 against~the hooking lip 76 urges the hooking lip ,' 76~to rotate ab"out the axis defined by axle 7B into an open position (described-in further'detail belowj'.
Hooking~-lip 76~moving to ~he open position enàbles the ,, ,~econd binding ridge..50 to slip downward past thè'hooking ,,lip.,76 and become.~ully,;seated 'in thë second socket 72, at 30.~whlch timQ,.,the,:hookingllip ~76 retùrn~'to the latched ,,position. ~Now, the;boot.18~is'bound to the riding`sur~ace " ~14 o~,the"snowboard. Be¢ause the a~ove sequence can'be performed,byjthe"rider..while standing',:~the binding '' apparat-us,of:~the ~present invention"`is'a'~"stëp-in'i type whiqplis.convenient:and simple to~opera~e. ; '' '~ `'' 4 ..In-,order,to release a~bound boot-18 from the . , ,'riding surface 14 of the snowboard,'''thé~rider must manually push,the handle,10~ away ~rom the boot 18, , .
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WO90tl1J09 ~ PCT/~S90/0145~
thereby rotating the hooking lip 76 about the axle 78 from the latched position to an open position. Once the hooking lip 76 is in an open position, the second binding ridge 50 may be lifted out of the second socket 72, which then allows the ~irst binding ridge 42 to be lifted out of the ~irst socket 62.
The binding apparatus of the present invention is strictly a "manual-release" type. If the rider should ~all while on the snowboard, his bound feet will not release therefrom, unless by some unusual circumstance the handle`l02 is pushed during the fall to the open position su~ficiently to allow the boot to release. Further, each binding apparatus of the present invention is independent.
Release of one foot from a binding will not cause the release o~ the other-foot.
Re~erring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that, instead o~ affixing the first ridge-entrapping mémber 60 and second ridge-entrapping member 70 directly to the sur~aoe o~ the snowboard 14 as described above, both ridge-entrapping members may be bolted or otherwise secured to a mounting plate l50 which is thén attached to the riding sur~ace 14 of the snowboàrd.; The mounting plate 150 defines a pivot hole 152 and a selectèd number of mounting .holes"lS4 spaced along a bolt circle arc on 25 ~the mounting plate.150 at a:certain'radius from thë pivot hole 152. ~he holes-152 and l54 enable-the rider to attach the mounting plate 150 to the riding surface 14 of the snowboard in ~any of a selected number of angular . ~rientationsi relative ~o the lonqitudinal~`axis of the snowboard. ~
FIG. 3 also show~i:that, instead o~ thè first and second rldges bei.ng integral with thè boot sole as shown in Flg 2,.~the..~irst ridge l6~i and second r~dge 164 may . extend,~outward from ~opposing~lateral edges o~ à separate - 35 bindlng plate.l60.,.,The.binding platè~l60 càn be either -:
; aktached directly~to the sole of the ridër's boot (direct attachment to boot not shown) or to t~ë~sole 172 of a boot harness 166 via a suitable ~eans such ae short screws 168 .. , .: ., ., .: , . ~ .: . , - . ~. . ..
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fastened through countersunk holes 170 defined by the sole 172 of the boot harness 166 and into the corresponding holes 174 defined by the ba~e 176 of the bindin~ plate 160. Other means of securing the binding plate l60 to either the sole of the rider's boot or the sole of the boot harness, such as an appropriate adhesive, are also possible~ It is also possible for the binding plate l60 to be not a separate entity but molded into the sole 186 of the ~oot harness 166 analogous to the boot shown in FIG~ 2. The boot harness 16Ç may be any of several types that are commercially available for snowboarding and used for strapping the rider's shoe or boot 180 (or even the rider's bare foot, if desired) to the snowboard riding surface 14. Typically,-the boot harness 166 has two or more buckled straps 182, each o~ which wraps around a ~ront portion of the boot 180 and engages a corresponding hook 184 or analogous fastening means on the opposing side of ~he boot harness l66.
FIGS. 4-8 provide further details of the binding : 20 apparatus according to the present invention and its ... ..
operation, the version detailed being that shown in FIG. 3 utilizing.,a binding.plate l60O FIG ~ ~ï 4 - is a sectional view along;a~line.parallel to.the longitudinal axis A1 o~ the snowboard.~see F~G.,3):of..~he second ridge 164 and the second ridge-entrapping-member 170 shown in thè latched posi~tion.. As~can,be seen, the ~econd ridge 164 extends ~rom~the bindlng plate 160.. The hooking lip 76 is . ~ rotatable.aboutA~th;e~::axle .78 from a ~ully latchëd position : lOl.to an.~opan position 103,.such rotation ~rom'the fully latched position l0l resisted by torsion springs 80 and ~fl~e~ing o~.the a~xle 78.(described below). ~As described above, th;e sprlng~ 80 are held in place dùring àssembly by insertion o~;the~irs.t spring end 96~into the slo~ g8 on ;the underside;of the baæe?portion 74":and by ~ositioning ~he~secondiend l00.of the~.spring 80 àgainst the rear suxface 77 of the hooking:lip 76. The rider, in`order to re1ease hl ~boot, must manually press th~ hàndle 102 from .
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wo go/lllog 2 ~ $ ~ PCr/US90/01458 the fully latched position 101 to the open pusition 103 (FIG~ 4) .
In FIG. 4, the upper ~urface 165 of the binding ridge 164 is oriented non-hori20ntally, giving the binding ridge 164 a distinctly upward-pointing cross-sectional pro~ile, as shown in FI~. 4. The lower surface 75 of the hooking lip 76 is oriented approximately complementary to the upper surface 165 of the binding ridge 164. Such engagement of the complementary surfaces helps to keep the hooking lip 76 in a latched position 101 over the second binding ridge 64.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the length of the second ridge-entrapping membex 70 and hooking lip 76 through the axis o~ axle 78~ As can be seen, even when the hooking lip 7Ç is in the latched position, the ends 94 . of the axle ~8 are flexed slightly upwardly, imparting a ; downward bias to ~he hooking lip 76, That downward spring bias further tends to keep the hooking lip 76 in the latched position.
~eferring now to FIGS. 6-8, wherein the rider's boot is represented by a binding plate 160 (such as that llustrated in FI~. 3),;..the-latching sequence by which the : rider's boot becomes fully bound to the snowboard is shown. Although FIGS.!6-8 depict the use of a binding plate, the sequence shown:is also applicable when the ~ir~t and second binding ridges are integral with the sole of the rider's boot or~boot harness'.'`Furthex,~FIGS.`6-~
~depic~ the.use of a mounting platel150 used to mount the : first and second ridge-entrapping members to thë riding ::
surface 14 o~the~snowboaxd;-:~However, as;de~cribed above, the first and second ridge-entrapping ~embers may also be mounted directly ko the riding.~sur~ace 14 of the `
snowboard, obviating,the,rle~di~or a mounting plate.
Obviously, the sequencQs shown.`in FIGS.:6-8 arè;also 35 ~applicable.in the.~latter:situation.~
I BegInning with;F~G; 6, the rider first`insërts ; the ~irs~ binding ridge 162 into the first socket 6~
: de~ined by the ~irst ridge-entrapping ~ember 60. If .
, , ~ . :: , , . . . , - . .:
. . .
. .. . ,' . - : . .: .
W~90/111~9 ~ PCTtUS90/01458 .. ~ 14 - ~ .
necessary, the first binding ridge 162 may have a slight chamfer 180 on the lower surface thereof to aid insertion ~' of the first binding ridge 162 into the first socket 62.
The edge of the first ridge-entrapping member 60 pointing toward the second ridge-entrapping member 70 may have a protrusion 182 to aid in keeping the binding plate 160 (or ' , boot or boot harness) centered in the binding after binding is completed.
once the first.binding ridge 162 has been lo inserted into the first.socket 62, the second bfinding ridge 164 is lowered aga~nst the leading edge 184 of the hooking lip 76. As the second binding ridge 164 is urged downward again t ~he hooking lip 76, a cam surface 186 on each end of the second binding ridge 164 begins to push against tfhe leading edge 184 of the hooking lip 76, thereby urging the hooking lip 76 from the latched position.(shown in FIG.. 6) to the open position (shown in Fig 7). The hooking lip 76 may have, a longitudinaily extended cham~ffer 104 on the upper surface thereof to aid the.cam action. As shown :in .iFIGS. 6 and 7, as the hooking lip 76 rotates to the open position, the rear corner 188 ,on~,~ach down~ffard projecting..portion 86 of thë hooking lip 76,presses,f.against,the.upper.surface'151 of the mounting -.
plate,.150..(or.against the ~riding 'surfface 14 of the' ... . .. ...
snowboard if.no,,mounting plate~is us'ed). 'When this'^
happens, the.hooking lip,.as~it'rotate~s to the'open''' pfositlon,"also ~oves.~slightly upwar'd,-`'the ùpward motion .' ~resis~ed..by...the,tendency.~,o,f~.the axle :78 ~o rem in lin`ear.
Vertically,elongated holes;90~extending~through each`end 30 ' of~he base.portion 74 permit-;such'':limited upward movemen~
of thejhookin~.lip ,7,6 a~it-moves toward the open '"
position. .This upward movement~o~ the hooking lip 76 ` , eases the process,,o~ insertiny the.`second binding'ridge .:
into~the.second socket:,72.c~;.The-downward bias provided by 35 the flexing axle 78,al~o.Xeeps the'~-rider's~boot tightly '' : bound to.. the snowboard a~ter.'bindin~-is completed. ' .
., ,.FIG.-7 shows the.:hooking'lip ! 76 in the full open position which was reached.by the sequential action of cam :; ' ; : ~
' .
, : : : .: : . . : . .
. ~ . - . . ~ ... ..
WO90/11109 2 ~ S ~ I PCT/US90/01458 - 15 - .
surfaces 186 on each end of the second binding ridge 164 pressing against the leading edge 184 on the hooking lip 76 and of cam surface l90 on the second binding ridge 164 pressing againist the underside edge 192 on the hooking lip 76.
Further lowering of the second binding ridge 164 toward the riding surface 14 of the snowboard will cause the underside edge 192 of the hooking lip 76 to ride over onto the top sur~ace 165 of the second binding ridge 164, thereby allowing the hooking lip 76 to return to the latched position, as shown in FIG. 8. In the fully latched position shown in FIG. 8, the hooking lip 76 has m~ved slightly downwardly, as indicated by the lower v~rtical position o~ the bushing 82 in the vertically extended hole 9O in FIG. 8 compared to-in FIG. 7.
FIGS. 4 and 6-8 also show that the underside surface 167 of the second binding ridge 164 between the ends thereof is somewhat hollowed out to provide clearance for the springs 80 an~ the base portion 74 when the second binding ridge 164 is fully inserted int.o the socket 72.
. Havlng illustrated.and described the principles of our inveintion with..reference to several preferred embodiments, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in.the art that such embodiments may be modified in detail without departing ~rom such principles. We claim as our in~ention all such modi~ications as come within the trué spirit and~scope o~ the.~following-claims. :~
., i . . .. : ~ .. . .. .. .
" , . . . : . . . ;
, .. .....
::
- , .
~ ., . ~ . : . .,
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for binding a rider's foot to the riding surface of a snowboard in a customary riding position and orientation, the apparatus comprising:
foot receiving means to be worn by the rider on the foot to be bound to the snowboard, the foot receiving means having first and second longitudinally extended parallel binding ridges, each ridge situated along an opposing lateral edge of the foot receiving means, the ridges projecting normally in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the foot receiving means and in a direction substantially parallel to the foot receiving means; and binding means on the riding surface of the snowboard interlocking with the first and second binding ridges, the binding means including:
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlockingly receive the first binding ridge, and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a second socket opposite the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive the second binding ridge after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a rotatable hooking lip and biasing means, the hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip being (1) rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard, (3) urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, thereby to latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his foot from the snowboard.
foot receiving means to be worn by the rider on the foot to be bound to the snowboard, the foot receiving means having first and second longitudinally extended parallel binding ridges, each ridge situated along an opposing lateral edge of the foot receiving means, the ridges projecting normally in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the foot receiving means and in a direction substantially parallel to the foot receiving means; and binding means on the riding surface of the snowboard interlocking with the first and second binding ridges, the binding means including:
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlockingly receive the first binding ridge, and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a second socket opposite the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive the second binding ridge after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a rotatable hooking lip and biasing means, the hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip being (1) rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard, (3) urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, thereby to latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his foot from the snowboard.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
the foot receiving means is a boot having a sole;
and the first and second binding ridges are integral extensions of the sole of the boot.
the foot receiving means is a boot having a sole;
and the first and second binding ridges are integral extensions of the sole of the boot.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foot receiving means further comprises a binding plate shaped to be affixed to the sole of a boot or boot harness, the first and second binding ridges extending from the binding plate.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:
the foot receiving means is a boot having an instep edge; and the first binding ridge extends laterally relative to the instep edge.
the foot receiving means is a boot having an instep edge; and the first binding ridge extends laterally relative to the instep edge.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one surface on the underside of the second binding ridge, the surface functioning as a cam for urging the hooking lip to rotate on its longitudinal axis to the open position so that the second binding ridge can be inserted into the second socket after the first binding ridge has been inserted into the first socket.
6. An apparatus for binding a rider's foot to the riding surface of a snowboard in a customary riding position and orientation, the apparatus comprising:
a soled boot harness to be worn by the rider for binding his foot to the snowboard, the boot harness having first and second longitudinally extended parallel binding ridges, each ridge situated along an opposing lateral edge of the harness sole, the ridges projecting normally in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the harness sole and in a direction substantially parallel to the harness sole; and binding means on the riding surface of the snowboard interlocking with the first and second binding ridges, the binding means including:
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlockingly receive the first binding ridge, and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a second socket opposite the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive the second binding ridge after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a rotatable hooking lip and biasing means, the hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip being (1) rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard, (3) urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, thereby to latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his foot from the snowboard.
a soled boot harness to be worn by the rider for binding his foot to the snowboard, the boot harness having first and second longitudinally extended parallel binding ridges, each ridge situated along an opposing lateral edge of the harness sole, the ridges projecting normally in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the harness sole and in a direction substantially parallel to the harness sole; and binding means on the riding surface of the snowboard interlocking with the first and second binding ridges, the binding means including:
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlockingly receive the first binding ridge, and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a second socket opposite the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive the second binding ridge after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a rotatable hooking lip and biasing means, the hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip being (1) rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard, (3) urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, thereby to latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his foot from the snowboard.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first and second binding ridges are integral extensions of the sole of the boot harness.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the harness further comprises a binding plate shaped to be affixed to the sole of the boot harness, the first and second binding ridges extending from the binding plate.
9. A snowboarding apparatus comprising:
a snowboard extending along a longitudinal axis and having a riding surface on which the rider stands in a customary position and orientation while snowboarding;
a soled boot to be worn by the rider on the foot to be bound to the snowboard, the boot having first and second longitudinally extended parallel binding ridges, each ridge situated along an opposing lateral edge of the boot sole, the ridges projecting normally in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the boot sole and in a direction substantially parallel to the boot sole; and binding means on the riding surface of the snowboard interlocking with the first and second binding ridges, the binding means including:
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlocking receive the first binding ridge, and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a second socket opposite the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive the second binding ridge after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a rotatable hooking lip and biasing means, the hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip (1) extending the length of the leading surface thereof and being rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) being urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard, (3) being urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, thereby to latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) being manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his foot from the snowboard.
a snowboard extending along a longitudinal axis and having a riding surface on which the rider stands in a customary position and orientation while snowboarding;
a soled boot to be worn by the rider on the foot to be bound to the snowboard, the boot having first and second longitudinally extended parallel binding ridges, each ridge situated along an opposing lateral edge of the boot sole, the ridges projecting normally in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the boot sole and in a direction substantially parallel to the boot sole; and binding means on the riding surface of the snowboard interlocking with the first and second binding ridges, the binding means including:
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlocking receive the first binding ridge, and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a second socket opposite the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive the second binding ridge after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a rotatable hooking lip and biasing means, the hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip (1) extending the length of the leading surface thereof and being rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) being urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard, (3) being urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, thereby to latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) being manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his foot from the snowboard.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 that binds to the snowboard only the rider's foot that is closer to the rear of the snowboard when the rider is in the customary riding position on the snowboard.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the rider's boot, when bound to the snowboard, is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the boot sole is substantially parallel to the upper surface of the snowboard and approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a rider's first boot, a rider's second boot, and a separate, independent binding means for each boot, for the purpose of binding both the rider's feet to the riding surface of the snowboard, one foot being bound closer to the rear of the snowboard than the other foot.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rider's booted foot bound closer to the rear of the snowboard is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the boot sole is substantially parallel to the riding surface of the snowboard and approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the rider's booted boot bound closer to the front of the snowboard is oriented substantially parallel to the riding surface of the snowboard and with the longitudinal axis of the boot sole at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard.
15. The apparatus of claim 9 that will not release the rider's bound foot from the snowboard unless such release is manually effected.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the binding of the rider's first booted foot is independent of the binding of the rider's second booted foot, allowing the first or second booted foot to be unbound from the snowboard without unbinding the remaining booted foot.
17. A snowboard comprising latching means on the surface of the snowboard for binding the snowboard rider's boot, the latching means including:
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlockingly receive a first longitudinally extended binding ridge, situated along a first lateral edge of the boot sole; and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a longitudinally extended second socket opposite the first socket and spaced apart from the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive a second longitudinally extended binding ridge situated along a second lateral edge of the boot sole after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip being (1) rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard (3) urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, whereby of latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his boot from the snowboard.
(a) a first ridge-entrapping member defining a fixed horizontally opening, longitudinally extended socket shaped to interlockingly receive a first longitudinally extended binding ridge, situated along a first lateral edge of the boot sole; and (b) a second ridge-entrapping member defining a longitudinally extended second socket opposite the first socket and spaced apart from the first socket, the second socket shaped to interlockingly receive a second longitudinally extended binding ridge situated along a second lateral edge of the boot sole after the first binding ridge has been seated in the first socket, the second ridge-entrapping member including a hooking lip extending substantially along the length of the second socket, the lip being (1) rotatable on a longitudinal axis from a latched position to an open position, the rotation from the latched position to the open position being resisted by the biasing means, (2) urgable into the open position by the second binding ridge whenever the first binding ridge is seated in the first socket and the second binding ridge is pressed against the lip from a direction substantially normal to the riding surface of the snowboard (3) urged by the biasing means to return to the latched position after the second binding ridge has been fully seated in the second socket, whereby of latch the second binding ridge in the second socket and complete the binding of the rider's foot to the snowboard, and (4) manually rotatable to the open position for allowing the rider to lift the second binding ridge out of the second socket and unbind his boot from the snowboard.
18. A snowboard according to claim 17 having first and second ridge-entrapping members mounted directly on the riding surface of the snowboard.
19. A snowboard according to claim 17 further comprising a base plate mounted to the riding surface of the snowboard, the first and second ridge-entrapping members being mounted on the base plate.
20. A snowboard according to claim 19 further including means for adjusting the angular orientation of the base plate relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/325,460 US4973073A (en) | 1989-03-17 | 1989-03-17 | Snowboard binding |
| US325,460 | 1989-03-17 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2050921A1 true CA2050921A1 (en) | 1990-09-18 |
Family
ID=23267975
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002050921A Abandoned CA2050921A1 (en) | 1989-03-17 | 1990-03-16 | Snowboard binding |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4973073A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0463107A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2813062B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2050921A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990011109A1 (en) |
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| IT1285538B1 (en) * | 1996-10-22 | 1998-06-08 | Twinex S R L | ATTACHMENT WITH QUICK LOCKING OF THE SHOE ESPECIALLY FOR SNOWBOARDS |
| FR2755027B1 (en) * | 1996-10-25 | 1999-01-15 | Salomon Sa | DEVICE FOR RETAINING A SHOE ON A SNOWBOARD FOR SNOW SURFING |
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| AT407490B (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2001-03-26 | Peter Niss | Snowboard binding system |
| US6029991A (en) * | 1997-03-13 | 2000-02-29 | Frey; Bernard M. | Impact releasable snowboard boot binding assembly and method |
| US6443465B1 (en) * | 1997-04-18 | 2002-09-03 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard boot with a recess to accommodate an interface for engaging the snowboard boot to a binding |
| US6739615B1 (en) | 1997-04-18 | 2004-05-25 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard binding |
| US6145868A (en) * | 1997-05-16 | 2000-11-14 | The Burton Corporation | Binding system for an article used to glide on snow |
| US5975556A (en) * | 1997-06-18 | 1999-11-02 | Lehmann; Ernest | Snowboard binding |
| US5984324A (en) * | 1997-08-14 | 1999-11-16 | Voile Manufacturing | Touring snowboard |
| FR2767486B1 (en) | 1997-08-22 | 1999-10-22 | Salomon Sa | DEVICE FOR RETAINING A SHOE ON A SNOWBOARD INTENDED FOR SNOW SURFING |
| EP1015080A4 (en) * | 1997-09-15 | 2000-12-06 | Nathan M Korman | Improved boot binding system for a snowboard |
| US5941553A (en) * | 1997-09-15 | 1999-08-24 | Korman; Nathan M. | Boot binding apparatus for a snowboard |
| US6062586A (en) * | 1997-09-15 | 2000-05-16 | Korman; Nathan M. | Boot binding system for a snowboard |
| FR2769844B1 (en) | 1997-10-16 | 2000-01-14 | Salomon Sa | DEVICE FOR RETAINING A SHOE ON A SLIDING MACHINE |
| US6168173B1 (en) | 1997-11-19 | 2001-01-02 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard boot with binding interface |
| US6189913B1 (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2001-02-20 | K-2 Corporation | Step-in snowboard binding and boot therefor |
| US6056312A (en) * | 1998-01-20 | 2000-05-02 | Hogstedt; Roy L. | Snowboard boot and binding assembly |
| DE29806599U1 (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 1998-07-16 | Ms Trade Gmbh & Co Kissmark Sp | Snowboard entry binding |
| US6022040A (en) * | 1998-04-23 | 2000-02-08 | Buzbee; Douglas C. | Freely rotating step-in snowboard binding |
| US6193245B1 (en) | 1998-09-08 | 2001-02-27 | Douglas Eugene Vensel | Snowboard releasable and reattachable binding system |
| FR2801222B1 (en) | 1999-11-23 | 2002-01-11 | Emery Sa | AUTOMATIC SNOW SURF FIXING |
| FR2808217B1 (en) * | 2000-04-27 | 2002-07-12 | Emery Sa | AUTOMATIC SNOW SURF MOUNTING |
| FR2803768B1 (en) | 2000-01-13 | 2002-03-15 | Rossignol Sa | AUTOMATIC SNOW SURF MOUNTING |
| US6523851B1 (en) | 2000-03-21 | 2003-02-25 | The Burton Corporation | Binding mechanism for a touring snowboard |
| US6530590B2 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2003-03-11 | Shimano Inc. | Snowboard binding system |
| US6733030B2 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2004-05-11 | Shimano, Inc. | Snowboard binding system |
| US6742800B2 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2004-06-01 | Shimano, Inc. | Snowboard binding system |
| US6729641B2 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2004-05-04 | Shimano Inc. | Snowboard binding system |
| US20020185840A1 (en) | 2001-06-06 | 2002-12-12 | Schaller Hubert M. | Binding mounting method and apparatus |
| US6684534B2 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2004-02-03 | K2 Snowshoes, Inc. | Step-in snowshoe binding system |
| ATE290913T1 (en) * | 2001-11-21 | 2005-04-15 | Burton Corp | BINDING SUPPORT PLATE FOR A SNOWBOARD |
| US6722688B2 (en) | 2001-11-21 | 2004-04-20 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard binding system |
| US6976684B2 (en) * | 2003-05-14 | 2005-12-20 | K-2 Corporation | Snowboard binding system having multiple tool-less adjustments |
| DE602007003983D1 (en) * | 2006-07-07 | 2010-02-04 | Burton Corp | GLIDEBOARD BINDING |
| US20080277904A1 (en) * | 2007-05-11 | 2008-11-13 | Peter Etges | Snowboard binding system |
| US8469372B2 (en) | 2008-10-23 | 2013-06-25 | Bryce M. Kloster | Splitboard binding apparatus |
| US8342561B2 (en) * | 2010-11-17 | 2013-01-01 | The Burton Corporation | Gliding board binding with movable medial or lateral side portion |
| WO2012103480A1 (en) * | 2011-01-27 | 2012-08-02 | Brendan Walker | Board sport bindings |
| US9132336B2 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2015-09-15 | Rodin, Ltd | Reconfigurable snowboard/ downhill skis and binding |
| US9238168B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2016-01-19 | Bryce M. Kloster | Splitboard joining device |
| US9266010B2 (en) | 2012-06-12 | 2016-02-23 | Tyler G. Kloster | Splitboard binding with adjustable leverage devices |
| US9233296B2 (en) * | 2014-02-24 | 2016-01-12 | Ob4 Systems, Inc. | Binding systems for boards and skis |
| US9149711B1 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2015-10-06 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard binding and boot |
| WO2016077441A1 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2016-05-19 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard binding and boot |
| US9220970B1 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2015-12-29 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard binding and boot |
| US9604122B2 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2017-03-28 | Bryce M. Kloster | Splitboard joining device |
| US10029165B2 (en) | 2015-04-27 | 2018-07-24 | Bryce M. Kloster | Splitboard joining device |
| WO2017184894A1 (en) | 2016-04-20 | 2017-10-26 | Digby Daniel | Releaseable binding assembly for various sports |
| US11117042B2 (en) | 2019-05-03 | 2021-09-14 | Bryce M. Kloster | Splitboard binding |
| US11938394B2 (en) | 2021-02-22 | 2024-03-26 | Bryce M. Kloster | Splitboard joining device |
Family Cites Families (19)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1077893A (en) * | 1953-05-29 | 1954-11-12 | Improvement in ski bindings | |
| US3271040A (en) * | 1963-10-17 | 1966-09-06 | Richard G Spademan | Safety binding |
| US3280411A (en) * | 1964-07-13 | 1966-10-25 | Robert B Brock | Water ski shoe attachment |
| AT318442B (en) * | 1968-10-15 | 1974-10-25 | Marker Hannes | Detachable binding between ski and boot |
| US3560011A (en) * | 1968-10-22 | 1971-02-02 | Spademan Richard George | Safety binding mechanism |
| US3797841A (en) * | 1972-06-02 | 1974-03-19 | Anderson & Thompson Ski Co | Safety binding |
| US3900204A (en) * | 1973-06-25 | 1975-08-19 | Robert C Weber | Mono-ski |
| US4157192A (en) * | 1974-03-14 | 1979-06-05 | Gertsch Ag | Ski binding apparatus |
| FR2278367A1 (en) * | 1974-05-31 | 1976-02-13 | Mitchell Sa | SAFETY BINDING FOR SKI |
| FR2305994A1 (en) * | 1975-04-03 | 1976-10-29 | Salomon & Fils F | IMPROVEMENTS IN PLATE SKI BINDINGS |
| FR2306720A1 (en) * | 1975-04-08 | 1976-11-05 | Salomon & Fils F | SKI SAFETY KIT INCLUDING PLATE MOUNTING AND BRAKE |
| CH609250A5 (en) * | 1976-02-23 | 1979-02-28 | Gertsch E & U Ag Ski Produkte | |
| US4395055A (en) * | 1978-03-20 | 1983-07-26 | Spademan Richard George | Ski release side clamping binding with hinged jaw members |
| US4415176A (en) * | 1981-06-05 | 1983-11-15 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Electronically released snow ski binding |
| US4652007A (en) * | 1985-11-15 | 1987-03-24 | David Dennis | Releasable binding system for snowboarding |
| US4741550A (en) * | 1985-11-15 | 1988-05-03 | David Dennis | Releasable binding system for snowboarding |
| FR2592807A1 (en) * | 1986-01-13 | 1987-07-17 | Duport Xavier | System for fastening a boot onto a snow board which can be converted temporarily into the monoski position |
| FR2600548B1 (en) * | 1986-06-24 | 1990-03-30 | Rossignol Sa | SNOWBOARD |
| DE8816097U1 (en) * | 1988-12-27 | 1989-02-09 | Ihle, Anton, 7904 Ringingen, De |
-
1989
- 1989-03-17 US US07/325,460 patent/US4973073A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1990
- 1990-03-16 EP EP19900905903 patent/EP0463107A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-03-16 WO PCT/US1990/001458 patent/WO1990011109A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-03-16 JP JP2505503A patent/JP2813062B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-03-16 CA CA002050921A patent/CA2050921A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH04506613A (en) | 1992-11-19 |
| WO1990011109A1 (en) | 1990-10-04 |
| JP2813062B2 (en) | 1998-10-22 |
| US4973073A (en) | 1990-11-27 |
| EP0463107A4 (en) | 1992-03-11 |
| EP0463107A1 (en) | 1992-01-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |