Patent Application
20130147159
The disclosure relates to a device for retaining a foot or boot on a sports apparatus. In particular, the disclosure relates to a binding for receiving and retaining a foot or boot onto a sports apparatus such as a sports board.
A typical sports board binding includes a base plate (also known as a chassis) to support the sole of a user's foot or boot. Some bindings include a rear support element, or highback, that is positioned at the rear of the binding for supporting the user's lower leg. A connection member (such as a linkage cable) connects to the base plate to the highback. The connection member limits rearward rotation of the rear support element. In this manner, the highback enables the transmission of sensory information and energy between the user and the binding such that the lower leg can transmit or receive forces during the operation of the sports apparatus.
Given that the highback transmits such sensory information to the user, it can be highly desirable for the highback to conform to particular aspects of the user's leg, such as leg geometry. The particular physical characteristics of a user, in particular, the user's size, weight, and shoe size can influence the transmission of such sensory information. In addition, it is desirable for the highback to conform to the user's particular preference and particular steering style, which also affects the transmission of sensory information. Otherwise, the transmission of sensory information may not always occur with the greatest efficiency or effectiveness.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for sports board binding that can be particularly adapted to a user's geometry and riding style.
Disclosed is a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. Although described herein in the context of a snowboard binding for use with a snowboard, it should be appreciated that the binding described herein can be used with other types of sports equipment. For example, the binding can be configured for use with boards used in snowboarding, snow skiing, water skiing, snowshoeing, roller skating, and other activities and sports.
In one aspect, there is disclosed a modular binding for coupling a boot to a sport board. The binding comprises a base plate and a highback connected to the base plate and adapted to provide support to a rear region of a boot. The highback comprises at least two modular components, each modular component comprising a separate material such that the modular components collectively provide a structural characteristic to the highback.
In another aspect, there is disclosed a device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, comprising: a base plate extending from a rear end to a front end; first and second upwardly-extending side members on opposite lateral sides of the base plate; an upwardly-extending rear support element coupled to the side members at a pair of primary coupling locations; a connection member extending between the side members and the rear support element, wherein opposite ends of the connection member are attached to the side members at secondary coupling locations, the connection member adapted to transfer loads between the rear support element and a portion of the binding; and at least one adjustment mechanism adapted to permit longitudinal adjustment of at least one of the primary coupling locations and one of the secondary coupling locations while maintaining the primary coupling location in a fixed position relative to the secondary coupling location. The adjustment mechanism includes an outer member on a first side of the first side member and an inner member on an opposite side of the first side member, the inner and outer members adapted to lock the first side member therebetween to thereby lock the position of the primary coupling location and secondary coupling location.
Other features and advantages should be apparent from the following description of various embodiments, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosed devices and methods.
Disclosed is a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. Although described herein in the context of a snowboard binding for use with a snowboard, it should be appreciated that the binding described herein can be used with other types of sports equipment. For example, the binding can be configured for use with boards used in snowboarding, snow skiing, water skiing, snowshoeing, roller skating, and other activities and sports.
The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. In one embodiment, the highback is fixed in a predetermined though adjustable orientation, such as an upright position. In another embodiment, the highback can be moved between an upright and a reclined position to allow a means of entry into and/or exit from the binding.
On lateral and medial sides of the binding, the highback connects to a base plate (also known as a chassis) of the binding at a primary attachment location. Additionally, a connection member, such as a cable or linkage, connects to the highback at a first connection location and connects to the base plate at a pair of secondary attachment locations (opposite sides of the base plate) forward of the primary attachment location of the highback. The connection member provides load support between the highback and the base plate. The primary attachment location, first connection location, and secondary attachment location collectively form a triangular-shaped load distribution region for the binding. The three connection/attachment locations collectively function to provide structural support to the overall binding system, distribute loads and in turn support the user's body while the snowboard binding is in actual use. The particular geometry of the triangular-shaped load distribution region can be changed to vary the performance and feel of the binding during use, such as to vary the flexibility and rigidity of the highback.
Moreover, once the geometry of the triangular-shaped load distribution region is fixed, the position of the triangular-shaped load distribution region can be adjusted along multiple axes. In one embodiment, the triangular-shaped load distribution region can be adjusted only in the longitudinal (i.e., fore-aft) direction. In this regard, the binding includes an adjustment mechanism for varying the position of the triangular-shaped load distribution (and thus the position of the boot within the binding), while maintaining the preset geometry of the triangular-shaped load distribution region.
A user can configure the geometry of the triangle such that the binding provides a desired “feel” during use. For example, the user can individually adjust the positions of the first connection location and/or the primary and secondary attachment locations between the highback and the base plate. Another adjustment mechanism can then be used to adjust the position of the triangular-shaped load distribution region while maintaining the previously-selected geometry of the triangular-shaped load distribution region, as described in detail below.
With reference again to
In the embodiment shown in
In one embodiment, the front strap 145 and/or the rear strap 150 includes a disengagement mechanism, such as, for example, a buckle, that permits one or both of the straps to disengage from the instep support 130. When disengaged from the straps 145 and 150, the instep support 130 can be moved aside to permit a user to move a snowboard boot downwardly into the binding 100. As mentioned, other straps are also located on the medial side of the binding 100 (opposite to the side shown in
In another embodiment, the straps do not disengage from the instep support 130 so that the instep support 130 is fixed to the binding 100, such as described in the snowboard binding shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,897, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such a fixed instep support 130 is well suited for use in a snowboard binding where the highback 115 is configured to recline backward, as described below.
Whether or not the instep support 130 can be detached from the straps 145, 150, the binding 100 can include one or more adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the positioning of the instep member 110 relative to the base plate 105. For example, the straps 145 and 150 can have length adjustment mechanisms that permit the length of the straps 145 and 150 to be increased or decreased. This will permit the user to adjust the tightness of the instep support 130 on the boot, such as to achieve a tighter or looser fit. In one embodiment, the length adjustment mechanisms are buckle mechanisms.
The highback 115 is configured to provide support to a rear region of the boot when positioned in the binding 100. The highback 115 is attached to the base plate 105 at a primary attachment location 155. The position of the primary attachment location 155 can vary. In an exemplary embodiment, the primary attachment location 155 is located at or near the rear portion of the highback. The highback 115 is attached to both side members 125 on the base plate, although only one of the primary attachments locations 155 is shown in
In one embodiment, the highback 115 is formed from a single piece of material. In another embodiment, the highback 115 is modularly formed by two or more separate components that couple to one another.
The components 405, 410, and 415 are configured to be attached to one another to form the highback 115. When attached, the position of one or more of the components can be movably adjusted relative to the position of one or more of the other components. This permits the size and shape of the highback 115 to be adjusted by a user. For example, the upper component 410 can be configured such that it can be adjustably moved upward and downward and/or side-to-side or adjustably moved in a rotational manner. The other components can also be configured to move relative to one another and to also rotate relative to one another.
In one embodiment, one or more portions of the highback are allowed a certain range of motion to follow the boot's articulation during use. A spring or biasing mechanism may be incorporated into the system to allow automatic return of the highback's movable portion to a default position when load is removed.
Moreover, each of the components can each be manufactured of a material with specific material properties that are selected to provide the particular component with desired structural characteristics. For example, the lower component 405 can be manufactured from a material that is very rigid so that the lower component 405 provides primary structural support for the highback 115, while the central component 415 is manufactured of a material that is strong enough to withstand loads experienced during use, but that is lighter than the material of the lower component 405. Different materials can be used to manufacture the individual components to provide each component with desired structural properties and to collectively provide the highback 115 with desired structural characteristics. Some materials may be semi-solid or heat moldable in nature to allow portions of the binding to better confirm to individual boot shapes and pressure patterns.
In one embodiment, the lower component 405 that attaches to the base plate 105 is manufactured from forged aluminum alloy, the central component 415 is manufactured of injected plastic, and the upper component 410 is manufactured of injected plastic, but with a lower flex modulus than the material of the central component 415. Any portion of the highback that bears against the user's leg or boot can be faced with a compliant material to provide cushioning against the leg. It should be appreciated that the highback components can be manufactured from different materials than those described herein.
This is described in more detail with reference to
Any embodiment of the highback 115 can be fixed in the upright position shown in
In another embodiment, the highback 115 is movable between the upright position (as shown in
When in the upright position, the highback 115 provides support to the boot when the boot is positioned in the binding. With reference to the side view of the binding shown in
Thus, the connection member 117 is connected to the highback 115 at the first connection location 815 and is connected to the base plate 105 at a secondary attachment location 820. It should be appreciated that the secondary attachment location 820 between the connection member 117 and the base plate 105 is obscured in
The connection member 117 can be manufactured of any of a variety of materials that are configured to withstand the forces experienced by the connection member 117. Some exemplary materials are a stainless steel cable or a fiber based rope. The connection member 117 can also be a rigid rod. Moreover, a variety of different mechanisms and/or materials can be used to permit adjustment of the effective length of the connection member 117. For example, adjustment mechanisms can be positioned at the secondary attachment location 820 to vary the length at the termination location of the connection member 117. The connection member 117 can also include an internal length adjustment member that permits the axial length of the connection member 117 to be adjusted. The connection member can also be manufactured of a fibrous material that stretches and shrinks to a lockable length. Repositioning the attachment point of the connection member with respect to either the highback or the base plate also effectively changes its length and thus the forward lean of the highback. Other mechanisms and materials can also be used.
With reference still to
The particular geometry of the triangle 830 can be changed to vary the performance and feel of the binding during use, such as to vary the flexibility and rigidity of the highback 115. For example, the first connection location 815 between the connection member 117 and the highback can be positioned higher or lower on the highback 115. In one embodiment, the position of the first connection location 815 is fixed. In another embodiment, the position of the first connection location 815 is movable. The secondary attachment location 820 and the primary attachment location 155 can also be fixed or movable.
In any event, a user can select a particular geometry for the triangle 830 that provides a desired feel for the binding during use, such as in terms of stiffness, flexibility, lower leg support, etc. A user can adjust the geometry of the triangle 830 by individually adjusting the locations of the attachment location 155, the connection location 815, and/or the connection location 820.
It can be appreciated that a user might desire to adjust the length of the binding to fit a particular boot, while still maintaining the previously-selected geometry of the triangle 830. This is desirable to achieve a particular position of the boot on the snowboard or the position of the boot with respect to various supporting components of the binding. Once the geometry of the triangle has been set, the position of the triangle 830 (and hence the position of the boot on the binding) can advantageously be adjusted while automatically retaining the geometry of the triangle 830. This permits the user to adjust the position of the triangle 830 without varying the geometry of the triangle 830. An exemplary mechanism for adjusting the position of the triangle 830 while maintaining the triangle geometry is now described.
With reference to
The adjustment member 850 can be moved, such as in a sliding manner, generally along a longitudinal axis of the binding, while maintaining the fixed spatial relationship between the attachment location 155 and the second connection location 820. In one embodiment, the adjustment member 850 can also be moved along a vertical axis, such that movement of the adjustment member 850 and the triangle 830 is along both a vertical and a horizontal axis. During movement of the adjustment member 850, the first connection location 815 is also maintained in a fixed spatial relationship with the primary attachment location 155 and the secondary attachment location 820 such that the geometry of the triangle 830 remains fixed. In this manner, the adjustment member 850 permits adjustment of the horizontal and vertical positions of the triangle 830 while maintaining the previously-determined geometry of the triangle 830.
Another slot 935 is located in the base plate 105. An attachment device 937, such as a screw, extends through the slot 935 and provides an attachment for the end of the connection member 117. The attachment device 937 fixedly attaches the end of the connection member 117 to the inner and outer housings 910 and 920. In this manner, the attachment device 937 defines the secondary attachment location 820 for the connection member 117.
The base plate 105 also includes yet another slot 940 for coupling to the primary attachment location 155 on the highback 115. An attachment device 945, such as a screw, extends through the slot 940 and provides an attachment for the highback 115 to the base plate 105 and the inner and outer housings of the adjustment member 850. In this manner, the attachment device 945 defines the primary attachment location 820 for the highback 115.
When assembled, the inner and outer housings of the adjustment member 850 provide attachments between (1) the connection member 117 and the base plate 105 and (2) the highback 115 and the base plate 105, while maintaining a fixed distance between the secondary attachment location 820 and the primary attachment location 155. When the adjustment member 850 is slid along the base plate (via the slots 930), the secondary attachment location 820 and the primary attachment location 155 also slide along the base plate while maintaining a fixed spatial relationship therebetween. As the adjustment member 850 slides, the entire highback 115 also slides due to the attachment of the highback 115 to the adjustment member 850 at the primary attachment location 155. In this manner, the geometry of the triangle 830 is fixedly maintained while the length of the binding is adjusted.
It should be appreciated that the configuration of the adjustment member 850 can vary. For example, the adjustment member 850 can have a unitary housing rather than inner and outer housings. Moreover, a single adjustment member 850 that interconnects across the lateral and medial sides of the base plate can be used to adjust the position of the triangle 830 rather than a pair of separate adjustment members 850 on the lateral and medial sides of the binding.
With reference to
As best shown in
The primary attachment location 155 of the triangle 830 corresponds to the location of the holes 1015 and 1115 of the inner and outer members of the adjustment mechanism. That is, the holes 1015 and 1115 serve as attachment locations for attaching the highback 115 to the adjustment mechanism 1005. As shown in
In one embodiment, a lower end of the rear strap 150 of the instep member 110 is also attached to the adjustment mechanism at a third attachment location. The rear strap 150 can attach to the adjustment mechanism, for example, at the same location where the highback 115 is attached. In such a configuration, the third coupling location is at the same location as the primary attachment location. For example, the rear strap 150 can attach to the holes 1015 and 1115 of the inner and outer members of the attachment mechanism. It should be appreciated that the rear strap 150 could attach to other locations of the adjustment mechanism.
In use, the adjustment mechanism shown in
With the locking screw untightened, the inner and outer members can slide along the side member 125 to vary the position of the triangle 830. As the inner and outer members slide, the attachment points of the highback, rear instep strap, and connector 117 also slide while maintaining the fixed geometry therebetween. The locking screw is then tightened to lockingly sandwich the side member between the inner and outer members and thereby lock the position of the triangle. In this manner, the longitudinal position of the attachment points between the highback/base plate, connector/base plate, and rear instep strap/base plate can be adjusted while maintaining the relative positions between the attachment points. It should be appreciated that the positions of inner and outer members can be swapped such that the inner member is positioned on the outer side of the side member and the outer member is positioned on the inner side of the side member.
Although embodiments of various methods and devices are described herein in detail with reference to certain versions, it should be appreciated that other versions, embodiments, methods of use, and combinations thereof are also possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the snowboard binding should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.
This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/229,541, filed Sep. 9, 2011, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/541,435, filed Sep. 29, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,315, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/722,664, filed Sep. 30, 2005. Priority of the aforementioned filing dates are hereby claimed and the disclosures of the applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60722664 | Sep 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13229541 | Sep 2011 | US |
| Child | 13764575 | US | |
| Parent | 11541435 | Sep 2006 | US |
| Child | 13229541 | US |
