PIVOTABLY ADJUSTABLE BINDING MOUNTS

Abstract

Pivotably adjustable binding mounts including a base plate that mounts upon a substrate. A pivoting plate is disposed upon the base plate, and accepts a binding. A latching mechanism selectively engages the pivoting plate, wherein the pivoting plate rotates upon the base plate when the latching mechanism is disengaged. Some aspects of the mount include one or more stops that limit the rotation of the pivoting plate. In still other aspects, the latching mechanism is comprised of a spring-actuated lever that can be disengaged by the user, but will lock the pivoting plate in place when rotated to a use position.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to mountings for bindings used to attach a user's feet to sports equipment. In particular, mounting for bindings equipped with release mechanisms that allow for quick pivoting and adjustment of binding angle relative to the substrate upon which the bindings are to be mounted are described.

Known bindings and binding systems are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing bindings for snowboards are typically mounted directly to the snowboard deck at a fixed angle, using a series of screws and/or bolts to secure the binding. Snowboards employ two bindings, one located forward on the board deck and one located rearward. Each binding itself may include an adapter plate with a series of teeth that intermesh with a series of teeth on the binding, thereby allowing the binding to be affixed at an arbitrary angle as desired by the snowboard user. However, once the binding angle is set, changing the angle requires the use of tools to unscrew the binding, change the angle, and resecure. Alternatively the board itself may be drilled to accept the binding at the predetermined angle if the user knows that the binding angle will not need to be adjusted. Typical practice is to mount the front binding on a snowboard at a slightly different angle than the rear binding, often between 45 to 90 degrees offset from the snowboard's longitudinal axis.

This fixed angle poses a potential problem for the snowboard user. In use, the snowboard user places his or her boots into the bindings and closes the bindings, thereby locking the user's feet into the predetermined binding angles. While riding a chairlift at the end of a run, the user unlocks the rear foot binding to allow maneuvering onto the chair lift. Consequently, the snowboard hangs from the user's front foot, with the off-center weight and binding angle causing the board to twist the user's leg in a potentially uncomfortable fashion, and further requiring the user to fight the board to some extent while maneuvering.

Thus, there exists a need for binding mounts that improve upon and advance the design of known binding mounting systems. Examples of new and useful binding mounts relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a pivotably adjustable binding mount that includes a base plate that mounts upon a substrate. A pivoting plate is disposed upon the base plate, and accepts a binding. A latching mechanism selectively engages the pivoting plate, wherein the pivoting plate rotates upon the base plate when the latching mechanism is disengaged. Some aspects of the mount include one or more stops that limit the rotation of the pivoting plate. In still other aspects, the latching mechanism is comprised of a spring-actuated lever that can be disengaged by the user, but will lock the pivoting plate in place when rotated to a use position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a pivotably adjustable binding mount.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the pivotably adjustable binding mount shown in FIG. 1 depicting the general layout of the mount components.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the pivotably adjustable binding mount shown in FIG. 1 depicting its internal components.

FIG. 4 is an overhead sectional view of the pivotably adjustable binding mount shown in FIG. 1 depicting the layout of the internal components of the mount release mechanism.

FIG. 5 is an overhead sectional view of the pivotably adjustable binding mount shown in FIG. 1 depicting the layout of the internal components of the pivoting stops.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pivotably adjustable binding mount shown in FIG. 1 depicting the binding mount in one possible use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed pivotably adjustable binding mounts will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, For the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various pivotably adjustable binding mounts are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a pivotably adjustable binding mount, mount 100, will now be described. Mount 100 functions to allow a boot or other type of footware secured within the mount to pivot relative to the substrate upon which the mount secured, such as a snowboard. The reader will appreciate from the figures and description below that mount 100 addresses shortcomings of conventional sports equipment mounts.

For example, mount 100 allows allows a binding to be securely mounted at a desired angle while the user is going down a slope (n the case of a snowboard), while allowing it, and a user's attached boot, to pivot to a forward position that is more comfortable to maneuver when a user's back leg is released from its binding. Further, while existing binding systems can pivot if loosened with appropriate tools, mount 100 can be unlocked from its use position and freed to pivot while secured to a user's boot by the user actuating a lever or other release mechanism. Thus, the user can select on the fly between a fixed, non-pivoting use position while descending a slope, and a pivoting position that greatly facilitates ease of use by the user while maneuvering around ski lifts, at the top of a slope, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1, mount 100 includes a base plate 102 that mounts upon a substrate 106. A pivoting plate 104 is disposed upon base plate 102, and accepts a binding 108. A latching mechanism 110 selectively engages pivoting plate 104, wherein pivoting plate 104 rotates upon base plate 102 when where latching mechanism 110 is disengaged. In the prior art, binding 108 would mount directly onto substrate 106, but in the instant invention mount 100 goes between substrate 106 and binding 108 to enable binding 108 to be selectably pivoted.

As can he seen in FIG. 1, base plate 102 mounts directly onto substrate 106, which in the instant example is a snowboard, but could be other types of sports equipment. Substrate 106 is preferably substantially flat over the surface upon which mount 100 is attached and covers. In the example shown, binding 108 is a standard snowboard boot mounting, but could be any sort of binding appropriate to the substrate where mount 100 is attached to other than a snowboard. Furthermore, some types of bindings 108 known in the prior art may include a ring of teeth that mesh with a corresponding plate to allow the angle of binding 108 to be adjusted and secured to substrate 106 (here, mount 100). As mount 100 in the disclosed embodiment is engineered to match the mounting pattern of binding 108 to substrate 106, bindings 108 with an angle adjustment plate can be used with mount 100 to set the angle of binding 108 with respect to substrate 106 in the same fashion as would be set it mount 100 were not present. Such an angle setting is independent of the pivoting functionality of mount 100.

Base plate 102 is depicted as having a substantially round outer perimeter that makes it essentially a concentric circle that encloses pivoting plate 104, but the outer perimeter could be manufactured in any suitable or preferred shape, such as square, polygonal, oblong, or other such shapes. While the outer perimeter shape provides no inherent functionality in the disclosed embodiment, depending on the size and surface features of substrate 106 the outer perimeter of base plate 102 may be modified to suitably fit upon substrate 106. Base plate 102 is preferably manufactured from high impact plastic, aluminum, or composite materials, but can be manufactured from any suitable material that is capable of withstanding and transmitting to substrate 106 the forces exerted by a user via the user's boots while riding the snowboard or using the sports equipment.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the overall layout of mount 100 is depicted. Base plate 102 supports pivoting plate 104, which is secured by a securing ring 112. As will be seen in more detail herein, securing ring 112 is attached to base plate 102 via securing bolts 114, and overlaps pivoting plate 104 to hold it in place upon base plate 102. Binding 108 mounts to pivoting plate 104 via bolt holes 116, which in the example shown: are arrayed in a pattern identical to mounting holes located on substrate 106. Latching mechanism 110 is released by depressing a foot lever, which as will be shown, frees pivoting plate 104 to rotate atop base plate 102.

FIG. 3 depicts the assembly of the various components of mount 100. Base plate 102 includes a recessed circular groove 105, which is sized so as to receive pivoting plate 104. As described above, pivoting plate 104 is secured on top of base plate 102 by securing ring 112, which assembles to and is disposed upon securing flange 113, and is held in place via securing bolts 114. Securing ring 112 is preferably manufactured from the same or similar materials as base plate 102.

Pivoting plate 104 includes bolt holes 116 For mounting binding 108 to mount 100. Pivoting plate 104 further includes flange 122 that runs along the outer perimeter of pivoting plate 104. In the disclosed embodiment, flange 122 preferably sits approximately flush with securing flange 113 when pivoting plate 104 is placed within circular groove 105, and is overlapped by securing ring 112 so as to keep pivoting plate 104 in place atop base plate 102. Because pivoting plate 104 is not mechanically secured to base plate 102 but is rather held in place by the overlap of securing ring 112 over flange 122, pivoting plate 104 is thus allowed to rotate within circular groove 105 atop base plate 102, thereby facilitating the pivoting nature of mount 100. Pivoting plate 104 further includes binding mounting surface 123, which when pivoting plate 104 is placed within circular groove 105, sits approximately flush with the top of securing ring 112, so as to present a substantially flat surface across the top of mount 100.

Flange 122 of Pivoting plate 104 includes a first cutout 124 and a second cutout 128. First cutout 124 engages with latching mechanism 110 to prevent pivoting plate 104 from rotating atop base plate 102. Second cutout 128 engages with one or more stop blocks 134, which sit within stop block recesses 130 and 132, which are located within circular groove 105 as shown in FIG. 3. Stop blocks 134 are shaped so as to be held in place between the stop block recesses 130 and 132 and securing ring 112, and fit within second cutout 128. Stop blocks 134 are preferably manufactured from similar materials to base plate 102 and pivoting plate 104, but may be manufactured from any material that is suitably durable to interact with flange 122 to reliably limit rotation of pivoting plate 104.

As pivoting plate 104 rotates atop base plate 102, the edge of second cutout 128 will engage with a stop block 134, thereby prevent further rotation in one direction of pivoting plate 104. Accordingly, the total rotational range of pivoting plate 104 can be limited. Depending upon the size of stop blocks 134 and whether one is placed in stop block recess 130, stop block recess 132, or both stop block recesses, the total rotational range of pivoting plate 104 can be customized to suit the user's requirements. Larger stop blocks 134 will consume a greater amount of second cutout 128, and thereby result in a comparatively smaller amount of total rotation. Furthermore, because snowboarders may choose to face to either their left or their right, the presence of two stop block recesses 130 and 132 allows for correct rotational limits depending upon a user's preferred snowboard stance.

FIG. 5 depicts the interaction of pivoting plate 104, flange 122, second cutout 128, and stop blocks 134 beneath securing ring 112. Specifically, flange 122 is shown in a position where second cutout 128 engages with stop block 134. A person skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that FIG. 5 depicts stop blocks in both possible positions as defined by stop block recesses 130 and 132, and that in practice only one stop block would be in place, unless no or substantially limited pivoting of pivoting plate 104 was desired.

Turning back to FIG. 3, the components of latching mechanism 110 are depicted. Latching mechanism 110 is comprised of an actuator 118, which in the preferred embodiment is mechanically connected to a lever 119, the end of which possesses a latching block 126, which is sized to closely fit within first cutout 124. When pivoting plate 104 is rotated so that first cutout 124 is in alignment with latching block 126, latching block 126 slides into first cutout 124 so as to prevent any rotation of pivoting plate 104. Actuator 118 fits within locking mechanism channel 120, and is held in place by securing ring 112, as well as via a pivoting shaft inserted into orifice 121. The pivoting shaft engages with lever 119 and allows it to pivot as pressure is applied to actuator 118. Beneath actuator 118 is plunger 136 and spring 138, which are centered in locking mechanism recess 140. Plunger 136 and spring 138 work in concert to apply upward pressure upon actuator 118, which in turn pivots through lever 119 to hold latching block 126 down into circular groove 105. When first cutout 124 is not aligned with latching block 126, latching block 126 is held down upon and rides atop flange 122 as pivoting plate 104 rotates. Upon first cutout 124 aligning with latching block 126, the pressure applied by plunger 136 and spring 138 drives latching block 126 into first cutout 124, thereby arresting further rotation of pivoting plate 104 and locking it into use position. Depressing actuator 118 acts counter to the upward force of plunger 136 and spring 138, and results in latching block 126 being lifted from first cutout 124, thereby freeing pivoting plate 104 to rotate.

FIG. 4 depicts the overhead arrangement of first cutout 124 and latching block 126 as they move beneath securing ring 112. The positions of first cutout 124, second cutout 128, latching mechanism 110, and stop block 134, respectively, determines the rotational limits of pivoting plate 104. In the preferred embodiment, latching block 126 engages first cutout 124 and thereby prevents movement when binding 108 is rotated to use position, where a user will be boarding down a mountain. The user releases their rear foot and depresses actuator 118 to free pivoting plate 104, and in connection their front foot in binding 108, to rotate within the limits set by the location of stop block 134. Preferably, the rotational limits allow pivoting plate 104 to rotate so that binding 108 is substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of substrate 106. While in this position, pivoting plate 104 is still able to rotate. Rotating away from stop block 134 and back to a use angle, first cutout 124 will eventually align with latching block 126, whereupon plunger 136 and spring 138 will drive latching block 126 into first cutout 124, and lock pivoting plate 104 into use position.

FIG. 3 shows one possible way that base plate 102 can mount to substrate 106, using four bolts and associated washers that pass through base plate 102 and secure into substrate 106. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the relevant art that base plate 102's mounting pattern is identical to the mounting pattern for binding 108, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, as mount 100 is designed to replace mounting binding 108 directly onto substrate 106.

Turning now to FIG. 6, mount 100 is shown in use upon a snowboard. In addition to mount 100 located beneath the front foot of the user, the rear binding 150 may be mounted atop a spacer plate 152, which raises rear binding 150 to an identical height with mount 100, thereby ensuring that the front and rear feet of the user are positioned in the same plane. However, a person skilled in the art will recognize that spacer plate 152 is not necessary, and that mount 100 may be solely limited to the front foot.

While mount 100 is designed with snowboarding mind, it should be understood that mount 100 can be used on any sports equipment where a mount that can be selectably rotated and locked into position would be beneficial. Furthermore, while a snowboard binding is depicted, mount 100 could be adapted to receive other types of footwear, bindings, or any other equipment used to interface between a user and the sports equipment.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

Claims

1. A pivotably adjustable binding mount, comprising: a base plate that mounts upon a substrate;a pivoting plate disposed upon the base plate that accepts a binding; anda latching mechanism that selectively engages the pivoting plate, wherein the pivoting plate rotates upon the base plate when the latching mechanism is disengaged.

2. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 1, further comprising at east one limiting stop disposed so as to engage the pivoting plate to limit its rotation when the latching mechanism is disengaged.

3. The pivotably adjustable binding of claim 2, wherein the latching mechanism automatically engages when the pivoting plate reaches one of the limiting stops.

4. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism is disposed adjacent to the base plate.

5. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 4, wherein the latching mechanism further comprises a lever which disengages the latching mechanism when actuated.

6. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 1, wherein the binding can be adjustably mounted upon the pivoting pate.

7. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 1, further comprising a securing ring that mounts upon the base plate and is disposed on top of the pivoting plate, so as to secure the pivoting plate between the base plate and the securing ring.

8. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a snowboard.

9. A pivotably adjustable binding mount, comprising: a base plate capable of being mounted on a substrate;a selectably engaged latching mechanism;an actuator for disengaging the latching mechanism that is in mechanical communication with the latching mechanism; anda pivoting plate disposed upon the base plate that receives a binding, wherein the pivoting plate is held in a set position when the latching mechanism is engaged, and the pivoting plate rotates with respect to the base plate when the actuator disengages the latching mechanism.

10. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 9, wherein the base plate and pivoting plate are substantially disc shaped.

11. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 10, wherein pivoting plate further comprises a flange disposed upon its outer perimeter; and further comprising a retaining ring that secures to the base plate and overlaps the flange.

12. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 11, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a spring-loaded block that is sized to fit into a corresponding notch on the pivoting plate when the latching mechanism is engaged; and the block is held below the plane of the pivoting plate while the latching mechanism is disengaged.

13. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 12, wherein the actuator comprises a lever disposed radially from the base plate, the actuator being in mechanical communication with the spring loaded block, such that depressing the lever causes the spring loaded block to drop below the plane of the pivoting plate.

14. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 12, wherein the corresponding notch on the pivoting plate is located substantially within the flange.

15. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 12, further comprising: a cutout section in the flange sized to accommodate a stop block; anda recess in the base plate sized to receive the stop block, wherein: the stop block engages the edge of the cutout section so as to limit the range over which the pivoting plate can rotate with respect to the base plate.

16. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 15, wherein the stop block can be varied in size so as to modify the range over which the pivoting plate can rotate with respect to the base plate.

17. The pivotably adjustable binding mount of claim 10, wherein the binding can be adjustably mounted upon the pivoting plate.