BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates to devices for latching splitboard skis together. A splitboard is a snowboard separable into re-joinable skis.
Snowboarding is a recreational activity where a rider glides down a snow-covered mountain, hill, or slope while standing with their feet attached to a single snow glide board known as a snowboard. The concept is like snow skiing except both feet are attached to a single board.
Snowboard riders or “snowboarders” often share downhill slopes with skiers. Popular downhill slopes are often accessed by ski lifts to take the skier or snowboarder up to the top of the slope. Some snowboarders are interested in accessing downhill slopes in the backcountry away from crowded ski slopes and where the snow is fresh. However, climbing up mountains and slopes with thick fresh soft snow can be challenging.
Splitboards were developed to allow snowboarders access to the backcountry and areas not normally accessible to snowboarders. To climb uphill, or “tour,” the backcountry, in “touring mode,” the splitboard rider separates the splitboard into separate splitboard skis and uses them like cross-country skis. To ride downhill, in “riding mode,” the splitboard rider rejoins the splitboard skis and rides the splitboard as they would an ordinary snowboard.
Boot bindings hold the splitboard rider's boots to the splitboard. In touring mode, one boot binding is attached to each splitboard ski like cross-country skis. In riding mode, the boot bindings are fastened across the splitboard skis and hold the splitboard skis together.
Latching devices placed along the length of the seam between the two splitboard skis help increase torsional stiffness and reduce flexing of the splitboard skis relative to each other. Latching devices positioned near the forward tip, or nose, and rearward tip, or tail, prevent the splitboard from separating at these points. Latching devices take various forms such as buckles or hook clips. These latching devices go by various names in the splitboard trade, depending on their structure and placement; for example, splitboard clips, tip and tail clips, splitboard hooks, and split hooks.
SUMMARY
The inventor noticed a problem with splitboard latching devices. There can be variation in the distance between the apertures used to secure the latching device to each splitboard ski. This creates variation in the tension or holding force between the splitboard skis and can affect performance. The inventor developed a latching device to address this issue. The latching device can be positioned over the lengthwise common edge between the splitboard skis. The latching device accommodates variation in the distance between the latching device mounting holes. The latching device rotates about a fastener assembly secured through one of the latching device apertures on the first of the two splitboard skis. A slot in the latching device, engages a second fastener assembly by tension between the outside edge of the slot and the lengthwise common edge between the splitboards. The slot includes a series of detents that can engage the second fastener assembly. Each successive detent is distanced progressively closer to the axis of rotation of the latching device to accommodate various distances between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole.
The detents can be shaped like the arc of a cylinder. This arc can have the same radius as the portion of the second fastener assembly that engages the detents (i.e., the detents are complementary in shape with the detent engaging portion). The inventor found this size and shape creates sufficient holding force so the latch does not slip or unlatch during normal operation of a splitboard while still allowing the splitboard rider to rotate the latching device. The inventor envisions that other detent shapes can be used if they can prevent the latch from slipping or unlatching during normal operation of the splitboard but still allow the splitboard rider to unlatch the board.
The slot can extend through a first side of the latching device. This allows the latching device to rotate away from the second fastener assembly and from a latched position to an unlatched position. The first side can include a first side portion that projects upward from the slot. The first side portion can provide additional mechanical support for the latching device. The splitboard rider can use the first side portion as a handle for rotating the latching device.
The surface surrounding the slot can be indented from the top surface of the latching device. This raises up the sides so that the splitboard rider has a convenient place to grasp, push, or pull on the latching device to rotate it even while wearing gloves. It is well within the scope of a latching device to have the surface surround the slots be not indented from the top surface.
This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in simplified form described the Description. The Summary is not intended to identify essential features or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates, in top view, a portion of the splitboard with the latching device rotated fully counter clockwise to accommodate threaded fastener assemblies separated by a distance D1.
FIG. 2 illustrates, in top view, the portion of the splitboard from FIG. 1 with the latching device rotated clockwise to accommodate threaded fasteners separated by a distance D2.
FIG. 3 illustrates in top view, the portion of the splitboard from FIG. 1 with the latching device rotated fully clockwise to accommodate threaded fasteners separated by a distance D3.
FIG. 4 illustrates, in exploded perspective view, the latching device, associated mounting hardware, and a portion of the splitboard.
FIG. 5 illustrates the latching device in top view.
FIG. 6 illustrates the latching device in bottom view.
FIG. 7 illustrates a top and left perspective view of the latching device.
FIG. 8 illustrates a top and right perspective view of the latching device.
FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the latching device.
FIG. 10 illustrates in top perspective view, a splitboard in riding mode with latching devices positioned at the tip, tail, and intermediate positions along the lengthwise common edge between the splitboard skis.
FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 10 showing the latching device that is positioned near the tip of splitboard.
FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 10 showing the latching device that is positioned at an intermediate position along the lengthwise common edge.
FIG. 13 illustrates, in top perspective view, the splitboard of FIG. 10 with the latching devices in touring mode.
FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 13 showing the latching device that is positioned near the tip of splitboard.
FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 13 showing the latching device that is positioned at an intermediate position along the lengthwise common edge.
DESCRIPTION
The terms “top, “bottom,” “upper,” “front,” and “back,” are relative terms used throughout the to help the reader understand the figures. Unless otherwise indicated, these do not denote absolute direction or orientation and do not imply a preference. When describing the figures, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” are from the perspective of how a typical splitboard rider would view the splitboard or components while standing on the board in a conventional riding or touring position. Specific dimensions should help the reader understand the scale and advantage of the disclosed material. Dimensions given are typical and the claimed invention is not limited to the recited dimensions. The figures are not necessarily to scale.
Certain features or components and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity, explanation, and conciseness. For example, a splitboard may include bindings for securing the rider's feet to the splitboard. The splitboard may also include hardware associated with the bindings such as pucks, tracks, sliders, and climbing bars. These parts are omitted for clarity. In the present disclosure, they represent part of the environment and one of ordinary skill in the art ready knows how to apply them to a splitboard.
Referring to similarly named part with an ordinal prefix such as first, second, or third helps distinguish the parts from one another when referred to together. This implies no preference of one part over the other. Similarly, referring to examples using ordinal prefixes or as alternative examples, does such not infer any preference of one example over the other.
The Description refers to figures, where like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views.
The inventor noticed that one problem with latching devices, and particularly latching devices that join splitboards is that apertures spaced apart that hold the latching device can have variation in their distance relative to each other. For example, the inventor observed, that for a nominal distance of 1 inch (0.0254 m) between the mounting aperture on a first splitboard ski and the aperture on the second splitboard ski, the positional variation between the aperture can typically be up to 0.08 inches (0.00203 m). The inventor developed a latching device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-15 to address this issue. FIGS. 1-4, illustrate the latching device 1 and a portion of a splitboard 2, with the latching device 1 positioned over portions of a first splitboard ski 3 and a second splitboard ski 4. Referring to FIG. 4, the latching device 1 accommodates variation in the distance between a first mounting hole 3a through the first splitboard ski 3 and a second mounting hole 4a through the second splitboard ski 4. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the latching device 1 rotates about rotational axis R to accommodate various distances between the first mounting hole 3a and the second mounting hole 4a both of FIG. 4. In FIGS. 1-3 the distance between the first mounting hole 3a and the second mounting hole 4a of FIG. 4 is represented as distances D1, D2, D3 respectively. Distance D1 is less than distance D2. Distance D2 is less than distance D3. For example, the difference between D1 and D3 could be 0.08 inches (0.00203 m) to accommodate typical positional variations. With five detents (i.e., four increments) this would allow for a positional variation between each detent of 0.02 inches (0.000508 m).
Referring to FIG. 4, the latching device 1 rotates around a first fastener assembly 5 centered on a rotational axis R through the first mounting hole 3a in the first splitboard ski 3. A slot 1a in the latching device 1 engages a second fastener assembly 6 by tension between the outside edge 1b of the slot 1a (i.e., the edge of the away from the rotational axis R) and the lengthwise common edge 2a of the splitboard 2.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the outside edge 1b of the slot 1a include detents 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g. The from bottom to the top of the slot, the detents 1g, 1f, 1e, 1d, 1c that get progressively closer to the axis of rotation R. Detent 1c is closer to the axis of rotation than detent 1d. Detent 1d is closer to the axis of rotation than detent 1e and so on. This allows the latching device 1 to secure threaded fastener assemblies separated by different distances. For example, in FIG. 1, detent 1c accommodates the first fastener assembly 5 and the second fastener assembly 6 separated by distance D1. In FIG. 2, detent 1e accommodates the first fastener assembly 5 and the second fastener assembly 6 separated by distance D2. In FIG. 3, detent 1e accommodates the first fastener assembly 5 and the second fastener assembly 6 separated by distance D3. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the inside edge 1h of the slot, i.e., the edge of the slot closer to the rotational axis R, is shaped to clear the second fastener assembly 6 (FIGS. 1-3) as the latching device 1 rotates. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the inside edge 1h of the slot 1a can follow a circular arc, or the arc of a cylinder, concentric with the rotational axis R represented by distance R1. Distance R1 must allow for enough space between detent 1c and the inside edge 1h of the slot 1a to rotate past the portion of the second fastener assembly 6 of FIG. 1 that contacts the detents 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g. Here, the portion of the second fastener assembly 6 that contacts the detents 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g is the spacer 13. While FIGS. 1-3 shows the latching device 1 with five detents, the inventor envisions that the latching device 1 can have fewer or more detents (i.e., two or more detents) to accommodate different design requirements. For example, a latching device 1 with more detents can accommodate a wider variation in mounting distances between the first fastener assembly 5 and the second fastener assembly 6. The detents illustrated are separated by equal increments and have equal angles. The inventor found shaping the outside edge so the detents follow a section of a spiral curve creates both equal angles and equal increments. The inventor envisions that the detents could also be separated by unequal increments or have unequal angular increments.
Referring to FIG. 4, the first fastener assembly 5 can include, for example, a threaded fastener 7, a spacer 8, and an insert 9. The insert body 9a passes through the first mounting hole 3a with the first splitboard ski 3 retaining the insert head 9b. The spacer 8 surrounds a portion of the insert body 9a that passes through the first splitboard ski 3. The spacer 8 can be clamped by the top of the first splitboard ski 3 to prevent rotation about the insert body 9a. The spacer 8 passes into an aperture 1i in the latching device 1. The aperture 1i is centered about the rotational axis R. The insert body 9a includes a threaded hollow interior 9c. The threaded body 7a of the threaded fastener 7 passes through the spacer 8 and threadedly engages the threaded hollow interior 9c of the insert body 9a. A threaded fastener head 7b rests against the bottom of a blind hole 1j surrounding the aperture 1i. The spacer 8 sets the height of the threaded fastener head 7b away from the first splitboard ski 3 to allow the latching device 1 to rotate, but provides sufficient friction so that the latching device 1 does not spin in touring mode.
The second fastener assembly 6 can include, for example, a threaded fastener 10, a spacer 13, and an insert 16. The insert body 16a passes through the second mounting hole 4a with the second splitboard ski 4 retaining the insert head 16b. The spacer 13 surrounds a portion of the insert body 16a that passes through the second splitboard ski 4. The spacer 13 can be clamped by the threaded fastener 10 against the second splitboard ski 4 to prevent it from rotating. The spacer 13 sets the height of the threaded fastener head 10b away from the first splitboard ski 3 to constrain the second splitboard ski 4 from moving up and down vertically. The insert body 16a includes a threaded hollow interior 16c. The threaded body 10a of the threaded fastener 10 passes through the spacer 13 and threadedly engages the threaded hollow interior 16c of the insert body 16a. Referring to FIG. 1, the outside surface of the spacer 13 engages the outside edge 1b of the slot 1a and the detents 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f when the latching device 1 is rotated. One purpose of the spacer 13 is to protect the threads of the threaded fastener 10 from damage and protect the surface of the outside edge 1b from the threaded fastener 10. Referring to FIG. 4, a threaded fastener head 10b rests against a slot surrounding surface 1k. The slot surrounding surface 1k is also shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. The inventor envisions other arrangements where a spacer may not be required. For example, the threaded fastener 10 could be a shoulder bolt, or other type of screw or bolt where the portion nearest the threaded fastener head 10b is unthreaded.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, and 7, the detents 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and detent 1c of FIGS. 1 and 5, can be shaped like the arc of a cylinder with the same radius of the detent engaging portion of the second fastener assembly 6. For example, the detent engaging portion can be as outside surface of the spacer 13 (FIG. 1). Here, the detent engaging portion (i.e., the spacer 13 (FIG. 1) is complementary in shape with the detents 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g. The inventor found this size and shape creates sufficient holding force so the latch does not slip or unlatch during normal operation of a splitboard while still allowing the splitboard rider to rotate the latching device. The inventor envisions that other detent shapes can be used if they can prevent the latch from slipping or unlatching during normal operation of the splitboard 2 (FIG. 1) but still allow the splitboard rider to unlatch the splitboard 2.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9, the bottom surface 11 of the latching device 1 can be smooth or planar to allow the splitboard rider to rotate the latching device 1 along the surface of the splitboard of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The inventor envisions using other surfaces that can also allow for the splitboard rider to rotate the latching device 1 without damaging either the splitboard 2 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 or the latching device 1, for example, a ribbed surface.
Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 the slot 1a extends from the detent 1c through the side of the latching device 1 opposite the detent 1c (i.e., the side of the latching device nearest slot 1a shown in FIGS. 6 and 9). This allows the latching device 1 to rotate from a latched position to an unlatched position. The unlatched position is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. Referring to FIGS. 5-9, the slot 1a extends through a first side portion 1m. The first side portion 1m projects upward from a first side 1n. The first side portion 1m provides mechanical support to the latching device 1 by bridging between a top surface 10 (FIGS. 5, 7, and 8) of the latching device 1 and a second side 1p. The second side 1p is outwardly located on the opposite of the slot 1a from the aperture 1i. The splitboard rider can use the first side portion 1m as a handle for rotating the latching device 1. FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 illustrate the slot 1a extending through an aperture 1q in the second side portion.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, latching device 1 can include a third side 1r. The third side is located on the opposite side of the slot 1a and aperture 1i as the first side 1n. The latching device 1 includes a fourth side 1s on the opposite side of the slot 1a and aperture 1i as the second side 1p. The fourth side portion 1s can be radiused around the aperture 1i. This presents a smooth edge to the outside environment. However, the fourth side portion 1s can be any shape. The third side 1r can include a third side portion 1t that projects upward from the third side 1r. The third side portion 1t is located on the opposite side of the slot from the first side 1m and can add additional stability to the latching device. The splitboard rider can use the third side portion 1t as a handle for rotating the latching device 1.
Referring to FIG. 8, the slot surrounding surface 1k can be indented from the top surface 10 and the second side 1p. This raises up the first side portion 1m and the third side portion 1t so the splitboard rider has a convenient place to grasp, push, or pull on the latching device to rotate it even while wearing gloves. It is well within the scope of a latching device 1 to have the slot surrounding surface 1k not indented from the top surface or the second side 1p.
FIGS. 10-15 illustrate latching devices 1 positioned in various locations along the lengthwise common edge 2a the splitboard 2. FIG. 10 illustrates in top perspective view, a splitboard 2 in riding mode with the latching devices 1 at the tip 2b, tail 2c, and intermediate positions along the lengthwise common edge 2a between the first splitboard ski 3 and the second splitboard ski 4. FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 10 showing the latching device that is positioned near the tip 2b of splitboard 2 along the lengthwise common edge 2a between the first splitboard ski 3 and the second splitboard ski 4. FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 10 showing the latching device 1 that is positioned at an intermediate position along the lengthwise common edge 2a between the first splitboard ski 3 and the second splitboard ski 4. FIGS. 11 and 12 show the spacer 13 of the second fastener assembly 6 engaging the outside edge 1b of the slot 1a.
FIGS. 13-15, illustrate the latching device 1 rotated clockwise and unlatched away from the second splitboard ski 4 and completely within the boundary of the first splitboard ski 3. FIG. 13 illustrates, in top perspective view, the splitboard 2 of FIG. 10 with the latching device 1 rotated and unlatched for touring mode. FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 13 showing the latching device 1 that is positioned near the tip 2b of splitboard 2. FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged partial view of FIG. 13 showing the latching device 1 that is positioned at an intermediate position along the lengthwise common edge 2a of the splitboard 2. In FIGS. 14 and 15 the latching device 1 is illustrated rotated clockwise about the first fastener assembly 5 onto the first splitboard ski 3 with the second fastener assembly 6 along, threaded fastener 10, and spacer 13 free of the latching device 1. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 8 the latching device 1 is rotated clockwise from slot 1c to slot g (FIGS. 1-3) and through the aperture 1q in the first side portion 1m (both of FIG. 8) to the position in FIGS. 13-15. The latching device could also be constructed to rotate counterclockwise to unlatch by mirroring the construction of the both the slot 1a, the first side portion 1m and the aperture 1q.
This disclosure describes a device for latching splitboard skis. This disclosure does not intend to limit the claimed invention to the examples, variations, and exemplary embodiments described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations will occur when embodying the claimed invention in specific implementations and environments. For example, in FIGS. 1-15, the latching device 1 is pictured as wedged shaped with two sides radiused about the rotational axis R (FIG. 5). This shape allows for ease of manufacturing and allows for many placement positions along a splitboard or other joining surfaces. However, this disclosure does not intend to limit the invention to the shape depicted. Other shapes may be within the scope of the latching device.
The fastener assemblies described in this disclosure can include a threaded fastener and several other components, for example an insert and a spacer. However, other combinations of components are within the scope of the meaning of a fastener assembly. For example, the fastener assembly can include rivets or rivets combined with spacer instead of threaded fasteners and inserts. The fastener assembly may include only a threaded fastener that fastens directly into the splitboard or another mounting surface. A threaded fastener may include a threaded fastener with an insert but without a spacer. These combinations are all within the scope of this disclosure. A threaded fastener can be any threaded fastener within the ordinary meaning of the word that can perform the functions specified within this disclosure. For example, a screw, or bolt. Threaded fasteners in the Description are often depicted with slot heads. However, any tool receiving head that can perform the function of a threaded fastener with the latching device 1 may be readily used. For example, hexagonal recess or “Allen” heads, Philips, Frearson, clutch, square recess, tri-wing, a recessed star pattern often sold under the registered trademark TORX® by Textron Industries, Inc, and other tool receiving heads known in the art can be readily substituted. The first fastener assembly and the second fastener assembly can be structured differently from each other. For example, the first fastener assembly could include a threaded fastener, a spacer, and an insert. While the second fastener assembly could include an insert and a standoff. Similarly, the first fastener assembly could include a rivet or a rivet and a spacer. The second could include a standoff with an insert. These combinations and other combinations of the fastener assembly variations are well within the scope of this disclosure. The detent engaging portion of the fastener assembly can be any portion of the fastener assembly that engages the detents. For example, the detent engaging portion can be the spacer. The detent engaging portion can be body of a rivet. The detent engaging portion can be the non-threaded portion of a shoulder bolt, standoff, or other non-threaded portion of a threaded fastener.
The latching device can be constructed of any material capable of performing the function intended for the latching device. For example, for splitboarding applications, the latching device can be made of any material capable of withstanding the temperature changes from indoor to extreme cold weather encountered with splitboarding and can hold up to the forces put upon in both touring and riding modes. For example, for splitboarding, the latching device can be readily made from nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastics or similar materials.
The appended claims are not to be interpreted as including means-plus-function limitations, unless a claim explicitly evokes the means-plus-function clause of 35 USC § 112(f) by using the phrase “means for” followed by a verb in gerund form.
A “method” as disclosed herein refers to one or more steps or actions for achieving the described end. Unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the present invention.
“Optional” or “optionally” is used throughout this disclosure to describe features or structures that are optional. Not using the word optional or optionally to describe a feature or structure does not imply that the feature or structure is essential, necessary, or not optional. Using the word “or,” as used in this disclosure is to be interpreted as the ordinary meaning of the word “or” (i.e., an inclusive or) For example, the phrase “A or B” can mean: (1) A, (2) B, (3) A with B.
While the examples and variations are helpful to those skilled in the art in understanding the claimed invention the claimed invention is defined solely by the claims and their equivalents.
Patent Application
20190224558
