Temporary binding apparatus

Abstract

Binding apparatuses for binding two articles together are disclosed. In one embodiment the articles comprise a snowboard boot to a snowboard. A magnetic element is attached to the snowboard and a permeable element is attached to the snowboard boot. The magnetic element and permeable element are configured to develop a binding force that is sufficient to enable a snowboarder to readily perform certain simple maneuvers, such as dismounting a chairlift.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sports board binding devices, and more specifically to a temporary binding apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Snowboarding is an increasingly popular downhill winter sport. A person who practices the sport of snowboarding is commonly referred to as a snowboarder. One of the primary goals of snowboarding is for the snowboarder to enjoy a downhill ride on a snowboard. The snowboarder typically dons a pair of snowboard boots, which may be attached independently to the snowboard using a highly robust binding mechanism, such as a set of straps or mechanical latches. The binding mechanism associated with the snowboard boots is commonly referred to as “bindings.” The bindings include a front binding, positioned generally to the front (downhill end) of the snowboard, and a rear binding, positioned at the rear (uphill end) of the snowboard. While riding a snowboard down a slope, the snowboarder stands on the snowboard and points one end of the snowboard in a generally downhill direction while performing various maneuvers. Some snowboarders may perform maneuvers that alternate which end of the snowboard is pointed down hill. While riding styles and different maneuvers may vary with respect to which end of the snowboard is pointed downhill at a particular time, a rear snowboard boot, or simply “rear boot,” is designated herein as a snowboard boot the snowboarder prefers to unbind and keep detached from the snowboard when riding a chairlift. A front snowboard boot, or simply “front boot,” is designated herein as a snowboard boot the snowboarder prefers to keep bound and attached to the snowboard while riding the chairlift. When attached to a binding, the front boot is conventionally bound to the front binding and the rear boot is conventionally bound to the rear binding.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a snowboard 110 configured to include a front binding 124 and a rear binding 120, according to the prior art. A stomp pad 150 may be affixed to the snowboard 110 to provide some frictional grip provided by a rough or spiky surface that the snowboarder may step on to with the rear boot before the snowboarder has an opportunity to bind the rear boot to the rear binding. While the stomp pad provides the snowboarder with a place to step with the rear boot that is less slippery than the overall snowboard surface, very little additional control is actually gained by stepping on the stomp pad. Therefore, the snowboarder still faces a significant challenge when dismounting a chairlift, even when a relatively good stomp pad is available.

Prior to snowboarding down a hill, the snowboarder typically rides the chairlift up the hill. Snowboarders are conventionally required to bind the front boot to the front binding of the snowboard and un-bind the rear boot from the snowboard before boarding the chairlift. The snowboarder normally dismounts the chairlift at the top of the chairlift path, known as a dismount point. Immediately after dismounting the chairlift, the snowboarder typically attempts to ride the snowboard a short distance from the dismount point to an arbitrary attachment location where the snowboarder may safely attach the rear boot to the rear binding. Riding conditions at the chairlift dismount area are generally much less demanding than many surfaces and slopes that the snowboarder may wish to subsequently ride, but the fact that the rear boot is not attached to the snowboard makes dismounting the chairlift and riding to the attachment location relatively difficult. In fact, this can be a very awkward maneuver, even for relatively experienced snowboarders, because only partial control of the snowboard is possible with just the front boot securely bound to the snowboard. Because only partial control of the snowboard is available during the dismount maneuver, snowboarders often lose control of their snowboard and fall during dismount. A fall in the dismount area commonly results in injury to the snowboarder, and potentially causes other snowboarders to fall and become injured. Because the dismount maneuver needs to be performed without the snowboarder being able to bind their rear boot to the rear binding, dismounting the chairlift can be particularly dangerous.

As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed in the art is a means for a snowboarder to gain greater overall control of their snowboard when their rear boot is not bound to the rear binding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention set forth a binding apparatus for a sports board, the apparatus comprising a boot assembly including a permeable element, wherein the boot assembly is configured to be coupled to an underside of a boot; a magnetic assembly including a magnetic element, wherein the magnetic assembly is configured to be coupled to a top surface of the sports board, wherein the boot assembly is configured to be removably bound to the magnetic assembly, thereby removably binding a corresponding boot to the sports board.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the sports board is a snowboard and the binding apparatus enables a snowboarder to temporarily bind an otherwise free boot, such as a rear boot, to the snowboard. One advantage of the present invention is that greater control over a snowboard may be realized by a snowboarder than conventionally possible using a stomp pad.

Embodiments of the present invention also set forth a general purpose binding apparatus, the apparatus comprising a permeable element configured to include a permeable component and a concave structure; a magnetic element configured to include a permanent magnet, a permeable cup, and a convex structure; wherein, the permeable element is configured to be removably bound to the magnetic element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a snowboard configured to include a front binding and a rear binding, according to the prior art;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a temporary binding apparatus configured to bind a rear boot to a snowboard, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates the snowboard configured to include a front binding, a rear binding, and a magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of an exemplary magnetic binding assembly and boot binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a binding rotation angle between the boot binding assembly and the magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates binding force as a function of binding rotation angle, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly being detached using a heel rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5E is a side view of an alignment structure configured to maintain relative alignment of permeable elements within the rear boot, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly being detached using a heel rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6F is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6H is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6J is a side view of an alignment structure configured to maintain relative alignment of permeable element and toe hitch within the rear boot, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly being detached using a heel rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7F is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7H is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7J illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and magnetic binding assembly being detached using a toe rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8E illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8F is a top view of the heel binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8G illustrates another exemplary heel binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8H is a top view of the heel binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a side view of the magnetic binding module of FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly of FIG. 2A to the magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9C is an internal top view of the magnetic binding module along plane, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9D is a top view of the magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9E is a side view of another exemplary magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9F is a side view of the magnetic binding module of FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly of FIG. 2A to the magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention

FIG. 9G is an internal top view of the magnetic binding module along plane, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9H is a top view of the magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10B is a side view of the magnetic binding module of FIG. 10A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly of FIG. 2A to the magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10C is a perspective view the convex structure, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a convex structure configured to expose a portion of the perimeter wall, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a side view of the exemplary floating magnetic binding module in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11C is a side view of an alternate floating magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11D is a side view of a modified floating magnetic binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of the magnetic binding modules according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the modified magnetic binding module according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12A is a side view of a conically formed magnetic element mounted in a structural housing, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12B is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic element mounted in a structural housing, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12C is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic element configured to include a threaded installation means, and mounted in a structural housing, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a top view of a snowboard coupled to a temporary boot platform using a channel and nut attachment system, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 13B is a side view detail of the channel and nut attachment system, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a temporary binding apparatus 224 configured to bind a rear boot 230 to a snowboard 210, according to one embodiment of the invention. The rear boot 230 includes a rear boot sole 232 disposed on the underside of the rear boot 230. The temporary binding apparatus 224 comprises a boot binding assembly (or simply “boot assembly”) 222 and a magnetic binding assembly (or simply “magnetic assembly”) 220. The magnetic binding assembly 220 comprises a temporary binding. The boot binding assembly 222 should be robustly attached to the rear boot sole 232. The snowboard 210 includes a top side with a top surface 212 and bottom side with a bottom surface (not shown), which may interface with a ground surface such as snow. The magnetic binding assembly 220 should be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 at the top surface 212.

In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 is configured to be attached to the underside of the rear boot sole 232. Alternatively, the boot binding assembly 222 may be configured to be inserted into a cavity in the rear boot sole 232. The boot binding assembly 222 may be implemented as a modification to a conventional boot. The modification may be performed by a manufacturer or by an end user.

In alternative embodiments, the boot binding assembly 222 is configured to be embedded in the rear boot sole 232. For example, rear boot 230 may be manufactured to include the boot binding assembly 222 as an integral component of the rear boot sole 232.

As described in greater detail below, the boot binding assembly 222 includes at least one magnetically permeable component and the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes at least one corresponding permanent magnet configured to attract and bind to the magnetically permeable component when the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in close proximity to the magnetic binding assembly 220. In other alternative embodiments, the least one permeable component and related structures are mounted on the snowboard 210 and the at least one corresponding permanent magnet and related structures may be mounted to the rear boot 230 without departing from the scope of this invention. In yet other alternative embodiments, the magnetically permeable component is replaced with a corresponding magnet element comprising a permanent magnet, so that the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 each include at least one permanent magnet; the corresponding permanent magnets are configured to attract each other when the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 are bound together.

In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes cleaning element 280, configured to remove debris from the rear boot sole 232. The cleaning element 280 may comprise a brush, a scraper, or any other technically feasible apparatus capable of removing debris from the rear boot sole 232. Similarly, the boot binding assembly 222 includes cleaning element 282, configured to remove debris from the magnetic binding assembly 220. The cleaning element 282 may comprise a brush, a scraper, or any other technically feasible apparatus capable of removing debris from the magnetic binding assembly 220. Embodiments of the present invention contemplate inclusion of none, one, or both cleaning elements 280, 282.

FIG. 2B illustrates the snowboard 210 configured to include a rear binding 240 and a magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. A snowboarder may bind a front boot 250 into a front binding 252, which is robustly attached to the snowboard 210. As is known, the snowboarder may bind the rear boot 230 to the rear binding 240, which is robustly attached to the snowboard 210. For example, prior to riding down a mountain slope, the snowboarder may conventionally bind the rear boot 230 to the rear binding 240 using rear straps 242. In certain scenarios, the snowboarder must ride the snowboard 210 without the rear boot 230 being bound to the rear binding 240. One such scenario comprises dismounting a chairlift, a conventionally challenging maneuver. However, when using the temporary binding apparatus 224, the snowboarder may temporarily bind the rear boot 230 to the snowboard 210 by causing the boot binding assembly 222 to be bound to the magnetic binding assembly 220, as described in greater detail below. The temporary binding apparatus 224 advantageously allows the snowboarder to quickly gain control of the snowboard 210 while exiting the chairlift, and defer a more time consuming step of strapping into their conventional binding system until after clearing the chairlift dismount area.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of one configuration of the magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIG. 2A and the boot binding assembly 222, according to one embodiment of the invention. The magnetic binding assembly 220 is attached to the top surface 212 of the top side of the snowboard 210 and configured to bind to boot binding assembly 222. The boot binding assembly 222 includes a permeable element 322, comprising one or more discrete permeable components that exhibit a moderate to high degree of magnetic permeability. Specifically, a moderate degree of permeability is characterized herein as having a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. A high degree of permeability is characterized herein as having a relative magnetic permeability greater than approximately one thousand. Each discrete permeable component should also exhibit low residual magnetism. Residual magnetism characterizes how much magnetic field a permeable article generates after being removed from an external magnetic field. The permeable element 322 should be designed to minimize residual magnetism. In other embodiments, at least one of the one or more discrete permeable components may exhibit a magnetic permeability that is less than one hundred.

In one embodiment, the discrete permeable components are configured to form a pattern substantially encompassed by an outline of the shape of the rear boot 230 projected onto the top surface 212 of the snowboard 210. For example, the outline may be based on a shape of the rear boot sole 232.

The boot binding assembly 222 may also include a housing 320 configured to enclose at least part of the permeable element 322 and to provide mechanical structure for mounting the boot binding assembly 222 to the rear boot sole 232. The housing 320 may also provide mechanical structure for mounting, and holding in position, the discrete permeable components. The boot binding assembly 222 may comprise one or more distinct subassemblies incorporated within the rear boot 230, such as in the rear boot sole 232.

The magnetic binding assembly 220 includes at least one magnetic element 332, and may include an attachment element 336. The attachment element 336 should be configured to attach the magnetic binding assembly 220 to the top surface 212 of the snowboard 210. The magnetic binding assembly 220 may also include a structural housing 330, configured to enclose at least part of the magnetic element 332. The magnetic binding assembly 220 may also include a surface element 334, configured to provide a protective barrier above the magnetic element 332. The structural housing 330 and surface element 334 may be integrated together or fabricated from a single piece of material.

As the boot binding assembly 222 is brought into closer proximity with the magnetic binding assembly 220, a magnetic attractive force between the magnetic element 332 and the permeable element 322 increases. When the snowboarder maneuvers the rear boot 230 to step onto the magnetic binding assembly 220, the permeable element 322 within the boot binding assembly 222 is pulled to the magnetic element 332 within the magnetic binding assembly 220, thereby temporarily binding the rear boot 230 to the snowboard 210.

With a sufficiently strong magnetic attractive force, or “binding force,” between the magnetic element 332 and the permeable element 322, the rear boot 230 should remain sufficiently well bound to the snowboard 210 for the snowboarder to perform certain maneuvers, such as dismounting a chairlift and riding a short distance from a chairlift dismount location to a safe location away from dismount traffic. Binding force may be measured as a “pull force” needed to separate the rear boot 230 from the magnetic binding assembly 220. The binding force may be nominally determined for a given magnetic binding assembly 220 based on a height and weight of the snowboarder and the size and weight of the snowboard 210. The binding force may be additionally determined by the riding style of the snowboarder. For example, a child may prefer a weaker binding force, while a tall heavy adult may prefer a stronger binding force. In one embodiment, the binding force is at least ten pounds. In another embodiment, the binding force is at least thirty pounds.

An inherent pull force is defined herein as a pull force measured with zero distance between a magnet and a sheet of ferromagnetic (permeable) material. Inherent pull force represents a maximum pull force for a given combination of magnet and permeable material. Because the pull force generated by the magnet may be substantially diminished by unavoidable spatial separation from the permeable element, a given magnet may need to exhibit a substantially higher inherent pull force than an otherwise nominally determined binding force.

Upon reaching the chairlift dismount location, the snowboarder may position the rear boot 230 over the magnetic binding assembly 220, allowing the boot binding assembly 222 to be pulled to the magnetic binding assembly 220, thereby temporarily binding the rear boot 230 to the snowboard 210. With the rear boot 230 temporarily bound to the snowboard 210, the snowboarder can better control their dismount ride until they have safely cleared the chairlift dismount location and arrived at a safe location away from the dismount area. After the snowboarder has cleared the chairlift dismount location and upon arriving at the safe location, the snowboarder may remove the rear boot 230 from the magnetic binding assembly 220 and robustly bind the rear boot 230 to the rear binding 240 for conventional riding on the snowboard 210.

Alternatively, the snowboarder may unbind the rear boot 230 to use the rear boot 230 to push them self along a relatively flat region of snow. When convenient, the snowboarder may temporarily bind the rear boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 to ride spans of terrain that may not require the rear boot 230 to be bound to the rear boot binding 240. Flat regions of snow are common for trails that connect different downhill runs, and for trails at the beginning or end of a downhill run.

Positioning the rear boot 230 over the magnetic binding assembly 220 should be easily accomplished by the snowboarder, even when preparing to exit a chairlift. Once the snowboarder has positioned the rear boot 230 in general proximity over the magnetic binding assembly 220, good alignment between the permeable element 322 and the magnetic element 342 should be achieved.

To unbind the rear boot 230 from the magnetic binding assembly 220, the snowboarder may perform a simple unbinding procedure that includes rotating the rear boot 230, so as to misalign the permeable element 322 and the magnetic element 342. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that rotating the permeable element 322 and the magnetic element 342 into a misaligned position should require substantially less effort than directly and forcefully overcoming the binding force between the boot binding assembly 222 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. As shown in FIGS. 4A through 7D, the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 are configured to develop a binding force that is a function of a binding rotation angle between the boot binding assembly 222 and the magnetic binding assembly 220.

In certain embodiments, the surface element 334 and structural housing 330 may comprise a single component. For example, surface element 334 and structural housing 330 may be manufactured from a single article of aluminum, polycarbonate, or any other material that substantially passes magnetic fields.

In one embodiment, the rear boot 230 is manufactured to include the boot binding assembly 222. For example, the boot binding assembly 222 may be molded into the rear boot sole 232. In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 is configured as a modification to a conventional rear boot 230.

In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 comprises a modification to a conventional snowboard. In one configuration of this embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 may be provided as a first modification kit. Similarly, the boot binding assembly 222 may be provided as a second modification kit. The first modification kit and second modification kit may be combined into a combined modification kit. An instance of the first modification kit enables users to modify a generic snowboard to include the magnetic binding assembly 220. An instance of the second kit enables user to modify a generic snowboard boot to include the binding assembly 220.

In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 and snowboard 210 are configured such that at least a portion of the magnetic binding assembly 220 is embedded below the top surface 212 of the snowboard 210, rather than being attached to the top surface 212. For example, the snowboard 210 may be manufactured to include the magnetic binding assembly 220 embedded within the snowboard 210, and extending below the top surface 212. In another alternative embodiment, the snowboard 210 is manufactured to include a cavity configured to accommodate the magnetic binding assembly 220. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is coupled to the snowboard 210 at the top surface 212 and may also extend into the cavity below the top surface 212. The magnetic binding assembly 220 may be coupled to the snowboard 210 using any technically feasible technique.

In one embodiment, a snowboard binding kit comprising an instance of the magnetic binding assembly 220 may be configured to facilitate augmenting a generic sports board, such as a snowboard, to include the magnetic binding assembly 220. In an alternative embodiment, a boot binding kit comprising an instance of the boot binding assembly 222 may be configured to facilitate augmenting or modify a generic sports boot, such as a generic snowboard boot, to include the boot binding assembly 222.

The magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210. Any technically feasible attachment means may be used to attach the magnetic binding assembly 220 to the snowboard 210 without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, the magnetic binding assembly 220 may be attached to the snowboard 210 using an adhesive. The magnetic binding assembly 220 may also be attached to the snowboard 210 using a system of screws and one or more corresponding threaded anchors embedded within the snowboard 210. Alternatively, as shown below in FIG. 13, the magnetic binding assembly 220 may be attached to the snowboard 210 using an attachment system comprising a channel recessed within the snowboard 210 and one or more heads that may be pulled and locked against the channel by corresponding engagement rods coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220.

FIG. 4A illustrates a binding rotation angle 420 between the boot binding assembly 222 of FIG. 2A and the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. A forward axis 410 forms a line of reference with respect to the snowboard 210 and generally corresponds to a forward line of motion for the snowboard. When the boot binding assembly 222 is coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220, the binding rotation angle 420 indicates an angle of rotation between the boot binding assembly 222 and the magnetic binding assembly 220.

In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is robustly coupled to the snowboard 210, and the boot binding assembly 222 becomes engaged with the magnetic binding assembly 220 after the snowboarder positions the rear boot 230 in close proximity to the magnetic binding assembly 220, which is pulled to the boot binding assembly 222. When the boot binding assembly 222 is sufficiently close to the magnetic binding assembly 220, the magnetic element 332 within the magnetic binding assembly 220 pulls against the permeable element 322 within the boot binding assembly 222 until the two assemblies are bound together via a resulting binding force.

When bound to the magnetic binding assembly 220, the boot binding assembly 222 should be configured to rotate with respect to the magnetic binding assembly 220 about a binding rotation axis 412. The binding rotation axis 412 may be located anywhere on the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to a particular implementation. For example the binding rotation axis 412 may be positioned at a geometric centroid of the magnetic binding assembly 220 or the binding rotation axis 412 may be located at a position corresponding to a point along a perimeter of the rear boot 230.

FIG. 4B illustrates binding force 430 as a function of binding rotation angle 420, according to one embodiment of the invention. When the boot binding assembly 222 is positioned flush with the magnetic binding assembly 220, along the binding rotation axis 412, a resulting binding force 430 is developed that is a function of binding rotation angle 420. A working force 432 represents a binding force 430 that is at least sufficient to keep the boot binding assembly 222 bound to the magnetic binding assembly 220 while the snowboarder performs basic riding maneuvers, for example on a traverse from the chairlift dismount point to the attachment location. A releasing force 434 represents a binding force 430 small enough to allow the snowboarder to easily remove the boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220. In one embodiment, the working force 432 is at least twenty-five pounds and the releasing force 434 is less than twenty pounds.

The magnetic binding assembly 220 and boot binding assembly 222 should be configured to develop at least a working force 432 when aligned at a maximum binding force angle 422, and to develop no more than a releasing force 434 when aligned to a minimum binding force angle 424. The binding force 430 may be represented as a force curve, which indicates binding force 430 over a range of binding rotation angles 420. In one configuration, force curve 440 represents a strong scenario, in which manufacturing tolerances related to the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 favor a stronger binding force 430, and the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 are relatively free of snow and debris. Importantly, the force curve 440 satisfies requirements for both at least a minimum working force 432 and at most a maximum allowable releasing force 434. In another configuration, manufacturing tolerances, snow, and debris may conspire to create a weak scenario that does not favor a strong binding force 430. In this configuration, the force curve 442 still satisfies requirements for both the minimum working force 432 and maximum allowable releasing force 434.

The force curves 440, 442 need not be monotonic. In fact, certain magnetic structures, such as periodic magnetic structures, may give rise to periodic force curves 440, 442. In a periodic configuration, the maximum binding force angle 422 and minimum binding force angle 424 may represent local maximum and minimum forces in a generally repeating pattern.

Temporary Snowboard Binding Systems

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222 of FIG. 2A and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2, and the magnetic binding assembly includes associated magnetic elements 520-1 and 520-2. Each permeable element 530 should correspond to an instance of permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and each magnetic element 520 should correspond to an instance of magnetic element 332. In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes two permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2. The boot binding assembly 222 is incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding assembly 220 includes magnetic elements 520-1 and 520-2, configured to align with the permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2, respectively, when the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in alignment, as shown, over the magnetic binding assembly 220.

As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using technically feasible means.

In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes three or more permeable elements 530, and the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic elements 520, positioned to align with the three or more permeable elements.

In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a stop wall 510 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning the permeable elements 530 within the rear boot 230 with the magnetic elements 520 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As the snowboarder brings the permeable element 630 into closer to alignment with the magnetic element 520, the stop wall 510 may serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding assembly 220. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 510.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As described previously, permeable elements 530 of the boot binding assembly 222 are disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding elements 520 are disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The rear boot sole 232 includes at least one region of tread 540, configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2 should be disposed between the at least one region of tread 540.

In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes an interface surface 514, configured to approximately conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment, the interface surface 514 is concave to approximately match a convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the interface surface 514 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape of the interface surface 514 should generally enable alignment between permeable elements 530 and magnetic elements 520.

FIG. 5C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2 are aligned with magnetic elements 520-1 and 520-2, respectively, allowing permeable element 530-1 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element 520-1 and permeable element 530-2 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element 520-2. In this attached configuration, the permeable elements 530 and magnetic elements 520 should be configured to generate a working force 432, as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 5D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a heel rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220 using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient detachment maneuver involves rotating the heel of the rear boot 230 so as to misalign permeable element 530-2 from magnetic element 520-2, which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230. In the process of rotating the heel of the rear boot 230, permeable element 530-1 should become partially misaligned from magnetic element 520-1, thereby reducing an associated binding force and allowing the snowboarder to remove the rear boot 230 entirely from the magnetic binding assembly 220. As a result, the rear boot 230 may be conveniently detached from the snowboard 210.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a heel rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising three or more pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.

FIG. 5E is a side view of an alignment structure 550 configured to maintain relative alignment of permeable elements 530 within the rear boot 230, according to one embodiment of the invention. The permeable elements 530-1, 530-2 should be robustly attached to the alignment structure 550. The alignment structure 550 should be fabricated from a strong, rigid material that is able to hold permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2 in substantially consistent alignment, even when subjected to normal wear and tear on the rear boot 230 from activities such as walking and snowboarding. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of materials, such as various steel alloys, carbon fiber composites, non-carbon composites such as fiberglass-epoxy, and certain structural plastics may be used to fabricate the alignment structure 550.

In one embodiment, the alignment structure 550 is attached to permeable elements 530 to form an assembly comprising permeable elements 530 and alignment structure 550, and the resulting assembly is embedded within the rear boot sole 232 when the rear boot sole 232 is molded. In an alternative embodiment, the alignment structure 550 is embedded within the rear boot sole 232 when the rear boot sole 232 is molded, and the permeable elements 530 are attached to the alignment structure 550 after the rear boot sole 232 is molded. The permeable elements 530 may be attached to the alignment structure 550 using any technically feasible technique. For example, in one embodiment, the permeable elements 530 are welded to the alignment structure.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222 of FIG. 2A and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes permeable element 630, and the magnetic binding assembly includes an associated magnetic element 620. Permeable element 630 should correspond to an instance of permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and magnetic element 620 should correspond to an instance of magnetic element 332. In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes one permeable element 630. The boot binding assembly 222 is incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding assembly 220 includes magnetic element 620, configured to align with the permeable elements 630, when the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in alignment, as shown, over the magnetic binding assembly 220.

As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using technically feasible means.

In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes two or more permeable elements 630, and the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic elements 620, positioned to align with the two or more permeable elements.

In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a stop wall 612 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning the permeable element 630 within the rear boot 230 with the magnetic element 620 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As the snowboarder brings the permeable element 630 into closer to alignment with the magnetic element 620, the stop wall 612 may serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding assembly 220. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 612.

In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a toe binding 610 and the boot binding assembly 222 includes toe hitch 625. The toe hitch 625 is configured to attach to the toe binding 610, thereby providing a temporary attachment between the toe portion of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. To attach the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610, the snowboarder maneuvers the toe hitch 625, disposed at the toe side of the rear boot 230, into proximity of the toe binding 610, and inserts the toe hitch 625 into an opening within the toe binding 610. In this maneuver, the snowboarder causes the toe hitch 625 to follow an attachment path at an approach angle operable for attachment to the toe binding 610. In a preferred embodiment, the toe hitch 625 may be attached to the toe binding 610 from a range of approach angles. Once the toe hitch 625 is attached to the toe binding 610, the toe hitch 625 should remain able to rotate relative to the toe binding 610 within a range of attachment angles approximately about the attachment point. This ability to attach the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610 from a range of attachment angles enables the snowboarder to attach the toe side of the rear boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 prior to dismount, improving overall alignment of the rear boot 230 with the magnetic binding assembly 220 upon dismount.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As described previously, permeable element 630 of the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding element 620 is disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The rear boot sole 232 includes at least one region of tread 640, configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the permeable element 630 should be disposed in the heel region of the rear boot 230.

In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes an interface surface 614, configured to approximately conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment, the interface surface 614 is concave to approximately match a convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the interface surface 614 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape of the interface surface 614 should generally enable alignment between permeable element 630 and magnetic element 620.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable element 630 is aligned with magnetic element 620, allowing permeable element 630 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element 620. In this attached configuration, the permeable element 630 and magnetic element 620 should be configured to generate a working force 432, as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 6D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a heel rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220 using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient detachment maneuver involves rotating the heel of the rear boot 230 so as to misalign permeable element 630 from magnetic element 620, which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230. The snowboarder may then remove the toe hitch 625 from the toe binding 610 by sliding the toe hitch 625 free of the toe binding 610. As a result, the rear boot 230 may be conveniently detached from the snowboard 210.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a heel rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising two or more pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.

FIG. 6E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly 602, according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding assembly 602 includes the toe binding 610 and toe hitch 625. In one embodiment, the toe hitch 625 includes a front protuberance 626 and a shaft 627. The toe hitch 625 is robustly coupled to the toe side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 625 may be coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible technique. The toe hitch 625 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material able to tolerate environmental conditions including snow and rain while providing sufficient strength to couple to the toe binding. One such material is corrosion resistant steel alloy. The toe binding 610 includes a base 659 and a top 658. The base 659 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220. The top 658 is fabricated to include an entry channel 654, a guide channel 650, and a hitch stop 652. The toe binding 610 may include an opening 651 configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 658 and base 659.

In one embodiment, the toe binding 610 is attached to the magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 610 as a single article. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210 and toe binding 610 may be fabricated from, for example, structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 654, guide channel 650, and hitch stop 652, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as a self-lubricating plastic.

A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 626 of the toe hitch 625 along attachment path 628, and into the entry channel 654, and along the guide channel 650, until the front protuberance 626 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 652. With the front protuberance 626 positioned against the hitch stop 652, the shaft 627 may travel up into a shaft notch 656. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the toe hitch 625, the toe hitch 625 is moveably bound to the toe binding 610 by the combined structure of the front protuberance 626 and guide channel 650. The shaft notch 656 and hitch stop 652 can constrain lateral motion of the toe hitch 625 when the front protuberance 626 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 652. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the front protuberance 626 is held in place by the guide channel 650 and shaft notch 656, the toe hitch 625 is, nonetheless, relatively free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front protuberance 626.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures other than the front protuberance 626 may be employed within the toe hitch 625 to couple to the toe binding 610 without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 610 structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the front protuberance 626 is within the scope of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, the toe binding 610 comprises a shaped rod formed to including the entry channel 654 and the opening 651. The shaped rod may also include the shaft notch 656. The shaped rod may be fabricated from steel rod or any other technically feasible material.

FIG. 6F is a top view of the toe binding assembly 602, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe hitch 625 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 628, through the entry channel 654 and guide channel 650, until the front protuberance 626 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 652. At this point, the shaft 627 may rise into the shaft notch 656. Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After binding the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610, the snowboarder is still able to rotate the toe hitch 625 about a constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the toe side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element 630 to the magnetic element 620, or the snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 630 to the magnetic element 620 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.

FIG. 6G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly 604, according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding assembly 604 includes the toe binding 610 and toe hitch 625. In one embodiment, the toe hitch 625 includes a front protuberance 626 and a shaft 627. The toe hitch 625 is robustly coupled to the toe side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 625 may be coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible technique. The toe hitch 625 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The toe binding 610 includes a base 679 and a top 678. The base 679 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220. The top 678 is fabricated to include an entry channel 672, and a hitch stop 670. The top 678 may also include a guide channel (not shown) disposed between the entry channel 672 and hitch stop 670. The toe binding 610 may include an opening 671 configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 678 and base 679.

In one embodiment, the toe binding 610 is attached to the magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 610 as a single article. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210 and toe binding 610 may be fabricated from, for example, structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 672 and hitch stop 670, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as a self-lubricating plastic.

A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 626 of the toe hitch 625 along attachment path 628, and into the entry channel 672 until the front protuberance 626 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 670. With the front protuberance 626 positioned against the hitch stop 670, the shaft 627 may travel up into a shaft notch 674 while the front protuberance 626 enters the hitch stop 670. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the toe hitch 625, the toe hitch 625 is moveably bound to the toe binding 610 by the combined structure of the front protuberance 626 and hitch stop 670. The shaft notch 674 and hitch stop 670 can constrain lateral motion of the toe hitch 625 when the front protuberance 626 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 670. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the front protuberance 626 is held in place by the hitch stop 670 and shaft notch 674, the toe hitch 625 is, nonetheless, relatively free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front protuberance 626.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures other than the front protuberance 626 may be employed within the toe hitch 625 to couple to the toe binding 610 without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 610 structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the front protuberance 626 is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 6H is a side view of the toe binding assembly 604, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe hitch 625 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 628, through the entry channel 672 until the front protuberance 626 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 670. At this point, the shaft 627 may rise into the shaft notch 674. Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After binding the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610, the snowboarder is still able to rotate the toe hitch 625 about a constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the toe side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element 630 to the magnetic element 620, or the snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 630 to the magnetic element 620 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.

FIG. 6J is a side view of an alignment structure 650 configured to maintain relative alignment of permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 within the rear boot, according to one embodiment of the invention. The permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 should be robustly attached to the alignment structure 650. The alignment structure 650 should be fabricated from a strong, rigid material that is able to hold permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 in substantially consistent alignment, even when subjected to normal wear and tear on the rear boot 230 from activities such as walking and snowboarding. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of materials, such as various steel alloys, carbon fiber composites, non-carbon composites such as fiberglass-epoxy, and certain structural plastics may be used to fabricate the alignment structure 650.

In one embodiment, the alignment structure 650 is attached to permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 to form an assembly comprising permeable element 630, toe hitch 625 and alignment structure 650, and the resulting assembly is embedded within the rear boot sole 232 when the rear boot sole 232 is molded. In an alternative embodiment, the alignment structure 650 is embedded within the rear boot sole 232 when the rear boot sole 232 is molded (or otherwise fabricated) and the permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 are attached to the alignment structure 650 after the rear boot sole 232 is molded. The permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 may be attached to the alignment structure 650 using any technically feasible technique. For example, in one embodiment, the permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 are welded to the alignment structure.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes permeable element 730, and the magnetic binding assembly includes an associated magnetic element 720. Permeable element 730 should correspond to an instance of permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and magnetic element 720 should correspond to an instance of magnetic element 332. In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes one permeable element 730. The boot binding assembly 222 is incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding assembly 220 includes magnetic element 720, configured to align with the permeable elements 730, when the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in alignment, as shown, over the magnetic binding assembly 220.

As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using technically feasible means.

In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes two or more permeable elements 730, and the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic elements 720, positioned to align with the two or more permeable elements.

In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a stop wall 712 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning the permeable element 730 within the rear boot 230 with the magnetic element 720 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As the snowboarder brings the permeable element 730 into closer to alignment with the magnetic element 720, the stop wall 712 may serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding assembly 220. In one embodiment, the stop wall 712 is configured to guide the permeable element 730 into alignment with the magnetic element 720. In other alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 712.

In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a toe binding 710 and the boot binding assembly 222 includes toe hitch 725. The toe hitch 725 is configured to attach to the toe binding 710, thereby providing a temporary attachment between the toe portion of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. To attach the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710, the snowboarder maneuvers the toe hitch 725, disposed at the toe side of the rear boot 230, into proximity of the toe binding 710, and inserts the toe hitch 725 into an opening within the toe binding 710. In this maneuver, the snowboarder causes the toe hitch 725 to follow an attachment path at an approach angle operable for attachment to the toe binding 710. In a preferred embodiment, the toe hitch 725 may be attached to the toe binding 710 from a range of approach angles. Once the toe hitch 725 is attached to the toe binding 710, the toe hitch 725 should remain able to rotate relative to the toe binding 710 within a range of attachment angles approximately about the attachment point. This ability to attach the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710 from a range of attachment angles enables the snowboarder to attach the toe side of the rear boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 prior to dismount, improving overall alignment of the rear boot 230 with the magnetic binding assembly 220 upon dismount.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As described previously, permeable element 730 of the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding element 720 is disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The rear boot sole 232 includes at least One region of tread 740, configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the permeable element 730 should be coupled to the heel region of the rear boot 230.

In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes an interface surface 714, configured to approximately conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment, the interface surface 714 is concave to approximately match a convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the interface surface 714 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape of the interface surface 714 should generally enable alignment between permeable element 730 and magnetic element 720.

FIG. 7C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable element 730 is aligned with magnetic element 720, allowing permeable element 730 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element 720. In this attached configuration, the permeable element 730 and magnetic element 720 should be configured to generate a working force 432, as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 7D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a heel rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220 using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient detachment maneuver involves rotating the heel of the rear boot 230 so as to misalign permeable element 730 from magnetic element 720, which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230. The snowboarder may then remove the toe hitch 725 from the toe binding 710 by sliding the toe hitch 725 free of the toe binding 710. As a result, the rear boot 230 may be conveniently detached from the snowboard 210.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a heel rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising two or more pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.

FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly 702, according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding assembly 702 includes the toe binding 710 and toe hitch 725. In one embodiment, the toe hitch 725 includes a front protuberance 726 and a shaft 727. The toe hitch 725 is robustly coupled to the toe side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 725 may be coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible technique. The toe hitch 725 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The toe binding 710 includes a base 759 and a top 758. The base 759 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220. The top 758 is fabricated to include an entry channel 754, a guide channel 750, and a hitch stop 752. The toe binding 710 may include an opening 751 configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 758 and base 759.

In one embodiment, the toe binding 710 is attached to the magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 710 as a single article. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210 and toe binding 710 may be fabricated from, for example, structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 754, guide channel 750, and hitch stop 752, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as a self-lubricating plastic.

A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 726 of the toe hitch 725 along attachment path 728, and into the entry channel 754, and along the guide channel 750, until the front protuberance 726 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 752. With the front protuberance 726 positioned against the hitch stop 752, the shaft 727 may travel up into a shaft notch 756. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the toe hitch 725, the toe hitch 725 is moveably bound to the toe binding 710 by the combined structure of the front protuberance 726 and guide channel 750. The shaft notch 756 and hitch stop 752 can constrain lateral motion of the toe hitch 725 when the front protuberance 726 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 752. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the front protuberance 726 is held in place by the guide channel 750 and shaft notch 756, the toe hitch 725 is, nonetheless, relatively free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front protuberance 726.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures other than the front protuberance 726 may be employed within the toe hitch 725 to couple to the toe binding 710 without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 710 structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the front protuberance 726 is within the scope of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, the toe binding 710 comprises a shaped rod formed to including the entry channel 754 and the opening 751. The shaped rod may also include the shaft notch 756. The shaped rod may be fabricated from steel rod or any other technically feasible material.

FIG. 7F is a top view of the toe binding assembly 702, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe hitch 725 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 728, through the entry channel 754 and guide channel 750, until the front protuberance 726 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 752. At this point, the shaft 727 may rise into the shaft notch 756. Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After binding the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710, the snowboarder is still able to rotate the toe hitch 725 about a constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the toe side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element 730 to the magnetic element 720, or the snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 730 to the magnetic element 720 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.

FIG. 7G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly 704, according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding assembly 704 includes the toe binding 710 and toe hitch 725. In one embodiment, the toe hitch 725 includes a front protuberance 726 and a shaft 727. The toe hitch 725 is robustly coupled to the toe side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 725 may be coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible technique. The toe hitch 725 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The toe binding 710 includes a base 779 and a top 778. The base 779 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220. The top 778 is fabricated to include an entry channel 772, and a hitch stop 770. The top 778 may also include a guide channel (not shown) disposed between the entry channel 772 and hitch stop 770. The toe binding 710 may include an opening 771 configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 778 and base 779.

In one embodiment, the toe binding 710 is attached to the magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 710 as a single article. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210 and toe binding 710 may be fabricated from, for example, structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 772 and hitch stop 770, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as a self-lubricating plastic.

A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 726 of the toe hitch 725 along attachment path 728, and into the entry channel 772 until the front protuberance 726 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 770. With the front protuberance 726 positioned against the hitch stop 770, the shaft 727 may travel up into a shaft notch 774 while the front protuberance 726 enters the hitch stop 770. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the toe hitch 725,the toe hitch 725 is moveably bound to the toe binding 710 by the combined structure of the front protuberance 726 and hitch stop 770. The shaft notch 774 and hitch stop 770 can constrain lateral motion of the toe hitch 725 when the front protuberance 726 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 770. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the front protuberance 726 is held in place by the hitch stop 770 and shaft notch 774, the toe hitch 725 is, nonetheless, relatively free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front protuberance 726.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures other than the front protuberance 726 may be employed within the toe hitch 725 to couple to the toe binding 710 without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 710 structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the front protuberance 726 is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 7H is a side view of the toe binding assembly 704, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe hitch 725 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 728, through the entry channel 772 until the front protuberance 726 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 770. At this point, the shaft 727 may rise into the shaft notch 774. Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After binding the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710, the snowboarder is still able to rotate the toe hitch 725 about a constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the toe side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element 730 to the magnetic element 720, or the snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 730 to the magnetic element 720 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.

FIG. 7J illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly 706, according to one embodiment of the invention. The heel binding assembly 706 includes permeable element 730 and magnetic element 720. The permeable element 730 is coupled to the heel portion of rear boot 230 such that when the rear boot 230 is pressed flush against the interface surface 714, the permeable element 730 is in aligned contact with the magnetic element 720. The magnetic element 720 may include a magnetic module 722 configured to include at least one permanent magnet. Embodiments of the magnetic module 722 are discussed in greater detail below in FIGS. 9 through 12C.

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes permeable element 830, and the magnetic binding assembly includes an associated magnetic element 820. Permeable element 830 should correspond to an instance of permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and magnetic element 820 should correspond to an instance of magnetic element 332. In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes one permeable element 830. The boot binding assembly 222 is incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding assembly 220 includes magnetic element 820, configured to align with the permeable elements 830, when the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in alignment, as shown, over the magnetic binding assembly 220.

As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using technically feasible means.

In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes two or more permeable elements 830, and the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic elements 820, positioned to align with the two or more permeable elements.

In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a stop wall 812 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning the permeable element 830 within the rear boot sole 232 with the magnetic element 820 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As the snowboarder brings the permeable element 830 into closer to alignment with the magnetic element 820, the stop wall 812 may serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding assembly 220. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 812.

In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes a heel binding 810 and the boot binding assembly 222 includes heel hitch 825. The heel hitch 825 is configured to attach to the heel binding 810, thereby providing a temporary attachment between the heel portion of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. To attach the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810, the snowboarder maneuvers the heel hitch 825, disposed at the heel side of the rear boot 230, into proximity of the heel binding 810, and inserts the heel hitch 825 into an opening within the heel binding 810. In this maneuver, the snowboarder causes the heel hitch 825 to follow an attachment path at an approach angle operable for attachment to the heel binding 810. In a preferred embodiment, the heel hitch 825 may be attached to the heel binding 810 from a range of approach angles. Once the heel hitch 825 is attached to the heel binding 810, the heel hitch 825 should remain able to rotate relative to the heel binding 810 within a range of attachment angles approximately about the attachment point. This ability to attach the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810 from a range of attachment angles enables the snowboarder to attach the heel side of the rear boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 prior to dismount, improving overall alignment of the rear boot 230 with the magnetic binding assembly 220 upon dismount.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As described previously, permeable element 830 of the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding element 820 is disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The rear boot sole 232 includes at least one region of tread 840, configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the permeable element 830 should be disposed in the heel region of the rear boot 230.

In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes an interface surface 814, configured to approximately conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment, the interface surface 814 is concave to approximately match a convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the interface surface 814 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape of the interface surface 814 should generally enable alignment between permeable element 830 and magnetic element 820.

FIG. 8C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable element 830 is aligned with magnetic element 820, allowing permeable element 830 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element 820. In this attached configuration, the permeable element 830 and magnetic element 820 should be configured to generate a working force 432, as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 8D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a toe rotation, according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220 using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient detachment maneuver involves rotating the toe of the rear boot 230 so as to misalign permeable element 830 from magnetic element 820, which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230. The snowboarder may then remove the heel hitch 825 from the heel binding 810 by sliding the heel hitch 825 free of the heel binding 810. As a result, the rear boot 230 may be conveniently detached from the snowboard 210.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a toe rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising two or more pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.

FIG. 8E illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly 802, according to one embodiment of the invention. The heel binding assembly 802 includes the heel binding 810 and heel hitch 825. In one embodiment, the heel hitch 825 includes a rear protuberance 826 and a shaft 827. The heel hitch 825 is robustly coupled to the heel side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The heel hitch 825 may be coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible technique. The heel hitch 825 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The heel binding 810 includes a base 859 and a top 858. The base 859 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220. The top 858 is fabricated to include an entry channel 854, a guide channel 850, and a hitch stop 852. The heel binding 810 may include an opening 851 configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 858 and base 859.

In one embodiment, the heel binding 810 is attached to the magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is fabricated to incorporate the heel binding 810 as a single article. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210 and heel binding 810 may be fabricated from, for example, structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 854, guide channel 850, and hitch stop 852, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as a self-lubricating plastic.

A snowboarder may maneuver the rear protuberance 826 of the heel hitch 825 along attachment path 828, and into the entry channel 854, and along the guide channel'850, until the rear protuberance 826 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 852. With the rear protuberance 826 positioned against the hitch stop 852, the shaft 827 may travel up into a shaft notch 856. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the heel hitch 825, the heel hitch 825 is moveably bound to the heel binding 810 by the combined structure of the rear protuberance 826 and guide channel 850. The shaft notch 856 and hitch stop 852 can constrain lateral motion of the heel hitch 825 when the rear protuberance 826 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 852. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the rear protuberance 826 is held in place by the guide channel 850 and shaft notch 856, the heel hitch 825 is, nonetheless, relatively free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the rear protuberance 826.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures other than the rear protuberance 826 may be employed within the heel hitch 825 to couple to the heel binding 810 without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any heel binding 810 structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the rear protuberance 826 is within the scope of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, the heel binding 810 comprises a shaped rod formed to including the entry channel 854 and the opening 851. The shaped rod may also include the shaft notch 856. The shaped rod may be fabricated from steel rod or any other technically feasible material.

FIG. 8F is a top view of the heel binding assembly 802, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the heel hitch 825 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 828, through the entry channel 854 and guide channel 850, until the rear protuberance 826 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 852. At this point, the shaft 827 may rise into the shaft notch 856. Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After binding the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810, the snowboarder is still able to rotate the heel hitch 825 about a constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the heel side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element 830 to the magnetic element 820, or the snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 830 to the magnetic element 820 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.

FIG. 8G illustrates another exemplary heel binding assembly 804, according to one embodiment of the invention. The heel binding assembly 804 includes the heel binding 810 and heel hitch 825. In one embodiment, the heel hitch 825 includes a rear protuberance 826 and a shaft 827. The heel hitch 825 is robustly coupled to the heel side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The heel hitch 825 may be coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible technique. The heel hitch 825 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The heel binding 810 includes a base 879 and a top 878. The base 879 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220. The top 878 is fabricated to include an entry channel 872, and a hitch stop 870. The top 878 may also include a guide channel (not shown) disposed between the entry channel 872 and hitch stop 870. The heel binding 810 may include an opening 871 configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 878 and base 879.

In one embodiment, the heel binding 810 is attached to the magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is fabricated to incorporate the heel binding 810 as a single article. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210 and heel binding 810 may be fabricated from, for example, structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 872 and hitch stop 870, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as a self-lubricating plastic.

A snowboarder may maneuver the rear protuberance 826 of the heel hitch 825 along attachment path 828, and into the entry channel 872 until the rear protuberance 826 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 870. With the rear protuberance 826 positioned against the hitch stop 870, the shaft 827 may travel up into a shaft notch 874 while the rear protuberance 826 enters the hitch stop 870. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the heel hitch 825, the heel hitch 825 is moveably bound to the heel binding 810 by the combined structure of the rear protuberance 826 and hitch stop 870. The shaft notch 874 and hitch stop 870 can constrain lateral motion of the heel hitch 825 when the rear protuberance 826 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 870. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the rear protuberance 826 is held in place by the hitch stop 870 and shaft notch 874, the heel hitch 825 is, nonetheless, relatively free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the rear protuberance 826.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures other than the rear protuberance 826 may be employed within the heel hitch 825 to couple to the heel binding 810 without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any heel binding 810 structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the rear protuberance 826 is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 8H is a side view of the heel binding assembly 804, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the heel hitch 825 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 828, through the entry channel 872 until the rear protuberance 826 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 870. At this point, the shaft 827 may rise into the shaft notch 874. Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After binding the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810, the snowboarder is still able to rotate the heel hitch 825 about a constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the heel side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element 830 to the magnetic element 820, or the snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 830 to the magnetic element 820 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.

Magnetic Binding Modules

FIG. 9A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding module 902, according to one embodiment of the invention. The magnetic binding module 902 includes a permeable element 914, and a magnetic element 920. The permeable element 914 comprises at least one permeable component 910, with a characteristic dimension 912. For example, if the permeable component 910 is round (as viewed from a top view), then the dimension 912 should be a measure of diameter. For a square permeable component 910, dimension 912 should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable component 910 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. Persons skilled in the art will understand that, without limitation, many alloys of ferrous steel, and certain alloys of nickel exhibit relative magnetic permeability greater than one hundred. In a preferred embodiment, the material exhibits low residual magnetism.

The magnetic element 920 comprises at least one permeable cup 922 and at least one permeable magnet 928. The permeable cup 922 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 922 includes a raised perimeter wall 924 that generally encircles a base of the permeable cup 922. The perimeter wall 924 also generally encircles a permanent magnet 928, which is attached to the base. In one embodiment, a gap 934 separates the permanent magnet 928 from the perimeter wall 924. The gap 934 may be filled with air, plastic, or any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than ten) relative magnetic permeability.

In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 924 forms a circular structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 9B. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall 924 may form structures other than a circular structure without departing from the scope of this invention. A dimension 930 generally characterizes a size for the permeable cup 922. For example, if the permeable cup 922 is circular, then dimension 930 defines a diameter.

The permanent magnet 928 may be mounted at an offset 932 with respect to a base floor 926, which represents an inward facing surface of the cup base. The offset 932 may be positive, as shown; or the offset 932 may be negative, such that the permanent magnet 928 protrudes into a cavity in the cup base floor 926. The offset 932 may also be approximately zero, where the permanent magnet 928 is mounted flush with the base floor 926.

In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 922 should be fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic permeability of greater than one hundred. Many well-known alloys of ferrous steel exhibit a relative magnetic permeability greater than one hundred, and certain well-known specialty alloys such as “mu metal” can exhibit a relative magnetic permeability of greater than five thousand. The permanent magnet 928 may be manufactured using any technically feasible materials that can form a permanent magnet. Such materials including the well-known compositions referred to in the art as “samarium cobalt” and “neodymium.” In a preferred embodiment, dimension 912 is larger than dimension 930. In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 928 and the top surface of the perimeter wall 924 are approximately co-planer with plane 940.

The permeable element 914 may include, without limitation, a structural housing (not shown) for the permeable component 910. The structural housing may be a part of one article configured to be bound to another article. The another article may include, without limitation, the magnetic element 920. The permeable cup 922 serves to guide and focus magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 928, which should be configured to generate one pole facing the base floor 926 and one pole facing the permeable component 910. The flux directed to the base floor 926 is guided from the base floor 926 to the perimeter wall 924, forming a relatively tight path compared to a permanent magnet without a permeable cup 922. When the permeable component 910 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 928, the two are drawn together and bound until separated. In this scenario, the flux path starts where permanent magnet 928 meets the permeable component 910, flows through the permeable component 910, through the perimeter wall 924, through the base floor 926, and back to the permanent magnet 928. As a consequence of the permanent magnet 928 and permeable component 910 being magnetically bound, the one article and the another article are also magnetically bound.

The permeable cup 922 serves to guide and focus magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 928, which should be configured to generate one pole facing the base floor 926 and one pole facing the permeable component 910. The flux directed to the base floor 926 is guided from the base floor 926 to the perimeter wall 924, forming a relatively tight path. When the permeable component 910 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 928, the two are drawn together and bound until separated. In this scenario, the flux path starts where permanent magnet 928 meets the permeable component 910, flows through the permeable component 910, through the perimeter wall 1024, through the base floor 926, and back to the permanent magnet 928.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the magnetic binding module 902 of FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly 222 of FIG. 2A to the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 should include at least one permeable element 914 of the magnetic binding module 902. The magnetic binding assembly 220 should include at least one magnetic element 920 of the magnetic binding module 902.

In one embodiment, the permeable element 914 corresponds to the permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and the magnetic element 920 corresponds to magnetic element 332, which is at least partially enclosed by structural housing 330. Magnetic binding assembly 220 should include the structural housing 330, which may include attachment means for attaching the magnetic binding assembly to the top surface 212.

As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using technically feasible means.

The structural housing 330 may form an assembly surface 942, above the plane 940. In one embodiment, a barrier is formed between the permeable element 914 and the magnetic element 920. The barrier may be formed by material associated with the structural housing 330, or by a separate article of material disposed between plane 940 and assembly surface 942.

FIG. 9C is an internal top view of the magnetic binding module 920 along plane 940, according to one embodiment of the invention. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter wall 924 are both circular in shape. A circular gap 934 separates permanent magnet 928 from perimeter wall 924. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter wall 924 may form other shapes with a correspondingly shaped gap 934 without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, such other shapes may include, without limitation, a square, a triangle, an oval, and a diamond.

FIG. 9D is a top view of the magnetic binding module 920, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, no portion of the magnetic element 920 is visible above the assembly surface 942.

FIG. 9E is a side view of another exemplary magnetic binding module 904, according to one embodiment of the invention. The magnetic binding module 904 includes a permeable element 914, and a magnetic element 920. The permeable element 914 comprises at least one permeable component 910, with a characteristic dimension 912. For example, if the permeable component 910 is round (as viewed from a top view), then the dimension 912 should be a measure of diameter. For a square permeable component 910, dimension 912 should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable component 910 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. Persons skilled in the art will understand that, without limitation, many alloys of ferrous steel, and certain alloys of nickel exhibit relative magnetic permeability greater than one hundred. In a preferred embodiment, the material exhibits low residual magnetism.

The magnetic element 920 comprises at least one permeable cup 922 and at least one permeable magnet 928. The permeable cup 922 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 922 includes a raised perimeter wall 924 that generally encircles a base of the permeable cup 922. The perimeter wall 924 also generally encircles a permanent magnet 928, which is attached to the base. In one embodiment, a gap 934 separates the permanent magnet 928 from the perimeter wall 924. The gap 934 may be filled with air, plastic, or any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than ten) relative magnetic permeability.

In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 924 forms a circular structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 9B. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall 924 may form structures other than a circular structure without departing from the scope of this invention. A dimension 930 generally characterizes a size for the permeable cup 922. For example, if the permeable cup 922 is circular, then dimension 930 defines a diameter.

The permanent magnet 928 may be mounted at an offset 932 with respect to a base floor 926, which represents an inward facing surface of the cup base. The offset 932 may be positive; or the offset 932 may be negative, as shown, such that the permanent magnet 928 protrudes into a cavity in the cup base floor 926. The offset 932 may also be approximately zero, where the permanent magnet 928 is mounted flush with the base floor 926.

In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 922 is fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic permeability of greater than one hundred. The permanent magnet 928 may be manufactured using any technically feasible materials that can form a permanent magnet. In a preferred embodiment, dimension 912 is larger than dimension 930. In one embodiment, the top of permanent magnet 928 is disposed in a lower position than the top surface of the perimeter wall 924. The top of permanent magnet 928 is approximately co-planar with plane 940, while the top surface of the perimeter wall 924 is co-planar with plane surface 943.

The permeable element 914 may include, without limitation, a structural housing (not shown) for the permeable component 910. The structural housing may be a part of one article configured to be bound to another article. The another article may include, without limitation, the magnetic element 920. When the permeable component 910 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 928, the two are drawn together and bound until separated. As a consequence, the one article and the another article are also drawn together until separated.

FIG. 9F is a side view of the magnetic binding module 904 of FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly 222 of FIG. 2A to the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 should include at least one permeable element 914 of the magnetic binding module 904. The magnetic binding assembly 220 should include at least one magnetic element 920 of the magnetic binding module 904.

In one embodiment, the permeable element 914 corresponds to the permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and the magnetic element 920 corresponds to magnetic element 332, which is at least partially enclosed by structural housing 330. Magnetic binding assembly 220 should include the structural housing 330, which may include attachment means for attaching the magnetic binding assembly to the top surface 212. As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using technically feasible means.

The structural housing 330 may form a surface plane 943, above the plane 940. In one embodiment, a barrier is formed between the permeable element 914 and the permanent magnet 928. The barrier may be formed by material associated with the structural housing 330, or by a separate article of material disposed between plane 940 and surface plane 943. As shown, the perimeter wall 924 should be substantially exposed to the permeable element 914 without the barrier intervening.

FIG. 9G is an internal top view of the magnetic binding module 920 along plane 940, according to one embodiment of the invention. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter wall 924 are both circular in shape. A circular gap 934 separates permanent magnet 928 from perimeter wall 924. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter wall 924 may form other shapes with a correspondingly shaped gap 934 without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, such other shapes may include, without limitation, a square, a triangle, an oval, and a diamond.

FIG. 9H is a top view of the magnetic binding module 920, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the perimeter wall 924 portion of the magnetic element 920 is visible above the surface plane 943, however the magnetic element 928 is shielded.

The magnetic element 920 of FIG. 9A, 9E or 9F may be coupled to or integrated into magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-8G. For example, each magnetic element 520, 620, and 820 of FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of magnetic element 920 of FIG. 9A. Similarly, magnetic element 920 of FIG. 9E may be used as magnetic elements 520, 620, 820. Similarly, magnetic element 920 of FIG. 9F may be used as magnetic elements 520, 620, 820.

The permeable element 914 of FIG. 9A may be coupled to or integrated into boot binding assembly 222 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-8G. For example, each permeable element 530, 630, and 830 of FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of permeable element 914 of FIG. 9A. Similarly, permeable element 914 of FIG. 9E may be used as permeable elements 530, 630, 830. Similarly, permeable element 914 of FIG. 9F may be used as permeable elements 530, 630, 830.

FIG. 10A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding module 1002, according to one embodiment of the invention. The magnetic binding module 1002 includes an attachment assembly 1092 and a magnetic binding assembly 1090. The attachment assembly 1092 includes a permeable element 1014. The magnetic binding assembly 1090 includes a magnetic element 1020. The attachment assembly 1092 may be fabricated as an integral part of one article (not shown) and the magnetic binding assembly 1090 may be fabricated as an integral part of another article (not shown). The one article and the another article may be magnetically bound together when the attachment assembly 1092 is brought into close proximity with the magnetic binding assembly 1090. Alternatively, the attachment assembly 1092 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is configured to be coupled to the one article and the magnetic biding assembly 1090 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is configured to be coupled to the another article, so that the one article and the another article may magnetically bound together by the attachment assembly 1092 and the magnetic binding assembly 1090 binding together. Any technically feasible technique may be used to couple the one article to the attachment assembly 1092. Any technically feasible technique may be used to couple the another article to the magnetic binding assembly 1090.

The permeable element 1014 provides a structure for at least one permeable component 1010, with a characteristic dimension 1012. For example, if the permeable component 1010 is round (as viewed from a top view), then the dimension 1012 should be a measure of diameter. For a square permeable component 1010, the dimension 1012 should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable component 1010 should be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred, such as any ferrous steel, or any permeable nickel alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the material exhibits low residual magnetism.

The permeable element 1014 is fabricated to include a concave structure 1016 with a characteristic dimension 1013. If the concave structure 1016 forms a circular structure, when viewed from a top perspective, then the dimension 1013 is a measure of outer diameter. Dimension 1013 should be larger than dimension 1012. The concave structure 1016 is characterized by depth 1018. Portions of the permeable element 1014, such as the concave structure 1016, may be fabricated from any technically feasible material that exhibits low magnetic permeability. Such materials include, without limitation, many well-known plastics and composites, and certain metals such as aluminum.

The magnetic element 1020 comprises at least one permeable cup 1022 and at least one permeable magnet 1028. The permeable cup 1022 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 1022 includes a raised perimeter wall 1024 that generally encircles a base of the permeable cup 1022. The perimeter wall 1024 also generally encircles a permanent magnet 1028, which is attached to the base. In one embodiment, a gap 1034 separates the permanent magnet 1028 from the perimeter wall 1024. The gap 1034 may be filled with air, plastic, or any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than ten) relative magnetic permeability.

In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 1024 forms a circular structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 10D. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall 1024 may form a structure other than a circular structure without departing from the scope of this invention. A dimension 1030 generally characterizes a size for the permeable cup 1022. For example, if the permeable cup 1022 is circular, then dimension 1030 defines a diameter. In a preferred embodiment, dimension 1012 is larger than dimension 1030.

The permanent magnet 1028 may be mounted at an offset 1032 with respect to a base floor 1026, which represents an inward facing surface of the cup base. The offset 1032 may be positive, as shown; or the offset 1032 may be negative, such that the permanent magnet 1028 protrudes into a cavity in the cup base floor 1026. The offset 1032 may also be approximately zero, where the permanent magnet 1028 is mounted flush with the base floor 1026.

In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 1022 should be fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic permeability of greater than one hundred. The permanent magnet 1028 may be manufactured using any technically feasible materials that can form a permanent magnet.

The magnetic binding assembly 1090 includes a convex structure 1050 that has a height of dimension 1044. The convex structure 1050 may be formed as part of a structural housing 1094 that generally encloses and protects the magnetic element 1020. The convex structure 1050 may also be formed as a separate component attached to the structural housing 1094. Height dimension 1044 should be approximately equal to dimension 1018, corresponding to the depth of the concave structure 1016. Plane 1042, which corresponds to a top surface of the magnetic binding assembly 1090, may be positioned dimension 1044 above plane 1040, as shown. The convex structure 1050 formed between planes 1042 and 1040 acts as a protective barrier for the permanent magnet 1028, and may act as a protective barrier for the perimeter wall 1024.

In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 1028 and the top surface of the perimeter wall 1024 are approximately co-planer with plane 1040, as shown, with the convex structure 1050 forming a barrier protecting both the permanent magnet 1028 and the perimeter wall 1024. In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1024 is coplanar with plane 1042. In this alternative embodiment, perimeter wall 1024 and is exposed. In this embodiment, the convex structure 1050 acts as a protective barrier for the permanent magnet 1028, but does not act as a barrier for the perimeter wall 1024.

The permeable cup 1022 serves to guide and focus magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 1028, which should be configured to generate one pole facing the base floor 1026 and one pole facing the permeable component 1010. The flux directed to the base floor 1026 is guided from the base floor 1026 to the perimeter wall 1024, forming a relatively tight path compared to a permanent magnet without the permeable cup 1022. When the permeable component 1010 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 1028, the two are drawn together and bound until separated. In this scenario, the flux path starts where permanent magnet 1028 meets the permeable component 1010, flows through the permeable component 1010, through the perimeter wall 1024, through the base floor 1026, and back to the permanent magnet 1028. As a consequence of the permanent magnet 1028 and permeable component 1010 being magnetically bound, the one article and the another article are also magnetically bound.

When the permeable component 1010 is disposed in sufficiently close proximity to the permanent magnet 1028, the attachment assembly 1092 becomes bound to the magnetic binding assembly 1090 in a bound configuration. In one bound configuration, the convex structure 1050 protrudes into the concave structure 1016 and a bottom surface 1011 of the permeable component 1010 is approximately coplanar with plane 1042. To unbind the attachment assembly 1092 from the magnetic binding assembly 1090, the attachment assembly 1092 may be pushed laterally so that the concave structure 1016 is pushed against the convex structure 1050. As the concave structure 1016 is pushed along the convex structure 1050, the bottom surface is tilted away from plane 1042. As a consequence, permeable component 1010 is separated from permanent magnet 1028. Separating the permeable component 1010 from the permanent magnet 1028 diminishes an associated magnetic binding force between the two, allowing the attachment assembly 1092 to be easily unbound from the magnetic binding assembly 1090. Dimension 1056 represents a difference between dimension 1013 and a comparable dimension for the convex structure 1050 (not shown). Dimension 1056 should be larger than zero. When dimension 1056 is larger than zero, the bound configuration may tolerate a misalignment between the concave structure 1016 and the convex structure 1050, characterized approximately by dimension 1056.

In alternative embodiments, the attachment assembly 1092 may include more than one permeable element 1014, and the magnetic binding assembly 1090 may include a corresponding set of magnetic elements 1020.

FIG. 10B is a side view of the magnetic binding module 1002 of FIG. 10A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly 222 of FIG. 2A to the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 corresponds to the attachment assembly 1092 of FIG. 10A. The magnetic binding assembly 220 corresponds to the magnetic binding assembly 1090. As shown, structural housing 1094 of the magnetic binding assembly 1090 corresponds to structural housing 330 of FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the permeable element 1014 corresponds to the permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and the magnetic element 1020 corresponds to magnetic element 332, which is at least partially enclosed by structural housing 330. Magnetic binding assembly 220 should include the structural housing 330, which should include attachment means for attaching the magnetic binding assembly to the top surface 212.

As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210. Any technically feasible attachment means may be used to attach the magnetic binding assembly 220 to the snowboard 210 without departing from the scope of this invention.

The structural housing 330 may form a protective barrier, in the form of convex structure 1050, between the magnetic element 1020 and the permeable element 1014.

Importantly, the boot binding assembly 222 may be placed imprecisely within a tolerance of approximately dimension 1056 onto the magnetic binding assembly 220 without significant loss of binding strength. This tolerance of imprecise placement allows the snowboarder to bind the boot binding assembly 222 and the magnetic binding assembly 220 in a relatively uncontrolled setting, such as at a chairlift dismount.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view the convex structure 1050, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the convex structure 1050 includes tapered sidewalls. The concave structure 1060 of FIGS. 10A and 10B should be configured to slide against the tapered sidewalls of the concave structure 1050 in order to separate the attachment assembly 1092 from the magnetic binding assembly 1090.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a convex structure 1050 configured to expose a portion of the perimeter wall 1024, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the convex structure exposes perimeter wall 1024 for direct contact with the permeable component 1010 of FIG. 10A. The permanent magnet 1028 should be shielded by the convex structure 1050, and gap 1034 should separate the permanent magnet 1028 from the perimeter wall 1024.

The magnetic element 1020 of FIG. 10A may be coupled to or integrated into magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-8G. For example, each magnetic element 520, 620, and 820 of FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of magnetic element 1020 of FIG. 9A.

The permeable element 1014 of FIG. 10A may be coupled to or integrated into boot binding assembly 222 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-8G. For example, each permeable element 530, 630, and 830 of FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of permeable element 1014 of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding module 1102, according to one embodiment of the invention. The magnetic binding module 1102 includes a permeable element 1114 and a magnetic element 1120.

The magnetic element 1120 may be fabricated as an integral part of one article (not shown) and the permeable element 1114 may be fabricated as an integral part of another article (not shown). The one article and the another article may be magnetically bound together when the permeable element 1114 is brought into close proximity with the magnetic element 1120. Alternatively, the permeable element 1114 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is configured to be coupled to the one article and the magnetic element 1120 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is configured to be coupled to the another article, so that the one article and the another article may magnetically bound together by the permeable element 1114 and the magnetic element 1120 binding together. Any technically feasible technique may be used to couple the one article to the permeable element 1114. Any technically feasible technique may be used to couple the another article to the magnetic element 1120.

The permeable element 1114 provides a structure for at least one permeable component 1110, with a characteristic dimension 1112. For example, if the permeable component 1110 is round (as viewed from a top view), then the dimension 1112 should be a measure of diameter. For a square permeable component 1110, the dimension 1112 should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable component 1110 should be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred, such as any ferrous steel, or any permeable nickel alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the material exhibits low residual magnetism.

The permeable element 1114 is fabricated to include a concave structure 1116 with a characteristic dimension 1113. If the concave structure 1116 forms a circular structure, when viewed from a top perspective, then the dimension 1113 is a measure of outer diameter. Dimension 1113 should be larger than dimension 1112. The concave structure 1116 is characterized by depth 1118. Portions of the permeable element 1114, such as the concave structure 1116, may be fabricated from any technically feasible material that exhibits low magnetic permeability. Such materials include, without limitation, many well-known plastics and composites, and certain metals such as aluminum.

The magnetic element 1120 comprises at least one permeable cup 1122 and at least one permeable magnet 1128. The permeable cup 1122 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 1122 includes a raised perimeter wall 1124 that generally encircles a base of the permeable cup 1122. The perimeter wall 1124 also generally encircles a permanent magnet 1128, which is attached to the base. In one embodiment, a gap 1134 separates the permanent magnet 1128 from the perimeter wall 1124. The gap 1134 may be filled with air, plastic, or any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than ten) relative magnetic permeability.

In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 forms a circular structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 11E. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall 1124 may form a structure other than a circular structure without departing from the scope of this invention.

A dimension 1130 generally characterizes a size for the convex structure 1150. For example, if the permeable cup 1122 is circular, then dimension 1130 defines an outside diameter for a convex structure 1150. Dimension 1112 should be larger than dimension 1130.

The permanent magnet 1128 may be mounted at an offset with respect to base floor 1126, which represents an inward facing surface of the cup base. The offset may be positive, such that the permanent magnet 1128 rests above the base floor 1126; or the offset may be negative, such that the permanent magnet 1128 protrudes into a cavity in the base floor 1126. The offset may also be approximately zero, as shown, where the permanent magnet 1128 is mounted flush with the base floor 1126.

In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 1122 should be fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic permeability of greater than one hundred. The permanent magnet 1128 may be manufactured using any technically feasible materials that can form a permanent magnet.

The magnetic element 1120 includes convex structure 1150,which may be formed as part of a cup housing 1164 configured to generally enclose and protect the permeable cup 1122. Dimension 1144 corresponds to a height of the convex structure 1150. Dimension 1118 corresponding to a depth of the concave structure 1116. The convex structure 1150 formed above permanent magnet 1128 acts as a protective barrier for permanent magnet 1128, and may act as a protective barrier for the perimeter wall 1124.

In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 1128 and the top surface of the perimeter wall 1124 are approximately co-planer, as shown. In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 is not coplanar with permanent magnet 1128; rather, the perimeter wall 1124 is exposed above convex structure 1150. In this embodiment, the convex structure 1150 acts as a protective barrier for the permanent magnet 1128, but does not act as a barrier for the perimeter wall 1124.

The permeable cup 1122 serves to guide and focus magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 1128, which should be configured to generate one pole facing the base floor 1126 and one pole facing the permeable component 1110. The flux directed to the base floor 1126 is guided from the base floor 1126 to the perimeter wall 1124, forming a relatively tight path compared to a permanent magnet without the permeable cup 1122. When the permeable component 1110 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 1128, the two are drawn together and magnetically bound until separated. In this scenario, the flux path starts where permanent magnet 1128 meets the permeable component 1110, flows through the permeable component 1110, through the perimeter wall 1124, through the base floor 1126, and back to the permanent magnet 1128. As a consequence of the permanent magnet 1128 and permeable component 1110 being magnetically bound, the one article and the another article are also magnetically bound.

When the permeable component 1110 is disposed in sufficiently close proximity to the permanent magnet 1128, the permeable component 1110 becomes bound to the magnetic element 1120 in a bound configuration. In one bound configuration, the convex structure 1150 protrudes into the concave structure 1116 and a bottom surface 1111 of the permeable component 1110 is approximately coplanar with plane 1142, which represents a top surface of the convex structure 1150.

To unbind the permeable element 1114 from the magnetic element 1120, the permeable element 1114 may be pushed laterally so that the concave structure 1116 is pushed against the convex structure 1150. As the concave structure 1116 is pushed along the convex structure 1150, the bottom surface is tilted away from plane 1142. As a consequence, permeable component 1110 is separated from permanent magnet 1128. Separating the permeable component 1110 from the permanent magnet 1128 diminishes an associated magnetic binding force between the two, allowing the two to be easily unbound from each other.

In one embodiment dimension 1144 is greater than dimension 1118. In a bound configuration, a flexible seal 1152 allows the cup housing 1164 to be pushed into a magnetic element housing 1160 against a spring device 1162. The flexible seal 1152 should maintain a barrier against outside contaminants entering an inner cavity within the magnetic element housing 1160. The spring device 1162 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material. For example, the spring device 1162 may be metallic or fabricated from a polymer gel. The flexible seal 1152 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material. The material should be flexible while maintaining a good seal. If the permeable element 1114 is coupled to a weight, then the force of the weight may be coupled to the cup housing 1164 when the magnetic binding module 1102 is in a bound configuration. In this scenario, the force of the weight may drive cup housing 1164 into the spring device 1162. In an alternative embodiment dimension 1144 is equal to dimension 1118 and the weight is coupled directly from the permeable element 1114 to the magnetic element housing 1160.

Vertical (up and down) motion of the cup housing 1164 is moderated by the spring device 1162 and restricted by the magnetic element housing 1160. Vertical motion of the cup housing 1164 with respect to element housing 1160 is also generally restricted to be a difference between dimensions 1144 and 1118.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the exemplary floating magnetic binding module 1102 in an attached configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the flexible seal deforms to accommodate relative movement between the cup housing 164 and the magnetic element housing 1160.

In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 is fabricated to be exposed above the convex structure 1150. In this embodiment, the convex structure 1150 is configured to shield the permanent magnet 1128, but not an exposed surface of the perimeter wall 1124.

FIG. 11C is a side view of an alternate floating magnetic binding module 1104, according to one embodiment of the invention. The alternate floating magnetic binding module 1104 operates similarly to the floating magnetic binding module 1102 of FIGS. 11A and 11B, however the permeable cup 1122 of the alternate floating magnetic binding module 1104 is configured to interface directly with the magnetic element housing 1160 to restrict vertical motion of the permeable cup 1122 away from the magnetic element housing 1160.

In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 is fabricated to be exposed above the convex structure 1150. In this embodiment, the convex structure 1150 is configured to shield the permanent magnet 1128, but not an exposed surface of the perimeter wall 1124.

FIG. 11D is a side view of a modified floating magnetic binding module 1106, according to one embodiment of the invention. The modified floating magnetic binding module 1106 operates similarly to the floating magnetic binding module 1102 of FIGS. 11A and 11B, however the permeable cup 1122 of the modified floating magnetic binding module 1106 is configured to interface directly with the magnetic element housing 1160 to restrict vertical motion of the permeable cup 1122 away from the magnetic element housing 1160. Furthermore, the permeable cup 1122 is fabricated to include the convex structure 1150.

FIG. 11E is a perspective view of the magnetic binding modules 1102, 1104, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the flexible seal 1152 encircles the convex structure 1150. Flexible seal 1152 enables the permeable cup 1122 and convex structure 1150 of FIGS. 11A-11C to move up and down with respect to the magnetic element housing 1160, while maintaining a seal.

FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the modified magnetic binding module 1106 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the flexible seal 1152 encircles the convex structure 1150. Flexible seal 1152 enables the permeable cup 1122, which includes the convex structure 1150, of FIG. 11D to move up and down with respect to the magnetic element housing 1160, while maintaining a seal. Importantly, the convex structure 1150 is fabricated as part of the permeable cup 1122.

The magnetic element 1120 of FIG. 11A may be coupled to or integrated into magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-6J, 8A-8G. For example, each magnetic element 520, 620, 820 of FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of magnetic element 1120 of FIG. 11A. Similarly, magnetic element 1120 of FIG. 11C may be used as magnetic elements 520, 620, 820. Similarly, magnetic element 1120 of FIG. 11D may be used as magnetic elements 520, 620, 820.

The permeable element 1114 of FIG. 11A may be coupled to or integrated into boot binding assembly 222 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-6J, 8A-8G. For example, each permeable element 530, 630, 830 of FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of permeable element 1114 of FIG. 11A. Similarly, permeable element 1114 of FIG. 11C may be used as permeable elements 530, 630, 830. Similarly, permeable element 1114 of FIG. 11D may be used as permeable elements 530, 630, 830.

FIGS. 9A through 11F illustrate magnetic binding modules comprising a magnetic element and a permeable element. The magnetic element includes a permanent magnet, a permeable cup with a perimeter wall, and a barrier material. The permanent magnet is attached to a base floor of the permeable cup using any technically feasible technique. Specific characteristics of a given magnetic binding module include an offset between a facing surface of the permanent magnet and the base floor, and whether the perimeter wall is at least partially exposed through the barrier material. Embodiments of the invention contemplate each of the three possible offset scenarios (positive, zero, or negative offset) in any combination of three perimeter wall configurations (exposed, partially exposed, and not exposed).

In certain embodiments, gaps along the perimeter wall allow for barrier material shielding the permanent magnet to be connected with barrier material outside the perimeter wall; in such embodiments a structural housing may be fabricated from a fewer components; for example, regions of the perimeter wall may be exposed, however the interior barrier material may be, nonetheless, connected to barrier material outside the perimeter wall. In one embodiment, a convex structure associated with a magnetic element includes one through fifty gaps in the perimeter wall at intervals about the perimeter wall. Each gap should be wide enough to provide structural support to the interior region of barrier material without being overly fragile. For example, each gap should be one millimeter through ten millimeters wide.

FIGS. 10A through 11F illustrate magnetic binding modules that include a convex structure and an associated concave structure, where the convex structure is associated with a magnetic element and the concave structure is associated with a permeable element. In certain embodiments, the concave structure is instead associated with magnetic element and related structures, and the convex structure is associated with the permeable element and related structures.

In certain embodiments, a magnetic element may be fabricated as a separate article and coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 222, as described below in FIGS. 12A-12C. Similarly, each permeable element may be fabricated as a separate article to be coupled to the boot binding assembly 220.

FIG. 12A is a side view of a conically formed magnetic element 1210 mounted in a structural housing 330, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the magnetic element 1210 represents magnetic element 920, 1020, or 1120. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic element 1210 represents a structural housing, such as structural housing 1094. The conically formed magnetic element 1210 is inserted into structural housing 330 for mounting. The conical shape serves to maintain relative mounted positioning between the conically formed magnetic element 1210 and structural housing 330.

FIG. 12B is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic element 1220 mounted in a structural housing 330, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the magnetic element 1210 represents magnetic element 920, 1020, or 1120. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic element 1210 represents a structural housing, such as structural housing 1094. The cylindrically formed magnetic element 1220 is inserted into structural housing 330 for mounting. The cylindrical shape serves to maintain relative mounted positioning between the conically formed magnetic element 1220 and structural housing 330.

FIG. 12C is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 configured to include a threaded installation means, and mounted in a structural housing 330, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the magnetic element 1230 represents magnetic element 920, 1020, or 1120. In alternative embodiments, the cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 represents a structural housing, such as structural housing 1094. The cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 is screwed into structural housing 330 for mounting from an accessible direction with respect to the structural housing 330. Threading 1232, 1234 serves to maintain relative mounted positioning between the cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 and structural housing 330. For example, cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 may be screwed into a magnetic binding assembly 220 to serve as a magnetic element within the magnetic binding assembly 220. The cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 may be screwed in from a top position with respect to the snowboard 210.

FIG. 13A is a top view of a snowboard 210 coupled to a temporary boot platform 1314 using a channel and nut attachment system, according to one embodiment of the invention. Rear binding 240 and front binding 252 are coupled to the snowboard 210 using the same channel and nut system. In one embodiment, two collinear channels 1320, 1322 are embedded along the long axis of the snowboard 210, as shown. In an alternative embodiment a single channel (not shown) spans the length channels 1320 and 1322. In yet another alternative embodiment, a total of three channels (not shown) are embedded within the snowboard 210, so that the temporary boot platform 1314 is coupled to a channel independent of channel 1320.

In one embodiment temporary boot platform 1314 is the magnetic binding assembly 220, as described in FIGS. 2A through 12C. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that any magnetic binding assembly configured to be coupled to snowboard 210 as a temporary boot platform and using the channel and nut attachment system is within the scope of the invention.

In other embodiments, the temporary boot platform 1314 comprises a stomp pad configured to be coupled to the channel and nut attachment system. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that any stomp pad configured to be coupled to snowboard 210 as a temporary boot platform and using the channel and nut attachment system is within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 13B is a side view detail of the channel and nut attachment system, according to one embodiment of the invention. The channel and nut attachment system comprises a T-nut 1332, a channel 1330 and a bolt 1334. The channel 1330 is formed as a c-shaped structure configured to accept the head of the T-nut 1332. The c-shaped structure may be fabricated from any technically feasible material, such as aluminum, steel, certain plastics, composites, or any technically feasible combination thereof. The T-nut 1332 should include a threaded shaft configured to be coupled to the nut 1334. Reinforcement layers 1340, 1342 may be included in the snowboard 210 to reduce deformation of the snowboard 210 when the T-nut 1332 transmits loading force to the channel 1330. The temporary boot platform 1314 becomes coupled to the snowboard 210 when the nut 1334 is screwed into the threaded shaft of the T-nut 1334, which pushes against a structural plane 1315 of the temporary boot platform 1314. The channel 1330 may correspond to channel 1320, 1322, or any other channel embedded within the snowboard 210. The channel and nut attachment system allows the temporary boot platform 1314 to be positioned at an arbitrary position along the channel.

While the permeable cup of each configuration of a magnetic element, described previously, is described as a complete volume of rotation, in alternative embodiments, the magnetic cup may comprise a partial rotation, including, without limitation, a slice approximating a partial rotation.

In one embodiment, the magnetic elements described previously are configured to include a convex surface. In other embodiments, the magnetic elements are configured to include a concave surface. In yet other embodiments, the magnetic elements are configured to include a nominally flat surface. Persons skilled in the art will understand that a corresponding mating surface associated with a permeable element should conform to the magnetic element.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention contemplate placement of one or more permeable elements, as described previously, along the perimeter of the rear boot. Corresponding magnetic elements are mounted within the magnetic binding assembly 220 and configured to bind to the permeable elements.

While the forgoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An apparatus for binding a sports boot to a sports board, the apparatus comprising: a structural element configured to include an open cavity and to be robustly attached to the sports board; anda protuberance element configured to be inserted into the cavity and to be robustly attached to the sports boot,wherein the sports boot is mechanically bound to the sports board when the protuberance element is inserted into the cavity.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a magnetic assembly configured to be robustly attached to the sports board; anda permeable assembly configured to be robustly attached to the sports boot,wherein the sports boot is magnetically bound to the sports board when the permeable assembly is magnetically coupled to the magnetic assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 2; wherein the sports board is a snowboard and the sports boot is a snowboard boot.

4. An apparatus for binding a sports boot to a sports board, the apparatus comprising: a boot assembly including at least one permeable element, wherein the boot assembly is configured to be coupled to an underside of the sports boot; anda magnetic assembly including at least one magnetic element, wherein the magnetic assembly is configured to be coupled to a top surface of the sports board,wherein the boot assembly is configured to be removably bound to the magnetic assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the sports board is a snowboard and the sports boot is a snowboard boot.