Patent Application
20150343297
This invention relates to the field of devices that traverse over snow, ice, and colder climates of the earth in a climbing or sliding fashion. Namely, boot retention devices otherwise known in the field as boot bindings, binding plates, mounting plates, mounting bases, touring snowboard boot bindings, touring ski bindings, soft shelled boot bindings, approach ski bindings, and the like and especially those meant for selective free heel touring and lock heel sliding positions for ski shaped touring devices. This invention also relates to boot bindings oriented mainly for soft shelled boots that serve a touring mode with which the user may move in a walking motion while connected to the device and may also secondarily connect to a sliding device such as a ski or touring device like a split ski board device using a snowboard boot binding. The present invention however could utilize hard-shell boots in some embodiments. Touring boot binding systems are used for retaining a boot to a particular device for traversing over snow and ice covered terrain in a walking fashion. These boot binding systems need to be very versatile to be selectively placed on the ski touring device in a touring walking or telemark or cross-country mode or in an additional mode for lock heel sliding especially when dealing with snowboard boots. Split-boards and/or touring snowboards require a touring binding assembly and separate mounting plate adaptors for attaching all manner of snowboard bindings to the adaptor plates. The adaptor plates selectively allow a touring position for a cross-country style ascension mode and a secondary mode to selectively lock the mounting plate adaptor position for sliding down hill. The user mounts a separate snowboard binding assembly and snowboard boot binding base to the mounting plate assembly which costs a lot and weighs a lot. When the touring binding base plate adaptor is mounted to the system it has the selective ability to pivot allowing a walking motion. Generally the touring pivot position on these systems is located rearward the toe and under the mounting plate top surface creating a limited pivot or a weak touring hinge.
Said prior art also has the ability to accept standard issue snowboard binding systems using three hole and four hole mounting disks which are mounted with screws or bolts to the mounting base creating a sandwich of parts. Additionally, the mounting plate, in one prior art embodiment may optionally change from a walking pivot binding position by a quick-release axle located at a toe region on the base plate adaptor to a fixed non-walking “sliding” position by simply selectively reconnecting the base plate adaptor at a region between the heel and toe region of the base plate portion of the touring binding system in which the touring pivot is stopped.
The present invention overcomes the prior art by offering a snowboard boot binding that has a quick-release axle from a configurable ski touring interface without having to use a separate adaptor to form a touring mode for the binding. The snowboard boot binding is the adaptor touring/locked heel interface and the boot rests directly upon its (configurable ski interface) structures directly with means to secure the snowboard boot to the said binding multiple mode interface. The snowboard boot binding interface in this disclosure is called a mounting plate, mounting base, binding, and the like.
This invention relates to the field of selective pivot touring snowboard boot binding systems especially mounting plates, mounting bases, used on ski systems, split ski and board device type systems, cross-country ski systems, snowshoe systems, skiboards, and touring ski/board device systems able to transition the snowboard boot binding to a variety of ride modes without the need of an adaptor plate used in the prior art.
Touring skis, split-boards, and touring snowboards in general have a specific binding plate/base or mounting plate/base adaptor which is a separate piece from the snowboard binding assembly and a secondary base plate. These snowboard binding assemblies may or may not include straps mounted to the base and the snowboard binding base mounted to the mounting plate adaptor. If straps are included they typically have ratchets buckles for adjusting different snowboard boot sizes within the binding assembly. Skis also have a mounting plate for boots or hard shell boots. Some manufacturers have binding configurations to accept soft shelled boots. In some instances strapless systems or even some strap designs are used for a hands free step-in type engagement to the device for riding on some ski touring devices.
In the current state of the art, snowboard boot mounting plates for touring skis, touring snowboards, and split-ski/boards are all limited by cumbersome binding systems which have complex hardware, a multitude of parts, adaptors, and adaptor interfaces that take up space, weight, money, and time. Furthermore, the current state of the art does not provide a snowboard boot binding that has material removed to reduce the weight of the mounting plate and make the boot sole visible through a window in the mounting plate or to move quick release items through the snowboard boot base or boot bed.
All current configurable ski touring snowboard boot binding systems have a complex binding set-up that is heavy, requires an adapter plate to bolt to, and provides a sandwich of parts which require a tool to secure the bolts and screws. There lacks a snowboard boot binding system that can allow selective touring walking ski pivots wherein the adaptor is part of the device binding as one unit and universally accepted on a ski, snowshoe, split-ski/board combination type devices and the like. Some prior art mounting plates/bases for a boot to rest on consists of a single pivot axis for walking in a touring mode and it is typically fixed so that the touring axis mode can never unlock releasing the binding from the touring position in a quick-release fashion. However, some touring snowboard boot bindings may be mounted via bolt or screw to an adaptor plate which has a quick-release touring axle which releases the adaptor plate. The prior art snowboard touring systems teach a standard utility which uses a standard 3 or 4 hole disk used in most snowboard binding boot mounting systems. Furthermore these systems selectively connected to the adaptor plate with the use of tools and screws/bolts to connect the said snowboard binding assembly to the mounting plate adaptor. In short, the prior art snowboard boot touring bindings have not produced a mounting plate interface that the snowboard boot can be mounted directly on while connected adjacent to two configurable ski sections. Furthermore, prior art snowboard boot bindings have not produced a boot bed with a boot sole window allowing the boot bottom to be visible through the boot bed when the boot is mounted to the boot bed or to allow quick release items to pass through the boot bed window directly.
There is also a need in the art of winter ski touring and snowboard touring to provide a touring snowboard boot binding mounting base single unit which has the ability to connect and disconnect at the toe region of the snowboard boot binding mounting base so that the binding mounting base can be separated from the device and can be reconnected to the device or separate device between the toe and the heel region of the snowboard boot binding base “directly” eliminating the need for a separate interfaces or plates to achieve, free heel walking position, a locked heel stance, or non-pivotal gliding stance or transition mode. The snowboard boot binding mounting base/plate could be used on quick connection interfaces of a snowshoe, ski, snowboard, or split-ski/board type devices and except soft shelled boots. In further embodiments, the boot bed or mounting base may be mounted over two configurable ski sections. The two ski section are selectively moved to from a joined sliding surface or the two joined ski sections are selectively separated climbing surface adjacent an articulating binding mounting base. In further embodiments a hard shelled boot could also be used in a separate configuration or embodiment or a strapless step-in system with the mounting plate design. There is also a need for a touring snowboard boot binding system mounting base that is very compact, strong, and light weight. Additionally, a need exists for a binding that is very sturdy and strong but remains light weight and can be utilized on split-skiboard, snowboard, touring ski, telemark ski, separate climbing cleat, or snowshoe or hybrid devices using a boot bed interface in the form of a snowboard boot mounting base.
What is also needed is a snowboard boot binding base boot-bed structure that is selectively connected to the axle pin axis eliminating the need of snowboard boot binding adaptor plates. Additionally, torsion stiffness between the rider and the sliding device is much improved with the pin directly mounted to the snowboard boot binding mounting base and ski device interface. In certain embodiments axle pin, mounting base, and boot variations could be used.
What is needed is a touring pin retainer to hold the touring axis and pin offset the front of the boot bed allowing a more favorable position for the touring snowboard boot binding articulation. Prior art pivots are further back under the foot bed creating a less effective pivot point for articulating the touring snowboard boot binding over configurable ski sections in free heel touring.
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved by current available touring snowboard boot binding systems and mounting plates or mounting bases for snowboard boots to be used on touring skis, split ski boards, snowshoes, and touring snowboards. The title “Multiple direct touring positions for snowboard boot binding mounting base” of this application basically is derived from a broader utility taught herein regarding touring, climbing, and sliding ski shaped devices with “one” boot binding apparatus herein disclosed. Said boot binding mounting base having a universal usefulness in switching climbing and gliding modes in a plurality of winter devices such as ski shaped devices and hybrid devices split ski board devices that allow free heel climbing modes and locked heel sliding modes selectively. In addition, mounting base boot beds specifically designed for snowboard boots may be mounted directly over two configurable ski sections in climb and glide modes is also emphasized as core functions of the invention overcoming the prior art need to bolt or screw a snowboard boot binding mounting plate to an adaptor. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and method and or devices for overcoming the short comings of the art including a touring snowboard boot binding mounting base that attaches snowboard boots to climb and glide ski shaped devices like touring skis, snowboards, split-ski/boards, snowshoes, and crampons, with the use of a rigid removable axle axis interface located in the toe region of the mounting base of the touring snowboard boot binding providing a touring mode interface making possible a walking motion when attached to the touring configurable ski device interface. Additionally, the touring snowboard boot binding system or boot mounting base may also have mountable means for touring, sliding, traction, snowshoe, ski, or split ski board type systems to be applied in separate embodiments to increase options in uphill free heel climbing traction or downhill locked heel sliding modes. In one embodiment the selective axle pivot pin axis position may be located on the front half of the binding base, middle region of the mounting base, or rear half of the snowboard boot binding base. In a further embodiment the boot is unable to slide off the mounting base area because of the use of a boot retaining system. In another embodiment the mounting base front toe portion is in a turned upward fashion or has a slight upward bend or upward structure from the boot bed, or quick release structure from the boot bed, to further prevent the boot from moving forward in the mounted position on the mounting base, and or in other embodiments to aid in securing or accommodating the pivot pin for the touring walking mode or other quick release objects. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the said selective touring snowboard boot mounting base may be configured to accept selective axle positions located on the mounting base allowing the snowboard boot to pivot on or connect to a device such as a ski, board, snowboard, split ski board, or snowshoe or other modes. The boot mounting base may be placed in a second position interface so the touring snowboard boot binding cannot walk pivot on items such as a touring snowboard, split ski/board device, approach ski, or other lock heel ski device interfaces on free heel climb and locked heel slide devices in the snow. The snowboard boot mounting base or plate is able to perform all of the above utility without the use of complex systems, adaptors, binding plates/bases, parts, tools, screws, bolts, and the like, etc. These advantages overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the prior art. Most importantly, these advantages create a boot retaining mounting base which directly locks and unlocks in quick-release fashion a downhill sliding locked heel mode position and a secondary quick-lock and release touring position. The snowboard boot mounting base has an optional walking mode for touring with an axle pin anchored to the boot mounting base and a secondary boot mounting base lock or locks reward the first mode or axle dock. Additionally the boot mounts directly to the mounting base plate eliminating the need for a bulky binding adaptor plates/bases of the prior art. In another embodiment, these advantages create a locked heel sliding position over two ski sections or a free heel touring position over opened ski sections. In a further embodiment, windows in the mounting plate may allow the bottom tread portion of the boot to be visible through the boot bed of the mounting plate. In another embodiment the axis is offset the bootbed.
The current invention, in various embodiments, connects a snowboard boot bed (mounting plate) directly over two connected ski sections in a locked heel mode and a free heel mode where the boot bed pivots when ski sections have been separated. In one embodiment the device may include a mounting base for a boot to rest upon, namely a boot mounting base with direct strap connection means on either side of the boot mounting base for which a resilient strap can be mounted to the sides of the boot mounting base. In a separate embodiment the boot mounting base contains flanges or walls extending from the boot bed of the boot mounting base for the straps to be mounted. In another embodiment the said snowboard boot mounting base contains an axle pivot pin retainers and axis portion offset the front portion of the boot bed for an improved touring motion of the snowboard binding, and a secondary selective locking position and locking means rearward the touring region locking area on the boot mounting base. The secondary lock position rearward the touring lock position prevents the boot mounting base from moving while coupled to the device in a locked heel mode. In further embodiments, rail structures, rib structures, flanges, walls, windows, and the like can be used to provide structure for the ride interface transition and in combination with spring loaded mechanisms, levers, pins, and latches.
This boot binding system mounting base may be configured to be used on any winter device that selectively locked heel glides over snow or free heel climbs over snow from the group consisting of snowshoes, touring skis, telemark skis, touring snowboards, split ski boards, snowboards, snowboard boot bindings, and snowshoe ski hybrid devices. Please note that the boot mounting base can be referred as mounting plate, binding plate, binding base, mounting base, or other names that describe the binding boot mounting system named in this invention. Additionally, boots, snowboard boots, ski boots and the like can also be referred as the possible footwear to be mounted directly to the interface.
In one embodiment the touring boot binding system consisting of an axle pivot pin portion selectively connected to the snowboard boot mounting plate ski interface able to lock and unlock from position on at least one interface mounted on the touring ski or formed with the touring ski or mounted on a touring split ski board, or ski other ski shaped devices. Additionally, in a further embodiment, traction can be removable coupled to the axle pivot pin in the area on the ski located adjacent the boot of the user when the boot binding base is locked to a touring board, snowshoe, split ski board or other ski system. In another embodiment the traction can be removably coupled adjacent the axle pivot pin or adjacent the rear half portion of the mounting base.
In one embodiment traction when detached from a touring ski, touring snowboard, spilt ski/board or snowshoe device may be mounted separately to the boot mounting base. Thus, it becomes a crampon when coupled only with the footwear. In further embodiments the traction could come from another source other than the riding device.
The prior art concepts for a soft shelled boot touring binding system particularly for snowboard boots all utilize designs that the user must use a separate snowboard binding base adaptor piece with holes oriented for attaching snowboard binding base and 3-4 hole disk to be mounted by bolt or screw to the separate mounting plate adaptor. The said adaptor includes a touring pivot in the toe region and secondary locking points in the adaptor to stop the walking tour pivot especially when in a snowboard mode thus created more weight and manufacturing than is necessary. Typical split-board bindings in the prior art utilize such bindings, adaptors, and interfaces. The present invention overcomes the prior art by providing a snowboard boot mounting plate or base with a quick release detachable walking mode which includes a detachable touring axle pivot pin axis directly to the mounting base binding and device ski interface and a secondary lock position also located on the boot mounting plate or boot base which is a locked heel position for a fixed slide mode on a ski touring device meaning the boot binding cannot pivot while coupled to the ski shaped device. In one embodiment of the present invention the heel is locked in a fixed or non-touring mode for sliding on a ski shaped device like a snowboard, split ski board, or touring ski by a locking mechanism connected to the ski shaped device that engages the underside of the boot mounting plate by a locking movement or mechanism or pin that runs parallel with the a longitudinal direction on the boot mounting plate or the direction the footwear or snowboard boot points. Also, on the same boot mounting plate the touring pivot axle can engage in a transverse position in the boot mounting plate longitudinal axis and secure it to the touring configurable ski sections. In a separate embodiment the heel lock may also run locking movements or fixed mechanisms parallel with the touring position locking motion.
In one embodiment the axle pivot pin used for the touring mode on the mounting plate as well as a locking tool reward the touring pivot dock on the mounting plate has quick-release and quick-attaching features allowing it to change position in a quick easy manner from the touring mode to other modes within the mounting plate. The axle pivot pin may have, in a separate embodiment, connective features on the axle to hold axle permanently or non-permanently in the boot base to facilitate locking and unlocking the axle pivot pin axis or axes from any locked mode or travel mode position interface. Exampled features disclosed herein as examples only are a cotter pin and c-clamp though a multitude of systems could be used within the spirit of the invention. The cotter pin offering a quick-release option for the axle pivot pin. It must be noted that a multitude of options exist to secure both ends of the axle by features present on both ends of the axle which prevent the axle from sliding one way or another from its locked position due to features on at least one side of the axle pivot pin that secure it to either the mounting base or the configurable ski section. In a separate embodiment at least one feature on one side of the axle or axle dock may be released or moved to allow the axle pivot pin releasing movement from its docked position on another interface. In another embodiment the axle pivot pin has been made longer then axles pivot pins and clevis pins in the prior art to create a longer span of strength for the rider of the climbing sliding device. In one embodiment the axle pivot pin ends extend beyond the periphery of the devices it selectively mounts to. In another embodiment the axle has been made shorter but is oriented in dimensions that have suitable strength to facilitate the utility of this named invention. It is obvious that a multitude of metals could be used or other materials, bends, axle structures, axle positions, axle retainers, to construct the axle pin to work in accordance with the present invention of connecting a boot directly to the riding device quick release interfaces.
The boot mounting base design in one embodiment consists of a boot bed for which the boot sits directly on, two flanges or walls in the foot bed for resilient straps to be mounted to connect a boot to the top plane of the foot bed. In further embodiments flange or wall embodiments could be bolted, screwed, welded, or riveted and the like to the boot base. In one embodiment the axle pivot pin locking/docking areas are located adjacent the sole “plane” of the mounted boot with in at least two ribs, walls, spring loaded latch, latch, curves, axle mating structures, or rail structures and the like which support the axle pivot in a locked state in an interface and the boot mounting base. In separate embodiments portions of at least one of a wall, rib, flange, or rail extend from the boot mounting base foot bed. The boot mounting base has pivot pin locking areas in the toe region of the boot mounting plate for the walking tour mode and secondary locking areas and structures rearward the toe pivot for a locked heel mode or a snowshoe pivotal mode, or even a secondary telemark binding plate touring position rearward the touring pivot. The axle pivot pin generally is in a transverse position on the riding device longitudinal axis and boot mounting base when inserted in both and locked to interfaces of the split-ski/board, ski, board, snowshoe, hybrid, binding plate interface. In a further embodiment the boot mounting base has material removed creating a window or aperture. This material could be from the boot bed area or adjacent the boot bed area to form the window. In further embodiments there could be a series of windows, ribs, beams, window shapes, in the boot bed. This is advantageous to reduce weight, create boot bed structures, add locking points or structures, or add simple weight reducing aesthetics. In an embodiment only one lock feature is used to couple the boot mounting base in the locked heel mode for downhill sliding on the ski touring device. In a further embodiment the one lock feature is reward the touring lock feature wherein the touring lock feature is left unlocked while a different lock feature reward the touring lock feature is locked. In another embodiment windows are placed in between a first and second locking feature of the mounting base.
The boot mounting base in one embodiment has at least three separate lock points regions provided across the boot mounting plate with at least two or three selectively providing a locked heel sliding mode. In further embodiments the touring mode position can remain in a the first touring position axle axis with the boot mounting plate able to selectively use a secondary lock interface to form lock heel mode without having to move the boot mounting plate out of touring mode. In a further embodiment at least one lock region comprises two lock features to facilitate locking the one region. The first interface region is a touring mode interface, the second interface region is a touring mode or lock heel mode interface region reward the touring mode region towards the mid plate, and the third interface region is reward the mid region of the boot mounting plate. The locking points could be moved to facilitate other designs without leaving the spirit of a three interface region boot mounting plate in one embodiment or more embodiments of the present invention.
In another embodiment the touring snowboard boot mounting base has a touring pin or axis over at least one top portion of the mounting base surface mounted adjacent the boot bed wherein the top portion of the mounting base is facing upward and is directly adjacent the boot sole which is facing downward. Touring pin positions in the prior art have been below the boot bed on the downward facing side of the mounting base with a snowboard boot binding mounting plate mounted on top of the mounting base with screws or bolts. In another embodiment the touring pin is held in curved structures offset the front of the boot bed in the toe region. This position is highly advantageous because it allows a wider range of articulation of the mounting base in the touring mode. In another embodiment the curved structures holding the touring pin could be in the form of a rib type structure, a saddle, a retainer, a cylinder, and the lick. Prior art mounting bases with snowboard boot binding plates mounted thereon have touring pin positions further back and further below the boot bed which causes less of a pivotal range of the mounted boot.
In further embodiments the snowboard boot mounting base has at least one structure moving directly through its surface area to provide a quick release action. Many objects could be used including pins, levers, spring loaded devices, two pins pointing in the same direction to lock a portion of the mounting base, two pins pointing from different directions to lock the mounting base, bolts, screws straps, step-in systems, crampon interfaces, a lock to lock the ski sections and the mounting base at the same time, etc.
In one embodiment or several embodiments and in accordance with the present invention the ski touring device is a climb and slide hybrid device or split ski board that has at least two disconnecting ski sections that move in and out of a uniform sliding mode to a touring mode or climbing mode. For the climbing mode the two ski sections have been placed in a new position where they have been moved apart and separated to be used as climbing tools or walking tools in the snow while the boot binding base can articulate in a walking motion. This is done by unlocking the two ski sections of the touring device using ski section locks so that the two ski sections can no longer be spanned by the snowboard boot binding in the locked heel sliding “ride” mode and the snowboard boot binding is now in a free heel “tour” walking mode with the ski sections separated. When touring mode is complete and sliding mode is needed the two ski sections can be selectively moved together again (and joined) with the snowboard boot binding spanning the two ski sections forming a more uniform sliding surface. In further embodiments traction can be placed on the said snowboard boot binding or the said touring ski device or ski sections. In another embodiment the boot binding base can disconnect from the riding device to form an alternate climbing or sliding mode. The snowboard boot binding base in one embodiment or more embodiments may have a window, an aperture, a flange, an axle/pin, an interface, a cleat, a bolt, a rivet, a weld, a wall, an edge, a hole, a square window, a girder, a box girder, a pin/axle interface, lever, in its mid region, in the toe region, at the side region, strap mounts, metal, plastic, carbon fiber, wood, resin, and any other structure to facilitate the invention on climb and glide devices and interfaces in accordance with the present invention. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art to add technology including prior art step-in technology, new step-in technology, strap technology, metal technology, plastic technology, streamlined manufacturing, milling technology, die casting technology, axle retainers technology, or the like to embodiments of the present invention without leaving its sprit of innovation of providing a mounting base for a snowboard boot to rest “directly” on without relying on bolting or screwing on a secondary snowboard binding plate with straps found in the prior art. The direct boot to binding interface described herein overcomes the previous drawbacks found in the prior art of touring snowboard boot bindings.
The component references used to describe the utility like cotter pins, bolts, screws, and the like are used as a model to teach the utility of the invention. Other references for configurable ski include ski section, split ski, split board, split ski board, splitboard, and the like. It is obvious that a multitude of components could be used outside of the defining props to teach and to facilitate multiple direct snowboard boot binding mounting and interface lock positions for a touring snowboard boot mounting base with a configurable ski.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, and advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features or advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention as set forth hereunder.
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of accompanying drawings, in which:
a is a top perspective view illustrating the boot binding mounting plate prior art requiring a snowboard boot binding plate to be mounted to the mounting base and the touring pivot behind the front of the binding and underneath the mounting plate top surface.
b is a top perspective view of a boot mounted directly to the mounting base and the touring pivot structure in front of the boot bed in accordance with the present invention.
c is a prior art front prospective illustration of a mounting base in the prior art utilizing a pivot pin transversely through the plane of a thin wall with a separate boot binding base plate connected via bolts or screws over the top of the pin and mounting base.
d is a top perspective view of the mounting base including a touring pin mount position at the front portion of the boot binding with the pin hinge having placement at a more forward location with the hinge support having substantial material width to support the pin in accordance with the present invention.
a is a side perspective view illustrating the boot binding mounting base and direct locking zones for, free heel skiing, locked heel skiing, touring snowboarding, snowshoeing, and split-ski/boarding in accordance with the present invention.
b is a prior art illustration of a top plan view of the touring pin position reward the front portion boot bed with one pivot pin pointing in a single direction.
c is a top plan view of at least two axle pins pointing in the same direction working together to secure the binding in a removably coupling mode in accordance with the present invention.
c is a top perspective view of a prior art snowboard boot binding plate mounting base and a touring position reward the front underneath portion of the mounting base.
a is a top plan view of the boot mounting plate/base, releasable axle axis, detachable traction, and two touring modes and a locked heel mode in accordance with the present invention
b is a top plane view of a prior art snowboard boot binding mount base preventing the snowboard boot direct contact with the mounting base because of the second needed piece being snowboard boot binding plate to be mounted to the mounting base.
c is a top plane view of the mounting base allowing a snowboard boot direct mounted contact with the mounting base and a quick release item that can move through the bootbed in accordance with the present invention.
a is a top plan view illustrating the mounting base integrated into the sole of a boot constituting a mounting base for securing a boot to modes of locked heel and free heel travel.
b is a bottom perspective view illustrating a snowboard boot with a mounting base integrated into the sole of the snowboard boot.
c is a side perspective view of a step-in snowboard boot mounting base.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics, of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or describe in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
The boot mounting plate 90A contains a boot bed surface 101 and 130 for the snowboard boot to rest directly upon when coupled to the boot mounting plate 90A. In one embodiment Surface 126 and 125 are positioned below the surface 101 of the boot mounting base 90A allowing the locking components movement below surface 101 and 130. In a further 90A embodiment the touring axel pin retainer 115 axis is offset the boot bed 130 front position with structures 60 to retain the pin 61 or 1002 (not shown) and at the same time the mounting base 90A has at least one upward facing mounting base surface facing the downward pin face with no mounting base structure above the pin opposite the downward pin face. In other words in one embodiment the touring pin and or axis is held in an open cradle allowing the boot sole direct contact to the touring pin or to face the touring pin directly in at least one touring mode. The pivot pin 61 (not shown) in one embodiment is positioned above the base structure of the mounting plate 90A and adjacent the boot sole and facing the boot sole directly while the bottom side of the pin 61 faces the mounting base 90A. Touring axis pin dock 63 is located on structures protruding from the boot bed 101. This offset pin 61 and axis 115 position from the boot bed 101 provides an enhanced articulation of the mounting base 90A not found in the prior art. Wall or rail structures 110 are also positioned below the boot bed surface 101 and or boot sole bottom plane (not shown) allowing the locking mechanism support means in one or more of the preferred embodiments 63, 59, 40, and 70 for a quick-release and quick-attaching locked heel mode with portions to be situated underneath the boot bed 101. It must be noted that the touring mode 60 may have axle pivot pin 61 in holes 63 to lock the front half boot mounting plate 90 portion to a riding device locking interface (not shown) and at the same time have at least one secondary locking feature in an area of the boot mounting plate portion 140 and the secondary locking structures on the boot mounting plate 90A are supported rails 110 preventing a walking motion. This locked heel slide mode is contained in an area 140 and is advantageous when descending on a ski device such as a ski or joined sections of a split ski/board especially in a steep alpine setting. In one embodiment wall or rail structures 110 comprise of a pair of side walls running parallel under the foot bed top surface 101 “plane” of the boot mounting plate 90A. Features contained within the walls 110 constitute locking features to hold the boot mounting plate 90 to a separate removeably coupling locking interface for a free heel or locked heel mode. It would be obvious for one skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure to attempt a separate embodiment of locking structures on the underside of the boot mounting plate 90A under the foot bed 101 plane or boot sole plane or adjacent the plane or above the bootbed plane in combination with a touring pivot mode 63 that is detachable and carry out an important aspect of the invention. It would be equally obvious to attempt a separate embodiment of locking structures on the topside of the mounting plate 90A adjacent, offset, or on the foot bed 101 and adjacent the mounted boot sole. The present invention provides a mounting plate 90A allowing the snowboard boot direct mount ability to the mounting base/plate 90A.
In one embodiment the snowboard boot mounting plate 90A side portion wall 115 includes boot attachment means with holes 24 whereby hardware such as bolts and screws or rivets (not shown) can couple at least “one” of the straps 12 and 31 or strap connections/walls to the boot mounting plate 90A, though other boot mounting devices or systems could be used such as step-in systems or other yet to be invented systems. Secondary lock features 59, 40, and 70 are preferred embodiments though other embodiments may be used to lock a rear portion of the touring mounting plate below the boot bed creating a locked heel mode when the free heel touring mode is not desired simply by quick release and quick attaching means. In a separate embodiment locking features 59, 40, and 70 could be supported above the boot bed plane. The boot mounting plate 90A is preferably constructed in metals including aluminum but may be made in materials suitable for colder climates including thermo set plastics, resins, wood, poly carbonate, carbon fiber, steel, and the like, etc.
a is a top plan view of the mounting base 212 found in the prior art. This mounting base 212 has mounting holes 213 for mounting a snowboard boot binding mounting plate (not shown). The touring axis 102 for a touring pin (not shown) is shown rearward the front portion of the mounting base 212. This prior art mounting plate 212 has several disadvantages including weight, function, and the requirement to add an additional mounting plate to the mounting base 212.
b is a top plan view of the present invention illustrating the mounting base 201 which allows the snowboard boot sole 202 direct contact to the mounting base 201 when it is mounted by boot mounting means (not shown). The mounting base 201 has a touring position 1002 axis which a touring pin resides for articulating the mounting base 201 on a split board device. The touring pin axis 1002 is offset the boot bed 202 by way of curved structures 1704 which maintain the touring axis containing a touring pin which is cradled in 1704. This is a major improvement of previous splitboard bindings or snowboard boot touring bindings because of its utilization of an single touring interface snowboard binding combination eliminating the need for a mounting base and bolting a second mounting plate and straps creating a deep sandwich of parts and weight.
c is a front cross sectional view illustrating of a prior art method of providing a mounting base 212 for connection to a riding touring device (not shown). Also shown is a screw 214 hole 213 for attaching a snowboard boot mount plate 211 to the top side of the mounting base 212. The snowboard boot 202 then rests directly upon the snowboard boot binding mounting plate 211. Touring axle 216 is shown under the top surface of the mounting base 212 and cradled in a thin wall 217 of the mounting base 212 bottom surface.
d is a top plan view of one embodiment of a direct snowboard boot mount binding interface “mounting base” including a boot bed for a snowboard boot to sit upon 202 and a touring position 1704 offset the boot bed 202 in the form of a curved 1705 axle or touring pin retainer 1002. The touring pin retainer being wider than the thin wall retainer 217 of the prior art described in
a is the snowboard boot mounting plate binding assembly 20 which comprises multiple binding travel modes including a free heel ski touring mode (walking mode) 60 similar to cross-country skiing mode with the binding mounting plate 90C able to pivot about an axis made possible by axle pivot pin 61 in a walking motion integrated in the boot bed or adjacent the boot bed. Pivot axle 61 is detachable in a quick release manner from its position in the touring mode 60 when connected to a separate touring ski interface and able to selectively reattach in a quick manner to hole 59 forming a locked heel binding configuration when reattached to a locked heel interface connected to a sliding device such as a split-able ski device. In a separate embodiment the device may be a split board ski 72 (
The locking mechanisms on the mounting plate 90C are unique from the prior art in that they lock the boot mounting plate 90C in two selective places in quick release quick attach fashion to winter climbing and sliding devices. The first is the touring pivot mode 60 in which the axle pivot pin 61 enters the boot binding plate 90C and device interface (not shown) 90C perpendicular motion 15 to the direction footwear/boot will point on the boot mounting plate 90C forming a transverse situation. In other words the pivot axle pin 61 inters the side of the binding and reappears on the other side allowing the cotter pin 23 to be inserted into cotter hole 22 in the releasable axle 61 outside the periphery of the boot mounting plate 90C holding the mounting plate 90C firmly in position with the ski touring flanged interface. On other portions of the boot mounting plate 90C secondary lock positions 59, 70, and 40 are located to facilitate a locked heel travel mode and work together with namely ski shaped devices in combination with the accessibility to the optional touring climbing mode. In a separate embodiment heel lock 56 is mounted to a ski device and enters the boot binding plate 90C in a longitudinal motion parallel to the direction the footwear will be pointed when mounted to the boot mounting plate 90C.
Thus the boot mounting plate 90C has the ability to directly attach to a touring interface for a walking motion. When another travel mode is desired the mounting plate 90C and axle pivot pin 61 can be repositioned directly to a separate locking interface. This second position of the boot mounting plate 90C prevents the binding from pivoting especially when skiing or splitboarding downhill. At the same time the mounting plate 90C has a snowboard boot mounting directly to its top surface in accordance with the present invention. In a further embodiment the mounting plate 90C is mounted adjacent to two configurable ski sections.
The boot mounting plate 90C includes holes 24 on the sides of the boot mounting plate 90 for securing namely soft shelled boots including snowboard boots. The mounting plate 90C in a separate embodiment may include a strap section 12 which holds the front half of the boot and a second strap section 31 that holds the rear half of boot. A heel piece 11 connected to the back half of the boot mounting plate 90C with high back 16 may also be included to offer more support to the rider. In a separate embodiment the boot mounting plate 90C may be configured as a strap-less step-in system with the same innovative features contained in the boot mounting plate 90 in accordance with the present invention. The mounting plate 90C has the ability to place locking pins above and below the plane of the boot bed or in curved shaped cradles to hold it adjacent the boot bed or the boot sole.
b is a top view of the prior mounting base 212 showing the touring position behind the front of the mounting base front edge.
c is a top plan view of the touring position 115 offset the front edge of the boot bed of the mounting base 201. In one embodiment the front half portion of the mounting base 201 may include at least two locking pins 61 pointed in the same direction to secure the mounting base to a touring mode 21. In another embodiment the mounting base may include at least two locking pin features 56 in the rear half portion of the mounting base 201. In another embodiment the mounting base 201 may have a pin retainer 60 offset the front of the mounting base 201 front.
c shows a top plan view of a prior art design in (U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324) boot mounting base 212a for securing a snowboard boot binding base plate (not shown) with screw holes 39 to mount the snowboard binding base plate to the mounting base 212a. The problem with this design is its inability to directly connect the snowboard boot sole directly to 212b because of the requirement of an additional snowboard binding plate thus adding weight and expense. Axle pin hole 41 in the design is located on a thin wall of the mounting base and reward the front of the mounting base so that the pin is entirely tucked under the mounting base with the exception of two ends protruding the outer periphery of the mounting base. The problematic result of the design is the clearance of space between the boot sole parked on a separate base from the touring pin axis located entirely under the mounting plate in a separate base. Additionally, the mounting base 212a for mounting a snowboard boot binding plate prevents the ability to mount a snowboard boot directly to the mounting base 2012a because of the need to first mount a snowboard boot binding plate which provides boot connection means in accordance with the prior art of mounting snowboard boots over two separate ski parts that selectively form a uniform sliding surface for gliding over the snow. Touring position 45 is shown with thin walled construction limiting strength and durability. Additionally the pivot location 41 rearward the front of the binding causes the articulation of the binding to be limited in the pivot range. The present invention over comes this by placing the pivot offset the front of the boot bed increasing the pivotal range of the mounting base in the walking motion.
The axle pivot pin 61 is shown in several possible docking locked locations including 63, and 59. It may also, in a separate embodiment selectively dock and lock into 40 to lock to the rear half of the boot mounting base 90E. In one embodiment quick-release and quick attaching components allowing the mounting base 90E the ability to move on and off a touring ski device or splitboard device. The axle pivot pin 61 of the boot mounting plate 90E is in a transverse span in the mounting base 90E. Furthermore the structures or shapes at either end of the axle pivot pin 61 including the axle pivot pin 61 itself could prevent the axle from falling out of its locked positions on the configurable ski touring device or split ski/board. The axle pivot pin 61 is unique in comparison to the prior art wherein it transversely spans the full length of the boot mounting base 90E snowboard binding base so much so that it's two outer edges extend the periphery of the boot mounting base 90E cradles in two areas when the axle pivot pin 61 is docked and locked to the ski touring device. The longer axle pivot pin 61 construction offers a more robust touring pivot providing more turn response when a rider is connected to the mounting base 90E riding a ski device. The axle pivot pin 61 in a preferred embodiment is made of metal though any rigid material could carry out the invention in regards to an improved touring pivot axle pin as disclosed herein. In further embodiments windows/apertures are present within the boot mounting base 195 to reduce weight as well as move objects vertically through the boot bed. The mounting base 90E in another embodiment can be selectively mounted over two configurable ski sections or selectively released from the two ski sections. The said ski sections form climb and glide travel modes (not shown). (See
The snowboard mounting base 61 interface 33 is mounted to the snowboard 200 with screws, bolts or rivets or other means. The axle pivot pin 61 docking areas 96 lock the mounting plate 61 to the interface 33b in a snowboarding locked heel mode. Axle pivot pin 61 uses position 59 on the mounting base 90 and can be lined up to docking areas 96 on the snowboard 200 mounting base 90 interface 33b and the axle pivot pin 61 is pushed into place through both the mounting base 90 lock position 59 and docking areas 96 in the interface 86. The ski 100 has mounting areas for the mounting base 90 in walls 86 and axle pin 61 docking areas 64 on the walls 86. The mounting base 90 can be attached with its touring axle pivot pin 61 at position 63 with the pivot pin 61 forming a free heel mode for a walking motion or the mounting base 90 can be attached at a secondary lock system rear of the touring axle position 63 such as axle lock position 59. The axle pivot pin position 59 is a locked pivot mode preventing the mounting base 90 from articulating in a walking motion. Basically the heel cannot move up and down in a walking motion when axle pivot position 59 is coupled to holes 64 on the ski wall 86.
A snowshoe 300 is pictured with an interface suited to accept the boot mounting plate 90 by way of axle pivot pin 61 through docking holes 106 on walls 86. A snowshoe ski hybrid device or split ski/board 400 with the ability to form a touring ski mode or a snowshoe mode and a locked heel mode by use of boot mounting plate 90, is pictured in 400. It also may contain one or more embodiments of the present invention including the use of the mounting plate 90 in a snowshoe mode, locked heel ski mode, and cross-country ski mode, or touring mode. Additionally, the mounting plate when removed from a device may be used with a cleat forming a crampon system (not shown).
The boot mounting plate 90 shown in
In one embodiment the boot mounting plate 90F may have an aperture or window in the heel region 248 with flange or wall structures around the aperture periphery for structure. This is for reducing weight or helping with lock placement with-in the boot bed or adjacent the boot bed of the boot mounting plate which is surface 101 as well as any surface the sole of the footwear or boot makes contact when mounted to the binding plate top surface. In another embodiment there is a second aperture or window in another portion of the boot binding plate 90F in
100
a touring ski snowshoe hybrid is illustrated with detachable front traction 117 which can attach and quick-release with the axle pivot pin 61 inserted into a plurality of positions including a front touring position 63 and a rear locked heel or pivotal snowshoe pivot 59. The front traction 222 is mounted to pivot dock 59a on the traction 117 and 59 on the ski 100 to selectively lock the traction 222 to the underside of the ski 100 with the axle pivot pin 61. Also shown is a rear lock 119 which can also lock to the ski positioned to the underside of the touring ski 100. Front 222 and rear locks 119 also contain spike structures for gaining traction on winter precipitation such as snow and ice. An additional traction component which can be used is a climbing skin 224 can be removably coupled to the touring ski system shown in
In one embodiment the rail 110e faces or touches only the sole surface of the boot with no other structures touching a portion of the top surface of the rail 110e. At one end of the rail 110c in the touring area 60 mounting holes 63 are located for docking and securing axle pivot pin 61.
In a further embodiment, the mounting plate 201 may be incorporated into the sole of a boot or shoe. For example, a snowboard or hiking boot may be configured with a sole having a plurality of openings through which the axle 1002 may pass and thereby secure the boot to the base member 102.
The mounting plate 201, in one embodiment, comprises pivot points 1704 through which the axle 1002 pass in order to secure the mounting plate 201 to the base member 102. The axle 1002 is positionable and may be placed under the ball of the foot so that the mounting plate 201 pivots through the plane of the base member. Alternatively, the axle 1002 may be placed through the pivot points 1704 which results in the mounting plate pivoting above the plane of the base member 102. Such a configuration enables a skiing motion similar to telemark or cross-country skiing.” (See also
In one embodiment deployable 2108 rotating toe piece including a traction spike and retractable 2106 traction spike 2102 can be utilized on the mounting plate 2104 for the touring mode and also a detached mounting plate 2104 from the riding device mode or crampon mode. In another embodiment the mounting base 2104 for mounting snowboard boots can also be mounting two at least two skis sections and the rotating toe piece 2102 available at the front half portion of the snowboard boot binding mounting base 2104.
In one embodiment the binding assembly consists of a heel support 11 and a high back 16 connected to the heel support 11. Also connected to the heel support 11 is rear strap 31. Heel support 11 is connected to the mounting plate 90 wall 115 at holes 24. Holes 24 on the flange 115 can also connect a second strap 12. Foot bed surface 101 is where the snowboard boot rests directly upon when mounted with the binding system to the foot bed. The toe region 512 portion of the mounting plate 201 has an aperture, hole or window, for a quick release feature to move there through. (see also
The axle pivot pin 61 includes coupling features to selectively lock the axle pivot pin 61 in the touring mode of the ski touring device. The coupling features for securing a portion of the axle pivot pin 61 to hold a quick-release lock anything suitable to quick-release or quick attach at least one portion of the axle pivot pin 61 to an interface in accordance with the present invention. The coupling features consist of at least one from the group consisting of a boot, a snowboard boot, a plate, a base, a configurable ski system consisting of two ski sections which may selectively separate in a touring mode or join in a uniform shape in accordance with the present invention.
It must be noted that one skilled in the art could utilize a multitude of embodiments without leaving the scope of the invention. The invention is unique in that it offers a direct lock and unlocking boot mounting plate 201 on a sliding device with the said mounting plate 201 intended for soft shelled boots primarily. The mounting plate 201 having a detachable touring pivot 63 or movable touring pivot 63 with a secondary locking mechanism 70 in a mounting plate 201 portion rear of the touring mode 63. Thus we see that the mounting plate 201 does not need a secondary snowboard binding base connected to it nor does it have the ability. The mounting plate 201 contains snowboard boot mounts and the climb and glide touring modes are made possible by the axle pivot pin 61 which lives in the surface area of the mounting plate 201 which constitute the basics of the invention.
a is a top plan view of a snowboard boot binding 201 incorporates all of the features described in
b is a top plan view of a mounting base 212 found in the prior art. This mounting base requires screws, bolts or other hardware 44s into holes 42 to secure a snowboard boot binding plate 212 to the mounting base (not shown). The snowboard boot binding plate then needs direct boot connection means not found on the mounting base 212 Pivot axle position 41 in the prior art lacks a structure offset the base to secure the pin or axle 41.
c is a top plan view of a mounting base 201 and apertures, windows, or hole structures 192, 1509, and 113 through the mounting base 201 with which quick release locking structures may pass The structures may include in several embodiments, spring loaded mechanisms, mechanisms entering through the boot bed 203, mechanisms 192, 1509 once in place through the boot bed 203 may still face or make direct contact with a boot sole 205 and or boot tread 205. The said mounting base 201 also includes axle retainer docks 60 offset the front portion of the boot bed 203 in an optimal touring position in accordance with the present invention. The axle retainer dock(s) 60 holds the axle or pivot pin 61 adjacent the boot bed 203 offering a pivot point which articulates the mounting base 201 different from the prior art pivot point of mounting base 212 shown in the prior art figure of 27b. Boot connection means (not shown) may be provided to hold the boot sole 205 to the base 203.
a is a top plan view of the touring pin 92 mounted to a ski device 2 and a mounting base 93 in the form of a boot sole mounting base 93 or separate mounting base 93 for holding a snowboard boot portion. Axles 85 can also be used to hold a boot sole 64 or separate mounting base to hold a portion of the snowboard boot construction 205. Rear lock 107 structures (not shown) for locked heel mode may also be utilized and rear touring dock or groove 59b may provide a secondary touring position or secondary locked heel mode to prevent the heel from a pivot as wide as the touring mode 93. In a further embodiment, as previously stated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,681,904 this application continues from “the mounting plate 201 may be incorporated into the sole of a boot or shoe. For example, a snowboard or hiking boot may be configured with a sole having a plurality of openings through which the axle 1002 may pass and thereby secure the boot to the base member 102.
The mounting plate 201, in one embodiment, comprises pivot points 1704 through which the axle 1002 pass in order to secure the mounting plate 201 to the base member 102. The axle 1002 is positional and may be placed under the ball of the foot . . . . Alternatively, the axle 1002 may be placed through the pivot points 1704 which results in the mounting plate pivoting above the plane of the base member 102. Such a configuration enables a skiing motion similar to telemark or cross-country skiing.”
The Heel lift 3 also made available in another embodiment. Another embodiment is a positional axle 92 along the ski device 2 providing a plurality of boot mounting positions. (see
b is a bottom perspective view illustrating a snowboard boot 3102 with direct boot to mount base technology integrated into the boot sole wherein the touring pin or axle 52 may be adjacent a channel 53 running transverse the direction of a pointing toe in the mounted boot and the boot sole facing the axle pin directly and a further embodiment making direct contact with the touring pin. As previously described in
c is another embodiment of the mounting base pin to mounting base technology in accordance with the present invention The touring dock 93 for touring pin to be selectively placed in the touring dock 93 in the shape of a curve 53 in which the axle 52 may face or mate directly with a portion of the boot sole and a portion of the mounting base boot bed simultaneously and said touring dock 53 in the shape of a channel, curve, recess, concave structure, in the boot bed or adjacent the boot bed or foot bed in accordance with the present invention.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application is a continuation in part and claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/716,136 entitled “MULTIPLE DIRECT LOCK POSITIONS FOR TOURING SKI MOUNTING PLATE” and filed on Mar. 2, 2010 which claimed priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/247,893 entitled “CONFIGURABLE SNOWSHOE AND SKI DEVICE” and filed on Oct. 7, 2005, for Lane Ekberg, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13712781 | Dec 2012 | US |
| Child | 14707993 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12716136 | Mar 2010 | US |
| Child | 13712781 | US | |
| Parent | 11247893 | Oct 2005 | US |
| Child | 12716136 | US |
