BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the sport of wakeboarding, where a person is towed behind a high speed boat over water while standing on a specially made “wake” board. More particularly, this invention pertains to a unique set of foot bindings for attaching the operator's feet and legs to the wakeboard to provide the operator with the opportunity to perform superior stunts, tricks or maneuvers while on the board.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The fields of skiing, snow boarding, wakeboarding, and wake skating appear to overlap in certain respects. In each sport there is one operator standing on one (or, in the case of skis, two) pieces of wood or wood substitutes (“boards”), and each operator or user is motivated to use the boards to move quickly over the surface of water. In snow skiing and snow boarding the water is in the form of snow and ice while in the case of wakeboarding and wake skating the water is in its liquid form. Further, while snow skiing and snow boarding uses gravity to power the user (downhill), wakeboarding and wake skating use the power of a boat to drag or tow the user over a level surface of water.
Turning to wakeboarding and wake skating, the main difference is that, in wake skating, the user stands on the board without the aid of any device to hold his or her feet to the skate, other than some friction-enhancing material such as grip-tape surfaces for traction. On the other hand, wakeboarding requires the use of mechanical attachments, mounted on the upper surface of the board, into which the operator slips his or her bare feet in order to stay firmly attached to the board during the ride. It is to the field of wakeboarding that this foot binding invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a wakeboard foot binding combination that includes a unique base plate, having a lower surface for contact with the upper surface of the wakeboard, and having an upper surface on which to mount the foot binding where the base plate forms a pair of arcuate slots, between the upper and lower plate surface, one slot located on each side of the foot binding, for registration with apertures formed in the wakeboard and for receipt therein of threaded fasteners to allow the plate to be rotated, with respect to the main axis of the wakeboard, and thereafter fixedly attached to the wakeboard to lock it against further rotational movement.
A novel inner and outer foot binding combination is disclosed which exhibit the properties of inflation, to hold the foot snugly in the binding, and locking at different foot-ankle angles at the option of the user. A novel bladder-airpump combination is disclosed that allows the foot binding to be inflated to bind the foot tighter than can be done by tightening the binding laces. Finally, an elastomeric footbed is described that contains numerous areas of different type elastomers to support and comfort some areas of the foot while attenuating shock to others areas of the foot.
Accordingly, the main object of this invention is a new foot binding for wakeboards that supports the foot of the user, cushions against unwanted discomfort, and attenuates shock to the foot during use of the board. These and other objects of the invention will become more clear when one reads the following specification, taken together with the drawings that are attached hereto. The scope of protection sought by the inventors may be gleaned from a fair reading of the claims that conclude this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustrative picture of a person riding a wakeboard over the surface of the water;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the base plate that is attached to the wakeboard;
FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the base plate showing the foot cushion positioned thereover;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation and bottom plan view of the first threaded interfastener of this invention;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the rear ankle cover of the foot binding of this invention with a first, small, broken-out section, showing the thickness of the cover, and a second, small area showing the weave of the outer surface of the cover;
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the inner front segment of the foot binding and its cover plate of this invention;
FIG. 7 is an illustrative view of the wakeboard foot binding combination of this invention;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the outer binding segment of the foot binding combination of this invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the foot cushion of this invention with a portion of the rear of the cushion separated and pulled upward to show the inner construction;
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the foot cushion shown in FIG. 10; and,
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the foot binding-base plate second interfastener of this invention
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Turning now to the drawings, wherein elements are identified by numbers and like elements are identified by like numbers throughout the 11 figures, FIG. 1 shows a person “A” using a wakeboard that contains a wakeboard foot binding combination of this invention. The wakeboard foot binding combination 1 of this invention is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to comprise a base plate 3, preferably of metal and planar, having a lower surface 5 for contact with the upper surface 7 of the wakeboard 9 and having an upper surface 13 on which to mount a foot binding 15. Base plate 3 has formed therein numerous holes, in order to lighten the overall weight without lessening the strength of the plate, and other holes that accept bolts or screws therein (not shown) allowing it to be tightly fastened to threaded or metal-lined holes (also not shown) formed in wakeboard upper surface 7. A pair of arcuate slots 17a and 17b formed in base plate 3, between base plate upper surface 13 and lower surface 5, one along each side of base plate 3. One slot is located on each side of foot binding 15, for registration with apertures 19 formed in wakeboard 9 and for receipt therethrough of a plurality of threaded fastener 21 to allow plate 3 to be rotated, with respect to the main axis, X-X, of wakeboard 9. Upon tightening fasteners 21, foot binding 15 becomes fixedly attached to base plate 3 and to wakeboard 9 and they are locked together against further rotational movement.
A groove 25 is formed in base plate upper surface 13, opening outward from each side of arcuate slots 17a and 17b for receipt therein of foot binding-base plate interfastener means 27. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, one preferred form of binding-base plate interfastener means 27 includes a curved fastener body 29, for interfitting closely in grooves 25 and further includes at least one, but preferably two, small area pressure plates 31 formed in body 29. Pressure plates 31 are formed in body 29 for concentrating the fastening pressure of center fastener (machine screw) 21 downward, as shown, to small areas along the bottom of grooves 25 and into base 3.
The outer or peripheral edge 33 of base plate 3 extends outside or beyond arcuate slots 17a and 17b and partially outside the periphery of the foot of the user. In addition, slots 17a and 17b are of a width slightly greater than the threaded shaft of center bolt 21 to allow unrestricted passage of the threaded shaft through plate 3 and into apertures 19. It is preferred that apertures 19 be lined with a threaded sleeve (not shown) to prevent threaded fastener 21 from tearing or ripping out from the wakeboard during violent maneuvers by the wakeboard operator.
Foot binding 15 is made up of a number of components, each of which lends a specific function to the invention. Actually, there are two such foot bindings, one spaced to the side of the other as shown in FIG. 1, however, this description will be limited to one such binding as the second binding is identical in design and operation. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an inner rear segment 37 is provided in foot binding 15 for covering the rear part of the foot that is inserted into the binding. Inner rear segment 37 includes a rear pad 39 including a wide heel cover 41, a centralized, upwardly directed rear ankle cover 43, generally extending above heel cover 41. A bottom-located, outwardly directed, narrow, marginal edge 45 is provided having at least one, but preferably a plurality of apertures 49 for receipt therethrough of foot binding—base plate interfastener means 51.
As shown in FIG. 5, a reinforcement strap 53 is attached about heel cover 41 to provide reinforcement against excessive wear about the heel area of foot binding 15 due to repeated inserting and withdrawing one's foot from the binding and against sideways stress placed against the heel area during violent wakeboard maneuvers. Further, inner rear segment 37 is shown in FIG. 5 to be in the form of a slightly filled or thickened pad 55 having a smooth inner surface and a rugged, hard-wearing, woven outer surface 57 to provide a measure of comfort to the foot. In addition, reinforcement strap 53 is formed of an elastomeric material sewn in the marginal area about heel cover 41, as shown, to allow a certain amount of movement for the heel in the binding. Rear ankle cover 43 is preferably narrower than heel cover 41 and further includes a centralized upstanding loop 63, of tape or other narrow material, for use in grasping by the fingers of one's hand to help guide the sliding of one's foot down into inner rear segment 37 when stepping into the binding.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, foot binding 15 also includes an inner front segment 65 that is provided separately from inner rear segment 37 and includes a broad wraparound section 67, for placement just behind and above the toes of the user, left and right about the upper part of the foot and down against base plate 3. A centralized narrower portion or flap 69 extends upward from the center of section 67, along the front of the ankle of the user, and includes a tongue 73. Tongue 73 is preferably attached to flap 69 through a flexible hinge 75. A marginal edge 77 and a crease 79 form side portions 81 that have holes 83 formed therethrough for receipt of foot binding plate interfastener means 51. Further, tongue 73 is shown to be in the form of a slightly filled or thickened pad 87 having a smooth inner surface and a hard-wearing, woven outer surface 89. Strips 91, of hard material such as plastic, having holes 93 formed therethrough, are provided to overlie side portions 81, and other side portions of foot binding 15, to facilitate the attachment of, and spread the stress of, foot binding—base plate interfastener means 51 to base plate 3.
As shown in FIG. 6, inner front segment 65 and tongue 73 further include an air bladder 97, shown in dotted outline, formed between the smooth inner surface of slightly filled pad 87, and woven outer surface 89, for expanding and contracting against the front area of inner front segment 65 and the foot of the user. Bladder 97 is formed by elastomeric walls 99 that are hermetically sealed about their respective peripheries and connected to an incoming tube 101 and an exhaust tube 103. A hand-operated or squeezable bulb-type air pump 105 is shown in FIG. 6 as operably connected through incoming tube 101 to air bladder 97 and preferably located in the top of tongue 73 for pumping air into air bladder 97 by squeezing the bulb as desired. An air release valve 109, is also located in tongue 73, preferably adjacent pump 105, and operably connected through exhaust tube 103 to air bladder 97, for manipulation by the fingers to release or exhaust air from bladder 97 as desired. The use of pressurized air in a hermetically sealed bladder is to tighten the foot in binding 15 without the need to pinch the skin of the foot such as by pulling forcefully on the laces.
Foot binding 15 also includes an outer binding segment 111, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, including a wraparound section 113 adapted to fit over a portion of inner rear segment 37 and inner front segment 65. An opening 115 is left at the front of foot binding 15 for tongue 73 to be exposed and for adjustment of the fit. A marginal edge 117 surrounds outer binding segment 111 and contains attachment strips 121 having holes 123 formed therethrough for attachment with plastic strips 91 to base plate 3 by foot binding—base plate interfastener means 51. A plurality of pairs of hooks 125 and pairs of loops 127 are provided adjacent or facing the front portion of outer binding segment 111 where opening 115 will be formed after assembly of foot binding 15, for receipt therethrough of laces 115 to form a lace ladder for the user to draw foot binding 15 about the user's foot.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, means 133 is provided to adjust the angle “a” between the lower leg of the user and the main axis X-X of wakeboard 9. Means 133 includes a first strap or binding 135 passing from the lower inside area of outer binding segment 111, upwardly and around behind, or to the rear of, the user's ankle, and then continuing around segment 111 to the opposite side thereof and downwardly and forwardly to the lower outside thereof. At least one strap adjustment means, including a buckle and ladder strap system 137, including a loop 139, is located along strap 135 to provide a length adjustment feature thereto. A center metal loop 141 is centrally mounted high on outer binding segment 111 to aid in directing strap 135 about the binding.
A second strap adjustment means 145, in the form of a pair of straps 147 sewn into outer binding segment 111 and terminated with an adjustable metal clip 149, is provided for joining with adjustment means 145 to augment this adjustment feature in the angle. Such an adjustment feature allows the user to vary angle “α” of his or her lower leg with the main axis of wakeboard 9 in order to facilitate various tricks with the board.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, an elastic foot bed 151 is provided for use with foot binding 15. Footbed 151 is made up of a lower outsole 153 in the general outline of a sandal having a lower surface 157 bounded by an outer periphery 159 and an upper surface 161. On top of lower outsole 153, and in adjacent contact with upper surface 161, is a midsole 163, preferably having the same outline as foot bed 151 and extending upward, from upper surface 161 to form its own upper surface 165. In midsole upper surface 165 are formed two depressions. The first depression 169 is located in an area under the middle plantar area of the foot and second depression 171 is located in an area under the heel of the foot and both are filled with special elastomeric materials. In an area located under the foot of the user, inside footbed outer periphery 159 and on top of midsole upper surface 165, first (filled) depression 169 and second (filled) depression 171, lies in a bedlayer 177. Bedlayer 177 extends over middle plantar depression 169 and heel depression 171 and is placed there after said depressions are filled with elastomeric material.
As further shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, elastomeric materials with different physical properties are used in outsole 153, midsole 163, depression filling 173, depression filling 175 and bedlayer 177. As an example, the elastomeric material making up outsole 153 is Adiprene® with an Asker value of C 35. The elastomeric material making up midsole 163 is EPDM rubber with an Asker value of A 60. The elastomeric material 173 used to fill plantar depression 169 is EPDM rubber with an Asker value of A 60. The elastomeric material 175 used to fill heel depression 171 is EPDM rubber with an Asker value of C 60. And, the elastomeric material making up bedlayer 177 is EPDM rubber with an Asker value of A 60. With respect to depressions 169 and 171, the elastomeric material inserted therein is either cut to fit, both in peripheral outline and thickness, or molded to fit. It is preferred that the top surface of the elastomeric material inserted therein is made planar with midsole upper surface 165.
In addition, means 181 is provided to temporarily lock foot bed 151 against base plate 3 and prevent it from sliding thereon during operation of foot binding 15. As shown in FIG. 3, means 181 comprises a first aperture 183 in plate 3, preferably located over plantar depression 169, and further preferably having at least one straight or rectilinear side 185 formed therealong. A like-formed projection 187 is molded outward from the bottom surface or sole 157 of elastic foot bed 151 and is adapted for insertion in aperture 183. A second aperture 189 is formed in base plate 3, spaced-apart from first aperture 183, preferably above heel depression 171. A like projection 193 is molded outward from sole 157 and is adapted for insertion in aperture 189. Both projections 187 and 193 are arranged to extend into and fit tightly in apertures 183 and 189 when elastic foot bed 151 is arranged on top of base plate 3. The weight of the user keeps projections 187 and 193 in apertures 183 and 189 during use.
A threaded fastener 51 is provided for attaching marginal edges 45, 77 and 117 of foot binding 15 to base plate 3. As shown in FIG. 11, threaded fastener 51 comprises a plate 195 of finite thickness, such as {fraction (1/16)} of an inch thick, and is defined by first and second opposite sides, 197 and 199. Plate 195 has an aperture 201 formed therethrough. A sleeve 205 is formed integral with plate 195 and surrounds aperture 201. Sleeve 205 extends outward (upward) from plate 195 and has threads formed on the inside surface thereof. A machine screw 207, comprising a threaded shaft 209 with a screw head 211 formed at one end of the shaft, is provided wherein the threads inside sleeve 209 and threads on shaft 209 match so that screw 207 can be threaded into sleeve 209 to connect the parts together such as to hold foot binding 15 to base plate 3.
While the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiment of the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope thereof. It is intended that all combinations of elements and steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result are within the scope of this invention.
Patent Application
20050048853
