U.S. patent application number 09/825314 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-03 for boot & binding rotation apparatus.
Invention is credited to Duvall, Charles W..
Application Number | 20020140208 09/825314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25243683 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020140208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duvall, Charles W. |
October 3, 2002 |
Boot & binding rotation apparatus
Abstract
A boot and binding rotation apparatus, which is compatible for
use in sky, ground, water, ice, and ski board sports and related
"extreme" sports. The apparatus is preferably used with boards,
skis, and comparable items including, for example, water and snow
skis and boards, wakeboards, skateboards, surfboards, and
sailboards, and skateboard-type devices adapted for use on ice
surfaces. The boot and binding rotation device includes a base
plate that has a stance adjust key assemblage and a ring mount
flange. The base plate preferably receives a hole pattern for
mounting to the sporting device. A retainer ring is mounted about
or to the base plate and is formed with a retainer race surface
about an interior circumference. The retainer ring rotatably
captures a rotator disk. The disk is preferably formed with a
stance adjuster receiver and a rotator race surface. The race
surface is adapted to cooperate with the retainer race surface to
form a circumfluent raceway, which can be a scarf or half lap butt
splice joint. The rotator disk is further sized and adapted to
substantially cover and protect the base plate from the elements
and to receive a footgear mounting hole pattern, which mounts the
binding or footgear worn by the user. Preferably, the receiver
releasably captures a stance adjuster, which can be a
quick-release-type pin, that is adapted to engage the stance adjust
key assemblage to relatively and adjustably fix the rotator disk
relative to the base plate.
Inventors: |
Duvall, Charles W.;
(Columbus, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Sean M. Casey Co., L.P.A.
Attention: Sean M. Casey
P.O. Box 710
New Albany
OH
43054-0710
US
|
Family ID: |
25243683 |
Appl. No.: |
09/825314 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/624 ;
280/611 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 10/18 20130101;
A63C 10/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/624 ;
280/611 |
International
Class: |
A63C 009/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A boot and binding rotation device, comprising: a base plate
configured with a stance adjust key assemblage and adapted to
receive a board mount hole pattern; a retainer ring formed with a
retainer race surface about an interior circumference and mounted
about the base plate; and a rotator disk rotatably captured by the
retainer ring and including a stance adjuster receiver and formed
with a rotator race surface that is adapted to cooperate with the
retainer race surface to form a circumfluent raceway, the rotator
disk being further configured to substantially cover and protect
the base plate and being adapted to receive a footgear mounting
hole pattern.
2. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 1,
further comprising: a stance adjuster releasably captured by the
receiver and adapted to engage the stance adjust key assemblage to
adjustably fix the rotator disk about and relative to the base
plate.
3. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 2,
wherein the stance adjuster is a quick release pin and the stance
adjust key assemblage is a hole pattern of holes sized to receive
the pin.
4. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 2,
further comprising: an actuator lanyard attached to the stance
adjuster and operable to actuate the stance adjuster.
5. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 1,
further comprising: at least one rotator post carried from the
rotator disk; and at least one rotator stop mounted to the retainer
ring to limit the range of rotation of the disk by engaging the at
least one rotator post.
6. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 2,
further comprising: at least one rotator stop mounted to the
retainer ring to limit the range of rotation of the disk by being
adapted to engage an item selected from the group including the
stance adjuster and a portion of footgear mounted to the boot and
binding rotation device.
7. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 1,
wherein the retainer and rotator race surfaces are configured to
form a scarf splice joint.
8. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 1,
wherein the retainer and rotator race surfaces are configured to
form a half lap butt splice joint.
9. A boot and binding rotation device, comprising: a base plate
configured with a stance adjust key assemblage and a ring mount
flange, and to receive a board mount hole pattern; a retainer ring
formed with a retainer race surface about an interior circumference
and mounted about the base plate about the flange; a rotator disk
rotatably captured by the retainer ring and formed with a rotator
race surface that is adapted to cooperate with the retainer race
surface to form a circumfluent raceway, the rotator disk being
further configured to substantially cover and protect the base
plate and to receive a footgear mounting hole pattern; and a stance
adjuster being received in the rotator disk and configured to
releasably engage the stance adjust key assemblage to adjustably
fix the position of the rotator disk relative to the base
plate.
10. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 9,
wherein the stance adjuster is a quick release pin and the stance
adjust key assemblage is a hole pattern of holes sized to receive
the pin.
11. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 9,
further comprising: an actuator lanyard attached to the stance
adjuster and operable to actuate the stance adjuster.
12. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 9,
further comprising: at least one rotator post carried from the
rotator disk; and at least one rotator stop mounted to the retainer
ring to limit the range of rotation of the disk by engaging the at
least one rotator post.
13. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 9,
further comprising: at least one rotator stop mounted to the
retainer ring to limit the range of rotation of the disk by being
adapted to engage an item selected from the group including the
stance adjuster and a portion of footgear mounted to the boot and
binding rotation device.
14. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 9,
wherein the retainer and rotator race surfaces are configured to
form a scarf splice joint.
15. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 9,
wherein the retainer and rotator race surfaces are configured to
form a half lap butt splice joint.
16. A boot and binding rotation device, comprising: a base plate
configured with a stance adjust key hole pattern and to receive a
board mount hole pattern; a retainer ring formed with a retainer
race surface about an interior circumference and mounted about the
base plate; a rotator disk formed with a rotator race surface that
is adapted to cooperate with the retainer race surface to form a
half lap butt splice joint, the disk being thereby rotatably
captured by the retainer ring, the rotator disk being further
configured with at least one rotator post and to substantially
cover and protect the base plate and to receive a footgear mounting
hole pattern; a stance adjuster being received in the rotator disk
and configured to releasably engage the stance adjust key
assemblage to adjustably fix the position of the rotator disk
relative to the base plate; and a rotator stop mounted to the
retainer ring to limit the range of rotation of the disk by
engaging the at least one rotator post.
17. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 16,
wherein the stance adjuster is a quick release pin and the stance
adjust key assemblage is a hole pattern of holes sized to receive
the pin.
18. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 16,
further comprising: an actuator lanyard attached to the stance
adjuster and operable to actuate the stance adjuster.
19. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 16,
wherein the retainer and rotator race surfaces are configured to
form a scarf splice joint.
20. The boot and binding rotation device according to claim 16,
wherein the retainer and rotator race surfaces are configured to
form a half lap butt splice joint.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a boot and binding rotation
apparatus that is compatible for use in sky, ground, water, ice,
and ski board sports and related "extreme" sports and, more
preferably with boards, skis, and related items including, for
example, skydiving boards, water, and snow skis and boards,
wakeboards, skateboards, surf boards, and sail boards, and skate
board-type devices adapted for use on ice surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various snow and water sports have in recent years seen the
increased use of a variety of skis and runners that have taken the
form of a single board, which is used much like the skateboard and
the surfboard and sailboard used in water sports. In the most
common applications, the sports enthusiast and board rider uses one
or both feet to control a single board while traversing the medium
of choice, including snow, water, air, and earth. The traditional
skateboard has been modified into a snowboard, a wakeboard, a board
capable of traversing downhill in loose earth, sand, gravel, and
grass, and even into a skydiving board. In the past, skateboarders,
surfers, and sailboarders (hereafter referred to collectively as
"boarders") have used boards that included a non-slip, top surface
that facilitated control of the board instead of foot retainers,
shoes, boots, and bindings, which are commonly used in, for
example, higher-speed alpine and slalom skiing sports. Boarders
usually control their boards by shifting and leaning their feet to
adjust the center of gravity forward, aft, and side-to-side on the
board during travel.
[0003] In recent years, the various types of sporting boards have
become more sophisticated and have experienced increased use of
control and safety enhancing devices adapted to refine the control
capability and to protect against injuries due to "wipe-outs" or
spills. Such devices have included releasable and non-releaseable
foot retainers, boots, shoes, and bindings, and related
apparatuses. There has been a substantial debate over whether
releasability or non-releasability is the safest method and both
sides have proffered reasonable and meritorious positions.
[0004] With the increased use of improved safety and control
devices, boarders have experienced tremendous growth in the number
of opportunities and applications for board-type sports activities.
Activities that were previously viewed by many as "extreme" sports,
have now become more accessible to the average board sports
enthusiast. For example, common board sports now include use of
various types of boards not only in the traditional skate, water,
and ski activities, but also in skydiving and wakeboarding, and in
non-conventional metropolitan derivative sports using modified
skateboards that are adapted for use with icy surfaces and to slide
along hand railings, down stairs, along the top edges of walls and
other suburban landscaping accouterments.
[0005] Many attempts have been made in the past to improve the
state of the art in the field of such recreational board sports and
various related so-called extreme sports. However, such prior
attempts have failed to overcome many shortcomings, which affect
the ease of use and convenience, maneuverability, and
reconfigurability of the various types of board devices.
Additionally, most attempts fall short of addressing the need for
improved safety and control devices, while others are often
entirely incompatible for use with the off-the-shelf and readily
available boarding equipment. In the example of skateboards,
snowboards, wakeboards, and skydiving boards, control and safety
retaining devices have been incorporated which allow that boarding
enthusiast to mount their feet to the board with their toe-to-heel
adjustably oriented generally from between a forward-to-aft to a
side-to-side position. While the many benefits of improved safety
and control devices are desirable to most boarding enthusiasts, in
each of the noted applications and situations, failure prone,
cumbersome, and expensive retainer and binding mechanisms are
generally unjustifiable.
[0006] In two examples, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,520,406 and
5,890,730 to Anderson et al., a snowboard binding is disclosed that
is limited to a device that includes, among other elements, a
binding including a snowboard mounted frame frictionally mated
thereto with a frictional gasket. Anderson purports to teach
rotational adjustability of the frame in a geometric plane parallel
to the plane of the board by loosening of the mounting bolts.
Anderson et al. also recognize the importance of reducing the
amount of snow and ice that collect in the binding so as to improve
operability during use. A snowboard binding is also disclosed by
Jenni in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,594, which is restricted to a binding
that includes many limitations including a mounting disk that is
bolted to a snowboard to secure the binding base plate. Like the
Anderson et al. binding, the Jenni base plate may be rotated in a
geometric plane generally parallel to the board by loosening the
bolts of the mounting disk.
[0007] A snowboard binding that includes a spinning disk mounted
binding that is frictionally engaged by a tension wire is described
by Grindl in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,139. Grindl's device is limited to
a binding that can be operated in either a free-spinning mode or a
fixed position mode. In both modes, Grindl's device appears to be
especially susceptible to the type of snow and ice buildup
expressly contemplated by Anderson et al.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,419 to Knapschafer discloses a
rotational binding for a free style snowboard that is limited to a
snowboard binding having a toe foot and base plates and cooperating
heel base and foot plates that purport to enable rotation of a
user's foot along an axis from the toe to the heel and in a
geometric plane that is generally orthogonal to the plane of the
board.
[0009] Each of the prior art apparatuses of record herein discloses
one or more devices that incorporate significant shortcomings.
Specifically, what has been expressly recognized as being a needed
and useful feature is a binding that enables adjustability so that
the boarder can fine tune and optimize a stance that maximizes
comfort and control, and which can be adjusted. Also, prior
references have recognized the need to minimize the impact of snow
and ice buildup on the operability of the device during use. This
need also exists in non-now sports where salt, dirt, dust, and
debris can similarly reduce the effectiveness of the board safety
and control components. Moreover, while a wide variety of bindings
and related equipment has been discussed in the prior art, few
successful attempts have demonstrated compatibility with the myriad
devices commercially available to consumers.
[0010] What has been needed but heretofore unavailable, is an
apparatus that not only easily accommodates a wide variety of board
sporting equipment, but which can also be adapted without undue
burden to facilitate improved control of various types of boards in
a variety of sporting activities in an economical feasible and easy
to install and use manner. Moreover, the preferred apparatus should
be easily adapted to perform well with any of the aforementioned
activities and in all of the board configuration described above
and contemplated herein.
[0011] The present invention meets these and other needs without
adding any complexity, inefficiencies, or significant costs to
procurement and use of widely available boarding equipment and
related components such as and including those mentioned above. The
various embodiments, modifications, and variations of the present
invention disclosed herein are readily adapted for ease of
manufacture, low fabrication costs, and immediate compatibility
with both the boarding equipment presently in use and the various
activities engaged in by the board sports enthusiasts.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0012] In its most general sense the present invention overcomes
the shortcomings of the prior art in any of a number of generally
effective configurations. In one of the preferred embodiments this
invention includes a boot and binding rotation device that is
compatible for use in sky, ground, water, ice, and ski board-type
sporting activities and related "extreme" sports. The apparatus is
preferably used with boards, skis, and similar sporting equipment
such as, for purposes of illustration but not limitation, snow and
ski boards, skydiving boards, water and wakeboards, surfboards,
sailboards, and skateboards and similar devices adapted for use on
ice surfaces.
[0013] The preferred boot and binding rotation device includes a
base plate that has a stance adjust key assemblage and a ring mount
flange. The base plate is preferably adapted to receive a hole
pattern for mounting to the sporting equipment or device. A
retainer ring is also incorporated that is mounted about or to the
base plate and which is formed with a retainer race surface about
an interior annulus or circumference. A rotator disk is rotatably
captured against the base plate by the retainer ring and preferably
includes a stance adjuster receiver and a rotator race surface. The
rotator and retainer race surfaces are cooperatively configured and
arranged to form a circumfluent raceway substantially in the form
of a bevel or scarf or half lap butt splice rotating joint.
[0014] The rotator disk is further sized and adapted to
substantially cover and protect the base plate from the elements
and specifically from the buildup of dust, dirt, grime, debris,
salt, snow, and ice. The disk is also adapted to receive or to
include a footgear mounting hole pattern that can be selected for
compatibility with and mounting of a wide range of commercially
available foot gear such as foot retainers, boots, bindings, and
the like.
[0015] Preferably, the receiver releasably captures a stance
adjuster, which can be a quick-release-type pin, that is adapted to
engage the stance adjust key assemblage to relatively and
adjustably fix the rotator disk relative to the base plate.
[0016] The present invention also contemplates an embodiment and
variations of the preceding embodiments that preferably include a
stance adjuster that is releasably captured by the receiver, and
which is adapted to releasably or fixedly engage the stance adjust
key assemblage, which adjustably fixes the rotator disk about and
relative to the base plate. More preferably, in this variation, the
stance adjuster is selected to be a quick-release, quick-engage
shear-type pin that cooperates with the stance adjust key
assemblage, which assemblage is formed from a hole pattern of one
or more holes that are sized to receive the pin. In other
variations and modifications of the preferred embodiments, an
actuator lanyard may be attached to the stance adjuster via a ring
attached to the stance adjuster.
[0017] In yet other preferred embodiments, a device is possible
that is also adapted to incorporate at least one rotator post
carried from the rotator disk, as well as at least one rotator stop
mounted to the retainer ring. The post and stop are preferably
arranged to engage one another to thereby limit the range of motion
or rotation of the disk. In a variation of any of the preceding
embodiments and alternatives, the at least one rotator stop may be
mounted to the retainer ring to limit the range of rotation of the
disk by being adapted to engage either the aforementioned stance
adjuster, or alternatively, the toe or heel or another portion of
footgear that is mounted to the boot and binding rotation device.
In yet other modifications, the at least one rotator stop may be
mounted to the footgear and adapted to engage a post or cooperative
stop mounted to the board.
[0018] The present invention also contemplates variations and
modifications to the previously described embodiments wherein the
raceway includes retainer and rotator race surfaces that are
configured to form a scarf splice rotating joint, which may take
the form of cooperatively formed beveled surfaces and the like. In
alternative arrangements, the retainer and rotator race surfaces
may be designed to form a half lap butt splice rotating joint, or
any of a number of comparably suitable raceway and joint
configurations.
[0019] These variations, modifications, and alterations of the
various preferred embodiments may be used either alone or in
combination with one another as will become more readily apparent
to those with skill in the art with reference to the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the
accompanying figures and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Without limiting the scope of the present invention as
claimed below and referring now to the drawings and figures,
wherein like reference numerals across the several drawings,
figures, and views refer to identical, corresponding, or equivalent
elements, features, and parts:
[0021] FIG. 1 is top, planform view, in reduced scale, of a boot
and binding rotation device according to the present invention
mounted to a sporting board and with certain hidden lines removed
for illustration purposes;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a view, in enlarged scale, of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 with some structure removed and certain other structure
depicted with hidden lines;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a detail view, in reduced scale, of the base plate
of the apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a detail view, in reduced scale, of the retainer
ring of the apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a rotated section view, in enlarged scale, taken
along section line 5-5 of the component of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a detail view, in reduced scale, of the rotator
disk of the apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a rotated section view, in enlarged scale, taken
along section line 7-7 of the component of FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a rotated section view taken along section line
8-8, in enlarged scale, of the apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a rotated section view taken along section line
9-9, in enlarged scale, of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2;
and
[0030] FIG. 10 is a detail view, in enlarged scale, of a portion of
the apparatus of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] The boot and binding rotation apparatus of the instant
invention enables a significant advance in the state of the art of
ground, air, water, snow, and ice sporting activity boards that are
adapted for a wide range of activities enjoyed by enthusiasts. The
preferred embodiments and described and contemplated modifications
of the boot and binding rotation apparatus accomplish this by new
and novel components and arrangements of elements that are
configured in unique and unobvious ways and which demonstrate
previously unavailable capabilities.
[0032] With reference now to the accompanying figures and
specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, a boot and binding rotation device
100 is shown attached to a sports board, which is generally
configured, for purposes of illustration but not limitation,
substantially in the shape of a snowboard that is designated
generally by reference letter "S". Also depicted in the various
figures for illustrative purposes is a representative typification
of a type of footgear "B" that can be a retainer, restraint, boot,
shoe, binding, or similar type of apparatus adapted to allow a user
to ride the board "S".
[0033] The boot and binding rotation device 100 includes a base
plate 120. With additional reference also to FIG. 3, it can be
understood that the base plate 120 incorporates a stance adjust key
assemblage 130 and a ring mount flange or annulus 140. For
applications where the base plate 120 will not be joined to other
components and elements with welding or adhesives, the ring mount
flange 140 is preferably configured with a hole pattern 142 of a
plurality of threaded mount holes 145.
[0034] The stance adjust key assemblage 130 is preferably
incorporated in an annular region of the base plate 120 diametrally
interior to the ring mount flange 140. The stance adjust key
assemblage 130 can be formed from any of an equally suitable
selection of structures, including, for example and without
limitation, an annular margin 137 that includes toothed or notched
projections. More preferably, the stance adjust key assemblage 130
incorporates a hole pattern that includes holes such as holes 135,
as can be appreciated with continued reference to FIG. 3.
[0035] Preferably, the base plate 120 is also configured to receive
a hole pattern of board mounting holes 150 that can include a
plurality of one or more holes that may be predrilled and
positioned for compatibility with industry standard hole patterns
that are prevalent in board-type sporting equipment and devices
available from a large number of manufacturers and suppliers.
Although a pattern of 6 holes 150 is shown in FIG. 3 for purposes
of illustration, the base plate 120 is readily configured to
receive patterns of one or more board mounting holes 160. In
addition to being configured for mounting directly to the board
"S", the holes 150 may also be adapted for mounting to an
releasably adjustable, sliding track (not shown) that can, in turn,
be mounted to the board "S" to allow adjustment of the stance of
the user in at least one or two degrees of translational
freedom.
[0036] The base plate 120 can be formed from any of a wide variety
of suitable, high-strength, low-weight, sheet materials including
polymeric and metal materials. It has been found that a
high-strength stainless sheet stock steel is well suited for
purposes of the present invention since in sheet form it is
relatively low-weight yet exhibits excellent corrosion resistance,
and strength and fatigue characteristics.
[0037] With continued reference to the previously identified
figures and reference also now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the present
invention also incorporates a retainer ring 160 from materials
similar to that of the base plate 120. Preferably, the same
materials are used, and if not, then electrochemically compatible
materials are used to avoid potential adhesion and galvanic
coupling and corrosion problems.
[0038] The ring 160 is mounted about or to the base plate 120
preferably by welding or high-strength epoxy adhesives. More
preferably, the ring 160 is formed with fastener holes 165 that are
arranged to cooperate with the holes 145 of the base plate 120,
which together receive fasteners 170 (depicted in FIG. 2) to mount
the ring 160 to the base plate 120.
[0039] As can be understood with reference now also to FIG. 5, the
ring 160 also incorporates at least one retainer race surface 180,
185 about an interior annulus or circumference 190. Although
non-coplanar surfaces 180, 185 are illustrated in the various
figures, coplanar and contiguous surfaces are also contemplated as
described in more detail below.
[0040] As illustrated with continuing reference to the preceding
figures and next also to FIGS. 6 and 7, the instant invention
further includes a rotator disk 200 that is captured against the
base plate 120 by the retainer ring 160 for rotational motion
generally depicted by the arrow denoted with reference letter "A".
The disk 200 is adapted to rotate with at least one rotational
degree of freedom within the retainer ring 160 and against the base
plate 120 to enable adjustment of the stance of the board
enthusiast during operation and use, and as described in more
detail below.
[0041] Being made of similar materials as that of the base plate
120 and the ring 160 for the reasons described in connection
therewith, the rotator disk 200 may also be coated on the surface
that contact the other components with a graphite, petroleum-based,
polymeric (such as polytetrafluoroethylene), polydisulfide, or
vapor deposition applied lubricant. Many of such lubricants can
also be selected to reduce the occurrence of electrochemical
interaction between the materials and with extraneous contaminants,
thereby reducing adhesion and corrosion, and improving performance
of the rotator disk 200.
[0042] The rotator disk 200 also preferably incorporates a stance
adjuster receiver 210 and at least one rotator race surface 220,
225. As can be appreciated with further reference also to FIG. 8,
the rotator and retainer race surfaces 220, 225 are cooperatively
configured and arranged to form a circumfluent raceway 230
substantially in the form of a bevel or scarf (not shown in the
figures) or half lap butt splice rotating joint (as reflected in
FIG. 8).
[0043] The rotator disk 200 is further sized and adapted to
substantially cover and protect the base plate from the elements
and specifically from the buildup of dust, dirt, grime, debris,
salt, snow, and ice. This is accomplished is various ways,
preferably including, for example, a substantially close-tolerance
mating and fit between the rotator disk 200 and the retainer ring
160. Also, minimizing or more preferably eliminating apertures or
other openings in the disk 200 can improve the contamination
protection afforded by the disk 200. These and other similar
methods can be employed either alone or in combination to reduce
the opportunities for the introduction of contaminants into the
interstices formed in the raceway 230 and beneath the disk 200 that
are formed between the disk 200 and the base plate 120.
[0044] The rotator disk 200 may also be further adapted to receive
or to include predrilled a footgear mounting hole pattern 250
having one or more holes 255 that can be arranged and selected to
have compatibility with and mounting of a wide range of
commercially available foot gear such as foot retainers, boots,
bindings, and the like. Although not shown in the various figures,
the present invention also contemplates an additional mounting
plate that can be adapted with mounting bindings, fittings,
brackets, or fasteners, which can be mounted to hole pattern 250
and which can releasably engage such foot retainers, boots,
bindings, and similar devices.
[0045] Suitable types of such additional mounting plates include,
for purposes of illustration but not limitation, those disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,558,355; 5,713,594; and 5,890,730; which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Moreover, added
degrees of freedom of rotation can be incorporated into the
apparatus of the present invention by incorporation of additional
rotational elements configured to rotate in degrees of rotational
freedom that are different from those already described. One such
device compatible for use with the present invention includes, for
purposes of example but not limitation, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,419,
which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0046] Preferably, as can be comprehended with reference also to
FIG. 9, the receiver 210 releasably captures a stance adjuster 300,
which can include, for example without limitation, a
quick-release-type pin 310 biased with a spring 320 and actuated by
a handle 330 and push-type button 340. The pin 310 may be adapted
to engage the stance adjust key assemblage 130 and/or the holes of
pattern 135. In this configuration, the rotator disk 200 can be
relatively and adjustably fixed with respect to the board "S" and
the base plate 120.
[0047] The present invention 100 also contemplates an embodiment or
variation of preceding embodiments that preferably incorporates a
stance adjuster, such as stance adjuster 300, that is adapted to
releasably or fixedly engage the stance adjust key assemblage 130,
to adjustably fix the rotator disk 200 about and relative to the
base plate 120. In this modification and alternative embodiment,
the stance adjuster 300 is configured with a quick-release,
quick-engage shear-type pin adapted to cooperate with the stance
adjust key assemblage 300. One type of acceptable pin includes, for
example, without limitation, any of the quick release, shear-type,
positive or self locking pins available from McMaster-Carr
Industrial Supply of Cleveland, Ohio as Model Nos. 92384A014,
94975A113, 93750A112, 90293A102, or similar models. As before, in
this variation, the assemblage 130 is also preferably formed from a
hole pattern of a plurality of holes 135 that are sized to receive
the pin 310. In other variations and modifications of the preferred
embodiments, an actuator lanyard 350 (FIG. 9) may be attached to
the stance adjuster 300 via a ring 355 attached to the stance
adjuster 300.
[0048] In yet other preferred embodiments, a device 100 is possible
in accordance with the principles of the instant invention that is
further adapted to incorporate at least one rotator post 400 (FIGS.
2 and 6) that is carried from the rotator disk 200, as well as at
least one rotator stop 420 (FIG. 10) that is mounted to the
retainer ring 160. The post 400 and stop 420 are preferably
arranged to engage one another to thereby limit the range of motion
or rotation of the rotator disk 200.
[0049] In a modification of any of the preceding embodiments and
variations, the at least one rotator stop 420 may be modified and
mounted to the retainer ring 160 to limit the range of rotation of
the disk 200 by being adapted (i) to engage either the
aforementioned stance adjuster 300 as the disk 200 rotates (not
shown in the figures), or alternatively, (ii) to engage the toe or
heel or another portion of footgear "B" that is mounted to the boot
and binding rotation device 100 (not shown). In yet other
modifications, the at least one rotator stop 420 may be further
modified and mounted to the footgear "B" and adapted to engage a
post or cooperative stop, for example but not limitation, such as a
modified and adapted post 400 and stop 420, that are mounted to the
board "S".
[0050] Although not reflected in the figures, but which can be
understood with reference thereto, the apparatus 100 according to
the present invention also contemplates variations and
modifications to the previously described embodiments wherein the
raceway 230 includes retainer and rotator race surfaces, analogous
to surfaces 180, 185, 220, 225 that are configured to form a scarf
splice rotating joint. This modification preferably takes the form
of cooperatively formed beveled surfaces and the like.
[0051] Numerous alternatives, alterations, modifications, and
variations of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be
apparent to those skilled in the art and they are all contemplated
to be within the spirit and scope of the instant invention. For
example, although specific embodiments have been described in
detail, those with skill in the art will understand that the
preceding embodiments and variations can be modified to incorporate
various types of substitute and/or additional materials, relative
arrangement of elements, and dimensional configurations for
compatibility with the wide variety of boards and related sporting
activities, and with compatible equipment that is readily available
to board sport enthusiasts. As a further example, although what
appears to be either a snowboard or skateboard "S" is depicted in
the various figures, the various elements, components, and
alternatives also reflected therein are readily compatible for use
with each of the previously described sporting activities including
skydiving, ground, water, snow, and ice sports for which boarders,
riders, and enthusiasts employ skis, and wakeboards, skateboards,
surfboards, and sailboards, and skate board-type devices adapted
for use on ice surfaces.
[0052] Accordingly, even though only few embodiments, alternatives,
and variations of the present invention are described herein, it is
to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications
and variations and the equivalents thereof, are within the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
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