U.S. patent application number 10/141500 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for snowboard binding system with automatic forward lean support.
This patent application is currently assigned to K-2 Corporation. Invention is credited to Aiken, Andy J., Andrus, Cameron W., Dennis, Brian D., Martin, John D., Smith, Cory W..
Application Number | 20020180182 10/141500 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22166711 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020180182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dennis, Brian D. ; et
al. |
December 5, 2002 |
Snowboard binding system with automatic forward lean support
Abstract
A step-in binding system (20) for securing a boot (24) to a
snowboard (22). The boot includes a sole defining a toe end, a heel
end, and a binding attachment surfaces (46 and 50). The boot also
has an elongate, substantially U-shaped highback (28) mounted to
the exterior of the boot in the calf area thereof and extending
from the ankle area to the top of the boot. The step-in binding
system includes a toe and heel binding (62 and 64) attached to the
snowboard for receiving and securing the boot to the snowboard. The
step-in binding system also includes a lever arm (66) attached to
the heel binding for selectively releasing the boot from the
binding. A lean support member (68) is fastened near the rearward
end of the binding for engagement with a stopper block (29) secured
to the highback to define a minimum forward lean angle of the boot
and to limit the aft flexure of the ankle support portion of the
boot when the boot is received within the binding.
Inventors: |
Dennis, Brian D.; (Vashon,
WA) ; Martin, John D.; (Vashon, WA) ; Andrus,
Cameron W.; (Vashon, WA) ; Aiken, Andy J.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Smith, Cory W.; (Sandy,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Assignee: |
K-2 Corporation
|
Family ID: |
22166711 |
Appl. No.: |
10/141500 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10141500 |
May 7, 2002 |
|
|
|
09081837 |
May 19, 1998 |
|
|
|
6382641 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/618 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 10/10 20130101;
A63C 10/22 20130101; A63C 10/106 20130101; A63C 10/18 20130101;
A63C 10/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/618 |
International
Class: |
A63C 009/081 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A step-in binding for securing a boot to a bearing member
capable of traversing a surface, the boot having a sole defining a
toe end, a heel end, and a binding attachment surface, an ankle
support portion capable of flexing relative to the plane of the
sole, and an elongate ankle support member mounted to the exterior
of the boot in the calf area thereof, the step-in binding
comprising: (a) at least a first binding member attached to the
bearing member for receiving and coupling to the binding attachment
surface of the boot, the first binding member having a forward end
and a rearward end; and (b) a lean support member fastened near the
rearward end of the first binding member for engagement with the
ankle support member to define a minimum forward lean angle of the
ankle support portion of the boot and to limit the aft flexure of
the ankle support portion of the boot when the boot is received
within the first binding member.
2. The step-in binding of claim 1, further comprising a release
member attached to the first binding member for selectively
releasing the boot from the first binding member.
3. The step-in binding of claim 1, wherein the ankle support member
is a highback mounted to the exterior of the boot in the calf area
thereof and extends from below to above the ankle area of the
boot.
4. The step-in binding of claim 3, wherein the bearing member is a
snowboard.
5. The step-in binding of claim 4, wherein the lean support member
is slidably adjustable between the forward and rearward ends of the
first attachment surface, such that the lean support member may be
adjusted therein to optimize the fit between the lean support
member and the heel end of the boot.
6. The step-in binding of claim 5 further comprising an elongate
plate securable to the snowboard, the plate having a forward end
and a rearward end, the first binding member is attached to the
plate, the plate has upwardly projecting first and second flanges
formed on opposing sides of the plate substantially near the
rearward end thereof.
7. The step-in binding of claim 6, wherein the lean support member
is a U-shaped heel loop having an upper side and a lower side, and
the ends of the heel loop are fastened to the upwardly projecting
first and second flanges.
8. The step-in binding of claim 7, further comprising a Y-shaped
stopper block, the stopper block having a forward facing surface
and a rearward facing surface, the stopper block fastened to the
arcuate portion of the first lean support member between the ends
thereof, such that a lower end of the highback is receivable within
the forked portion of the stopper block when the boot is secured to
the first binding member to defined the forward lean angle and
substantially reduce the aft flexure of the ankle support portion
of the boot.
9. The step-in binding of claim 8, wherein the stopper block
comprises an adjustment member extending outwardly from the
rearward facing surface to slidably adjust the stopper block along
the longitudinal axis thereof, such that the degree of forward lean
may be selectively optimized by the adjustment member.
10. The step-in binding of claim 7, further comprising a Y-shaped
stopper block, the stopper block having a forward facing surface
and a rearward facing surface, the stopper block depending
downwardly from the highback and positioned for engagement with the
lean support member, such that the lean support member is
receivable within the forked portion of the stopper block when the
boot is coupled to the snowboard to define the forward lean angle
and substantially reduce the aft flexure of the ankle support
portion of the boot.
11. The step-in binding of claim 10, wherein the stopper block
comprises an adjustment member extending outwardly from the
rearward facing surface to slidably adjust the stopper block along
the longitudinal axis thereof, such that the degree of forward lean
may be selectively optimized by the adjustment member.
12. The step-in binding of claim 6, wherein the lean support member
further comprises elongate first and second support arms, the first
and second support arms having a forward end and a rearward end,
and the first and second support arms are fastened to the first and
second flanges, respectively, such that they are substantially
parallel to each other.
13. The step-in binding of claim 12, wherein the first and second
support arms further comprise first and second stopper blocks
projecting upwardly from each support arm substantially near the
rearward end thereof and positioned for engagement with the sides
of the highback to define the forward lean angle and substantially
reduce the aft flexure of the ankle support portion of the boot
when the boot is coupled to the snowboard.
14. The step-in binding of claim 1, further comprising a bearing
surface defined on one of a lower end of the highback or the lean
support member, and disposed to bear against the other of the
highback or the lean support member when the boot is coupled to the
first binding member, thereby preventing aft flexure beyond the
minimum forward lean angle.
15. The step-in binding of claim 14, wherein the bearing surface is
defined by a stopper block secured to a lower end of the
highback.
16. The step-in binding of claim 14, wherein the bearing surface is
defined by a stopper block secured to the lean support member.
17. The step-in binding of claim 14, wherein the bearing surface is
defined by a stopper member adjustably secured to one of the
highback or the lean support member to enable adjustment of the
minimum forward lean angle.
18. The step-in binding of claim 7, further comprising an L-shaped
attachment arm having an upper end and a lower end, the attachment
arm is hingedly attached to the highback such that the lower end of
the attachment arm may lockingly engage a notch centrally located
on the lower side of the heel loop when the boot is secured to the
first binding member to secure the heel end of the boot to the
snowboard.
19. The step-in binding of claim 7, further comprising a
substantially U-shaped buckle depending downwardly from the
highback.
20. The step-binding of claim 19, further comprising a
rectangularly shaped receiver centrally located on the arcuate
portion of the heel loop and sized to slidably received the arms of
the buckle therein when the boot is secured to the first binding
member to define the forward lean angle and substantially reduce
the aft flexure of the ankle support portion of the boat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior application Ser.
No. 09/081,837, filed May 19, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,641,
issued May 7, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to bindings for
snowboards and, in particular, to a binding system with an
automatic forward lean support.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Snowboards have been in use for a number of years, and
snowboarding has become a popular winter sports activity. The
typical snowboard has an elongate flotation surface with an
upwardly angled forward end and a tail end. A pair of bindings are
rigidly attached between the edges of the snowboard, and are
adapted to fasten the boots of a snowboarder to the snowboard. The
edge of the snowboard closest to the toe end of the bindings is
referred to as the toe edge, while the opposing edge is referred to
as the heel edge. To maneuver a snowboard, it is desirable that
snowboarders be able to bend their ankles, much in the same way
surfers bend their ankles to maneuver a surfboard, thereby
transferring their weight in the desired direction. A snowboarder
may perform serpentine-like maneuvers by alternating his or her
weight between the toe and heel edges of the snowboard. Thus,
sufficient forward flexibility to permit an adjustable forward lean
angle during use is desired. At the same time, it is desired that
aft flexibility be limited so that the forward lean angle is
maintained at no less than a minimum for proper heel edge
control.
[0004] Step-in and strap bindings are the most common types of
bindings currently available to couple a snowboarder's boot to the
snowboard. A step-in binding includes a rigid plate that is
attached to the snowboard and is adapted to receive toe and heel
bails that are defined in the sole of the boot. Conventional,
mountaineering-style boots used for snowboarding, like ski boots,
include a molded plastic, stiff outer shell and a soft inner liner.
Mountaineering-style boots are generally stiff enough to limit aft
ankle flexibility and thereby provide the desired edge control and
stability for maneuvering the snowboard. However, they are usually
too stiff in the forward direction for some board maneuvers and for
walking comfort when not bound to the snowboard.
Mountaineering-type boots are also too stiff to allow significant
lateral flexibility, a key movement in the sport and essential for
freestyle enthusiasts. Furthermore, stiff mountaineering-type boots
offer only marginal fore and aft flexibility, not only when the
boot is attached to the binding, but also when the boot is removed
from the binding and the snowboarder is walking. The stiff molded
plastic outer shell does not permit sufficient fore and aft
movement of the ankle for walking comfort and, therefore, is both
an uncomfortable and difficult form of footwear for the snowboarder
when the boot is not engaged with the binding of the snowboard. As
a result, the mountaineering-type boots are generally too
constraining for many snowboarders.
[0005] As noted above, freestyle snowboarding requires more lateral
and forward flexibility of the ankle of the snowboarder than the
mountaineering-type boots allow. Even all-around recreational
snowboarding requires some boot flexibility. The stiff
mountaineering-type boots offer little lateral flexibility and only
marginal forward flexibility. Thus, because of the desire for
flexibility, some snowboarders have opted for an insulated,
flexible snowboot combined with a strap-on binding or a step-in
binding, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,477, issued
to Turner et al. The flexible snowboot provides the flexibility
desired by snowboarders for freestyle maneuvers, but may lack
sufficient aft rigidity for proper edge control.
[0006] While flexibility is an aspect of snowboots that is desired
by snowboarders for maneuvering the snowboard, too much aft
flexibility is undesirable because the snowboot would lack the
stiffness to properly transfer the snowboarder's weight between the
toe and heel edges. The snowboarder's ability to initiate and
properly execute a heel-edge turn requires that the snowboot have
sufficient aft lean rigidity to maintain the forward lean angle at
no less than a minimum. Aft lean limitation is important because it
provides leverage on the snowboard during a heel-edge turn and it
assists in angling the snowboard upwardly to further edge the heel
edge into the snow during a heel-edge turn. Aft lean limitation of
an otherwise flexible snowboot may be obtained by either inserting
a highback plate between the liner and the outer shell of the boot,
or mounting a highback on the exterior of the outer shell.
[0007] Prior attempts at increasing the forward lean stiffness of
an otherwise relatively flexible snowboot have used a flexible
snowboot having a pivoting highback. The snowboot is secured to the
binding plate by a strap extending over the top of the forefoot
portion of the snowboot. The strap extends from one side of the
binding to the other. Although such a snowboot is comfortable to
walk in when it is removed from the snowboard binding, it is not
very convenient to attach the snowboot to the snowboard because of
the strap binding. Such a system requires the snowboarder to
manually adjust the strap around the snowboot before and after each
run down a snow hill. Other attempts at increasing forward lean
stiffness have used a stiff boot, such as the mountaineering-type
boot described above, coupled to a snowboard by a step-in binding.
Although such systems provide a simpler attachment of the boot to
the snowboard, it fails to provide a boot that is comfortable to
walk in when it is removed from the snowboard.
[0008] Thus, there exists a need for a snowboard boot binding that
provides an automatic forward lean adjustment system while
providing a highback that is allowed to flex rearwardly for walking
comfort when the boot is removed from the binding. The present
invention addresses these issues to overcome the limitations
currently encountered by providing a forward lean device fastened
to a step-in binding, thereby automatically limiting the minimum
forward lean of the boot when the boot is engaged with the step-in
binding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is a step-in binding for securing a
boot to a snowboard. The boot includes a toe end, a heel end, an
ankle support portion capable of flexing relative to the plane of
the sole, and an elongate, substantially U-shaped highback mounted
to the exterior of the boot in the calf area thereof. The highback
extends from the ankle area to the top of the boot. The step-in
binding also includes an elongate rigid plate attached to the
snowboard. The plate has a forward end and a rearward end. The
step-in binding has at least a first binding member attached to the
plate for receiving and coupling to a binding attachment surface
defined by the sole region of the boot. A release member is
attached to the first binding member for selectively releasing the
boot from the first binding member. A forward lean support member
is fastened substantially near the rearward end of the plate for
engagement with the highback to define a minimum forward lean angle
of the boot and to limit the aft flexure of the ankle support
portion of the boot when the boot is received within the first
binding member.
[0010] In the preferred embodiment, the lean support member is
slidably adjustable between the forward and rearward ends of the
plate, such that the lean support member may be adjusted therein to
optimize the fit between the lean support member and the heel of
the boot. Preferably, the lean support member is a U-shaped heel
loop, the ends of which are fastened to first and second flanges
that project upwardly from the plate.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a Y-shaped
stopper block depends downwardly from the highback and is
positioned for engagement with the lean support member, such that
the lean support member is receivable within a forked portion of
the stopper block when the boot is coupled to the snowboard to
define the minimum forward lean angle and to limit the aft flexure
of the ankle support portion of the boot.
[0012] In an alternate embodiment, the step-in binding includes a
Y-shaped stopper block fastened to the arcuate portion of the lean
support member substantially between the ends thereof, such that
the lower end of the highback is receivable within the forked
portion of the stopper block to define the minimum forward lean
angle and to limit the aft flexure of the ankle support portion of
the boot.
[0013] In another alternate embodiment of the invention, the lean
support member includes elongate first and second support arms. The
first and second support arms are fastened to first and second
flanges defined by the plate, respectively, such that they are
substantially parallel to each other. The first and second support
arms each include a stopper block projecting upwardly from each arm
near the rearward end thereof. The stopper blocks of the alternate
embodiment are positioned for engagement with the sides of the
highback to define the minimum forward lean angle and to limit the
aft flexure of the ankle support portion of the boot when the boot
is coupled to the snowboard.
[0014] The step-in binding of the present invention provides
several advantages over bindings currently available in the art.
The step-in binding of the present invention provides an automatic
forward lean adjustment system to limit the aft flexure of the
ankle support portion of a snowboot, while providing a snowboot
that is allowed to flex when the boot is removed from the binding.
The step-in binding of the present invention also has the added
advantage of permitting the snowboarder to selectively adjust the
minimum amount of forward lean of the snowboot when the boot is
mated to the snowboard. The step-in binding of the present
invention is also simpler to use than those currently available in
the art because the forward lean adjustment system is automatically
engaged to the boot when the boot is coupled to the snowboard, thus
eliminating the need of the snowboarder to manually attach and
adjust the forward lean system when the snowboarder couples the
snowboot to the snowboard. These advantages combine to define a
step-in binding that has an automatic forward lean system, while
providing a forward lean adjustment system that may be
automatically disengaged for walking comfort.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become better understood by reference to the
following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a step-in binding with an
automatic forward lean adjustment system of the present invention
attached to a snowboard and toe and heel attachment surfaces
defined by the sole region of one of the boots;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the step-in binding with an
automatic forward lean adjustment system of the present invention
with the toe attachment surface of the snowboot partially slid into
the step-in binding and showing the adjustable aspect of the
forward lean support;
[0018] FIG. 3A is a side view of the step-in binding with an
automatic forward lean adjustment system of the present invention
with the snowboot fully engaged with the step-in binding of the
snowboard and as it would be used by a snowboarder;
[0019] FIG. 3B is a side view of the step-in binding with an
automatic forward lean adjustment system of the present invention
with the snowboot fully engaged with the step-in binding of the
snowboard and a boot having a greater forward lean;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the step-in
binding with an automatic forward lean adjustment system, showing
the stopper block attached to the heel loop of the binding and the
forked portion of the stopper block shown partially in phantom and
engaged with the highback of the snowboot;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
step-in binding with an automatic forward lean adjustment system of
the present invention, having a two-piece heel loop and two stopper
blocks attached to the heel loop and positioned to engage the
highback of the snowboot;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
step-in binding with an automatic forward lean adjustment system of
the present invention, having a single piece heel loop and a hinged
stopper block attached to the highback of the snowboot; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
step-in binding with an automatic forward lean adjustment system of
the present invention, having a buckle and receiver-type fastener
to automatically limit the forward lean of the snowboot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a step-in
binding system 20 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The step-in binding system 20 is shown attached to a
snowboard 22 and is capable of receiving and securing a boot 24 to
the snowboard 22.
[0025] The boot 24 includes a base 26, a highback 28, a stopper
block 29, and an upper shoe portion 30. The base 26 is preferably
constructed of a semi-rigid material that allows some flex and is
resilient. The base 26, for example, may have a base construction
similar to the sole construction of either hiking or mountaineering
boots, including a last board on an elastomeric outer sole. The
base 26 includes a toe cap 32, a heel counter 34, and a tread 36.
The toe cap 32 is preferably an integrally formed portion of the
base 26 and surrounds the toe or forward end of the upper shoe
portion 30. Alternatively, the toe cap 32 may not be used or may be
formed of a different material from the rest of the base 26, such
as rubber. Because the upper shoe portion is preferably constructed
from nylon or other flexible natural or manmade material, the
function of the toe cap 32 is to protect the forward end of the
upper shoe portion 30 from wear and water. The toe cap 32 also
extends around the sides of the ball of the foot of the user. This
arrangement adds additional lateral and torsional support to the
foot of the user.
[0026] The heel counter 34 extends upwardly from the heel or
rearward end of the base 26. The heel counter 34 surrounds and cups
the heel portion of the upper shoe portion 30 and provides lateral
support to the heel of the user. As with the toe cap 32, the heel
counter 34 is preferably formed as an integral part of the base 26.
Alternatively, however, the heel counter 34 could be constructed of
a different material and attached to the base 26 by means well
known in the art, such as glue.
[0027] The tread 36 extends downwardly from the base 26 and is
preferably formed of a different material than the remainder of the
base 26. The construction of the tread 36 is preferably an
elastomeric material like that of conventional snowboots. The tread
36 may alternatively be constructed of a stiffer rubber, as
commonly used on hiking boots. The toe end of the tread 36 angles
upwardly toward the toe cap 32, so as not to interfere with the
edging of the snowboard if the toe end of the boot 24 extends
slightly over the edge of the snowboard 22. The heel end of the
tread 36 also angles upwardly towards the heel counter 34.
[0028] The highback 28 extends upwardly from the heel counter 34,
adjacent the rear and side portions of the upper shoe portion 30.
The highback 28 is pivotally connected to opposing sides of the
heel counter 34 by first and second highback pivot pins 38. Each
pivot pin 38 is preferably a heavy-duty rivet, but alternately may
be any other type of conventional pivoting fastener connection. The
heel counter 34 includes an upward projection to allow the highback
pivot pin 38 to be positioned to just beneath the ankle bone of the
user for proper pivotal movement of the highback 28. The highback
28 is preferably formed of a resilient plastic material that is
rigid enough to provide desired ankle support to the user. Thus,
the highback 28 provides ankle support to the snowboarder and,
because of the pivot pin 38, it is capable of flexing relative to
the plane of the base 26 for increased walking comfort when the
boot 24 is removed from the binding.
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 1, the stopper block 29 includes a
rectangularly shaped housing 33 and a Y-shaped arm 35. The housing
33 has an open end and a cavity extending the length thereof. The
housing 33 is attached centrally to the rearward outer side of the
highback 28 by conventional fasteners, such as rivets, screws, or
nuts and bolts. Alternatively, the housing 33 may be pivotally
attached to the highback 28 by pinning one end of the housing 33
between rearwardly projecting sidewalls of a bracket (not shown),
thereby permitting the housing 33 to swing away from the highback
28. In either method of attachment, the housing 33 is positioned on
the highback 28 such that the open end thereof faces downward. The
arm 35 is sized to be slidably received within the housing 33, with
the forked portion thereof extending downwardly.
[0030] The arm 35 may be selectively extended or retracted within
the housing 33 to permit the snowboarder to select the desired
amount of minimum forward lean, to be described in greater detail
below. The rearward facing surface 37 of the arm 35 is serrated
such that it fits securely into complementary grooves (not shown)
defined in the opposing internal surface (not shown) of the housing
33 when the arm 35 is received therein. The snowboarder may adjust
the length of the arm 35 within the housing 33 by applying a slight
pressure to the arm 35 until the serrated portion there of is
released from the grooved portion of the housing 33. The arm 35
then passes under the grooved portion until the desired extension
of the arm 35 is achieved. The snowboarder then releases the
pressure to the arm 35, causing the serrated portion to re-engage
the grooved portion of the housing 33, thereby locking the arm 35
into the desired position. A conventional fastener 31, such as a
spring-loaded stud and cam or a nut and bolt, is inserted through
the elongate direction of the stopper block 29 to ensure that the
extension of the arm 35 relative to the housing 33 remains
fixed.
[0031] The upper shoe portion 30 is fixedly attached to the base 26
by being secured beneath the last board (not shown) of the base 26
by means well known in the art, such as glue or stitching. The toe
cap 32 and heel counter 34 may also be glued to the upper shoe
portion 30. The upper shoe portion 30 also includes a conventional
vamp and vamp closure, including a lace 40 traversing the top of
the foot from the toe area of the foot to the shin of the user. A
securing strap 42 and buckles 43 are provided of the top of the
upper shoe portion 30, for fastening the upper shoe portion 30
around the top of the foot. In the preferred embodiment, the upper
shoe portion 30 is not attached to the highback 28, such that the
flexibility of the upper shoe portion 30 is not limited by the
highback 28. The highback 28 is adjacent and cups at least part of
the rear and side portions of the upper shoe portion 30. Because
the highback 28 is not attached to the boot 24 above the ankle
portion, the upper shoe portion 30 is permitted to move both
forwardly, laterally and medially.
[0032] Still referring to FIG. 1, the sole of the base 26 has a
first cavity 44 formed generally between the ball and heel portions
of the foot. An elongate toe attachment plate 46 is rigidly
attached within the cavity 44 and includes a forward projecting tab
48 that is adapted to be received within the step-in binding system
20, to be described in greater detail below. A heel attachment
plate 50 is also rigidly attached within the cavity 44 and includes
a lock lip 52 that is spaced a predetermined distance from the base
of the cavity 44. The lock lip 52 is adapted to be received within
the step-in binding system 20, to be described in greater detail
below. Both the toe and heel attachment plates 46 and 50 are
rigidly attached within the cavity 44 by fasteners, such as screws
54 and are preferably constructed from a resilient, high-strength
material, such as stainless steel.
[0033] FIG. 1 also illustrates one type of binding that may be used
in conjunction with the step-in binding system 20 of the present
invention. Additional bindings, such as those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,505, 477 issued to Turner et al., hereby incorporated by
reference, are also within the scope of the present invention. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the binding includes a binding
plate 60, a toe binding 62, a heel binding mechanism 64, a lever
arm 66, and a heel loop 68. The binding plate 60 is secured to the
snowboard 22 by conventional fasteners well known in the art, such
as rivets or screws, extending vertically through the binding plate
60 and partially through the thickness of the snowboard 22. The
binding plate 60 is mounted substantially normal to the elongate
direction of the snowboard, such that the binding plate 60 extends
between the edges of the snowboard 22.
[0034] The elongate binding plate 60 has a forward end 70 and a
rearward end 72 and may be constructed from a high-strength
material, such as stainless steel or aluminum. The binding plate 60
also has vertically projecting first and second side rails 74 and
76 extend from nearly midway between the forward and rearward ends
70 and 72 to the rearward end 72 of the binding plate 60. The toe
binding 62 is configured as an inverted U and is rigidly attached
near the forward end 70 of the binding plate 60 by a pair of screws
(not shown) extending vertically through the arms of the toe
binding 62 and partially through the thickness of the snowboard 22.
The toe binding 62 is positioned to slidably receive the tab 48 of
the toe attachment plate 46 between the arms of the toe binding 62,
to be described in greater detail below.
[0035] The heel binding mechanism 64 includes a frame 78 and a
movable jaw 80. The frame 78 has first and second L-shaped arms 79a
and 79b that are rigidly fastened near the rearward end 72 of the
binding plate 60, with the spine of the arms 79a and 79b flushly
mounted to the binding plate 60 and base of the arms 79a and 79b
projecting upwardly. The first and second arms 79a and 79b are
spaced apart by a predetermined distance, such that the jaw 80 may
be received therebetween. The jaw 80 is pivotally pinned between
the arms 79a and 79b of the frame 78 by the lever arm 66 and the
upper portion thereof includes a forward projecting tab 82. The
lever arm 66 permits the user to selectively actuate the heel
binding mechanism 64 between a closed position and an opened
position. In the closed position, the tab 82 engages the lock lip
52 of the heel attachment plate 50 and is firmly seated on the lock
lip 52, between the lock lip 52 and the base of the cavity 44. In
the opened position, the lever arm 66 pivots the jaw 80, toward the
rearward direction of the binding plate 60, and, thus, out of
engagement with the lock lip 52, such that the heel of the boot 24
may be removed from the step-in binding system 20. The heel binding
mechanism 64 is biased into the closed position by means well known
in the art, such as a spring, and is constructed from a
high-strength material, such as stainless steel or aluminum.
[0036] Still referring to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the
heel loop 68 is in the shape of a U, with the ends being releasably
attached between the first and second side rails 74 and 76. The
heel loop 68 is positioned for engagement with the stopper block
29, to be described in greater detail below. The ends of the heel
loop 68 are fastened between the first and second side rails 74 and
76 by removable fasteners 84 well known in the art, such as cotter
pins or screws. The fasteners 84 extend through holes (not shown)
defined through the thickness of the side rails 74 and 76 and are
received within horizontally extending holes (not shown) in the
ends of the heel loop 68.
[0037] As may be seen better in FIG. 2, the heel loop 68 is also
adjustable in the elongate direction of the binding plate 60 by
removing the fasteners 84 and sliding the heel loop 68 either
forward or rearward, and as indicated by the arrow 86, relative to
the first and second side rails 74 and 76. The side rails 74 and 76
include a plurality of adjustment holes 85 extending through the
thickness thereof. The adjustment holes 85 allow the snowboarder to
adjust the position of the heel loop 68 relative to the forward and
rearward ends 70 and 72 of the binding plate 60, thereby optimizing
the fit between the heel loop 68 and the heel end of the boot 24,
as well as accommodating boots of different sizes. The fasteners 84
may then be reinserted, thereby locking the heel loop 68 into the
desired location.
[0038] Operation of the present invention may be best understood by
referring to FIGS. 1-3B. As seen in FIG. 2, the snowboarder has
angled the toe section of the boot 24 downwardly, such that the tab
48 of the toe attachment plate 46 is slidably received within the
open portion of the toe binding 62. After initial contact is made
with the toe binding 62, the snowboarder applies a downward motion
to the heel portion of the boot 24, such that the lock lip 52 of
the heel attachment plate 50 engages the tab 82 of the heel binding
mechanism 64. The downward pressure applied by the heel of the
snowboarder overcomes the torque applied to the jaw 80 by the
spring, thereby causing the jaw 80 to pivot rearwardly until the
tab 82 slides into locking engagement with the lock lip 52 and into
the position shown in FIG. 3A. When the boot 24 is bound to the
step-in binding system 20, as shown in FIG. 3A, engagement of the
stopper block 29 with the heel loop 68 serves to limit rearward
pivotal motion of the highback 28 about a transverse axis generally
aligned with the user's ankle and to set the highback 28 to a
minimum forward lean angle. The upper edge of the center portion of
the heel loop 68 is received between the forked portions of the
lower end of the arm 35 of the stopper block 29. The center of the
heel loop 68 thus bears against the stopper block 29, forcing the
highback 28 to pivot forwardly to the selected minimum forward lean
angle, of less than 90.degree. relative to the base, as shown in
FIG. 3A. During snowboarding maneuvers, rearward pivoting of the
highback 28 from the position shown in FIG. 3A is prevented,
thereby maintaining the minimum forward lean angle and providing
good force transmission for heel edge control. However, further
forward pivoting is permitted. In the preferred embodiment, the
highback 28 is not attached to the upper shoe portion 30, such that
when the upper boot portion 30 moves forward, the highback 28 may
remain stationary and, therefore, the stopper block 29 remains
engaged to the heel loop 68. In some alternate embodiments of the
invention, the highback 28 may be secured to the upper shoe portion
30 (not shown), such that as the upper shoe portion 30 pivots, the
highback 28 also pivots with the stopper block 29 pivoting
forwardly out of engagement with the heel loop 68. The forked
extensions on the lower end of the arm 35 of the stopper block 29
serve to guide the stopper block 29 into and out of proper
alignment with the heel loop 68.
[0039] After boarding, the boot 24 may be released from the step-in
binding system 20 by pulling up on the T-shaped handle 67 attached
to the free end of the lever arm 66. As the lever arm 66 is
rotated, it pivots the jaw 80 rearwardly and out of engagement with
the heel attachment plate 50, thereby releasing the heel portion of
the boot 24 from the binding.
[0040] In summary, when the boot 24 is received and fastened to the
snowboard 22, the upper edge of the heel loop 68 is automatically
received within the arcuate, or root, portion of the stopper block
29, thereby preventing rearward rotation of the upper shoe portion
30 of the boot 24 and defining the minimum forward lean angle of
the boot 24 relative to the horizontal plane of the binding plate
60. The snow boarder can increase the forward lean angle of the
boot 24 by transferring his or her body weight toward the vamp of
the boot 24; however, the minimum forward lean angle is limited and
defined by the interaction of the stopper block 29 and heel loop
68.
[0041] The automatic forward lean adjustment aspect of the present
invention may be best understood by referring to FIG. 3B. The
forward lean of the boot 24 may be selectively adjusted prior to
use relative to the forward and rearward ends 70 and 72 of the
binding plate 60, as indicated by the arrow 88. As described above,
the snowboarder may adjust the length of the arm 35 within the
housing 33 by applying a slight pressure to the arm 35 until the
serrated portion thereof is released from the grooved portion of
the housing 33 and then passing the arm 35 under the grooved
portion until the desired extension of the arm 35 is achieved. The
longer the arm 35 is extended relative to the housing 33, the more
the aft flexibility of the boot 24 is limited and, therefore, the
greater the minimum forward lean angle. Extending or retracting the
length of stopper block 29 is desirable because it allows the
snowboarder to redefine the forward lean angle of the boot 24
depending on the riding style preferred or on the type of
snowboarding engaged in. For example, additional forward lean may
be desirable for carving on hard-packed snow surfaces, whereas less
forward lean may be desirable in deep powder or for certain
freestyle maneuvers. Thus, not only may the rider selectively
adjust the minimum forward lean angle of the boot 24, but it is
also automatically engaged whenever the boot 24 is attached to the
snowboard 22.
[0042] Although slidably attaching the stopper block 29 to the
backstay of the boot 24 is the preferred embodiment, as seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5, alternate embodiments of the stopper block and heel
loop are also within the scope of the present invention. As seen in
FIG. 4, the stopper block 129 may be adjustably attached to the
rearward portion of the heel loop 168. Except for the location of
the stopper block 129, the step-in binding system 120 of FIG. 4 is
identical in construction and use as described above for the
preferred embodiment.
[0043] Referring to the third alternate embodiment of FIG. 5, the
heel loop 68 may be configured as a two-piece element instead of a
single-piece element. The heel loop 68 has first and second heel
arms 268a and 268b that are slidably attached at a first end
thereof to the first and second side rails 274 and 276 in a manner
as described above for the preferred embodiment. First and second
stopper blocks 229a and 229b are adjustably attached to the free
ends of the heel arms 268a and 268b in a manner described above.
The stopper blocks 229a and 229b and the heel arms 268a and 268b,
as well as the step-in binding system 220, are identical in
construction and use as described above for the preferred
embodiment.
[0044] Referring to the fourth alternate embodiment of FIG. 6, the
boot 24 is configured and constructed as described above for the
preferred embodiment, except that the heel attachment plate 50
(FIG. 1) has been replaced by a combination heel hold
down-automatic forward lean adjustment assembly 290 ("heel
attachment assembly 290"). The toe attachment plate 46 and heel
attachment plate 50 of the preferred embodiment seen in FIG. 1,
have been replaced by a toe plate 292 and the heel attachment
assembly 290. The toe plate 292 is substantially shorter in length
than the toe attachment plate 46 of the preferred embodiment. The
toe plate 292 is fastened within a toe cavity 294, located in the
ball area of the base 26, by first and second screws 296a and 296b
extending vertically through the toe plate 292 and into the base
26.
[0045] The toe plate 292 of the alternate embodiment provides the
snowboarder with increased walking comfort when the boot 24 is not
engaged with the binding plate 60. As seen in FIG. 6, the toe plate
292 is limited to the ball area of the foot and, therefore, results
in a more natural walking motion because the snowboarder is freely
able to plantarflex his or her foot. The alternate embodiment of
FIG. 6 is also simpler because it combines both the attachment of
the heel portion of the boot together with the forward lean
adjustment into single pivotable arm. The toe end of the boot 24 is
attached to the toe binding 62 of the binding plate 60 by the toe
plate 292 in a manner described above for the first preferred
embodiment, and the heel end of the boot 24 is attached to the
binding plate 60 by the heel attachment assembly 290.
[0046] The heel attachment assembly 290 includes an attachment arm
302 having an upper end 304, a lower end 306, and a slider plate
308. The attachment arm 302 is hingedly attached to the slider
plate 308 by a pivot pin 310 that extends laterally through the
attachment arm 302 and through first and second flanges (not shown)
extending outwardly from the slider plate 308. The attachment arm
302 and slider plate 308 are centrally located on the rearward
facing side of the highback 28 by adjustable attachment means (not
shown) well known in the art, such as a T-bolt and nut. Preferably,
the highback 28 includes a vertically extending adjustment channel
(not shown) centrally located in the rearward facing side thereof.
The head of the T-bolt is positioned between the upper boot portion
30 and the highback 28, such that the threaded portion projects
outwardly from the adjustment channel and into a centrally located
cavity 312 defined substantially midway between the upper and lower
ends 304 and 306 of the attachment arm 302 and extends vertically
therethrough. The side of the adjustment plate 308 adjacent the
highback 28 includes a plurality of interlocking ridges 314
extending laterally between the sides thereof. The ridges 314 are
sized to fit into complementary lock grooves 316 defined in the
highback 28 and are located normal to the adjustment channel, such
that the snowboarder may selectively adjust the attachment arm 302
vertically along the rearward side of the highback 28. When the
snowboarder achieves the desired position of the attachment arm
302, the ridges 314 are set within the grooves 316, and the
attachment arm 302 is securedly held in the desired position by
tightening the nut to the T-bolt extending through the central
cavity 312.
[0047] The attachment arm 302 is preferably configured as an
L-shaped member having a lower end 306 that is sized to fit into
locking engagement with a complementary notch 318 centrally located
in the lower surface of the heel loop 68. The lower end 306
terminates in an upwardly projecting tab 307 that extends the width
of the lower end 306. Operationally, when the boot 24 is attached
to the snowboard 22 by the toe plate 292, the heel area of the boot
is pressed into the binding plate 60, such that the lower end 306
of the attachment arm 302 slides over the heel loop 68 and into the
notch 308 until the tab 307 is locked between the heel counter 34
and the heel loop 68. Engagement of the attachment arm 307 secures
the heel area of the boot 24 to the snowboard 22. To release the
attachment arm 302 from the notch 308, the snowboarder would press
the upper end 304 thereof towards the highback 28, causing the
attachment arm 302 to pivot about the pivot pin 310, such that the
lower end 306 moves out of locking engagement with the notch
318.
[0048] The forward lean of the highback 28 is limited by the
engagement of the lower end of the highback 28 with the top of the
heel loop 68 within the first and second side rails 74 and 76. As
in FIG. 6, the side rails 74 and 76 include a plurality of
adjustment holes 320 extending laterally therethrough. The
adjustment holes 320 are defined in vertically spaced rows, such
that the forward lean of the boot 24 may be adjusted by positioning
the heel loop 68 into the desired row of attachment holes 320. The
higher the heel loop 68 is placed within the side rails 74 and 76,
the greater the amount of forward lean. Thus, the highback 28 of
the boot 24 is forced into a predetermined amount of forward lean
when the snowboarder steps into the binding plate 60, yet the boot
24 has increased forward and aft flexibility for increased walking
comfort when the boot is not coupled the snowboard 22.
[0049] Referring to the fifth alternate embodiment of FIG. 7, the
boot 24 is configured identically to that as described for the
fourth alternate embodiment of FIG. 6, except that the heel
attachment assembly 400 is configured as a buckle 402 and a
receiver 404. The buckle 402 is preferably configured as an
inverted V-shaped member and is preferably constructed from a
resilient material, such as plastic. The buckle 402 is secured
centrally to the rearward facing side of the highback 28 by a well
known fasteners 405, such as screws or rivets. In some alternate
embodiments of the invention, the buckle 402 may be adjustably
fastened to the highback 28 by means well known in the art, such
that the amount of forward lean may be adjusted by the
snowboarder.
[0050] The receiver 404 is secured centrally to the rearward facing
side of the heel loop 68 by well known fasteners extending through
the heel loop 68 and into the side of the receiver 404 adjacent the
heel loop 68. The receiver 404 is substantially rectangular in
configuration and includes a channel 406 extending vertically
therethrough. The channel 406 is sized to receive the arms 408a and
408b of the buckle 402 therein when the boot 24 is fastened to the
binding plate 60, as described above. The arms 408a and 408b of the
buckle 402 include first and second tabs 410a and 410b projecting
outwardly from the ends thereof, such that the first tab 410a
projects towards the lateral side of the boot 24, and the second
tab 410b projects towards the medial side at boot 24. The first and
second tabs 410a and 410b are sized to be received within first and
second locking holes 412a and 412b defined in the sides of the
receiver 404. As the heel portion of the boot 24 is received within
the binding plate 60, the first and second arms 408a and 408b of
the buckle 402 are slideably received within the channel 406 of the
receiver 404 until the first and second tabs 410a and 410b are
snapped into the first and second locking holes 412a and 412b. To
release the heel assembly 400 from the binding plate 60, the
snowboarder compresses the first and second tabs 410a and 410b of
the buckle 402 towards each other until the tabs 410a and 410b have
cleared the first and second locking holes 412a and 412b, thereby
permitting the arms 408a and 408b to slide upwardly within the
channel 406 as the heel portion of the boot is lifted from the
binding plate 60. Thus, the boot 24 of the fifth alternate
embodiment also has a predetermined amount of forward lean when the
boot 24 engages the binding plate 60, and the boot 24 has increased
forward and aft flexibility for increased walking comfort when the
boot 24 is not coupled to the snowboard 22.
[0051] The previously described versions of the present invention
provide several advantages over bindings currently available in the
art for snowboards. The step-in binding of the present invention
provides an automatic forward lean adjustment system to limit the
aft flexure of the boot, while providing a boot that is allowed to
flex rearwardly when it is removed from the binding for increased
walking comfort. The step-in binding of the present invention also
has the added advantage of permitting the snowboarder to
selectively adjust the minimum amount of forward lean of the
snowbot when the boot is mated to the snowboard. The step-in
binding of the present invention is also simpler to use than those
currently available in the art because the forward lean adjustment
system is automatically engaged to the boot when the boot is
coupled to the snowboard, thus eliminating the need of the
snowboarder to manually attach and adjust the forward lean system
when the snowboarder couples the snowboot to the snowboard. Thus,
the present invention offers a step-in binding that has an
automatic forward lean system, while providing a forward lean
adjustment system that may be automatically disengaged for walking
comfort.
[0052] From the foregoing description, it may be seen that the
step-in binding system of the present invention incorporates many
novel features and offers significant advantages over the prior
art. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill that the
embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein are
exemplary only and, therefore, changes may be made to the foregoing
embodiments while remaining within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *