U.S. patent application number 10/802403 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for interface for engaging a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Burton Corporation. Invention is credited to Poscich, Douglas V..
Application Number | 20040232658 10/802403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26848413 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040232658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Poscich, Douglas V. |
November 25, 2004 |
Interface for engaging a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding
Abstract
A snowboard binding system that incorporates the riding
performance of a strap binding with the convenience of a step-in
binding. The binding system includes a binding interface that is
configured to be coupled to a step-in binding base, while also
being configured to secure a snowboard boot in a manner that
provides a rider with the riding performance of a strap binding.
The binding interface may include one or more straps for securing a
boot to a snowboard. The binding system may be configured so that
the binding base engages regions of the binding interface to which
the straps are attached to provide the feel of a strap binding. The
binding base may include at least three engagement members to
engage with corresponding mating features on the interface. The
binding base may include a pair of engagement members at both the
rear or heel end and the front or toe end thereof to engage with
corresponding mating features on the interface. The engagement
members at the heel end of the binding base may be configured to
move independently of the engagement members at the toe end of the
binding base to facilitate stepping the interface into and out of
the binding base. The binding may be provided with a locking
arrangement that reduces the likelihood of a false locking
condition between the interface and binding by prohibiting at least
one of the pairs of engagement members from becoming locked until
each of the pair of engagement members assumes its closed position.
The binding may be provided with a locking arrangement that
maintains each of a pair of engagement members in each of a
plurality of closed positions to secure a corresponding pair of
mating features. The binding interface may have a lower portion
with a X-shape configuration to be mounted below a boot sole.
Inventors: |
Poscich, Douglas V.;
(Hinesburg, VT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James M. Hanifin, Jr.
Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.
600 Atlantic Avenue
Boston
MA
02210
US
|
Assignee: |
The Burton Corporation
Burlington
VT
|
Family ID: |
26848413 |
Appl. No.: |
10/802403 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10802403 |
Mar 16, 2004 |
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10151194 |
May 20, 2002 |
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6705633 |
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10151194 |
May 20, 2002 |
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09990581 |
Nov 21, 2001 |
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6722688 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/618 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 10/04 20130101;
A63C 10/103 20130101; A63C 10/285 20130101; A63C 10/145 20130101;
A63C 10/10 20130101; A63C 10/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/618 |
International
Class: |
A63C 009/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An interface for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard
binding base, the snowboard boot including a sole, the snowboard
binding base including at least one pair of engagement members, the
interface comprising: an interface body including a lower portion
that is to be mounted below at least a portion of the sole of the
snowboard boot, the lower portion having an X-shaped configuration;
at least one pair of mating features supported by the interface
body, the at least one pair of mating features to be engaged by the
at least one pair of engagement members; and at least one strap
supported by the interface body to secure the binding interface to
the snowboard boot.
2. The interface according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
strap includes first and second straps supported by the interface
body.
3. The interface according to claim 2, wherein the first strap
includes an ankle strap supported at a heel end of the interface
body, the ankle strap being adapted to extend across an ankle
portion of the snowboard boot.
4. The interface according to claim 1, wherein the binding
interface includes a pair of sidewalls on medial and lateral sides
of the interface body, each of the sidewalls extending from a toe
end to a heel end of the interface body.
5. The interface according to claim 4, wherein the sidewalls are
integrally formed with the interface body.
6. The interface according to claim 1, wherein the lower portion
includes medial and lateral sides and front and rear edges
extending between the medial and lateral sides, each of the front
and rear edges having a U-shaped configuration.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/151,194, filed May 20, 2002, now
pending, which is a divisional and claims the benefit of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/990,581, filed Nov. 21, 2001, now
pending.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed generally to the field of
bindings for gliding sports, and more particularly to the field of
snowboard bindings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Snowboard binding systems used with soft snowboard boots
typically are classified as one of two general types. A strap
binding typically includes one or more straps that extend across a
rider's boot to secure the boot to the binding. In contrast, a
step-in binding typically employs one or more strapless engagement
members, rather than straps, into which the rider can step to lock
the boot into the binding. The strapless engagement members are
configured to engage with one or more corresponding engagement
members on the boot.
[0004] A strap binding typically delivers a feel or performance
many riders find desirable. More particularly, a strap binding
allows a rider's foot to roll laterally when riding by allowing the
boot to roll relative to the binding. Some riders, however, may
find a strap binding inconvenient because a rider must unbuckle
each strap of the rear binding after each run to release the rear
boot when getting on a lift, and must subsequently re-buckle each
strap before the next run.
[0005] A step-in binding avoids the need to unbuckle and re-buckle
straps each time a rider needs to release a boot from the binding.
Many riders, however, find conventional step-in bindings
undesirable for several reasons. First, most step-in bindings fail
to deliver the desirable feel or performance associated with a
strap binding. Rather, conventional step-in binding systems
typically employ a rigid interface between the boot and binding
that does not allow foot roll since the boot is rigidly attached to
the binding. Second, a soft snowboard boot configured for use with
a step-in binding typically requires a more rigid sole, as compared
to a soft boot for a strap binding. Additionally, in many step-in
systems, a rigid interface is attached to the sole of the boot,
further reducing the comfort of the boot when walking.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved binding system for engaging a snowboard boot to a
snowboard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
binding system for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The
binding system comprises a binding interface and a snowboard
binding base. The binding interface includes an interface body
including medial and lateral sides with first and second regions
provided along each of the medial and lateral sides, a first strap
attached to the first region of the interface body and a second
strap attached to the second region of the interface body. The
first and second straps are constructed and arranged to extend
across first and second portions of the snowboard boot, forward of
a heel portion thereof, to secure the binding interface to the
snowboard boot. The snowboard binding base includes a base body,
which has a heel end and a toe end, to be mounted to the snowboard.
The snowboard binding base further includes at least one strapless
engagement member, supported by the base body, that is to engage
the binding interface at each of the first and second regions of
the interface body along both the medial and lateral sides. A
highback is supported at the heel end of the base body.
[0008] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to
a binding system for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The
binding system comprises a binding interface and a snowboard
binding base. The binding interface includes an interface body, at
least three mating features supported by the interface body, and
first and second straps, supported by the interface body, to secure
the binding interface to the snowboard boot. The first and second
straps are constructed and arranged to extend across first and
second portions of the snowboard boot forward of a heel portion
thereof. The snowboard binding base includes a base body, which has
a heel end and a toe end, to be mounted to the snowboard. The
snowboard binding base further includes at least three engagement
members, supported by the base body, that are adapted to engage the
mating features of the binding interface. A highback is supported
at the heel end of the base body.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
binding system for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The
binding system comprises a binding interface and a snowboard
binding base. The binding interface includes an interface body
having a toe end and a heel end, a pair of first mating features
supported at the heel end of the interface body, a pair of second
mating features supported at the toe end of the interface body, and
at least one strap, supported by the interface body, to secure the
binding interface to the snowboard boot. The snowboard binding base
includes a base body to be mounted to the snowboard. The base body
has a toe end and a heel end, and a highback supported at the heel
end of the base body. The snowboard binding base also includes a
pair of first engagement members, each of the pair of first
engagement members being movably supported at the heel end of the
base body between at least one closed position to engage a
corresponding one of the pair of first mating features of the
interface and an open position to release the corresponding one of
the pair of first mating features. The snowboard binding base
further includes a pair of second engagement members supported at
the toe end of the base body to engage the pair of second mating
features of the interface.
[0010] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to
a binding system for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The
binding system comprises a binding interface and a snowboard
binding base. The binding interface includes an interface body
having a toe end, a heel end and lateral and medial sides, a pair
of first mating features, one each supported along the lateral and
medial sides of the interface body, a pair of second mating
features, one each supported along the lateral and medial sides of
the interface body, and at least one strap supported by the
interface body to secure the binding interface to the snowboard
boot. The snowboard binding base includes a base body to be mounted
to the snowboard. The base body has lateral and medial sides, and a
highback supported at the heel end of the base body. The snowboard
binding base also includes a pair of first engagement members, one
each movably supported along the lateral and medial sides of the
base body between at least one closed position to engage a
corresponding one of the pair of first mating features of the
interface and an open position to release the corresponding one of
the pair of first mating features. The snowboard binding base
further includes a pair of second engagement members that are
independent of the pair of first engagement members. One each of
the pair of second engagement members is supported along the
lateral and medial sides of the base body. Each of the pair of
second engagement members is adapted to engage a corresponding one
of the pair of second mating features of the interface.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
snowboard binding to secure a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The
snowboard binding comprises a base including a toe end and a heel
end, and a highback supported at the heel end of the base. The
snowboard binding also comprises a pair of first engagement members
supported by the base, the pair of first engagement members being
adapted to engage a pair of first mating features supported along
opposing sides of the snowboard boot. Each of the pair of first
engagement members is movable between an open position to release a
corresponding one of the pair of first mating features and at least
one closed position to secure the corresponding one of the pair of
first mating features. The snowboard binding further comprises a
pair of second engagement members supported by the base, the pair
of second engagement members being adapted to receive the snowboard
boot therebetween and to engage a pair of second mating features
supported along the opposing sides of the snowboard boot. The pair
of first engagement members is moveable independently of the pair
of second engagement members.
[0012] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to
a snowboard binding to secure a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The
snowboard binding comprises a base, and a pair of engagement
members, supported by the base, to engage a pair of mating features
supported by the snowboard boot. Each of the pair of engagement
members is movable independently of the other between an open
position to release a corresponding one of the pair of mating
features and at least one closed position to secure the
corresponding one of the pair of mating features. The snowboard
binding further comprises a locking mechanism adapted to move
between a locking position to maintain each of the pair of
engagement members in the at least one closed position and a
release position to permit movement of each of the pair of
engagement members to the open position. The locking mechanism is
movable to the locking position only when each of the pair of
engagement members is moved to the closed position.
[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
binding system for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The
binding system comprises a binding interface and a snowboard
binding base. The binding interface includes an interface body, at
least one pair of mating features supported by the interface body,
and at least one strap supported by the interface body to secure
the binding interface to the snowboard boot. The snowboard binding
base includes a base body including a medial side and a lateral
side, the base body to receive a snowboard boot between the medial
and lateral sides. The snowboard binding base also includes at
least one pair of engagement members to engage the at least one
pair of mating features. One each of the pair of engagement members
is movably supported on the medial and lateral sides of the base
body. Each of the pair of engagement members is movable between an
open position to release a corresponding one of the pair of mating
features and a plurality of separately lockable closed positions to
secure the corresponding one of the pair of mating features. The
snowboard binding base further includes a locking mechanism adapted
to move between a locking position to maintain each of the pair of
engagement members in each of its plurality of closed positions and
a release position to permit movement of each of the pair of
engagement members to its open position.
[0014] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to
an interface for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding
base, the snowboard binding base having a toe end and a heel end
and including a highback at the heel end thereof, the snowboard
binding base including a pair of first engagement members at the
heel end thereof and a pair of second engagement members at the toe
end thereof. The interface comprises an interface body having a toe
end and a heel end that is free of a highback, a pair of first
mating features supported at the heel end of the interface body,
the pair of first mating features to be engaged by the pair of
first engagement members, and a pair of second mating features
supported at the toe end of the interface body, the pair of second
mating features to be engaged by the pair of second engagement
members. The binding interface further comprises first and second
straps supported by the interface body to secure the binding
interface to the snowboard boot. The first strap is attached to the
heel end of the interface body and the second strap is attached to
the toe end of the interface body.
[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to
an interface for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding
base, the snowboard boot including a sole, the snowboard binding
base having a toe end and a heel end and including at least one
first engagement member and at least one second engagement member.
The interface comprises an interface body including medial and
lateral sides and front and rear edges extending between the medial
and lateral sides. The front and rear edges are spaced apart a
first distance in a longitudinal direction along a length of the
interface body between the medial and lateral sides. The binding
interface also comprises at least one first mating feature
supported by the interface body and at least one second mating
feature supported by the interface body. The at least one first
mating feature is to be engaged by the first engagement member and
the at least one second mating feature is to be engaged by the
second engagement member. The at least one second mating feature is
spaced from the at least one first mating feature by a second
distance in the longitudinal direction that is greater than the
first distance. The binding interface further comprises at least
one strap supported by the interface body to secure the binding
interface to the snowboard boot.
[0016] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to
an interface for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding
base, the snowboard boot including a sole, the snowboard binding
base including at least one pair of engagement members. The
interface comprises an interface body including a lower portion
that is to be mounted below at least a portion of the sole of the
snowboard boot. The lower portion has an X-shaped configuration.
The binding interface further comprises at least one pair of mating
features supported by the interface body to be engaged by the at
least one pair of engagement members, and at least one strap
supported by the interface body to secure the binding interface to
the snowboard boot.
[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to
an interface for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding
base, the snowboard binding base including a highback at a heel end
thereof, the snowboard binding base including a pair of first
engagement members and a pair of second engagement members. The
interface comprises an interface body including medial and lateral
sides with first and second regions provided along each of the
medial and lateral sides. The interface also comprises a pair of
first mating features to be engaged by the pair of first engagement
members of the snowboard binding base and a pair of second mating
features to be engaged by the pair of second engagement members of
the snowboard binding base. One each of the pair of first mating
features is supported at the first regions along both the medial
and lateral sides of the interface body, and one each of the pair
of second mating features is supported at the second regions along
both the medial and lateral sides of the interface body. The
interface further comprises first and second straps constructed and
arranged to extend across first and second portions of the
snowboard boot, forward of a heel portion thereof, to secure the
binding interface to the snowboard boot. The first strap is
attached to the first regions of the interface body and the second
strap is attached to the second regions of the interface body.
[0018] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to
an interface for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding
base, the snowboard binding base having a toe end and a heel end
and including a highback at the heel end thereof, the snowboard
binding base including at least one pair of engagement members that
is movable between an open position and a closed position. The
interface comprises an interface body that is free of a highback,
at least one pair of mating features supported by the interface
body, and at least one strap supported by the interface body to
secure the binding interface to the snowboard boot. The at least
one pair of mating features is adapted to automatically move the at
least one pair of engagement members to the open position, without
manual actuation of the at least one pair of engagement members by
a rider, when the interface body is stepped into and out of the
snowboard binding base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
invention will be appreciated more fully from the following
drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like
features, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a binding system
according to one illustrative embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a binding
base and a binding interface of the binding system of FIG. 1, with
the straps and highback removed for clarity, illustrating the
interface being secured to the binding base;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the binding system
taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2 illustrating the binding
interface with a boot fully secured to the binding base;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the binding system
taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 2 illustrating the binding
interface being stepped into the binding base;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional lateral view taken along section
line 5-5 of FIG. 3 illustrating a toe mechanism of the binding
system;
[0025] FIG. 5a is a partial, cross-sectional top view taken along
section line 5a-5a of FIG. 1 illustrating a toe lug of the binding
interface;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a binding interface
illustrating the relative locations between strap attachment points
and interface mating features;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another illustrative
embodiment of a binding interface for use in a binding system
according to the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the binding interface
of FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a partial, cross-sectional front view taken along
section line 9-9 of FIG. 8 illustrating a toe lug of the binding
interface of FIGS. 7-8;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional top view taken along
section line 10-10 of FIG. 8 illustrating the toe lug of the
binding interface of FIGS. 7-9;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view of another
embodiment of a toe mechanism for use with the binding system of
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional lateral view taken along
section line 12-12 of FIG. 3 illustrating a heel mechanism of the
binding system of FIGS. 1-4;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional lateral view taken along
section line 13-13 of FIG. 3 illustrating the heel mechanism of the
binding system of FIGS. 1-4;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional side view of the
heel mechanism taken along section line 14-14 of FIG. 13
illustrating a heel mating feature of the binding interface being
inserted into the binding heel mechanism in the open position;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the heel
mechanism of FIG. 14 illustrating the heel mating feature being
secured by the heel mechanism in an initial closed position;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the heel
mechanism of FIGS. 12-15 illustrating the heel mating feature being
secured by the heel mechanism in a fully closed position;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the heel
mechanism of FIGS. 12-15 illustrating the heel mating feature being
released from the heel mechanism;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a perspective schematic view of another
illustrative embodiment of a heel mechanism for use in a binding
system according to the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view taken along section
line 19-19 of FIG. 18;
[0040] FIG. 20 is a perspective schematic view of a further
illustrative embodiment of a heel mechanism for use in a binding
system according to the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 21 is a side view of the heel mechanism of FIG. 20 in
the release position;
[0042] FIG. 22 is a partially fragmented side view of the heel
mechanism of FIG. 20 in the locking position;
[0043] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a binding system
according to another illustrative embodiment of the invention;
and
[0044] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a binding system
according to a further illustrative embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The present invention is directed to an improved snowboard
binding system that incorporates the riding performance of a strap
binding with the convenience of a step-in binding. This may be
accomplished with a two-piece binding system that includes: (1) a
binding base that includes a highback; and (2) a binding interface
that includes one or more straps and is configured to be coupled to
the base in a manner similar to a step-in binding. Thus, when the
interface is coupled to the binding base, the binding operates
like, and provides the performance and feel, of a conventional
strap binding. However, between runs, a rider can remove the
interface from the binding base with the convenience of a step-in
binding (e.g., to negotiate a lift line and get on a chair
lift).
[0046] One aspect of the binding system is directed to an improved
step-in binding. Another aspect of the binding system is directed
to a binding interface for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard
binding base. Although the binding base and the binding interface
may be advantageously employed together, the present invention is
not limited in this respect, as each of these aspects of the
present invention can also be employed separately. For example, the
snowboard binding base may be employed to directly engage a
snowboard boot, rather than engage a snowboard boot through a
separate interface. Similarly, the binding interface may be
employed with numerous types of binding bases, and is not limited
to use with the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein.
[0047] The binding system may be configured so that the binding
base engages regions of the binding interface to which one or more
straps are attached to provide a feel similar to that of a strap
binding. In this regard, each engagement region can include a strap
attachment point and a binding mating feature that are positioned
relative to each other so that forces exerted on the strap are
transmitted through the mating feature to the binding in a manner
that achieves a desired feel. Such a system configuration may
facilitate the transmission of forces exerted on a strap, through
the interface, to the binding base in a manner similar to a
conventional strap binding in which forces are transmitted directly
to a binding baseplate through a strap mounted directly to the
baseplate.
[0048] In one embodiment, the binding system may employ a four
point engagement between the binding interface and the binding
base. Such an arrangement may substantially reduce, if not
eliminate, movement between the interface and the binding base so
that movement of a boot relative to the binding base may be
controlled by the manner in which the boot is secured to the
binding base through the interface. The arrangement causes the
binding system to have the performance and feel of a strap binding
by transmitting forces exerted by a rider to four points of
engagement similar to the strap attachment points of a strap
binding. This arrangement may also simulate the feel of a strap
binding system by allowing structure to be eliminated from below
the heel and toe regions of a rider's foot. In this regard,
corresponding pairs of interconnect features between the interface
and binding base may be arranged along the lateral and medial sides
of the boot. It is to be appreciated, however, that other
embodiments of the binding system do not employ a four-point
engagement configuration.
[0049] In one embodiment, the binding interface may be configured
with multiple binding straps to deliver a rider with the desired
feel associated with strap bindings. In this regard, the interface
may include an ankle strap and a toe strap that are arranged to
extend across the in-step or ankle portion and the toe portion,
respectively, of a rider's foot in a manner similar to a
conventional strap binding. The straps may be attached to regions
of the interface adjacent the interconnect features between the
interface and binding base so that forces exerted by a rider on the
straps are transmitted directly to regions of the binding in a
manner similar to a conventional strap binding. It is to be
understood, however, that other embodiments do not use multiple
binding straps. Additionally, other embodiments do not attach the
straps adjacent the interconnect features between the interface and
the binding base.
[0050] In one embodiment, the binding base may include a pair of
engagement members at both the rear or heel end and the front or
toe end of the binding to engage with corresponding mating features
on the interface. The engagement members may be located along
regions of the binding base that correspond to the strap attachment
points for a conventional strap binding. In other embodiments, the
binding base does not employ a pair of engagement members at the
heel and toe end. Additionally, other embodiments do not locate the
engagement members along regions of the binding base that
correspond to the strap attachment points.
[0051] In one embodiment, the engagement members at the heel end of
the binding base may be configured to move independently of the
engagement members at the toe end of the binding base to facilitate
stepping the interface into and out of the base. In other
embodiments, independent movement is not employed between the
engagement members at the heel and toe ends of the binding.
[0052] In one embodiment, the binding base may be provided with a
locking arrangement that reduces the likelihood of a false locking
condition between the interface and binding base by prohibiting at
least one of the pairs of engagement members from becoming locked
until each of the pair of engagement members assumes its closed
position. It is to be appreciated, however, that such a locking
arrangement is not employed in all embodiments of the binding
base.
[0053] In one embodiment, the binding base may be configured to
accommodate an accumulation of snow, ice or other debris between
the binding base and the interface and/or boot. Other embodiments
of the binding base do not accommodate an accumulation of snow, ice
or other debris.
[0054] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
binding system 20 includes a binding base 22 and a binding
interface 24 that is configured to cooperate with the base to
secure a snowboard boot 26 to a snowboard 28. The binding system
employs an engagement arrangement between the interface 24 and the
base 22 that is configured to simulate the feel and riding
performance associated with a strap binding. In this regard, in one
embodiment the binding system employs an engagement arrangement in
which the interface is attached to the binding base in the region
of each strap. For example, when the binding system employs two
straps, a four point engagement (two points on each side of the
interface and the binding base with each point in a region of one
of the straps) is provided between the interface and the base. It
is to be appreciated, however, that the binding system may be
configured to employ any number of engagement points greater than
or less than four engagement points. Furthermore, in other
embodiments of the invention, the binding system does not have
engagement points aligned with strap mounting positions.
[0055] As illustrated, the binding system includes a pair of
opposing engagement members 30 at the rear or heel end of the
binding base and a pair of opposing engagement members 32 at the
front or toe end of the base that cooperate with pairs of
corresponding mating features 34, 36 on the interface 24 to secure
the interface to the base. The heel end and the toe end of the
binding correspond to regions that are located, respectively,
rearward and forward of the arch area of a rider's foot. In one
embodiment, the pairs of opposing engagement members are located at
the heel and toe ends of the binding base so as to be in the
regions where the straps are attached to the interface. It is to be
understood, however, that the engagement members may be located in
any desirable locations along the binding base.
[0056] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the binding
interface 24 includes an interface body 38 and multiple binding
straps that are configured to extend across portions of a snowboard
boot to secure the boot to the interface. In one embodiment, the
interface includes an ankle strap 40 and a toe strap 42 that are
respectively arranged to extend across the ankle and toe portions
of a snowboard boot 26 in a manner similar to a conventional strap
binding. In this regard, once the binding interface 24 is coupled
to the binding base 22, the binding system will deliver a desired
feel and riding performance typically associated with a strap
binding.
[0057] In the illustrative embodiment, the ankle and toe straps 40,
42 each includes a ratchet-type buckle 44, 46 to enable adjustment
of the strap across the boot by a rider. In this regard, the
binding interface may employ adjustable straps similar to those
used on a strap binding. However, it is to be understood that the
present invention is not limited to the use of any particular
number or type of strap, as numerous other strap arrangements,
including arrangements with a single strap or more than two straps,
may be employed for securing a boot to the interface, and
consequently to the snowboard when the interface is coupled to the
binding base. Thus, as used herein, the term strap is intended to
indicate any structure that passes over the boot upper and performs
this attachment function, including web-like structures, bails and
the like.
[0058] The interface 24 may include one or more mating features
that are adapted to engage with a corresponding strapless
engagement member provided on the binding base. As indicated above,
the interface 24 is not limited to use with any particular binding
base and, therefore, is not limited to the use of any particular
mating features for engaging with a binding base. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the interface will be described below in connection
with a binding system that employs an attachment configuration
wherein strapless engagement members are provided in regions where
the straps are attached to the interface. Thus, for an interface
including two straps, a four-point attachment configuration is
employed for the binding system.
[0059] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
binding interface 24 includes a pair of mating features 34 at a
rear or heel end of the interface body and a pair of mating
features 36 at the front or toe end of the interface body. As
illustrated, each pair of mating features extends outwardly from
opposing medial and lateral sides of the interface body 38 so that
the mating features are disposed along respective medial and
lateral sides of a boot when the interface is mounted to the boot.
In this regard, the mating features do not underlie the sole of the
boot to ensure that the binding system has a feel similar to that
of a strap binding. It is to be appreciated, however, that all
embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this
manner, as any suitable interface configuration may be employed
consistent with a binding base configuration, including the
placement of one or any combination of mating features to underlie
the snowboard boot.
[0060] As indicated above, the interface may employ mating features
having any configuration suitable for mating with corresponding
engagement members provided on the binding base. In the
illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the interface 24
includes a pair of circular pins 34 extending outwardly from the
medial and lateral sides of the heel end of the interface body 38.
The circular shape of the pins 34 cam the corresponding engagement
members 30 of the binding base open and closed upon stepping out of
and into the base. The circular shape also facilitates the
displacement of snow, ice and other debris from the engagement
members.
[0061] The interface 24 further includes a pair of lugs 36 that
project outwardly from the medial and lateral sides of the toe end
of the interface body. As illustrated, the toe lugs 36 have a
generally oval shape with a curved outward facing cam surface 48
(FIGS. 5-5a) configured to cam or wedge the corresponding
engagement members 32 of the binding base open upon stepping into
and out of the binding base. In one embodiment, the cam surface 48
is tapered in the vertical (top-to-bottom) direction and the
longitudinal (toe-to-heel) direction to provide the desired wedging
action.
[0062] It is to be understood that any suitable configuration may
be employed for any of the interface mating features, and that all
embodiments of the binding interface are not limited to the
particular configurations illustrated in this embodiment. It is
also to be understood that each of the mating features (e.g., those
at the toe and heel ends) may have the same configuration, rather
than different configurations as illustrated.
[0063] In one embodiment, the interface 24 is configured so that
the forces exerted by a rider on the ankle and toe straps are
transmitted to the binding in a manner similar to a strap binding,
so that the binding system has the performance and feel of a
conventional strap system. In the illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-4, the interface body 38 includes at least one strap
attachment point 50 adjacent each of the heel and toe mating
features 34, 36 for respectively mounting the ankle and toe straps
40, 42 to the medial and lateral sides of the interface body. In
this regard, forces exerted on the straps are transmitted through
the mating features 34, 36 and to the binding in a manner similar
to a strap binding, wherein the ankle and toe straps are
conventionally mounted to the medial and lateral sidewalls of the
base. As illustrated, the interface body 38 may include multiple
attachment points 50 for each of the ankle and toe straps to
provide a rider with a degree of strap adjustability for comfort
and/or riding characteristics typically associated with a strap
binding.
[0064] As discussed above, it is desirable to position the heel and
toe mating features 34, 36 adjacent their corresponding strap
attachment positions 50 to provide the performance and feel of a
strap binding. In this regard, locating the mating features 34, 36
adjacent the strap attachment locations 50 refers to positioning
the mating features and the strap attachment locations within the
same region of the interface. It is to be understood, however, that
this is not a limitation of all embodiments of the invention, and
any suitable strap mounting arrangement may be employed with the
binding interface in accordance with other embodiments.
[0065] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 6, one embodiment of
the binding interface 22 includes first and second regions 49, 51
extending in a longitudinal direction along each side of the
interface body 38. The first and second regions 49, 51 each
includes at least one strap attachment point 50 for one of the
first and second straps 40, 42 (e.g., ankle and toe straps). The
interface and the binding base are configured so that the strapless
engagement mechanism directly engages the interface at each of the
first and second regions 49, 51. In one embodiment, the first and
second regions are configured so that the interface is engaged by
the strapless engagement mechanism on both sides of a mid-point 53
located midway between the strap attachment points 50.
[0066] As discussed above, the engagement mechanism is configured
to engage first and second mating features provided on the
interface body. In the illustrative embodiment, the first mating
feature 34 is located in the first region 49 and the second mating
feature 36 is located in the second region 51. Each mating feature
34, 36 may be positioned relative to its corresponding strap
attachment point 50 to achieve a desired feel.
[0067] In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6, the relative
positions of the mating features 34, 36 to their corresponding
strap attachment points 50 are defined by longitudinal distances
L.sub.1, L.sub.2 between the mating feature and its corresponding
attachment point. According to one illustrative embodiment, the
distance is based on a percentage of the overall distance L.sub.0
between the strap attachment points 50 for the first and second
straps 40, 42. The distances L.sub.1, L.sub.2 between the mating
features 34, 36 and their corresponding attachment points 50 are
preferably less than 50% of the overall distance L.sub.0, more
preferably within 45% of the overall distance L.sub.0, even more
preferably within 40% of the overall distance L.sub.0, more
preferably within 35% of the overall distance L.sub.0, even more
preferably within 30% of the overall distance L.sub.0, more
preferably within 25% of the overall distance L.sub.0, even more
preferably within 20% of the overall distance L.sub.0, more
preferably within 15% of the overall distance L.sub.0, even more
preferably within 10% of the overall distance L.sub.0, more
preferably within 5% of the overall distance L.sub.0, and even more
preferably the mating features and their corresponding strap
attachment points are vertically aligned with each other.
[0068] It is to be understood that the above distances between the
mating features and strap attachment points are merely exemplary
and other distances are possible. For example, although discussed
above as a percentage of the overall distance L.sub.0 in increments
of 5%, the distances L.sub.1, L.sub.2 between the mating features
34, 36 and their strap attachment points 50 may be any percentage
of the overall distance L.sub.0, in increments of 1% or any other
desirable increment. The relative positions between the mating
features and the attachment points may also differ between the
first and second regions. For example, the distance L.sub.1 between
the first mating feature 34 and the attachment point for the first
strap 40 may be within 35% of the overall distance L.sub.0, while
the distance L.sub.2 between the second mating feature 36 and the
attachment point for the second strap 42 may be within 20% of the
overall distance L.sub.0. Further, although the mating features are
illustrated as being located below or along regions of the
interface between the heel and toe strap attachment points, the
heel and toe mating features 34, 36 may be located below or along
regions of the interface extending beyond the attachment points in
the heel and toe directions, respectively.
[0069] One desirable characteristic of the binding system 20 (FIGS.
1-4) is its ability to be employed to secure a snowboard boot of
any configuration to a snowboard. In this regard, the embodiment
shown in the figures employs a universal binding interface 24 that
is configured to be mounted to any type of snowboard boot, without
requiring that the boot be configured for use with this system.
[0070] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
interface 24 includes a heel strap 52 that is configured to extend
about the heel portion of a boot to facilitate proper location of
the interface body 38 relative to the boot in the toe-to-heel
direction. The opposing ends of the heel strap 52 are mounted to
the medial and lateral sides of the heel end of the interface body.
In one embodiment, the heel strap is formed from a material having
a degree of stiffness such that the heel strap maintains its shape
to allow a boot to be stepped into or out of the interface without
having to manipulate the heel strap to ensure that it properly
engages the boot. For example, the heel strap 52 may be formed from
a plastic material, such as a molded polyurethane. It is to be
understood, however, that the strap can be formed from any suitable
material.
[0071] As indicated above, the various mating features may be
located on the interface body so that they do not underlie a
rider's boot to ensure that the binding system has the feel of a
strap binding. In this regard, a rider's boot is generally in
direct contact with and rolls across the surface of the base of a
strap binding. Consequently, it may be desirable to configure the
interface 24 so that at least some portions of a snowboard boot 26,
when secured to the binding with the interface, directly engage the
binding base to achieve a feel similar to a strap binding.
[0072] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the
interface body 38 is configured so that a minimal amount of
material is presented below the toe and heel regions of the boot
when the interface is mounted to the boot to allow direct contact
between the toe and heel regions of the boot with the binding. As
illustrated, the lower portion of the interface body 38 which
underlies the boot sole includes generally U or V-shaped front and
rear edges 54, 56 that converge and diverge toward and away from
each other as the edges extend across the width of the interface
between the medial and lateral sides of the interface body. This
results in an interface body 38 having a lower portion with a
generally X shape (e.g., an hourglass or similar shape) that
underlies the snowboard boot in which the amount of material below
the toe and heel regions of the boot sole decreases as the front
and rear edges extend inwardly away from the medial and lateral
sides of the interface body. It is to be understood, however, that
the interface body 38 is not limited to a hourglass or X shape, as
any suitable configuration may be implemented to minimize the
amount of material below the toe and heel regions of a boot.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, the amount of material does
not need to be minimized under the foot, as other configurations
are possible.
[0073] The lower portion of the interface body includes a central
region 58 that underlies the arch portion of the boot and a
plurality of arms 60 extending away from the central region to the
locations corresponding to the toe and heel portions of a boot for
supporting the mating features 34, 36 of the interface at desired
locations relative to the boot. As illustrated (FIG. 1), the
longitudinal distance L.sub.3 between the front and rear mating
features 34, 36 along the medial and lateral sides of the interface
is greater than the longitudinal distance L.sub.4 between the front
and rear edges 54, 56 of the interface body as the edges converge
toward each other along at least a portion of the lower portion
between the medial and lateral sides. In this regard, the front and
rear mating features may be located at the toe and heel portions of
the boot while reducing the amount of material that underlies the
toe and heel portions of the boot. As indicated above, however, the
amount of material does not need to be reduced under the boot in
all embodiments of the interface.
[0074] The central region 58 of the lower portion is provided with
an aperture 62 of any shape to further reduce the weight of the
interface body. In other embodiments of the interface, however,
such an aperture is not employed.
[0075] In addition to minimizing the amount of material between the
boot and the binding base, the illustrative configuration of the
interface also enhances the torsional stability of the interface
body. The overall stiffness of the interface 24 is increased, as
shown in the illustrative embodiment, with sidewalls 64 that
interconnect toe and heel mounting ears 66, 68 along each side of
the interface. More particularly, the sidewalls 64 stiffen the
interface body in both compression and tension to maintain a fixed
distance between the strap attachment points 50 and the heel and
toe mating features 34, 36. In one embodiment, the sidewalls 64 are
separate components attached to the mounting ears 66, 68. In other
embodiments, the sidewalls may be integrally formed with the
interface body. It is to be appreciated, however, that the
interface body 38 may be configured in any suitable manner to
achieve a desired degree of stiffness and/or torsional stability,
such that sidewalls are not required for all embodiments.
[0076] In a conventional strap binding, the ankle and toe straps
are attached to the sidewalls of the binding, and only engage a
rider's boot from substantially above the ankle and toe areas.
Thus, ankle and toe straps in a strap binding apply forces
substantially only in the downward direction to inhibit heel lift
and toe lift, respectively, without wrapping around the sides of
the boot. Consequently, the ankle and toe straps of a strap binding
do not inhibit foot roll within the binding.
[0077] As indicated above, it is desirable to configure the binding
system 20 so as to provide the performance of a strap binding with
the convenience of a step-in system. Thus, according to one
illustrative embodiment of the invention, the mounting ears 66, 68
of the interface body may be configured to mount the straps in a
manner similar to a conventional strap binding. In this regard, the
mounting ears 66, 68 may provide attachment points 50 for the
straps at a height and distance apart similar to a strap binding.
As illustrated, the mounting ears 66, 68 may be configured to
locate the attachment points 50 for the straps in close proximity
to the portions of the sidewalls of the binding base where similar
straps would be directly attached to the base of a strap binding.
This results in forces exerted by a rider on the straps being
transmitted to mounting locations similar to a strap binding. The
particular configuration and/or location of the mounting ears,
however, is not a limitation of all embodiments of the present
invention as any suitable configuration or arrangement may be
implemented to mount the straps to the interface body.
[0078] The interface 24 may be formed from any suitable material or
combination of materials to achieve a desired combination of
strength, stiffness, weight and the like. For example, the
interface body 38 may be formed from a substantially rigid
material, such as aluminum, titanium, glass-filled nylon,
polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane and the like. The
interface mating features 34, 36 will be subjected to significant
lifting forces during riding. Thus, it may be desirable to form the
mating features from a relatively strong material. For example, the
toe and heel mating features may be formed from stainless steel,
hardened steel, hardened aluminum or the like to withstand the
anticipated lifting forces. It is to be appreciated, however, that
the particular materials employed for the interface body and/or
mating features may be chosen to achieve any desired performance
characteristics.
[0079] As indicated above, the interface 24 may be configured as a
universal device that may be employed with any snowboard boot. This
feature of the present invention is advantageous in that through
the use of such a universal interface, any boot can be made
compatible with a step-in binding, simply by employing the
interface and compatible step-in base of the binding system as
described herein. In this manner, a rider can use a boot alone with
a strap binding, or the same boot can be used with any of a
plurality of different step-in bases by simply employing different
interfaces compatible with the desired step-in bases. In other
embodiments, the interface may be employed with a boot that has
been specifically configured to mate with the interface.
[0080] As is to be appreciated, the interface 24 provides a rider
with the ability to readily disengage the boots from the binding
which may be extremely convenient. For example, a rider may wish to
disengage the rear boot from the binding base when advancing along
the slope or in a lift line. When it is desired to re-engage the
rear boot, the rider can simply step into the binding base, which
thereafter engages the interface and secures the boot to the
snowboard. In this manner, the interface provides the rider with
the convenience of a step-in system, while simultaneously providing
the riding performance characteristics of a conventional strap
binding due to the use of binding straps to retain the boot to the
binding base through the interface. When the rider wishes to get
out of the bindings for an extended period, the boots may be
disengaged by releasing the straps and stepping out of each
binding, similar to a conventional strap binding, with the
interface remaining coupled to the binding base.
[0081] In another illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-10, a
binding interface 224 may be provided that is similar in many
respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. The interface 224 includes
an interface body 38 having a generally hourglass or X shape,
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 discussed above. In this
regard, the interface body 38 includes generally U or V-shaped
front and rear edges 54, 56 that converge toward each other as the
edges extend inwardly from the medial and lateral sides of the
interface. This results in a lack of material below the toe and
heel regions of the boot, to enable boot contact with the base to
enhance the feel of the binding system to that of a strap binding.
The interface also includes sidewalls 64 that are integral with the
lower portion of the interface body to enhance the overall
stiffness of the interface. A heel strap (not shown) may be mounted
to the medial and lateral sides at the heel end of the
interface.
[0082] The interface 224 includes a pair of circular pins 34
extending outwardly from the sidewalls at the heel end of the
interface body. The interface also includes a pair of lugs 36
extending outwardly from the sidewalls at the toe end of the
interface body. The pins 34 and lugs 36 are adapted for engagement
with the binding base discussed below.
[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, the toe lugs 36 have a
generally tear drop shape with a curved outward facing cam surface
48 configured to cam or wedge corresponding engagement members 32
(described below) of the binding base open upon stepping into and
out of the binding. Similar to the tapered lugs in the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-5 described above, the cam surface 48 is tapered in the
vertical direction (FIG. 9) and the longitudinal direction (FIG.
10) to provide the desired wedging action. In contrast to the oval
shaped of the lugs in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the tear
drop-shaped lugs employ less material to reduce the weight of the
toe lugs. As indicated above, however, any suitable configuration
may be employed for the interface heel and toe mating features,
including configurations to mate with a different type of binding
base than that shown in the figures.
[0084] The interface 224 also includes a pair of mounting ears 66,
68 for mounting ankle and toe straps (not shown) at the heel and
toe ends of the interface body. The upper portion of each mounting
ear includes a strap attachment point 50 for attaching a strap. The
mounting ears may be adjustably supported by the interface body to
selectively locate the strap attachment point 50 for the
straps.
[0085] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 7-8, the mounting
ears 66, 68 are rotatably mounted to the interface body about
pivots 70 so that the ears may be oriented at a selected angular
position to adjust the strap attachment points. A locking
arrangement may be employed to retain the mounting ears in the
selected orientation. For example, a detent arrangement 72 may be
employed between a lower portion of each mounting ear and the
interface body. It is to be appreciated, however, that adjustable
mounting ears are optional, and are not needed for all
embodiments.
[0086] The illustrated binding interfaces described above were
described merely for illustrative purposes, as numerous other
suitable interfaces may be employed with the binding system.
[0087] As discussed above, the interface 24, 224 is not limited to
use with any particular mating features 34, 36 for engaging with a
step-in binding base. However, one illustrative embodiment of a
binding base suitable for use with each of the illustrative
configurations of the interface 24, 224 is shown in FIGS. 1-4. It
is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments of the
binding system are not limited to use with a strap-mountable
interface, as the binding base may be employed to secure a
snowboard boot having corresponding mating features provided
directly on the boot.
[0088] The binding base 22 includes a baseplate 74 that is
configured to be mounted to a snowboard using any suitable
arrangement, such as a hold down disc 76. A strapless engagement
mechanism is provided to secure an interface 24, 224 to the binding
base 22. As explained, the interface can be coupled to the base in
any number of numerous ways.
[0089] The binding includes a highback 78 to provide a rider with
heel side support for placing the snowboard on edge for a heel side
turn. A heel hoop 80 may be provided at the heel end of the
baseplate to be engaged by the highback and to transmit forces
applied to the highback to the snowboard. Alternatively, in other
embodiments, the highback can be mounted on the interface or boot,
or built into the boot.
[0090] It should be appreciated that providing the highback 78 on
the binding may be more advantageous than providing the highback on
the binding interface. For example, a binding interface that is
free of a highback is likely to be more comfortable for walking or
advancing a board along snow to negotiate a lift line. An interface
without a highback generally is lighter compared to an interface
having a highback. An interface without a highback may also allow a
rider to walk or scoot with a more natural gait as compared to an
interface with a highback in which the rider's leg would be held in
a forward lean position that, although desirable for riding, may be
awkward for walking or scooting. Locating the highback on the
binding provides a rider with heel side support only when it is
typically desired, when the rider is secured to the board within
the binding.
[0091] The highback 78 may be mounted to the baseplate 74 for
rotation about an axis that is substantially normal to the
snowboard to allow a rider to adjust the position of the highback
relative to the board edge. In one embodiment, the highback 78 is
mounted to the heel hoop 80 using a suitable fastener 82, such as a
screw or a tool-free fastener, that extends through an elongated
slot 84 on the heel hoop. It is to be appreciated, however, that
any suitable arrangement for highback rotation may be implemented,
such as employing a series of spaced holes along the heel hoop 80,
or other portion of the baseplate, for mounting the highback 78 at
desired degrees of rotation. It is to be appreciated that the
highback need not be mounted for rotation about the normal axis in
all embodiment of the binding base.
[0092] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the strapless
engagement mechanism includes a pair of engagement members 30 at
the rear or heel end of the baseplate 74 and a pair of engagement
members 32 at the front or toe end of the baseplate 74 that are
configured to engage with the corresponding mating features 34, 36
of the binding interface 24, 224. As shown, each of the pairs of
engagement members is provided along the opposing sidewalls of the
baseplate. It is to be understood, however, that the binding
engagement members may be provided at any desired portion of the
binding baseplate suitable for engaging with the corresponding
mating features of the interface.
[0093] As indicated above, the binding system 20 is configured to
provide the convenience of a step-in binding with the riding
performance of a strap binding. To that end, the binding 22 may
employ one or more engagement members that are configured to
operate in a step-in manner. In the illustrative embodiment shown
in FIGS. 1-4, the pair of forward or toe engagement members 32 and
the pair of rear or heel engagement members 30 are both configured
to operate in a step-in manner. To couple the interface with the
binding, as shown in FIG. 4, the toe mating features 36 may be
either drawn in a rearward direction, as indicated by arrow
A.sub.1, or stepped in a downward direction, as indicated by arrow
A.sub.2, into engagement with the toe engagement members 32, and
the heel mating features 34 may be stepped in a downward direction,
as indicated by arrow A.sub.3, into engagement with the heel
engagement members 30. The sequence of engaging the interface to
the binding base is not a restriction on the present invention, as
the toe mating features 36 may be engaged with the binding base
before, after, or at approximately the same time as the heel mating
features 34 are engaged with the binding base.
[0094] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the
binding base employs active toe engagement members 32 which are
movable to secure and release the toe mating features 36 of the
interface. Actuation of the toe engagement members is accomplished
without the use of a handle, button or like actuator, thereby
resulting in an automatic toe binding mechanism. In this regard,
the binding system employs a toe binding mechanism using an
automatic actuation principle similar to that described in commonly
owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,018. It is to be appreciated, however,
that not all embodiments of the binding base are limited to an
active mechanism, as non-movable toe engagement members may be
employed.
[0095] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the toe
engagement members 32 are movably supported on the baseplate 74
between an open or release position to allow the toe mating
features to be stepped downwardly into or upwardly out of the
binding base and a closed or locked position to engage and secure
the toe mating features within the binding base. The toe engagement
members 32 include a pair of opposing hook-shaped clips that are
configured to move toward and away from each other as they are
moved toward the closed and open positions, respectively. In one
embodiment, the toe clips 32 are configured to independently move
toward and away from each other in the lateral or side-to-side
direction 86, as shown in FIG. 5, to facilitate stepping into and
out of the binding base. In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS.
1-5, the toe clips 32 are configured to slide in the side-to-side
direction 86, although any suitable arrangement may be employed
with the binding.
[0096] In one illustrative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, each toe
clip 32 may be urged inwardly towards its closed position with a
biasing element 88 disposed between the toe clip 32 and an outer
wall 90 of the binding. In this regard, the biasing element 88 may
be configured to maintain the toe clips 32 in the closed position
with a desired amount of preload on the clips. A stop 92 may be
provided to limit the amount of inward deflection of the toe clip
under the influence of the biasing element.
[0097] The biasing element 88 may include a resilient pad, such as
elastomeric pad, placed between the toe clip 32 and the outer wall
90. The pad may also be configured to prevent an accumulation of
snow, ice or other debris between the toe clip and outer wall that
could otherwise affect operation of the toe clip. It is to
appreciated, however, that other biasing elements may be employed
with the toe clips, including a spring or other arrangements.
[0098] As indicated above, in one illustrative embodiment of the
invention, the toe engagement members 32 may include a pair of
opposing hook-shaped clips that are movable toward and away from
each other. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each clip 32 may include an
upper hook portion 94 that is configured with an inclined
engagement surface 96 that slopes in a downward direction toward
the heel end of the binding, such that the height of the engagement
surface 96 above the baseplate 74 is greater at the front side of
the clip than at the rear side of the clip. The inclined engagement
surface 96 cooperates with the toe mating features 36 of the
interface to produce a point contact therebetween to secure the
forward end of the interface to the binding base.
[0099] The upper hook portion 94 cooperates with the contoured
shape of the toe mating features 36 in a wedging or camming manner
to automatically open the toe engagement members 32 as the toe end
of the interface is stepped into the binding base and the heel end
of the interface is lifted out of the binding base. As described
above, the toe mating features 36 include a cam surface 48 (FIGS.
5a and 9-10) that is tapered in both the vertical direction
(top-to-bottom) and the longitudinal direction (toe-to-heel).
[0100] The vertical taper results in an overall width between the
opposing cam surfaces 48 that decreases in a direction from an
upper portion of the mating features toward a lower portion of the
mating features. As the toe end of the interface is stepped
downward onto the toe engagement members 36, the lower portions of
the cam surfaces 48 progressively wedge apart the upper hook
portions 94 of the clips until the lugs are seated below the
engagement surfaces 96. Once the lugs are positioned below the
upper hook portions, the clips return to their closed positions
under the biasing force of the biasing elements 88 to secure the
toe end of the interface in the binding base.
[0101] The longitudinal taper results in an overall width between
the opposing cam surfaces 48 that decreases in a direction from the
front portion of the toe mating features toward a rear portion of
the toe mating features. As the heel end of the interface is lifted
out of the binding base, the rear portions of the cam surfaces 48
progressively wedge apart the upper hook portions 94 of the clips
until the toe lugs are released from the toe clips. Once the
interface is removed from the binding base, the toe clips return to
their closed positions under the biasing force of the biasing
elements 88 for receiving the interface within the binding
base.
[0102] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the toe
mechanism 100 includes a leaf spring 102 arrangement that underlies
and extends across the width of the toe region of the base. A pair
of toe engagement members 32 in the form of hook-shaped toe clips
are attached to the opposing ends of the leaf spring 102 to be
moved in a pivoting manner between open and closed positions in
response to a rider stepping into and out of the binding. Each toe
clip includes a contoured camming surface 104 that is configured to
be engaged and driven apart in a lateral direction by the toe
mating features 36 as the interface is stepped into the binding. In
a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 described above,
the toe clips 32 are also configured to be wedged apart by the toe
mating features 36 as the heel end of the interface is lifted out
of the binding.
[0103] The toe clips 32 of FIG. 11 have a symmetrical configuration
that allows the binding to employ the same toe clip on both sides
of the leaf spring for convenience and reduced manufacturing costs.
The leaf spring 102 may be formed with upstanding endwalls 106 on
which the toe clips are mounted for movement in the lateral
direction. The endwalls 106 may be angled inwardly towards each
other to preload the toe clips 32 toward the closed position. In
one embodiment, the leaf spring 102 is formed from a spring steel,
although it may be formed from any suitable material including, but
not limited to, stainless steel.
[0104] The configurations of the toe engagement members 32 and the
toe mating features 36 achieve an automatic toe locking mechanism
that allows a rider to readily step into and out of the binding
base without the need to manually actuate a release mechanism for
the toe mechanism.
[0105] Having described several embodiments of a toe mechanism for
securing the toe end of the interface 24 to the binding 22, it
should be understood that any suitable toe binding mechanism may be
employed with the binding system. In this regard, while an
automatic, active arrangement may provide one or more advantages,
the binding system is not limited in this respect. For example, the
toe mechanism may be coupled to a release mechanism in which the
rider manually actuates the toe mechanism to the open and/or closed
positions. Alternatively, the toe mechanism may be configured as a
non-active arrangement in which the engagement members are
non-movable and fixed relative to the binding such that the toe
mating features 36 may be moved in a toe-to-heel direction into and
out of engagement with the binding by the rider.
[0106] One illustrative embodiment of a rear or heel locking
mechanism for releasably engaging the rear or heel mating feature
of the interface will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4
and 12-16. Although the illustrative heel locking arrangement
provides a number of advantages as discussed below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this
respect, and that numerous other heel locking arrangements for
engaging with the heel mating features are possible.
[0107] In the embodiment shown, the rear locking mechanism includes
a pair of engagement members 30 movably supported on the medial and
lateral sides of the binding base. In the illustrative embodiment,
the engagement members include a pair of engagement cams 30 that
are rotatably supported along the sidewalls of the baseplate. Each
cam 30 has a receptacle 110 (FIG. 14) that is configured to receive
the heel mating feature of the interface. In the illustrative
embodiment, the receptacle 110 is configured as an elongated slot
adapted to receive a laterally extending pin 34 from the heel end
of the binding interface.
[0108] In the illustrative embodiment, the heel mechanism includes
a guide 112 on each side of the binding baseplate to facilitate
alignment between the engagement pin and the corresponding
engagement cam. The guide 112 includes a rearward facing ramp
surface 114 (FIG. 4) that is inclined rearwardly and downwardly
toward the heel end of the binding. As the rider steps down into
the binding, the guide 112 draws the engagement pin back along a
rearwardly extending path toward the heel end of the binding and
into the receptacle 110 of the engagement cam 30, which is aligned
with the guide when the engagement cam is placed in the open
position.
[0109] In the illustrative embodiment, the engagement cams 30 are
biased to the open position so that the pin receptacles 110 are
oriented in an upwardly facing direction to receive the mating pins
34 being stepped into the binding in a downward direction. In one
embodiment, the cams 30 are continuously biased to the open
position (counterclockwise as shown by arrow B.sub.1 in FIG. 14)
using a spring 116, such as a torsion spring disposed about a
mounting shaft 118 for the cam. The engagement cams are rotatably
mounted about a common transverse axis 120 (FIG. 12) with the
engagement cams being parallel to each other to facilitate
operation of the heel mechanism. It is to be appreciated, however,
that the present invention is not limited to the cams being
parallel to each other and/or rotatable about a common axis, as the
cams may be mounted along separate axes that may or may not be
parallel to each other.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 4, the rider can simply step into the
binding base by aligning the toe mating features 36 with the
forward or toe engagement members 32 on the interface and stepping
downwardly so that the toe mating features step into the toe clips
and the rear engagement pins 34 are guided by the ramp 114 into the
pin receptacle 110 of the engagement cam. As the rider steps
further into the binding, engagement between the pin 34 and the
lower portion of the cam receptacle 110, which is offset from the
cam shaft 118 in a rearward direction, causes the cam to rotate in
a rearward direction about the shaft (clockwise in FIGS. 3-4) to a
closed position (FIG. 3), where the cam is locked, as discussed
below, to secure the pin to the binding base. Alternatively, the
cams 30 may be configured with the receptacle 110 offset from the
cam shaft 118 in a forward direction so that the cams rotate in a
forward direction about the shaft to a closed position.
[0111] It should be appreciated that the rearwardly-extending guide
112 is also advantageous because movement of the engagement pin 34
along the guide causes the rider's boot to be drawn rearwardly as
the rider steps into the binding base. This causes the rear portion
of the boot 26 to advantageously be seated firmly against the heel
hoop 80 and highback 78, thereby enabling efficient force
transmission between the highback and the boot. This motion
positions the forward mating features 36 relative to the forward
engagement members 32 to ensure proper engagement by the toe
mechanism. It should be understood that the present invention is
not limited to the particular guide shown in the figures, as other
geometries for a guide are possible to align the interface 24 with
the binding 22 and to draw the interface rearwardly into the locked
position shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, a
rearwardly-extending guide need not be employed with the binding
base.
[0112] In the illustrative embodiment, each engagement cam 30 is
rotatably supported by the binding base independently of the other
cam. In this manner, each cam 30 may be moved between its open and
closed positions independently of the position of the other cam.
This may facilitate stepping into and out of the binding base 22 by
allowing some misalignment between the interface 24 and binding
base 22 as the rider steps into and out of the base. For example,
the independent cams 30 may allow a rider to step into or out of
the binding base 22 with the interface 24 cocked or angled relative
to the lateral and/or medial sides of the base. Although
advantageous, it is to be understood that the engagement cams 30 do
not need to be mounted for independent rotation in all embodiments
of the invention, as the engagement cams 30 alternatively could be
coupled to each other for rotation between the open and closed
positions.
[0113] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-17, a
locking catch 122 is movably supported between an open or release
position (FIG. 16) and a closed or locked position (FIG. 15)
adjacent the engagement cam to secure the cam it its closed
position. The engagement cam 30 includes at least one locking
feature 124 that is configured to be engaged by the locking catch
122 when the cam and locking catch are both moved to their locking
positions to secure the cam in the locked position. In the
illustrative embodiment, the locking catch 122 is rotatable from
its open position and to its closed position to engage the cam
locking feature 124.
[0114] To facilitate operation of the heel mechanism, each locking
catch 122 is continuously biased (in the direction of arrow
C.sub.1) to engage with the engagement cam 30 so that the heel
mechanism is automatically actuated into a locked configuration
upon rotation of the engagement cam to its closed position to
secure the interface to the binding base. A torsion spring 126
(FIG. 14), or other suitable biasing arrangement, may be employed
to load the locking catch 122 to its closed or locked position
relative to the engagement cam.
[0115] In one embodiment, the binding system is configured to
accommodate an accumulation of snow between the interface/boot and
the binding base. In the illustrative embodiment, the heel
mechanism is configured with a plurality of locking positions for
accommodating varying amounts of snow accumulation on the surface
of the baseplate or within the heel mechanism. As shown, the
engagement cam includes a plurality of locking features 124, such
as locking teeth, that cooperate with the locking catch 122 in a
ratchet-and-pawl arrangement. In this manner, the engagement cam 30
may close and secure the engagement pin 34 within any one of a
number of locked positions depending upon the amount of snow, ice
and/or other debris that may accumulate between the boot and
binding base. In this regard, each engagement cam 30 may secure an
engagement pin 34 anywhere from a partially closed position (FIG.
15) to a fully closed position (FIG. 16). The amount and degree of
cam adjustability may be varied by the number of and pitch between
the locking teeth 124 on the engagement cam 30.
[0116] The ratcheting arrangement is advantageous in that it allows
each engagement cam 30 to continuously and automatically adjust
itself toward the fully closed position (FIG. 16) as the
accumulation of snow, ice or other debris diminishes between the
boot and binding base. For example, as snow and/or ice melts or
becomes compressed under the weight of a rider, a downward force
exerted by the engagement pin 34 on the engagement cam 30 will
further rotate the cam toward its fully closed position, while the
locking catch 122 acts as a pawl to prevent the engagement cam 30
from rotating to its open position (FIG. 14) in response to an
upward force by the engagement pin on the cam. Additionally,
independent rotation of the cams 30, as described above, allows the
heel mechanism to accommodate different amounts of snow
accumulation on both sides of the binding.
[0117] Although advantageous, it is to be understood that a locking
arrangement employing multiple locking positions for accommodating
snow accumulation does not need to be employed with all embodiments
of the present invention. Further, even should it be desirable to
accommodate an accumulation of snow, ice or other debris between
the boot and binding, it is to be appreciated that other suitable
arrangements alternatively may be employed with the heel mechanism
and/or toe mechanism of the binding to accommodate such
accumulations.
[0118] The locking catches 122 may be coupled to a single or
separate actuators to allow the rider to release the heel mechanism
from its locked position so that the engagement pins of the
interface may be removed from the binding. In one illustrative
embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the locking catches 122 are coupled to
a single release lever 128 using a common shaft or link 130 that
extends transversely across the binding between the catches. This
arrangement is configured to directly drive the catches 122 from
the locked position to a release position upon actuation of the
lever by the rider.
[0119] In one embodiment, a locking feature is employed to lock the
release lever to prevent an inadvertent release of the heel
mechanism. For example, a detent arrangement (not shown) may be
implemented to prevent inadvertent movement of the lever 128. As
another example, a biased lock out button (not shown) may be
located adjacent the lever to prevent lever movement until the lock
out button is actuated by the rider. It is to be appreciated that
the detent and lock out button arrangements are merely exemplary
and that any suitable arrangement may be employed for avoiding
inadvertent release. Additionally, a locking feature for the lever
does not need to be employed in all embodiments.
[0120] Each end of the shaft 130 may be configured with a pair of
opposing flats 131 (FIG. 15) that cooperate with a corresponding
recess in the catch 122 so that rotation of the shaft 130 is
transmitted to the catches with little or no rotational slip
between the catch and shaft. It is to be appreciated that numerous
other configurations may be employed to couple the catches 122 to
the shaft 130 so as to minimize rotational slippage therebetween.
For example, the shaft may have a hexagonal shape that cooperates
with a hexagonal recess in each catch.
[0121] While a common shaft 130 provides a relatively simple
release arrangement for the catches, it is to be understood that
any suitable arrangement may be employed to release the catches
from the engagement cams. For example, the catches 122 may be
coupled to separate actuators. Additionally, rather than attaching
the lever 128 directly to the shaft 130, a linkage may be employed
between the lever and shaft to allow the lever to be located to any
desired position.
[0122] In one embodiment, the heel mechanism includes a cocking
mechanism that is configured to maintain the catches in the release
position so that the rider is not required to manually hold the
catches in the release position while simultaneously stepping out
of the binding. In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.
14-17, the cocking mechanism includes a lockout latch 132 that is
configured to cooperate with the locking catch 122 in a manner that
maintains the catch in its released position to allow rotation of
the engagement cam 30 towards the open position to release the
engagement pin 34 from the heel mechanism. The lockout latch 132 is
rotatably supported about a pivot 134 between a nose or first end
136 of the latch and a tail or second end 138 of the latch. In the
illustrative embodiment, the lockout latch 132 is continuously
biased toward a lockout position (counterclockwise in the direction
of arrow D.sub.1 in FIGS. 14-17) so that the latch automatically
assumes the lockout position when the catch is placed in its
release position. Since the locking catches 122 are coupled to each
other, it may be desirable to employ a lockout latch 132 with only
one of the catches, although it is to be appreciated that a lockout
latch may be employed with each catch.
[0123] In the illustrative embodiment, the nose end 136 of the
latch is configured to cooperate with a detent 140 provided on the
lower end of the catch 122 to either maintain the catch in the
release position or maintain the lockout latch in a neutral
position depending upon the desired state of the heel mechanism. As
shown in FIG. 15, when the catch 122 is in its locking position to
maintain the engagement cam 30 in one of its closed positions, the
detent 140 of the catch is positioned below the nose 136 of the
lockout latch to maintain the latch in a neutral, non-lockout
position. As shown in FIG. 16, when the catch 122 is rotated (in
the direction of arrow C.sub.2) to its release position by the
rider, the lockout latch 132 rotates (counterclockwise D.sub.1 in
FIG. 16) to its lockout position with the nose end 136 of the latch
positioned below the detent 140 of the locking catch. When the
rider releases the lever, the lockout latch 132 engages the catch
in a notch 142 below the detent to prevent the locking catch 122
from returning to its locked position such that the engagement cam
30 may be freely rotated (counterclockwise B.sub.1 in FIG. 14) to
its open position as the engagement pin is lifted from the heel
mechanism.
[0124] The heel mechanism may be configured to be automatically
reset when the engagement cam 30 is placed in the open position. In
the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, the engagement cam 30
includes a trigger 144 that is configured to reset the lockout
latch 132 to its neutral position above the detent so that the
locking catch 122 may return to a neutral position as shown in FIG.
14. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the trigger 144 is provided along
the perimeter of the engagement cam 30 below the locking teeth 124
so that the trigger engages with the tail end 138 of the lockout
latch as the engagement cam is rotated (counterclockwise B.sub.1 in
FIG. 17) to a position in which the locking catch 122 is unable to
re-engage with the locking teeth 124 of the cam. Continued rotation
of the engagement cam 30 toward the open position causes the
lockout latch 132 to rotate (clockwise D.sub.2 in FIG. 17) toward
its neutral position above the detent 140, thereby allowing the
locking catch 122 to assume its reset, neutral position against the
cam.
[0125] The heel mechanism may employ any suitable cocking
arrangement to maintain the catches 122 or other elements in a
release position. For example, the cocking mechanism may include a
cantilevered lockout, rather than the illustrated rotatable
lockout. One such arrangement is described in more detail
below.
[0126] As described above, the engagement cams of the heel
mechanism are supported for independent movement relative to each
other between the open and closed positions. It may be desirable to
configure the heel mechanism so that neither engagement cam 30 may
be locked by its respective locking catch 122 until both engagement
cams 30 are placed in a closed position. Such an arrangement may be
advantageous in avoiding a false locking condition in which only
one of the engagement cams is closed and locked to secure the
binding interface to the binding base.
[0127] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-17, the
incidence of a false locking condition may be reduced with an
arrangement in which each locking catch 122 is maintained in a
neutral, non-locked position (FIG. 14) until both engagement cams
30 are actuated to a closed position (FIG. 15). As illustrated,
each engagement cam 30 is configured with a neutral region 146
(along the perimeter of the cam above the locking teeth 124) which
is configured to be engaged by the locking catch 122 when the cam
30 is in its open position or a neutral position in which the cam
is rotated between its open position (FIG. 14) and its initial
closed position (FIG. 15). When either of the engagement cams 30 is
in the neutral position such that its corresponding locking catch
122 is similarly maintained in the neutral position against the
neutral region 146 of the cam, the other locking catch is also
maintained in the neutral position, even when its corresponding cam
is in a closed position, due to the coupling of the locking catches
through the shaft 130. Thus, only when both engagement cams 30 are
placed in a closed position (FIG. 15) will each of the locking
catches engage any one of the locking teeth 124 on a corresponding
cam to lock the cam in one of the closed positions.
[0128] It is to be appreciated that the heel mechanism may employ
numerous other suitable arrangements to prevent one cam from
locking if the other cam is not prepared to lock. In this regard,
it is not a limitation of all embodiments to couple the locking
catches together. Additionally, other embodiments of the heel
mechanism do not need to employ an arrangement to prevent a false
locking condition.
[0129] Operation of the illustrative embodiment of the heel
mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-4 will now be described in connection
with FIGS. 14-17. With the engagement cams 30 placed in their open
position as shown in FIG. 14, the engagement pins 34 on the
interface may be introduced in a downward direction A.sub.3 into
the heel mechanism. Each pin 34 is directed by the guide 112 in a
rearward and downward direction into the pin receptacle 110 of the
engagement cam. Continued downward movement of the engagement pin
as the rider steps into the binding rotates the engagement cam
(clockwise B.sub.2 in FIG. 15) toward a closed position.
[0130] When each of the engagement cams 30 is rotated to at least
an initial closed position as shown in FIG. 15, each locking catch
122 rotates (clockwise C.sub.1) into engagement with one of the
locking teeth 124 of its corresponding cam. Continued downward
movement of the pin 34 further rotates the cam 30 in a ratcheting
manner toward a fully closed position, as shown in FIG. 16. It is
to be appreciated that any accumulation of snow, ice or other
debris between the boot and binding base may result in one or both
engagement cams 30 being placed in the initial closed position
(FIG. 15) or an intermediate closed position anywhere between the
initial closed position and the fully closed position (FIG. 16).
Further, either engagement cam 30 may automatically move toward the
fully closed position independently of the other cam as any
accumulation of snow, ice or other debris is reduced between the
boot and binding base.
[0131] When it is desired to release the engagement cams 30 to
allow a rider to remove the interface from the heel mechanism, the
rider actuates the release lever 128 (FIG. 12) to disengage each of
the locking catches 122 from its corresponding cam 30 by rotating
the catch from its locked position to its release position (FIG.
16). When the locking catches 122 are placed in the release
position, the lockout latch 132 rotates in the direction of arrow
D.sub.1 from its neutral position to the lockout position (FIG. 16)
to engage the locking catch in the notch 142 below the detent. In
this manner, each locking catch 122 is maintained in a cocked,
release position when the rider releases the lever. The rider can
thereafter step out of the heel mechanism whenever convenient
without being required to hold the release lever while
simultaneously stepping out of the heel mechanism.
[0132] With the locking catches 122 being maintained in the cocked,
release position, the binding interface may be removed from the
heel mechanism by lifting the heel end of the interface in an
upward direction. As the interface is lifted from the heel
mechanism, each engagement pin 34 is raised in an upward direction
along the guide 112, thereby allowing the engagement cam 30 to
rotate (counterclockwise B.sub.1 in FIG. 17) toward its open
position. When the cam reaches its neutral position, the trigger
144 engages with and rotates the lockout latch 132 (clockwise
D.sub.2 in FIG. 17) to its neutral position, thereby releasing the
locking catch 122 from its cocked, release position, and enabling
the locking latch 122 to move to its neutral position in engagement
with the neutral region 146 of the cam as shown in FIG. 14. Thus,
removing the binding interface from the binding base automatically
resets the heel mechanism for subsequently receiving and securing
the binding interface in the binding base.
[0133] It may be desirable to provide an indicator that is
configured to indicate to a rider that the heel mechanism has been
actuated to its closed position to secure the interface to the
binding base. The indicator may include one or more visual and/or
audible indicators. For example, each engagement cam may include a
visual indicator that is configured to indicate to the rider that
the cam has been rotated to any one of its closed positions. In one
embodiment, a portion of the peripheral edge 148 of the cam between
the receptacle and the locking teeth is provided with a contrasting
color that becomes visible to the rider when the cam is rotated to
at least the initial closed position as shown in FIG. 15. The
indicator may be visible through the entrance to the guide 112 or a
separate window adjacent the peripheral edge of the cam. It is to
appreciated, however, that any suitable indicator, may be employed
with the heel and/or toe mechanism of the binding, or an indicator
need not be employed at all.
[0134] In another illustrative embodiment schematically shown in
FIGS. 18-19, a heel mechanism is provided that is similar in many
respects to the embodiment described above. The heel mechanism
includes a pair of engagement cams 30 that are rotatably supported
by the binding base independently of each other for movement
between their open and closed positions. Each cam 30 is configured
with a receptacle 110 that is adapted to receive the corresponding
mating feature, such as a pin, of the interface. The cams 30 are
arranged to rotate along a common transverse axis 120 with the cams
being parallel to each other, although the cams may be mounted
along separate axes that may or may not be parallel. The cams 30
are biased to the open position with a spring 116, such as a
torsion spring.
[0135] A locking catch 122 is movably supported adjacent each cam
30 between an open or release position and a closed or locked
position to engage a locking feature, such as a locking tooth 124,
on the cam. The locking catch 122 is biased to the locked position
with a torsion spring 126 or other suitable biasing arrangement. To
accommodate an accumulation of snow, ice or other debris between
the boot/interface and binding base, the catch 122 may engage any
of a plurality of locking teeth 124 on the cam 30 in a
ratchet-and-pawl arrangement in a manner similar to that described
above.
[0136] The locking catches 122 are coupled to each other with a
common shaft 118 or link that extends transversely across the
binding parallel to the rotational axis 120 of the cams. A lever
128 is provided at one end of the shaft 118 to allow a rider to
actuate the catches to the open position. As shown, the shaft 118
has a hexagonal shape that cooperates with a hexagonal recess in
each catch 122 to minimize rotational slippage.
[0137] Similar to the mechanism described above, a cocking
mechanism may be employed to maintain the catches in the release
position so that a rider is not required to manually hold the
catches in the release position while stepping out of the binding.
In this illustrative embodiment, the cocking mechanism includes a
cantilevered lockout 150, such as a cantilever spring, that is
biased to a lockout position between the catch 122 and the cam 30
when the catch is rotated to its release position. The cam 30
includes a trigger 144 between the locking teeth 124 and its
neutral region 146 that is configured to engage the free end of the
lockout 150 and push the lockout in a lateral direction E to a
neutral position against the side of the cam as the engagement cam
is rotated toward the open position to reset the mechanism.
[0138] As indicated above, each engagement cam 30 is biased to the
open position such that when the binding interface is removed from
the binding base, the engagement cam will assume its open position,
such as shown in FIG. 14. It may be desirable to prevent
over-rotation and maintain a pre-load on the cam in the open
position so that the cam will not tend to rotate toward the closed
position until the interface is stepped into the mechanism. Such an
arrangement may facilitate operation of the heel mechanism by
ensuring proper positioning of the cams in the open position using
a biasing element, such as a spring 116, which exerts a biasing
force that would otherwise over-rotate the cams. Alternately, the
biasing element could be chosen so that it maintains the cam in the
open position when the biasing element attains its relaxed,
unloaded state.
[0139] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-19, each
cam 30 includes a stop 152 that is configured to be engaged by the
locking catch when the cam is rotated to the open position. As
illustrated, the cam 30 includes a tooth 152 (along its peripheral
edge at an end of the neutral region 146 opposite the locking teeth
124) that is engaged by the locking catch 122 when the cam rotates
to the open position. Once engaged, the cam 30 is prevented from
over-rotation beyond the open position which may otherwise occur
due to the biasing force of the spring. It is to be understood that
any other suitable arrangement alternatively may be implemented to
maintain each cam in the open position ready to accept the binding
interface.
[0140] Each cam may be configured with a peripheral edge having a
radius that varies between at least the locking teeth 124 and the
neutral region 146 relative to the rotational axis 120. As
illustrated, the tips of the locking teeth may lie along a radius
R.sub.1 that is less than the radius R.sub.2 of the neutral region.
This stepped arrangement maintains a locking catch out of
engagement with the locking teeth of a cam rotated to a closed
position until both cams are rotated to a closed position. It is to
be appreciated that other embodiments of a heel mechanism do not
need to employ a cam having a stepped peripheral edge, as any
suitable arrangement may be implemented to prevent one side of the
heel mechanism from locking unless and until both sides of the
mechanism can lock.
[0141] In a further illustrative embodiment schematically shown in
FIGS. 20-22, a heel mechanism may be provided that is similar in
many respects to the embodiment described above in FIGS. 18-19. In
this embodiment, the heel mechanism also includes a pair of
engagement cams 30 that are rotatably supported by the binding
independently of each other for movement between their open and
closed positions with the cams 30 biased to the open position. A
locking catch 122 is movably supported adjacent each cam 30 between
an open or release position and a closed or locked position to
engage any of a plurality of locking teeth 124 on the cam in a
ratchet-and-pawl arrangement to accommodate an accumulation of
snow, ice or other debris.
[0142] The locking catches 122 are coupled to each other with a
common shaft 118 or link that extends transversely across the
binding parallel to the rotational axis 120 of the cams. A lever
128 is provided at one end of the shaft 118 which coacts with a
separate release handle 154, which is rotatably supported by the
binding, to allow a rider to actuate the catches 122 to their open
positions.
[0143] Similar to the mechanism described above, a cocking
mechanism may be employed to maintain the catches in the release
position so that a rider is not required to manually hold the
catches in the release position while stepping out of the binding.
In this illustrative embodiment, the cocking mechanism includes the
release handle 154, which is configured with a cam portion 156 that
engages with and actuates the lever 128 as the handle is rotated by
the rider to a lockout position (FIG. 21). The handle 154 remains
in the raised position to maintain the locking catches 122 in the
release position when the handle is released to allow the rider to
step out of the heel mechanism. The rider may manually reset the
heel mechanism by pushing down on the handle 154 (FIG. 22) to allow
the lever 128, and consequently the locking catches 122, to return
to the locking position.
[0144] The handle 154 may be provided with a cavity 158 that is
configured to receive the lever 128 when the handle is rotated to
the lowered, locking position. This arrangement reduces the
incidence of an inadvertent release of the heel mechanism by
securing the lever 128 within the handle 154, while allowing
limited movement of the lever 128 within the cavity so that the
locking catches 122 may operate in a ratcheting manner. As is to be
appreciated, any suitable cocking/actuation arrangement may be
implemented with the heel mechanism.
[0145] Having described several illustrative embodiments of a heel
mechanism for the binding base, it should be understood that that
binding base may employ any number of suitable heel mechanisms. It
is also to be appreciated that any suitable cocking mechanism
optionally may be implemented with the illustrated heel mechanisms.
Additionally, other embodiments of a heel mechanism do not need to
employ a cocking mechanism.
[0146] As indicated above, the binding system may be configured to
secure snowboard boots of various configurations to a snowboard
without requiring any particular modification to the boot. As
indicated above, however, it may be desirable for the boot sole to
engage the baseplate of the binding. This may be accomplished in
any of a number of ways, including several non-limiting examples
described below. It is to be appreciated, however, that engagement
between the boot sole and the baseplate is not a limitation of all
embodiments of the binding system.
[0147] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the
binding 22 may include one or more pads 160, 162 that are
configured to receive the interface body 24 in a nesting
relationship to facilitate engagement of the boot sole with the
baseplate through the pads. The binding may include toe and heel
pads 160, 162 that are configured to underlie the toe and heel
regions of the boot 26. The pads 160, 162 may be fixed or
adjustable relative to the baseplate 74 to allow a rider to
selectively position one or both pads to achieve a desired fit or
feel. As illustrated, the pads may be shaped to closely conform to
the shape of the front and rear edges 54, 56 of the interface body
38. However, any desirable shape may be implemented with the
pads.
[0148] In another illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the
interface 24 may include one or more pads 164, 166 attached
directly to the lower portion of the interface body 38. The
interface may include toe and heel pads 164, 166 that are
configured to underlie the toe and heel regions of the boot 26.
Engagement between the boot sole and the baseplate 74 is
accomplished through the pads when the interface is coupled to the
binding base 22.
[0149] As indicated above, although it may be desirable to employ
any snowboard boot with the binding system, the interface may be
used with a boot specifically configured for use with the binding
system. In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 24, a
snowboard boot 26 may include a sole 170 having a recess 172
configured to receive the interface body 38 therein such that the
interface body does not protrude below the bottom surface of the
sole. This configuration ensures that the boot sole 170 is in
direct contact with the binding base 22. In the illustrative
embodiment, the recess 172 has a generally hourglass or X shape
that is compatible with the interface body. It is to appreciated,
however, that the snowboard boot may be configured with a recess in
the sole having any desired configuration that may be compatible
with the particular shape of the interface.
[0150] The interface 24 has been described above in connection with
a snowboard binding system for securing a snowboard boot to a
snowboard. However, it is also contemplated that the interface 24
may be integrated with other equipment or systems for traversing
terrain. For example, in addition to a snowboard binding 22, the
interface 24 may be configured to be coupled to a snowshoe, a
crampon and the like. In this regard a rider may employ the same
interface for one or more products that may be used for back
country riding in which the rider is typically required to hike,
climb and ride across various terrain. The interface may be
configured with cleats or similar structures to provide a rider
with traction to facilitate hiking and climbing terrain.
[0151] Having described several illustrative embodiments of the
invention, various modifications and improvements will readily
occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and
improvements are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only
and is not intended to be limiting. The invention is limited only
as defined in the following claims and the equivalents thereto.
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