U.S. patent application number 12/758669 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for snowboards.
This patent application is currently assigned to Anton F. Wilson. Invention is credited to Anton F. Wilson.
Application Number | 20100194076 12/758669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36916997 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100194076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Anton F. |
August 5, 2010 |
SNOWBOARDS
Abstract
Snowboards are provided that consolidate and redirect a portion
of the weight and forces of the rider to the optimal locations
(near the edges and near the longitudinal center of the board),
providing excellent turning and control and providing impact
absorption when landing from a jump. In some implementations, an
adjustable spring suspension system allows custom optimization of
both the turning and ride characteristics of the snowboard.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Anton F.;
(Croton-on-Hudson, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON P.C.
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Assignee: |
Wilson; Anton F.
Cronton-On-Hudson
NY
|
Family ID: |
36916997 |
Appl. No.: |
12/758669 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11276149 |
Feb 15, 2006 |
7708302 |
|
|
12758669 |
|
|
|
|
60751089 |
Dec 16, 2005 |
|
|
|
60653103 |
Feb 16, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/609 ;
280/11.14; 280/14.22; 280/14.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 5/07 20130101; A63C
5/0405 20130101; A63C 5/075 20130101; A63C 2203/46 20130101; A63C
5/03 20130101; A63C 10/26 20130101; A63C 10/14 20130101; A63C 9/003
20130101; A63C 9/007 20130101; A63C 17/0046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/609 ;
280/14.22; 280/14.24; 280/11.14 |
International
Class: |
A63C 5/03 20060101
A63C005/03; A63C 5/06 20060101 A63C005/06; A63C 5/04 20060101
A63C005/04 |
Claims
1. A snowboard comprising: a snowboard body, having an upper
surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being constructed to
slide on snow, the snowboard body having a width of at least 9
inches and a length of at least 4 feet; and mounted on the upper
surface of the snowboard body, a boot binding mounting and
suspension system comprising a generally horizontal mounting
platform defining two boot/binding mounting locations each for
attachment to different boot bindings such that a pair of
snowboarder's boots can be secured to the mounting platform each
within the two boot/binding mounting locations during use, the boot
binding mounting and suspension system being fixedly attached to a
longitudinally central location of the snowboard body in a
cantilevered manner that maintains a clearance distance between the
mounting platform and the snowboard body in the area under each of
the two boot/binding mounting locations, each boot/binding mounting
location being on opposite sides of the longitudinally central
location.
2. The snowboard of claim 1 wherein the platform is mounted on the
snowboard body at a location within 2 inches of a midpoint of the
snowboard body.
3. The snowboard of claim 1 further comprising a pair of boot
bindings affixed directly to the platform, the pair of boot binding
being adapted to receive and secure a pair of snowboarder's boots
to the mounting platform such that each of the snowboarder's boots
are positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinally central
location.
4. The snowboard of claim 3 wherein the bootbindings are pivotally
mounted to allow them to cant about an axis generally parallel to
the long axis of a snowboarder's boot during use.
5. The snowboard of claim 1 wherein the clearance distance is
sufficiently large so as to allow the snowboard body to curve up or
down into an arc while the mounting platform remains essentially
flat.
6. The snowboard of claim 5 wherein the clearance distance is
between 0.75 inches and 3 inches.
7. The snowboard of claim 5 wherein the clearance distance is
between 1.2 inches and 1.5 inches.
8. The snowboard of claim 1 wherein the platform is resilient
allowing the platform to bend so as to ease impact when
landing.
9. The snowboard of claim 1 wherein the platform includes an upward
camber.
10. The snowboard of claim 1 wherein the platform is mounted on the
snowboard body by one or more suspension beams.
11. The snowboard of claim 10 wherein the platform comprises two
portions.
12. The snowboard of claim 1 further comprising a pitch control
system configured to allow opposite ends of the snowboard body to
arc upward in unison unimpeded, but inhibits non-uniform movements
or movements in opposite directions of the ends.
13. The snowboard of claim 1 further comprising a spring suspension
system.
14. The snowboard of claim 13 where the spring suspension system
applies a portion of the weight of the rider to the snowboard body
at one or more distinct points in addition to the points where the
platform is attached to the snowboard body.
15. The snowboard of claim 13 where the spring suspension system
applies a portion of the weight of the rider to the snowboard body
at one or more distinct points located in the central longitudinal
fifth of the snowboard body.
16. The snowboard of claim 13 where the spring suspension system
applies a portion of the weight of the rider to the snowboard body
at one or more distinct points located longitudinally a distance
from the longitudinal center of the snowboard equal to from 10% to
30% of the full longitudinal length of the snowboard body.
17. The snowboard of claim 13 where the spring suspension system
applies a portion of the weight of the rider to the snowboard body
at one or more distinct points located longitudinally a distance
from the longitudinal center of the snowboard equal to from 30% to
50% of the full longitudinal length of the snowboard body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of and claims
priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/276,149, filed on Feb. 15,
2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Nos. 60/653,103, filed Feb. 16, 2005, and 60/751,089,
filed Dec. 16, 2005. Each of the above noted application is hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to snowboards.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A snowboard depends upon the same basic turning principles
as those of an alpine ski. Both the snowboard and ski are designed
with a significant "side cut" along the length of the longitudinal
edges (FIG. 1). Specifically, the side-to-side width of a ski and
snowboard are greatest at the front and back, while diminishing to
a minimum at the "waist" or midsection. When a ski is tipped onto
an edge, the wider tip and tail will engage the snow and tend to
lift the narrow midsection off the snow (FIG. 2). Because the
weight of the skier is concentrated at the center of the ski, this
central force will bend the ski into a convex curve until the
narrow midsection touches the snow. It is the bending of the ski
into this arc that creates the "turn" (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Ideally,
the bending force is applied to the middle (where the ski binding
is mounted) while the ends of the ski are supported by the snow
(FIG. 4), a dynamic similar to that of an archery bow where the
center is pushed by the archer while the ends are pulled on by the
bowstring.
[0004] Conventional snowboards, however, do not utilize this ideal
bending dynamic. When a conventional snowboard is tipped onto an
edge, the wide tip and tail engage the snow in the same manner as
previously described for a ski. However, the weight/force of the
snowboarder is not applied at the optimal narrow longitudinal
center point. Instead, this force is bifurcated to the two boot
binding positions, which are located at approximately one-third of
the total length of the snowboard from each end (FIG. 5).
[0005] This creates several undesirable and counterproductive
effects. Most evident is the fact that the snowboard will be more
difficult to bend, and turn, because the force is not being applied
at the optimal center location. With the feet positioned at these
two locations, the board will assume a flat or even negative
(concave) shape between the boot bindings. Thus, instead of one
continuous convex arc, the board will tend to assume two minor
convex arcs separated by a concave arc or flat spot (FIG. 5A),
which is totally counterproductive to efficient turning. FIG. 6A
shows the actual profile that the snowboard tends to assume during
a turn, while FIG. 6B illustrates the desired, theoretical "perfect
turn."
[0006] Another undesirable effect of conventional snowboard design
is the lack of any means to absorb energy and shock. Thus upon
landing from a jump, the rider's body and feet must absorb the
total impact.
SUMMARY
[0007] In general, the invention features snowboards that
consolidate and redirect bending forces, providing excellent
turning and control and allowing the snowboarder to have a more
comfortable, less awkward stance while turning. Bending forces may
be redirected to the edges and longitudinal center of the
board.
[0008] In some implementations, the snowboard is configured to
partially absorb the energy of impact that is generated when
landing from a jump. A supplementary suspension system may be
included to further redistribute forces along the length of the
snowboard, thereby optimizing the flex pattern and contact
characteristics of the snowboard. In some cases, the suspension is
adjustable, allowing the characteristics of the snowboard to be
varied to suit a wide variety of terrain, snow conditions and
snowboarder abilities/interests. The suspension system may be
employed to redistribute forces to the center area of the
snowboard, while supplementary components can also be included to
further redistribute forces to the longitudinal edges of the
snowboard, thereby optimizing the flex pattern and contact
characteristics of the snowboard. The suspension system can be
integrated into a snowboard as part of the original design and
fabrication, or in some implementations it can be attached to an
existing standard snowboard at any time.
[0009] In one aspect, the invention features a snowboard including
a snowboard body, having an upper surface and a lower surface, the
lower surface being constructed to slide on snow; and mounted on
the upper surface of the snowboard body, a boot binding mounting
and suspension system comprising a generally horizontal mounting
platform defining boot/binding mounting locations, attached to the
snowboard body in a manner that maintains a clearance distance
between the mounting platform and the snowboard body in the area
under the boot/binding mounting locations.
[0010] Some implementations include one or more of the following
features. The platform is mounted on the snowboard body in a
longitudinally central location. The snowboard further includes a
pair of boot bindings affixed directly to the platform. The
clearance distance is sufficiently large so as to allow the
snowboard body to curve up or down into an arc while the mounting
platform remains essentially flat. The platform is resilient and
includes an upward camber, allowing the platform to bend so as to
ease impact when landing. The platform is mounted on the snowboard
body by one or more suspension beams. The platform includes two
portions. The snowboard further includes a pitch control system
configured to allow opposite ends of the snowboard body to arc
upward in unison unimpeded, but inhibits non-uniform movements or
movements in opposite directions of the ends. The snowboard further
includes a spring suspension system, which may be configured to
apply a portion of the weight of the rider to the snowboard body at
one or more distinct points in addition to the points where the
platform is attached to the snowboard body. The spring suspension
system applies a portion of the weight of the rider to the
snowboard body at one or more distinct points located in the
central longitudinal fifth of the snowboard body. The spring
suspension system applies a portion of the weight of the rider to
the snowboard body at one or more distinct points located
longitudinally a distance from the longitudinal center of the
snowboard equal to from 10% to 30% of the full longitudinal length
of the snowboard body. The spring suspension system applies a
portion of the weight of the rider to the snowboard body at one or
more distinct points located longitudinally a distance from the
longitudinal center of the snowboard equal to from 30% to 50% of
the full longitudinal length of the snowboard body. The snowboard
bindings are pivotally mounted to allow them to cant about an axis
generally parallel to the long axis of a snowboarder's boot during
use.
[0011] In a further aspect, the invention features a snowboard
including (a) a snowboard body, having an upper surface and a lower
surface, the lower surface being constructed to slide on snow; (b)
mounted on the upper surface of the snowboard body, a boot binding
mounting and suspension system comprising a generally horizontal
mounting platform defining boot/binding mounting locations; and (c)
a pitch control system including two compressible/extendable
elements located between the mounting platform and snowboard body
in areas where the snowboard body is free to arc independently of
the mounting platform.
[0012] In another aspect, the invention features a snowboard
including (a) a snowboard body, having an upper surface and a lower
surface, the lower surface being constructed to slide on snow and
the upper surface defining boot/bindings mounting locations; and
(b) on the upper surface of the snowboard body, a device attached
to the snowboard body in the vicinity of each of the two
boot/binding mounting locations, the device being configured to
apply a downward force to the longitudinal center area of the
snowboard body.
[0013] In some implementations, the device comprises a spring. The
device may include a substantially rigid beam and, mounted on the
beam, a spring element configured to create the downward force. The
spring element may be configured to be adjustable for pressure and
vertical position. In some implementations, the device pushes the
center of the snowboard body into a longitudinal reverse camber
contour. In some implementations, the device is configured such
that, while the snowboard is supported from above at the two boot
binding positions only, and an upward force is applied to the
center of the lower surface of the snowboard causing the lower
surface to deflect upward, the additional force required for an
additional millimeter of deflection from a first specified point of
deflection will be greater than the additional force required for
an additional millimeter of deflection from a specific second point
of deflection that is greater than the first.
[0014] In an alternate implementation force redistribution to the
center is accomplished by incorporating a unique longitudinal
bottom surface shape into the snowboard body that includes an area
of reverse camber in the vicinity of the center.
[0015] The details of one or more implementations of the invention
are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description
below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrammatic top views illustrating the
shapes of a prior art ski and a prior art snowboard,
respectively.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the shape assumed by a
conventional ski when it is being tipped on its edge by a skier
(snow surface indicated in dotted lines, skier and binding
omitted).
[0018] FIGS. 3A and 3B are an end view and top view, respectively,
of a conventional ski being bowed into an arc to make a turn.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a conventional ski with a force
being applied to its longitudinal midpoint while its tip and tail
are being supported.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a conventional snowboard. FIG. 5A
is a diagrammatic view showing where force is applied to the
snowboard during turning and the shape that the snowboard tends to
assume as a result.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic side view showing the profile that
a conventional snowboard tends to assume during a turn; FIG. 6B is
a diagrammatic side view showing the theoretical profile that would
result in a "perfect turn."
[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic side view showing the angulation of
a snowboarder's legs during a turn using a snowboard.
[0023] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrammatic side views of snowboards
according to two implementations of the invention. FIG. 8C is a
diagram showing the resulting force on the snowboard of FIG. 8A or
8B when force is applied to the snowboard bindings.
[0024] FIG. 9A is a top view of a snowboard according to another
implementation of the invention. FIGS. 9B-9E are top and side
views, respectively, of yet another implementation.
[0025] FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of snowboards including
alternative pitch control systems.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic side view of a snowboard according
to another implementation of the invention, in which the snowboard
bindings are allowed to cant.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a side view of a snowboard including a suspension
system according to one implementation of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of area A of FIG. 13, and
FIG. 14A is a side detail of a portion of FIG. 14.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a front portion of the
snowboard of FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 15A is a partially exploded view, showing the
beam/suspension/support assembly removed from the snowboard
runner.
[0031] FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 15A.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the rear half of the
suspension sub-assembly.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a graphic illustration of a measurement
methodology used to measure the spring rate and preload of a ski or
snowboard.
[0034] FIGS. 18 and 18A are side views of a snowboard according to
an alternative implementation of the invention before and after
mounting of a suspension structure onto the snowboard,
respectively.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic top view of a snowboard
incorporating a suspension system.
[0036] FIG. 19A is a diagrammatic side view of the snowboard shown
in FIG. 19.
[0037] FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the central portion of the
snowboard shown in FIG. 19A.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic side view of the leaf spring that
is a component of the snowboard shown in FIGS. 19-19B.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic side view of an alternate
implementation.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic top view of a suspension mounting
system designed to attach to any standard snowboard.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic top view of a suspension mounting
plate according to an alternate implementation.
[0042] FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrammatic cross sectional views of
the suspension mounting plate shown in FIG. 23, taken along lines
A-A and B-B, respectively.
[0043] FIG. 23C is a side view of the plate shown in FIG. 23.
[0044] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic side view of a conventional
snowboard illustrating the standard positive camber that creates a
concave arc when the board is on a flat hard surface. The
extremities of the running surface longitudinally contact the
surface while the center is suspended above the surface.
[0045] FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic side view of an implementation
that employs a novel longitudinal reverse camber contour molded
into the body of the snowboard.
[0046] FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic side view of a snowboard in which
the longitudinal contour exhibits positive camber toward the
extremities of the board in addition to the central reverse
camber.
[0047] FIG. 27 is a side view of a snowboard that employs dual leaf
springs.
[0048] FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 27.
[0049] FIG. 29 is a side view of a leaf spring assembly.
[0050] FIG. 30 is a side view of the leaf spring assembly of FIG.
29 with a pretensioner installed.
[0051] FIG. 31 is a side view of an alternate implementation of the
dual leaf spring snowboard of FIG. 27 with an integral
pretensioner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] Referring to FIG. 8A, a snowboard 10 includes a body 12 and,
mounted on the body 12, a platform 14. Platform 14 is mounted on
the body 12 by one or more supporting beams 16, as will be
discussed below. The platform 14 is configured to receive a pair of
snowboard bindings 17. Referring to FIG. 8C, the forces exerted by
the snowboarder's feet on bindings 17 (arrows F) are redirected by
the platform and mounting structure (the supporting beam(s)
discussed below) to the approximate longitudinal midpoint of the
body 12 (arrow R). As discussed above, the longitudinal midpoint is
the optimal location for force to be applied when turning.
[0053] The body 12 has a lower surface that is constructed to slide
over a snow surface. The lower surface may be formed, for example,
of high density polyethylene (HDPE), a blend of HDPE with graphite,
or other hard materials having a relatively low coefficient of
friction. The body 12 has a semi-rigid construction that will allow
the board to flex into an arc when supported at its longitudinal
extremities and pressured in the center, and includes hard edges,
e.g., of steel, around its perimeter. The length of the body is
generally approximately 4-7 times the maximum width of the body.
The width is maximum at each end, tapering to a minimum width at
the approximate center that is typically 70% to 90% of the maximum
width. Typically, the maximum width is from about 9 to 13 inches
and the length is from 4 to 6 feet.
[0054] The platform is spaced above the top surface of the body a
sufficient distance to allow enough clearance to allow the body 12
to flex upward into an arc without the body hitting the platform 12
or supporting beams. Because there is sufficient clearance between
the body and the binding platform, the body is free to flex into a
perfect convex arc below the snowboarder's feet without forcing the
boarder's legs into an awkward angle. Thus, the snowboarder can
focus on optimal balance positioning without being encumbered by
angular movement of the boot bindings. Typically, the platform is
spaced above the top surface a distance D of approximately 0.75
inch to 3 inches, e.g., 1.2 inch to 1.5 inch. The platform is
mounted on the body at approximately the longitudinal midpoint of
the body. Preferably, the platform is mounted exactly at the
longitudinal midpoint, but can be slightly to one side or the
other, e.g., within 1-2 inches of the midpoint. The longitudinal
midpoint typically coincides with the structural center of the body
and the point of least width. The platform may be mounted on a
single longitudinally narrow supporting beam 16 at or close to the
longitudinal midpoint (FIG. 8A). Alternatively, the platform may be
mounted on a pair of narrow supporting beams spaced from each
other, a short distance fore and aft of the longitudinal midpoint
(not shown), or on a single longitudinally wider supporting beam
16' (FIG. 8B), to spread the contact area over a short distance D
fore and aft of the approximate midway point. Spreading the contact
area will decrease the bending moment on the supporting beam which
may increase the robustness of the platform/beam/body assembly.
[0055] Similarly, in the widthwise direction the platform can be
supported by a single centrally-located supporting beam 16 (FIG.
9A). If desired, in this case the platform 14 may have a "bowtie"
shape, as shown, or an hourglass shape. Alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 9B, edge control can be enhanced by providing two supporting
brackets 213A, 213B, positioned close to the two respective
longitudinal edges 13A, 13B of the body 12. In this case, the
continuous platform 14 may be replaced by a pair of elongated
structural members 216 that support foot pads 22 on which bindings
17 are mounted. This configuration provides an open area 24,
thereby reducing the overall weight of the snowboard. Preferably,
as shown in FIG. 9C, the lower surface 26 of each elongated
structural member 216 is curved, so that the central portion of the
structural member is relatively thick and the ends are relatively
thinner. This curvature allows for clearance between the lower
surface 26 and the upper surface 28 of snowboard body 12 so that
the snowboard body can flex and arc freely. If desired, multiple
supporting beams may be positioned across the width of the body
(not shown). Moreover, in some implementations the central portion
of each elongated member can be mounted directly to the upper
surface 28 of the snowboard body and support brackets 213A, 213B
eliminated.
[0056] The platform is generally relatively rigid, i.e.,
sufficiently rigid so that the ends of the platform, when carrying
the weight of a rider weighing approximately 200 lbs, will not
deviate more than 0.125 inch from their unstressed positions.
Platforms having this degree of rigidity may be constructed, for
example, of aluminum or lightweight composite materials. However,
in some implementations, e.g., for snowboards that will be used for
jumping and stunts, the platform may be resilient and include a
slight upward camber or arc, allowing the platform to act as a
springboard to ease impact when landing. In this case, the platform
material is selected so that the ends of the platform would deflect
up to 0.5 inch or more under severe loads.
[0057] Some snowboard maneuvers entail placing a majority of weight
and force on one foot or the other. In such cases, it is desirable
to transmit such imbalanced forces directly to the snowboard under
the respective boot binding that is being favored. This is contrary
to the balanced flex pattern, discussed above, that facilitates
turning. In other words, the snowboard should be free to flex into
an arc beneath the boot bindings if the two feet are evenly
pressured for a pure turn, but the boot binding should feel
directly connected to the snowboard beneath if the binding is
inordinately weighted for a specific non-turning maneuver.
[0058] To accommodate such imbalanced forces a system of
spring-like elements can be included in the suspension system. Such
a system is illustrated in FIG. 9C-D, where spring-like elements 30
are mounted to the beam 216 at two or more locations. These springs
can be elastomers that include an integral threaded component 31
that screws onto a threaded stud 32 mounted to the beam 216. The
elastomers 30 will contact the top of the snowboard body 28 as it
curves upward into an arc. The durometer, spring rate, and the
contact height of the elastomer 30 can be selected to have a
minimal effect on the loading of the snowboard body 12 during a
balanced turn, yet transfer a significant load to the snowboard
body 12 during a maneuver that places an inordinate percentage of
the riders weight on only one leg. Suitable elastomers include
polyurethane, neoprene, buna rubber and mixtures thereof. In some
implementations, the elastomer will have a hardness of about 50 to
80 Shore A, e.g., about 60 to 70 Shore A.
[0059] The snowboard may alternately be provided with a pitch
control system. A snowboard 100 including such a system is shown in
FIG. 10. This system allows the snowboard body 12 to freely flex
into an arc when evenly pressured by both feet for a turn, yet
creates a direct stiff connection between the snowboard body and a
boot that is inordinately pressured. Scissor-like linkages 116A,
116B connect the platform and body beneath each boot binding 17.
These linkages are pivotally mounted to the platform 14 at pivot
points A and B, and pivotally mounted to the snowboard body 12 at
pivot points C and D. Linkages 116A, 116B are oriented in a common
direction, and the knee pivot 118 of the left-hand linkage 116A is
connected to the knee pivot 120 of the right-hand linkage 116B by a
stiff connecting rod 122.
[0060] When pressured evenly with both feet, the body 12 flexes
freely as both linkages 116A and 116B compress and both knee pivots
move forward (arrow A) in unison. The system is in essence
transparent and presents no impediment to the flex that facilitates
an easy turn. On the other hand, if a majority of weight is placed
on one boot only, the linkage under that boot will want to compress
(knee pivot forward--arrow A) while the linkage under the
unweighted boot will want to extend (knee pivot rearwards--arrow
B). Because a solid rod connects the two knee pivots, such opposite
movements are impeded and the linkage under the weighted foot will
act like a solid connection between the snowboarder's boot and
snowboard body 12. Thus, the compressible linkages are
interconnected by the solid rod in a manner so that the two
linkages are impeded from non-uniform movements and movements in
opposite directions, e.g., one linkage compressing while the other
is extending is restricted.
[0061] In another implementation, shown in FIG. 11, the knee pivots
are replaced by two hydraulic piston/cylinder assemblies 130A, 130B
located between the platform and body beneath each binding. The
assemblies 130A, 130B are pivotally mounted to the platform at
points A and B and to the snowboard body at points C and D. The
compression chamber of each hydraulic cylinder is plumbed to the
extension chamber of the other using a pair of hydraulic lines
132A, 132B. When both cylinders are in unison (balanced flex), they
apply no impediment. However they present a near solid connection
under one foot or the other when the platform is weighted
unequally. In other words, the two cylinders can compress in unison
or extend in unison without impediment, but they cannot move in
opposite directions.
[0062] In some implementations, the bindings are allowed to cant.
In other words, each binding is mounted to the platform on a pivot
that allows the binding to rotate about an axis parallel to the
long axis of the snowboarder's foot. This rotation allows the
snowboarder's knees to be angled slightly in or out. This movement
could be free hinged, or spring-loaded so that the binding is
biased towards a "normal" upright position but can be pressured to
the left or right against the spring force. For example, referring
to FIG. 12, snowboard 200 is similar in structure to the snowboard
shown in FIG. 9C, except that foot pads 22 are pivotally mounted on
hinge pins 30, allowing each foot pad to independently pivot
(arrows A) about an axis that extends parallel to the long axis of
the snowboarder's boot 32 (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the
paper in FIG. 12). The foot pads are biased to a normal, upright
position by centering springs 34, positioned on either side of the
hinge pin along the length of snowboard. Allowing the bindings to
cant may give the snowboarder increased flexibility and/or leverage
or reduce strain on the ankle during impacts.
[0063] The snowboards described herein may also include a
suspension system, to further enhance the ease and precision of
turning. Suspension systems for skis are described in U.S. Ser. No.
60/630,033, filed Nov. 23, 2004, the full disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference. These suspension systems allow a
preload to be applied to the snowboard body, to maintain a minimum
predetermined pressure on the tip and tail of the snowboard before
significant bending and deflection begins. When deflection (and
turning) begins, the tip and tail are already pressured
sufficiently to carve a stable turn. Moreover, as will become
apparent from the following discussion, with the suspension system,
the weight of the snowboarder is distributed to three distinct
points along the longitudinal length of the snowboard.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 13-15B, snowboard 300 includes a
snowboard body 12 as discussed above. (It is noted that only a
small portion of the width of the snowboard body is shown in FIGS.
15-15B.) Snowboard 300 further includes a suspension system 114,
described in detail below. The suspension system 114 is designed
and constructed to optimize the spring rate of the snowboard,
without spring rate being compromised in order to optimize the
gliding/carving function or other characteristics of the snowboard.
Thus, the gliding/carving function and the spring function of the
snowboard are separated into two separate dedicated components (the
snowboard body 12 and the suspension system 114).
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15-15B, the suspension system 114
is housed in the substantially rigid support structure 216. The
support structure 216 is connected to the snowboard body 12 through
two resilient couplings 230 (FIGS. 15A, 15B) which may be formed,
e.g., of an elastomer. Couplings 230, in conjunction with the
mounting bracket 213, allow movement of the support structure 216
in two of three directions, but do not allow any significant
relative yaw or roll between the support structure 216 and the
snowboard body 12. The support structure 216 is attached to the
snowboard body by pins 217 (FIG. 15B) each of which extends through
a bore 215 (FIGS. 14A and 15B) in the resilient coupling 230.
Resilient coupling 230 is held in bracket 213, which is in turn
attached to or integral with the snowboard body 12. The pins 217
are internally threaded, and support structure 216 is screwed
firmly to the pins 217 by screws 233 (FIG. 15B) which are threaded
into the pins at each end (the screws are only visible on one side
in FIG. 15B). The length of each pin corresponds exactly (within
+0.005) to the outside width of the support structure 216, and thus
each end of the pin is flush with the corresponding outer side wall
225 of the support structure 216. When the screws 233 are tightened
down against the outer side walls, the engagement of the screw head
with the side wall on each side of the support structure
contributes to the structural integrity of the support structure,
preventing the side walls from being spread apart by forces
encountered during snowboarding.
[0066] This pinned attachment of the support structure 216 to
resilient couplings 230 also allows the support structure 216 to be
easily removed, allowing the assembly of the support structure and
suspension system 214 to be removed and replaced by the user of the
snowboard. This removability allows the user to interchange
suspension systems having different performance characteristics,
and also allows the user to remove the support structure/suspension
system assembly to facilitate transport and storage of the
snowboard and/or to prevent theft of the assembly. If desired, the
screws 233 may be replaced by locking fasteners for which the
snowboard owner has the key, reducing the likelihood of theft when
the snowboard owner chooses not to remove the assembly from the
snowboard at a ski area or other public place.
[0067] The support structure 216 maintains a close side-to-side
tolerance with the bracket 213, which precludes any yaw and roll
motion between the two parts. On the other hand, the resilient
couplings 230 allow the pins 217, and thus the support structure
216, some damped movement up/down and fore/aft. This resilient
suspension of the support structure 216 over the snowboard body 12
helps isolate the user of the snowboard from shocks and vibration.
In an alternate implementation, the resilient couplings 230 can be
eliminated and the pin 217 can pass directly through a clearance
hole in bracket 213.
[0068] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, elastomer elements
260 can be incorporated into bracket 213 that provide additional
support to the structure 216. The support structure 216 carries a
main spring 222. Main spring 222 is normally in a highly compressed
state, typically in the 30 lb to 220 lb range. The spring may be,
for example, a gas spring having a stroke of approximately 1-1.5
inches and a force ratio of approximately 1:1.4 from initial
movement to end of stroke. For reasons of mass centralization and
low moment of inertia, the spring 222 is typically located in
approximately the center of the snowboard body 12. Referring to
FIGS. 14, 15A and 16, the spring 222 is connected via shafts 224
and linkage 226 to the fore and aft struts 228A, 228B, which engage
the snowboard body 12 through couplings 220 as will be discussed
below. Each of the shafts 224 is supported by one or more support
blocks 231 (while one block is shown in FIGS. 15A and 16, in some
implementations each shaft is supported by two blocks, one at each
end of the shaft) which are firmly mounted on support structure
216. As the front and back of the snowboard body 12 bend upwards
into an arc, the couplings 220 push the struts 228A, 228B inwards
into the support structure 216 (see arrow A, FIG. 15A), compressing
the main spring 222 through the linkage 226 and shafts 224.
[0069] It is noted that the arrangement of struts 228, linkages 226
and shafts 224 relative to the snowboard body 12 may be configured
so that the snowboard exhibits a diminishing spring rate beyond a
certain degree of flexure. When the spring rate diminishes in this
manner, the snowboard will perform more and more like a "soft"
snowboard when the snowboard body is dramatically flexed. This
reduction in spring rate is the result of struts 228, linkages 226
and shafts 224 becoming generally colinear as the snowboard is
flexed. Once these components are colinear, the spring 222 will
cease to apply any significant additional force to the tip and tail
of the snowboard upon further flexure. How much the snowboard must
be flexed before this colinearity occurs (if it does at all) can be
predetermined by, for example, adjusting the angle A (FIG. 14)
between the strut 228 and a line drawn from the base of the strut
parallel to the upper surface of the snowboard body 12, and/or the
height H of the point at which the strut is joined to the support
structure 216 above this line. To provide good leverage to the
snowboarder, it is generally preferred that H be at least 0.25'',
more preferably at least 0.5'', and most preferably 1.0'' to 1.5''
Greater heights can also be effective. Angle A may be, for example,
about 7 to 40 degrees, preferably about 10 to 20 degrees.
[0070] The linkage 226 can include adjustable elements that can be
used to set the camber of the snowboard to any desired level. These
adjustable elements allow the effective length of shafts 224 to be
adjusted, thus pushing the tip and tail up or down via struts 228
and couplings 220, which decreases or increases "free camber"
respectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15B and 16, the
linkage 226 may include a threaded portion 227 that allows the
length of shaft 224 to be adjusted by screw adjustment, i.e., by
threading the threaded portion 227 of linkage 226 in and out of
internally threaded block 235 at the end of strut 228. Under
conditions where the terrain may be severely undulated, adjusting
the snowboard to have additional camber allows the snowboard to
bend into an exaggerated concave shape when the tip and/or tail
would otherwise have become unloaded. This creates a `long travel
suspension` that will keep the tip and tail of the snowboard in
contact with the snow for better control and stability.
[0071] Moreover, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in the suspension
system 114 the fore strut 228A is connected to the aft strut 228B
by the shafts 224, which both terminate at opposite ends of the
single main spring 222. This independent but linked suspension will
automatically equalize the spring load on both fore and aft struts.
When the front of the snowboard is loaded, it will absorb much of
the energy by compressing the suspension spring 22 to a higher
pressure. Because of the continuous linkage, this same raised
pressure is applied to the tail of the snowboard. The raised
pressure on the tail of the snowboard helps keep the snowboarder
balanced against the backward thrust while also keeping the tip
down for continued control and stability.
[0072] This linked suspension system creates a unique sense of
stability for the recreational snowboarder, absorbing and balancing
forces that would normally be upsetting. Moreover, because the
entire suspension/binding system assembly is resiliently mounted by
couplings 30 (e.g., elastomer couplings) on the snowboard body (the
running surface), vibrations and shocks directly underfoot are also
effectively damped.
[0073] An alternate implementation of this suspension system is
shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. Similar to the previously described
implementations, snowboard 10 is comprised of a snowboard body 12
with an attached mounting bracket 213 and leaf spring brackets 221.
Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, snowboard 10 is also similar to the
previously described implementations in that it comprises a support
structure 216, which mounts to the snowboard body 12 with pins 217
as discussed above.
[0074] In lieu of the centrally located main spring and linkages of
the previously described implementations, the support structure 216
in this case comprises leaf spring mounting brackets 227 that are
attached to both ends of the support structure 216, with the method
of attachment allowing the location of the brackets 227 to be
longitudinally adjustable by a small amount within the ends of the
support structure 216 such as by having brackets 227 slide in or
out within the support structure 216 after the bracket mounting
screws have been loosened. Such longitudinal adjustment will
increase or decrease the force of the leaf spring upon the
snowboard body 12 at any specific deflection to compensate for
differences in the weight of the snowboarder or changes in snow
conditions.
[0075] FIG. 29 is an enlargement of one of the leaf spring
assemblies 229, which consists of a resilient component 239 with
attached mounting bosses 237A and 237B at each end. The resilient
component 239 can be a composite of resin and fiber such as epoxy
and fiberglass, carbon, or Kevlar, or a spring tempered metal. Each
of the leaf spring assemblies 229 is connected at its opposite ends
to the support structure and the snowboard body, for example using
pins as shown in the figures. Thus, boss 237A of each leaf spring
assembly 229 is connected to the support structure 216 by a pin
225, which passes through both a hole 240 in the leaf spring
mounting bracket 227 and a corresponding hole 241 in the boss 237A.
The other boss 237B is connected to the ski body 12 by a pin 235
that passes through both a hole 243 in the bracket 221 (FIG. 28)
and a corresponding hole 242 in the boss 237B (FIG. 29). The pins
225 and 235 are drilled and tapped at both ends to accept screws
that will retain the pins after insertion.
[0076] Snowboard 10 functions with the same performance
characteristics and benefits of the previously described
implementations because flexing of the body 12 into an arc
compresses the leaf spring assemblies 229, creating a downward
force on the snowboard body through brackets 221.
[0077] FIG. 30 is a side view of a leaf spring assembly 229'
similar to that shown in FIG. 29, but with a preload tensioner 247
attached. The tensioner may be, for example, a stainless steel
cable that is attached to the ends of bosses 237A and 237B while
the leaf spring is held in a state of compression. The tensioner
can also be a solid rod attached between the two bosses 237A and
237B in a manner that precludes the bosses from moving apart, but
does not restrict the bosses from moving closer as when the leaf
spring encounters additional compression. The tensioner can also be
a rigid structure attached directly to the resilient component 239
while it is in the compressed state such that the resilient
component is constrained to the minimum arc created by the
compression but is free to arc further upon additional compressive
force. When the compressive force is removed, the cable 247 or
other restraining means prevents the bosses 237A and 237B from
moving away from each other, keeping the resilient element 239 in a
constant state of compression. When the leaf spring element 229' is
installed in a snowboard similar to snowboard 10 shown in FIGS. 27
and 28, the snowboard will exhibit the preloaded characteristics
previously described. The pretensioned leaf spring assembly 229'
will preclude movement of the bracket 221 until the pretension
force is exceeded. More importantly, the downward pretensioned
force of the leaf spring assembly 229' is transferred to the
snowboard body 12 by the bracket 221 even before the snowboard body
experiences significant deflection. Such pretensioning typically
creates a downward force on the snowboard body at each of the
brackets 221 of between 7% and 16% of the skiers weight when the
snowboard body is deflected to a longitudinally collinear shape, as
when the snowboard is horizontal on a flat surface.
[0078] An alternate implementation of this preload feature is
illustrated in FIG. 31 where the bracket 221 with the hole 243 is
replaced by bracket 421 to which the resilient component 239
directly attaches, eliminating pins 235 and bosses 237B. The
bracket 421 is designed to hold the resilient component 239 at a
specific angle relative to the top of the snowboard body 28,
typically between 15 and 30 degrees. With this angle optimized, the
resilient component provides all the desirable spring
characteristics discussed above while the snowboard body 12 itself
provides the restraining and pretensioning function eliminating the
need for the pretensioning cable 247 or other specific
pretensioning or restraining component.
[0079] FIG. 17 illustrates a method used to measure the spring rate
and preload of a ski having a suspension system. The same
methodology would be used to measure the spring rate and preload of
snowboards having suspension systems. Points A and B denote the
points along the long axis of the ski at which the ski has its
maximum width at the front and back of the ski respectively. These
points typically coincide with the points at which the ski curls
upward when its base is held against a flat surface. The distance
between these points is the contact length of the ski, i.e., that
portion of the ski that actually engages a hard snow surface. This
distance is bifurcated at point X, the structural center of the
ski, which is also denoted by the "boot center mark," the term
often used to refer to the longitudinal center of a ski. The
distances between X and A and between X and B are labeled "Forward
contact length: CF" and "Rear contact length CR," respectively.
During all measurements, the ski is supported at points Y and Z
only, where point Y is 3/4 of the distance CF forward of point X
and point Z is 3/4 of the distance CR behind point X.
[0080] With the ski supported at points Y and Z, a downward force
is applied at point X, which will result in the center of the ski
bending downward between points Y and Z as shown in FIG. 3A. For a
given force applied at X in this manner, the resulting downward
displacement of point X from the initial position, with no force
applied, to the position with the force applied, is referred to
herein as deflection.
[0081] The principles discussed above may be utilized to provide
snowboards having a variety of performance characteristics. For
instance, the snowboard may exhibit a diminishing spring rate
without an initial preload. This may be accomplished, e.g., by
mounting the suspension system/support structure assembly discussed
above on a snowboard body having a very low spring rate (i.e., a
very "soft" snowboard body) and using a spring having a relatively
low spring rate (e.g., a coil spring) in the suspension system.
Thus, prior to flexing the snowboard, the coil spring will apply
only enough force to the tip and tail to cause the snowboard to
perform like a conventional snowboard having average stiffness. As
the snowboard is flexed beyond a certain point the spring will
apply less and less additional force to the tip and tail for equal
increments of deflection, and thus the snowboard will perform more
and more like a soft snowboard as it is flexed more and more
dramatically.
[0082] Alternatively, or in addition, a "delayed" preload may be
applied to the snowboard body. This may be accomplished, for
example, by allowing a certain amount of flexure of the snowboard
body before the spring of the suspension system is engaged, e.g.,
by using a telescoping strut that provides a small (e.g., 0.125'')
free play before the spring is engaged. The degree of flexure
before the spring is engaged can be adjustable by the snowboarder
if desired, e.g., by including with the telescoping mechanism a
screw, detent or cam adjustment mechanism. This "delayed preload"
may be desirable when the snowboard is to be used under icy
conditions. The delay may be adjusted to such an extent that the
preload may be delayed indefinitely, i.e., "turned off," when it is
not desired. This feature may be useful during specific teaching
exercises.
[0083] The main spring 222 can incorporate a quick-change feature,
allowing it to be easily exchanged for an alternate main spring
with a different preload and/or spring rate.
[0084] The struts 228A, 228B, which are normally in a state of
substantially pure tension or pure compression, can be configured
with a rotational moment that can apply an upward or downward force
to the snowboard body 12 in addition to the tension/compression
forces. This can be achieved through springs, torsion bars, and/or
elastomers.
[0085] While the snowboard shown in FIG. 13 and described above
facilitates optimized turning, for teaching beginners and other
purposes for which a less sophisticated suspension system may be
appropriate, snowboard 300, shown in FIG. 18A, presents a more
economical approach.
[0086] FIG. 18 shows a snowboard body 250 that is suitable for use
in the snowboard 300 shown in FIG. 18A, before the spring
suspension system and binding system are mounted. Snowboard body
250 is formed with an exaggerated free camber and a very low spring
rate as compared to typical snowboard characteristics.
[0087] Once again, the support structure 216, carrying the
restraining/suspension system 214 and the binding system 218, is
coupled to the snowboard body 250 by bracket 213 and resilient
couplings 230 that absorb shock and vibration while communicating
precise yaw and roll control. For economical reasons, the resilient
couplings could be eliminated and a direct attachment used, e.g.,
screws or bolts.
[0088] After the support structure 216 is in place on the snowboard
body 250, the assembly is compressed against a flat surface until
almost all the extreme camber has been sprung flat. In this
constrained state, a profile view of the snowboard body would look
like a conventional snowboard at rest, unloaded and uncompressed.
While in this confined configuration, the two couplings 220 at the
fore and aft of the snowboard body are engaged with corresponding
linkages 228 on the suspension structure. Upon removal from the
constraining apparatus (FIG. 18A), the snowboard 300 remains in the
relatively un-cambered, stressed state, as the rigid support
structure 216, by way of the fore/aft couplings 220, and struts
228, prevents the body 250 from returning to the extreme concave
camber configuration as shown in FIG. 18. As such, this
implementation exhibits a significant preload force and a low
dynamic spring rate. This basic implementation can be manufactured
using a relatively simple process. The beam 216 can be injection
molded plastic and the linkage 228, because it is in tension only,
can be a simple length of cable.
[0089] In other implementations, discussed below, the performance
characteristics described above are provided by positioning the
rider's feet directly on the board, and providing a suspension
system that bends the middle of the board down to create a reverse
camber. In these implementations, because the rider's feet are
mounted directly on the board, without an intervening clearance,
the rider can more easily twist the board by pushing down with the
toe of one foot.
[0090] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic top view and FIG. 19A is a
diagrammatic side view of such a suspension system. The snowboard
body 12 has a semi-rigid construction that will allow the board to
flex into an arc when pressured into a turn. However, the
construction and flex pattern differ from the typical construction
and flex pattern of conventional snowboards. While a conventional
snowboard is designed to have maximum stiffness and thickness at
the longitudinal center, tapering toward the extremities, the body
12 of this snowboard is designed with approximately even thickness
and stiffness for the entire distance between boot mounting
positions. Moreover, in this implementation the maximum level of
stiffness is typically less than that of a conventional snowboard,
e.g., by about 5% to about 30%, because the beam and spring assume
some of the support that the board itself would normally bear. As
in the implementations described above, the body 12 also includes
hard edges, e.g., of steel, around its perimeter. The preferred
dimensions of the body are as discussed above.
[0091] The upper surface of the body 12 includes two mounting
positions 314 for standard boot bindings, each located
approximately at the lateral center and approximately 9 to 12
inches from the longitudinal center in opposite directions. The
upper surface of the body also includes provision to structurally
attach four mounting components 311, 311a, designed to retain the
ends of two leaf springs 310. The two mounting components 311
retain one end of the leaf spring preventing movement in all three
axes while components 311a retain the other end of the leaf spring,
so that vertical and lateral movement is prevented in two axes,
with allowance for some movement in the longitudinal axis.
[0092] The leaf spring 310 may be constructed of a laminated or
compression molded composite or other suitable material such as
spring tempered steel. Referring to FIG. 19B, leaf spring 310 is
joined at each end to the mounting components 311, 311a. Two
pressure blocks 313 fit between the snowboard body and the two leaf
springs at the approximate longitudinal center of the body 12. The
blocks can be attached to either the snowboard body 12 or the leaf
spring 310, using reciprocal means of retention such as screws,
quarter turn devices, retractable ball retention pins, or the like.
The leaf spring 310 is designed, together with the dimensions of
the block 313, to exert a compressive force on the block, depending
on the weight of the rider and the performance criteria, of from 10
lb. to 130 lb. when the snowboard body is pressured flat on a hard
surface by a rider. In practice, this will redistribute and
redirect a significant portion of the rider's weight (typically
from 25% to 50%) to a force in the longitudinal center of the
board, allowing the board to easily arc into a turn when placed on
edge.
[0093] The pressure blocks 313 may also include means to expand or
contract the height dimension (H, FIG. 19B) and thus increase or
decrease, respectively, the force being applied by the leaf spring
310 to the block 313 and snowboard body 12. Such dimensional change
may be accomplished by any number of means, including, but not
limited to, rotating cams, jack screws, and interchangeable
shims.
[0094] FIG. 19B illustrates how the leaf spring pressure upon the
block 313 forces the center of the snowboard body 12 into a reverse
camber arc when the snowboard is angled on edge in a turn or is
unweighted as when in the air from a jump. This reverse camber
provides shock/energy absorption: upon landing, the reverse
cambered center of the snowboard contacts the surface first, before
the rider's feet, allowing the spring/suspension system to absorb a
significant portion of the impact energy before the rider's feet
touch the ground, thus cushioning the impact. This is especially
effective with the gas shock described below.
[0095] FIG. 20 illustrates the leaf spring 310 unmounted, showing
the natural camber that is built-in during manufacture. The dotted
line above the leaf spring indicates the pressured state of the
spring when the leaf spring is mounted on the snowboard and the
snowboard is pressed flat by the rider.
[0096] FIG. 21 illustrates an implementation that substitutes a gas
shock, gas spring, or coil spring for the leaf spring 310 described
above. An essentially rigid beam 330 has dimensions similar to the
leaf spring 10 and attaches to the snow board through similar
mounting components 311, 311a. The beam typically would be
fabricated of a light alloy (aluminum, titanium), composite, or
engineering plastic. The beam will typically include means to
increase or decrease its length. At the approximate center of the
beam 330 is a mounting bracket 332 configured to accept a spring
device 331 such as a gas shock, gas spring, or coil spring. The
mounting bracket 332 includes provision for raising/lowering the
spring 331 relative to the beam 330, as well as easily removing it
altogether. This adjusts the amount of free camber the board will
have when "unweighted". The extent of such an adjustment would
depend on snow conditions (hard/powder) and maneuvers
(boardercross/terrain park/big air). Additional means are included
to lock the spring in position after the height has been adjusted.
The spring devices would typically have a compressible travel of
about one inch but for specific applications any desired travel may
be used, for example from about 1/4'' to 2''. Spring pressures at
full compression would generally fall into the range of about 10
lb. to 120 lb., depending on rider weight and desired
characteristics.
[0097] The suspension system shown in FIG. 21 advantageously
delivers a preloaded pressure to the center of the snowboard with a
relatively low spring rate upon compression. The gas spring 331
exerts a predetermined force on the longitudinal center of each
edge of the snowboard at full extension, for example, when the
snowboard is in the air unloaded or arced into a severe turn. The
gas spring becomes substantially compressed when the snowboard is
flat, yet will exert a force typically only 30% greater than the
predetermined force at full extension. For example, the
predetermined force at full extension may be about 50 lb., in which
case the force when the snowboard is flat may be about 65 lb.
Depending on the desired characteristics, this system can
redistribute to the center of the snowboard any percentage of the
rider's weight, and maintain that percentage within a predetermined
range over a range of snowboard positions from completely flat to a
full arc (in the air or tight turn). The predetermined range is
selected to provide a compliant, smooth suspension that keeps the
support perceived by the snowboarder relatively constant over a
wide range of snowboard deflection, and may be, for example,
+/-12%.
[0098] FIG. 22 illustrates a suspension mounting system that is
designed to attach to any existing conventional snowboard by
attachment to the standard boot binding threaded inserts. The
system includes two mounting plates 325 that each include
countersunk screw holes 344 to allow the plates to be attached to
the boot binding positions of any existing snowboard. The plates
325 are also drilled and tapped 346 for 6 mm screws in a standard
pattern to accept conventional boot bindings. Thus, plates 325 are
disposed between the snowboard body and the bindings when the
suspension system is mounted on a snowboard. Plates 325 are
preferably thin, i.e., less than 30 mm thick and preferably from
about 8 to 20 mm thick.
[0099] Protruding laterally from the side of each plate 325 are
brackets 315 with bosses 311, 311a to accept either of the
suspension systems discussed above, i.e. the leaf spring 310 with
pressure block 313 assembly, or the beam 330 with spring 331, 332
assembly.
[0100] After the plates 325 are screwed to the snowboard body and
the beams 330 or leaf springs 310 are properly attached, and the
gas spring 331 or pressure block 313, respectively, are installed,
the total assembly functions virtually identically to the
previously described snowboards in which the suspension system is
integral with the snowboard body.
[0101] In some implementations, the plates 325 can be eliminated
and the brackets 315 with bosses 311, 311a can be made integral
with an otherwise standard boot binding. The beam 330 with spring
331 or the leaf spring with pressure block 313 attaches to the
bosses 311, 311a in the same manner with the same effect.
[0102] FIGS. 23-23C illustrate an alternate mounting plate 325'.
Plate 325' includes the mounting holes 344 and 6 mm threaded holes
346, as well as the bosses 311, 311a, as described above.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 23B, the plate 325' may be attached to a
snowboard body using special 6 mm shoulder screws 343 or similar
means. A circumferential ring 342 is molded into the lower surface
of the plate to locate and retain an elastomer ring 340, which
becomes partially compressed when the mounting screws 343 are
tightened. This elastomer stabilizes the plate 325' and keeps snow
from entering the cavity between the snowboard body 12 and the
plate 325'. The lower surface 400 of plate 325' is configured to
create a clearance distance 345 between the plate 325 and the
snowboard body 12 after the screws 343 are tightened. The clearance
345 can be as little as 1 mm or as great as 25 mm, with 3 mm being
typical.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 23A, the lower surface 400 includes
pressure redistribution protrusions 341, which barely contact the
snowboard body when screws 343 are fully tightened. The protrusions
341 are positioned to contact the snowboard directly above the
edges when pressured by the rider, and the remainder of the plate
is kept from contacting the snowboard directly by the clearance 345
and elastomer 340. As a result, the pressure of the rider's feet
are redirected directly to the edges of the snowboard creating
superior control and response. The clearance 345 and elastomer 344
also allow the snowboard body to naturally and freely torque in
response to rider input, uninhibited by the boot binding and plate
and structure, and pivot under the plate 325' about an axis
parallel to the toe/heel axis of the rider's foot. With this
system, the board is free to flex underneath the rider, yet his
legs remain in the natural position because the plate can rotate on
the toe/heel axis relative to the board. This is a very desirable
feature during maneuvers where a rider pressures the toes on one
foot and the heel on the other. In addition, the clearance 345 and
the convex shape of the bottom of the protrusions 341 allow the
snowboard body to freely bend into a pure arc when carving a turn,
unimpeded by the structure of the boot bindings or side forces from
the rider's feet and legs.
[0105] An otherwise standard boot binding can be fabricated with
all the features described in FIGS. 23A-23C included as an integral
part. In this case, a separate plate 325' is eliminated and the
functionality of plate 325' is incorporated into the bottom of the
boot binding, complete with the protrusions 341, elastomer 340,
mounting holes 344, and mounting clearance 345. Such a boot binding
can be fitted with the brackets 315 and bosses 311, 311a, and can
accommodate the beams 330 with springs 331 or the leaf spring 310
with pressure block 313 as discussed above. Accordingly, the boot
binding will function in subsequently the same manner as the
systems shown in FIGS. 7-9 as discussed above.
[0106] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic side view of a conventional
snowboard body showing the normal camber from front to back along
the longitudinal axis. The center of the snowboard is raised
relative to the two ends of the running surface. Such a snowboard
placed flat on hard snow will contact the snow at A and A' only,
with C held suspended above the snow surface.
[0107] When a rider stands on the board, the force of body weight
is applied at the boot binding positions as indicated by F and F'.
The initial force upon the snow will occur at points A and A' where
the board is contacting the snow. As the applied force flattens the
camber, the force on the snow will spread from A and A' inward
toward B and B' respectively. The predominant force of the rider's
weight will thus be supported by the snow in the areas between A
and B, and A' and B' respectively. The least amount of force exists
at C, and thus the snowboard exerts minimal pressure on the snow at
this central region. This force distribution counter productive to
the method by which a snowboard is meant to turn and maneuver,
which mandates maximum pressure in the center of the board in order
to bend it into an arc against the forces created by the wide
extremities of the running surface.
[0108] FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic side view of a snowboard body 110.
Instead of the normal camber as depicted in FIG. 24, the snowboard
body 110 is molded with a novel lower surface that exhibits the
opposite contour, i.e., a `reverse camber`. When placed flat on a
hard snow surface, the snowboard body 110 will only contact the
snow at C, while A-B and A'-B' remain raised above the snow
surface. As the rider applies the force at F and F', the initial
pressure upon the snow will be at C and then at A and A'; after
which it will spread to B and B'. The weight of the rider is
supported by the snow along the entire running surface of the
snowboard including the center at C. Depending on the initial
contour and amplitude of the reverse camber, a significant portion
of the rider's weight can be applied to the center of the board,
allowing the snowboard to efficiently bend into an arc for
turning.
[0109] Like the snowboards described above, snowboard body 110 it
has a lower surface that is constructed to slide over a snow
surface, formed, for example, of high density polyethylene (HDPE),
a blend of HDPE with graphite, or other hard materials having a
relatively low coefficient of friction. The body 110 has a
semi-rigid construction that will allow the board to flex into an
arc when pressured into a turn, and includes hard edges, e.g., of
steel, around its perimeter. The preferred dimensions of the body
are as discussed above.
[0110] FIG. 26 illustrates a body 111 having one of many possible
bottom contours that exhibit a reverse camber in the center but
exhibit variations in contour at the extremities to create
alternate performance characteristics.
[0111] This molded reverse camber snowboard body can be
economically produced in quantity while effectively maintaining one
of the major advantages of the invention, which is distributing a
greater portion of the rider's weight to the desirable center
region of the snowboard as compared to a conventionally molded
snowboard.
[0112] When spring rate is measured as discussed above with
reference to FIG. 17, the snowboards discussed above that include
the preload spring will exhibit a novel spring rate curve where the
spring rate will be greatest for the first increment of
displacement (0 to 5 mm) with subsequent 5 mm increments having a
significantly lower spring rate. Generally, the force required to
create the first 5 mm of displacement will be at least 10% greater
than that additional force required for an additional 5 mm of
displacement, and the force required to create 10 mm of
displacement will be less than 1.9 times that required for the
first 5 mm of displacement.
[0113] A number of implementations of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0114] For example, means can be incorporated into the couplings
220 and/or struts 228, and/or into the support structure 216, that
would allow the amount of camber to be easily adjusted. By
lengthening or shortening the effective length of the restraining
struts 228, the body 250 can be allowed to bend more or less in the
unloaded state. Thus the static camber can be adjusted over a wide
range from that of a conventional snowboard to an extremely
long-travel concave shape, which improves the carving ability
dramatically. A snowboarder typically shifts weight to the rear
foot to power out of a carved turn. Unfortunately this makes the
front of the snowboard light and it can lose grip and skid. The
long travel suspension keeps the front of the snowboard in contact
with the snow even when the back of the snowboard is inordinately
weighted.
[0115] Moreover, additional components, such as elastomers or
springs can be employed in or between couplings 220, struts 228,
and support structure 216 to augment or modify the dynamic
characteristics. For example, incorporating an elastomer where each
strut 228 is joined to either support structure 216 or coupling 220
would damp the suspension upon full extension as in a situation
when the skier leaves the snow surface momentarily.
[0116] An alternate version of this implementation uses cables as
the coupling members that limit the camber and create the preload
force (i.e., struts 228 may be replaced by cables). Camber
adjusters and spring tensioners can also be used in this system to
adjust the camber and preload.
[0117] In another alternate implementation, elements of the two
previously described implementations can be combined. Thus, the
snowboard shown in FIG. 13 can be modified to include a low spring
rate body that has extreme concave camber in the unrestrained
state. In such a case, the struts and couplings, together with the
linkage and support structure, perform the restraining function
(tension/unloaded) as well as the preload function
(compression/loaded) as described above.
[0118] Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of
the following claims.
* * * * *