U.S. patent application number 12/930622 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-11 for temporary binding apparatus.
Invention is credited to Brian Kindle, William Rivard.
Application Number | 20110193323 12/930622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44353090 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110193323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rivard; William ; et
al. |
August 11, 2011 |
Temporary binding apparatus
Abstract
Binding apparatuses for binding two articles together are
disclosed. In one embodiment the articles comprise a snowboard boot
to a snowboard. A magnetic element is attached to the snowboard and
a permeable element is attached to the snowboard boot. The magnetic
element and permeable element are configured to develop a binding
force that is sufficient to enable a snowboarder to readily perform
certain simple maneuvers, such as dismounting a chairlift.
Inventors: |
Rivard; William; (Menlo
Park, CA) ; Kindle; Brian; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
Family ID: |
44353090 |
Appl. No.: |
12/930622 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61335759 |
Jan 12, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/613 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 10/285
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/613 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/08 20060101
A63C009/08 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for binding a sports boot to a sports board, the
apparatus comprising: a structural element configured to include an
open cavity and to be robustly attached to the sports board; and a
protuberance element configured to be inserted into the cavity and
to be robustly attached to the sports boot, wherein the sports boot
is mechanically bound to the sports board when the protuberance
element is inserted into the cavity.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a magnetic
assembly configured to be robustly attached to the sports board;
and a permeable assembly configured to be robustly attached to the
sports boot, wherein the sports boot is magnetically bound to the
sports board when the permeable assembly is magnetically coupled to
the magnetic assembly.
3. The apparatus of claim 2; wherein the sports board is a
snowboard and the sports boot is a snowboard boot.
4. An apparatus for binding a sports boot to a sports board, the
apparatus comprising: a boot assembly including at least one
permeable element, wherein the boot assembly is configured to be
coupled to an underside of the sports boot; and a magnetic assembly
including at least one magnetic element, wherein the magnetic
assembly is configured to be coupled to a top surface of the sports
board, wherein the boot assembly is configured to be removably
bound to the magnetic assembly.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the sports board is a
snowboard and the sports boot is a snowboard boot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit to United States
provisional patent application titles, "Temporary Binding
Apparatus," filed on 12 Jan. 2010 and having Ser. No.
61/335,759.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sports
board binding devices, and more specifically to a temporary binding
apparatus.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Snowboarding is an increasingly popular downhill winter
sport. A person who practices the sport of snowboarding is commonly
referred to as a snowboarder. One of the primary goals of
snowboarding is for the snowboarder to enjoy a downhill ride on a
snowboard. The snowboarder typically dons a pair of snowboard
boots, which may be attached independently to the snowboard using a
highly robust binding mechanism, such as a set of straps or
mechanical latches. The binding mechanism associated with the
snowboard boots is commonly referred to as "bindings." The bindings
include a front binding, positioned generally to the front
(downhill end) of the snowboard, and a rear binding, positioned at
the rear (uphill end) of the snowboard. While riding a snowboard
down a slope, the snowboarder stands on the snowboard and points
one end of the snowboard in a generally downhill direction while
performing various maneuvers. Some snowboarders may perform
maneuvers that alternate which end of the snowboard is pointed down
hill. While riding styles and different maneuvers may vary with
respect to which end of the snowboard is pointed downhill at a
particular time, a rear snowboard boot, or simply "rear boot," is
designated herein as a snowboard boot the snowboarder prefers to
unbind and keep detached from the snowboard when riding a
chairlift. A front snowboard boot, or simply "front boot," is
designated herein as a snowboard boot the snowboarder prefers to
keep bound and attached to the snowboard while riding the
chairlift. When attached to a binding, the front boot is
conventionally bound to the front binding and the rear boot is
conventionally bound to the rear binding.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a snowboard 110 configured
to include a front binding 124 and a rear binding 120, according to
the prior art. A stomp pad 150 may be affixed to the snowboard 110
to provide some frictional grip provided by a rough or spiky
surface that the snowboarder may step on to with the rear boot
before the snowboarder has an opportunity to bind the rear boot to
the rear binding. While the stomp pad provides the snowboarder with
a place to step with the rear boot that is less slippery than the
overall snowboard surface, very little additional control is
actually gained by stepping on the stomp pad. Therefore, the
snowboarder still faces a significant challenge when dismounting a
chairlift, even when a relatively good stomp pad is available.
[0007] Prior to snowboarding down a hill, the snowboarder typically
rides the chairlift up the hill. Snowboarders are conventionally
required to bind the front boot to the front binding of the
snowboard and un-bind the rear boot from the snowboard before
boarding the chairlift. The snowboarder normally dismounts the
chairlift at the top of the chairlift path, known as a dismount
point. Immediately after dismounting the chairlift, the snowboarder
typically attempts to ride the snowboard a short distance from the
dismount point to an arbitrary attachment location where the
snowboarder may safely attach the rear boot to the rear binding.
Riding conditions at the chairlift dismount area are generally much
less demanding than many surfaces and slopes that the snowboarder
may wish to subsequently ride, but the fact that the rear boot is
not attached to the snowboard makes dismounting the chairlift and
riding to the attachment location relatively difficult. In fact,
this can be a very awkward maneuver, even for relatively
experienced snowboarders, because only partial control of the
snowboard is possible with just the front boot securely bound to
the snowboard. Because only partial control of the snowboard is
available during the dismount maneuver, snowboarders often lose
control of their snowboard and fall during dismount. A fall in the
dismount area commonly results in injury to the snowboarder, and
potentially causes other snowboarders to fall and become injured.
Because the dismount maneuver needs to be performed without the
snowboarder being able to bind their rear boot to the rear binding,
dismounting the chairlift can be particularly dangerous.
[0008] As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed in the art is a
means for a snowboarder to gain greater overall control of their
snowboard when their rear boot is not bound to the rear
binding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention set forth a binding
apparatus for a sports board, the apparatus comprising a boot
assembly including a permeable element, wherein the boot assembly
is configured to be coupled to an underside of a boot; a magnetic
assembly including a magnetic element, wherein the magnetic
assembly is configured to be coupled to a top surface of the sports
board, wherein the boot assembly is configured to be removably
bound to the magnetic assembly, thereby removably binding a
corresponding boot to the sports board.
[0010] In certain embodiments of the invention, the sports board is
a snowboard and the binding apparatus enables a snowboarder to
temporarily bind an otherwise free boot, such as a rear boot, to
the snowboard. One advantage of the present invention is that
greater control over a snowboard may be realized by a snowboarder
than conventionally possible using a stomp pad.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention also set forth a
general purpose binding apparatus, the apparatus comprising a
permeable element configured to include a permeable component and a
concave structure; a magnetic element configured to include a
permanent magnet, a permeable cup, and a convex structure; wherein,
the permeable element is configured to be removably bound to the
magnetic element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a snowboard configured to
include a front binding and a rear binding, according to the prior
art;
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a temporary binding
apparatus configured to bind a rear boot to a snowboard, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates the snowboard configured to include a
front binding, a rear binding, and a magnetic binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of an exemplary magnetic binding
assembly and boot binding assembly, according to one embodiment of
the invention;
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a binding rotation angle between the
boot binding assembly and the magnetic binding assembly, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates binding force as a function of binding
rotation angle, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 5C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 5D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly being detached using a heel rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5E is a side view of an alignment structure configured
to maintain relative alignment of permeable elements within the
rear boot, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 6B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 6C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 6D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly being detached using a heel rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 6E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 6F is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 6G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 6H is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 6J is a side view of an alignment structure configured
to maintain relative alignment of permeable element and toe hitch
within the rear boot, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0033] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0034] FIG. 7B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 7C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 7D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly being detached using a heel rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 7F is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 7G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 7H is a top view of the toe binding assembly, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 7J illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0043] FIG. 8B is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in a detached configuration, according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 8C is a side view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly in an attached configuration, according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0045] FIG. 8D is a top view of the boot binding assembly and
magnetic binding assembly being detached using a toe rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 8E illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 8F is a top view of the heel binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 8G illustrates another exemplary heel binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 8H is a top view of the heel binding assembly,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 9A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding
module, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 9B is a side view of the magnetic binding module of
FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly of FIG. 2A to
the magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0052] FIG. 9C is an internal top view of the magnetic binding
module along plane, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0053] FIG. 9D is a top view of the magnetic binding module,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 9E is a side view of another exemplary magnetic binding
module, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0055] FIG. 9F is a side view of the magnetic binding module of
FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly of FIG. 2A to
the magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of the
invention
[0056] FIG. 9G is an internal top view of the magnetic binding
module along plane, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0057] FIG. 9H is a top view of the magnetic binding module,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0058] FIG. 10A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding
module, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0059] FIG. 10B is a side view of the magnetic binding module of
FIG. 10A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly of FIG. 2A
to the magnetic binding assembly, according to one embodiment of
the invention;
[0060] FIG. 10C is a perspective view the convex structure,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0061] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a convex structure
configured to expose a portion of the perimeter wall, according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 11A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding
module, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 11B is a side view of the exemplary floating magnetic
binding module in an attached configuration, according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0064] FIG. 11C is a side view of an alternate floating magnetic
binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0065] FIG. 11D is a side view of a modified floating magnetic
binding module, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0066] FIG. 11E is a perspective view of the magnetic binding
modules according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0067] FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the modified magnetic
binding module according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 12A is a side view of a conically formed magnetic
element mounted in a structural housing, according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0069] FIG. 12B is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic
element mounted in a structural housing, according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0070] FIG. 12C is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic
element configured to include a threaded installation means, and
mounted in a structural housing, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0071] FIG. 13A is a top view of a snowboard coupled to a temporary
boot platform using a channel and nut attachment system, according
to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0072] FIG. 13B is a side view detail of the channel and nut
attachment system, according to one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0073] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a temporary binding
apparatus 224 configured to bind a rear boot 230 to a snowboard
210, according to one embodiment of the invention. The rear boot
230 includes a rear boot sole 232 disposed on the underside of the
rear boot 230. The temporary binding apparatus 224 comprises a boot
binding assembly (or simply "boot assembly") 222 and a magnetic
binding assembly (or simply "magnetic assembly") 220. The magnetic
binding assembly 220 comprises a temporary binding. The boot
binding assembly 222 should be robustly attached to the rear boot
sole 232. The snowboard 210 includes a top side with a top surface
212 and bottom side with a bottom surface (not shown), which may
interface with a ground surface such as snow. The magnetic binding
assembly 220 should be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 at
the top surface 212.
[0074] In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 is
configured to be attached to the underside of the rear boot sole
232. Alternatively, the boot binding assembly 222 may be configured
to be inserted into a cavity in the rear boot sole 232. The boot
binding assembly 222 may be implemented as a modification to a
conventional boot. The modification may be performed by a
manufacturer or by an end user.
[0075] In alternative embodiments, the boot binding assembly 222 is
configured to be embedded in the rear boot sole 232. For example,
rear boot 230 may be manufactured to include the boot binding
assembly 222 as an integral component of the rear boot sole
232.
[0076] As described in greater detail below, the boot binding
assembly 222 includes at least one magnetically permeable component
and the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes at least one
corresponding permanent magnet configured to attract and bind to
the magnetically permeable component when the boot binding assembly
222 is disposed in close proximity to the magnetic binding assembly
220. In other alternative embodiments, the least one permeable
component and related structures are mounted on the snowboard 210
and the at least one corresponding permanent magnet and related
structures may be mounted to the rear boot 230 without departing
from the scope of this invention. In yet other alternative
embodiments, the magnetically permeable component is replaced with
a corresponding magnet element comprising a permanent magnet, so
that the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly
220 each include at least one permanent magnet; the corresponding
permanent magnets are configured to attract each other when the
boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 are
bound together.
[0077] In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220
includes cleaning element 280, configured to remove debris from the
rear boot sole 232. The cleaning element 280 may comprise a brush,
a scraper, or any other technically feasible apparatus capable of
removing debris from the rear boot sole 232. Similarly, the boot
binding assembly 222 includes cleaning element 282, configured to
remove debris from the magnetic binding assembly 220. The cleaning
element 282 may comprise a brush, a scraper, or any other
technically feasible apparatus capable of removing debris from the
magnetic binding assembly 220. Embodiments of the present invention
contemplate inclusion of none, one, or both cleaning elements 280,
282.
[0078] FIG. 2B illustrates the snowboard 210 configured to include
a rear binding 240 and a magnetic binding assembly 220, according
to one embodiment of the invention. A snowboarder may bind a front
boot 250 into a front binding 252, which is robustly attached to
the snowboard 210. As is known, the snowboarder may bind the rear
boot 230 to the rear binding 240, which is robustly attached to the
snowboard 210. For example, prior to riding down a mountain slope,
the snowboarder may conventionally bind the rear boot 230 to the
rear binding 240 using rear straps 242. In certain scenarios, the
snowboarder must ride the snowboard 210 without the rear boot 230
being bound to the rear binding 240. One such scenario comprises
dismounting a chairlift, a conventionally challenging maneuver.
However, when using the temporary binding apparatus 224, the
snowboarder may temporarily bind the rear boot 230 to the snowboard
210 by causing the boot binding assembly 222 to be bound to the
magnetic binding assembly 220, as described in greater detail
below. The temporary binding apparatus 224 advantageously allows
the snowboarder to quickly gain control of the snowboard 210 while
exiting the chairlift, and defer a more time consuming step of
strapping into their conventional binding system until after
clearing the chairlift dismount area.
[0079] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of one configuration of the
magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIG. 2A and the boot binding
assembly 222, according to one embodiment of the invention. The
magnetic binding assembly 220 is attached to the top surface 212 of
the top side of the snowboard 210 and configured to bind to boot
binding assembly 222. The boot binding assembly 222 includes a
permeable element 322, comprising one or more discrete permeable
components that exhibit a moderate to high degree of magnetic
permeability. Specifically, a moderate degree of permeability is
characterized herein as having a relative magnetic permeability
(defined with respect to air) greater than one hundred. A high
degree of permeability is characterized herein as having a relative
magnetic permeability greater than approximately one thousand. Each
discrete permeable component should also exhibit low residual
magnetism. Residual magnetism characterizes how much magnetic field
a permeable article generates after being removed from an external
magnetic field. The permeable element 322 should be designed to
minimize residual magnetism. In other embodiments, at least one of
the one or more discrete permeable components may exhibit a
magnetic permeability that is less than one hundred.
[0080] In one embodiment, the discrete permeable components are
configured to form a pattern substantially encompassed by an
outline of the shape of the rear boot 230 projected onto the top
surface 212 of the snowboard 210. For example, the outline may be
based on a shape of the rear boot sole 232.
[0081] The boot binding assembly 222 may also include a housing 320
configured to enclose at least part of the permeable element 322
and to provide mechanical structure for mounting the boot binding
assembly 222 to the rear boot sole 232. The housing 320 may also
provide mechanical structure for mounting, and holding in position,
the discrete permeable components. The boot binding assembly 222
may comprise one or more distinct subassemblies incorporated within
the rear boot 230, such as in the rear boot sole 232.
[0082] The magnetic binding assembly 220 includes at least one
magnetic element 332, and may include an attachment element 336.
The attachment element 336 should be configured to attach the
magnetic binding assembly 220 to the top surface 212 of the
snowboard 210. The magnetic binding assembly 220 may also include a
structural housing 330, configured to enclose at least part of the
magnetic element 332. The magnetic binding assembly 220 may also
include a surface element 334, configured to provide a protective
barrier above the magnetic element 332. The structural housing 330
and surface element 334 may be integrated together or fabricated
from a single piece of material.
[0083] As the boot binding assembly 222 is brought into closer
proximity with the magnetic binding assembly 220, a magnetic
attractive force between the magnetic element 332 and the permeable
element 322 increases. When the snowboarder maneuvers the rear boot
230 to step onto the magnetic binding assembly 220, the permeable
element 322 within the boot binding assembly 222 is pulled to the
magnetic element 332 within the magnetic binding assembly 220,
thereby temporarily binding the rear boot 230 to the snowboard
210.
[0084] With a sufficiently strong magnetic attractive force, or
"binding force," between the magnetic element 332 and the permeable
element 322, the rear boot 230 should remain sufficiently well
bound to the snowboard 210 for the snowboarder to perform certain
maneuvers, such as dismounting a chairlift and riding a short
distance from a chairlift dismount location to a safe location away
from dismount traffic. Binding force may be measured as a "pull
force" needed to separate the rear boot 230 from the magnetic
binding assembly 220. The binding force may be nominally determined
for a given magnetic binding assembly 220 based on a height and
weight of the snowboarder and the size and weight of the snowboard
210. The binding force may be additionally determined by the riding
style of the snowboarder. For example, a child may prefer a weaker
binding force, while a tall heavy adult may prefer a stronger
binding force. In one embodiment, the binding force is at least ten
pounds. In another embodiment, the binding force is at least thirty
pounds.
[0085] An inherent pull force is defined herein as a pull force
measured with zero distance between a magnet and a sheet of
ferromagnetic (permeable) material. Inherent pull force represents
a maximum pull force for a given combination of magnet and
permeable material. Because the pull force generated by the magnet
may be substantially diminished by unavoidable spatial separation
from the permeable element, a given magnet may need to exhibit a
substantially higher inherent pull force than an otherwise
nominally determined binding force.
[0086] Upon reaching the chairlift dismount location, the
snowboarder may position the rear boot 230 over the magnetic
binding assembly 220, allowing the boot binding assembly 222 to be
pulled to the magnetic binding assembly 220, thereby temporarily
binding the rear boot 230 to the snowboard 210. With the rear boot
230 temporarily bound to the snowboard 210, the snowboarder can
better control their dismount ride until they have safely cleared
the chairlift dismount location and arrived at a safe location away
from the dismount area. After the snowboarder has cleared the
chairlift dismount location and upon arriving at the safe location,
the snowboarder may remove the rear boot 230 from the magnetic
binding assembly 220 and robustly bind the rear boot 230 to the
rear binding 240 for conventional riding on the snowboard 210.
[0087] Alternatively, the snowboarder may unbind the rear boot 230
to use the rear boot 230 to push them self along a relatively flat
region of snow. When convenient, the snowboarder may temporarily
bind the rear boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 to ride
spans of terrain that may not require the rear boot 230 to be bound
to the rear boot binding 240. Flat regions of snow are common for
trails that connect different downhill runs, and for trails at the
beginning or end of a downhill run.
[0088] Positioning the rear boot 230 over the magnetic binding
assembly 220 should be easily accomplished by the snowboarder, even
when preparing to exit a chairlift. Once the snowboarder has
positioned the rear boot 230 in general proximity over the magnetic
binding assembly 220, good alignment between the permeable element
322 and the magnetic element 342 should be achieved.
[0089] To unbind the rear boot 230 from the magnetic binding
assembly 220, the snowboarder may perform a simple unbinding
procedure that includes rotating the rear boot 230, so as to
misalign the permeable element 322 and the magnetic element 342.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that rotating the
permeable element 322 and the magnetic element 342 into a
misaligned position should require substantially less effort than
directly and forcefully overcoming the binding force between the
boot binding assembly 222 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. As
shown in FIGS. 4A through 7D, the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 are configured to develop a binding
force that is a function of a binding rotation angle between the
boot binding assembly 222 and the magnetic binding assembly
220.
[0090] In certain embodiments, the surface element 334 and
structural housing 330 may comprise a single component. For
example, surface element 334 and structural housing 330 may be
manufactured from a single article of aluminum, polycarbonate, or
any other material that substantially passes magnetic fields.
[0091] In one embodiment, the rear boot 230 is manufactured to
include the boot binding assembly 222. For example, the boot
binding assembly 222 may be molded into the rear boot sole 232. In
an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 is
configured as a modification to a conventional rear boot 230.
[0092] In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220
comprises a modification to a conventional snowboard. In one
configuration of this embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220
may be provided as a first modification kit. Similarly, the boot
binding assembly 222 may be provided as a second modification kit.
The first modification kit and second modification kit may be
combined into a combined modification kit. An instance of the first
modification kit enables users to modify a generic snowboard to
include the magnetic binding assembly 220. An instance of the
second kit enables user to modify a generic snowboard boot to
include the binding assembly 220.
[0093] In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly
220 and snowboard 210 are configured such that at least a portion
of the magnetic binding assembly 220 is embedded below the top
surface 212 of the snowboard 210, rather than being attached to the
top surface 212. For example, the snowboard 210 may be manufactured
to include the magnetic binding assembly 220 embedded within the
snowboard 210, and extending below the top surface 212. In another
alternative embodiment, the snowboard 210 is manufactured to
include a cavity configured to accommodate the magnetic binding
assembly 220. In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding
assembly 220 is coupled to the snowboard 210 at the top surface 212
and may also extend into the cavity below the top surface 212. The
magnetic binding assembly 220 may be coupled to the snowboard 210
using any technically feasible technique.
[0094] In one embodiment, a snowboard binding kit comprising an
instance of the magnetic binding assembly 220 may be configured to
facilitate augmenting a generic sports board, such as a snowboard,
to include the magnetic binding assembly 220. In an alternative
embodiment, a boot binding kit comprising an instance of the boot
binding assembly 222 may be configured to facilitate augmenting or
modify a generic sports boot, such as a generic snowboard boot, to
include the boot binding assembly 222.
[0095] The magnetic binding assembly 220 is configured to be
robustly attached to the snowboard 210. Any technically feasible
attachment means may be used to attach the magnetic binding
assembly 220 to the snowboard 210 without departing from the scope
of this invention. For example, the magnetic binding assembly 220
may be attached to the snowboard 210 using an adhesive. The
magnetic binding assembly 220 may also be attached to the snowboard
210 using a system of screws and one or more corresponding threaded
anchors embedded within the snowboard 210. Alternatively, as shown
below in FIG. 13, the magnetic binding assembly 220 may be attached
to the snowboard 210 using an attachment system comprising a
channel recessed within the snowboard 210 and one or more heads
that may be pulled and locked against the channel by corresponding
engagement rods coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0096] FIG. 4A illustrates a binding rotation angle 420 between the
boot binding assembly 222 of FIG. 2A and the magnetic binding
assembly 220, according to one embodiment of the invention. A
forward axis 410 forms a line of reference with respect to the
snowboard 210 and generally corresponds to a forward line of motion
for the snowboard. When the boot binding assembly 222 is coupled to
the magnetic binding assembly 220, the binding rotation angle 420
indicates an angle of rotation between the boot binding assembly
222 and the magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0097] In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is
robustly coupled to the snowboard 210, and the boot binding
assembly 222 becomes engaged with the magnetic binding assembly 220
after the snowboarder positions the rear boot 230 in close
proximity to the magnetic binding assembly 220, which is pulled to
the boot binding assembly 222. When the boot binding assembly 222
is sufficiently close to the magnetic binding assembly 220, the
magnetic element 332 within the magnetic binding assembly 220 pulls
against the permeable element 322 within the boot binding assembly
222 until the two assemblies are bound together via a resulting
binding force.
[0098] When bound to the magnetic binding assembly 220, the boot
binding assembly 222 should be configured to rotate with respect to
the magnetic binding assembly 220 about a binding rotation axis
412. The binding rotation axis 412 may be located anywhere on the
magnetic binding assembly 220, according to a particular
implementation. For example the binding rotation axis 412 may be
positioned at a geometric centroid of the magnetic binding assembly
220 or the binding rotation axis 412 may be located at a position
corresponding to a point along a perimeter of the rear boot
230.
[0099] FIG. 4B illustrates binding force 430 as a function of
binding rotation angle 420, according to one embodiment of the
invention. When the boot binding assembly 222 is positioned flush
with the magnetic binding assembly 220, along the binding rotation
axis 412, a resulting binding force 430 is developed that is a
function of binding rotation angle 420. A working force 432
represents a binding force 430 that is at least sufficient to keep
the boot binding assembly 222 bound to the magnetic binding
assembly 220 while the snowboarder performs basic riding maneuvers,
for example on a traverse from the chairlift dismount point to the
attachment location. A releasing force 434 represents a binding
force 430 small enough to allow the snowboarder to easily remove
the boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly
220. In one embodiment, the working force 432 is at least
twenty-five pounds and the releasing force 434 is less than twenty
pounds.
[0100] The magnetic binding assembly 220 and boot binding assembly
222 should be configured to develop at least a working force 432
when aligned at a maximum binding force angle 422, and to develop
no more than a releasing force 434 when aligned to a minimum
binding force angle 424. The binding force 430 may be represented
as a force curve, which indicates binding force 430 over a range of
binding rotation angles 420. In one configuration, force curve 440
represents a strong scenario, in which manufacturing tolerances
related to the boot binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding
assembly 220 favor a stronger binding force 430, and the boot
binding assembly 222 and magnetic binding assembly 220 are
relatively free of snow and debris. Importantly, the force curve
440 satisfies requirements for both at least a minimum working
force 432 and at most a maximum allowable releasing force 434. In
another configuration, manufacturing tolerances, snow, and debris
may conspire to create a weak scenario that does not favor a strong
binding force 430. In this configuration, the force curve 442 still
satisfies requirements for both the minimum working force 432 and
maximum allowable releasing force 434.
[0101] The force curves 440, 442 need not be monotonic. In fact,
certain magnetic structures, such as periodic magnetic structures,
may give rise to periodic force curves 440, 442. In a periodic
configuration, the maximum binding force angle 422 and minimum
binding force angle 424 may represent local maximum and minimum
forces in a generally repeating pattern.
Temporary Snowboard Binding Systems
[0102] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222
of FIG. 2A and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one
embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes
permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2, and the magnetic binding
assembly includes associated magnetic elements 520-1 and 520-2.
Each permeable element 530 should correspond to an instance of
permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and each magnetic element 520
should correspond to an instance of magnetic element 332. In one
embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222 includes two permeable
elements 530-1 and 530-2. The boot binding assembly 222 is
incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding
assembly 220 includes magnetic elements 520-1 and 520-2, configured
to align with the permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2, respectively,
when the boot binding assembly 222 is disposed in alignment, as
shown, over the magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0103] As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220
is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using
technically feasible means.
[0104] In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222
includes three or more permeable elements 530, and the magnetic
binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic
elements 520, positioned to align with the three or more permeable
elements.
[0105] In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes
a stop wall 510 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning
the permeable elements 530 within the rear boot 230 with the
magnetic elements 520 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As
the snowboarder brings the permeable element 630 into closer to
alignment with the magnetic element 520, the stop wall 510 may
serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place
the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding
assembly 220. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding
assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 510.
[0106] FIG. 5B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As described
previously, permeable elements 530 of the boot binding assembly 222
are disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding
elements 520 are disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The
rear boot sole 232 includes at least one region of tread 540,
configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when
the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the
permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2 should be disposed between the
at least one region of tread 540.
[0107] In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220
includes an interface surface 514, configured to approximately
conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment,
the interface surface 514 is concave to approximately match a
convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the
interface surface 514 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape
of the interface surface 514 should generally enable alignment
between permeable elements 530 and magnetic elements 520.
[0108] FIG. 5C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable
elements 530-1 and 530-2 are aligned with magnetic elements 520-1
and 520-2, respectively, allowing permeable element 530-1 to be
efficiently bound to magnetic element 520-1 and permeable element
530-2 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element 520-2. In this
attached configuration, the permeable elements 530 and magnetic
elements 520 should be configured to generate a working force 432,
as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0109] FIG. 5D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a heel rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may
detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the
boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220
using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient
detachment maneuver involves rotating the heel of the rear boot 230
so as to misalign permeable element 530-2 from magnetic element
520-2, which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a
negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230. In
the process of rotating the heel of the rear boot 230, permeable
element 530-1 should become partially misaligned from magnetic
element 520-1, thereby reducing an associated binding force and
allowing the snowboarder to remove the rear boot 230 entirely from
the magnetic binding assembly 220. As a result, the rear boot 230
may be conveniently detached from the snowboard 210.
[0110] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a heel
rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for
alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising three or
more pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.
[0111] FIG. 5E is a side view of an alignment structure 550
configured to maintain relative alignment of permeable elements 530
within the rear boot 230, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The permeable elements 530-1, 530-2 should be robustly
attached to the alignment structure 550. The alignment structure
550 should be fabricated from a strong, rigid material that is able
to hold permeable elements 530-1 and 530-2 in substantially
consistent alignment, even when subjected to normal wear and tear
on the rear boot 230 from activities such as walking and
snowboarding. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a
variety of materials, such as various steel alloys, carbon fiber
composites, non-carbon composites such as fiberglass-epoxy, and
certain structural plastics may be used to fabricate the alignment
structure 550.
[0112] In one embodiment, the alignment structure 550 is attached
to permeable elements 530 to form an assembly comprising permeable
elements 530 and alignment structure 550, and the resulting
assembly is embedded within the rear boot sole 232 when the rear
boot sole 232 is molded. In an alternative embodiment, the
alignment structure 550 is embedded within the rear boot sole 232
when the rear boot sole 232 is molded, and the permeable elements
530 are attached to the alignment structure 550 after the rear boot
sole 232 is molded. The permeable elements 530 may be attached to
the alignment structure 550 using any technically feasible
technique. For example, in one embodiment, the permeable elements
530 are welded to the alignment structure.
[0113] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222
of FIG. 2A and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one
embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes
permeable element 630, and the magnetic binding assembly includes
an associated magnetic element 620. Permeable element 630 should
correspond to an instance of permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and
magnetic element 620 should correspond to an instance of magnetic
element 332. In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222
includes one permeable element 630. The boot binding assembly 222
is incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding
assembly 220 includes magnetic element 620, configured to align
with the permeable elements 630, when the boot binding assembly 222
is disposed in alignment, as shown, over the magnetic binding
assembly 220.
[0114] As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220
is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using
technically feasible means.
[0115] In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222
includes two or more permeable elements 630, and the magnetic
binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic
elements 620, positioned to align with the two or more permeable
elements.
[0116] In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes
a stop wall 612 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning
the permeable element 630 within the rear boot 230 with the
magnetic element 620 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As
the snowboarder brings the permeable element 630 into closer to
alignment with the magnetic element 620, the stop wall 612 may
serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place
the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding
assembly 220. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding
assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 612.
[0117] In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes
a toe binding 610 and the boot binding assembly 222 includes toe
hitch 625. The toe hitch 625 is configured to attach to the toe
binding 610, thereby providing a temporary attachment between the
toe portion of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly
220. To attach the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610, the
snowboarder maneuvers the toe hitch 625, disposed at the toe side
of the rear boot 230, into proximity of the toe binding 610, and
inserts the toe hitch 625 into an opening within the toe binding
610. In this maneuver, the snowboarder causes the toe hitch 625 to
follow an attachment path at an approach angle operable for
attachment to the toe binding 610. In a preferred embodiment, the
toe hitch 625 may be attached to the toe binding 610 from a range
of approach angles. Once the toe hitch 625 is attached to the toe
binding 610, the toe hitch 625 should remain able to rotate
relative to the toe binding 610 within a range of attachment angles
approximately about the attachment point. This ability to attach
the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610 from a range of attachment
angles enables the snowboarder to attach the toe side of the rear
boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 prior to dismount,
improving overall alignment of the rear boot 230 with the magnetic
binding assembly 220 upon dismount.
[0118] FIG. 6B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As described
previously, permeable element 630 of the boot binding assembly 222
is disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding
element 620 is disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The
rear boot sole 232 includes at least one region of tread 640,
configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when
the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the
permeable element 630 should be disposed in the heel region of the
rear boot 230.
[0119] In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220
includes an interface surface 614, configured to approximately
conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment,
the interface surface 614 is concave to approximately match a
convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the
interface surface 614 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape
of the interface surface 614 should generally enable alignment
between permeable element 630 and magnetic element 620.
[0120] FIG. 6C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable
element 630 is aligned with magnetic element 620, allowing
permeable element 630 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element
620. In this attached configuration, the permeable element 630 and
magnetic element 620 should be configured to generate a working
force 432, as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0121] FIG. 6D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a heel rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may
detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the
boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220
using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient
detachment maneuver involves rotating the heel of the rear boot 230
so as to misalign permeable element 630 from magnetic element 620,
which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a
negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230.
The snowboarder may then remove the toe hitch 625 from the toe
binding 610 by sliding the toe hitch 625 free of the toe binding
610. As a result, the rear boot 230 may be conveniently detached
from the snowboard 210.
[0122] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a heel
rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for
alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising two or more
pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.
[0123] FIG. 6E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly 602,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding
assembly 602 includes the toe binding 610 and toe hitch 625. In one
embodiment, the toe hitch 625 includes a front protuberance 626 and
a shaft 627. The toe hitch 625 is robustly coupled to the toe side
of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 625 may be
coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible
technique. The toe hitch 625 may be fabricated from any technically
feasible material able to tolerate environmental conditions
including snow and rain while providing sufficient strength to
couple to the toe binding. One such material is corrosion resistant
steel alloy. The toe binding 610 includes a base 659 and a top 658.
The base 659 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding
assembly 220. The top 658 is fabricated to include an entry channel
654, a guide channel 650, and a hitch stop 652. The toe binding 610
may include an opening 651 configured to allow snow, ice, and other
debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 658 and
base 659.
[0124] In one embodiment, the toe binding 610 is attached to the
magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is
fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 610 as a single article.
In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210
and toe binding 610 may be fabricated from, for example, structural
plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 654, guide
channel 650, and hitch stop 652, or any combination thereof, may be
lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel
alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction
material such as a self-lubricating plastic.
[0125] A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 626 of the
toe hitch 625 along attachment path 628, and into the entry channel
654, and along the guide channel 650, until the front protuberance
626 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 652. With the
front protuberance 626 positioned against the hitch stop 652, the
shaft 627 may travel up into a shaft notch 656. With an upward
force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the toe hitch 625, the
toe hitch 625 is moveably bound to the toe binding 610 by the
combined structure of the front protuberance 626 and guide channel
650. The shaft notch 656 and hitch stop 652 can constrain lateral
motion of the toe hitch 625 when the front protuberance 626 is
disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 652. Persons
skilled in the art will recognize that, while the front
protuberance 626 is held in place by the guide channel 650 and
shaft notch 656, the toe hitch 625 is, nonetheless, relatively free
to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front
protuberance 626.
[0126] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures
other than the front protuberance 626 may be employed within the
toe hitch 625 to couple to the toe binding 610 without departing
from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 610
structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the
front protuberance 626 is within the scope of the invention.
[0127] In an alternative embodiment, the toe binding 610 comprises
a shaped rod formed to including the entry channel 654 and the
opening 651. The shaped rod may also include the shaft notch 656.
The shaped rod may be fabricated from steel rod or any other
technically feasible material.
[0128] FIG. 6F is a top view of the toe binding assembly 602,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe
hitch 625 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 628, through
the entry channel 654 and guide channel 650, until the front
protuberance 626 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 652.
At this point, the shaft 627 may rise into the shaft notch 656.
Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 625 to
the toe binding 610 prior to dismount, while still seated in the
chairlift. After binding the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610,
the snowboarder is still able to rotate the toe hitch 625 about a
constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment
between the toe side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding
assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the
permeable element 630 to the magnetic element 620, or the
snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 630
to the magnetic element 620 by stepping down with the heel of the
rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0129] FIG. 6G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly
604, according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding
assembly 604 includes the toe binding 610 and toe hitch 625. In one
embodiment, the toe hitch 625 includes a front protuberance 626 and
a shaft 627. The toe hitch 625 is robustly coupled to the toe side
of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 625 may be
coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible
technique. The toe hitch 625 may be fabricated from any technically
feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The
toe binding 610 includes a base 679 and a top 678. The base 679
should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220.
The top 678 is fabricated to include an entry channel 672, and a
hitch stop 670. The top 678 may also include a guide channel (not
shown) disposed between the entry channel 672 and hitch stop 670.
The toe binding 610 may include an opening 671 configured to allow
snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped
between the top 678 and base 679.
[0130] In one embodiment, the toe binding 610 is attached to the
magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is
fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 610 as a single article.
In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210
and toe binding 610 may be fabricated from, for example, structural
plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 672 and hitch
stop 670, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another
material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining
material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as
a self-lubricating plastic.
[0131] A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 626 of the
toe hitch 625 along attachment path 628, and into the entry channel
672 until the front protuberance 626 is blocked from further travel
by the hitch stop 670. With the front protuberance 626 positioned
against the hitch stop 670, the shaft 627 may travel up into a
shaft notch 674 while the front protuberance 626 enters the hitch
stop 670. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230
to the toe hitch 625, the toe hitch 625 is moveably bound to the
toe binding 610 by the combined structure of the front protuberance
626 and hitch stop 670. The shaft notch 674 and hitch stop 670 can
constrain lateral motion of the toe hitch 625 when the front
protuberance 626 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch
stop 670. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the
front protuberance 626 is held in place by the hitch stop 670 and
shaft notch 674, the toe hitch 625 is, nonetheless, relatively free
to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front
protuberance 626.
[0132] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures
other than the front protuberance 626 may be employed within the
toe hitch 625 to couple to the toe binding 610 without departing
from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 610
structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the
front protuberance 626 is within the scope of the invention.
[0133] FIG. 6H is a side view of the toe binding assembly 604,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe
hitch 625 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 628, through
the entry channel 672 until the front protuberance 626 is
positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 670. At this point, the
shaft 627 may rise into the shaft notch 674. Importantly, the
snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding
610 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After
binding the toe hitch 625 to the toe binding 610, the snowboarder
is still able to rotate the toe hitch 625 about a constrained set
of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the toe
side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At
this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element
630 to the magnetic element 620, or the snowboarder may wait for
dismount to bind the permeable element 630 to the magnetic element
620 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the
magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0134] FIG. 6J is a side view of an alignment structure 650
configured to maintain relative alignment of permeable element 630
and toe hitch 625 within the rear boot, according to one embodiment
of the invention. The permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625
should be robustly attached to the alignment structure 650. The
alignment structure 650 should be fabricated from a strong, rigid
material that is able to hold permeable element 630 and toe hitch
625 in substantially consistent alignment, even when subjected to
normal wear and tear on the rear boot 230 from activities such as
walking and snowboarding. Persons skilled in the art will recognize
that a variety of materials, such as various steel alloys, carbon
fiber composites, non-carbon composites such as fiberglass-epoxy,
and certain structural plastics may be used to fabricate the
alignment structure 650.
[0135] In one embodiment, the alignment structure 650 is attached
to permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 to form an assembly
comprising permeable element 630, toe hitch 625 and alignment
structure 650, and the resulting assembly is embedded within the
rear boot sole 232 when the rear boot sole 232 is molded. In an
alternative embodiment, the alignment structure 650 is embedded
within the rear boot sole 232 when the rear boot sole 232 is molded
(or otherwise fabricated) and the permeable element 630 and toe
hitch 625 are attached to the alignment structure 650 after the
rear boot sole 232 is molded. The permeable element 630 and toe
hitch 625 may be attached to the alignment structure 650 using any
technically feasible technique. For example, in one embodiment, the
permeable element 630 and toe hitch 625 are welded to the alignment
structure.
[0136] FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222
and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of
the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes permeable
element 730, and the magnetic binding assembly includes an
associated magnetic element 720. Permeable element 730 should
correspond to an instance of permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and
magnetic element 720 should correspond to an instance of magnetic
element 332. In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222
includes one permeable element 730. The boot binding assembly 222
is incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding
assembly 220 includes magnetic element 720, configured to align
with the permeable elements 730, when the boot binding assembly 222
is disposed in alignment, as shown, over the magnetic binding
assembly 220.
[0137] As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220
is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using
technically feasible means.
[0138] In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222
includes two or more permeable elements 730, and the magnetic
binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic
elements 720, positioned to align with the two or more permeable
elements.
[0139] In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes
a stop wall 712 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning
the permeable element 730 within the rear boot 230 with the
magnetic element 720 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As
the snowboarder brings the permeable element 730 into closer to
alignment with the magnetic element 720, the stop wall 712 may
serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place
the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding
assembly 220. In one embodiment, the stop wall 712 is configured to
guide the permeable element 730 into alignment with the magnetic
element 720. In other alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding
assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 712.
[0140] In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes
a toe binding 710 and the boot binding assembly 222 includes toe
hitch 725. The toe hitch 725 is configured to attach to the toe
binding 710, thereby providing a temporary attachment between the
toe portion of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly
220. To attach the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710, the
snowboarder maneuvers the toe hitch 725, disposed at the toe side
of the rear boot 230, into proximity of the toe binding 710, and
inserts the toe hitch 725 into an opening within the toe binding
710. In this maneuver, the snowboarder causes the toe hitch 725 to
follow an attachment path at an approach angle operable for
attachment to the toe binding 710. In a preferred embodiment, the
toe hitch 725 may be attached to the toe binding 710 from a range
of approach angles. Once the toe hitch 725 is attached to the toe
binding 710, the toe hitch 725 should remain able to rotate
relative to the toe binding 710 within a range of attachment angles
approximately about the attachment point. This ability to attach
the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710 from a range of attachment
angles enables the snowboarder to attach the toe side of the rear
boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 prior to dismount,
improving overall alignment of the rear boot 230 with the magnetic
binding assembly 220 upon dismount.
[0141] FIG. 7B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As described
previously, permeable element 730 of the boot binding assembly 222
is disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding
element 720 is disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The
rear boot sole 232 includes at least One region of tread 740,
configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when
the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the
permeable element 730 should be coupled to the heel region of the
rear boot 230.
[0142] In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220
includes an interface surface 714, configured to approximately
conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment,
the interface surface 714 is concave to approximately match a
convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the
interface surface 714 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape
of the interface surface 714 should generally enable alignment
between permeable element 730 and magnetic element 720.
[0143] FIG. 7C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable
element 730 is aligned with magnetic element 720, allowing
permeable element 730 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element
720. In this attached configuration, the permeable element 730 and
magnetic element 720 should be configured to generate a working
force 432, as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0144] FIG. 7D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a heel rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may
detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the
boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220
using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient
detachment maneuver involves rotating the heel of the rear boot 230
so as to misalign permeable element 730 from magnetic element 720,
which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a
negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230.
The snowboarder may then remove the toe hitch 725 from the toe
binding 710 by sliding the toe hitch 725 free of the toe binding
710. As a result, the rear boot 230 may be conveniently detached
from the snowboard 210.
[0145] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a heel
rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for
alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising two or more
pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.
[0146] FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary toe binding assembly 702,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding
assembly 702 includes the toe binding 710 and toe hitch 725. In one
embodiment, the toe hitch 725 includes a front protuberance 726 and
a shaft 727. The toe hitch 725 is robustly coupled to the toe side
of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 725 may be
coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible
technique. The toe hitch 725 may be fabricated from any technically
feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The
toe binding 710 includes a base 759 and a top 758. The base 759
should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220.
The top 758 is fabricated to include an entry channel 754, a guide
channel 750, and a hitch stop 752. The toe binding 710 may include
an opening 751 configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to
escape and not become trapped between the top 758 and base 759.
[0147] In one embodiment, the toe binding 710 is attached to the
magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is
fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 710 as a single article.
In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210
and toe binding 710 may be fabricated from, for example, structural
plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 754, guide
channel 750, and hitch stop 752, or any combination thereof, may be
lined with another material such as a corrosion resistant steel
alloy. The lining material may be further lined with a low-friction
material such as a self-lubricating plastic.
[0148] A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 726 of the
toe hitch 725 along attachment path 728, and into the entry channel
754, and along the guide channel 750, until the front protuberance
726 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop 752. With the
front protuberance 726 positioned against the hitch stop 752, the
shaft 727 may travel up into a shaft notch 756. With an upward
force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the toe hitch 725, the
toe hitch 725 is moveably bound to the toe binding 710 by the
combined structure of the front protuberance 726 and guide channel
750. The shaft notch 756 and hitch stop 752 can constrain lateral
motion of the toe hitch 725 when the front protuberance 726 is
disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch stop 752. Persons
skilled in the art will recognize that, while the front
protuberance 726 is held in place by the guide channel 750 and
shaft notch 756, the toe hitch 725 is, nonetheless, relatively free
to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front
protuberance 726.
[0149] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures
other than the front protuberance 726 may be employed within the
toe hitch 725 to couple to the toe binding 710 without departing
from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 710
structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the
front protuberance 726 is within the scope of the invention.
[0150] In an alternative embodiment, the toe binding 710 comprises
a shaped rod formed to including the entry channel 754 and the
opening 751. The shaped rod may also include the shaft notch 756.
The shaped rod may be fabricated from steel rod or any other
technically feasible material.
[0151] FIG. 7F is a top view of the toe binding assembly 702,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe
hitch 725 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 728, through
the entry channel 754 and guide channel 750, until the front
protuberance 726 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 752.
At this point, the shaft 727 may rise into the shaft notch 756.
Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 725 to
the toe binding 710 prior to dismount, while still seated in the
chairlift. After binding the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710,
the snowboarder is still able to rotate the toe hitch 725 about a
constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment
between the toe side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding
assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the
permeable element 730 to the magnetic element 720, or the
snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable element 730
to the magnetic element 720 by stepping down with the heel of the
rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0152] FIG. 7G illustrates another exemplary toe binding assembly
704, according to one embodiment of the invention. The toe binding
assembly 704 includes the toe binding 710 and toe hitch 725. In one
embodiment, the toe hitch 725 includes a front protuberance 726 and
a shaft 727. The toe hitch 725 is robustly coupled to the toe side
of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The toe hitch 725 may be
coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible
technique. The toe hitch 725 may be fabricated from any technically
feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The
toe binding 710 includes a base 779 and a top 778. The base 779
should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding assembly 220.
The top 778 is fabricated to include an entry channel 772, and a
hitch stop 770. The top 778 may also include a guide channel (not
shown) disposed between the entry channel 772 and hitch stop 770.
The toe binding 710 may include an opening 771 configured to allow
snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not become trapped
between the top 778 and base 779.
[0153] In one embodiment, the toe binding 710 is attached to the
magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is
fabricated to incorporate the toe binding 710 as a single article.
In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210
and toe binding 710 may be fabricated from, for example, structural
plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 772 and hitch
stop 770, or any combination thereof, may be lined with another
material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The lining
material may be further lined with a low-friction material such as
a self-lubricating plastic.
[0154] A snowboarder may maneuver the front protuberance 726 of the
toe hitch 725 along attachment path 728, and into the entry channel
772 until the front protuberance 726 is blocked from further travel
by the hitch stop 770. With the front protuberance 726 positioned
against the hitch stop 770, the shaft 727 may travel up into a
shaft notch 774 while the front protuberance 726 enters the hitch
stop 770. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230
to the toe hitch 725,the toe hitch 725 is moveably bound to the toe
binding 710 by the combined structure of the front protuberance 726
and hitch stop 770. The shaft notch 774 and hitch stop 770 can
constrain lateral motion of the toe hitch 725 when the front
protuberance 726 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch
stop 770. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the
front protuberance 726 is held in place by the hitch stop 770 and
shaft notch 774, the toe hitch 725 is, nonetheless, relatively free
to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the front
protuberance 726.
[0155] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures
other than the front protuberance 726 may be employed within the
toe hitch 725 to couple to the toe binding 710 without departing
from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any toe binding 710
structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the
front protuberance 726 is within the scope of the invention.
[0156] FIG. 7H is a side view of the toe binding assembly 704,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the toe
hitch 725 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 728, through
the entry channel 772 until the front protuberance 726 is
positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 770. At this point, the
shaft 727 may rise into the shaft notch 774. Importantly, the
snowboarder is able to bind the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding
710 prior to dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After
binding the toe hitch 725 to the toe binding 710, the snowboarder
is still able to rotate the toe hitch 725 about a constrained set
of angles and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the toe
side of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At
this point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element
730 to the magnetic element 720, or the snowboarder may wait for
dismount to bind the permeable element 730 to the magnetic element
720 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the
magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0157] FIG. 7J illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly 706,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The heel binding
assembly 706 includes permeable element 730 and magnetic element
720. The permeable element 730 is coupled to the heel portion of
rear boot 230 such that when the rear boot 230 is pressed flush
against the interface surface 714, the permeable element 730 is in
aligned contact with the magnetic element 720. The magnetic element
720 may include a magnetic module 722 configured to include at
least one permanent magnet. Embodiments of the magnetic module 722
are discussed in greater detail below in FIGS. 9 through 12C.
[0158] FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary boot binding assembly 222
and magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one embodiment of
the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 includes permeable
element 830, and the magnetic binding assembly includes an
associated magnetic element 820. Permeable element 830 should
correspond to an instance of permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and
magnetic element 820 should correspond to an instance of magnetic
element 332. In one embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222
includes one permeable element 830. The boot binding assembly 222
is incorporated within the rear boot sole 232. The magnetic binding
assembly 220 includes magnetic element 820, configured to align
with the permeable elements 830, when the boot binding assembly 222
is disposed in alignment, as shown, over the magnetic binding
assembly 220.
[0159] As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220
is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using
technically feasible means.
[0160] In an alternative embodiment, the boot binding assembly 222
includes two or more permeable elements 830, and the magnetic
binding assembly 220 includes a corresponding set of magnetic
elements 820, positioned to align with the two or more permeable
elements.
[0161] In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes
a stop wall 812 configured to assist the snowboarder in aligning
the permeable element 830 within the rear boot sole 232 with the
magnetic element 820 within the magnetic binding assembly 220. As
the snowboarder brings the permeable element 830 into closer to
alignment with the magnetic element 820, the stop wall 812 may
serve as a tactile feedback indicator to help the snowboarder place
the rear boot 230 in proper alignment with the magnetic binding
assembly 220. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding
assembly 220 does not include the stop wall 812.
[0162] In one embodiment the magnetic binding assembly 220 includes
a heel binding 810 and the boot binding assembly 222 includes heel
hitch 825. The heel hitch 825 is configured to attach to the heel
binding 810, thereby providing a temporary attachment between the
heel portion of the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly
220. To attach the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810, the
snowboarder maneuvers the heel hitch 825, disposed at the heel side
of the rear boot 230, into proximity of the heel binding 810, and
inserts the heel hitch 825 into an opening within the heel binding
810. In this maneuver, the snowboarder causes the heel hitch 825 to
follow an attachment path at an approach angle operable for
attachment to the heel binding 810. In a preferred embodiment, the
heel hitch 825 may be attached to the heel binding 810 from a range
of approach angles. Once the heel hitch 825 is attached to the heel
binding 810, the heel hitch 825 should remain able to rotate
relative to the heel binding 810 within a range of attachment
angles approximately about the attachment point. This ability to
attach the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810 from a range of
attachment angles enables the snowboarder to attach the heel side
of the rear boot 230 to the magnetic binding assembly 220 prior to
dismount, improving overall alignment of the rear boot 230 with the
magnetic binding assembly 220 upon dismount.
[0163] FIG. 8B is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in a detached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As described
previously, permeable element 830 of the boot binding assembly 222
is disposed in the rear boot sole 232, and the magnetic binding
element 820 is disposed in the magnetic binding assembly 220. The
rear boot sole 232 includes at least one region of tread 840,
configured to provide grip with a ground surface (not shown) when
the snowboarder is walking on the ground surface. As shown, the
permeable element 830 should be disposed in the heel region of the
rear boot 230.
[0164] In one embodiment, the magnetic binding assembly 220
includes an interface surface 814, configured to approximately
conform to the shape of the rear boot sole 232. In one embodiment,
the interface surface 814 is concave to approximately match a
convex rear boot sole 232. In alternative embodiments, the
interface surface 814 may be flat or convex. Importantly, the shape
of the interface surface 814 should generally enable alignment
between permeable element 830 and magnetic element 820.
[0165] FIG. 8C is a side view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 in an attached configuration,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, permeable
element 830 is aligned with magnetic element 820, allowing
permeable element 830 to be efficiently bound to magnetic element
820. In this attached configuration, the permeable element 830 and
magnetic element 820 should be configured to generate a working
force 432, as described in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0166] FIG. 8D is a top view of the boot binding assembly 222 and
magnetic binding assembly 220 being detached using a toe rotation,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The snowboarder may
detach the rear boot 230, from the snowboard 210 by detaching the
boot binding assembly 222 from the magnetic binding assembly 220
using any feasible detachment maneuver. One particularly efficient
detachment maneuver involves rotating the toe of the rear boot 230
so as to misalign permeable element 830 from magnetic element 820,
which causes an associated binding force to be reduced to a
negligible value, thereby freeing the heel of the rear boot 230.
The snowboarder may then remove the heel hitch 825 from the heel
binding 810 by sliding the heel hitch 825 free of the heel binding
810. As a result, the rear boot 230 may be conveniently detached
from the snowboard 210.
[0167] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a toe
rotation may be implemented as an effective detachment maneuver for
alternative embodiments, such as embodiments comprising two or more
pairs of permeable elements and magnetic elements.
[0168] FIG. 8E illustrates an exemplary heel binding assembly 802,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The heel binding
assembly 802 includes the heel binding 810 and heel hitch 825. In
one embodiment, the heel hitch 825 includes a rear protuberance 826
and a shaft 827. The heel hitch 825 is robustly coupled to the heel
side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The heel hitch 825 may be
coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible
technique. The heel hitch 825 may be fabricated from any
technically feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel
alloy. The heel binding 810 includes a base 859 and a top 858. The
base 859 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding
assembly 220. The top 858 is fabricated to include an entry channel
854, a guide channel 850, and a hitch stop 852. The heel binding
810 may include an opening 851 configured to allow snow, ice, and
other debris to escape and not become trapped between the top 858
and base 859.
[0169] In one embodiment, the heel binding 810 is attached to the
magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is
fabricated to incorporate the heel binding 810 as a single article.
In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210
and heel binding 810 may be fabricated from, for example,
structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel
854, guide channel 850, and hitch stop 852, or any combination
thereof, may be lined with another material such as a corrosion
resistant steel alloy. The lining material may be further lined
with a low-friction material such as a self-lubricating
plastic.
[0170] A snowboarder may maneuver the rear protuberance 826 of the
heel hitch 825 along attachment path 828, and into the entry
channel 854, and along the guide channel'850, until the rear
protuberance 826 is blocked from further travel by the hitch stop
852. With the rear protuberance 826 positioned against the hitch
stop 852, the shaft 827 may travel up into a shaft notch 856. With
an upward force transmitted from the rear boot 230 to the heel
hitch 825, the heel hitch 825 is moveably bound to the heel binding
810 by the combined structure of the rear protuberance 826 and
guide channel 850. The shaft notch 856 and hitch stop 852 can
constrain lateral motion of the heel hitch 825 when the rear
protuberance 826 is disposed in proximity or contact with the hitch
stop 852. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that, while the
rear protuberance 826 is held in place by the guide channel 850 and
shaft notch 856, the heel hitch 825 is, nonetheless, relatively
free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about the rear
protuberance 826.
[0171] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures
other than the rear protuberance 826 may be employed within the
heel hitch 825 to couple to the heel binding 810 without departing
from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any heel binding 810
structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the rear
protuberance 826 is within the scope of the invention.
[0172] In an alternative embodiment, the heel binding 810 comprises
a shaped rod formed to including the entry channel 854 and the
opening 851. The shaped rod may also include the shaft notch 856.
The shaped rod may be fabricated from steel rod or any other
technically feasible material.
[0173] FIG. 8F is a top view of the heel binding assembly 802,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the heel
hitch 825 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 828, through
the entry channel 854 and guide channel 850, until the rear
protuberance 826 is positioned in proximity to the hitch stop 852.
At this point, the shaft 827 may rise into the shaft notch 856.
Importantly, the snowboarder is able to bind the heel hitch 825 to
the heel binding 810 prior to dismount, while still seated in the
chairlift. After binding the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding
810, the snowboarder is still able to rotate the heel hitch 825
about a constrained set of angles and benefit from a comfortable
attachment between the heel side of the rear boot 230 and the
magnetic binding assembly 220. At this point, the snowboarder may
elect to bind the permeable element 830 to the magnetic element
820, or the snowboarder may wait for dismount to bind the permeable
element 830 to the magnetic element 820 by stepping down with the
heel of the rear boot 230 on the magnetic binding assembly 220.
[0174] FIG. 8G illustrates another exemplary heel binding assembly
804, according to one embodiment of the invention. The heel binding
assembly 804 includes the heel binding 810 and heel hitch 825. In
one embodiment, the heel hitch 825 includes a rear protuberance 826
and a shaft 827. The heel hitch 825 is robustly coupled to the heel
side of the rear boot 230 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The heel hitch 825 may be
coupled to the rear boot 230 using any technically feasible
technique. The heel hitch 825 may be fabricated from any
technically feasible material, such as a corrosion resistant steel
alloy. The heel binding 810 includes a base 879 and a top 878. The
base 879 should be robustly coupled to the magnetic binding
assembly 220. The top 878 is fabricated to include an entry channel
872, and a hitch stop 870. The top 878 may also include a guide
channel (not shown) disposed between the entry channel 872 and
hitch stop 870. The heel binding 810 may include an opening 871
configured to allow snow, ice, and other debris to escape and not
become trapped between the top 878 and base 879.
[0175] In one embodiment, the heel binding 810 is attached to the
magnetic binding assembly 210 after each is fabricated. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 220 is
fabricated to incorporate the heel binding 810 as a single article.
In such alternative embodiments, the magnetic binding assembly 210
and heel binding 810 may be fabricated from, for example,
structural plastic or composite material, and the entry channel 872
and hitch stop 870, or any combination thereof, may be lined with
another material such as a corrosion resistant steel alloy. The
lining material may be further lined with a low-friction material
such as a self-lubricating plastic.
[0176] A snowboarder may maneuver the rear protuberance 826 of the
heel hitch 825 along attachment path 828, and into the entry
channel 872 until the rear protuberance 826 is blocked from further
travel by the hitch stop 870. With the rear protuberance 826
positioned against the hitch stop 870, the shaft 827 may travel up
into a shaft notch 874 while the rear protuberance 826 enters the
hitch stop 870. With an upward force transmitted from the rear boot
230 to the heel hitch 825, the heel hitch 825 is moveably bound to
the heel binding 810 by the combined structure of the rear
protuberance 826 and hitch stop 870. The shaft notch 874 and hitch
stop 870 can constrain lateral motion of the heel hitch 825 when
the rear protuberance 826 is disposed in proximity or contact with
the hitch stop 870. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that,
while the rear protuberance 826 is held in place by the hitch stop
870 and shaft notch 874, the heel hitch 825 is, nonetheless,
relatively free to rotate within a constrained set of angles about
the rear protuberance 826.
[0177] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that structures
other than the rear protuberance 826 may be employed within the
heel hitch 825 to couple to the heel binding 810 without departing
from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, any heel binding 810
structure that includes a channel for restricting movement the rear
protuberance 826 is within the scope of the invention.
[0178] FIG. 8H is a side view of the heel binding assembly 804,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the heel
hitch 825 may be maneuvered along the attachment path 828, through
the entry channel 872 until the rear protuberance 826 is positioned
in proximity to the hitch stop 870. At this point, the shaft 827
may rise into the shaft notch 874. Importantly, the snowboarder is
able to bind the heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810 prior to
dismount, while still seated in the chairlift. After binding the
heel hitch 825 to the heel binding 810, the snowboarder is still
able to rotate the heel hitch 825 about a constrained set of angles
and benefit from a comfortable attachment between the heel side of
the rear boot 230 and the magnetic binding assembly 220. At this
point, the snowboarder may elect to bind the permeable element 830
to the magnetic element 820, or the snowboarder may wait for
dismount to bind the permeable element 830 to the magnetic element
820 by stepping down with the heel of the rear boot 230 on the
magnetic binding assembly 220.
Magnetic Binding Modules
[0179] FIG. 9A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding
module 902, according to one embodiment of the invention. The
magnetic binding module 902 includes a permeable element 914, and a
magnetic element 920. The permeable element 914 comprises at least
one permeable component 910, with a characteristic dimension 912.
For example, if the permeable component 910 is round (as viewed
from a top view), then the dimension 912 should be a measure of
diameter. For a square permeable component 910, dimension 912
should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable
component 910 may be fabricated from any technically feasible
material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with
respect to air) greater than one hundred. Persons skilled in the
art will understand that, without limitation, many alloys of
ferrous steel, and certain alloys of nickel exhibit relative
magnetic permeability greater than one hundred. In a preferred
embodiment, the material exhibits low residual magnetism.
[0180] The magnetic element 920 comprises at least one permeable
cup 922 and at least one permeable magnet 928. The permeable cup
922 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a
relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air)
greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 922 includes a raised
perimeter wall 924 that generally encircles a base of the permeable
cup 922. The perimeter wall 924 also generally encircles a
permanent magnet 928, which is attached to the base. In one
embodiment, a gap 934 separates the permanent magnet 928 from the
perimeter wall 924. The gap 934 may be filled with air, plastic, or
any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than ten) relative
magnetic permeability.
[0181] In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 924 forms a circular
structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 9B.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall
924 may form structures other than a circular structure without
departing from the scope of this invention. A dimension 930
generally characterizes a size for the permeable cup 922. For
example, if the permeable cup 922 is circular, then dimension 930
defines a diameter.
[0182] The permanent magnet 928 may be mounted at an offset 932
with respect to a base floor 926, which represents an inward facing
surface of the cup base. The offset 932 may be positive, as shown;
or the offset 932 may be negative, such that the permanent magnet
928 protrudes into a cavity in the cup base floor 926. The offset
932 may also be approximately zero, where the permanent magnet 928
is mounted flush with the base floor 926.
[0183] In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 922 should be
fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic
permeability of greater than one hundred. Many well-known alloys of
ferrous steel exhibit a relative magnetic permeability greater than
one hundred, and certain well-known specialty alloys such as "mu
metal" can exhibit a relative magnetic permeability of greater than
five thousand. The permanent magnet 928 may be manufactured using
any technically feasible materials that can form a permanent
magnet. Such materials including the well-known compositions
referred to in the art as "samarium cobalt" and "neodymium." In a
preferred embodiment, dimension 912 is larger than dimension 930.
In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 928 and the top surface of
the perimeter wall 924 are approximately co-planer with plane
940.
[0184] The permeable element 914 may include, without limitation, a
structural housing (not shown) for the permeable component 910. The
structural housing may be a part of one article configured to be
bound to another article. The another article may include, without
limitation, the magnetic element 920. The permeable cup 922 serves
to guide and focus magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet
928, which should be configured to generate one pole facing the
base floor 926 and one pole facing the permeable component 910. The
flux directed to the base floor 926 is guided from the base floor
926 to the perimeter wall 924, forming a relatively tight path
compared to a permanent magnet without a permeable cup 922. When
the permeable component 910 is brought into proximity with the
permanent magnet 928, the two are drawn together and bound until
separated. In this scenario, the flux path starts where permanent
magnet 928 meets the permeable component 910, flows through the
permeable component 910, through the perimeter wall 924, through
the base floor 926, and back to the permanent magnet 928. As a
consequence of the permanent magnet 928 and permeable component 910
being magnetically bound, the one article and the another article
are also magnetically bound.
[0185] The permeable cup 922 serves to guide and focus magnetic
flux generated by the permanent magnet 928, which should be
configured to generate one pole facing the base floor 926 and one
pole facing the permeable component 910. The flux directed to the
base floor 926 is guided from the base floor 926 to the perimeter
wall 924, forming a relatively tight path. When the permeable
component 910 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet
928, the two are drawn together and bound until separated. In this
scenario, the flux path starts where permanent magnet 928 meets the
permeable component 910, flows through the permeable component 910,
through the perimeter wall 1024, through the base floor 926, and
back to the permanent magnet 928.
[0186] FIG. 9B is a side view of the magnetic binding module 902 of
FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly 222 of FIG.
2A to the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one
embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 should
include at least one permeable element 914 of the magnetic binding
module 902. The magnetic binding assembly 220 should include at
least one magnetic element 920 of the magnetic binding module
902.
[0187] In one embodiment, the permeable element 914 corresponds to
the permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and the magnetic element 920
corresponds to magnetic element 332, which is at least partially
enclosed by structural housing 330. Magnetic binding assembly 220
should include the structural housing 330, which may include
attachment means for attaching the magnetic binding assembly to the
top surface 212.
[0188] As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220
is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210 using
technically feasible means.
[0189] The structural housing 330 may form an assembly surface 942,
above the plane 940. In one embodiment, a barrier is formed between
the permeable element 914 and the magnetic element 920. The barrier
may be formed by material associated with the structural housing
330, or by a separate article of material disposed between plane
940 and assembly surface 942.
[0190] FIG. 9C is an internal top view of the magnetic binding
module 920 along plane 940, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter wall 924 are both
circular in shape. A circular gap 934 separates permanent magnet
928 from perimeter wall 924. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter
wall 924 may form other shapes with a correspondingly shaped gap
934 without departing from the scope of this invention. For
example, such other shapes may include, without limitation, a
square, a triangle, an oval, and a diamond.
[0191] FIG. 9D is a top view of the magnetic binding module 920,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, no portion
of the magnetic element 920 is visible above the assembly surface
942.
[0192] FIG. 9E is a side view of another exemplary magnetic binding
module 904, according to one embodiment of the invention. The
magnetic binding module 904 includes a permeable element 914, and a
magnetic element 920. The permeable element 914 comprises at least
one permeable component 910, with a characteristic dimension 912.
For example, if the permeable component 910 is round (as viewed
from a top view), then the dimension 912 should be a measure of
diameter. For a square permeable component 910, dimension 912
should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable
component 910 may be fabricated from any technically feasible
material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with
respect to air) greater than one hundred. Persons skilled in the
art will understand that, without limitation, many alloys of
ferrous steel, and certain alloys of nickel exhibit relative
magnetic permeability greater than one hundred. In a preferred
embodiment, the material exhibits low residual magnetism.
[0193] The magnetic element 920 comprises at least one permeable
cup 922 and at least one permeable magnet 928. The permeable cup
922 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with a
relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air)
greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 922 includes a raised
perimeter wall 924 that generally encircles a base of the permeable
cup 922. The perimeter wall 924 also generally encircles a
permanent magnet 928, which is attached to the base. In one
embodiment, a gap 934 separates the permanent magnet 928 from the
perimeter wall 924. The gap 934 may be filled with air, plastic, or
any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than ten) relative
magnetic permeability.
[0194] In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 924 forms a circular
structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 9B.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall
924 may form structures other than a circular structure without
departing from the scope of this invention. A dimension 930
generally characterizes a size for the permeable cup 922. For
example, if the permeable cup 922 is circular, then dimension 930
defines a diameter.
[0195] The permanent magnet 928 may be mounted at an offset 932
with respect to a base floor 926, which represents an inward facing
surface of the cup base. The offset 932 may be positive; or the
offset 932 may be negative, as shown, such that the permanent
magnet 928 protrudes into a cavity in the cup base floor 926. The
offset 932 may also be approximately zero, where the permanent
magnet 928 is mounted flush with the base floor 926.
[0196] In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 922 is
fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic
permeability of greater than one hundred. The permanent magnet 928
may be manufactured using any technically feasible materials that
can form a permanent magnet. In a preferred embodiment, dimension
912 is larger than dimension 930. In one embodiment, the top of
permanent magnet 928 is disposed in a lower position than the top
surface of the perimeter wall 924. The top of permanent magnet 928
is approximately co-planar with plane 940, while the top surface of
the perimeter wall 924 is co-planar with plane surface 943.
[0197] The permeable element 914 may include, without limitation, a
structural housing (not shown) for the permeable component 910. The
structural housing may be a part of one article configured to be
bound to another article. The another article may include, without
limitation, the magnetic element 920. When the permeable component
910 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 928, the
two are drawn together and bound until separated. As a consequence,
the one article and the another article are also drawn together
until separated.
[0198] FIG. 9F is a side view of the magnetic binding module 904 of
FIG. 9A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly 222 of FIG.
2A to the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one
embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222 should
include at least one permeable element 914 of the magnetic binding
module 904. The magnetic binding assembly 220 should include at
least one magnetic element 920 of the magnetic binding module
904.
[0199] In one embodiment, the permeable element 914 corresponds to
the permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and the magnetic element 920
corresponds to magnetic element 332, which is at least partially
enclosed by structural housing 330. Magnetic binding assembly 220
should include the structural housing 330, which may include
attachment means for attaching the magnetic binding assembly to the
top surface 212. As described previously, the magnetic binding
assembly 220 is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard
210 using technically feasible means.
[0200] The structural housing 330 may form a surface plane 943,
above the plane 940. In one embodiment, a barrier is formed between
the permeable element 914 and the permanent magnet 928. The barrier
may be formed by material associated with the structural housing
330, or by a separate article of material disposed between plane
940 and surface plane 943. As shown, the perimeter wall 924 should
be substantially exposed to the permeable element 914 without the
barrier intervening.
[0201] FIG. 9G is an internal top view of the magnetic binding
module 920 along plane 940, according to one embodiment of the
invention. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter wall 924 are both
circular in shape. A circular gap 934 separates permanent magnet
928 from perimeter wall 924. The permanent magnet 928 and perimeter
wall 924 may form other shapes with a correspondingly shaped gap
934 without departing from the scope of this invention. For
example, such other shapes may include, without limitation, a
square, a triangle, an oval, and a diamond.
[0202] FIG. 9H is a top view of the magnetic binding module 920,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the
perimeter wall 924 portion of the magnetic element 920 is visible
above the surface plane 943, however the magnetic element 928 is
shielded.
[0203] The magnetic element 920 of FIG. 9A, 9E or 9F may be coupled
to or integrated into magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIGS. 2A-3,
5A-8G. For example, each magnetic element 520, 620, and 820 of
FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of
magnetic element 920 of FIG. 9A. Similarly, magnetic element 920 of
FIG. 9E may be used as magnetic elements 520, 620, 820. Similarly,
magnetic element 920 of FIG. 9F may be used as magnetic elements
520, 620, 820.
[0204] The permeable element 914 of FIG. 9A may be coupled to or
integrated into boot binding assembly 222 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-8G. For
example, each permeable element 530, 630, and 830 of FIGS. 5A, 6A,
and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of permeable element
914 of FIG. 9A. Similarly, permeable element 914 of FIG. 9E may be
used as permeable elements 530, 630, 830. Similarly, permeable
element 914 of FIG. 9F may be used as permeable elements 530, 630,
830.
[0205] FIG. 10A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding
module 1002, according to one embodiment of the invention. The
magnetic binding module 1002 includes an attachment assembly 1092
and a magnetic binding assembly 1090. The attachment assembly 1092
includes a permeable element 1014. The magnetic binding assembly
1090 includes a magnetic element 1020. The attachment assembly 1092
may be fabricated as an integral part of one article (not shown)
and the magnetic binding assembly 1090 may be fabricated as an
integral part of another article (not shown). The one article and
the another article may be magnetically bound together when the
attachment assembly 1092 is brought into close proximity with the
magnetic binding assembly 1090. Alternatively, the attachment
assembly 1092 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is
configured to be coupled to the one article and the magnetic biding
assembly 1090 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is
configured to be coupled to the another article, so that the one
article and the another article may magnetically bound together by
the attachment assembly 1092 and the magnetic binding assembly 1090
binding together. Any technically feasible technique may be used to
couple the one article to the attachment assembly 1092. Any
technically feasible technique may be used to couple the another
article to the magnetic binding assembly 1090.
[0206] The permeable element 1014 provides a structure for at least
one permeable component 1010, with a characteristic dimension 1012.
For example, if the permeable component 1010 is round (as viewed
from a top view), then the dimension 1012 should be a measure of
diameter. For a square permeable component 1010, the dimension 1012
should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable
component 1010 should be fabricated from any technically feasible
material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with
respect to air) greater than one hundred, such as any ferrous
steel, or any permeable nickel alloy. In a preferred embodiment,
the material exhibits low residual magnetism.
[0207] The permeable element 1014 is fabricated to include a
concave structure 1016 with a characteristic dimension 1013. If the
concave structure 1016 forms a circular structure, when viewed from
a top perspective, then the dimension 1013 is a measure of outer
diameter. Dimension 1013 should be larger than dimension 1012. The
concave structure 1016 is characterized by depth 1018. Portions of
the permeable element 1014, such as the concave structure 1016, may
be fabricated from any technically feasible material that exhibits
low magnetic permeability. Such materials include, without
limitation, many well-known plastics and composites, and certain
metals such as aluminum.
[0208] The magnetic element 1020 comprises at least one permeable
cup 1022 and at least one permeable magnet 1028. The permeable cup
1022 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with
a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air)
greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 1022 includes a raised
perimeter wall 1024 that generally encircles a base of the
permeable cup 1022. The perimeter wall 1024 also generally
encircles a permanent magnet 1028, which is attached to the base.
In one embodiment, a gap 1034 separates the permanent magnet 1028
from the perimeter wall 1024. The gap 1034 may be filled with air,
plastic, or any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than
ten) relative magnetic permeability.
[0209] In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 1024 forms a circular
structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 10D.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall
1024 may form a structure other than a circular structure without
departing from the scope of this invention. A dimension 1030
generally characterizes a size for the permeable cup 1022. For
example, if the permeable cup 1022 is circular, then dimension 1030
defines a diameter. In a preferred embodiment, dimension 1012 is
larger than dimension 1030.
[0210] The permanent magnet 1028 may be mounted at an offset 1032
with respect to a base floor 1026, which represents an inward
facing surface of the cup base. The offset 1032 may be positive, as
shown; or the offset 1032 may be negative, such that the permanent
magnet 1028 protrudes into a cavity in the cup base floor 1026. The
offset 1032 may also be approximately zero, where the permanent
magnet 1028 is mounted flush with the base floor 1026.
[0211] In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 1022 should be
fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic
permeability of greater than one hundred. The permanent magnet 1028
may be manufactured using any technically feasible materials that
can form a permanent magnet.
[0212] The magnetic binding assembly 1090 includes a convex
structure 1050 that has a height of dimension 1044. The convex
structure 1050 may be formed as part of a structural housing 1094
that generally encloses and protects the magnetic element 1020. The
convex structure 1050 may also be formed as a separate component
attached to the structural housing 1094. Height dimension 1044
should be approximately equal to dimension 1018, corresponding to
the depth of the concave structure 1016. Plane 1042, which
corresponds to a top surface of the magnetic binding assembly 1090,
may be positioned dimension 1044 above plane 1040, as shown. The
convex structure 1050 formed between planes 1042 and 1040 acts as a
protective barrier for the permanent magnet 1028, and may act as a
protective barrier for the perimeter wall 1024.
[0213] In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 1028 and the top
surface of the perimeter wall 1024 are approximately co-planer with
plane 1040, as shown, with the convex structure 1050 forming a
barrier protecting both the permanent magnet 1028 and the perimeter
wall 1024. In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1024 is
coplanar with plane 1042. In this alternative embodiment, perimeter
wall 1024 and is exposed. In this embodiment, the convex structure
1050 acts as a protective barrier for the permanent magnet 1028,
but does not act as a barrier for the perimeter wall 1024.
[0214] The permeable cup 1022 serves to guide and focus magnetic
flux generated by the permanent magnet 1028, which should be
configured to generate one pole facing the base floor 1026 and one
pole facing the permeable component 1010. The flux directed to the
base floor 1026 is guided from the base floor 1026 to the perimeter
wall 1024, forming a relatively tight path compared to a permanent
magnet without the permeable cup 1022. When the permeable component
1010 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 1028, the
two are drawn together and bound until separated. In this scenario,
the flux path starts where permanent magnet 1028 meets the
permeable component 1010, flows through the permeable component
1010, through the perimeter wall 1024, through the base floor 1026,
and back to the permanent magnet 1028. As a consequence of the
permanent magnet 1028 and permeable component 1010 being
magnetically bound, the one article and the another article are
also magnetically bound.
[0215] When the permeable component 1010 is disposed in
sufficiently close proximity to the permanent magnet 1028, the
attachment assembly 1092 becomes bound to the magnetic binding
assembly 1090 in a bound configuration. In one bound configuration,
the convex structure 1050 protrudes into the concave structure 1016
and a bottom surface 1011 of the permeable component 1010 is
approximately coplanar with plane 1042. To unbind the attachment
assembly 1092 from the magnetic binding assembly 1090, the
attachment assembly 1092 may be pushed laterally so that the
concave structure 1016 is pushed against the convex structure 1050.
As the concave structure 1016 is pushed along the convex structure
1050, the bottom surface is tilted away from plane 1042. As a
consequence, permeable component 1010 is separated from permanent
magnet 1028. Separating the permeable component 1010 from the
permanent magnet 1028 diminishes an associated magnetic binding
force between the two, allowing the attachment assembly 1092 to be
easily unbound from the magnetic binding assembly 1090. Dimension
1056 represents a difference between dimension 1013 and a
comparable dimension for the convex structure 1050 (not shown).
Dimension 1056 should be larger than zero. When dimension 1056 is
larger than zero, the bound configuration may tolerate a
misalignment between the concave structure 1016 and the convex
structure 1050, characterized approximately by dimension 1056.
[0216] In alternative embodiments, the attachment assembly 1092 may
include more than one permeable element 1014, and the magnetic
binding assembly 1090 may include a corresponding set of magnetic
elements 1020.
[0217] FIG. 10B is a side view of the magnetic binding module 1002
of FIG. 10A, configured to bind the boot binding assembly 222 of
FIG. 2A to the magnetic binding assembly 220, according to one
embodiment of the invention. The boot binding assembly 222
corresponds to the attachment assembly 1092 of FIG. 10A. The
magnetic binding assembly 220 corresponds to the magnetic binding
assembly 1090. As shown, structural housing 1094 of the magnetic
binding assembly 1090 corresponds to structural housing 330 of FIG.
3.
[0218] In one embodiment, the permeable element 1014 corresponds to
the permeable element 322 of FIG. 3, and the magnetic element 1020
corresponds to magnetic element 332, which is at least partially
enclosed by structural housing 330. Magnetic binding assembly 220
should include the structural housing 330, which should include
attachment means for attaching the magnetic binding assembly to the
top surface 212.
[0219] As described previously, the magnetic binding assembly 220
is configured to be robustly attached to the snowboard 210. Any
technically feasible attachment means may be used to attach the
magnetic binding assembly 220 to the snowboard 210 without
departing from the scope of this invention.
[0220] The structural housing 330 may form a protective barrier, in
the form of convex structure 1050, between the magnetic element
1020 and the permeable element 1014.
[0221] Importantly, the boot binding assembly 222 may be placed
imprecisely within a tolerance of approximately dimension 1056 onto
the magnetic binding assembly 220 without significant loss of
binding strength. This tolerance of imprecise placement allows the
snowboarder to bind the boot binding assembly 222 and the magnetic
binding assembly 220 in a relatively uncontrolled setting, such as
at a chairlift dismount.
[0222] FIG. 10C is a perspective view the convex structure 1050,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the convex
structure 1050 includes tapered sidewalls. The concave structure
1060 of FIGS. 10A and 10B should be configured to slide against the
tapered sidewalls of the concave structure 1050 in order to
separate the attachment assembly 1092 from the magnetic binding
assembly 1090.
[0223] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a convex structure 1050
configured to expose a portion of the perimeter wall 1024,
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the convex
structure exposes perimeter wall 1024 for direct contact with the
permeable component 1010 of FIG. 10A. The permanent magnet 1028
should be shielded by the convex structure 1050, and gap 1034
should separate the permanent magnet 1028 from the perimeter wall
1024.
[0224] The magnetic element 1020 of FIG. 10A may be coupled to or
integrated into magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-8G.
For example, each magnetic element 520, 620, and 820 of FIGS. 5A,
6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of magnetic
element 1020 of FIG. 9A.
[0225] The permeable element 1014 of FIG. 10A may be coupled to or
integrated into boot binding assembly 222 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-8G. For
example, each permeable element 530, 630, and 830 of FIGS. 5A, 6A,
and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of permeable element
1014 of FIG. 10A.
[0226] FIG. 11A is a side view of an exemplary magnetic binding
module 1102, according to one embodiment of the invention. The
magnetic binding module 1102 includes a permeable element 1114 and
a magnetic element 1120.
[0227] The magnetic element 1120 may be fabricated as an integral
part of one article (not shown) and the permeable element 1114 may
be fabricated as an integral part of another article (not shown).
The one article and the another article may be magnetically bound
together when the permeable element 1114 is brought into close
proximity with the magnetic element 1120. Alternatively, the
permeable element 1114 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is
configured to be coupled to the one article and the magnetic
element 1120 is fabricated as a separate assembly that is
configured to be coupled to the another article, so that the one
article and the another article may magnetically bound together by
the permeable element 1114 and the magnetic element 1120 binding
together. Any technically feasible technique may be used to couple
the one article to the permeable element 1114. Any technically
feasible technique may be used to couple the another article to the
magnetic element 1120.
[0228] The permeable element 1114 provides a structure for at least
one permeable component 1110, with a characteristic dimension 1112.
For example, if the permeable component 1110 is round (as viewed
from a top view), then the dimension 1112 should be a measure of
diameter. For a square permeable component 1110, the dimension 1112
should be a measure of one side of the square. The permeable
component 1110 should be fabricated from any technically feasible
material with a relative magnetic permeability (defined with
respect to air) greater than one hundred, such as any ferrous
steel, or any permeable nickel alloy. In a preferred embodiment,
the material exhibits low residual magnetism.
[0229] The permeable element 1114 is fabricated to include a
concave structure 1116 with a characteristic dimension 1113. If the
concave structure 1116 forms a circular structure, when viewed from
a top perspective, then the dimension 1113 is a measure of outer
diameter. Dimension 1113 should be larger than dimension 1112. The
concave structure 1116 is characterized by depth 1118. Portions of
the permeable element 1114, such as the concave structure 1116, may
be fabricated from any technically feasible material that exhibits
low magnetic permeability. Such materials include, without
limitation, many well-known plastics and composites, and certain
metals such as aluminum.
[0230] The magnetic element 1120 comprises at least one permeable
cup 1122 and at least one permeable magnet 1128. The permeable cup
1122 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material with
a relative magnetic permeability (defined with respect to air)
greater than one hundred. The permeable cup 1122 includes a raised
perimeter wall 1124 that generally encircles a base of the
permeable cup 1122. The perimeter wall 1124 also generally
encircles a permanent magnet 1128, which is attached to the base.
In one embodiment, a gap 1134 separates the permanent magnet 1128
from the perimeter wall 1124. The gap 1134 may be filled with air,
plastic, or any other material that exhibits low (i.e., less than
ten) relative magnetic permeability.
[0231] In one embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 forms a circular
structure when viewed from a top view, as shown below in FIG. 11E.
Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the perimeter wall
1124 may form a structure other than a circular structure without
departing from the scope of this invention.
[0232] A dimension 1130 generally characterizes a size for the
convex structure 1150. For example, if the permeable cup 1122 is
circular, then dimension 1130 defines an outside diameter for a
convex structure 1150. Dimension 1112 should be larger than
dimension 1130.
[0233] The permanent magnet 1128 may be mounted at an offset with
respect to base floor 1126, which represents an inward facing
surface of the cup base. The offset may be positive, such that the
permanent magnet 1128 rests above the base floor 1126; or the
offset may be negative, such that the permanent magnet 1128
protrudes into a cavity in the base floor 1126. The offset may also
be approximately zero, as shown, where the permanent magnet 1128 is
mounted flush with the base floor 1126.
[0234] In preferred embodiments, the permeable cup 1122 should be
fabricated from a material that exhibits a relative magnetic
permeability of greater than one hundred. The permanent magnet 1128
may be manufactured using any technically feasible materials that
can form a permanent magnet.
[0235] The magnetic element 1120 includes convex structure
1150,which may be formed as part of a cup housing 1164 configured
to generally enclose and protect the permeable cup 1122. Dimension
1144 corresponds to a height of the convex structure 1150.
Dimension 1118 corresponding to a depth of the concave structure
1116. The convex structure 1150 formed above permanent magnet 1128
acts as a protective barrier for permanent magnet 1128, and may act
as a protective barrier for the perimeter wall 1124.
[0236] In one embodiment, the permanent magnet 1128 and the top
surface of the perimeter wall 1124 are approximately co-planer, as
shown. In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 is not
coplanar with permanent magnet 1128; rather, the perimeter wall
1124 is exposed above convex structure 1150. In this embodiment,
the convex structure 1150 acts as a protective barrier for the
permanent magnet 1128, but does not act as a barrier for the
perimeter wall 1124.
[0237] The permeable cup 1122 serves to guide and focus magnetic
flux generated by the permanent magnet 1128, which should be
configured to generate one pole facing the base floor 1126 and one
pole facing the permeable component 1110. The flux directed to the
base floor 1126 is guided from the base floor 1126 to the perimeter
wall 1124, forming a relatively tight path compared to a permanent
magnet without the permeable cup 1122. When the permeable component
1110 is brought into proximity with the permanent magnet 1128, the
two are drawn together and magnetically bound until separated. In
this scenario, the flux path starts where permanent magnet 1128
meets the permeable component 1110, flows through the permeable
component 1110, through the perimeter wall 1124, through the base
floor 1126, and back to the permanent magnet 1128. As a consequence
of the permanent magnet 1128 and permeable component 1110 being
magnetically bound, the one article and the another article are
also magnetically bound.
[0238] When the permeable component 1110 is disposed in
sufficiently close proximity to the permanent magnet 1128, the
permeable component 1110 becomes bound to the magnetic element 1120
in a bound configuration. In one bound configuration, the convex
structure 1150 protrudes into the concave structure 1116 and a
bottom surface 1111 of the permeable component 1110 is
approximately coplanar with plane 1142, which represents a top
surface of the convex structure 1150.
[0239] To unbind the permeable element 1114 from the magnetic
element 1120, the permeable element 1114 may be pushed laterally so
that the concave structure 1116 is pushed against the convex
structure 1150. As the concave structure 1116 is pushed along the
convex structure 1150, the bottom surface is tilted away from plane
1142. As a consequence, permeable component 1110 is separated from
permanent magnet 1128. Separating the permeable component 1110 from
the permanent magnet 1128 diminishes an associated magnetic binding
force between the two, allowing the two to be easily unbound from
each other.
[0240] In one embodiment dimension 1144 is greater than dimension
1118. In a bound configuration, a flexible seal 1152 allows the cup
housing 1164 to be pushed into a magnetic element housing 1160
against a spring device 1162. The flexible seal 1152 should
maintain a barrier against outside contaminants entering an inner
cavity within the magnetic element housing 1160. The spring device
1162 may be fabricated from any technically feasible material. For
example, the spring device 1162 may be metallic or fabricated from
a polymer gel. The flexible seal 1152 may be fabricated from any
technically feasible material. The material should be flexible
while maintaining a good seal. If the permeable element 1114 is
coupled to a weight, then the force of the weight may be coupled to
the cup housing 1164 when the magnetic binding module 1102 is in a
bound configuration. In this scenario, the force of the weight may
drive cup housing 1164 into the spring device 1162. In an
alternative embodiment dimension 1144 is equal to dimension 1118
and the weight is coupled directly from the permeable element 1114
to the magnetic element housing 1160.
[0241] Vertical (up and down) motion of the cup housing 1164 is
moderated by the spring device 1162 and restricted by the magnetic
element housing 1160. Vertical motion of the cup housing 1164 with
respect to element housing 1160 is also generally restricted to be
a difference between dimensions 1144 and 1118.
[0242] FIG. 11B is a side view of the exemplary floating magnetic
binding module 1102 in an attached configuration, according to one
embodiment of the invention. As shown, the flexible seal deforms to
accommodate relative movement between the cup housing 164 and the
magnetic element housing 1160.
[0243] In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 is
fabricated to be exposed above the convex structure 1150. In this
embodiment, the convex structure 1150 is configured to shield the
permanent magnet 1128, but not an exposed surface of the perimeter
wall 1124.
[0244] FIG. 11C is a side view of an alternate floating magnetic
binding module 1104, according to one embodiment of the invention.
The alternate floating magnetic binding module 1104 operates
similarly to the floating magnetic binding module 1102 of FIGS. 11A
and 11B, however the permeable cup 1122 of the alternate floating
magnetic binding module 1104 is configured to interface directly
with the magnetic element housing 1160 to restrict vertical motion
of the permeable cup 1122 away from the magnetic element housing
1160.
[0245] In an alternative embodiment, the perimeter wall 1124 is
fabricated to be exposed above the convex structure 1150. In this
embodiment, the convex structure 1150 is configured to shield the
permanent magnet 1128, but not an exposed surface of the perimeter
wall 1124.
[0246] FIG. 11D is a side view of a modified floating magnetic
binding module 1106, according to one embodiment of the invention.
The modified floating magnetic binding module 1106 operates
similarly to the floating magnetic binding module 1102 of FIGS. 11A
and 11B, however the permeable cup 1122 of the modified floating
magnetic binding module 1106 is configured to interface directly
with the magnetic element housing 1160 to restrict vertical motion
of the permeable cup 1122 away from the magnetic element housing
1160. Furthermore, the permeable cup 1122 is fabricated to include
the convex structure 1150.
[0247] FIG. 11E is a perspective view of the magnetic binding
modules 1102, 1104, according to one embodiment of the invention.
As shown, the flexible seal 1152 encircles the convex structure
1150. Flexible seal 1152 enables the permeable cup 1122 and convex
structure 1150 of FIGS. 11A-11C to move up and down with respect to
the magnetic element housing 1160, while maintaining a seal.
[0248] FIG. 11F is a perspective view of the modified magnetic
binding module 1106 according to one embodiment of the invention.
As shown, the flexible seal 1152 encircles the convex structure
1150. Flexible seal 1152 enables the permeable cup 1122, which
includes the convex structure 1150, of FIG. 11D to move up and down
with respect to the magnetic element housing 1160, while
maintaining a seal. Importantly, the convex structure 1150 is
fabricated as part of the permeable cup 1122.
[0249] The magnetic element 1120 of FIG. 11A may be coupled to or
integrated into magnetic binding assembly 220 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-6J,
8A-8G. For example, each magnetic element 520, 620, 820 of FIGS.
5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of magnetic
element 1120 of FIG. 11A. Similarly, magnetic element 1120 of FIG.
11C may be used as magnetic elements 520, 620, 820. Similarly,
magnetic element 1120 of FIG. 11D may be used as magnetic elements
520, 620, 820.
[0250] The permeable element 1114 of FIG. 11A may be coupled to or
integrated into boot binding assembly 222 of FIGS. 2A-3, 5A-6J,
8A-8G. For example, each permeable element 530, 630, 830 of FIGS.
5A, 6A, and 8A, respectively, may comprise an instance of permeable
element 1114 of FIG. 11A. Similarly, permeable element 1114 of FIG.
11C may be used as permeable elements 530, 630, 830. Similarly,
permeable element 1114 of FIG. 11D may be used as permeable
elements 530, 630, 830.
[0251] FIGS. 9A through 11F illustrate magnetic binding modules
comprising a magnetic element and a permeable element. The magnetic
element includes a permanent magnet, a permeable cup with a
perimeter wall, and a barrier material. The permanent magnet is
attached to a base floor of the permeable cup using any technically
feasible technique. Specific characteristics of a given magnetic
binding module include an offset between a facing surface of the
permanent magnet and the base floor, and whether the perimeter wall
is at least partially exposed through the barrier material.
Embodiments of the invention contemplate each of the three possible
offset scenarios (positive, zero, or negative offset) in any
combination of three perimeter wall configurations (exposed,
partially exposed, and not exposed).
[0252] In certain embodiments, gaps along the perimeter wall allow
for barrier material shielding the permanent magnet to be connected
with barrier material outside the perimeter wall; in such
embodiments a structural housing may be fabricated from a fewer
components; for example, regions of the perimeter wall may be
exposed, however the interior barrier material may be, nonetheless,
connected to barrier material outside the perimeter wall. In one
embodiment, a convex structure associated with a magnetic element
includes one through fifty gaps in the perimeter wall at intervals
about the perimeter wall. Each gap should be wide enough to provide
structural support to the interior region of barrier material
without being overly fragile. For example, each gap should be one
millimeter through ten millimeters wide.
[0253] FIGS. 10A through 11F illustrate magnetic binding modules
that include a convex structure and an associated concave
structure, where the convex structure is associated with a magnetic
element and the concave structure is associated with a permeable
element. In certain embodiments, the concave structure is instead
associated with magnetic element and related structures, and the
convex structure is associated with the permeable element and
related structures.
[0254] In certain embodiments, a magnetic element may be fabricated
as a separate article and coupled to the magnetic binding assembly
222, as described below in FIGS. 12A-12C. Similarly, each permeable
element may be fabricated as a separate article to be coupled to
the boot binding assembly 220.
[0255] FIG. 12A is a side view of a conically formed magnetic
element 1210 mounted in a structural housing 330, according to one
embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the magnetic
element 1210 represents magnetic element 920, 1020, or 1120. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic element 1210 represents a
structural housing, such as structural housing 1094. The conically
formed magnetic element 1210 is inserted into structural housing
330 for mounting. The conical shape serves to maintain relative
mounted positioning between the conically formed magnetic element
1210 and structural housing 330.
[0256] FIG. 12B is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic
element 1220 mounted in a structural housing 330, according to one
embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the magnetic
element 1210 represents magnetic element 920, 1020, or 1120. In
alternative embodiments, the magnetic element 1210 represents a
structural housing, such as structural housing 1094. The
cylindrically formed magnetic element 1220 is inserted into
structural housing 330 for mounting. The cylindrical shape serves
to maintain relative mounted positioning between the conically
formed magnetic element 1220 and structural housing 330.
[0257] FIG. 12C is a side view of a cylindrically formed magnetic
element 1230 configured to include a threaded installation means,
and mounted in a structural housing 330, according to one
embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the magnetic
element 1230 represents magnetic element 920, 1020, or 1120. In
alternative embodiments, the cylindrically formed magnetic element
1230 represents a structural housing, such as structural housing
1094. The cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 is screwed
into structural housing 330 for mounting from an accessible
direction with respect to the structural housing 330. Threading
1232, 1234 serves to maintain relative mounted positioning between
the cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 and structural
housing 330. For example, cylindrically formed magnetic element
1230 may be screwed into a magnetic binding assembly 220 to serve
as a magnetic element within the magnetic binding assembly 220. The
cylindrically formed magnetic element 1230 may be screwed in from a
top position with respect to the snowboard 210.
[0258] FIG. 13A is a top view of a snowboard 210 coupled to a
temporary boot platform 1314 using a channel and nut attachment
system, according to one embodiment of the invention. Rear binding
240 and front binding 252 are coupled to the snowboard 210 using
the same channel and nut system. In one embodiment, two collinear
channels 1320, 1322 are embedded along the long axis of the
snowboard 210, as shown. In an alternative embodiment a single
channel (not shown) spans the length channels 1320 and 1322. In yet
another alternative embodiment, a total of three channels (not
shown) are embedded within the snowboard 210, so that the temporary
boot platform 1314 is coupled to a channel independent of channel
1320.
[0259] In one embodiment temporary boot platform 1314 is the
magnetic binding assembly 220, as described in FIGS. 2A through
12C. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that any magnetic
binding assembly configured to be coupled to snowboard 210 as a
temporary boot platform and using the channel and nut attachment
system is within the scope of the invention.
[0260] In other embodiments, the temporary boot platform 1314
comprises a stomp pad configured to be coupled to the channel and
nut attachment system. Persons skilled in the art will recognize
that any stomp pad configured to be coupled to snowboard 210 as a
temporary boot platform and using the channel and nut attachment
system is within the scope of the invention.
[0261] FIG. 13B is a side view detail of the channel and nut
attachment system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
The channel and nut attachment system comprises a T-nut 1332, a
channel 1330 and a bolt 1334. The channel 1330 is formed as a
c-shaped structure configured to accept the head of the T-nut 1332.
The c-shaped structure may be fabricated from any technically
feasible material, such as aluminum, steel, certain plastics,
composites, or any technically feasible combination thereof. The
T-nut 1332 should include a threaded shaft configured to be coupled
to the nut 1334. Reinforcement layers 1340, 1342 may be included in
the snowboard 210 to reduce deformation of the snowboard 210 when
the T-nut 1332 transmits loading force to the channel 1330. The
temporary boot platform 1314 becomes coupled to the snowboard 210
when the nut 1334 is screwed into the threaded shaft of the T-nut
1334, which pushes against a structural plane 1315 of the temporary
boot platform 1314. The channel 1330 may correspond to channel
1320, 1322, or any other channel embedded within the snowboard 210.
The channel and nut attachment system allows the temporary boot
platform 1314 to be positioned at an arbitrary position along the
channel.
[0262] While the permeable cup of each configuration of a magnetic
element, described previously, is described as a complete volume of
rotation, in alternative embodiments, the magnetic cup may comprise
a partial rotation, including, without limitation, a slice
approximating a partial rotation.
[0263] In one embodiment, the magnetic elements described
previously are configured to include a convex surface. In other
embodiments, the magnetic elements are configured to include a
concave surface. In yet other embodiments, the magnetic elements
are configured to include a nominally flat surface. Persons skilled
in the art will understand that a corresponding mating surface
associated with a permeable element should conform to the magnetic
element.
[0264] Alternative embodiments of the present invention contemplate
placement of one or more permeable elements, as described
previously, along the perimeter of the rear boot. Corresponding
magnetic elements are mounted within the magnetic binding assembly
220 and configured to bind to the permeable elements.
[0265] While the forgoing is directed to embodiments of the present
invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be
devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the
scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *