U.S. patent application number 14/377684 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for splitboard binding apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher Gary RAYNER. Invention is credited to Christopher Gary Rayner.
Application Number | 20150014962 14/377684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49882300 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150014962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rayner; Christopher Gary |
January 15, 2015 |
SPLITBOARD BINDING APPARATUS
Abstract
A boot attachment system is provided for a split board, wherein
the boot attachment provides two alternative attachment
configurations. The first configuration provides a `ride mode` in
which the rider's boots are attached across the two halves of the
split board allowing the joined board halves to be used as a
complete snowboard for riding downhill. The second configuration
provides a `ski mode` in which the rider's boots are attached one
on each half of the split board. This system allows the halves of
the board to be used in a similar manner to traditional skis. This
system is particularly useful when travelling uphill or on terrain
that is insufficiently steep for the board configuration to be
useable.
Inventors: |
Rayner; Christopher Gary;
(Kaiapoi, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RAYNER; Christopher Gary |
Kaiapoi |
|
NZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
49882300 |
Appl. No.: |
14/377684 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
February 12, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ2013/000011 |
371 Date: |
August 8, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61597165 |
Feb 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/611 ;
29/401.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 5/02 20130101; A63C
5/031 20130101; A63C 10/145 20130101; A63C 5/16 20130101; A63C
2203/06 20130101; A63C 10/18 20130101; Y10T 29/49716 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/611 ;
29/401.1 |
International
Class: |
A63C 10/18 20060101
A63C010/18; A63C 5/16 20060101 A63C005/16; A63C 9/00 20060101
A63C009/00 |
Claims
1. A boot attachment system, comprising: a first attachment portion
including a boot binding, the boot binding having a heel end, a toe
end and a substantially planar base configured to receive the sole
of a boot; and a second attachment portion configured to attach to
at least one surface, the second attachment portion including a
first clampable member and a second clampable member; and wherein
the first attachment portion includes a clamp portion configured to
grip at least the first clampable member and the second clampable
member of the second attachment portion.
2. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the
first clampable member and a second clampable member can be
separated from one another when not being clamped by the clamp
portion.
3. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the
first clampable member is configured to attach to a first half of a
split board.
4. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
second clampable member is configured to attach to a second half of
a split board.
5. The boot attachment system as claimed claim 1 wherein clamping
of the first attachment portion to the first clampable member and
the second clampable member rigidly fixes the position of the first
clampable member and the second clampable member with respect to
the first attachment portion.
6. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
first clampable member includes a first angled surface on a first
end.
7. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the
first clampable member includes a second angled surface positioned
on an opposite second end of the first clampable member to the
first clampable member.
8. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the
first angled surface and the second angled surface redirect a
portion of an applied clamping force by substantially 90
degrees.
9. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
second clampable member includes a third angled surface on a first
end.
10. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a
portion of the clamping force applied by the clamp portion is
redirected so as to force the first clampable member into the first
attachment portion.
11. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
first clampable member includes a recess or slot configured to
receive a protrusion or tab.
12. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
second clampable member includes a protrusion or tab, on an
opposite end to the first end, configured to engage within the
recess or slot in the first clampable member.
13. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the
first clampable member recess or slot and the second clampable
member protrusion or tab are configured to engage so as to prevent
shearing movement between the first clampable member and the second
clampable member.
14. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
clamp portion includes engagement regions configured to engage with
each of the first angled surface, second angled surface, and the
third angled surface.
15. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the
engagement regions include at least one engaging portion configured
to engage with a respective angled surface on the first or second
clampable members.
16. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the
engaging portions include a surface which is sloped in the opposite
direction to the slope of the angled surface with which it is
configured to engage.
17. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the
slope of the engaging portions function in combination with the
first angled surface, second angled surface and third angled
surface to pull the second attachment portion towards the first
attachment portion when clamped.
18. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
clamping motion of the clamp portion is along a line substantially
from the toe end to the heel end of the boot binding.
19. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
second attachment portion includes at least one curved attachment
region.
20. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the
first clampable member and second clampable member include curved
attachment regions.
21. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the
first clampable member curved attachment region provides an axis of
rotation which is at, or near, the first clampable member recess or
slot.
22. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the
second clampable member curved attachment region provides an axis
of rotation which is at, or near, the second clampable member
protrusion or tab.
23. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
boot binding substantially planar base includes a recess in the
lower surface thereof.
24. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1, which
includes a third attachment portion, the third attachment portion
including: a bracket having a flat base configured to attach to the
least one surface; and a toe block pivotally attached to the
bracket, wherein the toe block pivotable attachment with the
bracket provides rotation about an axis substantially parallel to
the flat base of the bracket, and wherein the toe block includes a
clampable region configured to be clamped by at least a portion of
the first attachment portion clamp portion.
25. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the
pivotable attachment is positioned above the base of the
bracket.
26. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the
toe block includes a recessed slot configured to receive a toe end
of the boot binding and a clamp receiving portion configured to be
clamped by the engagement region configured to engage with the
first angled surface.
27. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the
third attachment portion is configured to allow the first
attachment portion to be pivotally connected to the at least one
surface.
28. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the
pivotable attachment is configured to allow the heel end of the
boot binding to be rotated substantially about the toe end of the
boot binding when the boot binding is clamped to the third
attachment portion.
29. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
clamping portion includes at least one moveable engaging
portion.
30. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the
clamping portion includes a lever.
31. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the
lever is adjustably connected to the at least one moveable engaging
portion so as to provide an adjustable clamping force.
32. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the
at least one moveable engaging portion is moved by movement of the
lever.
33. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the
at least one moveable engaging portion is configured to engage with
the first clampable member first angled surface.
34. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 29 wherein
engagement of the at least one moveable engaging portion into
engagement with the first clampable member angled surface results
in the first attachment portion sliding and engaging the engaging
the second attachment portion and the third attachment portion with
the second angled surface and the third angled surface
respectively.
35. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the
at least one moveable engaging portion is configured to engage with
the third attachment portion receiving portion.
36. A latching device for use with a split board, the latching
device, comprising: a first base plate having an upper surface and
a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the
upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably
attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be
rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper
surface of the first base plate; and a second base plate having an
upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat headed pin
projects from the upper surface of the second base plate and a
camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface
of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the other end,
wherein the beam includes a first `T` shaped slot configured to
receive the first flat headed pin, a second `T` shaped slot
configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an aperture
configured to receive the camming pin.
37. A method of interconnecting a first object having a,
substantially flat edge with a second object having a substantially
flat edge by way of a latching device, the latching device
including a first base plate attached to the first object adjacent
the substantially flat edge thereof and having an upper surface and
a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the
upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably
attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be
rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper
surface of the first base plate and a second base plate attached to
the second object adjacent the substantially flat edge thereof and
having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat
headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate
and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper
surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the
other end wherein the beam includes a first `T` shaped slot
configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second `T`
shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an
aperture configured to receive the camming pin, the method
comprising the steps of: a) positioning the substantially flat edge
of the first object adjacent the substantially flat edge of the
second object; b) aligning the first base plate and the second base
plate; rotating the beam so as to locate the first flat headed pin
in the first shaped slot, the second flat headed pin in the second
`T` shaped slot and the camming pin in the aperture; and d)
rotating the lever to cam the camming pin in the aperture, whereby
rotating the lever locks the beam in position, locking the first
object and second object together.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the first object and the second
object are left and right halves of a split board.
39. A split board assembly, including: a boot attachment system as
broadly described above, and a split board having a left half and a
right half, wherein the first clampable member of the second
attachment portion is attached to the left half of the split board
and the second clampable member of the second attachment portion is
attached to the right half of the split board; and wherein clamping
of the first attachment portion to the first clampable member and
the second clampable member rigidly fixes the position of the left
half and the right half of the split board relative to the first
attachment portion, and wherein clamping of the first clampable
member and the second clampable member provides at least a portion
of the structural integrity of the joined left and right halves of
the split board.
40. (canceled)
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
Description
STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on the Provisional specification
filed in relation to United States Patent Application Number US
61/597,165, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to improvements in and
relating to splitboard bindings.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Snowboarding is a relatively recent snow sport in which a
single board is used to slide over the snow surface rather than the
traditional form of skiing which utilizes two separate skis.
[0004] One problem that snow boarders experience is difficulty when
moving on flat or uphill terrain. Users of skis have the ability to
independently move each ski; this allows them to push with one ski
whilst sliding with the other. This technique is typically enhanced
by adding a skin to the lower surface of each ski in order to gain
greater traction with the snow.
[0005] Typically a snow board comprises a single board, which means
a snowboarder only has the option to either completely detach from
the board and walk, or to detach one leg and scoot/shuffle the snow
board. Both techniques are poorly suited to snow travel.
[0006] One solution to this problem is a split board. A split board
is in effect a snowboard which can be separated into two halves.
When riding downhill the two halves are attached together and
operated in the same manner as a standard snowboard. When
travelling on a flat or uphill surface the snowboard can be
separated into two halves. The halves are then attached separately
to each of the user's feet and can be used in the same manner as
traditional skis.
[0007] One problem that is faced by split boarders is that the
positioning of the feet is completely different when the board is
used as a snowboard compared to when it is used as skis. This means
that the boot binding which fastens the user's boots to the split
board must be removed and repositioned between the snowboard
arrangement and the ski arrangement. This is typically time
consuming and requires a high degree of dexterity.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to address the
foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful
choice.
[0009] All references, including any patents or patent applications
cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference.
No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and
the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and
pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood
that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to
herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of
these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the
art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
[0010] Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or
variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be
understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or
step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion
of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements,
integers or steps.
[0011] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way
of example only.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The purpose of invention of the present application is to
provide a boot attachment system for a split board, wherein the
boot attachment provides two alternative attachment configurations.
The first configuration provides a `ride mode` in which the rider's
boots are attached across the two halves of the split board
allowing the joined board halves to be used as a complete snowboard
for riding downhill. The second configuration provides a `ski mode`
in which the rider's boots are attached one on each half of the
split board. This allows the halves of the board to be used in a
similar manner to traditional skis. This is particularly useful
when travelling uphill or on terrain that is insufficiently steep
for the board configuration to be useable.
[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a boot attachment system, including: [0014] a first
attachment portion including a boot binding, the boot binding
having a heel end, a toe end and a substantially planar base
configured to receive the sole of a boot; and [0015] a second
attachment portion configured to attach to at least one surface,
the second attachment portion including a first clampable member
and a second clampable member; and wherein the first attachment
portion includes a clamp portion configured to grip at least the
first clampable member and the second clampable member of the
second attachment portion.
[0016] In preferred embodiments the first clampable member and a
second clampable member can be separated from one another when not
being clamped by the clamp portion.
[0017] In preferred embodiments the first clampable member is
configured to attach to a first surface.
[0018] Preferably the first surface is a first half of a split
board.
[0019] In preferred embodiments the second clampable member is
configured to attach to a second surface.
[0020] Preferably the second surface is a second half of a split
board.
[0021] In preferred embodiments clamping of the first attachment
portion to the first clampable member and the second clampable
member rigidly fixes the position of the first clampable member and
the second clampable member with respect to the first attachment
portion.
[0022] In preferred embodiments the first clampable member includes
a first angled surface positioned on a first clampable member first
end.
[0023] Preferably the first clampable member includes a second
angled surface positioned on a first clampable member second end,
wherein the first clampable member second end is positioned on an
opposite end of the first clampable member to the first clampable
member first end.
[0024] It will be appreciated that the purpose of each angled
surface is to redirect a clamping force applied at an angle of
incidence to the angled surface.
[0025] In preferred embodiments the first angled surface and the
second angled surface redirect a portion of an applied clamping
force by substantially 90 degrees.
[0026] In preferred embodiments the force clamping the first angled
surface and the second angled surface is redirected so as to force
the first clampable member into the first attachment portion.
[0027] Preferably the first clampable member includes a first
clampable member engaging portion configured to engage with at
least a portion of the second clampable member, wherein the first
clampable member engaging portion is positioned on the first
clampable member second end.
[0028] Preferable the first clampable member engaging portion is a
recess or slot configured to receive a protrusion or tab on the
second clampable member.
[0029] In preferred embodiments the second clampable member
includes a second clampable member engaging portion configured to
engage with at least a portion of the first clampable member,
wherein the second clampable member engaging portion is positioned
on an opposite end of the second clampable member to the second
clampable member first end.
[0030] Preferably the second clampable member engaging portion is a
protrusion or tab configured to engage within a recess or slot in
the second clampable member.
[0031] Preferably the second clampable member protrusion or tab is
configured to be inserted into the first clampable member recess or
slot, wherein clamping of the first clampable member and the second
clampable member with the clamp portion holds the second clampable
member protrusion or tab within the first clampable member recess
or slot.
[0032] In preferred embodiments the first clampable member engaging
portion is configured to prevent shearing movement between the
first clampable member and the second clampable member when the
first clampable member and the second clampable member are clamped
by the first attachment portion clamp portion.
[0033] In preferred embodiments the clamp portion includes
engagement regions configured to engage with each of the first
angled surface, second angled surface, and the third angled
surface.
[0034] Preferably each of the engagement regions includes at least
one engaging portion configured to engage with a respective angled
surface. A person skilled in the art will understand that the
engaging portion could take any number of forms without departing
from the scope of the present invention, non limiting examples of
which include any surface capable of bearing against the angled
surface.
[0035] In some preferred embodiments one or more of the engaging
portions may include a surface which is sloped in the opposite
direction to the slope of the angled surface with which it is
configured to engage. An opposing slope should be understood to be
a slope which is rotated by 180 degrees with respect to the slope
of the angled surface.
[0036] In other embodiments one or more of the engaging portions
may comprise a rod or the like running parallel to a said angled
surface.
[0037] In preferred embodiments the clamping motion of the clamp
portion is along a line substantially from the toe end to the heel
end of the boot binding.
[0038] It will be appreciated that a force driving an engaging
portion against the slope of an angled surface results in the
engaging portion moving both in the direction of the clamping force
and in a direction orthogonal to the clamping force,tThe resultant
motion being substantially parallel to the slope of the angled
surface.
[0039] Preferably the engaging portions function in combination
with the first angled surface, first second angled surface and
third angled surface to pull the second attachment portion towards
the first attachment portion when clamped.
[0040] In use, clamping of the second attachment portion with the
first attachment portion locks the first clampable member and the
second clampable member together and pulls the first clampable
member and the second clampable member towards the first attachment
portion. In use the clamping action serves to pull the boot binding
down onto the first surface and the second surface and locks the
first surface and the second surface together.
[0041] In preferred embodiments the second attachment portion
includes at least one curved attachment region that is configured
to allow the second attachment portion to be both attached to the
at least one surface and rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the
surface.
[0042] Preferably each of the first clampable member and second
clampable member include curved attachment regions.
[0043] In preferred embodiments the first clampable member curved
attachment region provides an axis of rotation which is at, or
near, the first clampable member engaging portion and which, in
use, is orthogonal to the surface to which the first clampable
member is attached.
[0044] In preferred embodiments the second clampable member curved
attachment region provides an axis of rotation which is at, or
near, the second clampable member engaging portion and which, in
use, is orthogonal to the surface to which the first clampable
member is attached.
[0045] It will be appreciated that when the first clampable member
engaging portion and second clampable member engaging portion are
engaged, the axis of rotation provided by the curved attachment
regions will be positioned at, or close to, the region at which the
first clampable member and the second clampable member are
engaged.
[0046] In preferred embodiments the, or each, curved attachment
region is fastened to the first, or second, surface by way of a
retainer plate and mounting hardware such as a bolt or other type
of standard fastener. In use a fastener is passed though an
aperture in the retainer plate and into one or more standard
fittings in the surface the attachment region is being fastened to.
In the case of a snow board, or split board, it will be appreciated
that one or more inserts are built into the core of the board
during manufacture. Typically inserts are spaced along a portion of
the length of the board. Spacing between inserts has evolved to be
around 1 inch. As a standard rule the inserts are also offset from
the medial plane of the board by around 2.75 inches, although these
distances are standard practice rather than a rule. This limits the
degree of adjustment available when mounting boot bindings to a
board to 1 inch steps.
[0047] In preferred embodiments the retainer plate includes at
least one slotted mounting aperture.
[0048] Preferably the at least one slotted mounting aperture is
configured to provide between 1 inch and 2 inches of adjustment
along the length of the board relative to the mounting
hardware.
[0049] It will be appreciated that by providing between 1 inch and
2 inches of adjustment at the retainer plate, the user can adjust
the position of a binding to any possible position when 1 inch
spaced inserts are used in a board.
[0050] In some preferred embodiments the boot binding substantially
planar base may include a recess in the lower surface thereof, the
recess configured to receive the second attachment portion or part
thereof.
[0051] In some embodiments the regions of the boot binding adjacent
the recess may be configured to abut the at least one surface. It
will be appreciated that clamping of the second attachment portion
effectively pulls the adjacent sections of the boot binding down
onto the at least one surface. This provides a more stable
connection between the board and the boot binding.
[0052] In preferred embodiments the boot attachment system,
includes a third attachment portion including: [0053] a bracket
having a flat base configured to attach to the least one surface;
and [0054] a toe block pivotally attached to the bracket, wherein
the toe block pivotable attachment provides rotation about an axis
substantially parallel to the flat base of the bracket, and wherein
the toe block includes a clampable region configured to be clamped
by at least a portion of the clamp portion.
[0055] In preferred embodiments the pivotable attachment is
positioned above the base of the bracket.
[0056] In preferred embodiments the toe block includes a recessed
slot configured to receive a toe end of the boot binding and a
clamp receiving portion configured to be clamped by at least a
portion of the clamp portion.
[0057] In some preferred embodiments the recessed slot may include
a wedge shaped edge.
[0058] In some preferred embodiments the clamp receiving portion
may include a wedge shaped edge.
[0059] In preferred embodiments the third attachment portion is
configured to allow the first attachment portion to be pivotally
connected to the at least one surface.
[0060] Preferably the pivotable attachment is configured to allow
the heel end of the boot binding to be rotated substantially about
the toe end of the boot binding when the boot binding is clamped to
the third attachment portion.
[0061] Preferably the same clamp portion used to clamp the first
attachment portion to the second attachment portion is used to
clamp the first attachment portion to the third attachment
portion.
[0062] In preferred embodiments the clamping mechanism includes a
lever.
[0063] In preferred embodiments the clamping mechanism includes at
least one moveable engaging portion.
[0064] Preferably the at least one moveable engaging portion is
moved by movement of the lever.
[0065] Preferably the lever moves the at least one moveable
engaging portion into engagement with one or more of the first
clampable member or the second clampable member.
[0066] Preferably the lever moves at least one moveable engaging
portion into engagement with the first clampable member first
angled surface.
[0067] Preferably engagement of the at least one moveable engaging
portion into engagement with the first clampable member angled
surface results in the first attachment portion sliding and
engaging the second attachment portion and the third attachment
portion with the second angled surface and the third angled surface
respectively.
[0068] In preferred embodiments the lever is adjustably connected
to the at least one moveable engaging portion so as to provide an
adjustable clamping force.
[0069] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a latching device which includes: [0070] a first base
plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, whereby a first
flat headed pin protrudes from the upper surface of the first base
plate and a beam is pivotably attached to the upper surface of the
first base plate so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting
orthogonally from the upper surface of the first base plate; and
[0071] a second base plate having an upper surface and a lower
surface whereby a second flat headed pin projects from the upper
surface of the second base plate and a camming pin is rotatably
attached at one end to the upper surface of the second base plate
and is fixed to a lever at the other end, wherein the beam includes
a first `T` shaped slot configured to receive the first flat headed
pin, a second `T` shaped slot configured to receive the second flat
headed pin and an aperture configured to receive the camming
pin.
[0072] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of interconnecting a first object having a
substantially flat edge with a second object having a substantially
flat edge by way of a latching device, the latching device
including a first base plate attached to the first object adjacent
the substantially flat edge thereof and having an upper surface and
a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the
upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably
attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be
rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper
surface of the first base plate and a second base plate attached to
the second object adjacent the substantially flat edge thereof and
having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat
headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate
and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper
surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the
other end wherein the beam includes a first `T` shaped slot
configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second `T`
shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an
aperture configured to receive the camming pin, the method
including the steps of: [0073] a) positioning the substantially
flat edge of the first object adjacent the substantially flat edge
of the second object, [0074] b) aligning the first base plate and
the second base plate, [0075] c) rotating the beam so as to locate
the first flat headed pin in the first `T` shaped slot, the second
flat headed pin in the second `T` shaped slot and the camming pin
in the aperture, and [0076] d) rotating the lever to cam the
camming pin in the aperture, whereby rotating the lever locks the
beam in position, locking the first object and second object
together.
[0077] In preferred embodiments the first object and the second
object are halves of a split board.
[0078] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a sport board having a first half and a second half,
the sport board being configurable between a joint configuration
wherein the first half and second half of the board are fixed
together and function as a single structure, and a separate
configuration, wherein the first half and second half of the board
are separated and function independently of each other, the sport
board including: at least one boot attachment system, including a
first attachment portion having a boot binding, the boot binding
having a heel end, a toe end and a substantially planar base
configured to receive the sole of a boot and a second attachment
portion including a first clampable member attached to the first
half of the sport board and a second clampable member attached to
the second half of the sport board, wherein the first attachment
portion includes a clamp portion configured to grip at least the
first clampable member and the second clampable member.
[0079] In preferred embodiments clamping the first clampable member
and the second clampable member with the clamp portion locks the
first half and second half of the sport board together.
[0080] In preferred embodiments the sport board includes at least
one latching device which includes a first base plate having an
upper surface and a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin
protrudes from the upper surface of the first base plate and a beam
is pivotably attached to the upper surface of the first base plate
so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from
the upper surface of the first base plate and a second base plate
having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat
headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate
and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper
surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the
other end, wherein the beam includes a first `T` shaped slot
configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second `T`
shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an
aperture configured to receive the camming pin.
[0081] In preferred embodiments the at least one latching device
locks the first half and the second half of the sport board
together.
[0082] Preferably the at least one latching device stops shearing
and out of plane alignment occurring between the first half and
second half of the board.
[0083] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a split board assembly, including: [0084] a boot
attachment system as broadly described above, and [0085] a split
board having a left half and a right half, wherein the first
clampable member of the second attachment portion is attached to
the left half of the split board and the second clampable member of
the second attachment portion is attached to the right half of the
split board; and wherein clamping of the first attachment portion
to the first clampable member and the second clampable member
rigidly fixes the position of the left half and the right half of
the split board relative to the first attachment portion, and
wherein clamping of the first clampable member and the second
clampable member provides at least a portion of the structural
integrity of the joined left and right halves of the split
board.
[0086] In some preferred embodiments the split board may include
one or more clips positioned along the adjacent edges of the left
half and the right half of the joined split board. By including
additional clips, in particular at the tip and tail of the split
board, a much greater degree of rigidity is obtained, in addition
any independent flexion or shearing between the split board halves
is mitigated.
[0087] Preferred embodiments of the present invention may provide a
number of non-limiting advantages over the prior art, examples of
which include:
[0088] Increased lateral stiffness across the board thus increasing
the responsiveness of the board to rider input through the binding
interface.
[0089] Increased board feedback to the rider by clamping the
binding directly down to the board.
[0090] The binding interface forces the two board halves together
eliminating any gaps that can occur down the center of the board;
this improves the performance of the board.
[0091] The middle angled surface and the interface between the
first clampable portion and the second clampable portion pull both
ski edges upwards when clamped by the clamp portion, thereby
keeping the two board halves in plane and allowing no relative
movement when the board halves are joined.
[0092] Tolerances for achieving a solid connection between the
binding interface and ride mode interface are very large. The
chance of failure in the backcountry is reduced, as large
deformations of materials would be needed before the binding
interface is incapable of engaging to the ride-mode interface. This
is particular important when traveling in the backcountry, often
hours or days away from safety.
[0093] The binding allows for flex in the longitudinal direction of
the board; minimizing dead spots that occur under rigid bindings
and providing a natural boot binding interface flex to the
rider.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0094] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of
example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0095] FIG. 1a shows a plan view of a split sport board in a ride
mode in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention,
[0096] FIG. 1b shows a plan view of the split board of FIG. 1a in a
ski mode,
[0097] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the split board of FIG.
1a,
[0098] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a boot attachment system
in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention,
[0099] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a boot attachment system
in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention,
[0100] FIG. 5a-c shows a perspective view of the second attachment
portion in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIG. 1,
[0101] FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a boot
attachment system including a third attachment portion,
[0102] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a boot attachment system
including a third attachment portion,
[0103] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a latching device in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention in an open
position, and
[0104] FIG. 9 shows a profile view of the latching device shown in
FIG. 8.
[0105] FIG. 10a-e shows alternative embodiments of clamping
mechanisms in accordance with the present invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0106] With reference to FIGS. 1a, 2 and 3 there is shown a split
board in a ride mode configuration, as generally indicated by
designator 100. Split board 101 comprises first half 12 and second
half 14. First half 12 and second half 14 are joined together by
latching devices 20 (not shown in FIG. 3) and boot binding first
attachment portions 16 which are clamped to second attachment
portions 21 (not shown in FIG. 1a or 2). Split board 101 also
includes third attachment portions 18, as shown in FIGS. 1a and
2.
[0107] With reference to FIG. 1b there is shown a split board
assembly in a ski mode as generally indicated by designator 200.
Split board 200 comprises separate first half 12 and second half
14. First half 12 and second half 14 include boot binding first
attachment portions 16 which are clamped to third attachment
portions 18. First half 12 also includes second attachment portion
21 first clampable members 24 and latching devices 20 second base
portions 76. Second half 14 includes second attachment portion 201
second clampable members 26 and latching devices 20 first base
portions 74.
[0108] With reference to FIG. 3, boot attachment system 103
includes a first attachment portion 16 including a boot binding
having a heel end 17a a toe end 17b and a substantially planar base
17c. First attachment portion 16 includes a clamp portion 102
comprising engagement regions 35, 36 and 38 which include face
engaging portions 35a, 36a and 38a. Face engaging portions 35a, 36a
and 38a are configured to engage with first clampable member 24
first angled surface 45a, first clampable member 24 second angled
surface 45b, and second clampable member 26 third angled surface
46. First clampable member 24 is attached to split board 101 second
half 14 and second clampable member 26 is attached to split board
101 first half 12 by way of curved attachment regions 54 and
retainer plates 50.
[0109] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3 the first angled
surface 45a and second angled surface 45b overhang from the body of
first clampable member 24. In use this results in a clamping force
applied longitudinally from first angled surface 45a to second
angled surface 45b being redirected in part orthogonally away from
board second half 14. Second clampable member 26 third angled
surface 46 overhangs from the body of second clampable member 26.
In use this results in a clamping force applied longitudinally from
first angled surface 45a to third angled surface 46 being
redirected, in part, orthogonally away from board first half 12 and
towards first attachment portion 16. This acts to pull the second
attachment portion 21 into first attachment portion 16.
[0110] Clamp portion 102 includes clamping mechanism 32 which has
levers 32a. Rotating levers 32a results in angled face 35a being
slid longitudinally in a direction along a line from the toe end
17b to the heel end 17a. Levers 32a may move angled face 35a in a
number of ways, non limiting examples of which include: pulling a
cable attached to the angled face 35a, pushing, or pulling a
slideable member having an angled face 35a; or the lever 32a having
an angled face formed directly thereon. Alternative embodiments of
clamping mechanism 32 are shown in FIGS. 10a-c, each of which
includes lever, or levers 32a and angled face 35a. It should be
appreciated that angled face 35a could be substituted with a face
having a different profile, for example a rounded shape, therefore
the form used in angled face 35a should not be seen as being
limiting.
[0111] With reference to FIG. 4 there is shown the boot attachment
system 100 of FIG. 3 wherein first attachment portion 16 clamp
portion 102 engagement regions 35, 36 and 38 are engaged with first
clampable member 24 first angled surface 45a, first clampable
member 24 second angled surface 45b, and second clampable member 26
third angled surface 46. Clamp portion 102 is engaged by levers 32a
being rotated so as to pull arms 32b which in turn pull angled face
35a onto first clampable member 24 first angled surface 45a. As
angled face 35a pulls onto first angled surface 45a, second angled
face 45b and third angled face 46 (neither of which are shown in
FIG. 4) are pulled onto second angled surface 45b and third angled
surface 46. The movement of angled faces 35a, 36a and 38a against
first angled surface 45a, second angled surface 45b and third
angled surface 46 serves to both clamp the first attachment portion
16 to the first clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26
as well as to pull the first clampable member 24 and second
clampable member 26 into the first attachment portion 16.
[0112] With reference to FIGS. 5a-c there is shown a perspective
view of second attachment portion 21 in which first clampable
member 24 is attached to split board 101 second half 14 and second
clampable member 26 is attached to split board 101 first half 12.
First clampable member 24 includes first angled surface 45a and
second angled surface 45b. Below second angled surface 45b is slot
47a which is configured to receive protrusion 47b on second
clampable member 26. When first clampable member 24 is clamped to
second clampable member 26, by first attachment portion 16 clamp
portion 102, protrusion 47b is clamped into slot 47a. In use,
clamping protrusion 47b into slot 47a prevents any shear movement
between first clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26.
In use the protrusion 47b of second clampable member 26 is
positioned at or near the adjoining edge of split board 101 first
half 12 and slot 47a is positioned at or near the adjoining edge of
split board 101 second half 14. Clamping of first clampable member
24 and second clampable member 26 functions to lock the relative
positions of split board 101 first half 12 and second half 14
relative to first attachment portion 16.
[0113] First clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26 are
attached to split board 101 second half 14 and split board 101
first half 12 respectively by way of curved attachment regions 54.
Curved attachment regions 54 allow the angle of the second
attachment portion 21 to be adjusted on the surface of split board
101. The curvature of curved attachment regions 54 provides an axis
of rotation that is orthogonal to the board surface and is located
substantially at the interface between the first clampable member
and the second clampable member, as shown in FIG. 5b. Retainer
plates 50 clamp down onto curved attachment regions 54 by way of
mounting hardware 55a which fasten into board inserts 55b. Slots 51
in retainer plates 50 provide adjustment of the second attachment
portion 21 longitudinally along the length of the split board 101.
This allows the second attachment portion to be positioned at any
point along the line of inserts 55b, as illustrated in FIG. 5c.
[0114] With reference to FIG. 6 there is shown a boot attachment
system 100 which includes a first attachment portion 16 including a
boot binding having a heel end 17a a toe end 17b and a
substantially planar base 17c. First attachment portion 16 includes
clamp portion 102 comprising engagement region 35 having face
engaging portion 35a. Face engaging portion 35a is configured to
engage with third attachment portion 300 first angled surface 66.
The toe end 17b of planar base 17c is configured to engage with toe
block 62 recessed slot 68.
[0115] Third clampable member 300 is attached to split board 101 by
way of bracket 56. Toe block 62 is pivotally attached 58/64 to
bracket 56 so as to provide an axis of rotation substantially
parallel to the base of bracket 56. Toe block 62 recessed slot 68
and clamp receiving portion 66 form a region which can be clamped
by first attachment portion 16 clamp portion 102.
[0116] With reference to FIG. 7 there is shown the boot attachment
system 103 of FIG. 6 in which toe end 17b of planar base 17c is
engaged with toe block 62 recessed slot 68. Clamp portion 102
clamping mechanism 32 is clamped onto toe block 62 by rotation of
levers 32a. Rotating levers 32a results in angled face 35a being
slid longitudinally in a direction along a line from the toe end
17b to the heel end 17a. As angled face 35a pushes into toe block
62 clamp receiving portion 66, the toe end 17b of planar base 17c
is pushed into recessed slot 68. Pivotable attachment 58 is
configured to allow the heel end 17a of the boot binding to be
rotated about the toe end 17b of the boot binding when the boot
binding is clamped to the third attachment portion 300.
[0117] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a latching
device 800 including a first base plate 74 having an upper surface
74a and a lower surface 74b. First flat headed pin 78a protrudes
from the upper surface 74a of first base plate 74. A beam 72 is
pivotably attached to the upper surface 74a of the first base plate
74 so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from
the upper surface 74a of the first base plate 74. Latching device
800 also includes a second base plate 76 having an upper surface
76a and a lower surface 76b. Second flat headed pin 78b projects
from the upper surface 76a of the second base plate 76. Camming pin
80 is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface 76a of the
second base plate 76 and is fixed to lever 82 at the other end.
Beam 72 includes first `T` shaped slot 84a configured to receive
first flat headed pin 78a as beam 72 is rotated over first flat
headed pin 78a. Second `T` shaped slot 84b is configured to receive
second flat headed pin 78b as beam 72 is rotated over second flat
headed pin 78b. Beam 72 also includes an aperture 86 configured to
receive camming pin 80. In use rotating beam 72 engages first flat
headed pin 78a in first `T` shaped slot 84a and second flat headed
pin 78b in second `T` shaped slot 84b. Engagement locks the
relative positions of first base plate 74 and second base plate 76
and therefore also locks together the board halves (not shown) that
the first base plate 74 and second base plate 76 are attached to.
Rotating lever 82 engages camming pin 80 with aperture 86, locking
beam 72 into engagement with first flat headed pin 78a and second
flat headed pin 78b.
[0118] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way
of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and
additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope
thereof as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *