U.S. patent application number 14/707993 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for touring snowboard boot binding.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lane Ekberg. Invention is credited to Lane Ekberg.
Application Number | 20150343297 14/707993 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49042403 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150343297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ekberg; Lane |
December 3, 2015 |
TOURING SNOWBOARD BOOT BINDING
Abstract
A snowboard boot binding directly securing a user in selective
modes to a split ski board device for traversing over snow and ice
covered terrain. The snowboard boot binding includes a boot
mounting base with multiple direct locking features within the base
interacting with mating interfaces on a split ski board touring
binding interfaces. An axle axis system is disclosed which is
connected to the binding boot base offset or adjacent the boot bed
articulating the binding in a walking tour motion on the split ski
board touring device. Transition positions including, a first
touring free heel walk position over separated ski sections, a
second locked heel ride position over joined ski sections, and a
third position wherein the mounting base is not coupled to the
split ski board during mode transition.
Inventors: |
Ekberg; Lane; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ekberg; Lane |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49042403 |
Appl. No.: |
14/707993 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13712781 |
Dec 12, 2012 |
9079094 |
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14707993 |
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12716136 |
Mar 2, 2010 |
8348299 |
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13712781 |
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11247893 |
Oct 7, 2005 |
7681904 |
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12716136 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/618 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/06 20130101; A63C
13/003 20130101; A63C 5/02 20130101; A63C 13/005 20130101; A63C
13/006 20130101; A63C 2203/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/06 20060101
A63C009/06 |
Claims
1. A multiple positional binding for coupling a user's snowboard
boot to a split ski board touring device, the split ski board
touring device configured to traverse over snow and ice covered
terrain, the binding comprising: a mounting base having a portion
of a boot sole to rest directly upon, the mounting base comprising
a first mounting element adjacent the boot bed front portion and
said first mounting element of the mounting base touches at least a
portion of an axle, and, a second mounting element rearward portion
of the mounting base behind the first mounting element; a first
mounting feature engageable with the first mounting element,
wherein the first mounting feature is operable to detachably couple
the mounting base to a first binding interface on the split ski
board touring device and wherein the mounting base is rotatable
about the first mounting feature when the first mounting feature is
engaged with the first mounting element; and the second mounting
feature rearward the first mounting feature is operable to
detachably couple the mounting base to a second mounting element on
the ski touring device; wherein the mounting base is selectively
coupleable to the ski touring device in a plurality of modes
comprising a free heel mode, wherein the first mounting feature is
coupled to the first binding interface and engaged with the first
mounting element and the second mounting feature is detached from
the second binding interface and disengaged from the second
mounting element, and, wherein the mounting base is pivotable about
the first mounting feature and, wherein the first mounting feature
is in the form of a pivot axle wherein a section of the pivot axle
is held in the axle retainer part of the mounting base adjacent the
boot bed or foot bed of the mounting base in the free heel tour
mode, and, a locked heel mode, wherein at least the second mounting
feature restricts pivoting walking movement of the mounting base,
and a transition mode, wherein at least one of the first and second
mounting features are decoupled from ski touring device, and, a
boot bed quick release object, wherein at least one aperture, hole,
or, window in the snowboard binding boot bed mounting base allows
at least one quick release object to pass selectively there through
with the boot sole mounted directly over top positioning the quick
release object between a portion of the boot sole and a portion of
the split ski board touring device.
2. The multiple positional binding of claim 1, wherein the mounting
base is adjacent to two configurable ski sections configurable
between a ride mode and a tour mode, the ride mode maintaining the
two ski sections in a locked parallel configuration wherein the two
ski sections are in close proximity to one another forming a single
general sliding surface establishing the ride mode; and, a touring
mode wherein the two ski sections are unlocked from ride mode to
allow the two ski sections increased parallel distance from each
ski section allowing space between the ski sections establishing
the touring mode, and, allowing the snowboard boot binding base
pivotal walking motion.
3. The multiple positional binding of claim 1, wherein the mounting
base holding the snowboard boot directly comprises at least one
opening in the mounting base surface area to engage at least one of
two available configurable ski section interfaces with the mounting
base realeasably mountable thereon in a ride position of the
positional binding over at least one of the two configurable ski
sections.
4. The multiple positional binding of claim 1, wherein the first
mounting feature comprises a first axle for touring mode and a
second mounting feature coupling the second mounting feature
directly to the mounting base, and a third mounting feature
coupling a third mounting feature directly to the mounting base
wherein the third mounting feature is a separate structure then the
second mounting feature to secure the positional binding to the ski
touring device in a removably coupled manner.
5. The multiple positional binding of claim 1, where in the
mounting base has at least one axle retainer protruding forward off
of the front portion of the mounting base in the toe region,
wherein, the at least one protruding projection holds the at least
one axle wherein the projection is touching the at least one axle
and holding the axle and pivotal axis transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the mounting base.
6. The multiple positional binding of claim 5, wherein the
protruding axle retainer of the mounting base touches the at least
one axle from the axle bottom side with the boot sole directly
adjacent the axle top side with no mounting base material there
between and a portion of the boot sole directly adjacent a portion
of the axle.
7. The multiple positional binding of claim 1, wherein the first
mounting feature and at least the second or a third mounting
feature utilize a quick release locking mechanism that is selected
from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a c-clip, a threaded
screw, a bolt, a hinge, a bend in the axle end, a pin, a spring
loaded mechanism, a lever, an axle, a snapping mechanism, a latch,
a protrusion, a lip, a wall, a rail, at least one curved feature
that is mateably engaged with the first pin, a two pointed pin
system with both points pointed in the same direction to
selectively lock the mounting base to the ski touring device, or a
detent.
8. The multiple positional binding of claim 1, wherein the first
mounting element comprises a touring mode with an axle to rotate
the mounting base over a configurable ski, and, the axle is held in
at least two mounting base axle retainers offset the mounting base
holding either side of the axle, and, a gap between the two axle
retainers, wherein the gap has no mounting base material in the
center region or longitudinal axis area of the mounting base and
the axle maintaining a bridge position between the axle retainers
while in a touring mode wherein the gap faces boot tread directly
or other material.
9. The multiple positional binding of claim 1, a touring snowboard
boot binding comprising; a mounting base to mount the snowboard
boot thereto, said mounting base with a touring mode offering free
heel travel, and, said mounting base with a locked heel mode for a
riding or sliding mode, and, at least two projections facing the
same direction which work with the mounting base to manually
removably couple the mounting base to a configurable ski device in
a manually moving manner, and, said projections are connected to a
quick release mechanism, and, wherein the snowboard boot binding is
adjacent to at least two configurable ski sections, and, wherein
the boot binding is mounted adjacent at least two configurable ski
sections wherein the two ski sections can disconnect a first travel
mode to form a second travel mode of the first and at least second
ski configurable sections.
10. A split ski board device comprising at least two configurable
ski sections supporting a snowboard boot mounting base directly,
device comprising; the at least two configurable ski sections
configurable between a ride mode and a tour mode, the ride mode
maintaining the at least two ski sections in a locked parallel
configuration wherein the at least two ski sections are in close
proximity to one another forming a single general sliding surface
with the mounting base in a locked heel mode establishing the ride
mode, and, a touring mode wherein the at least two skis sections
are unlocked from ride mode to allow the at least two skis sections
increased parallel distance from each other allowing space between
the two skis establishing the touring mode, and, allowing the boot
mounting base a pivotal walking motion tour mode, and, the mounting
base front portion having at least one axle retainer adjacent or
part of the mounting base boot bed and holding the axle transverse
to the longitudinal axis of the mounting base and wherein the axle
retainer holding the axle axis has at least one structure holding
on at least one area of the transverse span of the axle surface at
an axle width greater than 1/8 inch touching the at least one area
of the axle span. wherein a boot is removably coupled directly to
the mounting base.
11. The device of claim 11, wherein the mounting base portion
retaining or touching the axle is mated or adjacent to the axle in
mating, adjasent, or touching shapes from a group consisting of at
least one of the following; curved, square, asymmetric, symmetric,
boot tread, flat, textured, projected, or any form forming a
mating, adjasent, or touching surface for a pin or axle and the
axle allows the mounting base a walking touring mode.
12. The device of claim 11, A split ski board device comprising two
configurable ski sections supporting a snowboard boot mounting
base, device comprising; two configurable ski sections configurable
between a ride mode and a tour mode, ride mode maintaining the two
skis sections in a locked parallel configuration wherein the ski
sections are in close proximity to one another forming a single
general sliding surface establishing the ride mode; and, a touring
mode wherein the two skis sections are unlocked from the ride mode
to allow the two ski sections increased parallel distance from each
ski section allowing space between them establishing the touring
mode, and, allowing the snowboard boot base pivotal walking motion
while the two ski sections are selectively separated, and, a quick
release locking mechanism object which passes up and down through
the top or bottom side of mounting base boot bed allowing a portion
of the locking mechanism to move down through the upside boot sole
facing top portion of the snowboard boot mounting base or sideways
through the side of the snowboard boot mounting base; and, a
touring axle at a position transverse to the longitudinal axis of
the mounting base to provide a free heel walking mode, and, wherein
at least one portion of the mounting base has an aperture, hole, or
window adjacent a mounted boot sole.
13. Device of claim 17, a snowboard boot sole faces a portion of a
locking mechanism directly when the at least one quick release
object is inserted through the boot bed or top portion of the
mounting base.
14. Device of claim 11, wherein the mounting base has at least one
axle retainer adjacent the mounting base boot bed wherein the axle
retainer holding the axle axis has at least one wall running
transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mounting base and
wherein the transverse wall is parallel the touring axis, and
wherein the at least one wall is holding on at least one area of
the transverse span of the axle.
15. Device of claim 11, wherein the touring mode of the mounting
base is independently locked and unlocked from the riding mode heel
lock and unlock with two separate locking mechanisms or movements
engaging the mounting base.
16. A snowboard boot touring binding device comprising, a mounting
base for supporting the boot directly to the said mounting base,
and, the said boot is mounted adjacent to two ski sections and the
said two ski sections configurable to selectively join each other
forming a uniform sliding surface with the boot mounting base
mounted above the selectively joined two ski sections, and, to
selectively separate the two ski sections creating a space between
the two separated ski sections, and, while the two ski sections are
separated the mounting base may articulate in a walking touring
motion, and, wherein the walking touring motion is provided by at
least one axle placed above at least one surface on the top side of
the mounting base adjacent the boot bed or boot sole, and, wherein
a portion of the top side of the mounting base surface area has a
saddle or cradle facing upward an adjacent mounted boot sole with
which the axle is adjacently mounted, and, said axle while
adjacently mounting the saddle cradle like structure provides
articulation of the mounting base about the axle providing a
walking touring motion while removably coupled to a touring
mode.
17. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one quick release
mechanism moves through an aperture, window or hole in mounting
base areas from the group of positions consisting of at least one
of; the top of the mounting base, side of the mounting base, back
of the mounting base, front of the mounting base, middle of the
mounting base, the periphery of the mounting base, bottom of the
mounting base, or the center of the mounting base.
18. The device of claim 18, wherein the quick release mechanism is
from the group consisting of at least one mechanism including a
lever, pin, spring loaded mechanism, a bolt, a mating structure, a
latch, a dual pin structure, a detent, and the like.
19. A split ski board device comprising at least two configurable
ski sections adjacent a boot mounting base directly, device
comprising; the at least two configurable ski sections configurable
between a ride mode and a tour mode, ride mode maintaining the at
least two ski sections in a locked parallel configuration wherein
the two ski sections are in close proximity to one another forming
a single general sliding surface establishing the ride mode; and, a
ski section unlock mode wherein the at least two skis sections are
unlocked from ride mode to allow the at least two skis sections
changed distance from each other allowing space between them
establishing a new position ski section mode, and, the mounting
base holding a boot directly and having at least one axle retainer
on a portion of the mounting base in the toe region and directly
adjacent the mounting base boot bed, and the axle maintaining a
touring pivot walking mode of the mounting base on the ski section
ski board touring device, wherein, the axle in the axle retainer
holds the axle transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mounted
boot. wherein a boot is removably coupled directly to the mounting
base, and, wherein the mounting base which directly supports the
boot is removable coupled to the ski section ski board device.
20. The device of claim 21, wherein the mounting base is from a
group consisting of a boot, a boot sole, boot tread, a boot base,
or a boot mounting base for a boot or foot to rest directly
upon.
21. The device of claim 21, wherein there is a locked heel mode in
the ride mode.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part and claims
benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/716,136 entitled
"MULTIPLE DIRECT LOCK POSITIONS FOR TOURING SKI MOUNTING PLATE" and
filed on Mar. 2, 2010 which claimed priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/247,893 entitled "CONFIGURABLE SNOWSHOE AND
SKI DEVICE" and filed on Oct. 7, 2005, for Lane Ekberg, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to the field of devices that traverse
over snow, ice, and colder climates of the earth in a climbing or
sliding fashion. Namely, boot retention devices otherwise known in
the field as boot bindings, binding plates, mounting plates,
mounting bases, touring snowboard boot bindings, touring ski
bindings, soft shelled boot bindings, approach ski bindings, and
the like and especially those meant for selective free heel touring
and lock heel sliding positions for ski shaped touring devices.
This invention also relates to boot bindings oriented mainly for
soft shelled boots that serve a touring mode with which the user
may move in a walking motion while connected to the device and may
also secondarily connect to a sliding device such as a ski or
touring device like a split ski board device using a snowboard boot
binding. The present invention however could utilize hard-shell
boots in some embodiments. Touring boot binding systems are used
for retaining a boot to a particular device for traversing over
snow and ice covered terrain in a walking fashion. These boot
binding systems need to be very versatile to be selectively placed
on the ski touring device in a touring walking or telemark or
cross-country mode or in an additional mode for lock heel sliding
especially when dealing with snowboard boots. Split-boards and/or
touring snowboards require a touring binding assembly and separate
mounting plate adaptors for attaching all manner of snowboard
bindings to the adaptor plates. The adaptor plates selectively
allow a touring position for a cross-country style ascension mode
and a secondary mode to selectively lock the mounting plate adaptor
position for sliding down hill. The user mounts a separate
snowboard binding assembly and snowboard boot binding base to the
mounting plate assembly which costs a lot and weighs a lot. When
the touring binding base plate adaptor is mounted to the system it
has the selective ability to pivot allowing a walking motion.
Generally the touring pivot position on these systems is located
rearward the toe and under the mounting plate top surface creating
a limited pivot or a weak touring hinge.
[0003] Said prior art also has the ability to accept standard issue
snowboard binding systems using three hole and four hole mounting
disks which are mounted with screws or bolts to the mounting base
creating a sandwich of parts. Additionally, the mounting plate, in
one prior art embodiment may optionally change from a walking pivot
binding position by a quick-release axle located at a toe region on
the base plate adaptor to a fixed non-walking "sliding" position by
simply selectively reconnecting the base plate adaptor at a region
between the heel and toe region of the base plate portion of the
touring binding system in which the touring pivot is stopped.
[0004] The present invention overcomes the prior art by offering a
snowboard boot binding that has a quick-release axle from a
configurable ski touring interface without having to use a separate
adaptor to form a touring mode for the binding. The snowboard boot
binding is the adaptor touring/locked heel interface and the boot
rests directly upon its (configurable ski interface) structures
directly with means to secure the snowboard boot to the said
binding multiple mode interface. The snowboard boot binding
interface in this disclosure is called a mounting plate, mounting
base, binding, and the like.
FIELD
[0005] This invention relates to the field of selective pivot
touring snowboard boot binding systems especially mounting plates,
mounting bases, used on ski systems, split ski and board device
type systems, cross-country ski systems, snowshoe systems,
skiboards, and touring ski/board device systems able to transition
the snowboard boot binding to a variety of ride modes without the
need of an adaptor plate used in the prior art.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0006] Touring skis, split-boards, and touring snowboards in
general have a specific binding plate/base or mounting plate/base
adaptor which is a separate piece from the snowboard binding
assembly and a secondary base plate. These snowboard binding
assemblies may or may not include straps mounted to the base and
the snowboard binding base mounted to the mounting plate adaptor.
If straps are included they typically have ratchets buckles for
adjusting different snowboard boot sizes within the binding
assembly. Skis also have a mounting plate for boots or hard shell
boots. Some manufacturers have binding configurations to accept
soft shelled boots. In some instances strapless systems or even
some strap designs are used for a hands free step-in type
engagement to the device for riding on some ski touring
devices.
[0007] In the current state of the art, snowboard boot mounting
plates for touring skis, touring snowboards, and split-ski/boards
are all limited by cumbersome binding systems which have complex
hardware, a multitude of parts, adaptors, and adaptor interfaces
that take up space, weight, money, and time. Furthermore, the
current state of the art does not provide a snowboard boot binding
that has material removed to reduce the weight of the mounting
plate and make the boot sole visible through a window in the
mounting plate or to move quick release items through the snowboard
boot base or boot bed.
[0008] All current configurable ski touring snowboard boot binding
systems have a complex binding set-up that is heavy, requires an
adapter plate to bolt to, and provides a sandwich of parts which
require a tool to secure the bolts and screws. There lacks a
snowboard boot binding system that can allow selective touring
walking ski pivots wherein the adaptor is part of the device
binding as one unit and universally accepted on a ski, snowshoe,
split-ski/board combination type devices and the like. Some prior
art mounting plates/bases for a boot to rest on consists of a
single pivot axis for walking in a touring mode and it is typically
fixed so that the touring axis mode can never unlock releasing the
binding from the touring position in a quick-release fashion.
However, some touring snowboard boot bindings may be mounted via
bolt or screw to an adaptor plate which has a quick-release touring
axle which releases the adaptor plate. The prior art snowboard
touring systems teach a standard utility which uses a standard 3 or
4 hole disk used in most snowboard binding boot mounting systems.
Furthermore these systems selectively connected to the adaptor
plate with the use of tools and screws/bolts to connect the said
snowboard binding assembly to the mounting plate adaptor. In short,
the prior art snowboard boot touring bindings have not produced a
mounting plate interface that the snowboard boot can be mounted
directly on while connected adjacent to two configurable ski
sections. Furthermore, prior art snowboard boot bindings have not
produced a boot bed with a boot sole window allowing the boot
bottom to be visible through the boot bed when the boot is mounted
to the boot bed or to allow quick release items to pass through the
boot bed window directly.
[0009] There is also a need in the art of winter ski touring and
snowboard touring to provide a touring snowboard boot binding
mounting base single unit which has the ability to connect and
disconnect at the toe region of the snowboard boot binding mounting
base so that the binding mounting base can be separated from the
device and can be reconnected to the device or separate device
between the toe and the heel region of the snowboard boot binding
base "directly" eliminating the need for a separate interfaces or
plates to achieve, free heel walking position, a locked heel
stance, or non-pivotal gliding stance or transition mode. The
snowboard boot binding mounting base/plate could be used on quick
connection interfaces of a snowshoe, ski, snowboard, or
split-ski/board type devices and except soft shelled boots. In
further embodiments, the boot bed or mounting base may be mounted
over two configurable ski sections. The two ski section are
selectively moved to from a joined sliding surface or the two
joined ski sections are selectively separated climbing surface
adjacent an articulating binding mounting base. In further
embodiments a hard shelled boot could also be used in a separate
configuration or embodiment or a strapless step-in system with the
mounting plate design. There is also a need for a touring snowboard
boot binding system mounting base that is very compact, strong, and
light weight. Additionally, a need exists for a binding that is
very sturdy and strong but remains light weight and can be utilized
on split-skiboard, snowboard, touring ski, telemark ski, separate
climbing cleat, or snowshoe or hybrid devices using a boot bed
interface in the form of a snowboard boot mounting base.
[0010] What is also needed is a snowboard boot binding base
boot-bed structure that is selectively connected to the axle pin
axis eliminating the need of snowboard boot binding adaptor plates.
Additionally, torsion stiffness between the rider and the sliding
device is much improved with the pin directly mounted to the
snowboard boot binding mounting base and ski device interface. In
certain embodiments axle pin, mounting base, and boot variations
could be used.
[0011] What is needed is a touring pin retainer to hold the touring
axis and pin offset the front of the boot bed allowing a more
favorable position for the touring snowboard boot binding
articulation. Prior art pivots are further back under the foot bed
creating a less effective pivot point for articulating the touring
snowboard boot binding over configurable ski sections in free heel
touring.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved by
current available touring snowboard boot binding systems and
mounting plates or mounting bases for snowboard boots to be used on
touring skis, split ski boards, snowshoes, and touring snowboards.
The title "Multiple direct touring positions for snowboard boot
binding mounting base" of this application basically is derived
from a broader utility taught herein regarding touring, climbing,
and sliding ski shaped devices with "one" boot binding apparatus
herein disclosed. Said boot binding mounting base having a
universal usefulness in switching climbing and gliding modes in a
plurality of winter devices such as ski shaped devices and hybrid
devices split ski board devices that allow free heel climbing modes
and locked heel sliding modes selectively. In addition, mounting
base boot beds specifically designed for snowboard boots may be
mounted directly over two configurable ski sections in climb and
glide modes is also emphasized as core functions of the invention
overcoming the prior art need to bolt or screw a snowboard boot
binding mounting plate to an adaptor. Accordingly, the present
invention has been developed to provide an apparatus, system, and
method and or devices for overcoming the short comings of the art
including a touring snowboard boot binding mounting base that
attaches snowboard boots to climb and glide ski shaped devices like
touring skis, snowboards, split-ski/boards, snowshoes, and
crampons, with the use of a rigid removable axle axis interface
located in the toe region of the mounting base of the touring
snowboard boot binding providing a touring mode interface making
possible a walking motion when attached to the touring configurable
ski device interface. Additionally, the touring snowboard boot
binding system or boot mounting base may also have mountable means
for touring, sliding, traction, snowshoe, ski, or split ski board
type systems to be applied in separate embodiments to increase
options in uphill free heel climbing traction or downhill locked
heel sliding modes. In one embodiment the selective axle pivot pin
axis position may be located on the front half of the binding base,
middle region of the mounting base, or rear half of the snowboard
boot binding base. In a further embodiment the boot is unable to
slide off the mounting base area because of the use of a boot
retaining system. In another embodiment the mounting base front toe
portion is in a turned upward fashion or has a slight upward bend
or upward structure from the boot bed, or quick release structure
from the boot bed, to further prevent the boot from moving forward
in the mounted position on the mounting base, and or in other
embodiments to aid in securing or accommodating the pivot pin for
the touring walking mode or other quick release objects.
Furthermore, in another embodiment, the said selective touring
snowboard boot mounting base may be configured to accept selective
axle positions located on the mounting base allowing the snowboard
boot to pivot on or connect to a device such as a ski, board,
snowboard, split ski board, or snowshoe or other modes. The boot
mounting base may be placed in a second position interface so the
touring snowboard boot binding cannot walk pivot on items such as a
touring snowboard, split ski/board device, approach ski, or other
lock heel ski device interfaces on free heel climb and locked heel
slide devices in the snow. The snowboard boot mounting base or
plate is able to perform all of the above utility without the use
of complex systems, adaptors, binding plates/bases, parts, tools,
screws, bolts, and the like, etc. These advantages overcome many or
all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the prior art. Most
importantly, these advantages create a boot retaining mounting base
which directly locks and unlocks in quick-release fashion a
downhill sliding locked heel mode position and a secondary
quick-lock and release touring position. The snowboard boot
mounting base has an optional walking mode for touring with an axle
pin anchored to the boot mounting base and a secondary boot
mounting base lock or locks reward the first mode or axle dock.
Additionally the boot mounts directly to the mounting base plate
eliminating the need for a bulky binding adaptor plates/bases of
the prior art. In another embodiment, these advantages create a
locked heel sliding position over two ski sections or a free heel
touring position over opened ski sections. In a further embodiment,
windows in the mounting plate may allow the bottom tread portion of
the boot to be visible through the boot bed of the mounting plate.
In another embodiment the axis is offset the bootbed.
[0013] The current invention, in various embodiments, connects a
snowboard boot bed (mounting plate) directly over two connected ski
sections in a locked heel mode and a free heel mode where the boot
bed pivots when ski sections have been separated. In one embodiment
the device may include a mounting base for a boot to rest upon,
namely a boot mounting base with direct strap connection means on
either side of the boot mounting base for which a resilient strap
can be mounted to the sides of the boot mounting base. In a
separate embodiment the boot mounting base contains flanges or
walls extending from the boot bed of the boot mounting base for the
straps to be mounted. In another embodiment the said snowboard boot
mounting base contains an axle pivot pin retainers and axis portion
offset the front portion of the boot bed for an improved touring
motion of the snowboard binding, and a secondary selective locking
position and locking means rearward the touring region locking area
on the boot mounting base. The secondary lock position rearward the
touring lock position prevents the boot mounting base from moving
while coupled to the device in a locked heel mode. In further
embodiments, rail structures, rib structures, flanges, walls,
windows, and the like can be used to provide structure for the ride
interface transition and in combination with spring loaded
mechanisms, levers, pins, and latches.
[0014] This boot binding system mounting base may be configured to
be used on any winter device that selectively locked heel glides
over snow or free heel climbs over snow from the group consisting
of snowshoes, touring skis, telemark skis, touring snowboards,
split ski boards, snowboards, snowboard boot bindings, and snowshoe
ski hybrid devices. Please note that the boot mounting base can be
referred as mounting plate, binding plate, binding base, mounting
base, or other names that describe the binding boot mounting system
named in this invention. Additionally, boots, snowboard boots, ski
boots and the like can also be referred as the possible footwear to
be mounted directly to the interface.
[0015] In one embodiment the touring boot binding system consisting
of an axle pivot pin portion selectively connected to the snowboard
boot mounting plate ski interface able to lock and unlock from
position on at least one interface mounted on the touring ski or
formed with the touring ski or mounted on a touring split ski
board, or ski other ski shaped devices. Additionally, in a further
embodiment, traction can be removable coupled to the axle pivot pin
in the area on the ski located adjacent the boot of the user when
the boot binding base is locked to a touring board, snowshoe, split
ski board or other ski system. In another embodiment the traction
can be removably coupled adjacent the axle pivot pin or adjacent
the rear half portion of the mounting base.
[0016] In one embodiment traction when detached from a touring ski,
touring snowboard, spilt ski/board or snowshoe device may be
mounted separately to the boot mounting base. Thus, it becomes a
crampon when coupled only with the footwear. In further embodiments
the traction could come from another source other than the riding
device.
[0017] The prior art concepts for a soft shelled boot touring
binding system particularly for snowboard boots all utilize designs
that the user must use a separate snowboard binding base adaptor
piece with holes oriented for attaching snowboard binding base and
3-4 hole disk to be mounted by bolt or screw to the separate
mounting plate adaptor. The said adaptor includes a touring pivot
in the toe region and secondary locking points in the adaptor to
stop the walking tour pivot especially when in a snowboard mode
thus created more weight and manufacturing than is necessary.
Typical split-board bindings in the prior art utilize such
bindings, adaptors, and interfaces. The present invention overcomes
the prior art by providing a snowboard boot mounting plate or base
with a quick release detachable walking mode which includes a
detachable touring axle pivot pin axis directly to the mounting
base binding and device ski interface and a secondary lock position
also located on the boot mounting plate or boot base which is a
locked heel position for a fixed slide mode on a ski touring device
meaning the boot binding cannot pivot while coupled to the ski
shaped device. In one embodiment of the present invention the heel
is locked in a fixed or non-touring mode for sliding on a ski
shaped device like a snowboard, split ski board, or touring ski by
a locking mechanism connected to the ski shaped device that engages
the underside of the boot mounting plate by a locking movement or
mechanism or pin that runs parallel with the a longitudinal
direction on the boot mounting plate or the direction the footwear
or snowboard boot points. Also, on the same boot mounting plate the
touring pivot axle can engage in a transverse position in the boot
mounting plate longitudinal axis and secure it to the touring
configurable ski sections. In a separate embodiment the heel lock
may also run locking movements or fixed mechanisms parallel with
the touring position locking motion.
[0018] In one embodiment the axle pivot pin used for the touring
mode on the mounting plate as well as a locking tool reward the
touring pivot dock on the mounting plate has quick-release and
quick-attaching features allowing it to change position in a quick
easy manner from the touring mode to other modes within the
mounting plate. The axle pivot pin may have, in a separate
embodiment, connective features on the axle to hold axle
permanently or non-permanently in the boot base to facilitate
locking and unlocking the axle pivot pin axis or axes from any
locked mode or travel mode position interface. Exampled features
disclosed herein as examples only are a cotter pin and c-clamp
though a multitude of systems could be used within the spirit of
the invention. The cotter pin offering a quick-release option for
the axle pivot pin. It must be noted that a multitude of options
exist to secure both ends of the axle by features present on both
ends of the axle which prevent the axle from sliding one way or
another from its locked position due to features on at least one
side of the axle pivot pin that secure it to either the mounting
base or the configurable ski section. In a separate embodiment at
least one feature on one side of the axle or axle dock may be
released or moved to allow the axle pivot pin releasing movement
from its docked position on another interface. In another
embodiment the axle pivot pin has been made longer then axles pivot
pins and clevis pins in the prior art to create a longer span of
strength for the rider of the climbing sliding device. In one
embodiment the axle pivot pin ends extend beyond the periphery of
the devices it selectively mounts to. In another embodiment the
axle has been made shorter but is oriented in dimensions that have
suitable strength to facilitate the utility of this named
invention. It is obvious that a multitude of metals could be used
or other materials, bends, axle structures, axle positions, axle
retainers, to construct the axle pin to work in accordance with the
present invention of connecting a boot directly to the riding
device quick release interfaces.
[0019] The boot mounting base design in one embodiment consists of
a boot bed for which the boot sits directly on, two flanges or
walls in the foot bed for resilient straps to be mounted to connect
a boot to the top plane of the foot bed. In further embodiments
flange or wall embodiments could be bolted, screwed, welded, or
riveted and the like to the boot base. In one embodiment the axle
pivot pin locking/docking areas are located adjacent the sole
"plane" of the mounted boot with in at least two ribs, walls,
spring loaded latch, latch, curves, axle mating structures, or rail
structures and the like which support the axle pivot in a locked
state in an interface and the boot mounting base. In separate
embodiments portions of at least one of a wall, rib, flange, or
rail extend from the boot mounting base foot bed. The boot mounting
base has pivot pin locking areas in the toe region of the boot
mounting plate for the walking tour mode and secondary locking
areas and structures rearward the toe pivot for a locked heel mode
or a snowshoe pivotal mode, or even a secondary telemark binding
plate touring position rearward the touring pivot. The axle pivot
pin generally is in a transverse position on the riding device
longitudinal axis and boot mounting base when inserted in both and
locked to interfaces of the split-ski/board, ski, board, snowshoe,
hybrid, binding plate interface. In a further embodiment the boot
mounting base has material removed creating a window or aperture.
This material could be from the boot bed area or adjacent the boot
bed area to form the window. In further embodiments there could be
a series of windows, ribs, beams, window shapes, in the boot bed.
This is advantageous to reduce weight, create boot bed structures,
add locking points or structures, or add simple weight reducing
aesthetics. In an embodiment only one lock feature is used to
couple the boot mounting base in the locked heel mode for downhill
sliding on the ski touring device. In a further embodiment the one
lock feature is reward the touring lock feature wherein the touring
lock feature is left unlocked while a different lock feature reward
the touring lock feature is locked. In another embodiment windows
are placed in between a first and second locking feature of the
mounting base.
[0020] The boot mounting base in one embodiment has at least three
separate lock points regions provided across the boot mounting
plate with at least two or three selectively providing a locked
heel sliding mode. In further embodiments the touring mode position
can remain in a the first touring position axle axis with the boot
mounting plate able to selectively use a secondary lock interface
to form lock heel mode without having to move the boot mounting
plate out of touring mode. In a further embodiment at least one
lock region comprises two lock features to facilitate locking the
one region. The first interface region is a touring mode interface,
the second interface region is a touring mode or lock heel mode
interface region reward the touring mode region towards the mid
plate, and the third interface region is reward the mid region of
the boot mounting plate. The locking points could be moved to
facilitate other designs without leaving the spirit of a three
interface region boot mounting plate in one embodiment or more
embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] In another embodiment the touring snowboard boot mounting
base has a touring pin or axis over at least one top portion of the
mounting base surface mounted adjacent the boot bed wherein the top
portion of the mounting base is facing upward and is directly
adjacent the boot sole which is facing downward. Touring pin
positions in the prior art have been below the boot bed on the
downward facing side of the mounting base with a snowboard boot
binding mounting plate mounted on top of the mounting base with
screws or bolts. In another embodiment the touring pin is held in
curved structures offset the front of the boot bed in the toe
region. This position is highly advantageous because it allows a
wider range of articulation of the mounting base in the touring
mode. In another embodiment the curved structures holding the
touring pin could be in the form of a rib type structure, a saddle,
a retainer, a cylinder, and the lick. Prior art mounting bases with
snowboard boot binding plates mounted thereon have touring pin
positions further back and further below the boot bed which causes
less of a pivotal range of the mounted boot.
[0022] In further embodiments the snowboard boot mounting base has
at least one structure moving directly through its surface area to
provide a quick release action. Many objects could be used
including pins, levers, spring loaded devices, two pins pointing in
the same direction to lock a portion of the mounting base, two pins
pointing from different directions to lock the mounting base,
bolts, screws straps, step-in systems, crampon interfaces, a lock
to lock the ski sections and the mounting base at the same time,
etc.
[0023] In one embodiment or several embodiments and in accordance
with the present invention the ski touring device is a climb and
slide hybrid device or split ski board that has at least two
disconnecting ski sections that move in and out of a uniform
sliding mode to a touring mode or climbing mode. For the climbing
mode the two ski sections have been placed in a new position where
they have been moved apart and separated to be used as climbing
tools or walking tools in the snow while the boot binding base can
articulate in a walking motion. This is done by unlocking the two
ski sections of the touring device using ski section locks so that
the two ski sections can no longer be spanned by the snowboard boot
binding in the locked heel sliding "ride" mode and the snowboard
boot binding is now in a free heel "tour" walking mode with the ski
sections separated. When touring mode is complete and sliding mode
is needed the two ski sections can be selectively moved together
again (and joined) with the snowboard boot binding spanning the two
ski sections forming a more uniform sliding surface. In further
embodiments traction can be placed on the said snowboard boot
binding or the said touring ski device or ski sections. In another
embodiment the boot binding base can disconnect from the riding
device to form an alternate climbing or sliding mode. The snowboard
boot binding base in one embodiment or more embodiments may have a
window, an aperture, a flange, an axle/pin, an interface, a cleat,
a bolt, a rivet, a weld, a wall, an edge, a hole, a square window,
a girder, a box girder, a pin/axle interface, lever, in its mid
region, in the toe region, at the side region, strap mounts, metal,
plastic, carbon fiber, wood, resin, and any other structure to
facilitate the invention on climb and glide devices and interfaces
in accordance with the present invention. It would be obvious to
one skilled in the art to add technology including prior art
step-in technology, new step-in technology, strap technology, metal
technology, plastic technology, streamlined manufacturing, milling
technology, die casting technology, axle retainers technology, or
the like to embodiments of the present invention without leaving
its sprit of innovation of providing a mounting base for a
snowboard boot to rest "directly" on without relying on bolting or
screwing on a secondary snowboard binding plate with straps found
in the prior art. The direct boot to binding interface described
herein overcomes the previous drawbacks found in the prior art of
touring snowboard boot bindings.
[0024] The component references used to describe the utility like
cotter pins, bolts, screws, and the like are used as a model to
teach the utility of the invention. Other references for
configurable ski include ski section, split ski, split board, split
ski board, splitboard, and the like. It is obvious that a multitude
of components could be used outside of the defining props to teach
and to facilitate multiple direct snowboard boot binding mounting
and interface lock positions for a touring snowboard boot mounting
base with a configurable ski.
[0025] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages may be realized with the present invention
should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather,
language referring to the features and advantages is understood to
mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic
described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least
one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the
features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this
specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same
embodiment.
[0026] Furthermore, the described features, and advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more
of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment.
In other instances, additional features or advantages may be
recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all
embodiments of the invention.
[0027] These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention as
set forth hereunder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In order that the advantages of the invention will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating the boot
binding mounting plate with direct locking zones for, free heel
skiing, locked heel skiing, snowshoeing, touring snowboarding, and
split-ski boarding with walls, flanges, girders, axle pin docks,
and the like in accordance with the present invention
[0030] FIG. 2a is a top perspective view illustrating the boot
binding mounting plate prior art requiring a snowboard boot binding
plate to be mounted to the mounting base and the touring pivot
behind the front of the binding and underneath the mounting plate
top surface.
[0031] FIG. 2b is a top perspective view of a boot mounted directly
to the mounting base and the touring pivot structure in front of
the boot bed in accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2c is a prior art front prospective illustration of a
mounting base in the prior art utilizing a pivot pin transversely
through the plane of a thin wall with a separate boot binding base
plate connected via bolts or screws over the top of the pin and
mounting base.
[0033] FIG. 2d is a top perspective view of the mounting base
including a touring pin mount position at the front portion of the
boot binding with the pin hinge having placement at a more forward
location with the hinge support having substantial material width
to support the pin in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3a is a side perspective view illustrating the boot
binding mounting base and direct locking zones for, free heel
skiing, locked heel skiing, touring snowboarding, snowshoeing, and
split-ski/boarding in accordance with the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 3b is a prior art illustration of a top plan view of
the touring pin position reward the front portion boot bed with one
pivot pin pointing in a single direction.
[0036] FIG. 3c is a top plan view of at least two axle pins
pointing in the same direction working together to secure the
binding in a removably coupling mode in accordance with the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of the binding boot
mounting base system and in accordance with the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 4B is a view of a prior art mounting plate adaptor with
connective features for mounting a secondary mounting plate and
snowboard boot binding assembly and necessary hardware.
[0039] FIG. 4c is a top perspective view of a prior art snowboard
boot binding plate mounting base and a touring position reward the
front underneath portion of the mounting base.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating an embodiment of the
boot binding mounting plate and multiple quick-locking
quick-release components for locked heel and free heel climbing
modes supported by structures in accordance with the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a quick-attaching
and quick-releasing mounting plate boot binding with a touring mode
and a secondary locked heel mode for use on a snowshoe, touring
ski, split ski/board, or a snowboard able to lock directly to the
interface with the positional and quick-release pivot pin axle and
or a secondary locking elements.
[0042] FIG. 7A depicts various views illustrating the mounting
plate and quick-release coupling system and at least two mounting
plate locking positions, removably coupled cleat/traction, on a ski
shaped riding device in accordance with the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 7B is a top plan view illustrating the mounting plate
with rail structures or flange structures which support the axle
pivot pin especially in the toe region in accordance with the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 7C is a top perspective view of an illustration of a
prior art mounting base for a snowboard boot binding mounting plate
to attach thereto via bolts/screws with a single action clamping
system.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view illustrating a climbing
ski/hybrid or split ski/board with two detachable ski sections,
snowboard boot binding, and a touring axle pivot pin and boot
mounting plate binding assembly and secondary locking heel lock for
sliding mode when ski sections are joined and locked.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view illustration of boot
mounting devices on snowboard boot binding plate with an axle pivot
mode on the plate mounted to a split ski/board with secondary
locking heel modes and said snowboard boot binding mounted directly
over the split ski sections in accordance with the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a bottom view of the binding
plate and quick-release axle pivot pin which extends beyond the
periphery of the mounting plate surface with the two ends having
locking features directly in the design of the axle pivot pin
surface area as well as a box girder or frame in accordance with
the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 11 is a side view illustration an embodiment of a
binding mounting plate axle pivot pin direct locking points and
structures below the plane of the boot sole and in accordance with
the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 12 is a side view illustration an embodiment of a
binding mounting plate axle pivot pin direct locking points and
structures extending below the plane of the boot bed and locking
points across the plate in accordance with the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 13A is a top plan view illustrating a mounting base
working with utility from the group consisting of two configurable
ski sections, an ideal touring position, and quick release items
moving through a portion of the mounting base including the
snowboard boot foot bed in one embodiment in accordance with the
present invention.
[0051] FIG. 13B is an illustration of a removable quick-release
pivot axle pivot pin with axle pivot pin locking points (apertures,
holes, or grooves) on either side of the axle pivot pin together
with a touring ski binding interface assembly.
[0052] FIG. 14A is one embodiment illustrating boot bed positions,
rail, positions, flange or wall positions, and structures for a
mounting plate binding with a snow repellant guard piece in
accordance with the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 14B is a top perspective view of the selective touring
boot mounting base with windows or apertures in the boot bed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 14C is a side perspective view of the selective touring
mounting plate with straps connected to the mounting plate and a
separate embodiment of the boot bed position in the front half of
the boot mounting plate.
[0055] FIG. 15 is a side plan view illustrating a prior art
position of a boot sole unable to make direct contact with the
pivot pin.
[0056] FIG. 16 is one embodiment illustrating an axle pivot pin
able to make direct contact the pivot pin or face the pin directly
from within the boot bed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0057] FIG. 17 is illustrating an axle pivot pin which faces the
boot directly while being held in a top portion of the mounting
base.
[0058] FIG. 18 is an embodiment illustrating the boot mounting
plate binding connected to a snowshoe/ski hybrid touring mode in
accordance with the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 19 illustrates the mounting plate binding in free heel
mode in accordance with the present invention
[0060] FIG. 20 illustrates side view of an embodiment of the boot
mounting plate with recessing traction in accordance with the
present invention.
[0061] FIG. 21 illustrates side view of an embodiment of the boot
mounting plate with recessed traction in accordance with the
present invention.
[0062] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the
multiple locking points for free heel and locked heel travel modes
including a box girder structure for supporting the locking
structures on the bottom side of the boot mounting plate in
accordance with the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 23 is a top perspective view illustrating a selective
touring ski device with the boot mounting plate binding attached in
locked heel position in accordance with the present invention. The
touring mode on the boot mounting plate binding is also shown
"unlocked" in the illustration.
[0064] FIG. 24 is a top plan view illustrating a snowboard with an
interface equipped to except the boot mounting plate binding in a
locked heel configuration in accordance with the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the boot mounting plate, axle
pivot pin, and boot mounting assembly in accordance with the
present invention.
[0066] FIG. 26 is a bottom plan view of the boot mounting
plate/base, releasable axle axis, detachable traction, and two
touring modes and a locked heel mode in accordance with the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 27a is a top plan view of the boot mounting plate/base,
releasable axle axis, detachable traction, and two touring modes
and a locked heel mode in accordance with the present invention
[0068] FIG. 27b is a top plane view of a prior art snowboard boot
binding mount base preventing the snowboard boot direct contact
with the mounting base because of the second needed piece being
snowboard boot binding plate to be mounted to the mounting
base.
[0069] FIG. 27c is a top plane view of the mounting base allowing a
snowboard boot direct mounted contact with the mounting base and a
quick release item that can move through the bootbed in accordance
with the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of a split ski/board device with
two ski sections separated in touring mode and boot mounting plate
in touring mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of a split ski/board device
with two ski sections in ski mode in and boot mounting plate
mounted above the ski sections in accordance with the present
invention.
[0072] FIG. 30A is a top plan view of a split ski/board device with
two ski sections out in touring mode and boot mounting plate in
touring mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 30B is another top plan view of a split ski/board
device with two ski sections out in touring mode and boot mounting
plate in touring mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of a split ski board device
with two ski sections out in touring mode and mounting plate in
touring mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 32 is a top plan view of ski sections selectively
locked in ski mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 33A is a ski shaped device.
[0077] FIG. 33B is a ski shaped device able to move itself into
multiple split ski device sections in accordance with the present
invention.
[0078] FIG. 34 is a flow chart illustrating a climb and slide
device with two ski sections moving in and out of tour mode and ski
mode in accordance with the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 35a is a top plan view illustrating the mounting base
integrated into the sole of a boot constituting a mounting base for
securing a boot to modes of locked heel and free heel travel.
[0080] FIG. 35b is a bottom perspective view illustrating a
snowboard boot with a mounting base integrated into the sole of the
snowboard boot.
[0081] FIG. 35c is a side perspective view of a step-in snowboard
boot mounting base.
[0082] FIG. 36 is a snowboard boot with amounting base in the sole
of the boot.
[0083] FIG. 37 is a snowboard boot with amounting base in the sole
of the boot.
[0084] FIG. 38 is a snowboard boot with amounting base in the sole
of the boot.
[0085] FIG. 39 is a snowboard boot with amounting base in the sole
of the boot mounted to a ski touring device.
[0086] FIG. 40 is a snowboard boot with amounting base in the sole
of the boot.
[0087] FIG. 41 is a snowboard boot mounting base plan showing the
boot sole resting directly to the base in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0088] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention. Thus, appearances of phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
[0089] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics, of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the art will
recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one
or more of the specific details, or with other methods components,
materials, and so forth. In other instances, well known structures,
materials, or operations are not shown or describe in detail to
avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0090] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a mounting plate 90A
with a touring mode section 60 at the toe region of the boot
mounting plate 90A which accepts the detachable quick attaching
axle pivot pin axis 61 at hole 63 and allows the boot mounting
plate 90A to attach to the top surface of a skiing device interface
(not shown) and detach from that location from the skiing device.
The boot mounting plate 90A also has at least one secondary locking
feature 59, 40, and 70 behind the touring 63 axle pivot pin axis 61
location. This second locking feature 59, 40, and 70, may be in the
form of an axle pivot pin 61 which the ski touring device interface
(not shown) and the boot mounting plate 90A in a transverse
position 115 through the boot mounting plate 90 longitudinal axis.
In another embodiment a secondary locking feature moves in a back
and forth motion through heel lock feature 70 in wherein the motion
is parallel or longitudinal to the side of the boot mounting plate
90A. In another embodiment the touring mode axis 63 allows the axle
pivot pin 61 to reside in the boot mounting plate 90A so it is
visible while residing in the mounting plate boot bed top side or
adjacent the boot bed while the binding is top side up.
[0091] The boot mounting plate 90A contains a boot bed surface 101
and 130 for the snowboard boot to rest directly upon when coupled
to the boot mounting plate 90A. In one embodiment Surface 126 and
125 are positioned below the surface 101 of the boot mounting base
90A allowing the locking components movement below surface 101 and
130. In a further 90A embodiment the touring axel pin retainer 115
axis is offset the boot bed 130 front position with structures 60
to retain the pin 61 or 1002 (not shown) and at the same time the
mounting base 90A has at least one upward facing mounting base
surface facing the downward pin face with no mounting base
structure above the pin opposite the downward pin face. In other
words in one embodiment the touring pin and or axis is held in an
open cradle allowing the boot sole direct contact to the touring
pin or to face the touring pin directly in at least one touring
mode. The pivot pin 61 (not shown) in one embodiment is positioned
above the base structure of the mounting plate 90A and adjacent the
boot sole and facing the boot sole directly while the bottom side
of the pin 61 faces the mounting base 90A. Touring axis pin dock 63
is located on structures protruding from the boot bed 101. This
offset pin 61 and axis 115 position from the boot bed 101 provides
an enhanced articulation of the mounting base 90A not found in the
prior art. Wall or rail structures 110 are also positioned below
the boot bed surface 101 and or boot sole bottom plane (not shown)
allowing the locking mechanism support means in one or more of the
preferred embodiments 63, 59, 40, and 70 for a quick-release and
quick-attaching locked heel mode with portions to be situated
underneath the boot bed 101. It must be noted that the touring mode
60 may have axle pivot pin 61 in holes 63 to lock the front half
boot mounting plate 90 portion to a riding device locking interface
(not shown) and at the same time have at least one secondary
locking feature in an area of the boot mounting plate portion 140
and the secondary locking structures on the boot mounting plate 90A
are supported rails 110 preventing a walking motion. This locked
heel slide mode is contained in an area 140 and is advantageous
when descending on a ski device such as a ski or joined sections of
a split ski/board especially in a steep alpine setting. In one
embodiment wall or rail structures 110 comprise of a pair of side
walls running parallel under the foot bed top surface 101 "plane"
of the boot mounting plate 90A. Features contained within the walls
110 constitute locking features to hold the boot mounting plate 90
to a separate removeably coupling locking interface for a free heel
or locked heel mode. It would be obvious for one skilled in the art
in light of the present disclosure to attempt a separate embodiment
of locking structures on the underside of the boot mounting plate
90A under the foot bed 101 plane or boot sole plane or adjacent the
plane or above the bootbed plane in combination with a touring
pivot mode 63 that is detachable and carry out an important aspect
of the invention. It would be equally obvious to attempt a separate
embodiment of locking structures on the topside of the mounting
plate 90A adjacent, offset, or on the foot bed 101 and adjacent the
mounted boot sole. The present invention provides a mounting plate
90A allowing the snowboard boot direct mount ability to the
mounting base/plate 90A.
[0092] In one embodiment the snowboard boot mounting plate 90A side
portion wall 115 includes boot attachment means with holes 24
whereby hardware such as bolts and screws or rivets (not shown) can
couple at least "one" of the straps 12 and 31 or strap
connections/walls to the boot mounting plate 90A, though other boot
mounting devices or systems could be used such as step-in systems
or other yet to be invented systems. Secondary lock features 59,
40, and 70 are preferred embodiments though other embodiments may
be used to lock a rear portion of the touring mounting plate below
the boot bed creating a locked heel mode when the free heel touring
mode is not desired simply by quick release and quick attaching
means. In a separate embodiment locking features 59, 40, and 70
could be supported above the boot bed plane. The boot mounting
plate 90A is preferably constructed in metals including aluminum
but may be made in materials suitable for colder climates including
thermo set plastics, resins, wood, poly carbonate, carbon fiber,
steel, and the like, etc.
[0093] FIG. 2a is a top plan view of the mounting base 212 found in
the prior art. This mounting base 212 has mounting holes 213 for
mounting a snowboard boot binding mounting plate (not shown). The
touring axis 102 for a touring pin (not shown) is shown rearward
the front portion of the mounting base 212. This prior art mounting
plate 212 has several disadvantages including weight, function, and
the requirement to add an additional mounting plate to the mounting
base 212.
[0094] FIG. 2b is a top plan view of the present invention
illustrating the mounting base 201 which allows the snowboard boot
sole 202 direct contact to the mounting base 201 when it is mounted
by boot mounting means (not shown). The mounting base 201 has a
touring position 1002 axis which a touring pin resides for
articulating the mounting base 201 on a split board device. The
touring pin axis 1002 is offset the boot bed 202 by way of curved
structures 1704 which maintain the touring axis containing a
touring pin which is cradled in 1704. This is a major improvement
of previous splitboard bindings or snowboard boot touring bindings
because of its utilization of an single touring interface snowboard
binding combination eliminating the need for a mounting base and
bolting a second mounting plate and straps creating a deep sandwich
of parts and weight.
[0095] FIG. 2c is a front cross sectional view illustrating of a
prior art method of providing a mounting base 212 for connection to
a riding touring device (not shown). Also shown is a screw 214 hole
213 for attaching a snowboard boot mount plate 211 to the top side
of the mounting base 212. The snowboard boot 202 then rests
directly upon the snowboard boot binding mounting plate 211.
Touring axle 216 is shown under the top surface of the mounting
base 212 and cradled in a thin wall 217 of the mounting base 212
bottom surface.
[0096] FIG. 2d is a top plan view of one embodiment of a direct
snowboard boot mount binding interface "mounting base" including a
boot bed for a snowboard boot to sit upon 202 and a touring
position 1704 offset the boot bed 202 in the form of a curved 1705
axle or touring pin retainer 1002. The touring pin retainer being
wider than the thin wall retainer 217 of the prior art described in
FIG. 2c and its accompanying drawing.
[0097] FIG. 3a is the snowboard boot mounting plate binding
assembly 20 which comprises multiple binding travel modes including
a free heel ski touring mode (walking mode) 60 similar to
cross-country skiing mode with the binding mounting plate 90C able
to pivot about an axis made possible by axle pivot pin 61 in a
walking motion integrated in the boot bed or adjacent the boot bed.
Pivot axle 61 is detachable in a quick release manner from its
position in the touring mode 60 when connected to a separate
touring ski interface and able to selectively reattach in a quick
manner to hole 59 forming a locked heel binding configuration when
reattached to a locked heel interface connected to a sliding device
such as a split-able ski device. In a separate embodiment the
device may be a split board ski 72 (FIG. 6) and allow pivot axis 59
to rotate the mounting plate 90C through the plane of the ski (not
shown). If there is no opening through the device for the mounting
plate 90C to rotate through when pivot axis 59 is used then the
binding plate 90C will remain locked in a fixed lock heel mode
because the mounting plate cannot rotate. When touring is again
desired the axle pivot pin 61 is reentered through holes 63 and
walls on the riding device binding interface (example. FIG. 32). In
one embodiment the axle pivot pin 61 is selectively locked in place
with locking features 27 on both sides of the axle pivot pin 61
which could include a cotter pin 23 and the c-clamp 69. In other
embodiments the locking features of the axle pivot pin 60 could be
changed but the spirit of the utility would remain the same of
selectively securing the quick release axle from a ski touring
device. Axle pivot pins in the prior art were placed under the foot
bed attached to two thin walls. Pivot axle pin 61 is held offset
the boot bed for better articulation of the mounting base on a
split ski board device. In other embodiments the axle axis 61 or
locking pin 56 may be fully surrounded by mounting plate 90C
material so that its end is hidden when in a locked or unlocked
mode or manufactured state. For example, locking pin 56 has metal
locking axles or pins that are inside the manufactured piece of 56.
It would be obvious for one skilled in the art to also place axle
pin 61 in a similar fixed state within the binding mounting plate
or skiing device interface to facilitate the invention without
leaving its scope.
[0098] The locking mechanisms on the mounting plate 90C are unique
from the prior art in that they lock the boot mounting plate 90C in
two selective places in quick release quick attach fashion to
winter climbing and sliding devices. The first is the touring pivot
mode 60 in which the axle pivot pin 61 enters the boot binding
plate 90C and device interface (not shown) 90C perpendicular motion
15 to the direction footwear/boot will point on the boot mounting
plate 90C forming a transverse situation. In other words the pivot
axle pin 61 inters the side of the binding and reappears on the
other side allowing the cotter pin 23 to be inserted into cotter
hole 22 in the releasable axle 61 outside the periphery of the boot
mounting plate 90C holding the mounting plate 90C firmly in
position with the ski touring flanged interface. On other portions
of the boot mounting plate 90C secondary lock positions 59, 70, and
40 are located to facilitate a locked heel travel mode and work
together with namely ski shaped devices in combination with the
accessibility to the optional touring climbing mode. In a separate
embodiment heel lock 56 is mounted to a ski device and enters the
boot binding plate 90C in a longitudinal motion parallel to the
direction the footwear will be pointed when mounted to the boot
mounting plate 90C.
[0099] Thus the boot mounting plate 90C has the ability to directly
attach to a touring interface for a walking motion. When another
travel mode is desired the mounting plate 90C and axle pivot pin 61
can be repositioned directly to a separate locking interface. This
second position of the boot mounting plate 90C prevents the binding
from pivoting especially when skiing or splitboarding downhill. At
the same time the mounting plate 90C has a snowboard boot mounting
directly to its top surface in accordance with the present
invention. In a further embodiment the mounting plate 90C is
mounted adjacent to two configurable ski sections.
[0100] The boot mounting plate 90C includes holes 24 on the sides
of the boot mounting plate 90 for securing namely soft shelled
boots including snowboard boots. The mounting plate 90C in a
separate embodiment may include a strap section 12 which holds the
front half of the boot and a second strap section 31 that holds the
rear half of boot. A heel piece 11 connected to the back half of
the boot mounting plate 90C with high back 16 may also be included
to offer more support to the rider. In a separate embodiment the
boot mounting plate 90C may be configured as a strap-less step-in
system with the same innovative features contained in the boot
mounting plate 90 in accordance with the present invention. The
mounting plate 90C has the ability to place locking pins above and
below the plane of the boot bed or in curved shaped cradles to hold
it adjacent the boot bed or the boot sole.
[0101] FIG. 3b is a top view of the prior mounting base 212 showing
the touring position behind the front of the mounting base front
edge.
[0102] FIG. 3c is a top plan view of the touring position 115
offset the front edge of the boot bed of the mounting base 201. In
one embodiment the front half portion of the mounting base 201 may
include at least two locking pins 61 pointed in the same direction
to secure the mounting base to a touring mode 21. In another
embodiment the mounting base may include at least two locking pin
features 56 in the rear half portion of the mounting base 201. In
another embodiment the mounting base 201 may have a pin retainer 60
offset the front of the mounting base 201 front.
[0103] FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of the mounting plate 90D
illustrating a touring pivot 63 in the touring region 60 wherein
the axle pivot rod 61 (not shown) can removably couple the touring
mode 60 axle pivot pin 61 and releasing the boot mounting plate 90
D from a riding device interface. Pivot 59 may also offer a
secondary locking region for the axle pivot pin 61 to be placed
preventing the boot mounting plate 90D from pivoting in a walking
motion in one embodiment. In a separate embodiment the pivot 59 can
pivot the boot mounting plate 90D in a snowshoe style pivot or in a
limited pivot before the touring region 60 makes contact with a
second surface similar to telemark style pivoting. Further locking
means in the heel region 70 can also be utilized for a secondary or
third locking area in the boot mounting plate 90D. Thus from
regions heel to toe the mounting plate can be selectively locked
and unlocked in a quick-release quick-attaching manner whether for
touring or for lock heel travel modes. Boot bed 101 allows a boot
to rest upon its top surface. Walls 110 extend from the foot bed
for supporting secondary locking means 70 and 59. The snowboard
boot sole able to mount directly to the top side of the mounting
plate 90D. In one embodiment mounting plate 90D is one solid piece
and in other embodiments it is constructed from separate parts. The
touring pivot 63 is offset the boot bed for enhanced articulation
of the boot mounting plate 90C. In a further embodiment the
mounting base 90D could be integrated into a snowboard boot
sole.
[0104] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a prior art binding
assembly in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324. This assembly includes a
separate mounting plate interface pieces 40, 39 system with a
touring mode axle hole 41 for a clevis pin pivot rod. Separate
mounting bolts and screws 44s 44w and 44n which need a separate
screw drew driver or wrench to attach snow board mounting plate 32
to the top 39 and 39 attaches to mounting base 40. Disk 31 is
sandwiched onto the top side of the snowboard binding base 33a. It
is obvious that the prior art requires many components, pieces,
plates, hardware, to carry out a touring mode and a locked hill
mode. Mounting plate 90A, B, C, D in FIGS. 1-3 and 4A reduce the
amount of parts needed to carry out a snowboard touring binding
system. Additionally, mounting plate 90D in FIG. 4A when connected
to its quick-attaching interface is actually sturdier than the
prior art suggested in 4B. 4A offers better performance when
attached to the riding device including a snowboard because of its
lower connected profile and the snowboard boot directly attached to
the interface itself. 4A is also much lighter because of few parts
which is a necessary advantage when touring the back country. Boot
mounting plate 90C overcomes all disadvantages of the prior
art.
[0105] FIG. 4c shows a top plan view of a prior art design in (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,984,324) boot mounting base 212a for securing a
snowboard boot binding base plate (not shown) with screw holes 39
to mount the snowboard binding base plate to the mounting base
212a. The problem with this design is its inability to directly
connect the snowboard boot sole directly to 212b because of the
requirement of an additional snowboard binding plate thus adding
weight and expense. Axle pin hole 41 in the design is located on a
thin wall of the mounting base and reward the front of the mounting
base so that the pin is entirely tucked under the mounting base
with the exception of two ends protruding the outer periphery of
the mounting base. The problematic result of the design is the
clearance of space between the boot sole parked on a separate base
from the touring pin axis located entirely under the mounting plate
in a separate base. Additionally, the mounting base 212a for
mounting a snowboard boot binding plate prevents the ability to
mount a snowboard boot directly to the mounting base 2012a because
of the need to first mount a snowboard boot binding plate which
provides boot connection means in accordance with the prior art of
mounting snowboard boots over two separate ski parts that
selectively form a uniform sliding surface for gliding over the
snow. Touring position 45 is shown with thin walled construction
limiting strength and durability. Additionally the pivot location
41 rearward the front of the binding causes the articulation of the
binding to be limited in the pivot range. The present invention
over comes this by placing the pivot offset the front of the boot
bed increasing the pivotal range of the mounting base in the
walking motion.
[0106] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the
boot mounting base 90E in accordance with the present invention.
The boot mounting base 90E is shown with a box support girder or
frame type structure 195 with at least two side walls 110 and
perpendicular structure 112 connected to the bottom of the mounting
base 90E at surface 101. This structure makes up a box or frame
type girder for supporting locking structures to prevent the boot
mounting base 90E from making a free heel touring movement. This is
called a locked heel position especially for descending snow
covered slopes on a skiing device. Locking structures in one or
more of the disclosed embodiments may be carried out in regards to
locking features 40, 70, and 77. One or more of these locking
regions could be utilized. It must be noted that other locking
means and interfaces could be utilized in carrying out the
invention without leaving its scope. The snowboard boot attaching
directly to the mounting base 90E. In one embodiment the mounting
base 90E my utilize at least one locking mechanism which has two
pin structures 75 pointing in the same direction to lock a travel
mode of the said mounting base 90E. In another embodiment lever 72
is used to lock and unlock a travel mode directly through the
mounting base 90E. In a further embodiment the mounting base 90E is
mounted over a two section configurable touring ski and wherein the
mounting base 90E may be secured to the two ski sections (not
shown) with lever 75. See FIGS. 8, 9, 30-32.
[0107] The axle pivot pin 61 is shown in several possible docking
locked locations including 63, and 59. It may also, in a separate
embodiment selectively dock and lock into 40 to lock to the rear
half of the boot mounting base 90E. In one embodiment quick-release
and quick attaching components allowing the mounting base 90E the
ability to move on and off a touring ski device or splitboard
device. The axle pivot pin 61 of the boot mounting plate 90E is in
a transverse span in the mounting base 90E. Furthermore the
structures or shapes at either end of the axle pivot pin 61
including the axle pivot pin 61 itself could prevent the axle from
falling out of its locked positions on the configurable ski touring
device or split ski/board. The axle pivot pin 61 is unique in
comparison to the prior art wherein it transversely spans the full
length of the boot mounting base 90E snowboard binding base so much
so that it's two outer edges extend the periphery of the boot
mounting base 90E cradles in two areas when the axle pivot pin 61
is docked and locked to the ski touring device. The longer axle
pivot pin 61 construction offers a more robust touring pivot
providing more turn response when a rider is connected to the
mounting base 90E riding a ski device. The axle pivot pin 61 in a
preferred embodiment is made of metal though any rigid material
could carry out the invention in regards to an improved touring
pivot axle pin as disclosed herein. In further embodiments
windows/apertures are present within the boot mounting base 195 to
reduce weight as well as move objects vertically through the boot
bed. The mounting base 90E in another embodiment can be selectively
mounted over two configurable ski sections or selectively released
from the two ski sections. The said ski sections form climb and
glide travel modes (not shown). (See FIGS. 7a, 7b, 27).
[0108] FIG. 6 is an illustration of perspective views of the boot
mounting base 90 and its ability to optionally and selectively
connect in a quick-release and quick attaching manner to a "hike or
glide" group consisting of a ski 100, a snowboard 200, a snowshoe
300, a touring ski hybrid 400 or split ski/board 400 by using the
axle pivot pin 61. In one embodiment the axle pivot pin 61 is used
as quick release touring bracket. In one embodiment a riding device
may consists of climbing and sliding mounting plate positions on
one device with the boot attached directly to the mounting base 90.
In other words the pivot axle pin 61 can be removed from one
location climbing mode or travel mode on the device releasing the
boot mounting base 90 or 20 and then the boot mounting base 90 is
placed in a second position and connected to the same device or
separate device for a secondary different travel mode such as
sliding or touring or snowshoeing.
[0109] The snowboard mounting base 61 interface 33 is mounted to
the snowboard 200 with screws, bolts or rivets or other means. The
axle pivot pin 61 docking areas 96 lock the mounting plate 61 to
the interface 33b in a snowboarding locked heel mode. Axle pivot
pin 61 uses position 59 on the mounting base 90 and can be lined up
to docking areas 96 on the snowboard 200 mounting base 90 interface
33b and the axle pivot pin 61 is pushed into place through both the
mounting base 90 lock position 59 and docking areas 96 in the
interface 86. The ski 100 has mounting areas for the mounting base
90 in walls 86 and axle pin 61 docking areas 64 on the walls 86.
The mounting base 90 can be attached with its touring axle pivot
pin 61 at position 63 with the pivot pin 61 forming a free heel
mode for a walking motion or the mounting base 90 can be attached
at a secondary lock system rear of the touring axle position 63
such as axle lock position 59. The axle pivot pin position 59 is a
locked pivot mode preventing the mounting base 90 from articulating
in a walking motion. Basically the heel cannot move up and down in
a walking motion when axle pivot position 59 is coupled to holes 64
on the ski wall 86.
[0110] A snowshoe 300 is pictured with an interface suited to
accept the boot mounting plate 90 by way of axle pivot pin 61
through docking holes 106 on walls 86. A snowshoe ski hybrid device
or split ski/board 400 with the ability to form a touring ski mode
or a snowshoe mode and a locked heel mode by use of boot mounting
plate 90, is pictured in 400. It also may contain one or more
embodiments of the present invention including the use of the
mounting plate 90 in a snowshoe mode, locked heel ski mode, and
cross-country ski mode, or touring mode. Additionally, the mounting
plate when removed from a device may be used with a cleat forming a
crampon system (not shown).
[0111] The boot mounting plate 90 shown in FIG. 6 illustrates the
ability for the mounting plate 90 to be universal in that in can
attach and reattach to so many devices in so many positions. The
straps 12 and 31 may be used in one embodiment for binding soft
shelled boots to the mounting plate. In another embodiment a
step-in system could be utilized in the universal mounting plate
90. In another embodiment at least one quick release boot connector
could be used mounted to the boot mounting plate 90. In another
embodiment the mounting base 90 is quick connected to a split ski
board device 400 adjacent two configurable ski sections which
selectively form climbing and gliding surfaces in accordance with
the present invention.
[0112] FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the boot mounting plate 90F, a
touring ski 100, the boot mounting plate 90F, and the axle pivot
pin 61. The axle pivot pin 61 is in the ski touring interface 86
transversely with axle pivot pin 61 docking the mounting plate 90F
with tour mode 63 or 59. In a separate embodiment two axle pivot
pins 61 could be docked simultaneously in 63 and 59 locking to
areas of the boot mounting plate 90F at the same time. The boot
mounting plate 90F has apertures 113 or windows directly located on
surface 101 of the boot mounting plate 90F where
footwear/boot/snowboard boot will rest when coupled to the binding
system 20. The aperture windows 101 reduce the weight of the boot
mounting plate 90F especially when constructed of a metal such as
aluminum. Adjacent each aperture 113 are rib or flange like
structures to maintain a structure. The apertures 113 also allow
the bottom surface of the boot (not shown) when mounted to the boot
mounting plate 90F have nothing in there between accept for the
boot and the top of a riding device allowing snow to travel through
or a separate flat material snow repelling device connected to
either side of the aperture for keeping snow off of the binding
(not shown). In the prior art there is a separate base binding
plate connected via screws/bolts to the snowboard binding assembly
and binding base which is very heavy, expensive, and
cumbersome.
[0113] In one embodiment the boot mounting plate 90F may have an
aperture or window in the heel region 248 with flange or wall
structures around the aperture periphery for structure. This is for
reducing weight or helping with lock placement with-in the boot bed
or adjacent the boot bed of the boot mounting plate which is
surface 101 as well as any surface the sole of the footwear or boot
makes contact when mounted to the binding plate top surface. In
another embodiment there is a second aperture or window in another
portion of the boot binding plate 90F in FIG. 7 for securing a
locking mechanism. So the snowboard boot mounting base 90F in FIG.
7 contains open window structures through the boot mounting base
90F itself which serve various purposes including weight reduction,
locking features, and aesthetics. The boot mounting base 90F in one
embodiment could contain apertures or windows 113 on the foot bed
101 with walls 115 extending upward or downward from the foot bed
101. In one embodiment connected to at least one of the walls 115
are at least one resilient strap or straps 12 and 31 for securing a
boot to the mounting walls 90F. In a further embodiment the sole of
the boot can be seen when attached to the boot mounting walls 90F
through apertures or windows 113. In a separate embodiment the
aperture or windows 113 in the boot mounting base 90F could be made
in various shapes and sizes to carry out its nature of utility
existence offering a purpose not yet found on current snowboard
touring boot binding plates in the prior art that utilize a
detachable touring pivot axle in the front half of the boot binding
base 90F and a secondary locking structure for a locked heel mode
rear of the touring pivot.
[0114] 100a touring ski snowshoe hybrid is illustrated with
detachable front traction 117 which can attach and quick-release
with the axle pivot pin 61 inserted into a plurality of positions
including a front touring position 63 and a rear locked heel or
pivotal snowshoe pivot 59. The front traction 222 is mounted to
pivot dock 59a on the traction 117 and 59 on the ski 100 to
selectively lock the traction 222 to the underside of the ski 100
with the axle pivot pin 61. Also shown is a rear lock 119 which can
also lock to the ski positioned to the underside of the touring ski
100. Front 222 and rear locks 119 also contain spike structures for
gaining traction on winter precipitation such as snow and ice. An
additional traction component which can be used is a climbing skin
224 can be removably coupled to the touring ski system shown in
FIG. 7 or attached permanently. Finally, in one embodiment a
selective heel lift 139 has at least one climbing bar coupled to
the top surface of the heel lift to selectively rotate up or down
dependent on the users desire of climbing a slope and reduce lower
leg fatigue.
[0115] FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are top perspective plan views of the
boot mounting plate 90G in accordance with the present invention.
The touring style snowboard/ski binding has a base plate 90G that
can directly mount a boot on a portion surface 101 and rails 110
located and connected to the surface 101 with rails 110 supporting
a quick-release quick attaching locking component or interface
located and connect the locking component such as a axle pivot pin
61 to a separate sliding device such as a ski or snowboard. Rail
110c structure portion is in the front half of the boot mounting
plate 90G with touring axle pivot pin 61 docking position 63 which
offers a position under the boot bed 101 or footwear boot sole
plane (not shown).
[0116] In one embodiment the rail 110e faces or touches only the
sole surface of the boot with no other structures touching a
portion of the top surface of the rail 110e. At one end of the rail
110c in the touring area 60 mounting holes 63 are located for
docking and securing axle pivot pin 61. FIG. 17 is another
illustration of this embodiment. The boot bed 101 is made higher
than at least a portion of the axle pivot pin 61 docking location
in the rail 110 allowing footwear boot to correctly pivot in a
walking motion above and over the axis. This system is directly
integrated with the boot mounting plate 90G. Furthermore, in
combination with the touring pivot mode 63 is a selective optional
locking heel mode 70 integrated into the boot mounting plate 90G to
directly lock to a separate quick release locking component or
interface on a sliding device to prevent the boot mounting plate
90G from pivoting in a walking motion. In one embodiment the top
portion of the rail structures 110e are not connected or touching
any surface but face the bottom of a boot without any other
structure there between. The rails 110c may be configured to
parallel the side wall 115 or the rails 110 may be perpendicular
with the walls 115 with a portion of their structure below the
plane or surface of the footwear boot bed 101. The rail 110, 110 c,
110e, can be oriented in any form to carry out the and hold and
support the mechanisms of locking and unlocking of the touring
pivot pin 61 or portions of the boot mounting plate 90 in quick
release and quick attaching fashion and the heel lock system in
accordance with the present invention. It must be noted that the
rail structures 110, 110 c, 110e could be added separately or
bolted to the boot mounting plate 90G in several different
embodiments without leaving the scope of the present invention
including separate pieces. Included with the rail design in a
separate embodiment are walls or flanges 115 which rise above the
boot bed 101 plane to secure straps at strap holes 24 as well as
positioning the boot properly on the binding mounting plate 90. In
one embodiment the sides 115 do not need flanges or walls but a
side surface to place holes 24 (not shown). The boot mounting plate
90G in FIG. 7A has the ability to selectively tour as well as quick
release the touring position at holes 59, 63 in the rails 110 and
optional and quickly locking the heel 70 for a locked heel mode 70
if desired. This boot binding mounting plate 90G is very useful in
the back country because it offers a lightweight multiple travel
mode device with very little weight. It also offers locking
mechanism areas below the boot bed 101 to carry out climb and
sliding travel modes for a sliding device.
[0117] FIG. 7C shows a top plan view of a prior art (U.S. Pat. No.
6,523,851) boot mounting base 212a for securing a snowboard boot
binding base plate (not shown) to screw holes 39. The problem with
this design is its inability to directly connect the snowboard boot
sole directly over 212b because of the requirement of an additional
snowboard binding plate and screw/bolt connection thus adding
weight, hassle, and expense. Axle 37 is shown to work in
combination with the heel lockdown as one basic lock. In other
words the binding has just one "clamp" function to move the
mounting base from touring to sliding mode. One problematic result
of the design is the clearance of space between the boot sole
parked on a separate base from the touring pin axis. Additionally
the mounting base 212b for a snowboard boot binding plate prevents
the ability to mount a snowboard boot directly to the mounting base
2012b because of the need to first mount a snowboard boot binding
plate for which provides boot connection means in accordance with
the prior art of touring snowboard boot bindings.
[0118] FIG. 8 is a split ski/board 400 which has three modes of
transportation in snow. The first is a sliding device or ski 100
for sliding down inclines when in locked heel mode as well as
cross-country free-heel touring mode when heel is unlocked. There
is also a snowshoe mode allowing the binding 20 to pivot through
the plane or optional opening of the ski for climbing propulsion.
The uniqueness of the touring ski hybrid split ski/board 400 is the
ability its boot mounting plate 90 possesses in regards to allow
selective lock and free heel modes in quick release and attach
manner. Additionally, the boot binding 20 in FIG. 8 is a
conventional snowboard binding high back 11, conventional
snowboarding binding strap 12 in front and conventional snowboard
binding strap in back 31 connected to 115. The boot mounting plate
90 which 11 and 12 are connected to has features which allow the
boot mounting plate 90 to selectively tour in a walking free heel
mode and also ski in locked heel mode. The pivot pin axle 61 has
multiple locations in which to dock the axle pivot pin including 59
and 63 in rails 110. (see also FIG. 9)
[0119] FIG. 9 illustrates a snowshoe ski hybrid device or split
ski/board. Important features in connection with one embodiment of
the present invention is the top surface of the rails 110 face the
boot sole when the boot is present on the mounting plate 90 with no
other surface there between. The rails 110 are also attached to
foot bed 110 in this embodiment. Pivot pin axle axes 63 and 59 can
also be seen for multiple touring modes and supported by the rails
110. Lock 56 is pushed in a longitudinal motion parallel with
flange 115 through rails or flanges 110 to engage and lock the heel
of the mounting plate 61. The locking is all accomplished directly
to the mounting plate 91 below the sole of the footwear or boot bed
101 in accordance with the present invention including in the box
girder 195 below a portion of the boot bed 101. The touring ski
hybrid split ski/board 400 has the ability without the need of
separate special separate mounting plates or adaptors for the boot
mounting plate 90 to connect to and carry out the present
invention.
[0120] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of
boot mounting plate 90I in accordance with the present invention of
a climb and glide equipped boot mounting plate 90. In one
embodiment the axle pivot pin 61 is shown extended beyond the
periphery of both sides of the mounting plate 90I. Features 22 in
the form of a groove or hole on both sides of the axle pivot pin 61
allow attachment of locking features to the ends of the pivot axle
for quick-release means so the axle pivot pin 61 can be moved from
its position from a touring mode 63 or a secondary mode 59 or 70.
In one embodiment C-clips 69 or cotter pins 23 are placed to in
position 61 in FIG. 10 to selectively lock the axle pivot pin 61 in
its docked position 63 in the boot mounting plate 90I. Rails 110
can be seen as well as walls 115 for stabilizing footwear on the
boot mounting plate 90I. Rails 110 are connected to the boot bed
101 allowing locks to pass under the foot bed through the rails 110
to connect and disconnect climbing and sliding travel modes.
[0121] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the boot mounting
plate 90I illustrating the lock hole 70 for an axle pivot pin 61 to
be inserted or even a detent clevis pin. Axle dock 63 is shown with
the axle pivot pin 61 inserted and docked. Rail or walls 110 are
shown below the plane or boot bed 101 of the boot mounting plate
90I and connected to or extend off portions of the boot bed 101
portion facing the terrain or ground. Flanges 115 are connected to
or extend off the top side of the boot bed 101 or same structure
which the boot sole makes contact with the boot mounting plate 90I
also shown with strap mounting holes 24 on flanges 115. 303 is
optional traction for a snowshoe mode.
[0122] FIG. 12 is a detailed side view of a boot mounting plate 90J
in accordance with the present invention which over comes the draw
backs of the prior art. Boot bed 101 supports a boot 99 on at least
portions of its surface area directly or its apertures windows (not
shown). Portions of the rails 110 extend off of the terrain facing
bottom surface 101 and are connected to the bottom surface of the
boot bed 101 of the boot mounting plate 90J and are below the
surface area of the boot bed 101. The rail portion 110e or top side
of the rail is exposed for the boot 99 to face it directly or touch
it in one embodiment.
[0123] FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of the snowboard boot
binding device 201 axle pivot pin 1002 held to axle dock 1704 with
the axle dock 1704 and the axle pin 1002 offset the main boot bed
203 of the mounting base 210 so that the pivot pin 1002 is
suspended away from the boot bed 203 front. In one embodiment the
mounting base 201 incorporates two locking positions that work
independently from one another 180 and 181. The first position is a
touring position 180 wherein the ski section 702a and ski section
702b are selectively separated. A second position is the slide mode
position 181 wherein ski section 702a and ski section 702b are
selectively joined forming a uniform sliding shape including a
splitboard type device. The mounting base 201 is positioned
adjacent the two configurable ski sections 202 and a snowboard boot
(not shown) mounts directly over top and against boot bed 203. In a
further embodiment the boot bed 203 may have holes, windows,
openings, apertures, ribs or walls through the boot bed or above a
top surface of the mounting base to provide quick release
mechanisms 192, 1509 to pass there through. These quick release
mechanisms can be one of a group consisting of a spring loaded
mechanism, a pin, a lever, a projection, and the like. In further
embodiments these mechanisms could move in a motion moving away
from the boot bed 203 or moving close to the boot bed 203 of the
mounting base 201. One motion moving a part 192, 1509 through the
top of the mounting base 201. Another motion is moving parallel the
longitude axis of the mounting base 201. Yet another motion is a
motion transverse the longitude axis of the mounting plate with a
quick release mechanism. Opened ski section 300 a and 300b are
shown which work with at least one mounting base 201 in accordance
with the present invention.
[0124] FIG. 14A is a side view perspective of the mounting plate
90G in accordance with the present invention illustrating the
upward bend angle 295 of the front portion of the mounting plate
90G shown with a bend angle of the main foot bed 101. This feature
helps retain a mounted boot and its forward movement on the
mounting plate 90G. Locking areas for touring modes are shown in
axle pivot pin 61 docking area 63 allowing the mounting plate 90G
to articulate at a specific toe region in a free heel touring mode.
Axle pivot pin 61 docking hole 59 is shown as a locked heel pivot
mode if the mounting plate 90G is resting on a ski base. If the
mounting plate 90G is connected to a splitboard/ski then the
docking hole 59 axle 61 position allows an additional articulating
free heel touring mode. In a further embodiment locking areas may
include a heel portion lock 70 connected to a box girder structure
195 at the rear of the mounting plate 90G. The box structure 195 is
a series of walls 110 connected to one another and part of the foot
bed 101. Snow shield 30 is a separate piece which can be
permanently affixed to the mounting plate 90G to prevent snow from
sticking to the underside of the mounting plate 90G or moving
through the apertures or windows. The snow shield 30 can also be
placed on other portions of the mounting plate 90G to serve the
same purpose. It must be noted that the mounting plate 90G can have
permanently connected structures affixed to its surface area to
supply strength or separate binding and mounting plate 90G
functions. In another embodiment an upward turned feature at the
front half of the binding helps keep the touring pin 61 secure.
[0125] FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the boot mounting plate 90F
in accordance with the present invention. Locking areas for touring
modes are shown in axle pivot pin 61 docking area 63 allowing the
boot mounting plate 90F to articulate at a specific toe region in a
free heel mode. Axle pivot pin 61 docking hole 54 is shown as a
locked heel pivot mode 70 if the boot mounting plate 90F is resting
on a ski base. If the boot mounting plate 90F is connected to a
splitboard/ski then the docking hole 59 axle position allows an
additional free heel articulating touring mode. In a further
embodiment locking areas may include a heel portion lock 70
connected to a box structure 195 at the rear of the boot mounting
plate 90F. The box structure 195 is a series of flanges or at least
one flange 110 connected to one another and part of the foot bed
101. It must be noted that the boot mounting plate 90F may have
permanently connected structures affixed to its surface area to
supply strength or separate binding and boot mounting plate 90F
functions. In one embodiment apertures 192 can be added on the boot
bed 101 to reduce weight, locking structure can move through, add
aesthetics, and create an open window through which snow can move
to touch the boot sole or other piece. In a further embodiment
apertures 192 also provide grip for a mounted boot to keep it more
stable on the boot mounting plate 90F. (also see FIG. 7C).
[0126] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the prior art. The
prior art provides a snowboard boot binding plate 212 that mounts
via bolts/screws (not shown) to a mounting base 201 with the
touring pin 1002 underneath the surface of 201 and 212 with the
snowboard boot above 212. The prior art is a sandwich of parts
preventing a direct contact of the snowboard boot sole 213 to the
at least one surface of touring pin 1002. The boot bed 203 of the
prior art is not part of the mounting base 201 surface area and the
boot sole is not able to face the axle 1002 directly.
[0127] FIG. 16 is a side plan view of a mounting axle pivot pin
1002 in accordance with the present invention. The axle pivot pin
1002 is an axle piece or rod piece which in one embodiment makes
direct contact or at least faces directly the snowboard boot sole
213. Boot bed 201 in one embodiment the axle pin 1002 may represent
the mounting base entirely as taught in earlier disclosers of this
invention, "The mounting plate 201 is configured to receive various
different types of binding systems, such as, but not limited to,
snowboard binding systems, fixed heel ski binding systems, and free
heel ski binding systems.
[0128] In a further embodiment, the mounting plate 201 may be
incorporated into the sole of a boot or shoe. For example, a
snowboard or hiking boot may be configured with a sole having a
plurality of openings through which the axle 1002 may pass and
thereby secure the boot to the base member 102.
[0129] The mounting plate 201, in one embodiment, comprises pivot
points 1704 through which the axle 1002 pass in order to secure the
mounting plate 201 to the base member 102. The axle 1002 is
positionable and may be placed under the ball of the foot so that
the mounting plate 201 pivots through the plane of the base member.
Alternatively, the axle 1002 may be placed through the pivot points
1704 which results in the mounting plate pivoting above the plane
of the base member 102. Such a configuration enables a skiing
motion similar to telemark or cross-country skiing." (See also
FIGS. 1, 2a, 3a, 7b, 25-30)
[0130] FIG. 17 Is an illustration of a direct snowboard boot to
mounting base method, apparatus, and device in accordance with the
present inventing. FIG. 17 Is a side view cross section of the
mounting base 201 with a pin saddle 1003 curve structures 1003
which faces the axle 1002 when the axle 1002 is in its transverse
position of the mounting base 201 longitudinal axis. In one
embodiment the pin saddle 1003 faces the axle 1002 directly and the
axle 1002 faces a portion of the boot sole 213 directly. This is
advantageous because it is a direct boot to mounting base 203
interface. The axle 1002 is connected to the mounting base 201 and
a configurable two section split ski system for touring and sliding
(not shown) and the mounting base 201 able to hold boots directly
including a snowboard boot. In another embodiment the curved
structure of the pin saddle 1003 could be incorporated into the
sole of the boot. The present invention discloses a pin saddle 1003
at the front half portion of the mounting base 203 but it could be
placed at the rear half portion as well. (See also FIGS. 1, 2a, 3a,
7b, 25-30)
[0131] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the split skiboard 400
in a touring ski mode with the mounting plate 90 of the present
invention articulating on an axis 59 and axle 61. The mounting
plate 90 has a another touring pivot 63 which lines up with touring
mount hole 64 on wall 86 for an additional free heel mode for a
snowboard boot binding mounting base 90 unit. The mounting plate 90
is shown articulating in a free heel mode on axle pivot pin 59 on a
snowshoe type touring mode device. Detachable cleat 117 is shown
connected to the mounting plate 90. In one embodiment a first axle
pivot pin 61 is inserted and docked into touring pivot pin dock 63
interface at the same time a second axle pivot pin 61 is inserted
into touring pivot dock 59 forming a locked heel configuration. The
mounting plate 90 has quick release axle pivot pin 61 locking
features below the foot bed 101. In one embodiment the wall or rail
115 has strap mounts 24 for securing strap systems. In another
embodiment a step in configuration could be utilized. 1804 is a
movable ski section which opens and closes the ski surface to
change from touring mode to sliding modes allowing the binding to
rotate through the device or above the device. Traction component
119 is removably coupled to the touring splitboard/ski 400 to offer
further traction.
[0132] FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of the splitboard/ski 400
in a touring ski mode with the mounting plate 90 of the present
invention. The touring pivot axle 63 is shown coupling the mounting
plate 90 to the touring ski interface 86 allowing a free heel
walking motion. Secondary locking position 59 is shown in an open
position allowing the heel to move freely in the walking motion. If
a second axle pivot pin 61 is docked in position 59 on the ski then
the mounting plate 90 or articulation walking mode will be stopped
and locked. Thus we see that the splitboard ski hybrid shown in
FIGS. 18-19 has a releasable touring pivot by way of pivot axle pin
63 and secondary separate locking features 59 rear of the touring
pivot 63 and a lock below the foot bed 101 all in the same mounting
plate 90 which also includes boot connection means 12 mounted to
the mounting plate 90 to secure a boot on top the foot bed 101.
Climbing modes and gliding mode is achieved by one mounting plate
90. Ski section 1902 is shown forming a selective ski surface and
plugging the touring mode window for which the mounting plate 90
may optionally pivot through in the snowshoe touring ski mode as
depicted in FIG. 18.
[0133] FIG. 20-21 is a side perspective view of a snowboard touring
binding mounting plate 2104 for directly mounting a snowboard boot
in accordance with the present invention. The mounting plate 2104
includes a touring pivot dock 2110 for a quick releasable axle
pivot pin 61 (not shown). A secondary pivot dock 1602 is shown rear
of the touring lock position 2110. Pivot dock is where axle pivot
pin 61 can be inserted through a wall 86 connect to a ski or
sliding device, touring device, or snowshoe device with the hole
1602 or 2110 to secure an axle pivot pin 61. Axle pivot pin
position 1602 provides a free heel touring pivot position or a
locked heel position dependent on what the user desires a climbing
or sliding mode. A third lock position is shown in heel lock
feature 70. The mounting plate 90 locking points 1602 and 70 are
found behind the touring pivot 2110. Walls or rails 110 show lock
supporting positions within the side rails or walls of 110 and
below the foot bed 101 in accordance with the present invention
though it has been explained that in a separate embodiment the
locking positions could be above the foot bed 101.
[0134] In one embodiment deployable 2108 rotating toe piece
including a traction spike and retractable 2106 traction spike 2102
can be utilized on the mounting plate 2104 for the touring mode and
also a detached mounting plate 2104 from the riding device mode or
crampon mode. In another embodiment the mounting base 2104 for
mounting snowboard boots can also be mounting two at least two skis
sections and the rotating toe piece 2102 available at the front
half portion of the snowboard boot binding mounting base 2104.
[0135] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the
snowboard boot mounting plate 90M in accordance with the present
invention of a climb and glide equipped mounting plate 90M able to
transition articulating pivot modes and lock heel modes
quick-release style directly on the mounting plate 90M surface area
without the need of interfaces or extra base plates and multiple
stacked bolted parts. The axle pivot pin 61 retainer(s) is shown
extended beyond the front boot bed portion of the mounting plate
90M with pin retainers 60 for supporting a touring mode pivot.
Features 27 allow attachment of the pivot axle 61 for quick-release
means so the axle pivot pin 61 to the plate either in a
manufacturing step or other step so the mounting plate 90M can be
moved from its position from a touring mode to a secondary travel
ride or slide mode. Rails 110 can be seen stabilizing or supporting
the locking mechanisms 70, 59, below the foot bed as well as walls
115 for stabilizing a snowboard boot on the mounting plate 90M. In
one embodiment rails 110 are connected to and under the foot bed
101 or extend from the foot bed 101 allowing locks to pass under
the foot bed through the rails to connect and disconnect climbing
and sliding travel modes.
[0136] FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a touring ski plan in
accordance with the present invention. Mounting plate 90 is shown
anchored to the ski binding interface 64 of a ski 100 with axle
pivot pins 61 in rear docking slot 59 offering a locked heel
sliding mode because the pivot motion is prevented. When the axle
pivot pin 61 is transferred to slot dock 63 the mounting plate 90
is able to pivot in a free heel walking motion about axis 63. It
would be obvious to arrange other interface structures without
departing from the invention of directly mounting a snowboard boot
to a snowboard boot touring binding with the snowboard boot mounted
directly to the ski touring interface(s) for slide or touring modes
especially with a single mounting base with a touring mode retainer
holding a quick release pin offset the snowboard boot bed and
connected to at least two configurable ski sections.
[0137] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of a snowboard 200 with a
mounting plate 90 attached to the snowboard binding interface 33
with bolts or screws (not shown) through holes 46 to the top side
of the snowboard. The mounting plate 90 can be mounted to the
interface 33 by placing an axle pivot pin 61 through holes 96 on
the snowboard binding interface 33 wall 86 and holes 59 and 63 on
the mounting plate 90 locking the mounting plate 90 in a locked
heel position. Again, It would be obvious to arrange other
interface structures for connecting the binding without departing
from the invention of directly mounting a snowboard boot to a
snowboard boot touring binding with the snowboard boot mounted
directly to the ski touring interface(s) for slide or touring modes
especially with a touring mode retainer holding a quick release a
pin offset the snowboard boot bed and connected to at least two
configurable ski sections.
[0138] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a direct
snowboard boot mount mounting plate binding assembly 401. Binding
assembly to be connected to the mounting plate 201 and above a
configurable two or three part ski section system and sliding
device in accordance with the present invention. The top
perspective view of a mounting plate 201 with a touring mode
section 60 at the axle pivot pin retainer 63 of the mounting plate
201 which accepts the detachable quick attaching pivot axle pin 61
in pin retainer 63 and allows the mounting plate 201 to attach to
the top surface of a touring skiing device interface and detach
from that location from the touring skiing device interface. The
mounting plate 201 also has at least one secondary locking feature
portion behind the touring pivot axle pin 61 location toward a more
rear ward part of the mounting plate 201 then the touring position
60. This second locking feature 70 may be located on wall
structures 110 below portions of the foot bed 101 on the mounting
plate 201. In one embodiment a locking feature 61 moves in a
through motion 15 through touring pin retainer 63 of the mounting
plate 201 forming a transverse axle pivot pin 61 position on the
mounting plate 201 longitudinal axis 216. In other words the
touring mode 63 allows the axle pivot pin 61 to enter a portion of
the mounting plate 201 with its two ends touching the pin retainers
60 of the mounting plate 201 when the axle pivot pin is in place in
the touring mode 63.
[0139] In one embodiment the binding assembly consists of a heel
support 11 and a high back 16 connected to the heel support 11.
Also connected to the heel support 11 is rear strap 31. Heel
support 11 is connected to the mounting plate 90 wall 115 at holes
24. Holes 24 on the flange 115 can also connect a second strap 12.
Foot bed surface 101 is where the snowboard boot rests directly
upon when mounted with the binding system to the foot bed. The toe
region 512 portion of the mounting plate 201 has an aperture, hole
or window, for a quick release feature to move there through. (see
also FIG. 7a, 7b, 8, 14)
[0140] The axle pivot pin 61 includes coupling features to
selectively lock the axle pivot pin 61 in the touring mode of the
ski touring device. The coupling features for securing a portion of
the axle pivot pin 61 to hold a quick-release lock anything
suitable to quick-release or quick attach at least one portion of
the axle pivot pin 61 to an interface in accordance with the
present invention. The coupling features consist of at least one
from the group consisting of a boot, a snowboard boot, a plate, a
base, a configurable ski system consisting of two ski sections
which may selectively separate in a touring mode or join in a
uniform shape in accordance with the present invention.
[0141] It must be noted that one skilled in the art could utilize a
multitude of embodiments without leaving the scope of the
invention. The invention is unique in that it offers a direct lock
and unlocking boot mounting plate 201 on a sliding device with the
said mounting plate 201 intended for soft shelled boots primarily.
The mounting plate 201 having a detachable touring pivot 63 or
movable touring pivot 63 with a secondary locking mechanism 70 in a
mounting plate 201 portion rear of the touring mode 63. Thus we see
that the mounting plate 201 does not need a secondary snowboard
binding base connected to it nor does it have the ability. The
mounting plate 201 contains snowboard boot mounts and the climb and
glide touring modes are made possible by the axle pivot pin 61
which lives in the surface area of the mounting plate 201 which
constitute the basics of the invention.
[0142] FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of a snowboard boot
binding 201 mounting plate in accordance with the present
invention. The snowboard boot binding 201 has quick release
climbing traction 1502. The binding 201 also has a touring mode 64
with touring pin retainer 1704 to selectively hold a mounting pin
axle 1002. Mounting pin 1002 may also be moved to pin retainer 1002
touring position or locked heel position depending on if heel lock
1702 is engaged or not. Walls for securing the snowboard boot can
also be seen as part of the design. Window or aperture in the 1702
region can also be seen in this embodiment drawing for securing a
quick release heel lock. Snowboard boot binding 201 is very
versatile allowing 4 positions of transportation across snow. A
locked heel sliding stance with lock area 1702 and 1003 engaged, a
secondary locked heel stance with 1704 and 1702 engaged, a free
heel touring stance with 1702 and 1003 disengaged and 1704 engaged,
and a secondary free heel touring stance with 1704 and 1702
disengaged while 1003 is engaged and finally, a detached mode or
crampon mode wherein the snowboard boot binding 201 is detached
from a ski device as just a crampon with 1502 attached. The touring
pin retainer 64 is at the front portion of the mounting base 201
and contains curved structures which mate directly to the pin
1002.
[0143] FIG. 27a is a top plan view of a snowboard boot binding 201
incorporates all of the features described in FIG. 26 snowboard
boot binding 201. FIG. 27 snowboard boot binding 201 has 204 for
mounting a snowboard boot directly to the mounting base 201. In one
embodiment mounts 1102 are utilized for securing straps (not shown)
and the straps for securing a snowboard boot (not shown) to the
snowboard boot binding 201 top surface 202 and directly over
windows 1509. Touring modes 1704 and 1002 are shown. Touring mode
1002 is shown securing a axle pin 1002 in rails 205 on the front
half portion 202 of the snowboard boot binding 201. Rails 205 in
the rear half 203 of the snowboard boot binding 201 secure heel
lock components 107 and interfaces of the riding device.
Aperture/window 1509 of the snowboard boot binding 201 secure a
climbing cleat interface 1506. In one embodiment the snowboard boot
binding 201 is mounted directly to a ski device interface via 1002
axle pin.
[0144] FIG. 27b is a top plan view of a mounting base 212 found in
the prior art. This mounting base requires screws, bolts or other
hardware 44s into holes 42 to secure a snowboard boot binding plate
212 to the mounting base (not shown). The snowboard boot binding
plate then needs direct boot connection means not found on the
mounting base 212 Pivot axle position 41 in the prior art lacks a
structure offset the base to secure the pin or axle 41.
[0145] FIG. 27c is a top plan view of a mounting base 201 and
apertures, windows, or hole structures 192, 1509, and 113 through
the mounting base 201 with which quick release locking structures
may pass The structures may include in several embodiments, spring
loaded mechanisms, mechanisms entering through the boot bed 203,
mechanisms 192, 1509 once in place through the boot bed 203 may
still face or make direct contact with a boot sole 205 and or boot
tread 205. The said mounting base 201 also includes axle retainer
docks 60 offset the front portion of the boot bed 203 in an optimal
touring position in accordance with the present invention. The axle
retainer dock(s) 60 holds the axle or pivot pin 61 adjacent the
boot bed 203 offering a pivot point which articulates the mounting
base 201 different from the prior art pivot point of mounting base
212 shown in the prior art figure of 27b. Boot connection means
(not shown) may be provided to hold the boot sole 205 to the base
203.
[0146] FIG. 28 is a top plane view of a split ski/board device
"climbing/touring mode" 600 with a snowboard boot binding 201
mounted to the said split ski/board device 600 with axle pivot pin
1002 in the snowboard boot binding 201 and the split ski/board
device 600 interface. The split ski/board device "climbing/touring
mode" 600 has two ski sections 100a/110b which have two modes and
positions of travel arrangement. The first travel arrangement mode
is an "open" split ski climbing mode shown in FIG. 28 wherein the
two ski sections 110a/b are separated or split from each other
forming a climbing mode while the snowboard boot binding 201 is
also in a climbing mode interface. In one embodiment while in
climbing mode 600 the heel lock lever 107 can be engaged in the
heel region of the snowboard boot binding 201 preventing the
snowboard boot binding 201 from articulating/rotating on axle 1002
and a further embodiment wherein the lock lever 107 lever is not
engaging the snowboard boot binding 201 allowing the binding to
freely move and articulate in a touring mode 1002 while connected
to the split ski/board device touring or climbing/touring mode 600.
When heel lock lever 107 is disengaged and unlocked from the
snowboard boot binding 201 the binding can articulate in a walking
motion while coupled to the split ski/board "climbing mode" 600.
The ski device 600 has a front ski section 104 and a back ski
section 106 that is generally shaped like a snowboard, skiboard,
ski, or typical ski shape and the like. Rails and windows 203 in
the snowboard boot binding 201 help with binding structure, locking
mechanisms, supporting the boot and the like. (See also FIG. 6,
FIG. 8, FIG. 30B, and FIG. 31)
[0147] FIG. 29 is a bottom plane view of a FIG. 28 climbing/touring
600 device transitioned into a sliding mode 700 split ski/board
device "sliding mode" 700 with a snowboard boot binding 201 mounted
to the said split ski/board device 700. The snowboard boot binding
201 mounted to and directly over the split ski/board device 700 two
ski sections 702a and 702b. Said two ski sections have been locked
with two ski section locks 107 locking two ski sections parallel to
each under the snowboard boot binding forming a more uniform
sliding or skiable surface and locked heel sliding stance for the
rider of the split ski/board device 700 sliding mode. The ski shape
of the sliding mode 700 could have side cut 708 of the ski edge to
aid turning the ski device on snow. In a further embodiment the
edge 708 could also have metal edging. The split ski/board device
700 has a front ski section 704 and a rear ski section 706 and the
snowboard boot binding 201 mounted between the two ski sections
702a and 702b in accordance with the present invention and may be
in the form of a board, ski, split ski/board, snowboard, touring
ski, and the like. (see also FIGS. 9, 29, and 30A).
[0148] FIG. 30A is a top perspective view of a snowboard boot
binding 201 mounted with axle pin 208 to a split ski/board device
100 in sliding mode 102. Two ski sections 110 locked side by side
forming a uniform skiing surface with the snowboard boot binding
positioned over the two ski sections 110 (see also FIG. 9, 29). Ski
section hinges 108/112 assembly help with keeping the ski sections
in a locked state. The snowboard boot binding 201 has features 204
for securing boot mounting devices to the binding 201. Heel lock
107 for the snowboard boot binding 201 locked heel mode 203 for
sliding also secures the two ski sections 110 in the uniform
sliding mode 102. Ski section lock 107 is shown on ski portion 106
and ski portion 104 allowing each ski section 110 at least two
locks 107 to hold the ski sections 110 in a ski mode 102 though
further embodiments could construct less or more ski lock or
section scenarios. Touring mode interface 63 is shown along with
front lock interface 208 with axle pin is also shown in the engaged
state. Rail and aperture window 203 is shown as part of the
snowboard boot binding 201 design in accordance with the present
invention. Snowboard boot binding 201 is shown with an upward
turned section at the toe region (202 FIG. 30B).
[0149] FIG. 30B is a split ski/board device 100 in touring
mode/climbing mode 202. The two ski sections 110 are separated
using ski section locks 107 and releasing ski lock 104 from ski
lock 107 interface. The snowboard boot binding 201 is in the
touring mode 208 with axle pivot pin allowing articulation in the
walking attached mode of the split ski/board device. Strap mounts
206 are available on flanges 204. The rear portion of the mounting
plate 201 has a design of girders, beams, or rails and the
like.
[0150] FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the snowboard boot binding
201 mounted to a split ski/board device 102 with the said device
having at least two ski sections 110 which separate to form a
touring mode. The two ski sections 110 are locked in ski mode (see
FIGS. 9 and 29) by means of ski section 110 locks 107 and interface
408 and 406. The ski sections 110 in the climbing mode may have
traction structure 404 to aid in touring and climbing. Additionally
separate removable cleat traction 402a can also be implemented to
create even more traction on the split ski shaped device.
[0151] FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the two ski sections 110
forming a uniform sliding position with ski section lock 107
engaged. Ski lock interface 406 is engaged with lock interface 107
pins 502. The snowboard boot binding 201 (not shown) is positioned
directly over ski sections 110 in accordance with the present
invention. The ski lock 107 may have structures 302 aiding in a
quick release motion to lock and unlock the ski sections 110. Such
structures could be spring loaded, memory flex, buttons, tabs,
levers, and the like. In one embodiment, the ski sections may be
joined under the snowboard boot binding and connected to a portion
of the snowboard boot binding.
[0152] FIG. 33A is an illustration of a ski shaped device.
[0153] FIG. 33B is an illustration of a ski shaped devices 102
ability to expand skiable tour able surface by moving a plurality
of ski sections parallel to each other selectively away from each
other for a touring mode or selectively joining together forming a
skiable sliding mode of winter travel on a ski shaped devices in
combination with the snowboard boot binding, mounting plate, or
mounting base of the present invention.
[0154] FIG. 34 is a flow chart 1200 illustrating a boot binding
1204 able to climb or glide 1206 a two section split ski/board
touring device 1208 in a sliding mode 1209 or a touring mode
1210/1211 in accordance with the present invention.
[0155] FIG. 35a is a top plan view of the touring pin 92 mounted to
a ski device 2 and a mounting base 93 in the form of a boot sole
mounting base 93 or separate mounting base 93 for holding a
snowboard boot portion. Axles 85 can also be used to hold a boot
sole 64 or separate mounting base to hold a portion of the
snowboard boot construction 205. Rear lock 107 structures (not
shown) for locked heel mode may also be utilized and rear touring
dock or groove 59b may provide a secondary touring position or
secondary locked heel mode to prevent the heel from a pivot as wide
as the touring mode 93. In a further embodiment, as previously
stated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,681,904 this application continues from
"the mounting plate 201 may be incorporated into the sole of a boot
or shoe. For example, a snowboard or hiking boot may be configured
with a sole having a plurality of openings through which the axle
1002 may pass and thereby secure the boot to the base member
102.
[0156] The mounting plate 201, in one embodiment, comprises pivot
points 1704 through which the axle 1002 pass in order to secure the
mounting plate 201 to the base member 102. The axle 1002 is
positional and may be placed under the ball of the foot . . . .
Alternatively, the axle 1002 may be placed through the pivot points
1704 which results in the mounting plate pivoting above the plane
of the base member 102. Such a configuration enables a skiing
motion similar to telemark or cross-country skiing."
[0157] The Heel lift 3 also made available in another embodiment.
Another embodiment is a positional axle 92 along the ski device 2
providing a plurality of boot mounting positions. (see FIGS. 17,
35-40)
[0158] FIG. 35b is a bottom perspective view illustrating a
snowboard boot 3102 with direct boot to mount base technology
integrated into the boot sole wherein the touring pin or axle 52
may be adjacent a channel 53 running transverse the direction of a
pointing toe in the mounted boot and the boot sole facing the axle
pin directly and a further embodiment making direct contact with
the touring pin. As previously described in FIG. 17 and shown
throughout the present invention which allows the sole of a boot to
face the touring pin while the touring pin is secured to a
configurable ski device wherein the ski device has the use of two
ski sections that move together or away based on a desire to tour
or to slide over snow. The boot heel lock is represented with
channel 53b or heel lock 25. The function of this example work like
embodiments of the mounting base 201 (not shown) yet they have been
integrated into the boot sole.
[0159] FIG. 35 c is another embodiment of the mounting base pin to
mounting base technology in accordance with the present invention
The touring dock 93 for touring pin to be selectively placed in the
touring dock 93 in the shape of a curve 53 in which the axle 52 may
face or mate directly with a portion of the boot sole and a portion
of the mounting base boot bed simultaneously and said touring dock
53 in the shape of a channel, curve, recess, concave structure, in
the boot bed or adjacent the boot bed or foot bed in accordance
with the present invention.
[0160] FIG. 36-37 is a side perspective view illustrating a
snowboard boot 2400 with a direct mounting foot bed mounting base
incorporated into the snowboard boot 2400 sole. Touring pin 52
passes through the boot sole and mates to the curve structure 93
built into the boot sole to retain the touring pin 52. Heel lock
down 25 is shown on the back portion of the boot 2400.
[0161] FIG. 38 is a side perspective illustration of a snowboard
boot 2400 in accordance with the present invention. Mounting base
2400 is incorporated into the sole of the snowboard boot 2402.
Touring mode 93b has a slot for placing the touring pin (not shown)
to allow an alternative stance on a riding device. Heel lock down
25 region is also shown as being present on the snowboard boot
2400. In other words the utility found in the mounting base 201 may
also be found in the boot sole 2400 to carry out the present
invention of directly connecting the boot sole to an axle with the
axle connected to a riding and sliding device interface that
consists of two configurable ski members forming climbing and
gliding modes.
[0162] FIG. 39 is a side perspective view illustrating an
embodiment of snowboard boot 2400 is also shown mounted to the ski
touring device 31 whereon the snowboard boot is mounted directly to
axle pin area 20. If 93a is used the boot may articulate in a
larger range of pivotal degrees. When the snowboard boot is
utilizing slot 93a the pivotal range of degrees is much smaller. In
one embodiment the pivotal range is almost at a locked heel stance
or non-pivotal on the riding device and the up and down motion of
the heel is very limited. When the slot 93b is used the up and down
touring/walking motion of the heel is greater. The boot moves
vertically down onto the touring pin to engage it so that the
touring pin passes through the boot sole into the channel within
the boot.
[0163] FIG. 40 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a
mounting base integrated into the snowboard boot sole 121 of the
snowboard boot mounting base 90. Touring pin 77 is located at the
toe and allows the snowboard boot 90 to connect to a ski touring
device when the axle pin is transversely placed through the
longitudinal axis of the boot sole 121 allowing a portion of the
axle pin to penetrate the periphery of the boot sole so that either
side of the touring pin is connected to the riding device. Pivot
pin 64 allows a snowshoe position pivot or if the Pivot pin 64 is
holding the snowboard boot atop a touring ski in pivot 64 the pivot
will be very limited and in a further embodiment the axle 64 will
not allow the snowboard boot to pivot on the riding or touring
device. One reason for the inability to be able to pivot in 64 when
mounted to a ski (not shown) is the front portion of the boot will
be touching the top surface of the ski preventing a walking motion.
Heel lock 25 may also be provided to lock the walking motion of the
snowboard boot 90 when coupled to a ski touring device.
[0164] FIG. 41 is a top side view illustrating a touring snowboard
boot mounting base 201 with the snowboard boot 213 directly over
top the mounting base 201. Boot connection means (not shown) secure
the boot 213 to the mounting base 201. Touring mode 180 is
facilitated in one of two ways. First, by a pivotal Axis 1002
allows a touring pin 61 connection to the mounting base 201.
Touring pin 61 can reside in a cradle 1003, saddle 1003, or curved
structure 1003 curving from the boot bed 203. In one embodiment a
portion of the boot sole 205 can face the upward facing touring pin
61 portion while the bottom facing opposite side the upper facing
touring pin 61 faces mounting base 201 saddle structure 1003.
Second touring mode 180 is facilitated with another embodiment with
which the mounting base 201 has touring pin docks 1704 offset the
boot bed 203 in which to selectively mate a touring pin 61 so that
the mounting base 201 may articulate in a walking motion while
connected to a configurable ski touring device. In another
embodiment the mounting base has a functional aperture, window, or
hole 192, 1509, 113, for facilitating movement of a quick release
object through the boot bed 203. In a further embodiment the
mounting base 201 may connect over top two sectional skis 400 in
accordance with then present invention. One skilled in the art may
cover the touring pin so that it surface never faces the boot sole
of boot 213, rearrange the pin position, or the pin retainers.
However, the broader aspect of the present invention is the ability
to directly mount a snowboard boot directly to the interface
contained in 201 in a removable coupled manner over a configurable
ski device which opens and closes a skiable sliding surface with at
least two ski section pieces.
REFERENCE NUMBERS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0165] 2 axle hole [0166] 3 heel riser [0167] 6 touring mode in a
split ski device [0168] 10 longitudinal axis locking motion [0169]
11 rear strap connector bridge [0170] 12 front strap [0171] 15
transverse locking motion [0172] 16 high back [0173] 20 snowboard
binding assembly [0174] 22 permanent locking feature [0175] 23
cotter pin [0176] 25 heel lock [0177] 24 strap connector hole
[0178] 27 axle connective feature [0179] 30 mounting base cover
[0180] 31 strap [0181] 32 snowboard boot binding plate [0182] 33
prior art binding rear [0183] 34 prior art binding front [0184] 36
prior art strap connector [0185] 37 prior art strap mount [0186] 39
prior art boot binding plate mounting holes [0187] 41 Prior art
touring pivot [0188] 40 prior art rear lock hole [0189] 42 prior
art bolt holes for snowboard binding plate [0190] 45 prior art
touring pivot region [0191] 43 prior art puck heel catch [0192] 44s
screw [0193] 44w washer [0194] 44n nut [0195] 46 touring ski
bracket mount hole [0196] 48 touring bracket pad mount holes [0197]
52a-b axle pin [0198] 53 step-in interface for snowboard boot
binding [0199] 53 quick release channel or groove [0200] 56 dual
pointed lock lever [0201] 59 second touring axis [0202] 59a cleat
axle connect [0203] 59b rear touring dock or groove [0204] 60
touring region [0205] 61 axle pin [0206] 63 touring axis [0207] 64
ski bracket touring axis [0208] 66 rear axle lock or axle dock
position [0209] 67 touring ski device heel lock down [0210] 68
strap connector [0211] 69 c clip to connect axle [0212] 70 rear
lock hole aperture [0213] 71 touring ski lock heel hole [0214] 72
rear lock lever [0215] 75 "same direction" two pointed lock [0216]
76 touring ski integrated bracket [0217] 77 rear window lock [0218]
80 touring ski rear interface heel lock structure [0219] 84 touring
bracket pad [0220] 85 touring bracket screws [0221] 86 touring ski
interface [0222] 90 snowboard boot mounting base [0223] 90a
mounting base [0224] 90b mounting base [0225] 90c mounting base
[0226] 90d mounting base [0227] 90e mounting base [0228] 90f
mounting base [0229] 90i mounting base [0230] 90m mounting base
[0231] 93 touring dock or groove [0232] 96 snowboard mounting plate
interface [0233] 99 boot [0234] 100 split ski device [0235] 100a
touring ski bottom surface [0236] 101 mounting base [0237] 101b
mounting base boot sole angle on binding structure [0238] 102
configurable ski sections [0239] 104 ski section lock [0240] 106
snowshoe interface [0241] 107 spring loaded lever lock [0242] 110
rail [0243] 110 ski section [0244] 110a ski section open [0245]
110b ski section closed [0246] 212a is a prior art mounting base
for a snowboard boot binding mounting plate [0247] 113 window for
quick release structures moving through [0248] 115 mounting base
wall [0249] 115 heel support [0250] 117 rear cleat [0251] 119 cleat
[0252] 119 rear lock [0253] 125 pin axle mounting structure [0254]
126 heel structure [0255] 130 toe pedal [0256] 139 heel riser
[0257] 140 mounting plate portion [0258] 180 tour mode position
[0259] 181 slide mode position [0260] 192 mounting base windows
[0261] 195 heel side wall [0262] 200 snowboard [0263] 201 mounting
base [0264] 202 configurable ski sections [0265] 203 boot bed
[0266] 204 mounting base wall [0267] 205 boot sole or boot base
[0268] 206 mounting base strap mount holes [0269] 212 prior art
snowboard binding plate [0270] 213 snowboard boot [0271] 214
Snowboard boot touches or faces the axle pin directly [0272] 222
front cleat [0273] 224 climbing skin [0274] 248 heel support [0275]
295 toe angle [0276] 299 foot bed angle [0277] 300 configurable ski
section [0278] 300a left ski section [0279] 300b right ski section
[0280] 302 spring loaded lever [0281] 303 toe cleat [0282] 400
split ski [0283] 401 snowboard boot binding [0284] 402 crampon
[0285] 404 ski section traction [0286] 406 ski section lock
interface [0287] 408 ski section lock interface [0288] 502 two
pointed mounting base lock & ski section lock [0289] 512
binding base boot bed toe angle [0290] 600 split ski/board ski
sections joined [0291] 700 split ski/board ski sections separated
[0292] 702a right ski section closed position [0293] 702b left ski
section closed position [0294] 900 mounting base [0295] 1002
touring axis [0296] 1003 cradle or curved axle support [0297] 1509
mounting base windows [0298] 1704 axle dock offset boot bed [0299]
1705 curved pin retainer [0300] 1804 open ski section [0301] 1902
closed ski section [0302] 2000 climbing skin [0303] 2400 snowboard
boot with integrated mounting base [0304] 2400a snowboard boot with
integrated mounting base in the sole [0305] 2400b snowboard boot
with integrated mounting base in the sole [0306] 2401 snowboard
boot step-in interface with mounting base [0307] 2702 snowboard
boot with integrated mounting base [0308] 3102 snowboard boot
[0309] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *