The present invention relates to such a system, apparatus, and a method for allowing freedom and range of motion, movement, and spatial position on at least a snowboard or other board device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of non-injury or MONI is used to allow a rider of a snowboard (or other device) the ability to move in multiple dimensions (in multiple angles and in multiple planes); the MONI embodiment allows a snowboard or other device to be inverted and offers an adjustable safety release mechanism as akin to skis. In another embodiment of the present invention, electro-magnetism is used to secure a rider to a snowboard (or other device) instead of a boot-binding, finally allowing a rider to maneuver like a skateboarder or surfer, with the ability to move anywhere on the board at will.

The present invention relates to such a system, apparatus, and a method for allowing freedom and range of motion, movement, and spatial position on at least a snowboard or other board device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of non-injury or MONI is used to allow a rider of a snowboard (or other device) the ability to move in multiple dimensions (in multiple angles and in multiple planes); the MONI embodiment allows a snowboard or other device to be inverted and offers an adjustable safety release mechanism as akin to skis. In another embodiment of the present invention, electro-magnetism is used to secure a rider to a snowboard (or other device) instead of a boot-binding, finally allowing a rider to maneuver like a skateboarder or surfer, with the ability to move anywhere on the board at will.

Splitboard binding systems including a binding that may be attached to either a left or right gliding board in a ski mode or to both gliding boards in a snowboard mode. The binding includes left and right bottom rails attached to the bottom surface of a base plate, which define channels for slidable attachment to “pucks” disposed on the gliding board in snowboard mode. Each rail has a circular bore at a forward end for attachment to a counterpart pivot pin on a ski mode toe bracket in a ski mode by a sideways movement. A securing lever is disposed on an upper surface of the toe bracket. When the securing lever is rotated into a securing position, an end of the securing lever prevents removal of the pivot pin from the rail bore. Rotating the securing lever to a removal position allows the binding to be removed.

A plate body is configured from a bottom part, a side surface part, and a flange part, and is formed in a concave shape, whereby the thickness of the bottom part of the plate body is reduced and the flexibility of a plate is increased. Reducing the thickness of the bottom part of the plate body reduces the length of screws for attaching a snowboard and prevents the screws from inhibiting the flexibility of the plate.

A binding apparatus for a snowboard is provided including a base plate having a pivot portion, an elongate arm member, and a cuff member for receiving a portion of a rider's boot or leg. The base plate may be affixed to the snowboard such that a boot may be coupled to a footbed thereof at an angle relative to the lateral axis of the snowboard. The elongate arm member is pivotably coupled to the pivot portion of the base plate at a first end portion thereof, and the cuff member is coupled to the elongate arm member. The elongate arm member is configured to pivotably rotate about an axis of rotation of the pivot portion such that the elongate arm member and cuff member coupled thereto are capable of moving fore and aft of a lateral axis of a snowboard.

A binding apparatus for a snowboard is provided including a base plate having a pivot portion, an elongate arm member, and a cuff member for receiving a portion of a rider's boot or leg. The base plate may be affixed to the snowboard such that a boot may be coupled to a footbed thereof at an angle relative to the lateral axis of the snowboard. The elongate arm member is pivotably coupled to the pivot portion of the base plate at a first end portion thereof, and the cuff member is coupled to the elongate arm member. The elongate arm member is configured to pivotably rotate about an axis of rotation of the pivot portion such that the elongate arm member and cuff member coupled thereto are capable of moving fore and aft of a lateral axis of a snowboard.

A user controlled power assisted device to automate snowboard and wideboard recreational snow devices to make turning easier and more consistent for the user, while viewing the line of travel straight ahead instead of the conventional sideways view.

The user simply presses one foot or the other down to enable the proper edging to effect the desired turn. The user's foot pressing rotates the control shaft, which electronically communicates via the pot, motor controller, battery, and motor. The motor then proportionally rotates the drive shaft accordingly to rotate the device longitudinally which provides proper edging to effect the desired turn. The motor rotates around the control shaft to reduce torque backpressure on the board.

A snow ski assembly is provided for use by an individual to slide across a snow covered surface, for example, under the force of gravity. The assembly includes a ski having a bottom wall for engaging the snow covered surface and an upturned peripheral region extending around a perimeter of the bottom wall. The bottom wall of the ski includes at least one control structure extending across at least a portion of the bottom wall, where the at least one control structure is configured to control a movement of the ski on the snow covered surface. The assembly also includes a mounting feature configured to couple a binding to the bottom wall of the ski, such that the individual can position a foot in the binding and use the ski to slide across the snow covered surface.

A binding apparatus for a snowboard is provided including a base plate having a pivot portion, an elongate arm member, and a cuff member for receiving a portion of a rider's boot or leg. The base plate may be affixed to the snowboard such that a boot may be coupled to a footbed thereof at an angle relative to the lateral axis of the snowboard. The elongate arm member is pivotably coupled to the pivot portion of the base plate at a first end portion thereof, and the cuff member is coupled to the elongate arm member. The elongate arm member is configured to pivotably rotate about an axis of rotation of the pivot portion such that the elongate arm member and cuff member coupled thereto are capable of moving fore and aft of a lateral axis of a snowboard.