Snowboard Combination Boot and Binding System.

Abstract

The present invention contemplates a binding system for a snowboards and the like. The system includes a soft-soled boot having a hardened exterior shell consisting of a toe portion and a heel portion, which are linked by at least one sidewall portion. The toe and heel portions include two toe and two heel pegs respectively. The boot includes an instep portion having instep cables for adjusting the boot to the wearer and the cables are adjusted by grommets and tightened in position by at least one resting bar. The binding has a base plate for connecting to the snowboard. The base plate further supports a pair of toe hooks adapted to engage the toe pegs and a pair of heel peg levers adapted to releasably engage the heel pegs of the boot. A grappling hook and ratchet mechanism grabs the resting bar on the boot.

Claims

1. A binding system for a snowboard comprising: a binding; and a boot adapted to selectively engage the binding, the boot further comprising a soft sole coupled to a hardened exterior shell, the shell comprising a toe portion and a heel portion linked by at least one sidewall portion, the toe portion comprising left side toe peg and a right side toe peg, the heel portion comprising a left side heel peg and a right side heel peg, the boot further comprising an instep portion arranged adjacent to the toe portion, and at least one resting bar arranged adjacent to the instep portion, the resting bar guiding at least one instep strap or instep cable; and the binding further comprising a base plate supporting a first toe hook adapted to selectively engage the left side toe peg and a second toe hook adapted to selectively engage the right side toe peg, a left heel peg lever adapted to releasably engage the left side heel peg and a right heel peg lever adapted to releasably engage the right side heel peg, and at least one grappling hook coupled to the baseplate and adapted to selectively engage the resting bar.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a second grappling hook disposed on a side of the baseplate opposite the first grappling hook and connected by at least one underfoot cable to the ratchet mechanism; a second resting bar disposed on the boot opposite the first resting bar and guiding an opposite end of the at least instep strap or instep cable.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the boot further comprises: a spine coupled to the heel portion.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one instep strap or cable comprises: a first instep cable, a second instep cable, and a third instep cable, each cable, respectively, having a first end with a large cable nut and a second end with a small cable nut.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the shell of the boot further comprises: at least one cuff portion coupled to the heel portion, the cuff portion comprising a hardened material.

6. The boot of claim 5 further comprising: a plurality of cuffs arranged to form an upright of the boot, each adjacent cuff being coupled to its immediate adjacent cuff, the plurality of cuffs further comprising a spine portion.

7. The binding of claim 1 further comprising: a ratchet mechanism coupled to the baseplate and adapted for selective engagement of the grappling hook to the resting bar.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a snowboard coupled to the binding.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a splitboard coupled to the binding.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a ski coupled to the binding.

11. A binding system for a boot, the binding system comprising: a base plate supporting a first toe hook and a second toe hook opposite the first toe hook on a front portion of the baseplate; a left heel peg lever coupled on a rear portion of the baseplate and a right heel peg lever coupled on a the rear portion opposite to the left heel peg lever; and at least one grappling hook pivotably mounted to the baseplate and the grappling hook further comprising a ratchet mechanism.

12. A boot for a binding system, the boot comprising: a soft sole coupled to a hardened exterior shell, the shell comprising a toe portion and a heel portion linked by at least one sidewall portion, the toe portion comprising left side toe peg and a right side toe peg, the heel portion comprising a left side heel peg and a right side heel peg, the boot further comprising an instep portion arranged adjacent to the toe portion, and at least one resting bar arranged adjacent to the instep portion, the resting bar guiding at least one instep strap or instep cable.

13. The shell of claim 12 further comprising: at least one cuff portion coupled to the heel portion, the cuff portion comprising a hardened material.

Description

DRAWING

[0079] FIG. 1 is an offset left side view of a boot according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 2 is an offset left side view of a portion of a binding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the boot of FIG. 1.

[0082] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a boot according to a preferred invention and shows a spine component inserted in a feature of interconnected cuff elements.

[0083] FIG. 4a is a front view of the spine of FIG. 4.

[0084] FIG. 4b is a detail view of the binding of FIG. 5.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a partial offset left side view of a boot and binding system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 6 is a partial component view of a binding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating a binding release and locking mechanism.

[0088] FIG. 8 is an end view of a binding according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating operation of the binding locking and release mechanism.

[0089] FIG. 9 shows a snowboard having a pair of boot and a binding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] FIG. 10 is an offset side view of a binding system in relation to a boot according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a detail view of a release mechanism for a binding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a partial detail view of the release mechanism of FIG. 11.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a top view of a split ski system including a binding system and pair of boots according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] FIG. 14 is a front view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a left-side view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

[0098] FIG. 18 is a right-side view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

[0099] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

[0100] FIG. 20 is an offset front view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

[0101] FIG. 21 is an offset rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0102] Possible embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings and those skilled in the art will understand that alternative configurations and combinations of components may be substituted without subtracting from the invention. Also, in some figures certain components are omitted to more clearly illustrate the invention.

[0103] In one preferred embodiment a Snowboard combination Boot and Binding system 10 includes a boot 20 and binding 30. FIG. 1 illustrates a boot 20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The boot comprises a sole 201, a toe portion 203, an instep portion 205, a heel portion 207, and a leg portion 209.

[0104] The sole 201 provides support for walking, assist lateral support, feel for riding, and traction, especially on snow and ice. To achieve these purposes, the sole edges should be a harder material to provide lateral support while the sole center portions, especially of the forefoot, should be of softer material to provide superior feel while riding. An advantage of this step-in boot over current step-in boots is that, because this boot does not use an binding member on the bottom or side edges of the sole, the sole may be soft to provide superior feel, whereas current stiff soled step-in boots have a “dead” feeling due to the metal parts in the sole and general stiffness in the sole that is required to cam the boot between forward and aft binding mechanisms.

[0105] A “hard core” version of the sole for “ski mountaineering” is also contemplated. In this embodiment, the sole is of a stiffer material and uses a more aggressive traction, such as a “vibram” sole. In addition, rather than being as soft as reliably and safely possible as the recreational version that prioritizes supple feel on the bottom of the foot, this variation is sufficiently stiff to accommodate fully automatic step-in crampons (such crampons are incompatible with soft soled boots). Thus, similar to crampon compatible hiking boots, this variation may include a stiffer conventional boot “shank” to achieve the greater stiffness desired for ski mountaineering. In addition, a snowboard specific shank is contemplated as well: one that follows the medial and lateral edges of the sole rather than down the midline of the boot like conventional boot shanks. This medial and lateral boot edge shank allows as much softness over as much of the bottom of the sole as possible to be preserved, thus providing superior ride feel while allowing step-in crampon compatibility and performance.

[0106] The toe portion 203 protects the forward portion of the foot, provides connection points to the binding, and leverage for steering the board. To achieve these purposes, in the preferred embodiment, the toe portion has a toe cup 210 of a semi-stiff material, such as plastic, and toe pegs. The left and right toe pegs 211, which extend outside of the boot, are adapted to engage the binding system as described herein. To add mechanical strength and to assure proper alignment with the binding system, the toe pegs 211 include, optionally, a linking member adapted to follow the contour of the toe cup and extend over the toe portion of the boot wearer, and further optionally the toe pegs may be made from metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. This linking member may be embedded, molded, or otherwise inserted in the cup portion so as to be transparent to the wearer of the boot. The toe pegs are a material that can handle the stresses and temperatures encountered for its intended use. Alternatively, the boot may include a rigid outer material that serves as an exterior skeleton, and therefore not requiring a mechanical linking member internally: In this case, the outer material is durable and rigid enough to withstand the binding forces and is well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0107] The toe cup 210 is fixedly attached to the sole 201 and instep portions 205. In the preferred embodiment there are two toe pegs 211—one laterally and one medially (left and right). The toe pegs are configured to mate with the toe hooks 311 (for example, as FIG. 2 shows) on the binding to assist temporarily attaching the boot to the board for riding.

[0108] The pair of left and right toe pegs 211 are configured to allow the boot to be coupled items other than a conventional snowboard. For example, to couple with a split-board binding in ski mode, the pegs should be cylindrical to permit pivoting action while “skinning” (traveling over terrain with skins on the skis) similar to telemark and randonee ski touring systems. The toe cup 210 may be configured to mate with conventional crampons, including semi-automatic or step-in crampons. Configuring boots to mate with crampons, including ski boots and hard snowboard-boots, is well known in the industry.

[0109] The instep portion 205 protects the rider's foot, provides connection points to the step-in binding, and, in conjunction with the heel, leg, toe, and sole portions, secures the foot in the boot. To achieve these purposes, in the preferred embodiment, the instep section has a lower section 215 and an upper section 217. The instep portion is of a softer material than the hardened exterior shell, which includes the toe portion 210, heel portion 207, and linking sidewall member 515 (consisting of a left sidewall and a right sidewall to form an exterior skeleton frame for the boot). The spine 249 and cuffs 241 may also be considered a portion of the hardened exterior shell.

[0110] The lower instep section 215 provides lateral support, protects the foot, and provides a secure location for the binding connection member to rest when not engaged with the binding. The lower instep section is stiffer than the upper instep section 217. The lower instep section is fixedly attached to the heel cup 219, the toe cup 210, sole 201, and the inner 221 and outer layers 223 of the upper instep section. The lower, more rigid medial and lateral sections of the boot (215 and 217) are semi-rigid and add to lateral stability. The lower instep section also has a portion on which the medial and lateral binding receiving grommets rest when not engaged with the binding. This resting bar 225 has at least one cable guide 227, such as a tunnel, through which the instep strap cable underfoot 229 travels between the instep strap and the grommet 231. The resting bar 225 and binding receiving grommet 233 are configured to consistently present the grommet in the proper position to be grappled by the instep binding grommet hooks 331. The inner layer 221 is a softer layer and provides a barrier between the instep strap and boot lining and the rider's foot. The outer layer 223 provides weather protection (waterproofing, insulation) for the rider

[0111] Although two layers, or four or more layers, would work and are intended to be covered by the present invention, in the preferred embodiment, the upper instep section 205 has three layers: an inner layer, a instep strap or cable 235, and an outer layer. The inner layer is of a stretchy material to conform to the boot liner and the rider's foot. The upper side of the inner layer should be configured to allow the instep strap to move freely without snagging or resistance against the inner layer.

[0112] The upper instep outer layer provides protection against the elements and also protects the foot against impact. The outer layer should be form of a semi-rigid material, such as plastic, and the inner side of the outer layer should be configured to allow the instep underfoot strap 229 (or pair of cables as FIG. 15 shows) to move freely without snagging or resistance against the outer layer. In addition, the outer layer has portals that allow access to a tightening mechanism for the strap (such as a ratchet mechanism 500 of FIGS. 14-21, for example).

[0113] The instep strap 235 comprises at least one flexible member that is configured to rest across the instep of the boot and to be similar in elasticity to a conventional snowboard binding instep strap. The strap rests within an envelope between the inner and outer instep layers and is not attached to either the inner or outer layer.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment (for example, as FIG. 3 illustrates), the strap 235 comprises multiple flexible members that are configured to rest roughly parallel to one another across the rider's instep, each member comprising a strap (235a, 235b, 235c) and ratchet (237a, 237b, 237c). Or, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-21, the instep strap comprises three cables 235a, 235b, 235c, and a single, common ratchet 500. In short, the middle layer comprises multiple ratcheted straps or cables all of which connect to the boot's binding receiving members—grommets. In one variation, each middle layer strap is in its own sleeve within the inner/outer layer envelope, thus preventing the straps from interfering with one another. In yet another variation, the multiple middle layer straps overlap one another within the inner/outer layer envelope, thus, providing independent adjustment that is also connected as a whole by the overlap.

[0115] All of the above variations of this instep-tensioning step-in binding have the common advantage of providing the feel and performance of a strap binding with the additional advantage that, once the strap has been adjusted to the rider's desired tension while the boot is engaged in the binding, unlike strap bindings (other than rear entry bindings), no additional adjustment is necessary for the boot's instep strap. In contrast, a conventional strap binding must be adjusted at the beginning of each run. This invention also provides more precise tension adjustment because, rather than a single instep strap adjustment found in conventional strap bindings, as well as rear entry bindings, this invention provides multiple zones of adjustment on the instep through the use of multiple ratchets. Access to adjusting the strap ratchets is through portals in the outer layer of the upper portion of the instep portion.

[0116] The medial and lateral ends of the instep strap are fixedly attached to the binding receiving grommets. In the preferred embodiment, this attachment is accomplished using at least one flexible member formed of a material such as steel cable. The strap cable is fixedly attached to the medial and lateral ends of the instep strap, exits the outer layer through portals configured for that purpose, pass through the previously mentioned cable guides in the resting bar, and then fixedly attach to the binding receiving grommets. The binding receiving grommets are formed of a strong, rust resistant material such as stainless steel or titanium. The grommets should be configured to avoid inadvertently snagging or catching the binding grommet hooks. For example, in the disclosed preferred embodiment, the grommets are configured with a curved surface rather than angular surface to aid smooth engagement and disengagement with the grommet hooks.

[0117] The heel portion 207 of the boot provides rearward and lateral foot support and protection. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, binding receiving members (heel pegs) 239 are mounted on the heel portion. To achieve these purposes, in the preferred embodiment, the heel portion comprises a heel cup 207 formed of a stiff material that is stiffer than the toe cup 210, such as plastic, and heel pegs 239 of a very strong material such as steel or titanium. The heel cup is fixedly attached to the sole, instep portion, and the leg portion. In the preferred embodiment, there are two heel pegs 239—one mounted on the lateral side of the heel cup and one mounted on the medial side. Although the heel pegs could be mounted by an “arch” similar to the toe pegs and toe pegs arch, in the preferred embodiment, the heel pegs are mounted directly to the heel cup with a flange and screw configuration through corresponding openings in the heel cup, because the greater stiffness of the heel cup, in comparison to the toe cup, is sufficiently strong to accommodate stresses under which the heel pegs 21 will be placed.

[0118] The heel pegs 239 are configured to mate with binding heel peg levers 339 on the binding to assist temporarily attaching the boot to the board for riding. Also, when the boot is engaged with the binding, the heel pegs force the boot toe pegs forward against the binding toe hooks, thus assisting to secure the boot in the binding via wedging the boot into the binding between the toe hooks and the heel peg levers. By comparison, this wedging action is accomplished in conventional strap boot/binding configurations by wedging the boot between the binding high-back and the engaged toe strap.

[0119] In another embodiment, this purpose may be assisted by so-called “baseless” bindings that precisely fit a boot to a binding. Also, as previously discussed regarding the toe cup, the heel cup may be configured to mate with conventional crampons, including semi automatic and fully automatic crampons.

[0120] The heel pegs may also be configured to allow the boot to be coupled with items other than a conventional snowboard. For example, snowshoes and crampons may be specifically configured to mate with the heel pegs and toe pegs configuration of the disclosed boot to securely attach thereto. Another example is with configuring the heel pegs to mate with a binding mechanism for split-boards in ski-mode where the heel may be locked down to allow a randonee skiing experience rather than telemark—a distinct advantage in difficult ski terrain that is not currently available in any split-board binding/boot system.

[0121] The leg portion 209 of the boot provides support and protection for a rider's ankle and leg, as well as leverage, feel, and feedback for steering the snowboard. To achieve these purposes, the leg portion comprises a plurality of hard-shell, interlocking and articulating cuffs 241. Each respective cuff consists of a cuff body portion 243 and a tail portion 245. The cuff body portion is fixedly attached to at least the heel portion of the boot. A tongue portion 242 cooperates with each respective cuff portion and is disposed opposite each cuff, adjacent to the cuff's front facing opening. It will be appreciated by those in the art that a single tongue can be used with multiple cuffs and that the tongue enables a rider to place his or her foot inside the boot. The tongue 242 portion is temporarily or fixedly attached to at least the instep portion of the boot. In the preferred embodiment herein disclosed, the cuff portion is fixedly attached to the heel and instep portions of the boot and the tongue portion is fixedly attached to the instep and cuff portions of the boot.

[0122] The cuffs should be configured of a semi-rigid material such as plastic. For purposes of this disclosure, a three-cuff version is discussed. However, it is contemplated that a fewer or greater number of cuffs may be implemented to achieve desired flex and support depending on the type of riding anticipated. It is well known in the snowboarding world that shorter or taller boots are beneficial, depending on the desired riding needs. For example, a “freestyle” rider will likely prefer three or fewer cuffs that do not stack as high on the lower leg, thus providing greater flexibility and mobility, while a “free-rider” will likely prefer a cuff configuration with three or more cuffs that stack higher on the rider's lower leg, thus providing greater support and responsiveness.

[0123] In the illustrated preferred embodiment having a boot consisting of three cuffs 241, the lower cuff is fixedly attached to the heel cup. The middle cuff is similarly attached to the lower cuff and the top cuff is similarly attached to the middle cuff, thus there is a mechanical coupling between the leg portion 209 of the boot and the heel portion 207. It is contemplated that the attachment of the cuffs to one another and to the heel cup may be achieved by any number of configurations designed by those skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment of the cuffs to one another and to the heel cup is achieved using a flexible material such as woven nylon. In the preferred embodiment, a flexible shell envelops the cuffs and heel cup, each being secured within the shell by suitable means, such as stitching and adhesive. The attachment of such “hard” and “soft” portions of boots is well known in the art of snowboarding, skiing, and footwear generally, and a more detailed discussion of which is beyond the scope of this disclosure. The shell not only serves the purposes of connecting the cuffs and heel cup, but also may be configured to provide additional support and contribute to the flex characteristics of the boot. For example, depending on the stretch and compression characteristics of the shell 28, the shell may contribute to the lean limits for the upper portion of the boot in concert with the spacing of the cuffs in relation to one another and in relation to the heel cup.

[0124] The cuffs are adjustably tightened around the leg on the front side of the cuff by ratchet buckle straps 251 fixedly attached to each cuff by suitable means such as tubular rivets. Such ratcheting straps are well known in the footwear art and snowboarding world. In the preferred embodiment, the ratchet buckle straps provide 1/16″ increment adjustment or smaller.

[0125] Additionally, in snowboarding, the greatest support is required along the rear of the boot (provided by a high back in conventional bindings). In the preferred embodiment, to further assist managing and customizing flex to a rider's desire, the rearward sides of the cuffs, as well as the heel cup, are configured to accept a removable, and interchangeable, spine 249. The spine may be temporarily attached to the boot by any number of suitable means, including multiple latches, multiple tunnel openings 247, and so on, configured to receive the spine.

[0126] In the disclosed preferred embodiment, the spine is temporarily attached to the boot with a “T-track” configuration. The rearward portions of the cuffs are configured with a male “T” that is configured to receive the spine that is configured with the corresponding female “T”. In the preferred embodiment, the spine is mated with the boot by sliding spine down the “T” track, starting at the top cuff and traveling downward over similar “T”'s on the middle cuff and lower cuffs. In the preferred embodiment, the spine protrudes below the lower cuff, hence, overlapping with the heel cup and providing a limit to rearward motion of the cuffs relative to the heel cup. In comparison, this limit to rearward motion is provided by the “high-back” of a conventional snowboard boot/binding system. The limit of rearward motion, known as “forward lean,” may be adjusted by a mechanism on the heel cup 509 that moves a wedge upward between the spine and the heel cup. Such forward lean adjustment mechanisms are well known in the ski and snowboard industry, a detailed discussion of which is beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0127] The spine insert 512 is secured from inadvertent release. In other embodiments, for example as FIGS. 14-21 illustrate, the spine 249 consists of a plurality of interlocking cuffs 241, which may have increased stiffness by means of an increased thickness overlapping portion 516 (as in FIG. 21, for example) or overlapping inverted T-shaped cuffs (as in FIG. 4, for example). The spine is formed a semi-flexible material that may be configured to provide specific flex characteristics, including limited rearward and lateral motion with greater forward flex. Materials suitable for the spine member include plastic, fiberglass, and, preferably, carbon fiber. It is contemplated that a variety of spines with a variety of different flex characteristics may be manufactured to provide a rider with a variety of choices to suit the rider's desired ride quality.

[0128] In an alternative embodiment, as FIGS. 4 and 4a illustrate, to aid in providing added rear support (the function served by a conventional “high-back”), the rearward portion of the cuffs have a member 514 that protrudes downward, overlapping the cuff 241 below. When the boot is flexed rearward, these “tails” provide a limit to rearward flex. The angle that results is known as the “forward lean.” Forward lean is adjusted by a mechanism on the heel cup that moves a wedge upward between the lower cuff tail and the heel cup. Additionally, a selectively insertable spine component 512 adapts to mechanically interconnect the stacked cuff portions and further reduce flex. The spine member is comprised of a stiffer material, and or of a geometry that results in greater resistance to bending. For example, the spine member could be stainless steel, or any other metal or alloy. Alternatively, the spine member could be a plastic with a geometry designed to reduce flex along the long, vertical axis of the spine. (And, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-21, for example, the spine may alternatively consist of double-layered material that overlaps to increase stiffness without the use of an additional insert or cable such as a series of articulating cuffs 241 with an overlapping portion 516).

[0129] The tongue portion of the leg portion may be temporarily or fixedly attached to the instep section. For this invention, an interchangeable tongue is desirable because it provides an additional means to customize flex to the rider's individual desire. Interchangeable footwear tongues are well known in the art and footwear world. In the preferred embodiment, the tongue is temporarily attached to the instep section via suitable means, such as a hook-in method.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a binding 30 comprises three main portions: a disc portion 301, a frame portion 303, and a boot-coupling portion 305. FIG. 2, for example, illustrates a possible binding according to this preferred embodiment. And, FIG. 9, for example, illustrates a pair of bindings according to the present invention mounted on a snowboard having a pair of boots coupled to the bindings.

[0131] The disc portion provides the holes for screws (or other suitable fasteners, as would be well-appreciated by those skilled in the art) to temporarily fixedly attach the binding, and thus, the boot and the rider, to a snowboard. In addition, the disc portion is configured to couple with the frame portion at a variety of angles to permit the rider to choose desired angles of the binding in relation to the board. Such a disc with holes to accommodate screws and with an outer edge configured to accommodate a variety of boot housing angles is widely known in the art and in the world of snowboarding. Here, the disc may be configured to accommodate any number of hole-configurations for mating with snowboards. However, in the preferred embodiment, the disc is configured to accommodate the generally universal four-screw pattern for mating with a wide variety of makes and models of snowboards.

[0132] The frame portion 303 of the binding is configured to receive a snowboard boot, to mate with the disc portion, to have the boot-coupling portion fixedly attached thereto, and to have handles fixedly attached thereto. The frame portion is also configured to provide additional surface area around the disc to provide the rider with additional stability, feel, and leverage for steering the snowboard.

[0133] The frame portion 303 may be formed of a variety of strong, semi-rigid materials that provide controlled flex, such as steel, titanium, fiberglass, plastic, or carbon fiber, for example. The toe-coupling member should be formed of a rigid, durable material, such as steel or titanium, to withstand repeated friction against the boot-coupling members. In the disclosed preferred embodiment, the frame portion is formed of carbon fiber, to take advantage of its light-weight and flex characteristics. Those skilled in the art may employ a variety of weight-saving and strengthening structures as part of the frame, such as struts and triangle lattices.

[0134] The boot-coupling portion 305 of the binding is configured to receive the boot instep and toe-binding members. In so receiving, the boot-coupling portion provides mechanical advantage to provide the desired hands-free, true “step-in” binding convenience. It is understood that, given the disclosures herein, alternative mechanical configurations to achieve the covered invention—a step-in binding with tension across the rider's instep, which has not previously been achieved—may be created by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this invention is not limited to the particular mechanical device disclose herein; instead, the scope of the mechanical portion of this invention is intended to cover any mechanical advantage that allows a hands-free step-in binding with engagement of an instep portion of the boot to provide tension across the instep of the rider's foot when coupled with the binding.

[0135] Making specific reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the binding system according to the present invention, as a rider steps onto the binding system with the boot 20, the two toehooks 311 engage the front two hooks protruding from either (medial and lateral) side of the boot. As the heel portion rotates downward, the heel hooks (on the boot on both the medial and lateral sides) engage a lever arm, such as heel lever 315, which is configured and situated to rotate downward and toward the toe pegs 211. Thus, when engaged by the heel peg 239, the heel lever end mates with the heel peg and moves the binding system to cinch the boot between the toe pegs and heel pegs. In turn, this motion by a mechanical transfer along a lever arm and biasing member sub-assembly cause the grappling hooks 317 to move inward and engage the tow bar 225 coupled to the boot, thus tightening the straps on the boot and simultaneously locking in the boot to the binding by engaging a latch lock cam 319 and pawl. Thus, the boot can have a soft sole for the feel demanded by riders, but still provide some camming to avoid play in the boot.

[0136] The latch lock selectively releases by the rider by when the rider yanks upwardly on an associated handle connected by cables to the latch lock pawl (FIG. 10 illustrates this handle and release mechanism.) As detailed in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the release mechanism integrates with the binding sub-assembly of FIGS. 6-8 to enable the rider to unlock the binding as needed.

[0137] The preferred embodiment of the boot-coupling portion 305 comprises boot engagement portion 307 and a boot release 309 portion. The boot engagement portion comprises a housing 313, a boot heel peg receiving lever 315, a boot instep grommet-receiving lever 317, a ratchet wheel 319, a ratchet pawl 321, a coupling axle 323, an axle arm 325, and a cable 327 and pulley 329 linking the grommet-receiving lever to the axle arm. At least one torsion spring is situated on the axle that tends to drive heel peg lever upward.

[0138] FIG. 7, a top view of the binding system, and FIG. 8 a cross-sectional frontal view of the binding system, showing the boot in hidden lines, better illustrate the components and functioning of the binding. A rotatable plate 301 couples to the board surface, as would be well-understood in the art to enable the binding to selectively rotate to a position that is comfortable for the individual rider. A medial and lateral instep lever 317 selectively rotate inward as the boot is pressed downward atop the binding. The inward rotation causes a hook-like end of the respective medial and lateral lever 317 to engage the corresponding medial and lateral resting bar 225. This is accomplished by redirecting the motion, weight, and downward movement of the rider's heel as it comes in contact with the heel portion of the binding.

[0139] The heel lever is situated to be parallel to the boot (toe to heel) and the heel axle should be perpendicular to the boot (toe to heel). The instep lever is situated to rotate down and away from the boot. The instep lever may be offset from the rest of the coupling mechanism. Accordingly, a second pulley may be required. The pulleys 329a and 329b are coupled to the frame with rivets, the first pulley 329a is situated within a housing. The cable 327 between the two pulleys travels through a tunnel configured and situated in the frame 303 to guide the second pulley cable. The frame is also configured with a portal to allow the cable to travel from the second pulley 329b to the instep arm 317. Thus, the cable is threaded through the opening in the axle arm, then through the first pulley, then through the tunnel, then through the second pulley, then the portal in the frame, then through the opening in the instep lever, and is finally secured at both ends with toppers. Although this specific configuration will work, this invention contemplates other arrangements of components and mechanisms that transfer the downward rotation of the heel of the boot to a cinching operation on the bar 225 to hold the boot fast against the binding, and yet enable the boot to have a soft sole for feel when snowboarding. As such, other arrangements or combinations of gears, cams, pulleys, levers, springs, ramps, axles, fasteners, wedges, etc. can be designed to achieve this same functionality of the discussed mechanism.

[0140] The heel lever and axle are configured to mate such that the lever rotates with the axle like a second-hand on a clock. The ratchet wheel is attached toward the lateral end of the axle in a similar fashion. The axle arm is configured to slide onto the axle in a fixed position on the axle. A strut supporting the axle is configured to receive one end of the torsion spring and the heel peg lever is configured to receive the other end of the torsion spring. The axle is inserted into openings in the frame, the axle arm, torsion spring, heel peg lever, and ratchet wheel are placed on the axle, and end screws secure the axle to the frame.

[0141] A cable or other mechanical linkage (such as a lever, ratchet mechanism and the like) links the axle arm to the instep lever. The axle arm has an opening through which the cable is threaded and the end thereof is secured to the axle arm with a stopper. Such cable stoppers are well known in the cable art; for example, bicycle brake and derailleur cables employ such stoppers. The instep lever is similarly configured to receive the other end of the cable. A pulley is situated and configured on the frame to change the direction of the cable. The pulley is fixedly attached to the frame with rivets. Thus, the cable is threaded through the opening in the axle arm, then through pulley, then through the opening in the instep lever, and is secured at both ends with stoppers.

[0142] A torsion spring tends to drive the instep lever toward the boot. The frame is configured to receive one end of the torsion spring and the instep lever is configured to receive the other end of the torsion spring. The instep lever pivot end is configured as a “T” and the frame is configured to receive the T and permit the lever to rotate. The torsion spring is secured to one end of the “T” of the instep lever, which is fixedly attached to the frame with a plate and screw. The ratchet wheel has a single tooth configured to receive the ratchet pawl. These elements of the boot-coupling portion are situated on both the medial and lateral sides of the boot as mirrored elements.

[0143] Of course, when there is no boot in the heel-portion of the binding, the binding mechanism is designed by spring tension to open.

[0144] The release portion comprises ratchet pawls, release axle with torsion springs, a cable, a pulley, a handle base, and a handle. The ratchet pawls for both sides are linked with an axle that travels under the boot. This “duel” pawl and axle is formed as a single element of a strong, durable material such as steel or titanium. The frame is configured to permit the pawls to enter through openings in the frame like the instep lever. The pawl axle is secured to the frame with screws in a similar fashion as the coupling axle. In addition, like the instep lever, a torsion spring is attached to each pawl, tending to drive the pawls toward the ratchet wheels.

[0145] The pawls are configured to mate with the ratchet wheels. Additional release elements are situated on the lateral side of the boot that enable the rider to manually release the binding from the boot, and to reset the binding to receive the boot again. The lateral ratchet pawl is configured to receive and secure a release cable. In addition, the lateral ratchet pawl is formed with an arm extending rearward that is configured to be blocked by the release handle gate when the gate is the closed position, and to enter the release handle gate when the gate is in the open position.

[0146] The release cable travels through a pulley, fixedly attached to the frame with a rivet, rearward of the pawl, changing the direction of travel of the cable from rearward to upward toward the release handle. The cable is secured to the release handle in a “free floating” manner such that the cable is not twisted while the handle is rotated on a horizontal plane. This is achieved by securely attaching the cable to the handle with a choke type of connection in which the cable travels through an opening in the handle, and on the upper side is attached to a larger block. Here, that larger block is a circular plate on the horizontal plane that is configured to fixedly attach to the cable but is larger than the opening through which the cable traveled. The circular plate rests in a cylindrical pocket in the handle, thus permitting it, and the cable, not to rotate when the handle is rotated.

[0147] The housing is configured with an opening that is configured to accept the cable tunnel and cable tunnel locking screws. The cable tunnel is formed of a ridge material, such as plastic, and comprises an upper and lower portion. The upper and lower cable tunnel portions are configured to screw together securely with the housing sandwiched between flanges on both portions. In addition, the upper and lower cable tunnel portions are configured with corresponding openings that accept two screws to fixedly attach the upper and lower cable tunnel portions together.

[0148] The upper cable tunnel portion is configured with two “L” arms that prevent the handle from upward motion when the cable is pulled taught when ratchet pawl is engaged into the tooth in the ratchet wheel. In addition, the upper cable tunnel portion is configured with two ramps that guide the release handle back down toward and then under the locking arms when the release cable is pulled by the ratchet pawl into the “ready” position against the ratchet wheel, but not yet fully engaged with the ratchet wheel tooth in the “locked” position. The ramps are positioned across from one another as are the screw accepting female portions configured to mate with screws for securing a lid. The ramps and L arms on the left boot binding are configured to require counter-clockwise rotation to permit the cable to be pulled upward while the right boot binding ramps and L arms are configured to require clockwise rotation to permit the cable to be pulled upward for the ease and convenience of the rider. The lid is configured with 3 holes: a center hole for the cable and two holes for screws to securely fix the lid to the body of the upper cable portion.

[0149] The release handle comprises two portions configured to mate together securely with corresponding male and female portions and an additional securing screw. When mated, the halves securely contain the plate end of the release cable previously discussed. The lower portion of the handle includes two members configured to mate with the L arms. The release handle is formed of a rigid material, such as plastic, with the surfaced textured to assist the rider to grip the handle.

[0150] Binding handles are fixedly attached to the lateral and medial sides of the binding frame with screws. The binding handles are formed of a rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, steel, fiberglass or carbon fiber. The binding handles are configured to accept the rider's hands to assist engaging the binding mechanism when standing on a firm surface is not practicable, such as in deep powder.

[0151] Although the disclosed preferred embodiment is for step-in snowboard boot and binding, many aspects of this invention may be used in conventional snowboard boots, split-boarding (touring snowboard), and any sliding sport. In addition, some aspects have broader application. For example, the disclosed articulated cuff or spine may be used in most any boot system in which controlling flex is desirable. In addition, the toe pegs attaching to hooks may be used in a “hybrid” step-in boot where there is a conventional instep strap plus the toe hooks. A further variant would be a conventional strap and/or toe hooks and/or spine and/or tails, and/or articulated cuffs, or any combination thereof. Similarly, no current boot/binding integrates the instep strap with the boot itself (as opposed to merely attaching an external strap to an otherwise conventional type snowboard as numerous manufacturers have done in efforts to make step-in boot/binding systems).

[0152] In addition, most of the elements of this invention serve more than one purpose; the present invention is not intended to cover those elements only in their multiplicity. For example, the heel lever has many purposes. Its movement engages the binding mechanisms, it provides forward force against the toe hooks, and it provides lateral support (thus “substituting in part” for the conventional medial and lateral binding members). The present invention is intended to cover all such variations and applications of the many new aspects of this invention.

[0153] Another example is the middle layer of the upper portion of the instep portion of the disclosed snowboard boot. A variation of the middle layer may easily be adapted to conventional strap bindings. For example, a conventional instep strap may be configured to incorporate the disclosed multiple ratchets and straps connected together, with a fixed connection point on the medial side of the binding and a single connection point on the lateral (or vice versa) to keep the convenience at the same level of a traditional strap binding. The single connection point may be similar to a ski buckle, but with a single rather than multiple hooking points since the adjustments for length are via multiple ratchets on the strap. Yet another adaptation may use the “bolo” tensioning system now used on some snowboard boot lacing systems to manage the instep strap tension, but substituting the toe pegs for the conventional toe strap. Yet another example is the snowboard boot specific shank that runs along the edges of the sole rather than down the middle, thus allowing step-in crampon compatibility yet maintain soft board feel while riding. This edges-rather-than-midline-shank may be adapted to any snowboard boot, and such adaptation is contemplated by the present invention.

[0154] The binding handles, of course, may be adapted to any step-in binding to improve the speed and ease of engaging the boot into the binding, especially when stepping-in is difficult, such as in deep powder.

[0155] In an alternative embodiment, the release mechanism comprises ratchet pawls, a release cable, a pulley, a compression spring, a disk, a torsion spring, a release handle, and a binding housing. The lateral ratchet pawl 321 configures to receive and secure a release cable. A pulley locates on the frame 303 to change the direction of the release cable toward the handle. The release cable travels from the ratchet pawl, through the pulley, and is coupled to the steel disk. The disk is coupled to the release handle in a free-floating manner by a suitable means, such as a rivet, such that the cable is not twisted when the release handle is rotated. A torsion spring is coupled to the steel disk and the release handle, causing rotation of a numb on the release handle toward the locked position in the housing.

[0156] To release the boot, the rider must rotate the release handle numb to the release position in the housing and then pull the handle upward, thus pulling the ratchet pawl away from the ratchet wheel/cam, allowing the torsion springs in the coupling mechanism to aid the rider's removal of the boot from the binding. When the rider lets go of the release handle, the pawl torsion spring and handle numb clear the release position vertical shaft, the release handle torsion spring then rotates the release handle num into the locked position on the housing: Hence, the release handle is configured and situated to rest in the locked position, thus aiding in avoiding an unintended release of the boot from the binding.

[0157] Another preferred embodiment of a boot and binding system according to the present invention, as FIGS. 14-21 illustrate, for example, contemplates a soft soled boot with a step in binding. Many aspects of this embodiment are similar or identical to the elements and descriptions of the previous embodiments discussed above herein and those details are not repeated except as needed to explain or better appreciate nuances of this preferred embodiment. Accordingly, the boot employs boot toe pegs 211, medially and laterally, that pivot against binding toe hooks 311 when stepping down into the binding toward the heel to engage an instep coupler integrated into the boot. The stepping action engages the instep coupler via boot heel pegs 239 that mate with binding heel levers 315. At the point when the boot sole 201 is slightly compressed against the binding base plate 303, the instep coupler is fully engaged, thus creating tension across the instep of the rider's foot via instep cable straps underfoot 229 in the boot similar to a conventional strap boot/binding system. The stepping action also “cocks” the release mechanism. To exit the binding, the rider “yanks” up on a release handle that has a safety measure to avoid inadvertent release, causing the binding grappling hook 317 to tend away from the instep coupler grommet 231 thus allowing the boot 20 to disengage from the binding.

[0158] Other aspects of this embodiment of the invention include, for example, a hardened exterior shell material—toe cup 210 having integrated front toe pegs 211. The instep strap actually consists of three generally parallel cables 235a, 235b, and 235c linked to a common ratchet mechanism 500. Each cable has a first end coupled to a large cable nut 501 for rough adjustment of tension and cable length and on the opposite end a small cable nut 503 for more precise adjustment of cable length and tension. The binding 30 includes a baseplate 505, which adapts to mount to a snowboard. The baseplate 505 may be integral to the binding 30 or may be coupled to the binding 30 in a conventional manner.

[0159] The boot 20 includes a soft material, such as neoprene or other textile, as would be appreciated by those skilled in this art, on the upper 523 and interior portion that contacts the wearer's foot. Other portions of the boot, such as the front portion 521 along with the rigid material of the toe cup 201, heel cup 207, instep portion 205, side portion 515 include a harder material such as polyethylene, nylon, ABS, and Delrin. The binding 30 is fabricated, molded or otherwise made of a metal, alloy of metal or composite, for example, aluminum—If die cast, then 356-T6 or if 6061-T6 would be good as well. Other components, such as high-stress parts, fasteners, grommets, etc., can be made from stainless steel or other materials common in this art.

[0160] Split-Board Application.

[0161] FIG. 13 illustrates a possible split-board system that incorporates the binding system and boots of the present invention. Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention—ideally suited for snowboards—readily adapts for split-boarding. Thus, in a second preferred embodiment, the binding system is modified slightly for split boards, but the boot design, as previously disclosed, remains unchanged.

[0162] Although a snowboard requires a front binding and a back binding, split boarding needs a binding that will act as a left binding and a right binding when the board is split, and a front binding and back binding pair when the split board is joined together. The present binding system can readily be adapted for this dual role where the binding adapts for skinning (ski mode) and one for riding back down (ride mode). The current art (such as the binding designs disclosed by Voile) require an interface to attach a snowboard boot to the binding used for skinning.

[0163] This current art interface is heavy, awkward, raises the boot away from the board, thus reducing control of the board, and places the pivot point for skinning in the wrong location—ideally skinning requires a similar binding mounting point more like telemark boots—and the current art cannot accommodate this position.

[0164] The present invention overcomes the limitations of the current art and solves the aforementioned problems. Specifically, the existing toe pegs 211 are utilized as pivot points for the boot when in the skinning split-board configuration. As discussed herein, the toe pegs 211 provide an attachment point for coupling to the binding disclosed herein for use with a conventional snowboard. These same toe peg 211 provide the boot coupling and pivot point for the ski binding portion of the split board thus obviating the need for an interface altogether. This weight savings and proper placement of the pegs as a pivot point for skinning are desired improvements in split boarding.

[0165] The ski mode binding to couple the boot 20 to the split-board is a simple clamping device similar to a cross-country ski binding. A closer current art device is the Dynafit randonee brand binding (which is well understood in the art) that clamps onto concave points on the boot. Similarly, the present invention includes a modification to the binding system to cup and clamp the toe pegs 211 with sufficient strength to hold the boot in place while skinning. The cup designed to hold the boot, but configured and situated to allow the toe pegs to pivot within the cups thus permitting the rider to “skin” up the mountain.

[0166] The ride mode binding is identical to the disclosed binding herein except that it would be “split” with toe pegs on one half and the coupling and release mechanism on the other. The split-board iteration of the binding also has an added element to stabilize the binding under the boot and also assist in coupling the two halves of the split-board. In the preferred embodiment, this element is similar to the “bolt action” of a simple gate lock that may be manually and quickly engaged and disengaged by the rider. This element may be achieved in any number of ways and the disclosed version is only one—this invention is intended to cover all such stabling/connecting elements for the disclosed binding being adapted to a split-board. The split-board iteration would also require a different disc with a different hole-pattern (two per binding instead of one, so 4 total) due to the split-nature of the board.

[0167] FIG. 13 illustrates a contemplated split board device according to this second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, when the split board is joined together, the split board functions as a snow board according to the first preferred embodiment, previously discussed herein with the left and right bindings functioning as already explained. But—as FIG. 13 shows—when the split board is in ski mode, there is a ski-mode binding on each half of the board. Thus, there is a left and right “ski” and each ski has its own respective ski-mode binding comprising a toe cup adapted to engage the toe hook mounts of the left and right boots, respectively. Because in the split mode, the heel of the boot need not be attached to the board—in fact the boot heel cannot be attached for proper technique—there is no need for a heel-engaging or rear binding.

[0168] Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. I claim: