Splitboard joining device

Abstract

Some embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus for joining two skis to form a splitboard. The apparatus can comprise a first attachment portion configured to attach to a first ski and a second attachment portion configured to attach to a second ski. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion can be configured to engage to prevent splitboard skis from moving up and down relative to each other, from moving apart in a direction perpendicular to a seam of the splitboard, from sliding relative to each other in a direction parallel to the seam, and from rotating about the seam of the splitboard.

Claims

1. A splitboard joining device comprising: a first attachment configured to attach to a first ski of a splitboard and not be removed from the first ski during normal operation; a second attachment configured to attach to a second ski of the splitboard and not be removed from the second ski during normal operation; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to comprise a first configuration where the first attachment and the second attachment are joined, thereby creating tension between the first attachment and the second attachment and compression between the first ski and the second ski; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to comprise a second configuration where the first attachment and the second attachment are disengaged, thereby reducing tension between the first attachment and the second attachment and compression between the first ski and second ski allowing the first ski and second ski to be separated; wherein the first attachment comprises a first element to prevent upward movement of the second ski relative to the first ski; wherein the second attachment comprises a second element to prevent upward movement of the first ski relative to the second ski; wherein at least the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a member configured to extend across a seam of the splitboard; wherein the first attachment comprises a first, tensioning element moveable in a plane parallel to a top surface of the first and second ski; wherein the second attachment comprises a receiving element; wherein the first tensioning element of the first attachment is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein when the first tensioning element of the first attachment is in the first position and engaged with the receiving element of the second attachment it defines the first configuration; and wherein when the first tensioning element of the first attachment is in the second position and disengaged with the receiving element of the second attachment it defines the second configuration.

2. The splitboard joining device of claim 1, further comprising a second tensioning element configured to adjustably control tension between the first attachment and the second attachment.

3. The splitboard joining device of claim 2, wherein the second tensioning element comprises at least one slotted mounting hole; wherein the second tensioning element is configured such that to increase tension the receiving element is configured to move in a direction generally perpendicular from the seam of the splitboard toward a location of the first attachment's attachment to the first ski; wherein the second tensioning element is also configured such that to decrease tension the receiving element is configured to move in a direction from a location of the first attachment's attachment to the first ski and generally perpendicular toward the seam of the splitboard; wherein the receiving element is configured to be fixed in place at a desired tension between the first attachment and the second attachment.

4. The splitboard joining device of claim 3, wherein the second tensioning element is part of the second attachment.

5. The splitboard joining device of claim 1, wherein the first tensioning element of the first attachment is configured to be driven by a lever rotating about a pivot.

6. The splitboard joining device of claim 1, wherein the first attachment comprises a member configured to extend across the seam of the splitboard.

7. The splitboard joining device of claim 1, wherein the second attachment comprises a member configured to extend across the seam of the splitboard.

8. A splitboard joining device comprising: a first attachment configured to attach to a first ski of a splitboard and not be removed from the first ski during normal operation; a second attachment configured to attach to a second ski of the splitboard and not be removed from the second ski during normal operation; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to comprise a first configuration where the first attachment and the second attachment are joined, thereby creating tension between the first attachment and the second attachment and compression between the first ski and the second ski; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to comprise a second configuration where the first attachment and the second attachment are disengaged, thereby reducing tension between the first attachment and the second attachment and compression between the first ski and second ski allowing the first ski and second ski to be separated; wherein the first attachment comprises a first element to prevent upward movement of the second ski relative to the first ski; wherein the second attachment comprises a second element to prevent upward movement of the first ski relative to the second ski; wherein either the first attachment or the second attachment comprises a member configured to extend across a seam of the splitboard; wherein the first attachment comprises a first tensioning element, wherein the first tensioning element further comprises a lever configured to push the first tensioning element to create tension between the first attachment and the second attachment; wherein the second attachment comprises a receiving element; wherein the first tensioning element of the first attachment is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein when the first tensioning element of the first attachment is in the first position and engaged with the receiving element of the second attachment it defines the first configuration; wherein when the first tensioning element of the first attachment is in the second position and disengaged with the receiving element of the second attachment it defines the second configuration.

9. The splitboard joining device of claim 8, further comprising a second tensioning element configured to adjustably control tension between the first attachment and the second attachment.

10. The splitboard joining device of claim 9, wherein the second tensioning element comprises at least one slotted mounting hole; wherein the second tensioning element is configured such that to increase tension the receiving element is configured to move in a direction generally perpendicular from the seam of a splitboard toward a location of the first attachment's attachment to the first ski; wherein the second tensioning element is also configured such that to decrease tension the receiving element is configured to move in a direction from a location of the first attachment's attachment to the first ski and generally perpendicular toward the seam of the splitboard; wherein the receiving element is configured to be fixed in place at a desired tension between the first attachment and the second attachment.

11. The splitboard joining device of claim 9, wherein the second tensioning element is part of the second attachment.

12. The splitboard joining device of claim 8, wherein the first tensioning element of the first attachment is driven by a lever rotating about a pivot.

13. The splitboard joining device of claim 8, wherein the first attachment comprises a member configured to extend across the seam of the splitboard.

14. The splitboard joining device of claim 8, wherein the second attachment comprises a member configured to extend across the seam of the splitboard.

15. A splitboard joining device comprising: a first attachment configured to attach to a first ski of a splitboard and not be removed from the first ski during normal operation; a second attachment configured to attach to a second ski of the splitboard and not be removed from the second ski during normal operation; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to comprise a first configuration where the first attachment and the second attachment are joined, thereby creating tension between the first attachment and the second attachment and compression between the first ski and the second ski; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to comprise a second configuration where the first attachment and the second attachment are disengaged, thereby reducing tension between the first attachment and the second attachment and compression between the first ski and second ski; a first tensioning element configured to create tension in the first configuration and reduce tension in the second configuration; a second tensioning element configured to adjustably control tension between the first attachment and the second attachment in the first configuration; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to comprise a third configuration where the first attachment and the second attachment are fully disengaged such that the first ski and the second ski can be separated for use in a tour mode; wherein to move from the second configuration to the third configuration the first attachment is configured to move away from the second attachment in a direction generally in plane with a top of the first ski and a top of the second ski and wherein the path from the second configuration to the third configuration is limited in at least two directions; wherein to move from the third configuration to the second configuration the first attachment is configured to move toward the second attachment in a direction generally in plane with the top of the first ski and the top of the second ski and wherein the path from the third configuration to the second configuration is limited in at least two directions; wherein the first attachment and the second attachment are configured to only move to the first configuration from the second configuration; wherein the first attachment comprises a member configured to extend across the seam of the splitboard to prevent upward movement of the second ski relative to the first ski.

16. The splitboard joining device of claim 15, wherein either the first attachment or the second attachment comprises the first tensioning element.

17. The splitboard joining device of claim 15, wherein the second attachment comprises the first tensioning element, the first tensioning element configured to be movable in a plane generally parallel to the top of the first ski and second ski; wherein the first attachment comprises a first receiving element configured to engage and disengage the first tensioning element; wherein the first tensioning element is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; wherein when the first tensioning element is in the first position and engaged with the first receiving element of the first attachment, the first attachment and the second attachment are in the first configuration; wherein when the first tensioning element is in the second position and has reduced engagement with the first receiving element of the first attachment, the first attachment and the second attachment are in the second configuration.

18. The splitboard joining device of claim 17, wherein the first tensioning element is configured to be driven by a lever rotatable about a pivot.

19. The splitboard joining device of claim 17, wherein the first attachment comprises the second tensioning element; wherein the second tensioning element comprises at least one slotted mounting hole; wherein the second tensioning element is configured such that to increase tension the first receiving element is configured to move in a direction generally perpendicular from the seam of the splitboard toward a location of the first attachment's attachment to the first ski; wherein the second tensioning element is also configured such that to decrease tension the first receiving element is configured to move in a direction from a location of the first attachment's attachment to the first ski and generally perpendicular toward the seam of the splitboard; wherein the first receiving element is configured to be fixed in place at a desired tension between the first attachment and the second attachment.

20. The splitboard joining device of claim 17, wherein the first attachment comprises a first leg and a second leg; wherein the second leg is generally perpendicular to the first leg; wherein the first leg comprises the member configured to extend across the seam of the splitboard to prevent upward movement of the second ski relative to the first ski; wherein the second leg comprises a second receiving element, and the second receiving element is configured to engage the first tensioning element.

21. The splitboard joining device of claim 15, wherein the first attachment comprises the first tensioning element, the first tensioning element configured to be movable in a plane generally parallel to the top of the first ski and second ski; wherein the second attachment comprises a second receiving element configured to engage and disengage the first tensioning element; wherein the first tensioning element is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; wherein when the first tensioning element is in the first position and engaged with the second receiving element of the second attachment, the first attachment and the second attachment are in the first configuration; wherein when the first tensioning element is in the second position and has reduced engagement with the second receiving element of the second attachment, the first attachment and the second attachment are in the second configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods will now be described in connection with embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and not necessarily to scale. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the apparatus, systems, and methods. The drawings include the following figures, which can be briefly described as follows:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top view of a splitboard in the snowboard configuration.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view of a splitboard in the split ski configuration.

(4) FIG. 3A is a top view of an example splitboard joining device in a first configuration.

(5) FIG. 3B is a top view of an example second attachment of a splitboard joining device.

(6) FIG. 3C is an exploded view of an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device.

(7) FIG. 3D is a bottom view of an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device.

(8) FIG. 4A is a side view of an example splitboard joining device in a first configuration.

(9) FIG. 4B is an isometric view of an example splitboard joining device in a first configuration.

(10) FIG. 5A is a top view of an example splitboard joining device in a second configuration.

(11) FIG. 5B is a side view of an example splitboard joining device in a second configuration.

(12) FIG. 5C is an isometric view of an example splitboard joining device in a second configuration.

(13) FIG. 6A is an isometric view of an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device in a third configuration.

(14) FIG. 6B is an isometric view of an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device in a fourth configuration.

(15) FIG. 7A is a top view of an example splitboard joining device in a fourth configuration.

(16) FIG. 7B is a top view of an example splitboard joining device in a third configuration.

(17) FIG. 7C is another top view of an example splitboard joining device in a fourth configuration.

(18) FIG. 8A is a profile view of the bottom of an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device.

(19) FIG. 8B is another profile view of the bottom of an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device.

(20) FIG. 9A is a side cross-sectional view on an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device.

(21) FIG. 9B is another side cross-sectional view on an example first attachment of a splitboard joining device.

DESCRIPTION

(22) A splitboard is a snowboard that splits into at least two skis for climbing uphill in a touring configuration. When the splitboard is in the touring configuration, traction skins can be applied to the base of the snowboard to provide traction when climbing uphill. The user can use the skis like cross country skis to climb. When the user reaches a location where the user would like to snowboard down a hill, the user removes the traction skins and joins the at least two skis with a joining device to create a snowboard. An integral part of achieving optimal performance, such that the splitboard performs like a solid snowboard, is the joining device's ability to prevent the at least two skis from moving relative to each other.

(23) Where the skis touch to create a snowboard is referred to as the seam. If a splitboard has relative movement between the at least two skis, torsional stiffness is lost, flex in the splitboard is compromised, and ultimately performance is reduced which leads to lack of control for the user. For a splitboard to perform like a solid snowboard the joining device should allow the at least two skis to act as one snowboard with, for example, torsional stiffness and tip-to-tail flex. The joining device also should prevent the splitboard skis from shearing or moving up and down relative to each other, moving apart in a direction perpendicular to the seam, sliding relative to each other in a direction parallel to the seam, and rotating about the seam. Existing devices do not provide sufficient constraint in all four directions, or do not provide constraint in all four directions.

(24) In order to fully constrain movement in the skis relative to each other in directions perpendicular and parallel to the seam, the joining device should create tension in itself and thus compression at the seam of the splitboard between the at least two skis. For this tension and compression to be obtained and still be able to easily separate the at least two skis, the joining device should have the ability to increase and decrease tension easily.

(25) Some existing devices lack, among other things, the ability to fully constrain rotation about the seam of the splitboard. Fully constraining rotation about the seam of the splitboard is an important element to making a splitboard ride like a normal snowboard. If the splitboard can rotate about the seam, the rider's input into the splitboard is delayed creating a less responsive ride down the mountain. Some devices rely heavily on the precision of installation to attempt to limit rotation about the seam of the splitboard. As a result, if the device is installed loosely, or when the device wears down with use, rotation about the seam of the splitboard can occur, the skis can move perpendicularly to the seam of the splitboard, and the skis can move parallel to the seam of the splitboard, thereby creating a less responsive ride down the mountain. Such devices also lack the ability to create tension in the joining device and compression in the seam of the splitboard.

(26) There is a need for a splitboard joining device that can quickly and easily join the skis of a splitboard to create a snowboard while preventing the splitboard skis from shearing or moving up and down relative to each other, moving apart in a direction perpendicular to the seam, sliding relative to each other in a direction parallel to the seam, and rotating about the seam.

(27) With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a splitboard 100. FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the splitboard 100 with a first ski 101 and a second ski 102 joined in the snowboard configuration. Joined splitboard 100 has a seam 103 created by inside edge 201 (see FIG. 2) of first ski 101 and inside edge 202 (see FIG. 2) of second ski 102 touching. An important element in creating a splitboard that performs well in ride mode is creating continuity between first ski 101 and second ski 102. Compressing inside edges 201 and 202 together at the seam 103 creates torsional stiffness in splitboard 100. Splitboard 100 is joined by splitboard joining device 300 which comprises a first attachment 302 and a second attachment 301.

(28) FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the splitboard 100 with a first ski 101 and a second ski 102 in the split ski configuration. In the split ski configuration the user can apply traction devices to the skis 101 and 102 to climb up snowy hills. First attachment 302 disengages from second attachment 301 allowing the skis 101 and 102 to be separated.

(29) FIGS. 3A-3D show detail views of embodiments of the splitboard joining device 300. FIG. 3A shows a top view of splitboard joining device 300 which can comprise a first attachment 302 and a second attachment 301. FIG. 3A further shows a top view of splitboard joining device 300 in a first configuration where the first attachment 302 and the second attachment 301 are joined creating tension between the first attachment 302 and the second attachment 301 and compression between the first ski 101 and the second ski 102. FIG. 3B shows a detailed top view of the second attachment 301. FIG. 3C shows an exploded view of the first attachment 302. FIG. 3D shows a bottom view of the first attachment 302.

(30) First attachment 302 can further comprise translational base portion 305, fixed base portion 304, lever 303, and links 314. Translational base portion 305 can further comprise shear tab 306, shear tab hook 319, slot 309, tip 308, friction teeth 307, drive flange 331, and link pivot 310. Fixed base portion 304 can further comprise lever pivot 313, mounting holes 311 and 312, slot stand-off 317, and retaining surface 318. Links 314 can have pivots 316 and 315. Lever 303 can have pivots 322 and 323 which can rotate on rivet 321, link pivots 320 and end 324. Slot stand-off 317 extends through slot 309. The thickness of slot stand-off 317 can be equal or slightly thicker than the thickness of translational base portion 305 to allow fixed base portion 304 to be tightened down to the top surface 104 of first ski 101 with fastener 336 through mounting holes 311 and 312. Fastener 336 can be a screw, bolt, rivet, or other suitable fastening device. Fastener 336 can also have nut 335 to attach fixed base portion 304 and first ski 101.

(31) In some embodiments, retaining surface 318 of fixed base portion 304 extends over the top of translational base portion 305 vertically constraining translational base portion 305. The closer the thickness of slot stand-off 317 to the thickness of translational base portion 305 the tighter the vertical constraint on translational base portion 305. Retaining surface 318 of fixed base portion 304 can constrain translational base portion 305 in a direction perpendicular to retaining surface 318, rotationally about the seam 103, and rotationally perpendicular to the seam 103.

(32) The width W1 of slot stand-off 317 can be equal to or slightly narrower than width W2 of slot 309. The interaction between width W1 of slot stand-off 317 and width W2 of slot 309 can constrain translational base portion 305 in a direction generally parallel to the seam 103 of the splitboard, the closer the width W1 to width W2 the tighter the constraint. The interaction between width W1 of slot stand-off 317 and width W2 of slot 309 can also constrain translational base portion 305 rotationally generally in the plane of retaining surface 318, the closer the width W1 to width W2 the tighter the constraint. In some embodiments, length L1 of slot stand-off 317 is less than length L2 of slot 309 to allow translational base portion 305 to move in a direction generally perpendicular to seam 103 as shown by dashed line A in FIG. 3A.

(33) Lever 303 can be attached though pivot holes 322 and 323 to fixed base portion 304 with fastener 321 through pivot hole 313. Fastener 321 can be a rivet, screw, bolt pin or other suitable fastener allowing rotation. Links 314 can attach to lever 303 through pivots 320 with a rivet, screw, pin or other suitable fastener. Links 314 can attach to link pivot 310 on drive flange 331 of translational base portion 305 with a rivet, screw, pin or similar fastener through pivot hole 315.

(34) As show in FIG. 3B, second attachment 301 can comprise mounting slots 328, shear tab 325, hook 327, end 335, and tip 326. Mounting slots 328 can have friction surface 329 surrounding them to provide a grip surface for fastener to clamp to. Friction surface 329 can be triangular teeth, square teeth, round teeth, or any type of textured surface to increase friction.

(35) Second attachment 301 can attach to second ski 102 with fasteners 333 and 334. Fasteners 333 and 334 can be screws, rivets, or other suitable fastening mechanisms. Nuts 331 and 332 can further be used to attach second attachment 301 to second ski 102. Upon mounting, second attachment 301 can be adjusted with mounting slots 328 relative to second ski 102. To increase tension in the first configuration, end 335 can be moved away from seam 103. To decrease tension in the first configuration, end 335 can be moved towards seam 103.

(36) FIG. 4A shows a side view of embodiments of the splitboard joining device 300 in a first configuration. The first attachment 302 and the second attachment 301 are joined thereby creating tension between the first attachment 302 along path C and the second attachment 301 along path B, and compression between the first ski 101 along path E and the second ski 102 along path D at seam 103.

(37) FIG. 4B shows an isometric view of embodiments of the splitboard joining device 300 in the first configuration. Lever 303 is in a locked position with end 324 resting on drive flange 331. Link 314 pushes translational base portion 305 along path A (see FIG. 3A or 4B) with drive flange 331 moving away from seam 103 creating tension between first attachment 302 and second attachment 301 when shear tab hook 319 engages hook 327. Link pivot 320 of lever 303 rests below the over-center line of action F between pivot holes 322, 321 and 313 and link pivot 310 and pivot hole 315. Link pivot 320 resting below over-center line of action F is in an over-center position such that as tension is increased on shear tab hook 319 the pivot 320 wants to drop further below over-center line of action F meaning lever 303 will close further. The over-center position prevents lever 303 from opening without a significant upward force being applied to end 324. The resistance created in the over-center position is driven by the tension created between shear tab hook 319 of first attachment 302 and hook 327 of second attachment 301. The more interference between shear tab hook 319 and hook 327 in the first configuration the more tension is created. Interference between shear tab hook 319 and hook 327 can be increased or decreased as described in FIG. 3B.

(38) FIG. 5A shows a top view of embodiments of the splitboard joining device 300 in a second configuration where the first attachment 302 and the second attachment 301 are disengaged in a direction generally perpendicular to the seam 103 of the splitboard 100 allowing the first ski 101 and second ski 102 to be quickly and easily separated into the split ski configuration shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5B shows a side view of splitboard joining device 300 in the second configuration. FIG. 5C is an isometric view of splitboard joining device 300 in the second configuration.

(39) With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, in some embodiments, lever 303 is configured to be lifted up thereby releasing the tension between the first attachment 302 and the second attachment 301. Shear tab hook 319 moves away from seam 103 and hook 327 along path A perpendicular to seam 103 allowing first ski 101 and second ski 102 to be separated into the split ski configuration shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, to lift lever 303 from the first configuration shown in FIGS. 3A through 4B to the second configuration it takes a reasonable amount of force to pull the link pivot 316 and 320 of lever 303 past the over-center line of action F. Retaining surface 318 of fixed base portion 304 provides vertical constraint to translational base portion 305 such that when lever 303 is lifted and link 314 pulls on drive flange 331 of translational base portion 305 the upward force of lever 303 is translated into a horizontal motion along path A. Lever 303 rotates about pivots 322 and 323 with fastener 321 attaching lever 303 to fixed base portion 304 through pivot hole 313. As lever 303 rotates upward link 314 is pulled through link pivot 320 and pivots about pivot 316. The opposing end of link 314 pivot hole 315 pulls and pivots on link pivot 310 of drive flange 331 of translational base portion 305.

(40) FIG. 6A is an isometric view of first attachment 302 in a third configuration where first attachment 302 and second attachment 301 are not engaged and first ski 101 is in the split ski configuration shown in FIG. 2. Lever 303 is closed in the over-center position as shown in FIG. 4A. The over-center position prevents lever 303 from opening without a significant upward force being applied to end 324. The resistance created in the over-center position is driven by the compression created between translational base portion 305 and fixed base portion 304, which is further described in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The over-center position in the third configuration keeps the first attachment 302 from rattling when first ski 101 moves.

(41) FIG. 6B is an isometric view of first attachment 302 in a fourth configuration where first attachment 302 and second attachment 301 are not engaged. First ski 101 can be in the split ski configuration shown in FIG. 2. Lever 303 is open driving shear tab hook 319 of translational base portion 305 away from inside edge 201. In the fourth configuration, first attachment 302 is ready to engage second attachment 301 as shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C.

(42) FIG. 7A shows the first attachment 302 in the fourth configuration shown in FIG. 6B where lever 303 is open, thereby driving shear tab hook 319 of translational base portion 305 away from inside edge 201. In the fourth configuration as shown, first attachment 302 is ready to engage second attachment 302, and first ski 101 and second ski 102 can touch creating seam 103. Second attachment 301 and second ski 102 can move along path G and first attachment 302 and first ski 101 can move along path H to allow first attachment 302 and second attachment 301 to engage. First attachment 302 can be engaged with second attachment 301 when tip 308 touches second attachment 301 and tip 326 touches first attachment 302.

(43) FIG. 7B shows the first attachment 302 in the third configuration shown in FIG. 6A where lever 303 is closed such that shear tab hook 319 of translational base portion 305 is pulled closer or crossing seam 103. First attachment 302 and second attachment 301 cannot fully engage as friction teeth 307 cannot pass tip 326.

(44) FIG. 7C shows embodiments of the splitboard joining device where the first attachment 302 and the second attachment 301 can be engaged without inside end 201 of first ski 101 and inside edge 202 of second ski 102 touching. First attachment 302 is in the fourth configuration described in FIG. 6B.

(45) FIGS. 8A and 8B are bottom angled views of embodiments of first attachment 302 showing the translation of translational base portion 305 relative to fixed base portion 304 of first attachment 302. FIG. 8A shows first attachment 302 in either the second configuration described in FIGS. 5A through 5C or fourth configuration described in FIG. 6B with lever 303 open. Slot 309 can have locked end 801 and open end 802. In the second configuration or fourth configuration, open end 802 of slot 309 can touch slot stand-off 317.

(46) FIG. 8B shows the first attachment 302 in either the first configuration described in FIGS. 3A through 4B or the third configuration shown in FIG. 6A with lever 303 closed. In some embodiments of the first configuration or the third configuration, locked end 801 can touch or interfere with slot stand-off 309 creating the resistance in the over-center position described in FIG. 6A.

(47) FIGS. 9A and 9B show cross-sectional views of first attachment 302 where hatched features are cross-sections. Both figures show translational base portion 305 constrained vertically by restraining surface 318 of fixed base portion 304. The features of FIG. 9A are further described above with reference FIG. 5B. The features of FIG. 9B are further described above with reference FIG. 4A.

(48) The splitboard joining device and components thereof disclosed herein and described in more detail above may be manufactured using any of a variety of materials and combinations. In some embodiments, a manufacturer may use one or more metals, such as Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel, Brass, alloys thereof, other suitable metals, and/or combinations thereof to manufacture one or more of the components of the splitboard binding apparatus of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the manufacturer may use one or more plastics to manufacture one or more components of the splitboard joining device of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the manufacturer may use carbon-reinforced materials, such as carbon-reinforced plastics, to manufacture one or more components of the splitboard binding apparatus of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the manufacturer may manufacture different components using different materials to achieve desired material characteristics for the different components and the splitboard joining device as a whole.

(49) Conditional language such as, among others, can, could, might, or may, unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

(50) Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

(51) It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included and fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. The present disclosure 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.