Abstract
The present disclosure relates to splitboard bindings and interfaces. The improved splitboard interfaces can combine two or three components into one molded composite part. The interfaces can also utilize some of the same parts on the heelside of the assembly and the toe side. The interfaces can also be flipped to be used in different orientations (e.g., left foot forward or right foot forward). Embodiments can use concentric arced mounting slots to reduce the size of parts to achieve desired stance angles. Embodiments can also have a seam connection disk with a cove and bead for better joining at the seam of the splitboard. The improved splitboard interfaces can be easier to manufacture, lighter and stronger than other designs, and easier to use to provide a better overall snowboarding experience.
Claims
1. A splitboard binding, comprising: a first interface configured to receive a boot; a second interface configured to attach to a splitboard, the second interface configured to couple to the first interface in a ride mode configuration wherein the second interface comprises a first receiving mechanism and a second receiving mechanism, the first receiving mechanism configured to attach to a first splitboard ski and the second receiving mechanism configured to attach to a second splitboard ski; wherein the second interface comprises at least two curved slots configured to set a riding stance angle on the splitboard, wherein the curved slots are generally concentric to the middle of the second interface, wherein the curved slots have different radii.
2. The splitboard binding of claim 1, wherein the first receiving mechanism comprises a first curved slot with radius A and a second curved slot with radius B, wherein the second receiving mechanism also comprises a first curved slot with radius A and a second curved slot with radius B.
3. The splitboard binding of claim 1, wherein the first receiving mechanism further comprises a toeside receiving component and a first angle plate, the first angle plate comprising a first curved slot with radius A and a second curved slot with radius B, wherein the second receiving mechanism further comprises a heelside receiving component and a second angle plate, the second angle plate comprising a first curved slot with radius A and a second curved slot with radius B.
4. The splitboard binding of claim 3, wherein the first angle plate and the second angle plate are identical parts.
5. The splitboard binding of claim 3, wherein the fit of the first angle plate to the toeside receiving component allows for translational adjustment of the first receiving mechanism in a direction towards the toeside of the splitboard or in a direction towards the heelside of the splitboard, and wherein the fit of the second angle plate to the heelside receiving component allows for translational adjustment of the first receiving mechanism in a direction towards the toeside of the splitboard or in a direction towards the heelside of the splitboard.
6. The splitboard binding of claim 2, wherein the first receiving mechanism further comprises a first stance width adjustment plate with at least two mounting hole positions and wherein the second receiving mechanism further comprises a second stance width adjustment plate with at least two mounting hole positions.
7. The splitboard binding of claim 3, wherein the first receiving mechanism further comprises a first stance width adjustment plate with at least two mounting hole positions and wherein the second receiving mechanism further comprises a second stance width adjustment plate with at least two mounting hole positions.
8. A splitboard binding, comprising: a first interface configured to receive a boot; a second interface configured to attach to a splitboard, the second interface configured to couple to the first interface in a ride mode configuration wherein the second interface comprises a first receiving mechanism and a second receiving mechanism, the first receiving mechanism configured to attach to a first splitboard ski and the second receiving mechanism configured to attach to a second splitboard ski; wherein the first receiving mechanism comprises a first element with a convex profile and the second receiving mechanism comprises a second element with a concave profile, such that the concave profile of the second element is configured to mate with the convex profile of the first element; wherein when the first receiving mechanism and the second receiving mechanism are engaged the first element and the second element are configured to constrain vertical motion between the first receiving mechanism and the second receiving mechanism.
9. The splitboard binding of claim 8, wherein the second receiving mechanism further comprises a first element with a convex profile and the first receiving mechanism further comprises a second element with a concave profile, such that the concave profile of the second element is configured to mate with the convex profile of the first element.
10. The splitboard binding of claim 9, wherein in the ride mode configuration the first element of the first receiving mechanism and the second element of the second receiving mechanism are offset with a gap between their positions along the seam of the splitboard.
11. The splitboard binding of claim 8, wherein the profile of the first element of the first receiving mechanism is a bead and the profile of the second element of the second receiving mechanism is a cove.
12. The splitboard binding of claim 9, wherein the profile of the first element of the first receiving mechanism and the second receiving mechanism is a bead and the profile of the second element of the first receiving mechanism and the second receiving mechanism is a cove.
13. The splitboard binding of claim 8, wherein the profile of the first element of the first receiving mechanism is a tongue and the profile of the second element of the second receiving mechanism is a groove.
14. The splitboard binding of claim 9, wherein the profile of the first element of the first receiving mechanism and the second receiving mechanism is a tongue and the profile of the second element of the first receiving mechanism and the second receiving mechanism is a groove.
15. The splitboard binding of claim 8, wherein the first receiving mechanism is comprised of at least two parts, a first seam component and a first attachment component, wherein the second receiving mechanism is comprised of at least two parts, a second seam component and a second attachment component, and wherein the first seam component comprises the first element and the second seam component comprises the second element.
16. The splitboard binding of claim 15, wherein the first seam component further comprises the second element and the second seam component further comprises the first element.
17. The splitboard binding of claim 16, wherein the first seam component and the second seam component are identical parts.
18. A splitboard binding, comprising: a first interface configured to receive a boot; a second interface configured to attach to a splitboard, the second interface configured to couple to the first interface in a ride mode configuration wherein the second interface comprises a first receiving mechanism and a second receiving mechanism, the first receiving mechanism configured to attach to a first splitboard ski and the second receiving mechanism configured to attach to a second splitboard ski; wherein the second interface further comprises a seam connection disk that splits generally at the seam of the splitboard, with a first portion configured to attach to the first splitboard ski and a second portion configured to attach to the second splitboard ski, wherein the split of the seam connection disk is configured to generally align with the seam of the splitboard; wherein the first receiving mechanism further comprises a first receiving component and the second receiving mechanism further comprises a second receiving component; wherein the first portion of the seam connection disk is configured to be clamped between the first splitboard ski and the first receiving component of the first receiving mechanism, and the second portion of the seam connection disk is configured to be clamped between the second splitboard ski and the second receiving component of the second receiving mechanism.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] 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:
[0011] FIG. 1A is a top view of a splitboard with ride mode interfaces and tour mode interfaces in the ride mode configuration.
[0012] FIG. 1B is a top view of a splitboard with ride mode interfaces and tour mode interfaces in the tour mode configuration.
[0013] FIG. 1C is a top view of a splitboard, in the ride mode configuration, with ride mode interfaces, tour mode interfaces, and splitboard bindings attached to the ride mode.
[0014] FIG. 1D is a top view of one ski of a splitboard, in the tour mode configuration, with the splitboard binding attached to the tour mode interface.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a top view of an example splitboard binding with the locking mechanism in a locked position.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a top view of an example splitboard binding with the locking mechanism in an open position.
[0017] FIG. 2C is a side view of an example splitboard binding with the locking mechanism in a locked position.
[0018] FIG. 2D is a side view of an example splitboard binding with the locking mechanism in an open position.
[0019] FIG. 2E is an isometric view of an example splitboard binding with the locking mechanism in a locked position.
[0020] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of an example ride mode interface.
[0021] FIG. 3B is an exploded isometric view of an example ride mode interface.
[0022] FIG. 3C is an isometric view of a second example ride mode interface.
[0023] FIG. 3D is an exploded isometric view of a second example ride mode interface.
[0024] FIG. 4A is a top view of a seam connection disk.
[0025] FIG. 4B is a top view of a seam connection disk separated into two halves.
[0026] FIG. 4C is an isometric view of one disk half of the seam connection disk.
[0027] FIG. 4D is an isometric view of a seam connection disk separated and translated along seam of a splitboard.
[0028] FIG. 4E is an isometric view of a seam connection disk translated along seam of a splitboard.
[0029] FIG. 4F is an isometric view of a seam connection disk fully joined.
[0030] FIG. 4G shows a section view of the seam connection disk showing the interaction of a cove and bead when they are engaged.
[0031] FIG. 4H shows a section view of seam connection disk showing the interaction of a cove and bead when they are separated.
[0032] FIG. 41 shows a section view of seam connection disk showing the interaction of a cove and bead when they are engaged.
[0033] FIG. 4J shows a section view of a second embodiment of a cove and bead.
[0034] FIG. 4K shows a section view of a third embodiment of a cove and bead.
[0035] FIG. 5A shows an isometric top view of a toe side receiving component.
[0036] FIG. 5B shows an isometric bottom view of a toe side receiving component.
[0037] FIG. 5C shows an isometric top view of a heel side receiving component.
[0038] FIG. 5D shows an isometric bottom view of a heel side receiving component.
[0039] FIG. 5E shows an isometric exploded view of a heel side receiving component.
[0040] FIG. 6A shows an isometric top view of an adjustment plate.
[0041] FIG. 6B shows an isometric bottom view of an adjustment plate.
[0042] FIG. 6C shows a top view of an adjustment plate.
[0043] FIG. 7A shows a top view of angle plates in a regular foot configuration with other ride mode interface parts removed.
[0044] FIG. 7B shows a top view of angle plates in a regular foot configuration with other ride mode parts included.
[0045] FIG. 7C shows a top view of angle plates in a goofy foot configuration with other ride mode interface parts removed.
[0046] FIG. 7D shows a top view of angle plates in a goofy foot configuration with other ride mode interface parts included.
[0047] FIG. 8A is a top view showing the interaction between an example adjustment plate and an example angle plate.
[0048] FIG. 8B is a top view showing a second configuration of the interaction between an example adjustment plate and an example angle plate.
[0049] FIG. 8C is a top view showing a third configuration of the interaction between an example adjustment plate and an example angle plate.
[0050] FIG. 8D is a bottom view showing the interaction between an example adjustment plate and an example angle plate.
[0051] FIG. 9A is a top view showing a maximum angle position of an example ride mode interface.
[0052] FIG. 9B is a top view showing a minimum angle position of an example ride mode interface.
[0053] FIG. 9C is a top view showing an example ride mode interface biased to the toe side of a splitboard.
[0054] FIG. 9D is a top view showing an example ride mode interface biased to the heel side of a splitboard.
[0055] FIG. 10A shows a top view of example angle plates in a duck foot configuration with other ride mode interface parts removed.
[0056] FIG. 10B shows a top view of example angle plates in a posi foot configuration with other ride mode interface parts removed.
[0057] FIG. 10C is a top view of an example ride mode interface.
[0058] FIG. 10D is a top view showing the interaction between an example adjustment plate and an example angle plate.
[0059] FIG. 10E is a top view showing a second configuration of the interaction between an example adjustment plate and an example angle plate.
[0060] FIG. 10F is a top view showing a third configuration of the interaction between an example adjustment plate and an example angle plate.
DESCRIPTION
[0061] 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 splitboard bindings are attached to a tour mode interface on the skis allowing the user to 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 and attaches the splitboard bindings to the ride mode interfaces.
[0062] An integral part of achieving optimal performance, such that the splitboard performs like a solid snowboard, is the connection between the splitboard bindings and the ride mode interfaces. It is important that the transition between the tour mode configuration and the ride mode configuration is smooth and can be easily performed in a variety of snow conditions. Clearances between the splitboard binding and the ride mode are important for snow packing and icing not to affect the ease of transition. One challenge with some existing devices is that having large clearances between the splitboard binding and ride mode make for a sloppy connection and having tighter clearances makes for a more challenging transition in snowy or icy conditions. Another challenge with some existing devices is the ability to have the parts of the splitboard work as one solid snowboard and not independent skis.
[0063] There is a need for a splitboard binding that can have large clearances for easy transitions and attaches tightly to the ride mode and splitboard to improve the ride of the splitboard. There is also a need for a ride mode interface that allows the skis of a splitboard to work as a solid snowboard by removing seam movements.
[0064] Embodiments disclosed herein include improved splitboard interfaces designed to be easier and less expensive to manufacture, lighter and stronger than other designs, easier to use, and provide a better snowboarding experience. In some embodiments, the improved interface is less expensive to manufacture by combining two or three components into one molded composite part. In addition, the design can utilize some of the same parts on the heelside of the assembly and the toe side, which increases production volumes thus lowering costs. In some embodiments, some of the parts can be flipped to be used in different orientations (e.g., left foot forward vs right foot forward) instead of requiring different parts for different orientations or larger parts to accommodate different orientations. Flipping parts for different orientations allows the base parts to have a smaller footprint. In some embodiments, the improved splitboard interface uses a novel concept of concentric arced mounting slots to reduce the size of parts to achieve desired stance angles. Embodiments of the improved splitboard interface also can also have a seam connection disk with a cove and bead for better joining at the seam of the splitboard.
[0065] With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1A through 1D show a splitboard 100. FIG. 1A shows a top view of splitboard 100 in the ride mode configuration with ski 101 and 102 together to form a snowboard for riding down a slope. The center of the snowboard where ski 101 and 102 touch is seam 103. Splitboard 100 can have a ride mode interface 300A and ride mode interface 300B, a tour mode interface 104 and risers 105. There are tour mode interfaces 104 and risers 105; one for the left foot and the other for the right foot of a user. Ride mode interface 300A and ride mode interface 300B can be the same, or ride mode interface 300A can be specific to the front foot of a snowboarder and ride mode interface 300B can be specific to the back foot of a snowboarder. The front foot is generally the foot that leads as a snowboarder rides down the mountain. The splitboard shown in FIG. 1A is shown with the left foot as the front foot, which snowboarders refer to as regular footed. A snowboarder with the right foot as the front foot is referred to as goofy footed. As splitboard 100 is shown with the left foot as the front foot, splitboard 100 can have a toeside edge 106 and a heelside edge 107. The toeside edge 106 is the edge of the snowboard closest to the snowboarder's toes. The heelside edge 107 is the edge of the snowboard closest to the snowboarder's heels.
[0066] FIG. 1B shows a top view of the splitboard 100 in the tour mode configuration with ski 101 and ski 102 separated for touring up a hill. When separated seam 103 has inside edge 103A on ski 102 and inside edge 103B on ski 101. Ride mode 300A has a receiving mechanism 302A that can attach to ski 102 and a receiving mechanism 301A that can attach to ski 101. Receiving mechanism 302A can be on the toeside of the splitboard 100. Receiving mechanism 301A can be on the heelside of the splitboard 100. The receiving mechanism 302A could also be attached to ski 101 and the receiving mechanism 301A could be attached to ski 102 as well. The ski to which receiving mechanism 302A and receiving mechanism 301A are attached to is determined by which foot the user chooses to be their front foot, left or right. Ride mode 300B has a receiving mechanism 302B that can attach to ski 102 and a receiving mechanism 301B that can attach to ski 101. Receiving mechanism 302B can be on the toeside of the splitboard 100. Receiving mechanism 301B can be on the heelside of the splitboard 100. The receiving mechanism 302B could also be attached to ski 101 and the receiving mechanism 301B could be attached to ski 102 as well. The ride mode interface 300A and the ride mode interface 300B can be configured to work for either the left foot or right foot. FIG. 1C shows a top view of splitboard 100 with example binding interface 200 attached to ride mode interface 300. Binding interface 200 is firmly attached to ride mode 300. FIG. 1D shows a top view of ski 101 with binding interface 200 attached to tour mode 104.
[0067] FIG. 2A is a top view of an example binding interface 200. Binding interface 200 is configured to receive a snowboard boot. Binding interface 200 is shown without toe straps and ankle straps for ease of viewing. Toe straps hold the toe of a user's boot in the splitboard binding. Ankle straps hold the ankle of a user's boot in the splitboard binding. Not all splitboard bindings use straps. Splitboard bindings can use wire bales to hold a boot to the splitboard binding as well. Binding interface 200 can have a base with a toe side portion and a heel side portion. The toe side portion can comprise a toe stay 201. The heel side portion can comprise a heel stay 208. Toe stay 201 and heel stay 208 can be separate components as shown in FIG. 2A or they can be opposing sides of the same component. Toe stay 201 and heel stay 208 can be machined from metal, formed from metal, molded from plastic, molded from fiber-reinforced plastic or made by many other manufacturing processes. Heel stay 208 can be made from multiple components. Toe stay 201 can be made from multiple components.
[0068] Binding interface 200 can further comprise a heelcup 207 with a left side 205 and a right side 206. Left side 205 can be the medial or lateral side of the binding depending on which foot the binding is used for. Right side 206 can be the medial or lateral side of the binding depending on which foot the binding is used for. For ease of understanding, we will assume the binding described in this description herein will be for the right foot of a user when we refer to the medial and lateral directions.
[0069] Heel stay 208 can have locking pin 209 as shown in FIG. 2A. Locking pin 209 can slide in and out of heel stay 208. Toe stay 201 can have catch pins 204 as shown in FIG. 2A. Locking pins 209 oppose catch pins 204. In some embodiments, locking pins 209 can also be a part of the toe stay 201 and the catch pins 204 can be a part of heel stay 208. In some embodiments, catch pins 204 can be any element or mating surface to engage the ride mode 300. Toe stay 201 can have tour pivot pin 202 with sleeves 203 for attaching to tour mode 104. Binding interface 200 can have a highback 210. In some embodiments, locking pins 209 can be replaced with one or more of a multitude of similar locking elements such as a cam, an eccentric lobe, a wedge, a keyed pin, or any element that can move to complete engagement and complete disengagement of the ride mode 300.
[0070] FIG. 2B shows a top view of example binding interface 200, which can have lever 211 to drive lock pin 209. In FIG. 2B, lever 211 is opened causing lock pins 209 to retract into heel stay 208.
[0071] FIG. 2C shows a side view of example binding interface 200 with lever 211 in the closed position and lock pin 209 extending out of heel stay 208.
[0072] FIG. 2D shows a side view of example binding interface 200 with lever 211 in the open position and lock pin 209 retracted into heel stay 208.
[0073] FIG. 2E shows an isometric view of example binding interface 200 with lever 211 in the closed position and lock pin 209 extending out of heel stay 208.
[0074] Receiving mechanism 302A and receiving mechanism 302B can be designed to receive the toe side portion of binding interface 200. In some embodiments receiving mechanism 302A and receiving mechanism 302B can be designed to engage with the toe stay 201 of binding interface 200. Receiving mechanism 301A and receiving mechanism 301B can be designed to receive the heel side portion of binding interface 200. In some embodiments, receiving mechanism 301A and receiving mechanism 301B can be designed to engage with the heel stay 208 of binding interface 200.
[0075] FIG. 3A shows an isometric view of ride mode interface 300A in a front foot, regular foot (left foot forward) configuration. Ride mode interface 300A can comprise receiving mechanism 302A which can be mounted on ski 102 on the toe side of splitboard 100. Ride mode interface 300A can further comprise receiving mechanism 301A which can be mounted on ski 101 on the heel side of splitboard 100. Receiving mechanism 302A can comprise adjustment plate 600, angle plate 700, receiving component 501 which can be configured to attach to the toe side of binding 200, and half 400B of seam connection disk 400. Receiving mechanism 302A can be attached to ski 102 with fasteners 308. Receiving mechanism 301A can comprise adjustment plate 600, angle plate 700, receiving component 502 which can be configured to attach to the heel side of binding 200, and half 400A of seam connection disk 400. Receiving mechanism 301A can be attached to ski 101 with fasteners 308. Embodiments of angle plate 700 are further shown in, and described below in connection with, FIGS. 7A-7D and FIGS. 8A-8D. Angle plate 700 can be configured to give higher ride mode angles such as, for example, angles between 9 degrees and 30 degrees. In such embodiments, the angles are limited to a 21-degree difference to keep the size of the parts smaller than if there were a larger angle range.
[0076] FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of ride mode interface 300A. Receiving mechanism 302A can have fastener 308 pass through adjustment plate 600 which can be positioned above angle plate 700 which can be positioned above receiving component 501 which can be positioned above half 400B of seam connection disk 400. All these components stack together and can clamp to ski 102 with fasteners 308. Receiving mechanism 301A can have fastener 308 pass through adjustment plate 600 which can be positioned above angle plate 700 which can be positioned above receiving component 502 which can be positioned above half 400A of seam connection disk 400. Angle plates 700 can nest into clamping surface 504 and clamping surface 517 of their respective sides. All these components stack together and can clamp to ski 101 with fasteners 308.
[0077] FIG. 3C shows an isometric view of ride mode interface 300B in a back foot, regular foot (right foot) configuration. Ride mode interface 300B can comprise receiving mechanism 302B which can differ from ride mode interface 302A by using angle plate 1000 instead of angle plate 700. All of the other components of receiving mechanism 302B and receiving mechanism 302A can be the same and are numbered accordingly. Ride mode interface 300B can further comprise receiving mechanism 301B which can differ from ride mode interface 301A by using angle plate 1000 instead of angle plate 700. All of the other components of receiving mechanism 301B and receiving mechanism 301A can be the same and are numbered accordingly. Embodiments of angle plate 1000 are further shown in, and described in connection with, FIGS. 10A-10F. Angle plate 1000 can be configured to give lower ride mode angles such as, for example, angles between 12 degrees and 12 degrees. In such embodiments, the angles are limited to a 24-degree difference to keep the size of the parts smaller than if there were a larger angle range.
[0078] FIG. 3D shows an exploded view of ride mode interface 300B. Receiving mechanism 302B can have fastener 308 pass through adjustment plate 600 which can be positioned above angle plate 1000 which can be positioned above receiving component 501 which can be positioned above half 400B of seam connection disk 400. Angle plates 1000 can nest into clamping surface 504 and clamping surface 517 of their respective sides. All these components stack together and can clamp to ski 102 with fasteners 308. Receiving mechanism 301B can have fastener 308 pass through adjustment plate 600 which can be positioned above angle plate 1000 which can be positioned above receiving component 502 which can be positioned above half 400A of seam connection disk 400. All these components stack together and can clamp to ski 101 with fasteners 308.
[0079] Now reference is made to FIGS. 4A-4K. FIG. 4A is a top view of seam connection disk 400. FIG. 4B is a top view of seam connection disk 400 with half 400A and half 400B separated. FIG. 4C is an isometric view of half 400A of seam connection disk 400. FIG. 4D is an isometric view of seam connection disk 400 separated and translated along seam 103 of a splitboard 100. FIG. 4E is an isometric view seam connection disk 400 translated along seam 103 of a splitboard 100. FIG. 4F is an isometric view of seam connection disk 400 fully joined.
[0080] In some embodiments, seam connection disk 400 can have center point AA to which the curves and arcs of ride mode 300 can be concentric. Seam connection disk 400 can be comprised of half 400A and half 400B. Half 400A and 400B can be identical parts or they can be different. In the illustrated embodiments of seam connection disk 400, half 400A and half 400B are identical. Half 400A and half 400B of seam connection disk 400 can have teeth 401 for constraining the angle of ride mode 300, angle markers 406, rim stop 405, raised boss 409 which can extend above teeth 401 and rim stop 405. Raised boss 409 can generally be semi-circular and concentric to center point AA such that receiving component 501 and receiving component 502 can rotate around raised boss 409 to adjust angle. Raised boss 409 can further comprise a shear tab 404 and a shear tab receiving feature 408. Shear tab 404 can extend outward from raised boss 409 and is designed to engage shear tab receiving feature 408 of the opposing half of seam connection disk 400 to prevent vertical seam movement between ski 101 and ski 102. Teeth 401 can be designed to allow incremental angle adjustment. In some embodiments, the teeth allow for 3-degree increments of adjustment. Seam connection disk 400 can be designed to split into half 400A and half 400B along center split portion 410, which can be designed to generally align with seam 103 of a splitboard 100. Half 400A of seam connection disk 400 can have seam alignment arrow 407 to help align to seam 103 of splitboard 100. Half 400A of seam connection disk 400 can further comprise bead 403 aligned on one side of half 400A and cove 402 aligned on the other side of half 400A. In the illustrated embodiments, half 400B of seam connection disk 400 is identical to half 400A and can have seam alignment arrow 407 to help align to seam 103 of splitboard 100. Half 400B of seam connection disk 400 can further comprise bead 403 aligned on one side of half 400B and cove 402 aligned on the other side of half 400B. In some embodiments, cove 402 and bead 403 can be positioned along center split portion 410. Cove 402 can be longer than bead 403 creating gap BB between beads 403 of half 400A and half 400B of seam connection disk 400. The gap BB can allow seam connection disks 400A and 400B to translate in a direction along seam 103 to allow certain types of splitboard joining devices to fully disengage.
[0081] FIG. 4E shows an isometric view of seam connection disk 400 with half 400A and half 400B translated along seam 103 minimizing the size of gap BB until bead 403 of half 400A and bead 403 of half 400B touch.
[0082] FIG. 4G shows a section view of seam connection disk 400 showing the interaction of cove 402 and bead 403 when engaged. FIG. 4H shows a section view of seam connection disk 400 showing the interaction of cove 402 and bead 403 when they are separated. Cove 402 can be any concave surface designed to engage bead 403. Bead 403 can be any convex surface designed to engage cove 402. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-41, cove 402 is a rounded concave surface that can engage bead 403 which can be a rounded convex surface. In some embodiments, the cove 402 and bead 403 engage in such a way that they constrain movement vertically up from the seam 103 and vertically down from the seam 103, thus constraining and virtually eliminating seam shearing of splitboard ski 101 and splitboard ski 102.
[0083] FIG. 4J shows an alternate embodiment of cove 402 and bead 403. In FIG. 4J, cove 402A is shown as a sharp angular concave surface and bead 403A is shown as a sharp angular convex surface. FIG. 4K shows another alternate embodiment of cove 402 and bead 403, showing cove 402B as a groove and bead 403B as a tongue.
[0084] Cove 402 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 4G through 4K. Bead 403 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 4G through 4K.
[0085] FIGS. 5A and 5B show isometric views of receiving component 501. Receiving component 501 can be designed to engage the toe side portion of binding interface 200. In some embodiments, receiving component 501 can comprise a main surface 526, a base surface 513, and a clamping surface 504 recessed below main surface 526 and above base surface 513. Clamping surface 504 can further comprise an angle adjustment opening 505 with outside arc 506 and inside arc 507. Outside arc 506 and inside arc 507 can be concentric to center point AA shown in FIG. 4A. Angle adjustment opening 505 can allow for many binding stance angles. Typical bindings stance angles range from +30 to 30. In some embodiments, angle adjustment opening can allow up to 50. Receiving component 501 can further comprise attachment surfaces 503 which can extend above main surface 526. In some embodiments, the attachment surfaces 503 can be hooks with chamfered lead-ins designed to engage the toe stay 201 of the binding interface 200.
[0086] FIG. 5B shows a bottom isometric view of receiving component 501 flipped over. In some embodiments, receiving component 501 can further comprise an angular adjustment surface 511, which can be positioned between base surface 513 and main surface 526 with curved surface 512 extending from angular surface 511 to base 513. Curved surface 512 can be concentric to outside arc 506 and inside arc 507. Angular adjustment surface 511 can have teeth 510. In this embodiment, teeth 510 can extend from angular adjustment surface 511 toward base surface 513. In other embodiments, teeth 510 can be recessed into angular adjustment surface 511. Teeth 510 can further extend radially from center AA shown in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment, teeth 510 are triangular in shape and can be designed to engage teeth 401 of half 400B of connection disk 400. In other embodiments, the teeth can be any shape that can create a grip surface to hold the angular position of receiving component 501.
[0087] FIGS. 5C through 5E show receiving component 502. FIG. 5C shows an isometric view of receiving component 502. FIG. 5D is an isometric view of the bottom of receiving component 502. FIG. 5E is an exploded isometric view of receiving component 502.
[0088] Receiving component 502 can be designed to engage the heel side portion of binding interface 200. Receiving component 502 can have a base surface 520, a main surface 527, and a clamping surface 517 that can be recessed below main surface 527 and above base surface 520. Clamping surface 517 can further comprise an angle adjustment opening 516 with outside arc 519 and inside arc 518. Outside arc 519 and inside arc 518 can be concentric to center point AA shown in FIG. 4A. Angle adjustment opening 516 can allow for many binding stance angles. Typical bindings stance angles range from +30 to 30. In some embodiments, angle adjustment opening can allow up to 50. In some embodiments, receiving component 502 can have heel attachment portion 528.
[0089] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 5C-5E, receiving component 502 has two heel attachment portions 528 which can be on opposite sides of receiving component 502. Heel attachment portion 528 can be designed to engage heel stay 208 of binding interface 200. Heel attachment portion 528 can further be designed to engage lock pins 209 of heel stay 208 of binding interface 200. In some embodiments, heel attachment portion 528 can also include heel attachment plate 515, which can be made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, plastic, fiber reinforced plastic or any type of durable material. Heel attachment plate 515 can be designed to have a high strength component with a thin cross-section. In addition, heel attachment plate 515 can further be designed to not wear down quickly due to cyclic loading of the lock pins engaging and disengaging, and vibrating and/or moving during normal use cases of snowboarding. Heel attachment plates 515 can be held in place to receiving component 502 with t-nut 524 and fastener 525. T-nut 524 and fastener 525 can be replaced with any fastener such as a rivet, hex-bolt, machine screw and nut plate, etc. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5C-5E, the head of fastener 525 holds heel attachment plate 524 vertically. Fastener 525 threads into t-nut 524 preventing vertical movement of heel attachment plate 524.
[0090] Receiving component 502 can further comprise an angular adjustment surface 521. Angular adjustment surface 521 can be positioned between base surface 520 and main surface 527, with curved surface 523 extending from angular surface 521 to base 520. Curved surface 523 can be concentric to outside arc 519 and inside arc 518. Angular adjustment surface 521 can have teeth 522. In this embodiment, teeth 522 can extend from angular adjustment surface 521 toward base surface 520. In other embodiments, teeth 522 can be recessed into angular adjustment surface 521. Teeth 522 can further extend radially from center AA shown in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment, teeth 522 are triangular in shape and can be designed to engage teeth 401 of half 400A of connection disk 400. In other embodiments, the teeth can be any shape that can create a grip surface to hold the angular position of receiving component 502.
[0091] FIGS. 6A through 6C show detailed views of embodiments of adjustment plate 600. FIG. 6A is an isometric top view of adjustment plate 600. Adjustment plate 600 can comprise a top surface 601 and mounting holes 602, 603, 604 and 605. In some embodiments, mounting holes 602, 603, 604, and 605 can be chamfered to fit a flathead screw and keep the head of the screw flush to top surface 601. Mounting holes 602 and 603 can be spaced to match the ride mode mounting hole spacing of a splitboard which is typically one inch apart. Mounting holes 602 and 603 can be considered the neutral mounting position. Mounting holes 604 and 605 can be biased to one side of mounting holes 602 and 603 for micro adjustment, typically between 0.1875 and 0.5 inches. Mounting holes 604 and 605 can have the same relative spacing as mounting holes 602 and 603. Mounting holes 604 and 605 can be considered the biased mounting position. FIG. 6B is a bottom isometric view of adjustment plate 600. Adjustment plate 600 can further have bottom surface 608, positioning boss 606 and positioning boss 607. Positioning boss 606 and positioning boss 607 can extend outward from bottom surface 608. FIG. 6C is a top view of adjustment plate 600. Adjustment plate 600 can have orientation arrow 609.
[0092] FIGS. 7A through 7D focus on embodiments of angle plate 700. FIG. 7A shows a top view of angle plate 700 in a regular foot (left foot forward) configuration to allow for positive angle for the left foot as the front foot. All other parts of ride mode 300A are removed. In some embodiments, angles can range from 0 degrees to 50 degrees. In the embodiment shown, the angle plate 700 allows for angles between 10 degrees and 30 degrees. Angle plate 700 can have a regular foot side 704, center compression tab 703, arced slot 701, arced slot 702, goofy foot side 705, edge 706 and edge 707. Arced slot 701 and arced slot 702 can be concentric to center AA. Arced slot 701 can be cordial to circular path D1 which can be concentric to center AA. Arced slot 702 can be cordial to circular path D2 which can be concentric to center AA. Circular path D1 can be larger in diameter than circular path D2. Arced slot 701 can be biased toward edge 706. Arced slot 702 can be biased toward edge 707. In some embodiments, arced slot 701 and arced slot 702 can overlap some amount. In the regular foot configuration as shown in FIG. 7A, regular foot side 704 of angle plate 700 is facing upward. FIG. 7B is a top view of ride mode interface 300A in a regular foot configuration with angle plates 700 in the regular foot configuration as shown in FIG. 7A.
[0093] FIG. 7C shows a top view of angle plate 700 in a goofy foot (right foot forward) configuration to allow for positive angle for the right foot as the front foot. All other parts of ride mode 300A are removed. In some embodiments, angles can range from 0 degrees to 50 degrees. In the embodiment shown, the angle plate 700 allows for angles between 10 degrees and 30 degrees. In the goofy foot configuration as shown in FIG. 7C, goofy foot side 705 of angle plate 700 is facing upward. FIG. 7D is a top view of ride mode interface 300A in the goofy foot configuration with angle plates 700 in the goofy foot configuration as shown in FIG. 7C.
[0094] FIGS. 8A through 8D focus on the interfacing of adjustment plate 600 and angle plate 700 and the multiple configurations of adjustment plate 600 relative to the skis 101 and 102. Only adjustment plate 600, angle plate 700, and portions of skis 101 and 102 are shown for ease of viewing. The rest of ride mode 300A is not shown. Adjustment plates 600A and 600B can be identical parts and in these FIGS. 8A through 8D the toe side adjustment plate is denoted as 600A and the heel side adjustment plate is denoted as 600B. Ski 101 can have ride mode inserts 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A which are shown for reference. Ski 101 can have more or less inserts depending on the manufacturer of the splitboard. Ski 102 can have ride mode inserts 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B which are shown for reference. Ski 102 can have more or less inserts depending on the manufacturer of the splitboard. Industry standard ride mode insert spacing is generally around 1 inch tip to tail between inserts. Circular path D1 can pass through ride mode inserts 1A and 3A of ski 101 and ride mode inserts 1B and 3B of ski 102. Circular path D2 can have a smaller diameter than circular D1. Circular path D2 can pass through ride mode insert 2A of ski 101 and ride mode insert 2B of ski 102 which are positioned between inserts 1A and 3A and 1B and 3B. Using inserts 2A and 3A on ski 101 and inserts 1B and 2B on ski 102 with concentric offset arced slot 701 and arced slot 702 allows for minimizing the footprint of ride mode 300A.
[0095] FIG. 8A shows toe side adjustment plate 600A in the neutral mounting position with mounting holes 602 aligned with ride mode insert 1B and mounting hole 603 aligned with ride mode insert 2B of ski 102. Heel side adjustment plate 600B is also in the neutral position with mounting hole 602 aligned ride mode insert 2A and mounting hole 603 aligned with ride mode insert 3A of ski 101. Heel side adjustment plate 600B is biased one insert down from toe side adjustment plate 600A to allow for higher ride mode angles with shorter arc lengths for arced slots 701 and 702. The orientation arrows 609 of adjustment plates 600A and 600B point in the same direction, which in this embodiment is forward.
[0096] FIG. 8B shows adjustment plates 600A and 600B in the biased mounting position biased forward with mounting holes 604 aligned with ride mode insert 1B and mounting hole 605 aligned with ride mode insert 2B of ski 102. Heel side adjustment plate 600B is also in the biased position with mounting hole 604 aligned ride mode insert 2A and mounting hole 605 aligned with ride mode insert 3A of ski 101. Orientation arrows 609 of adjustment plates 600 are still pointing in the same direction, forward.
[0097] FIG. 8C shows adjustment plates 600A and 600B flipped around with their orientation arrows 609 pointing backward. Adjustment plates 600A and 600B in the biased mounting position bias backward with mounting holes 605 aligned with ride mode insert 1B and mounting hole 604 aligned with ride mode insert 2B of ski 102. Heel side adjustment plate 600B is also in the biased position with mounting hole 605 aligned with ride mode insert 2A and mounting hole 604 aligned with ride mode insert 3A of ski 101.
[0098] FIG. 8D shows a bottom view of the interfacing of adjustment plate 600 and angle plate 700. Positioning boss 607 of adjustment plate 600 fits into arced slot 701 of angle plate 700. Position boss 606 of adjustment plate 600 fits into arced slot 702 of angle plate 700.
[0099] FIGS. 9A and 9B are top views of ride mode 300A showing the angular adjustment about center point AA along path BB. FIG. 9A shows ride mode 300A in maximum angle position, which in this embodiment can be 30. FIG. 9B shows ride mode 300A in a minimum angle position, which in this embodiment can be 10. In some embodiments, the user can set their stance angle at any position between the maximum angle and minimum angle that is allowed by teeth 401 of seam connection disk halves 400A and 400B. The mating teeth 510 of receiving component 501 intermesh with teeth 401 of disk halves 400A and 400B. Fasteners 308, which can be flathead screws in some embodiments, can clamp adjustment plate 600 to angle plate 700, with angle plate 700 clamping to receiving component 502 and with receiving component 502 clamping to disk half 400A and ski 101. Fasteners 308 can also clamp adjustment plate 600 to angle plate 700, with angle plate 700 clamping to receiving component 501 and with receiving component 501 clamping to disk half 400B and ski 102.
[0100] FIGS. 9C and 9D are top views of ride mode interface 300A showing the toe side to heel side adjustment of ride mode interface 300A. Angle plate 700 can fit into clamping surface 504 of receiving component 501. Clamping surface 504 can be wider than angle plate 700 allowing receiving component 501 to move along path C-C. Angle plate 700 can fit into clamping surface 517 of receiving component 502. Clamping surface 517 can be wider than angle plate 700 allowing receiving component 502 to move along path C-C. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9C, ride mode interface 300A is biased towards the toe side edge 106 of splitboard 100. Receiving component 501 is shifted under angle plate 700 along path C-C towards the toe side edge 106. Receiving component 502 is shifted under angle plate 700 along path C-C towards the toe side edge 106. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9D, ride mode interface 300A is biased towards the heel side edge 107 of splitboard 100. Receiving component 501 is shifted under angle plate 700 along path C-C towards the heel side edge 107. Receiving component 502 is shifted under angle plate 700 along path C-C towards the heel side edge 107. In some embodiments, the adjustment amount along path C-C can be approximately half an inch. Adjusting the position of the ride mode interface 300A allows a snowboarder to center his or her foot between the toe side edge 106 and heel side edge 107 for proper balance and pressure distribution. The toe side to heel side adjustment of ride mode 300B can be the same as shown here in FIGS. 9C and 9D.
[0101] FIGS. 10A through 10F focus on angle plate 1000. FIGS. 10A through 10F show a top view of angle plate 1000 in a regular foot (left foot forward) configuration to allow for positive or negative angle for the right foot as the back foot. In some embodiments, angles can range from 30 degrees to 30 degrees. Angle plate 1000 can have a negative angle (duck foot) side 1001, center compression tab 1003, arced slot 1002, positive angle (posi) side 1004, edge 1005 and edge 1006. Arced slot 1002 can be concentric to center AA. Arced slot 1002 can be cordial to circular path D3 which can be concentric to center AA. In FIG. 10 only the angle plates 1000 are shown; all other parts of ride mode 300B are removed. Negative angle (duck foot) side 1001 is facing upward. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, the angle plate 1000 allows for angles between 0 degrees and 12 degrees.
[0102] FIG. 10B shows the positive angle (posi) side 1004 is facing upward. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, the angle plate 1000 allows for angles between 0 and 12 degrees. Angle plates 1000 and angle plates 700 can have the same outside profile to fit into clamping surface 504 and clamping surface 517. Angle plates 1000 and angle plates 700 differ by their respective arced slots 1002 and 701 and 702.
[0103] FIG. 10C shows ride mode interface 300B at an angle of 0 degrees. Ride mode interface 300B uses angle plates 1000. Ride mode interface 300A uses angle plates 700. Swapping angle plates 1000 for angle plates 700 will transform ride mode interface 300B into ride mode interface 300A. Swapping angle plates 700 for angle plates 1000 will transform ride mode interface 300A into ride mode interface 300B.
[0104] FIGS. 10D through 10F focus on the interfacing of adjustment plate 600 and angle plate 1000 and the multiple configurations of adjustment plate 600 relative to the skis 101 and 102. Only adjustment plate 600, angle plate 1000, and portions of skis 101 and 102 are shown for ease of viewing. The rest of ride mode 300B is not shown. Ski 101 can have ride mode inserts 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A, which are shown for reference. Ski 101 can have more or less inserts depending on the manufacturer of the splitboard. Ski 102 can have ride mode inserts 5B, 6B, 7B, and 8B, which are shown for reference. Ski 102 can have more or less inserts depending on the manufacturer of the splitboard.
[0105] FIG. 10D shows the adjustment plate 600 in the neutral position with mounting holes 602 aligned with inserts 6A and 6B and mounting holes 603 aligned with 7A and 7B. FIG. 10E shows adjustment plate 600 in the biased position towards the tip of the snowboard, with mounting holes 604 aligned with inserts 6A and 6B and mounting holes 605 aligned with 7A and 7B. FIG. 10F shows adjustment plate 600 in the biased position towards the tail of the snowboard, with alignment arrows pointing towards the tail with mounting holes 604 aligned with inserts 7A and 7B and mounting holes 605 aligned with 6A and 6B.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
