BINDING SYSTEM OF A SNOWBOARD BOOT TO A SNOWBOARD

Abstract

A binding system for attaching a snowboard boot onto a snowboard, wherein the binding system has a first portion suitable for being attached or secured to a boot and a second portion suitable for being attached to a snowboard. The first portion has at least one pin. The second portion includes a base structure suitable for being attached to the snowboard and having at least one engagement seat, a spoiler pivoted to the base structure having at least one attachment seat suitable for engaging the at least one pin of the first portion, a lever pivoted to the spoiler suitable for locking or unlocking the spoiler, and a spring that pushes the lever toward the locking position.

Claims

1. A Binding system of a snowboard boot onto a snowboard, said binding system comprising: a first portion suitable for being attached or secured to a snowboard boot and a second portion suitable for being attached to a snowboard; wherein said first portion comprises at least one pin; wherein said second portion comprises: a base structure suitable for being attached to the snowboard, wherein said base structure comprises at least one engagement seat; a spoiler having at least one attachment seat suitable for engaging the at least one pin of the first portion, wherein said spoiler is pivoted to the base structure around a pivoting axis to move from a closed position, wherein the at least one attachment seat of the spoiler faces the base structure and retains the at least one pin, to an open position, wherein the at least one attachment seat does not retain the at least one pin, wherein said spoiler comprises at least one stop surface ending in the at least one attachment seat of the spoiler and suitable for being intercepted by the at least one pin to rotate the spoiler from the open position toward the closed position; a lever pivoted to the spoiler about an axis of rotation to move from a locking position, wherein it locks the spoiler in the closed position, to an unlocking position, wherein it releases the spoiler, wherein said lever comprises at least one retaining tooth suitable for engaging said at least one engagement seat of the base structure when the spoiler rotates from the open position toward the closed position so as to lock the spoiler in the closed position; and a spring that pushes the lever toward the locking position.

2. The binding system according to claim 1, wherein said base structure comprises an end-stop seat, wherein said at least one retaining tooth is shaped in such a way to be engaged into said end-stop seat when the spoiler rotates from the closed position toward the open position in order to stop the travel of the spoiler in the open position.

3. The binding system according to claim 1, wherein said first portion comprises two pins which are aligned to each other and suitable for protruding from two opposing directions with respect to the snowboard boot, wherein said spoiler comprises two side wings, wherein said spoiler comprises two attachment seats and two stop surfaces formed on the side wings of the spoiler.

4. The binding system according to claim 1, wherein said base structure comprises two side edges and two engagement seats, each one of them being formed in a side edge of the base structure, wherein said lever comprises an actuation arm suitable for being held by a user and two lateral arms, wherein said lever comprises two retaining teeth, each one of them being formed in one of the two lateral arms of the lever.

5. The binding system according to claim 2, wherein said base structure comprises two end-stop seats formed on the two side edges of the base structure.

6. The binding system according claim 1, wherein said first portion comprises an ankle strap comprising: a support comprising a U-shaped lower portion configured so as to be disposed under the outsole of the snowboard boot and a rear portion having a semi-circle shape and suitable for embracing a rear portion of the boot leg of the snowboard boot, said lower portion and said rear portion being connected to each other in correspondence of connecting portions of the support; and an ankle strap having two ends, each one of them being connected to one of the two connecting portions of the support, wherein said ankle strap is suitable for being disposed in front of an intermediate portion of the snowboard boot interposed between the boot leg of the snowboard boot and the hull of the snowboard boot.

7. The binding system according to claim 3, wherein said two pins are arranged at the connecting portions of the support.

8. The binding system according to claim 6, wherein said first portion comprises a linkage assembly connecting each end of the ankle strap to the corresponding connecting portion of the support, each linkage assembly comprising: an insert comprising a first eyelet with a hole; and a connecting pin that is threaded into the hole of the first eyelet of the insert, into a hole of the end of the ankle strap, and is attached to a first fastening element of the connecting portion of the support.

9. The binding system according to claim 8, wherein said insert comprises a second eyelet having a hole, wherein said pin is threaded into the hole of the second eyelet and is attached to a second fastening element of the connecting portion of the support.

10. The binding system according to claim 9, wherein said base structure has a centering seat suitable for accommodating the second eyelet of the insert of the first portion of the binding system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] For the sake of explanatory clarity, the description of the binding system according to the invention continues with reference to the attached drawings, which are for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded axonometric view of the binding system according to the invention.

[0018] FIG. 1A is an assembled axonometric view of a second portion of the binding system according to the invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is the same as FIG. 1, but provided with a snowboard boot.

[0020] FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 2, but viewed from a different angle.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a detail from FIG. 1 enclosed in the closed line indicated by letter W.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a side view of a second portion of the binding system; in said FIG. 5 a spoiler of the second portion is in open position.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a side view of the second portion of the binding system; in said FIG. 6 the spoiler of the second portion is in closed position.

[0024] FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B and 7C are side views of the binding system according to the invention showing step-by-step how to use the binding system according to the invention.

[0025] FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B and 8C are the same as FIGS. 7-7C; but with the binding system according to the invention sectioned along a first vertical plane.

[0026] FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C are the same as FIGS. 7-7C, but with the binding system according to the invention sectioned along a second vertical plane.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] With reference to the attached figures, a binding system according to the invention is described, which is comprehensively indicated with reference numeral 100.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the binding system (100) is designed to attach a snowboard boot (S) onto a snowboard (T).

[0029] The snowboard boot (S) is diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Following is a list of the main parts of the snowboard boot (S) that are useful to better understand the components of the binding system (100) according to the invention.

[0030] The snowboard boot (S) comprises: [0031] a boot leg (S1) suitable for accommodating the lower portion of a user's leg; [0032] a hull (S2) suitable for accommodating the user's foot; [0033] an intermediate portion (S3) disposed between the boot leg (S1) and the hull (S2) above and to the sides of the user's ankle; and [0034] an outsole (S4).

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 3, the binding system (100) comprises a first portion (G1) suitable for being attached or secured to the snowboard boot (S) and a second portion (G2) suitable for being attached to the snowboard (T). The snowboard (T) is shown only schematically and partially in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0036] However, with reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 3, the first portion (G1) comprises two pins (1) aligned with each other and suitable for protruding to the sides of the snowboard boot (S) from two opposing directions relative to the snowboard boot (S)

[0037] The first portion (G1) comprises an ankle strap (C) comprising: [0038] a support (7) comprising a U-shaped lower portion (71) configured in such a way to be disposed under the outsole (S4) of the snowboard boot (S), and a rear portion (72) in the shape of a semi-circle that is connected to the U-shaped portion and is suitable for embracing a rear portion of the boot leg (S1) of the snowboard boot (S); said lower portion (71) and said rear portion (72) are connected to each other in correspondence of connecting portions (73); [0039] an ankle strap (8) having two ends (81), each of which is connected to one of the two connecting portions (73) of the support (7); the ankle strap (8) is suitable for being disposed in front of the intermediate portion (S3) of the snowboard boot (S).

[0040] The pins (1) are arranged at the connecting portions (73) of the support (7).

[0041] The ankle strap (8) is shown only schematically in the attached figures, but it is a conventional ankle strap (8) comprising a padded strap and adjustment means configured in such a way as to adjust the pressure exerted by the ankle strap (8) on the snowboard boot (S).

[0042] Specifically, by way of example, said adjustment means comprise toothed plastic tabs and ratchets.

[0043] The ends (81) of the ankle strap (8) are connected to the connecting portions (73) of the support (7) by means of a linkage assembly (K). Each linkage assembly (K) comprises: [0044] an insert (9) in the shape of infinity or eight comprising a first eyelet (91) with a hole (910) and a second eyelet (92) with a hole (920); and [0045] a connecting pin (A) that is threaded into the hole (910) of the first eyelet (91) of the insert (9), into a hole (811) of the end (81) of the ankle strap (8) and is attached to a first fastening element (731) (indicated with a circle) of the connecting portion (73) of the support (7).

[0046] The pin (1) is threaded into the hole (920) of the second eyelet (92) and is engaged to a second fastening element (732) (indicated with a circle) of the connecting portion (73) of the support (7).

[0047] By way of example, the connecting pin (A) and the first fastening element (731) can be configured in such a way as to provide a push-button type coupling.

[0048] Similarly, the pin (1) and the second fastening element (732) can be configured in such a way as to implement a push-button type coupling.

[0049] The pin (1) comprises a cylindrical body (10) that passes through the hole (920) of the second eyelet (92) of the insert (9) and is attached to the second fastening element (732) and an enlarged head (11) that mates with the second eyelet (92) of the insert (9).

[0050] Again with reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2 and 3, the second portion (G2) of the binding system (100) comprises a base structure (2) suitable for being attached to the snowboard (T).

[0051] The base structure (2) comprises a plate (21) suitable for contacting against the snowboard (T). The base plate (21) comprises a front portion (211), a rear portion (212) and through holes (213) suitable for accommodating screws for attaching the base structure (2) to the snowboard (T). The plate (21) also comprises two side edges (214) parallel to each other.

[0052] The base structure (2) comprises two opposing side edges (22) that rise from the side edges (214) of the base structure (2).

[0053] Each side edge (22) comprises a projecting rear portion (221) that protrudes beyond the rear portion (212) of the plate (21).

[0054] In addition, each side edge (22) comprises an inner face (22a) facing the other side edge (22) and an outer face (22b) opposite the inner face (22a).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the base structure (2) also comprises two engagement seats (20) formed on the two side edges (22), two end-stop seats (25) formed on the two side edges (22), and two centering seats (27) formed on the two side edges (22).

[0056] Specifically, each engagement seat (20) consists of a notch made in an upper edge of the projecting rear portion (221) of the side edge (22).

[0057] Each end-stop seat (25) consists of a notch made in the upper edge of the projecting rear portion (221) of the side edge (22), in a position behind the engagement seat (20).

[0058] The engagement seat (20) and the end-stop seat (25) essentially define a jagged profile on the upper edge of the projecting rear portion (221).

[0059] Each centering seat (27) consists of a low-relief indentation that is formed on the inner face (22a) of the side edge (22) and ends on the upper edge of the side edge (22) at a position in front of the engagement seat (20). The centering seat (27) is suitable for receiving the second eyelet (92) of a respective insert (9) of the first portion (G1) of the binding system (100).

[0060] However, the function of the centering seat (27) will become clearer with reference to the following description.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 3, and 4, the second portion (G2) of the binding system (100) further comprises a front locking device (6) connected to the base structure (2) and configured in such a way as to anteriorly lock the toe portion of the hull (S2) of the snowboard boot (S).

[0062] Specifically, the front locking device (6) comprises a toe strap (60) configured in such a way to embrace a toe portion of the hull (S2) of the snowboard boot (S).

[0063] The toe strap (60) is schematically shown in the attached figures, but is a conventional toe strap (60) comprising a padded strap and adjustment means configured in such a way as to adjust the pressure exerted by the strap on the snowboard boot (S).

[0064] Specifically, by way of example, said adjustment means comprise toothed plastic tabs and ratchets.

[0065] The toe strap (60) comprises two ends (61) connected to the side edges (22) of the base structure (2). Specifically, the toe strap (60) is connected to front ends of the side edges (22). A low-relief indentation (29) suitable for accommodating an end (61) of the toe strap (60) is provided on the inner face (22a) of each side edge (22) and at the front end. Each end (61) of the toe strap (60) is connected to the respective side edge (22) by means of connecting means, such as snap fasteners.

[0066] The second portion (G2) further comprises a rear spoiler (3).

[0067] The rear spoiler (3) comprises a concave central support (3b) against which a rear part of the boot leg (S1) of the snowboard boot (S) is suitable for resting, and two side wings (3a) that extend anteriorly from the central support (3b) and are essentially parallel to each other.

[0068] The rear spoiler (3) comprises two attachment seats (30), each one being formed on one of the two side wings (3a).

[0069] Specifically, the attachment seats (30) are concave seats formed on a front edge (30a) of the side wings (3a) of the spoiler (3). The attachment seats (30) are suitable for engaging the pins (1) of the first portion (G1) and in particular the cylindrical body (10) of the pins (1) of the first portion (G1).

[0070] The spoiler (3) is pivoted to the base structure (2) around a pivoting axis (X) to move from a closed position (shown in FIGS. 1A and 6), wherein the attachment seats (30) of the spoiler (3) face toward the base structure (2) to hold the pins (1), to an open position (shown in FIG. 5), wherein the attachment seats (30) of the spoiler (3) do not hold the pins (1).

[0071] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, when the spoiler (3) is in the closed position, the spoiler (3) is arranged in a e substantially orthogonal position to the base structure (2) (see FIG. 6), whereas when the spoiler (3) is in the open position, the spoiler (3) is tipped behind the base structure (2) in a substantially parallel position to the base structure (2) (see FIG. 5).

[0072] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the spoiler (3) is pivoted around the pivoting axis (X) by means of pivoting means (P1) consisting of pins threaded into holes (f3) drilled in the side wings (3a) of the spoiler (3) and into holes (f2) drilled in the rear protruding portions (221) of the side edges (22) of the base structure (2).

[0073] The spoiler (3) further comprises two stop surfaces (31), both of which are formed on the front edges (30a) of the two side wings (3a), each one terminating in a respective attachment seat (30). The stop surfaces (31) are suitable for being intercepted by the pins (1) when the snowboard boot (S) is pushed toward the base structure (2), to rotate the spoiler (3) from the open position to the closed position in such a way that the attachment seats (30) engage the pins (1).

[0074] Again with reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 3 and 4, the second portion (G2) of the binding system (100) further comprises a lever (4) shaped like a fork and comprising an actuation arm (45) suitable for being grabbed by a user and two lateral arms (46).

[0075] The two lateral arms (46) comprise first sections (461) that diverge from each other and are inclined to each other by an angle comprised between 110 and 130 and second end sections (462) that are substantially parallel to each other.

[0076] The lever (4) is pivoted to the spoiler (3) around a pivoting axis (Z) parallel to the pivoting axis (X) to rotate between a locking position, wherein it locks the spoiler (3), and an unlocking position, wherein it releases the spoiler (3).

[0077] Specifically, the lever (4) is pivoted around the axis of rotation (Z) by means of rotation means (P2) consisting of pins threaded into holes (q3) drilled on the side wings (3a) of the spoiler (3) and into holes (q4) drilled on the lateral arms (46) of the lever (4).

[0078] The lever (4) has two retaining teeth (40), each one being made on one of the two lateral arms (46), suitable for engaging the engagement seats (20) of the base structure (2) when the spoiler (3) rotates from the open position toward the closed position in such a way to lock the spoiler (3) in the closed position.

[0079] Specifically, the retaining teeth (40) are formed on the ends of the second sections (462) of the lateral arms (46) and serve basically as hooks to anchor to the engagement seats (20) of the base structure (2).

[0080] Moreover, the retaining teeth (40) are suitable for engaging the end-stop seats (25) when the spoiler (3) rotates from the closed position to the open position to stop the travel of the spoiler (3) in the open position.

[0081] The second portion (G2) also comprises a spring (5) that constantly pushes the lever (4) toward its locking position.

[0082] Specifically, the spring (5) is connected on one side to the spoiler (3) and on the other side to the lever (4)

[0083] By way of example, the spring (5) is an annular elastic spring that is attached to partitions (38, 48) of the central support (3b) of spoiler (3) and of the actuation arm (45) of the lever (4) located in through openings made on the central support (3b) of the spoiler (3) and on the actuation arm (45) of the lever (4), respectively.

[0084] With reference to FIGS. 7-7C, 8-8C, 9-9C below is a description of how to attach a boot (S) to a snowboard (T) by means of the binding system (100) according to the invention.

[0085] With reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, reference is made to an initial condition, wherein the spoiler (3) of the second portion (G2) of the binding system (100) is in open position. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in such a condition, the retaining teeth (40) of the lever (4) are engaged with the end-stop seats (25) to prevent the spoiler (3) from positioning itself beyond its open position.

[0086] Therefore, starting from such a condition, the snowboard boot (S) is brought closer to the base structure (2) by inserting the toe of the snowboard boot (S) into the toe strap (60).

[0087] With reference to FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A, while the snowboard boot (S) is approaching the base structure, the two pins (1) intercept the stop surfaces (31) of the spoiler (3), resulting in the rotation of the spoiler (3) from the open position to the closed position.

[0088] More precisely, the stop surfaces (31) of the spoiler (3) are intercepted by the cylindrical body (10) of the two pins (1).

[0089] During the rotation of the spoiler (3), the attachment seats (30) of the spoiler (3) engage the pin (1). Specifically, the attachment seats (30) of the spoiler (3) engage the cylindrical bodies (10) of the two pins (1), as shown in FIG. 9B.

[0090] With reference to FIG. 8B, it is worth pointing out that in addition, during the approaching travel of the snowboard boot (S) to the base structure (2), the second eyelet (92) of the insert (9) is inserted into the centering seat (27), which therefore acts as a guide during the approaching travel of the snowboard boot (S) to the base structure (2).

[0091] With reference to FIGS. 7B and 8B, during its rotation, the spoiler (3) drags along the spring (5) and then the lever (4). When the spoiler (3) reaches its closed position, the lever (4) engages the base structure (2) by means of the retaining teeth (40) that anchor to the engagement seats (20).

[0092] In such a situation, therefore, the spoiler (3) is locked in its closed position and the snowboard boot (S) is stably attached to the snowboard. With particular reference to FIG. 8B, it should be noted that the centering seats (27) are sized so that the second eyelets (92) of the inserts (9) are perfectly accommodated in the centering seats (27) without clearance. In such a way, the second eyelets (92) are coupled with the walls that define the centering seats (27), assisting the lever (4) in keeping the spoiler (3) locked in the closed position.

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 7C, 8C and 9C, in order to unlock the spoiler (3) and thus detach the snowboard boot (S), it will be necessary to move the lever (4) from the locked position to the unlocked position, overcoming the resisting force exerted by the spring (5) and then lift the snowboard boot (S).

[0094] Following the above description, therefore, the advantages of the present invention now appear obvious.

[0095] Firstly, the binding system (100) according to the invention allows the user to attach and detach the boot from/to the snowboard quickly.

[0096] In addition, the binding system (100) according to the invention allows the user to attach the boot to the snowboard while standing by simply pushing the boot toward the snowboard.

[0097] Finally, the binding system (100) according to the invention is inexpensive and easy to make.

[0098] Although it is always shown in the attached figures that the first portion (G1) comprises the ankle strap (C) whereon the pins (1) are attached, in an alternative embodiment of the invention said ankle strap (C) may be absent and the pins (1) may be directly attached to the snowboard boot (S).

[0099] Additionally, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first portion (G1) may comprise only one pin (1), e.g. protruding from the back of the boot leg (S1) of the snowboard boot (S) suitable for cooperating with only one stop surface (31) and with only one attachment seat (30) of the spoiler (3).

[0100] In addition, the lever (4) may comprise only one central retaining tooth (40) capable of engaging only one engagement seat (20) and only one end-stop seat (25), both of which being made on a rear part of the base structure (2).

[0101] Numerous variations and modifications of detail may be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of an expert of the field, anyhow falling within the scope of the invention as expressed by the appended claims.