EP0941752A2

EP0941752A2 - Sports board utilizing weight responsive locking binding

Info

Publication number: EP0941752A2
Application number: EP99104809A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John B. Moetteli
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-03-13
Filing date: 1999-03-09
Publication date: 1999-09-15
Also published as: EP0941752A3; CA2265332A1

Abstract

A sports board is provided which comprises (a) a board; and (b) at least one radially repositionable boot binding. The binding is attached to the board and has a locking mechanism responsive to a normal force generated when the binding supports at least a portion of the weight of an operator. The locking mechanism substantially restricts rotational motion of the binding when actuated and permits substantially free rotational motion of the binding when the locking mechanism is not actuated. Thus, the binding permits the performance by an operator of a walking-like motion during a jump and the repositioning of his feet during a sports board run. The binding further provides substantially torsionally rigid support when the operator's weight is supported by the binding.

Description

Background of the Invention

This invention relates generally to sports boards and, more particularly, to snowboard and water ski monoboard bindings which permit rotational adjustment of a operator's foot position, and to skate boards.
The sports of snowboarding, water skiing using a monoboard, and skateboarding are growing quickly and improvements which promote safety and enhance the maneuverability or responsiveness of a sports board are generally well-received. More advanced sports boards permit relatively convenient repositioning of the operator's foot position, but, almost without exception, the rigidizing of the binding is accomplished by manually actuating a external fastening arrangement. Thus, the operator must at least temporarily terminate his run in order to reconfigure the sports board.
One sports board, a snowboard, described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,649, permits limited rotational movement of the operator's foot position during a run. However, the bindings of this sports board do not lock rigidly. This results in substantially less torsional support of the operators feet and, therefore, a corresponding lessening of control during the run, particularly when changing directions. Such lessening of control limits the operator's motion in order that he maintain his stunts or other actions within safe limits. This lessens the enjoyment experienced by may operators.
Therefore, what is needed is a sports board which substantially rigidly supports the operators feet while, allowing greater freedom of motion during a run itself, particularly when the operator jumps, dismounts a ski lift, or turns.

Summary of the Invention

A sports board is provided which comprises a board and at least one axially repositionable foot or boot binding. The binding is attached to the board and has a locking mechanism responsive to the weight of a operator. The locking mechanism substantially restricts rotational motion about the axis of the binding when actuated and permits substantially free rotational motion about the axis of the binding when the locking mechanism is not actuated.
Thus, the binding is substantially free to rotate about its axis during a jump of the operator and the binding resists rotational movement when the weight of the operator is supported at least in part by the binding.
In another feature of the invention, a overcenter mechanism provides more secure locking of the binding.
In another feature of the invention, a diaphragm expands during locking in order to take up unwanted slack which otherwise would negatively effect the handling of the sports board.
In another feature of the invention, ratchet like teeth help decrease play and thus increase the bending resistance of the binding.
In a feature of the invention, a sports board jump is permitted wherein an operator, having each foot supported in a binding attached to a board of a sports board, moves one foot forward a certain extent and the other backward a certain extent and then, optionally, reverses direction of motion thus simulating a walking-like motion, during the jump itself.
In another feature of the invention, a secondary locking mechanism selectively prevents rotational motion whether or not the binding supports at least a portion of the weight of the operator.
An advantage of the invention is that it permits the operator (a) to perform a walking-like motion during a jump and (b) to reposition his feet and adjust his stance during a sports board run.
Another advantage of the invention is that it permits the operator to change directions by up to 180 degrees without changing the general direction in which he is facing.
Another advantage of the invention is that the binding further provides substantially rigid support when the operator's weight is supported by the binding, thus permitting normal operation of the sports board.
Still another advantage is that the binding absorbs shock to the operator's feet and legs during jumps and turns.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a snowboard or waterski monoboard of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged, sectional view of the locking mechanism of the present invention.
Fig. 3a is a sectional view showing half of the locking mechanism to the right of its centerline, in an unlocked position.
Fig. 3b is a sectional view showing half of the locking-mechanism to the right of its centerline, in a locked position.
Fig. 4a is a sectional view showing half of a alternate embodiment to the right of its centerline, in a unlocked position.
Fig. 4b is a sectional view showing half of the alternate embodiment to the right of its centerline, in a locked position.
Fig. 5a is a sectional view showing half of an alternate locking mechanism to the right of its centerline, in a locked, overcenter position.
Fig. 5b is a sectional view showing a slit in half of an alternate locking mechanism to the right of its centerline.
Fig. 5c is a sectional view of half of the alternate locking mechanism to the right of its centerline, showing interlocking serrated surfaces.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 refers in general to the sports board of the present invention. The sports board 10 has a board 12 and two axially repositionable foot or boot bindings 14. Each binding 14 includes a conventional binding 15 into which a foot or boot 16 releasably attaches, and a locking mechanism 18. The locking mechanism 18 lockably connects the conventional binding 15 to the board 12 such that rotation about the axis 19 (shown in Fig. 3a and subsequent figures) of the binding 14 may be restrained.
Referring now to Figs. 2, 3a and 3b, the locking mechanism has a hub assembly 20, a housing 22, a first annular serpentine spring 24, a second annular serpentine spring 26, a central adjustment spring 30 disposed beneath an adjustment plug 32, and a retaining device 34 or 34' which retains the hub assembly to the housing. The hub assembly 20 includes a hub 36, a guard 40 and a flexible membrane 42, both of which attach to the hub and are rotatable therewith. The plug 32 is in threaded engagement with the hub 36. The adjustment spring 30 is disposed between the housing 22 and the plug 32. The plug 32 includes a torque transmitting interface 44 which permits a torque transmitting tool (not shown) to rotate the plug, thus varying the preload of the adjustment spring 30.
A friction generating annulus 46 is fixedly attached to an inner surface 50 of the guard 40.
The first annular serpentine spring 24 is disposed between a radially outer portion of a top surface 54 of the flexible membrane 42 and the hub 36. The second annular serpentine spring 26, of a lesser diameter than the first serpentine spring 24, is disposed between a radially inner portion of a lower surface 60 of the flexible membrane 42. The serpentine springs 24 and 26 deform the flexible membrane 42 such that an outer circumferential surface 62 has a lesser diameter than when the flexible membrane is not deformed. The flexible membrane 42 is a fiber-reinforced elastomer having compressive rigidity. However, a rigid polymeric material in which an angular section amounting to approximately 20 degrees is cut out, may also be used. For example, a reinforced phenolic material is suitable.
The retaining device 34 or 34' retains the hub assembly 20 in rotatable engagement with the housing 22 and prevents disassembly. The adjustment spring 30 together with the serpentine springs 24 and 26 bias the hub assembly 20 into an unlocked position with respect to the housing 22 in which a surface 64 of an outer lip 66 of the hub 36 rests against a surface 70 or 70' of the retaining device 34 or 34', respectively.
The hub assembly 20 attaches to the boot 16 via fasteners 72. The housing 22 attaches to the board 12 via fasteners 74.
In operation, as shown in Fig. 3b, the locking mechanism 18 responds to a normal force N generated when the binding 14 supports at least a portion of the weight W of an operator and the hub assembly 20 moves along the axis 19 toward the locked position as shown An edge 75 of the flexible membrane 42 slides along a lower surface 77 of the housing 22 until the surface 62 of the flexible membrane abuts against an inner surface 76 of the housing. This generates a frictional force between the surface 62 and the surface 76 which resists torsional loads which transmit from the boot 16. The inner surface 76 of the housing 22 may optionally be knurled or serrated in order to increase friction or create actual interference engagement with the outer circumferential surface 62 of the flexible membrane 42 when the locking mechanism 18 is in the locked position as shown. The locking mechanism 18 thus substantially restricts rotational motion of the binding 14 when actuated as shown and permits substantially free rotational motion of the binding when the locking mechanism is not actuated (as shown in Fig. 3a).
The guard 40 covers the area of the locking mechanism 18 in which there may be a pinch hazard. In addition, when the locking mechanism 18 moves into the locked position as shown, the adjustment spring 30 absorbs shock loads as does the annulus 46 attached to the guard 40. The annulus 46 also generates friction between the hub assembly 20 and the housing 22, thus increasing the torsional stiffness of the binding 14. In addition, a close fit and substantial overlap between an inner surface 82 of the guard 40 and the outer surface 84 of the housing 22 minimizes tilting of the hub assembly 20 with respect to the housing, and thus prevents unexpected unlocking of the locking mechanism 18 when a bending moment is applied by the operator.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figs. 1, 4a and 4b, a locking mechanism 18' has a hub assembly 20', a housing 22', an upper spring 24', a central adjustment spring 30' disposed beneath an adjustment plug 32', and a retaining device 34' which retains the hub assembly to the housing. The hub assembly 20' includes a hub 36' having pivot trunnions 38, a guard 40' and a linkage 42a' both of which attach to the hub and are rotatable therewith. The linkage 42a' is pivotally connected from a pivot trunnion 38' to a slider-pawl 42b'. The plug 32' is in threaded engagement with the hub 36'. As in the previous embodiment, the adjustment spring 30' is disposed between the housing 22' and the plug 32'. The plug 32' includes a torque transmitting interface 44' which permits a torque transmitting tool (not shown) to rotate the plug, thus varying the preload of the adjustment spring 32'.
The housing 22' includes an insert 23. The insert is made of a durable polymeric material such as a fiber-reinforced phenolic. When worn, the insert 23 may be removed, discarded, and replaced.
As in the previous embodiment, a friction generating annulus 46' is fixedly attached to an inner surface 50' of the guard 40'.
The upper spring 24' is disposed between a surface 25 of the slider-pawl 42b' and a surface 27 of the hub 36'.
The retaining device 34' retains the hub 36' in rotatable engagement with the housing 22' and prevents disassembly. The retaining device 34' is attached to the housing 22' via fasteners 37. The adjustment spring 30' biases the hub assembly 20' into an unlocked position with respect to the housing 22' in which a surface 64' of an outer lip 66' of the hub 36' rests against a surface 70' of the retaining device 34'.
The hub assembly 20' attaches to the boot 16 via fasteners 72'. The housing 22' attaches to the board 12 via fasteners 74'.
In operation, as shown in Fig. 4b, the locking mechanism 18' is responsive to a normal force N perated when the binding 14 supports at least a portion of the weight W of an operator. The weight W of the operator is opposed by the normal force N which compresses the adjustment spring 30' and moves the hub assembly 20' away from a fully unlocked position further into a cavity 31 of the housing 22' until the outer surface 62' of the slider-pawl 42b' bears against an inner surface 76' of the insert 23 and, consequently, against the housing 22'. The outer surface 62' of the slider-pawl 42b' may optionally be knurled or serrated in order to increase friction or create actual interference engagement with the inner surface 76' of the insert 23 when the locking mechanism 18' is in the locked position as shown. Thus, in a manner similar to that of the previous embodiment, the locking mechanism 18' substantially restricts rotational motion of the binding 14 when actuated as shown and permits substantially free rotational motion of the binding when the locking mechanism is not actuated (as shown in Fig. 4a).
The guard 40' functions in the same males as in the previous embodiment.
Thus, when no weight is applied to the binding 14, the binding is substantially free to rotate about its axis during a jump of the operator. The binding 14 begins to resist rotational movement when the weight W of the operator is supported at least in part by the binding.
In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 5a, an alternate locking mechanism 218 includes a overcenter mechanism. In order to attain overcenter action, the locking mechanism 218 is configured such that a spring force F1 against an end 262 of the arm 242 has a line of action 263 which passes over a pivot point 241 a perpendicular distance d. The spring constant of the spring force F1 may optionally be selected such that a resultant downward force on a hub assembly 220 created by the moment M1 (defined by the distance d from the line of action 263 of the spring force to the pivot point 241, multiplied by the spring force) is greater than an upward force F2, created for example by compression spring 230, which tends to raise the hub assembly 220 to its uppermost position, thus keeping the locking mechanism locked unless a sufficient additional upward force is applied, by, for example, lifting up on one foot at a time, in which the other foot secures the board such that it does not move relative to the foot being lifted, thus separating the hub assembly 220 from the housing 222. The spring action creating the spring force F1 may be created by flexing of the arm 242, by flexing of a wall 221 of the housing 222, by flexing of an elastomeric lining 223, or a combination of these.
In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 5b, a housing 322 of a locking mechanism 318 includes a slit 323 allowing the housing to expand when an arm 342 reacts against it, thus helping take up unwanted slack in the binding 14.
In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 5c, a surface 421 of a housing 422 and a surface 435 of a hub 436 include annular serrations 423 and 437, respectively, which interlock when the locking mechanism 418 locks, thus further limiting the relative up and down motion of surfaces 423 and 437 with respect to each other when a bending moment (not shown) is applied to the locking mechanism 418, such as when stopping. This further locks the binding 14 against unwanted rocking. A single serration or lip on each surface 423 and 437 may of course be used instead of the four shown in the figure. In any case, one or the other, or both serrations should include chamfers 439 to prevent binding when the housing 422 and the hub assembly 436 separate.
Referring again to Figs. 5b and 5c, two alternate embodiments of the present invention including an emergency release are shown. In Fig. 5b, a bolt 250 and nut 252 prevent the hub assembly 320 from separating from the housing 322. The bolt 250 and nut 252 are in a recess 254 having a shoulder 256 at a lower end. The recess 254 and shoulder 256 are sized such that an inner diameter of the recess 256 is large enough to permit the nut 252 to pass through it. An annular insert 258 is displaced within the recess 254, between the shoulder 256 and the nut 252. The insert 258 may be a split elastic annulus having an aperture 262 through which a shaft of the bolt 250 passes or be otherwise formed such that its outer diameter 260 can contract when a sufficient contracting force is applied to the diameter. The contracting force is generated as the curved or chamfered surface 262 slides against the recess 254 in a ramp-like fashion, thus contracting the diameter 260 of the insert 258 such that it can pass over the shoulder 256 and permit separation of the operator from the board 12 when a sufficient separation force is applied. Such separation is desirable when the sports board 12 is a snowboard and the operator is caught in a avalanche. The separation may permit the operator to escape to the surface of the snow where, in the prior art, he might otherwise be trapped (note that the boards of the prior art often have acted as anchors to hold an operator in place, thus preventing many operators from escaping to the safety of the surface). In Fig. 5c, an emergency release is shown which comprises a insert 458 having a major external diameter 460 and a lip 456 or a larger diameter. The major external diameter 460 corresponds to the maximum diameter of the nut 252. The lip 456 is sized such that at a certain tensile force, it will shear off of the remainder of the insert 458, thus permitting the separation of the operator from the board 12 in an emergency as described above.
In a method of using the invention, the operator, having each foot supported in a binding 14 attached to the board 12 of the sports board 10, moves one boot 16 forward a certain extent and the other backward a certain extent and then, optionally, reverses direction of motion thus simulating a walking-like motion, during the jump itself.
In another method of using the invention during a run, at the point at which the operator wishes to cut back in another direction, he may simply jump upward so as to substantially reduce the weight he applies to the binding and, during the interval in which his applied weight is at a minimum, reposition his feet from a positive angular position to a negative angular position, the zero point being perpendicular to the length of the board 12. Thus, he need not turn the sports board 10 in order to change direction.
In the alternate embodiment, shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, a secondary locking mechanism 90 selectively prevents rotational motion whether or not the binding 14 supports at least a portion of the weight W of the operator. The secondary locking mechanism 90 includes a pawl 92 pivotally attached via a pin 93 to a trunnion member 94 and a toggle linkage 95 which pivotally attaches to the pawl via a pin 96. The toggle linkage 95 has a spring biasing means 97 (such as a eyelet and spring detent) disposed therein The operator may rotate the toggle linkage 95 between a first locking position 100, shown in Fig. 4b, in which a boss 102 of the pawl 92 is biased to enter a recess or hole 104, one of a number of holes radially evenly spaced about the circumferential surface 105 of the guard 40 or 40' (Fig. 4b shows the boss as it is about to enter the hole 104 and lock the binding), and a second free position 106, shown in Fig. 4a, in which the boss 102 is biased away from the hole, permitting the binding 14 to operate as described above. Note that at least two secondary locking mechanisms 90 should be provided per binding 14 at opposite sides of the binding.
An advantage of the invention is that it permits the operator (a) to perform a walking-like motion during a jump, (b) to reposition his feet during a sports board run such as when making a turn.
Another advantage of the invention is that the binding 14 further provides substantially rigid torsionally-resistant support when a predetermined amount of the operator's weight is supported by the binding.
Still another advantage of the invention is that the binding 14 absorbs a significant amount of shock, thus helping protect the operator's legs from injury or fatigue.
Still another advantage is that the operator, after sports boarding down a slope, can release his rear boot 16 from the binding 15 and reposition his front foot to his preferred orientation for pushing along with his free foot to move the sports board.
Still another advantage is the operator is free to reposition his feet when dismounting a ski lift. Further, when the operator rides the lift, his feet are free to take a comfortable position due the fact that the bindings 14 freely rotate when no weight is placed on them by the operator.
It should be understood that the foregoing disclosure relates to only a preferred embodiment of the invention. The patent claims are intended to cover all changes and modifications to features of the inventions which may reasonably be considered equivalent to those specific examples herein disclosed. Such changes fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

A sports board comprising

a) a board; and

b) at least one radially repositionable binding attached to the board, the binding further having a locking mechanism which actuates in response to the weight of an operator, the locking mechanism substantially restricting rotational motion of the binding when actuated, and permitting rotational motion of the binding when the locking mechanism is not actuated.
The sports board of claim 1 wherein the binding is substantially free to rotate about its axis during a jump of the operator.
The sports board of claim 1 wherein the binding is unlocked one binding at a time by lifting up on one foot at a time.
The sports board of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a release which permits detachment of an operator from the board.
The sports board of claim 2 wherein the binding resists rotational movement when the weight of the operator is supported at least in part by the binding.
The sports board of claim 1 further comprising a secondary locking mechanism which selectively prevents rotational motion whether or not the binding supports at least a portion of the weight of the operator.
The sports board of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism further comprises an overcenter mechanism.
The sports board of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes a diaphragm which expads during locking, thus helping take up unwanted slack in the binding.
The sports board of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking lip which helps take up unwanted slack and increase the bending resistance of the binding.
The sports board of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism includes ratchet-like teeth which help take up unwanted slack and increase the bending resistance of the binding.
A sports board jump wherein during the jump, an operator, having each foot supported in a binding attached to a board of a sports board, moves one foot forward a certain extent and the other backward a certain extent and wherein the operator optionally, reverses direction of motion thus simulating a walking-like motion.
A sports board turn wherein a operator, having each foot supported in a binding attached to a board of a sports board:

a) arrives at a point at which he desires to change section of motion;

b) throws his weight upward in order to reduce the weight supported by the board, and almost simultaneously shifts his angular position with respect to the board such that he faces in a different direction; and

c) begins motion is a new direction.