BINDING
Binding (12) for a board (10), preferably a kiteboard, comprising a foot pad (14), a foot strap (16); and at least one release mechanism (20) for opening the foot strap (16), wherein the release mechanism (20) has at least one side-stop (22) that can be actuated by a foot, in particular barefoot, for the purpose of triggering the release mechanism (20).
The invention relates to a binding for a board, i.e. a sports device in the form of a board, preferably a kiteboard, comprising a foot pad, a foot strap, and at least one release mechanism for opening the foot strap. Furthermore, the invention relates to a board with a corresponding binding as well as a method for opening a binding.
Foot-securing bindings and foot-securing foot straps for sports boards, especially safety bindings for sports board bindings, are known in principle.
Up to now, water sports have been carried out either using no bindings, also referred to as “strapless”, using (foot) straps, or using fixed bindings with boots, i.e. shoes.
Controlling the board without a binding is the most difficult. Controlling with a foot strap is much easier. The greatest control over the board is provided by boots, due to the secure hold.
The most commonly used types of binding in kitesurfing are foot straps. These are used by beginners taking lessons all the way through to professionals.
Windsurfers often ride without bindings. Advanced windsurfers use foot straps more frequently, although these have a less complex design than in kitesurfing.
For wakeboarding, boots are the most common, although foot straps are also used, especially by beginners. All these types of fastening can lead to injuries.
Bindings with boots, which are familiar from snowboarding, for example, are sometimes used for kiteboarding and for wakeboarding.
The risk of spinal injuries caused by sudden deceleration of the body in the event of an unsuccessful jump prevents many kiteboarders, for example, from using these bindings. There is also an increased risk of drowning with these bindings, because the legs can only be freed by deliberately opening the boots. Severe injuries to knee joints can occur with fixed bindings, too.
With foot straps, in contrast, a major problem is a stuck foot. This problem can occur during normal riding, or during or after a jump or other maneuver.
What happens is that one foot exits its strap while the second foot remains stuck in the other strap. Torsion of the board causes the foot to additionally be held firmly in place, because the rotation twists and shortens the foot strap.
The rider is now at high risk, because the length of the kiteboard, which can, for example, be about 140 cm now acts as a lever on the lower extremities.
The resulting injuries range from strains, sprains, knee injuries, torn ligaments and foot-arch injuries through to complex ankle injuries, dislocations and complex lower limb fractures and the like.
An injury that results from just one foot getting stuck is called a one-footer injury.
With previous foot straps, attempts have been made, on the one hand, to use the geometry of both the foot pad and the foot strap to make it easier to slide the foot out, e.g. through providing only a slight hold on the foot.
The rider keeps the foot straps particularly loose to directly prevent the foot from being held fast. In so doing, however, the rider sacrifices a tighter hold on the board and thus better control over it.
The opposite approach, on the other hand, attempts to design the geometry so as to facilitate the best-possible hold in the foot strap. The aim here is to avoid injury by preventing the rider from exiting the binding too easily.
True, this ensures a greater degree of control. However, if only one foot exits, it is much more difficult for the rider to detach himself from the board and/or to shake the board off.
None of these approaches leads to a substantial reduction in injuries. Nor has medicine revealed any changes. Thus, in the event of a fall and torsion of the board, large levers act in both cases on that part of the body which is held fast.
It is therefore an object of the invention to create a binding, a board and a method for opening a binding, whereby the risk of injury is reduced in a simple manner.
This object is solved by the subject matter as well as the method of the independent claims.
According to the invention, the binding is suitable for a board, preferably a kiteboard. In particular, the binding is suitable for a board used in water sports, e.g. also for a surfboard, a wakeboard and/or a foilboard.
The invention further relates to a use of the binding for a board used in water sports and/or barefoot, e.g. a kiteboard.
The binding comprises a foot pad and a foot strap. The foot strap can be attached, e.g. to the foot pad, especially so as to be detachable.
The foot pad can preferably comprise an anti-slip and/or shock-absorbing material, e.g. rubber material. In particular, the foot strap can comprise a textile material. Preferably, the foot strap can comprise a hook-and-loop fastener. For example, the length of the foot strap can be adjusted.
Preferably, a shoeless foot is received in the binding. The foot is held between the foot pad and the foot strap. In particular, the foot pad and/or the foot strap can be adjusted to the shape of the foot.
The rider is preferably barefoot in the binding. The term barefoot is to be understood in a broad sense and also comprises, for example, socks or light, elastic shoes, e.g. made of neoprene. However, it does not comprise rigid shoes or boots. In particular, there is no fixed connection between foot or sock and the binding, as exists, for example, between a rigid shoe, soft boot or boot and the binding for a ski or snowboard. Unlike the case for ski or snowboard bindings, shoes, soft boots or boots do not engage with the binding, because the rider stands barefoot on the board. According to the invention, the rider, the rider's clothing and/or footwear does not engaged with the binding or form part of the binding. On the part of the rider there is no fixed connection to the binding. Release of the rider is therefore possible at any time.
The binding comprises in particular a fastening device for fastening the binding to the board. For example, the fastening device can comprise screws with which the binding can be screwed to the board.
Furthermore, the binding comprises at least one release mechanism for opening the foot strap.
In accordance with the invention, it is the foot strap which is thus opened. In contrast, a shoe, soft boot, boot or the entire binding is not released or disengaged.
The release mechanism has at least one side-stop that can be actuated by foot, in particular barefoot, for the purpose of triggering the release mechanism. The side-stop can in particular be ergonomically shaped. As a result, the rotational forces can be transmitted safely and reliably to the release mechanism.
Triggering is preferably effected via the side surfaces of the foot. The triggering of the release mechanism causes the foot strap to open.
The foot strap opens in particular without the need for tools. Preferably, release occurs automatically as soon as the load, the rotation of the foot and/or the torsion of the board exceeds a certain limit.
It was surprising that a binding, especially a foot strap, can also be opened barefoot.
The risk of injury is thereby reduced in a simple manner. In particular, one-footer injuries are reduced, because the automatically opening foot strap releases the remaining foot on the board from the binding and thus from the board.
Furthermore, even when riding barefoot, a secure hold and thus stable riding is facilitated.
Further embodiments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.
According to one embodiment, two release mechanisms are provided which are assigned to different sides of the foot strap. In particular, the release mechanisms are disposed on both sides of the foot strap. The foot strap can be opened on both sides.
Preferably, only one release mechanism is triggered at a time. One side of the foot strap preferably remains with the binding, e.g. in the event of a fall. Alternatively, triggering of both release mechanisms is also conceivable. In that event, the entire foot strap is released. In particular, the foot strap can have a safety device, e.g. a cord, to prevent the foot strap from being lost. The safety device can preferably be connected to the binding and/or the board.
By virtue of the fact that two release mechanisms are provided, the foot strap can be opened on both sides, depending on the load. Depending on the rotational direction of the foot, the left or the right side-stop is actuated. The corresponding release mechanism is triggered, the foot strap opens and the foot is free.
According to a further embodiment, the side-stop comprises a lever member or is connected to a lever member. The lever member can, for example, be disposed inside or outside the foot strap. Preferably, the lever member is able to rotate freely and is not obstructed by the foot strap. The lever member can, for example, be designed in one piece with the foot pad, such that it in particular does not constitute an extra component.
The force exerted by the foot on the side-stop is transmitted to the lever member. In particular, the lever member can be pivoted. Preferably, an end-stop can be provided to restrict the rotational movement.
If the foot twists, the side-stop and thus the lever twists too.
The lever member is rotatably mounted to a rotating device. In particular, the rotating device forms a joint. Preferably, the rotating device can be designed as a cylindrical, preferably multifunctional, axle.
The lever member can be detachably attached, e.g. clamped, to the rotating device, e.g. by means of a screw. The position, especially the angle, of the lever member relative to the rotating device is adjustable.
As a result of the twisting, the release mechanism can be triggered.
Alternatively, a sensor, e.g. a pressure sensor, can be provided which measures a force acting on the side-stop. When a limit value is exceeded, the release mechanism can be triggered.
According to a further embodiment, the release mechanism has a receiving area which is connected to the foot pad and/or forms part of the foot pad and on which the rotating device is disposed. The receiving area is in particular designed as a plate and/or comprises an at least substantially flat area. The receiving area can in particular receive the foot strap and/or a trigger device connected to the foot strap.
According to a further embodiment, the rotating device comprises a rotatable retaining lug.
The retaining lug can in particular be configured as a latching lug and/or form part of a latching mechanism. In particular, the retaining lug can be pivoted over a trigger device or into a lateral recess of the trigger device to hold the trigger device in place.
In particular, the rotating device comprises a retaining-lug adjustment device for the retaining lug. Via, for example, a screw on the retaining-lug adjustment device, the position, especially the angle, of the retaining lug can be adjusted.
According to a further embodiment, the rotating device has a lever-member adjustment device for the lever member.
In particular, the position, especially the angle, of the lever member can be adjusted relative to the rotating device via an angle-adjustment device, e.g. via a screw. In this connection, a retaining member, e.g. a screw, can be loosened. The lever member can now be rotated into the desired position and held in place via the retaining member. In this way, the trigger angle can be adjusted. It is thus possible to set the amount by which the lever member has to twist until the release mechanism is triggered. The trigger angle can be individually adjusted to the demands and/or physical characteristics of the rider, e.g. body height and/or body weight.
According to a further embodiment, the rotating device comprises a counterforce and/or return device, especially a spring device. In particular, the rotating device is pre-tensioned into a position in which the foot strap is closed. Unintentional opening can thus be prevented.
Preferably, the spring force, i.e. the pre-tension, can be adjusted, e.g., via a spring-adjustment device. The spring-adjustment device can, e.g., be disposed in the receiving area. In particular, the spring-adjustment device can be disposed inside the rotating device or outside the rotating device.
The resistance of the rotating device can be adjusted such that excessively easy and/or premature further rotation and thus triggering of the release mechanism is prevented. Triggering occurs when the forces are maintained with the necessary strength for long enough. The angle can be individually adjusted to the demands and/or physical characteristics of the rider, e.g. the body height and/or body weight.
According to a further embodiment, a trigger device, in particular a trigger plate or trigger bar, is provided, which is fixedly connected to the foot strap and/or forms part of the foot strap and rests on the receiving area when the foot strap is in the closed position.
The trigger device is preferably non-detachably connected to the foot strap. In particular, the trigger device comprises a rigid and/or solid material, e.g. plastic and/or metal.
According to a further embodiment, when the foot strap is in the closed position, at least portions of the trigger device are disposed between the receiving area and the retaining lug of the rotating device. The trigger device is thus clamped in place, as it were.
An end-region of the trigger device, especially a front end-region, can have one or more latching lugs. In particular, the end-region can be bifurcated.
The latching lug or lugs can be latched or inserted into a correspondingly shaped counterpart of the receiving area to form a tongue and groove connection. Forces occurring in the Y-direction can thereby be stabilized. Also, latching is made easier for the rider.
At least one portion of the upper side of the trigger device can be configured as a flat side for the retaining lug. The retaining lug can thus be easily pivoted over the trigger device to hold the trigger device in place.
A centering device can be provided which restricts the freedom of movement of the trigger device. In particular, a centering pin may be provided in the center of the receiving area and can engage with a recess on the underside of the trigger device. Alternatively, the trigger device can have a centering pin and the trigger device can have a recess. Also, the centering device can have, e.g. side-stops.
The centering device stabilises the forces that occur in the X-direction. Also, it serves in particular as a latching aid for a rider. In addition, it serves to indicate whether the trigger device is correctly latched.
The invention further relates to a board with an inventive binding. Preferably, two inventive bindings are provided. In this way, each foot can be securely held or released.
Finally, the invention also relates to a method for opening a binding, especially an inventive binding, in which a side-stop is actuated by a foot, in particular barefoot.
This triggers a release mechanism, whereby a foot strap is opened by the release mechanism.
The foot is thus free, as a result of which injuries are avoided.
All embodiments and components of the devices described herein are particularly designed to be used in accordance with the method described herein. Furthermore, all embodiments of the devices described herein and all embodiments of the method described herein can each be combined with one another, in particular also detached from the specific embodiment in the context of which they are mentioned.
The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. These show in:
First of all, it should be noted that the embodiments shown are of a purely exemplary nature. Thus, individual features may be implemented not only in the combination shown but also alone or in other technically useful combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined as desired with features of another embodiment.
Where a drawing contains a reference numeral which is not explained in the directly associated descriptive text, reference is made to the corresponding previous or subsequent deliberations in the description of the drawings. Thus, the same reference numerals are used for the same or comparable components in the drawings and are not explained again.
The rider is held barefoot in the bindings 12. Rigid shoes are not provided.
Provided on each side of the binding 12 is a release mechanism 20 for opening the foot strap 16.
Each release mechanism 20 comprises a barefoot-actuatable side-stop 22 for triggering the release mechanism.
The side-stop 22 is attached to a lever member 24. Preferably, the side-stop 22 is angled relative to the lever member 24, especially facing outwards. Preferably, the side-stops 22 of the two release mechanisms 20 are angled in opposite directions.
The lever member 24 is mounted rotatably to a rotating device 26.
The rotating device 26 is disposed on a receiving area 28.
A rotatable retaining lug 30 is provided on the rotating device 26. The retaining lug 30 is preferably pivoted together with the side-stop 22 and/or the lever member 24.
The rotating device 26 has a lever-member adjustment device 32 for the lever member 24. This can be used to adjust the trigger angle. For example, a screw can be loosened, the desired angle of the lever member 24 or the side-stop 22 can be adjusted and the screw can be tightened again.
The rotating device 26 comprises a spring device 34, preferably with a torsion spring, with which a pre-tension is generated.
The spring device 34 protrudes from the rotating device 26 and can be adjusted by means of a spring-adjustment device 36. A stop can be provided which prevents over-tightening.
The spring device 34 allows the tightness of the binding 12 to be adjusted to suit the rider.
Pivot bearings may be provided in the region of the rotating device 26 which ensure reliable rotation of the components, especially under the influence of sand and/or water as well.
The foot strap 16 is firmly connected to a trigger device configured as a trigger bar 38. The trigger device 38 rests on the receiving area 28.
When the foot strap 16 is in the closed position, the trigger device 38 is clamped between the receiving area 28 and the retaining lug 30 of the rotating device 26.
As can be seen in
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A centering device 46 further restricts the freedom of movement of the trigger device 38. The centering device 46 comprises a centering pin 48 which engages with a recess 50 on the underside of the trigger device 38.
The trigger device 38 is thus firmly held between the receiving area 28 with the centering pin 48 and the counterpart 44 as well as the retaining lug 30.
When the release mechanism 20 is triggered, the retaining lug 30 is rotated and releases the trigger device 38. As a result, the trigger device 38 can also be disengaged from the centering pin 48 and the counterpart 44. The foot strap 16 opens and the rider's foot is free.
A release mechanism 20 is attached laterally and medially to each of the left and right sides of both bindings 12. Triggering during fixing of the respective foot—during both a left-facing rotation and a right-facing rotation—is thereby prevented. During the rotation, no other extremities of the rider are influenced by the release mechanism 20.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
-
- 10 Board
- 12 Binding
- 14 Foot pad
- 16 Foot strap
- 18 Fastening device
- 20 Release mechanism
- 22 Side-stop
- 24 Lever member
- 26 Rotating device
- 28 Receiving area
- 30 Retaining lug
- 32 Lever-member adjustment device
- 34 Spring device
- 36 Spring-adjustment device
- 38 Trigger bar, trigger device
- 40 Front end-region
- 42 Latching lug
- 44 Counterpart
- 46 Centering device
- 48 Centering pin
- 50 Recess
Claims
1. Binding (12) for a board (10),
- comprising
- a foot pad (14),
- a foot strap (16); and
- at least one release mechanism (20) for opening the foot strap (16), wherein
- the release mechanism (20) has at least one side-stop (22) that can be actuated by a foot, which is held between the foot pad (14) and the foot strap (16), for the purpose of triggering the release mechanism (20).
2. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 1,
- characterised in that
- two release mechanisms (20) are provided which are assigned to different sides of the foot strap (16).
3. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 1,
- characterised in that
- the side-stop (22) comprises a lever member (24) or is connected to a lever member (24), wherein the lever member (24) is mounted rotatably to a rotating device (26).
4. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 3,
- characterised in that
- the release mechanism (20) has a receiving area (28), which is connected to the foot pad (14) and/or forms part of the foot pad (14) and on which the rotating device (26) is disposed.
5. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 3,
- characterised in that
- the rotating device (26) comprises a rotatable retaining lug (30).
6. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 3,
- characterised in that
- the rotating device (26) has a lever-member adjustment device (32) for the lever member (24).
7. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 3,
- characterised in that
- the rotating device (26) comprises a counterforce and/or return device).
8. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 4,
- characterised in that
- a trigger device (38) is provided, which is fixedly connected to the foot strap (16) and/or forms part of the foot strap (16), and rests on the receiving area (28) when the foot strap (16) is in the closed position.
9. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 8,
- characterised in that
- when the foot strap (16) is in the closed position, at least a portion of the trigger device (38) is disposed between the receiving area (28) and a retaining lug (30) of the rotating device (26).
10. Board (10) with two bindings (12) in accordance with claim 1.
11. Method for opening a binding (12) in accordance with claim 1, in which
- a side-stop (22) is actuated by a foot, which is held between the foot pad (14) and the foot strap (16), as a result of which
- a release mechanism (20) is triggered, wherein
- a foot strap (16) is opened by the release mechanism (20).
12. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 1,
- characterised in that
- the board (10) is a kiteboard.
13. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 1,
- characterised in that
- the release mechanism (20) can be actuated barefoot.
14. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 5,
- characterised in that
- the rotating device (26) comprises a retaining-lug adjustment device for the retaining lug (30).
15. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 3,
- characterised in that
- the rotating device (26) comprises a spring device (34).
16. Binding (12) in accordance with claim 4,
- characterised in that
- a trigger plate or trigger bar is provided, which is fixedly connected to the foot strap (16) and/or forms part of the foot strap (16), and rests on the receiving area (28) when the foot strap (16) is in the closed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 5, 2020
Publication Date: Mar 14, 2024
Applicant: DALION WATERSPORTS UG (Deggendorf)
Inventors: Thomas LISCHKE (München), Klaus KANDLBINDER (Salzweg), Magnus DEISS (Stuttgart)
Application Number: 17/767,905
