SPLITBOARD BINDING APPARATUS

Abstract

A boot attachment system is provided for a split board, wherein the boot attachment provides two alternative attachment configurations. The first configuration provides a ‘ride mode’ in which the rider's boots are attached across the two halves of the split board allowing the joined board halves to be used as a complete snowboard for riding downhill. The second configuration provides a ‘ski mode’ in which the rider's boots are attached one on each half of the split board. This system allows the halves of the board to be used in a similar manner to traditional skis. This system is particularly useful when travelling uphill or on terrain that is insufficiently steep for the board configuration to be useable.

Description

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to United States Patent Application Number US 61/597,165, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to splitboard bindings.

BACKGROUND ART

Snowboarding is a relatively recent snow sport in which a single board is used to slide over the snow surface rather than the traditional form of skiing which utilizes two separate skis.

One problem that snow boarders experience is difficulty when moving on flat or uphill terrain. Users of skis have the ability to independently move each ski; this allows them to push with one ski whilst sliding with the other. This technique is typically enhanced by adding a skin to the lower surface of each ski in order to gain greater traction with the snow.

Typically a snow board comprises a single board, which means a snowboarder only has the option to either completely detach from the board and walk, or to detach one leg and scoot/shuffle the snow board. Both techniques are poorly suited to snow travel.

One solution to this problem is a split board. A split board is in effect a snowboard which can be separated into two halves. When riding downhill the two halves are attached together and operated in the same manner as a standard snowboard. When travelling on a flat or uphill surface the snowboard can be separated into two halves. The halves are then attached separately to each of the user's feet and can be used in the same manner as traditional skis.

One problem that is faced by split boarders is that the positioning of the feet is completely different when the board is used as a snowboard compared to when it is used as skis. This means that the boot binding which fastens the user's boots to the split board must be removed and repositioned between the snowboard arrangement and the ski arrangement. This is typically time consuming and requires a high degree of dexterity.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise”, or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of invention of the present application is to provide a boot attachment system for a split board, wherein the boot attachment provides two alternative attachment configurations. The first configuration provides a ‘ride mode’ in which the rider's boots are attached across the two halves of the split board allowing the joined board halves to be used as a complete snowboard for riding downhill. The second configuration provides a ‘ski mode’ in which the rider's boots are attached one on each half of the split board. This allows the halves of the board to be used in a similar manner to traditional skis. This is particularly useful when travelling uphill or on terrain that is insufficiently steep for the board configuration to be useable.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a boot attachment system, including:

• • a first attachment portion including a boot binding, the boot binding having a heel end, a toe end and a substantially planar base configured to receive the sole of a boot; and
  • a second attachment portion configured to attach to at least one surface, the second attachment portion including a first clampable member and a second clampable member; and
    wherein the first attachment portion includes a clamp portion configured to grip at least the first clampable member and the second clampable member of the second attachment portion.

In preferred embodiments the first clampable member and a second clampable member can be separated from one another when not being clamped by the clamp portion.

In preferred embodiments the first clampable member is configured to attach to a first surface.

Preferably the first surface is a first half of a split board.

In preferred embodiments the second clampable member is configured to attach to a second surface.

Preferably the second surface is a second half of a split board.

In preferred embodiments clamping of the first attachment portion to the first clampable member and the second clampable member rigidly fixes the position of the first clampable member and the second clampable member with respect to the first attachment portion.

In preferred embodiments the first clampable member includes a first angled surface positioned on a first clampable member first end.

Preferably the first clampable member includes a second angled surface positioned on a first clampable member second end, wherein the first clampable member second end is positioned on an opposite end of the first clampable member to the first clampable member first end.

It will be appreciated that the purpose of each angled surface is to redirect a clamping force applied at an angle of incidence to the angled surface.

In preferred embodiments the first angled surface and the second angled surface redirect a portion of an applied clamping force by substantially 90 degrees.

In preferred embodiments the force clamping the first angled surface and the second angled surface is redirected so as to force the first clampable member into the first attachment portion.

Preferably the first clampable member includes a first clampable member engaging portion configured to engage with at least a portion of the second clampable member, wherein the first clampable member engaging portion is positioned on the first clampable member second end.

Preferable the first clampable member engaging portion is a recess or slot configured to receive a protrusion or tab on the second clampable member.

In preferred embodiments the second clampable member includes a second clampable member engaging portion configured to engage with at least a portion of the first clampable member, wherein the second clampable member engaging portion is positioned on an opposite end of the second clampable member to the second clampable member first end.

Preferably the second clampable member engaging portion is a protrusion or tab configured to engage within a recess or slot in the second clampable member.

Preferably the second clampable member protrusion or tab is configured to be inserted into the first clampable member recess or slot, wherein clamping of the first clampable member and the second clampable member with the clamp portion holds the second clampable member protrusion or tab within the first clampable member recess or slot.

In preferred embodiments the first clampable member engaging portion is configured to prevent shearing movement between the first clampable member and the second clampable member when the first clampable member and the second clampable member are clamped by the first attachment portion clamp portion.

In preferred embodiments the clamp portion includes engagement regions configured to engage with each of the first angled surface, second angled surface, and the third angled surface.

Preferably each of the engagement regions includes at least one engaging portion configured to engage with a respective angled surface. A person skilled in the art will understand that the engaging portion could take any number of forms without departing from the scope of the present invention, non limiting examples of which include any surface capable of bearing against the angled surface.

In some preferred embodiments one or more of the engaging portions may include a surface which is sloped in the opposite direction to the slope of the angled surface with which it is configured to engage. An opposing slope should be understood to be a slope which is rotated by 180 degrees with respect to the slope of the angled surface.

In other embodiments one or more of the engaging portions may comprise a rod or the like running parallel to a said angled surface.

In preferred embodiments the clamping motion of the clamp portion is along a line substantially from the toe end to the heel end of the boot binding.

It will be appreciated that a force driving an engaging portion against the slope of an angled surface results in the engaging portion moving both in the direction of the clamping force and in a direction orthogonal to the clamping force,tThe resultant motion being substantially parallel to the slope of the angled surface.

Preferably the engaging portions function in combination with the first angled surface, first second angled surface and third angled surface to pull the second attachment portion towards the first attachment portion when clamped.

In use, clamping of the second attachment portion with the first attachment portion locks the first clampable member and the second clampable member together and pulls the first clampable member and the second clampable member towards the first attachment portion. In use the clamping action serves to pull the boot binding down onto the first surface and the second surface and locks the first surface and the second surface together.

In preferred embodiments the second attachment portion includes at least one curved attachment region that is configured to allow the second attachment portion to be both attached to the at least one surface and rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the surface.

Preferably each of the first clampable member and second clampable member include curved attachment regions.

In preferred embodiments the first clampable member curved attachment region provides an axis of rotation which is at, or near, the first clampable member engaging portion and which, in use, is orthogonal to the surface to which the first clampable member is attached.

In preferred embodiments the second clampable member curved attachment region provides an axis of rotation which is at, or near, the second clampable member engaging portion and which, in use, is orthogonal to the surface to which the first clampable member is attached.

It will be appreciated that when the first clampable member engaging portion and second clampable member engaging portion are engaged, the axis of rotation provided by the curved attachment regions will be positioned at, or close to, the region at which the first clampable member and the second clampable member are engaged.

In preferred embodiments the, or each, curved attachment region is fastened to the first, or second, surface by way of a retainer plate and mounting hardware such as a bolt or other type of standard fastener. In use a fastener is passed though an aperture in the retainer plate and into one or more standard fittings in the surface the attachment region is being fastened to. In the case of a snow board, or split board, it will be appreciated that one or more inserts are built into the core of the board during manufacture. Typically inserts are spaced along a portion of the length of the board. Spacing between inserts has evolved to be around 1 inch. As a standard rule the inserts are also offset from the medial plane of the board by around 2.75 inches, although these distances are standard practice rather than a rule. This limits the degree of adjustment available when mounting boot bindings to a board to 1 inch steps.

In preferred embodiments the retainer plate includes at least one slotted mounting aperture.

Preferably the at least one slotted mounting aperture is configured to provide between 1 inch and 2 inches of adjustment along the length of the board relative to the mounting hardware.

It will be appreciated that by providing between 1 inch and 2 inches of adjustment at the retainer plate, the user can adjust the position of a binding to any possible position when 1 inch spaced inserts are used in a board.

In some preferred embodiments the boot binding substantially planar base may include a recess in the lower surface thereof, the recess configured to receive the second attachment portion or part thereof.

In some embodiments the regions of the boot binding adjacent the recess may be configured to abut the at least one surface. It will be appreciated that clamping of the second attachment portion effectively pulls the adjacent sections of the boot binding down onto the at least one surface. This provides a more stable connection between the board and the boot binding.

In preferred embodiments the boot attachment system, includes a third attachment portion including:

• • a bracket having a flat base configured to attach to the least one surface; and
  • a toe block pivotally attached to the bracket,
    wherein the toe block pivotable attachment provides rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the flat base of the bracket, and wherein the toe block includes a clampable region configured to be clamped by at least a portion of the clamp portion.

In preferred embodiments the pivotable attachment is positioned above the base of the bracket.

In preferred embodiments the toe block includes a recessed slot configured to receive a toe end of the boot binding and a clamp receiving portion configured to be clamped by at least a portion of the clamp portion.

In some preferred embodiments the recessed slot may include a wedge shaped edge.

In some preferred embodiments the clamp receiving portion may include a wedge shaped edge.

In preferred embodiments the third attachment portion is configured to allow the first attachment portion to be pivotally connected to the at least one surface.

Preferably the pivotable attachment is configured to allow the heel end of the boot binding to be rotated substantially about the toe end of the boot binding when the boot binding is clamped to the third attachment portion.

Preferably the same clamp portion used to clamp the first attachment portion to the second attachment portion is used to clamp the first attachment portion to the third attachment portion.

In preferred embodiments the clamping mechanism includes a lever.

In preferred embodiments the clamping mechanism includes at least one moveable engaging portion.

Preferably the at least one moveable engaging portion is moved by movement of the lever.

Preferably the lever moves the at least one moveable engaging portion into engagement with one or more of the first clampable member or the second clampable member.

Preferably the lever moves at least one moveable engaging portion into engagement with the first clampable member first angled surface.

Preferably engagement of the at least one moveable engaging portion into engagement with the first clampable member angled surface results in the first attachment portion sliding and engaging the second attachment portion and the third attachment portion with the second angled surface and the third angled surface respectively.

In preferred embodiments the lever is adjustably connected to the at least one moveable engaging portion so as to provide an adjustable clamping force.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a latching device which includes:

• • a first base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper surface of the first base plate; and
  • a second base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the other end,
    wherein the beam includes a first ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an aperture configured to receive the camming pin.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of interconnecting a first object having a substantially flat edge with a second object having a substantially flat edge by way of a latching device, the latching device including a first base plate attached to the first object adjacent the substantially flat edge thereof and having an upper surface and a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper surface of the first base plate and a second base plate attached to the second object adjacent the substantially flat edge thereof and having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the other end wherein the beam includes a first ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an aperture configured to receive the camming pin, the method including the steps of:

• • a) positioning the substantially flat edge of the first object adjacent the substantially flat edge of the second object,
  • b) aligning the first base plate and the second base plate,
  • c) rotating the beam so as to locate the first flat headed pin in the first ‘T’ shaped slot, the second flat headed pin in the second ‘T’ shaped slot and the camming pin in the aperture, and
  • d) rotating the lever to cam the camming pin in the aperture,
    whereby rotating the lever locks the beam in position, locking the first object and second object together.

In preferred embodiments the first object and the second object are halves of a split board.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a sport board having a first half and a second half, the sport board being configurable between a joint configuration wherein the first half and second half of the board are fixed together and function as a single structure, and a separate configuration, wherein the first half and second half of the board are separated and function independently of each other, the sport board including: at least one boot attachment system, including a first attachment portion having a boot binding, the boot binding having a heel end, a toe end and a substantially planar base configured to receive the sole of a boot and a second attachment portion including a first clampable member attached to the first half of the sport board and a second clampable member attached to the second half of the sport board, wherein the first attachment portion includes a clamp portion configured to grip at least the first clampable member and the second clampable member.

In preferred embodiments clamping the first clampable member and the second clampable member with the clamp portion locks the first half and second half of the sport board together.

In preferred embodiments the sport board includes at least one latching device which includes a first base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper surface of the first base plate and a second base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the other end, wherein the beam includes a first ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an aperture configured to receive the camming pin.

In preferred embodiments the at least one latching device locks the first half and the second half of the sport board together.

Preferably the at least one latching device stops shearing and out of plane alignment occurring between the first half and second half of the board.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a split board assembly, including:

• • a boot attachment system as broadly described above, and
  • a split board having a left half and a right half,
    wherein the first clampable member of the second attachment portion is attached to the left half of the split board and the second clampable member of the second attachment portion is attached to the right half of the split board; and
    wherein clamping of the first attachment portion to the first clampable member and the second clampable member rigidly fixes the position of the left half and the right half of the split board relative to the first attachment portion, and
    wherein clamping of the first clampable member and the second clampable member provides at least a portion of the structural integrity of the joined left and right halves of the split board.

In some preferred embodiments the split board may include one or more clips positioned along the adjacent edges of the left half and the right half of the joined split board. By including additional clips, in particular at the tip and tail of the split board, a much greater degree of rigidity is obtained, in addition any independent flexion or shearing between the split board halves is mitigated.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of non-limiting advantages over the prior art, examples of which include:

Increased lateral stiffness across the board thus increasing the responsiveness of the board to rider input through the binding interface.

Increased board feedback to the rider by clamping the binding directly down to the board.

The binding interface forces the two board halves together eliminating any gaps that can occur down the center of the board; this improves the performance of the board.

The middle angled surface and the interface between the first clampable portion and the second clampable portion pull both ski edges upwards when clamped by the clamp portion, thereby keeping the two board halves in plane and allowing no relative movement when the board halves are joined.

Tolerances for achieving a solid connection between the binding interface and ride mode interface are very large. The chance of failure in the backcountry is reduced, as large deformations of materials would be needed before the binding interface is incapable of engaging to the ride-mode interface. This is particular important when traveling in the backcountry, often hours or days away from safety.

The binding allows for flex in the longitudinal direction of the board; minimizing dead spots that occur under rigid bindings and providing a natural boot binding interface flex to the rider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1a shows a plan view of a split sport board in a ride mode in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 1b shows a plan view of the split board of FIG. 1a in a ski mode,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the split board of FIG. 1a,

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a boot attachment system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a boot attachment system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 5a-c shows a perspective view of the second attachment portion in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a boot attachment system including a third attachment portion,

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a boot attachment system including a third attachment portion,

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a latching device in accordance with one aspect of the present invention in an open position, and

FIG. 9 shows a profile view of the latching device shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10a-e shows alternative embodiments of clamping mechanisms in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1a, 2 and 3 there is shown a split board in a ride mode configuration, as generally indicated by designator 100. Split board 101 comprises first half 12 and second half 14. First half 12 and second half 14 are joined together by latching devices 20 (not shown in FIG. 3) and boot binding first attachment portions 16 which are clamped to second attachment portions 21 (not shown in FIG. 1a or 2). Split board 101 also includes third attachment portions 18, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 2.

With reference to FIG. 1b there is shown a split board assembly in a ski mode as generally indicated by designator 200. Split board 200 comprises separate first half 12 and second half 14. First half 12 and second half 14 include boot binding first attachment portions 16 which are clamped to third attachment portions 18. First half 12 also includes second attachment portion 21 first clampable members 24 and latching devices 20 second base portions 76. Second half 14 includes second attachment portion 201 second clampable members 26 and latching devices 20 first base portions 74.

With reference to FIG. 3, boot attachment system 103 includes a first attachment portion 16 including a boot binding having a heel end 17a a toe end 17b and a substantially planar base 17c. First attachment portion 16 includes a clamp portion 102 comprising engagement regions 35, 36 and 38 which include face engaging portions 35a, 36a and 38a. Face engaging portions 35a, 36a and 38a are configured to engage with first clampable member 24 first angled surface 45a, first clampable member 24 second angled surface 45b, and second clampable member 26 third angled surface 46. First clampable member 24 is attached to split board 101 second half 14 and second clampable member 26 is attached to split board 101 first half 12 by way of curved attachment regions 54 and retainer plates 50.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3 the first angled surface 45a and second angled surface 45b overhang from the body of first clampable member 24. In use this results in a clamping force applied longitudinally from first angled surface 45a to second angled surface 45b being redirected in part orthogonally away from board second half 14. Second clampable member 26 third angled surface 46 overhangs from the body of second clampable member 26. In use this results in a clamping force applied longitudinally from first angled surface 45a to third angled surface 46 being redirected, in part, orthogonally away from board first half 12 and towards first attachment portion 16. This acts to pull the second attachment portion 21 into first attachment portion 16.

Clamp portion 102 includes clamping mechanism 32 which has levers 32a. Rotating levers 32a results in angled face 35a being slid longitudinally in a direction along a line from the toe end 17b to the heel end 17a. Levers 32a may move angled face 35a in a number of ways, non limiting examples of which include: pulling a cable attached to the angled face 35a, pushing, or pulling a slideable member having an angled face 35a; or the lever 32a having an angled face formed directly thereon. Alternative embodiments of clamping mechanism 32 are shown in FIGS. 10a-c, each of which includes lever, or levers 32a and angled face 35a. It should be appreciated that angled face 35a could be substituted with a face having a different profile, for example a rounded shape, therefore the form used in angled face 35a should not be seen as being limiting.

With reference to FIG. 4 there is shown the boot attachment system 100 of FIG. 3 wherein first attachment portion 16 clamp portion 102 engagement regions 35, 36 and 38 are engaged with first clampable member 24 first angled surface 45a, first clampable member 24 second angled surface 45b, and second clampable member 26 third angled surface 46. Clamp portion 102 is engaged by levers 32a being rotated so as to pull arms 32b which in turn pull angled face 35a onto first clampable member 24 first angled surface 45a. As angled face 35a pulls onto first angled surface 45a, second angled face 45b and third angled face 46 (neither of which are shown in FIG. 4) are pulled onto second angled surface 45b and third angled surface 46. The movement of angled faces 35a, 36a and 38a against first angled surface 45a, second angled surface 45b and third angled surface 46 serves to both clamp the first attachment portion 16 to the first clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26 as well as to pull the first clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26 into the first attachment portion 16.

With reference to FIGS. 5a-c there is shown a perspective view of second attachment portion 21 in which first clampable member 24 is attached to split board 101 second half 14 and second clampable member 26 is attached to split board 101 first half 12. First clampable member 24 includes first angled surface 45a and second angled surface 45b. Below second angled surface 45b is slot 47a which is configured to receive protrusion 47b on second clampable member 26. When first clampable member 24 is clamped to second clampable member 26, by first attachment portion 16 clamp portion 102, protrusion 47b is clamped into slot 47a. In use, clamping protrusion 47b into slot 47a prevents any shear movement between first clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26. In use the protrusion 47b of second clampable member 26 is positioned at or near the adjoining edge of split board 101 first half 12 and slot 47a is positioned at or near the adjoining edge of split board 101 second half 14. Clamping of first clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26 functions to lock the relative positions of split board 101 first half 12 and second half 14 relative to first attachment portion 16.

First clampable member 24 and second clampable member 26 are attached to split board 101 second half 14 and split board 101 first half 12 respectively by way of curved attachment regions 54. Curved attachment regions 54 allow the angle of the second attachment portion 21 to be adjusted on the surface of split board 101. The curvature of curved attachment regions 54 provides an axis of rotation that is orthogonal to the board surface and is located substantially at the interface between the first clampable member and the second clampable member, as shown in FIG. 5b. Retainer plates 50 clamp down onto curved attachment regions 54 by way of mounting hardware 55a which fasten into board inserts 55b. Slots 51 in retainer plates 50 provide adjustment of the second attachment portion 21 longitudinally along the length of the split board 101. This allows the second attachment portion to be positioned at any point along the line of inserts 55b, as illustrated in FIG. 5c.

With reference to FIG. 6 there is shown a boot attachment system 100 which includes a first attachment portion 16 including a boot binding having a heel end 17a a toe end 17b and a substantially planar base 17c. First attachment portion 16 includes clamp portion 102 comprising engagement region 35 having face engaging portion 35a. Face engaging portion 35a is configured to engage with third attachment portion 300 first angled surface 66. The toe end 17b of planar base 17c is configured to engage with toe block 62 recessed slot 68.

Third clampable member 300 is attached to split board 101 by way of bracket 56. Toe block 62 is pivotally attached 58/64 to bracket 56 so as to provide an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the base of bracket 56. Toe block 62 recessed slot 68 and clamp receiving portion 66 form a region which can be clamped by first attachment portion 16 clamp portion 102.

With reference to FIG. 7 there is shown the boot attachment system 103 of FIG. 6 in which toe end 17b of planar base 17c is engaged with toe block 62 recessed slot 68. Clamp portion 102 clamping mechanism 32 is clamped onto toe block 62 by rotation of levers 32a. Rotating levers 32a results in angled face 35a being slid longitudinally in a direction along a line from the toe end 17b to the heel end 17a. As angled face 35a pushes into toe block 62 clamp receiving portion 66, the toe end 17b of planar base 17c is pushed into recessed slot 68. Pivotable attachment 58 is configured to allow the heel end 17a of the boot binding to be rotated about the toe end 17b of the boot binding when the boot binding is clamped to the third attachment portion 300.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a latching device 800 including a first base plate 74 having an upper surface 74a and a lower surface 74b. First flat headed pin 78a protrudes from the upper surface 74a of first base plate 74. A beam 72 is pivotably attached to the upper surface 74a of the first base plate 74 so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper surface 74a of the first base plate 74. Latching device 800 also includes a second base plate 76 having an upper surface 76a and a lower surface 76b. Second flat headed pin 78b projects from the upper surface 76a of the second base plate 76. Camming pin 80 is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface 76a of the second base plate 76 and is fixed to lever 82 at the other end. Beam 72 includes first ‘T’ shaped slot 84a configured to receive first flat headed pin 78a as beam 72 is rotated over first flat headed pin 78a. Second ‘T’ shaped slot 84b is configured to receive second flat headed pin 78b as beam 72 is rotated over second flat headed pin 78b. Beam 72 also includes an aperture 86 configured to receive camming pin 80. In use rotating beam 72 engages first flat headed pin 78a in first ‘T’ shaped slot 84a and second flat headed pin 78b in second ‘T’ shaped slot 84b. Engagement locks the relative positions of first base plate 74 and second base plate 76 and therefore also locks together the board halves (not shown) that the first base plate 74 and second base plate 76 are attached to. Rotating lever 82 engages camming pin 80 with aperture 86, locking beam 72 into engagement with first flat headed pin 78a and second flat headed pin 78b.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A boot attachment system, comprising:

a first attachment portion including a boot binding, the boot binding having a heel end, a toe end and a substantially planar base configured to receive the sole of a boot; and

a second attachment portion configured to attach to at least one surface, the second attachment portion including a first clampable member and a second clampable member; and

wherein the first attachment portion includes a clamp portion configured to grip at least the first clampable member and the second clampable member of the second attachment portion.

2. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first clampable member and a second clampable member can be separated from one another when not being clamped by the clamp portion.

3. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first clampable member is configured to attach to a first half of a split board.

4. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second clampable member is configured to attach to a second half of a split board.

5. The boot attachment system as claimed claim 1 wherein clamping of the first attachment portion to the first clampable member and the second clampable member rigidly fixes the position of the first clampable member and the second clampable member with respect to the first attachment portion.

6. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first clampable member includes a first angled surface on a first end.

7. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first clampable member includes a second angled surface positioned on an opposite second end of the first clampable member to the first clampable member.

8. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first angled surface and the second angled surface redirect a portion of an applied clamping force by substantially 90 degrees.

9. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second clampable member includes a third angled surface on a first end.

10. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a portion of the clamping force applied by the clamp portion is redirected so as to force the first clampable member into the first attachment portion.

11. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first clampable member includes a recess or slot configured to receive a protrusion or tab.

12. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the second clampable member includes a protrusion or tab, on an opposite end to the first end, configured to engage within the recess or slot in the first clampable member.

13. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first clampable member recess or slot and the second clampable member protrusion or tab are configured to engage so as to prevent shearing movement between the first clampable member and the second clampable member.

14. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the clamp portion includes engagement regions configured to engage with each of the first angled surface, second angled surface, and the third angled surface.

15. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the engagement regions include at least one engaging portion configured to engage with a respective angled surface on the first or second clampable members.

16. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the engaging portions include a surface which is sloped in the opposite direction to the slope of the angled surface with which it is configured to engage.

17. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the slope of the engaging portions function in combination with the first angled surface, second angled surface and third angled surface to pull the second attachment portion towards the first attachment portion when clamped.

18. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the clamping motion of the clamp portion is along a line substantially from the toe end to the heel end of the boot binding.

19. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second attachment portion includes at least one curved attachment region.

20. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the first clampable member and second clampable member include curved attachment regions.

21. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the first clampable member curved attachment region provides an axis of rotation which is at, or near, the first clampable member recess or slot.

22. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the second clampable member curved attachment region provides an axis of rotation which is at, or near, the second clampable member protrusion or tab.

23. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the boot binding substantially planar base includes a recess in the lower surface thereof.

24. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1, which includes a third attachment portion, the third attachment portion including:

a bracket having a flat base configured to attach to the least one surface; and

a toe block pivotally attached to the bracket,

wherein the toe block pivotable attachment with the bracket provides rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the flat base of the bracket, and wherein the toe block includes a clampable region configured to be clamped by at least a portion of the first attachment portion clamp portion.

25. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the pivotable attachment is positioned above the base of the bracket.

26. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the toe block includes a recessed slot configured to receive a toe end of the boot binding and a clamp receiving portion configured to be clamped by the engagement region configured to engage with the first angled surface.

27. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the third attachment portion is configured to allow the first attachment portion to be pivotally connected to the at least one surface.

28. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the pivotable attachment is configured to allow the heel end of the boot binding to be rotated substantially about the toe end of the boot binding when the boot binding is clamped to the third attachment portion.

29. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the clamping portion includes at least one moveable engaging portion.

30. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the clamping portion includes a lever.

31. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the lever is adjustably connected to the at least one moveable engaging portion so as to provide an adjustable clamping force.

32. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the at least one moveable engaging portion is moved by movement of the lever.

33. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 29 wherein the at least one moveable engaging portion is configured to engage with the first clampable member first angled surface.

34. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 29 wherein engagement of the at least one moveable engaging portion into engagement with the first clampable member angled surface results in the first attachment portion sliding and engaging the engaging the second attachment portion and the third attachment portion with the second angled surface and the third angled surface respectively.

35. The boot attachment system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the at least one moveable engaging portion is configured to engage with the third attachment portion receiving portion.

36. A latching device for use with a split board, the latching device, comprising:

a first base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper surface of the first base plate; and

a second base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the other end,

wherein the beam includes a first ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an aperture configured to receive the camming pin.

37. A method of interconnecting a first object having a, substantially flat edge with a second object having a substantially flat edge by way of a latching device, the latching device including a first base plate attached to the first object adjacent the substantially flat edge thereof and having an upper surface and a lower surface, whereby a first flat headed pin protrudes from the upper surface of the first base plate and a beam is pivotably attached to the upper surface of the first base plate so as to be rotatable about an axis projecting orthogonally from the upper surface of the first base plate and a second base plate attached to the second object adjacent the substantially flat edge thereof and having an upper surface and a lower surface whereby a second flat headed pin projects from the upper surface of the second base plate and a camming pin is rotatably attached at one end to the upper surface of the second base plate and is fixed to a lever at the other end wherein the beam includes a first ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the first flat headed pin, a second ‘T’ shaped slot configured to receive the second flat headed pin and an aperture configured to receive the camming pin, the method comprising the steps of:

a) positioning the substantially flat edge of the first object adjacent the substantially flat edge of the second object;

b) aligning the first base plate and the second base plate;

rotating the beam so as to locate the first flat headed pin in the first shaped slot, the second flat headed pin in the second ‘T’ shaped slot and the camming pin in the aperture; and

d) rotating the lever to cam the camming pin in the aperture,

whereby rotating the lever locks the beam in position, locking the first object and second object together.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein the first object and the second object are left and right halves of a split board.

39. A split board assembly, including:

a boot attachment system as broadly described above, and

a split board having a left half and a right half,

wherein the first clampable member of the second attachment portion is attached to the left half of the split board and the second clampable member of the second attachment portion is attached to the right half of the split board; and

wherein clamping of the first attachment portion to the first clampable member and the second clampable member rigidly fixes the position of the left half and the right half of the split board relative to the first attachment portion, and

wherein clamping of the first clampable member and the second clampable member provides at least a portion of the structural integrity of the joined left and right halves of the split board.

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)