ROTATABLE SNOWBOARD BINDING INTERFACE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A device is provided for adjustably mounting a snowboard binding to a snowboard. The device includes a snowboard binding interface assembly configured to attach to the snowboard and attach to the snowboard binding. The snowboard binding interface assembly includes a base plate configured to rotate relative to the snowboard and a locking element connected to the base plate and enabling the snowboard binding interface assembly to be locked in a selected rotational orientation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a snowboard binding interface. In particular, examples of the present disclosure are related to a snowboard binding interface that allows rotational movement of the snowboard binding relative to the snowboard, which the user can select.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure. Accordingly, such statements are not intended to constitute an admission of prior art.

Typically, a snowboard assembly includes a snowboard and a snowboard binding assembly for each foot that is attached to the top surface of the snowboard. A rider must wear snowboard boots that are specially adapted to conform with the snowboard binding assembly to hold boots to the snowboard, an elongated composite material with steel bottom edges that is semi-rigid, allowing the rider to slide across the surface of the snow. Snowboard binding assemblies and snowboards can become quite expensive and many riders have already invested in snowboarding equipment.

However, one disadvantage to existing snowboard equipment is that the snowboard binding assembly rigidly maintains the snowboard boot in one place on the board and at one angle all the time, and four screws must be released and safely re-tightened in order to change the angle of the rider's stance for each foot, which is time-consuming and chilling in cold conditions. In order to set the equipment to a preferred setting, typically at or nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard with one snowboard boot placed in front of the other, the rider may spend as much as 15 minutes loosening, adjusting and re-securing his or her boots. Therefore, depending upon the rider's preference, the rider typically looks over either his or her right or left shoulder (depending upon whether the right or left snowboard boot is in front) when sliding forward. This is a disadvantage because although the snowboard binding assembly may have been adjusted to a preset angular setting, the rider may desire to adjust the snowboard binding assembly to a different angular setting depending upon the terrain, riding style and the duration that the rider has been snowboarding.

Riders that use non-rotatable snowboard bindings also encounter difficulty when sliding on a flat surface such as at the bottom of the hill. Snowboard riders are well known for the “torqued knee” walk when moving around on a flat surface, such as when getting on a chair lift. Typically, when riders need to move around on a flat surface, they will remove their back snowboard boot from the rear snowboard binding assembly so that they can push themselves along with the back foot. However, the front foot is rigidly held in place at or nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard, thereby causing the “torqued knee” walk with the front foot turned in at a precipitous angle to the direction of movement. This forcing of the snowboard boot and therefore the rider's foot inward puts a tremendous amount of stress on the rider's front knee, leg and hip. It is also difficult for the rider to move around in such an awkward stance, especially when moving through crowds and getting on and off a chairlift.

Riders also face the problem of toe and/or heel drag. This issue is typically encountered by individuals who have relatively large feet. With typical snowboard bindings as previously discussed, the snowboard boot is typically held at or nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. If the rider has large feet, the toe and/or heel of the snowboard boot may extend beyond the edge of the snowboard. Therefore, when the rider makes a front edge or back edge turn the toes and/or heels of his snowboard boots may drag against the snow. This is undesirable because it slows the rider down and causes drag to one side of the snowboard, thereby increasing the difficulty of balancing on the snowboard, or may even catch on the snow or ice, causing the rider to pitch and fall.

SUMMARY

A device is provided for adjustably mounting a snowboard binding to a snowboard. The device includes a snowboard binding interface assembly configured to attach to the snowboard and attach to the snowboard binding. The snowboard binding interface assembly includes a base plate configured to rotate relative to the snowboard and a locking element connected to the base plate and enabling the snowboard binding interface assembly to be locked in a selected rotational orientation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary snowboard and snowboard binding assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a torqued knee walk problem caused by the assembly shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an exemplary snowboard binding interface assembly located between the snowboard and the snowboard binding, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-C are illustrations of the snowboard binding interface of FIG. 3 showing the rotational adjustability of the snowboard binding interface assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a rider using an exemplary snowboard equipped according to the disclosure, showing the forward snowboard binding being rotationally adjusted straight with the free left foot off the snowboard for skating motion to allow the rider to easily move on flat or uphill surfaces, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a rider using an exemplary snowboard equipped according to the disclosure, showing the snowboard bindings rotated perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the snowboard, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a side view of an exemplary snowboard equipped according to the disclosure, showing snowboard binding interface assembly with an attached snowboard and snowboard boot, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a side view of an exemplary snowboard equipped according to the disclosure, showing the snowboard binding interface assembly with a lever assembly configured to permit adjustment of the binding assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary top plate and band clamp, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B illustrates assembly of an exemplary base plate and central hub to a snowboard, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary base plate, central hub, and band clamp, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates the central hub of FIG. 9, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates the bottom plate of FIG. 9, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary warped washer, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates the band bracket of FIG. 9, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the top plate of FIG. 8A, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a first alternative embodiment of a binding assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of a binding assembly, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present disclosure. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may be embodied as an apparatus or a method.

To illustrate, FIG. 1 shows a typical snowboard 110 with a typical snowboard binding 112 according to the prior art. The snowboard binding 112 is generally mounted perpendicular to or at an angle close to perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of snowboard 110 with either the right or left foot located in the front depending upon the preference of the rider.

The snowboard binding 112 is designed to accept a snowboard boot and is provided with a means for fastening, typically bolts, which rigidly attach the snowboard bindings 112 to the snowboard 110. When initially installing the snowboard bindings 112 to snowboard 110, the installer may adjust snowboard bindings 112 to a fixed angle relative to the longitudinal axis of snowboard 110 based upon a rider's preference. The angle of rotation, however, is set and is not adjustable without the proper tools to loosen or remove the snowboard binding's screws from snowboard 110.

As the snowboard binding 112 of snowboard 110 is not rotationally adjustable without special tools, many riders experience the “torqued knee” walk shown in FIG. 2. The rear snowboard boot 114 is removed from its binding 112 to propel the rider on a flat surface; however, the forward snowboard boot 113 is still rigidly maintained at the selected rotational angle, thereby putting stress on the rider's knee and leg.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary snowboard improved with bindings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Snowboard binding 12 is affixed to snowboard binding interface assembly 20, which in turn is affixed to snowboard 10. Snowboard binding interface assembly 20 or binding assembly 20 is provided as an interface device adaptable for many differing snowboard binding configurations, such that it may easily be used to either retrofit with existing snowboard bindings or with virtually any currently commercially available snowboard binding. Snowboard binding interface assembly 20 in one embodiment includes a cold temperature-resilient hard plastic material such as, for instance, a polycarbonate molded material.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, snowboard binding interface assembly 20 is shown as a pair of footprint-shaped plates that secure between them a central hub affixed to snowboard 10. Each contains a cam bolt lock and release clamp ring, and may be rigidly attached to snowboard 10 having the same three- or four-hole configurations as many existing snowboard bindings.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate an ability of a snowboard binding interface assembly to easily rotate in relation to a snowboard. FIG. 4A shows snowboard binding interface assembly 20 with snowboard binding 12 in a rotational position essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of snowboard 10. Boot 14 is illustrated within binding 12. The two-headed arrow shows that the snowboard binding interface assembly 20 is capable of rotation in either direction as desired and can be locked at any fraction of an angle in between, as desired by the rider.

FIG. 4B illustrates the rotational ability of snowboard binding interface assembly 20 where the rider rotates his snowboard boot 14 relative to the longitudinal axis 16 of the snowboard. Boot 14 is illustrated within binding 12. While angle of rotation E is shown as a relatively small rotation forward, the snowboard boot 14 could also have been rotated in the opposite direction toward the back end of snowboard 10 or to a larger angle. In fact, there are unlimited rotational angles that the rider may select as desired.

FIG. 4C illustrates the continued rotation of snowboard binding 12 to an angular position that is essentially in line with or parallel to longitudinal axis 16 of snowboard 10. Boot 14 is illustrated within binding 12. Snowboard binding interface assembly 20 allows the rider to adjust the rotational position of snowboard binding 12 to an unlimited number of rotational positions. In one embodiment, for instance, the rotational angle may be selected in 0.0005 mm degree increments such that the rider may select any of a plurality of rotational angles.

It should be noted that while the snowboard binding interface assembly 20 is shown rotating from an essentially perpendicular position relative to longitudinal axis 16 to a forward rotational position, snowboard binding interface assembly 20 is capable of 360 degree rotation. In this manner, the rider is able to adjust snowboard bindings 12 to any desired angular position, including to 180 degrees, and to change, for instance, the downhill foot orientation to best match the rider's riding styles.

FIG. 5 illustrates an ability of a snowboard equipped with the improvements disclosed herein to adjust such that a user can have his or her foot substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. Adjusting the rotational angle of snowboard binding 12 such that it is essentially in line with or parallel to longitudinal axis 16 of snowboard 10, will eliminate the “torqued knee” walk problem. It may also be noted that the rider is not obligated to rotate his forward snowboard boot 12 completely in line with longitudinal axis 16 of snowboard 10, but may prefer to rotate it an angular position that lessens the “torqued knee” walk but still provides lateral balance for the ride.

The improvements to the snowboard binding interface assembly as disclosed herein enable use of rotational positions and increased binding stack height to reduce the problem of toe and/or heel drag. The rider can rotate the toe and/or heel of snowboard boot 14 as desired, thereby minimizing any existing overhang of snowboard boot 14. Snowboard binding interface assembly 20 also acts as a spacer, increasing the height of the snowboard boot 14 from the surface of the snow. For instance, in one embodiment, the snowboard binding interface assembly 20 may include a 0.75 inch lift, which will have a tendency to lift the snowboard boot higher off the snow and minimize toe and/or heel drag. This helps to eliminate toe and/or heel drag, as the rider may now lean farther over off center without the toe and/or heel of his snowboard boot 14 dragging in the snow. In one embodiment, a scratch-protective adhesive sheet(s) can be included as an accessory. Such a sheet can be embodied as a durable clear “decal” to protect the board surface at where a glide arc is situated on the binding assembly.

FIG. 6 illustrates the snowboard binding interface assembly as disclosed herein enabling the snowboard of FIG. 5 to be adjusted and used according to conventional snowboard boot alignments. Snowboard boots 14 are illustrated within snowboard bindings 12. Snowboard binding interface assemblies 20 are rotated such that both snowboard bindings 12 are oriented in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis 16 of snowboard 10. Although it is desirable to rotate one of the front snowboard boots 14 as previously discussed, the rider also has the ability to fully adjust the rear snowboard boot 14 to nearly any desired angular position. This may be advantageous, as the rider may want to adjust the angular rotation of both the front and rear snowboard boots 14 depending upon the conditions, terrain (i.e., moguls, groomed snow, deep snow, etc.) and type of activity (i.e., jumping, racing, etc.).

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present disclosure showing snowboard 10, snowboard binding interface assembly 20, snowboard binding 12 and snowboard boot 14. In the illustrated embodiment, snowboard binding interface assembly 20 is shown, with base plate 22, central hub 24, and top plate 26 assembled and rigidly affixed to snowboard 10, while top plate 26 is rigidly coupled to snowboard binding 12 such that top plate 26 and base plate 22 are rotatable relative to central hub 24.

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a snowboard binding interface including a locking lever connected to a leash. Snowboard binding interface assembly 20 is illustrated including base plate 22. Base plate 22 can be configured as a plate including a hole in the center with a constant diameter of 3.5 inches. Central hub 24 is configured as a short post including two cylindrical sections aligned according to a common central axis, a first cylindrical section having an outer diameter configured to be close to but permit rotation of the base plate 22 inner diameter when the first cylindrical section is inserted in the inner diameter and a second cylindrical section configured to be wider than the inner diameter of base plate 22. In one embodiment, the second section can be an inch wider in diameter than the first section, creating a half inch overhang in the second section over the first section. Central hub 24 can be used to rotatingly fasten base plate 22 to board 10, such that the central hub 24 can be affixed and stationary with respect to the board 10, but the base plate, being sandwiched between the board and the second cylindrical section, can spin freely in relation to board 10. Top plate 26 is illustrated fastened and capable of turning with base plate 22. Top plate 26, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7B, is illustrated to include a substantially similar outer profile as compared to base plate 22, although other embodiments might include different profiles between the base plate 22 and the top plate 26. Snowboard binding 12 can be attached to top plate 26. In this way, an assembly including base plate 22, top plate 26, and snowboard binding 12 can be rotatingly fastened to board 10. In one embodiment a washer can be placed between base plate 22 and central hub 24 to facilitate smooth rotation between the plate and the hub. In one embodiment, the washer can be a warped washer, wherein the inner and outer diameters of the washer are constant, but the washer is bent including alternating contact points contacting each of the plate and the hub in a number of locations. Such a warped washer can provide an elastic contact between the base plate and the central hub, providing a spring force between the board and the assembly. The illustrated embodiment includes a base plate 22 and a top plate 26 secured and rotating about a fixed central hub 24, although a number of alternative embodiments are envisioned. In one exemplary embodiment, the binding can be directly fastened to base plate 22, and no top plate may be required. A number of embodiments are envisioned, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular examples provided herein.

A locking element can be provided to select and fix a rotation of the base plate 22 and any connected components with respect to board 10. Locking lever 44 is provided as a component to an embodiment of a locking element, as a mechanism to lock and unlock the binding assembly, such that the binding assembly can be selectively rotated to a desired rotation and then locked in place through activation of the lever 44 and actuation of cam bold 42 attached to another internal component of the locking element within binding assembly 20. According to one embodiment, the internal component includes a mechanism selectively gripping to the second, wider cylindrical section of central hub 24. Lever 44 is low to the ground, very close to the surface of board 10. Attached to lever 44 is an optional leash 45 having a loop hook 47 at an end to maintain leash 45 in ring connector 43. Leash 45 is configured to present an easy access mechanism where pulling on the leash releases the locking element within the binding assembly.

FIG. 8A shows in top down view an exemplary configuration of a snowboard binding interface assembly including a locking element. FIG. 8A illustrates top plate 326, access holes 330, mounting holes 334, band clamp 358, locking lever 344, cam bolt 342, and ring connector 343 of snowboard binding interface assembly 320. Assembly 320 is similar in function to assembly 20 and includes exemplary embodiments of the components thereto. According to one non-limiting example of how a locking element can work, locking lever 344 is horizontally displaceable such that once locking lever 344 is pulled outward so that snowboard binding interface assembly 320 may then be rotated as desired. Lever shaft 342 is located within shaft channel 346 on top plate 326 and is affixed or secured on the side of top plate 326 opposite lever 344. Lever 344 can include a chamfered base such that rotating lever 344 selectively creates tension on cam bolt 342. Band clamp 358 includes activating arms 360a and 360b connected to cam bolt 342 such that tension on cam bolt 342 creates a gripping or clamping force between band clamp 358 and a central hub located within the band clamp. Twelve exemplary mounting bosses 338 are illustrated permitting attachment of top plate 326 to a mating base plate.

Band clamp 358 is illustrated as one exemplary device to used to create a locking force within a locking element, thereby selectively permitting a rider to lock or rotate the assembly. A number of other embodiments of locking elements are envisioned. Band clamp 358 is advantageous because it permits an unlimited rotational adjustment of the binding assembly and an overall height of the assembly can be maintained at a reasonable height. The pieces rotate against each other, and the band clamp 358 is capable of locking them down by applying a clamping pressure upon a fixed central hub in whatever orientation that the binding assembly is in. Other similar locking elements can be implemented. In one exemplary embodiment, a mechanism similar to a drum brake in a bicycle can be used, wherein activation of the drum mechanism can selectively lock the binding assembly. Other mechanisms are envisioned permitting a number of discreet rotational positions in the binding assembly. One of the plates can have a series of holes, and the other plate can have a pin mechanism, wherein activation of a lever selectively withdraws the pin. As the binding assembly is rotated, the pin can be made to go in any of the plurality of holes, with the resulting orientation of the binding assembly being locked in place by the pin resting in the hole. A number of locking elements are envisioned, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular examples provided herein.

FIG. 8B illustrates exemplary assembly of a central hub and a base plate to a snowboard. Snowboard 10 is illustrated including three exemplary mounting holes 211. Central hub 224 is illustrated including three exemplary access holes 213 that match the spacing and configuration of the mounting holes 211. Screws 212 are illustrated for fastening the central hub 224 to the board 10. A similar central hub 224 can be provided with four holes configured for a four-hole snowboard. In another embodiment, central hub 224 can include five or six holes, permitting use with either a three- or four-hole snowboard. It is contemplated that any configuration of snowboard holes could be matched with similar holes in a central hub according to the present disclosure. Six exemplary mounting bosses 230 are illustrated for attaching a top plate to base plate 222.

Central hub 224 is illustrated including a first narrower section 234 and a second wider section 232. Base plate 222 is illustrated including a hole 240 configured to receive section 234. One having skill in the art will appreciate that a diameter of hole 240 can be selected relative to the diameter of section 234, such that base plate 222 can rotate relative to central hub 224 without too much space between the parts. Washer 66 is illustrated for installation between base plate 222 and central hub 224.

Further illustrated in FIG. 8B is base plate 222 configured to include two glides, 260a and 260b, that are flat relative to the surface of snowboard 10. These glides provide for contact and support of the binding assembly both in a toe and heel area of the assembly, stopping the assembly from rocking back and forth as the rider either leans forward or backward on board 10. While an entirely flat bottom surface of base plate 222 could be used to be in full contact with the surface of board 10, testing has shown that such a flat contact between the entire base plate 222 and board 10 leads to a dead spot being perceived by the rider or a lack of feeling for the rider in the operation of the board, in particular where the rider is attempting to hold or find an edge on a riding surface. By localizing contact between the base plate 222 and board 10 along glides 260a and 260b, the binding assembly can be firmly supported while providing for effective operation of the board by the rider.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a base plate, band clamp, and a locking lever of the present disclosure. Exemplary base plate 422, central hub 424, band clamp 458, and locking lever 444 are illustrated. Band clamp 458 and central hub 424 are in direct contact along surface 459. As band clamp 458 is tightened, it grips to central hub 424 and acts as a locking element for the binding assembly. In the exemplary embodiment, band clamp 458 is affixed to base plate 422 by locating a tab 460 attached to band clamp 458 to one of twelve exemplary mounting bosses 430. Ring connector 443 is illustrated attached to lever 444. Lever 444 is illustrated with a chamfered base 445, such that rotating lever 444 can selectively create tension on cam bolt 446. Cam bolt 446 is attached and anchored to base plate 422 with an end nut 442. Band clamp 458 includes two activating arms 461 connected to cam bolt 446, such that tension created on cam bolt 446 causes band claim 458 grips and locks to central hub 424.

Locking elements are disclosed herein that lock a rotation of a binding assembly relative to a snowboard. It will be appreciated that, as the board is used, dynamic forces and torques are applied to the binding. These dynamic forces and torques can vary according to the size and/or weight of the rider, the riding style of the rider, the particulars of the riding surface and other factors. A gripping force of the locking element can be adjustable, for example, by permitting adjustment or calibration of the locking element. Such a calibration can be enabled for a professional installing or tuning the binding assembly. Such a calibration can be enable for the rider. In another embodiment, the binding assembly can provided in a plurality of gripping strengths or gripping ratings, such that a rider can select a particular binding assembly with the appropriate rating when the binding is purchased. A number of methods to adjust binding assemblies are envisioned, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular exemplary embodiments provided herein. Lever devices and locking elements can be located anywhere on the device. According to one embodiment, an exemplary lever can be located at an instep portion of the device.

FIG. 10 illustrates the central hub of FIG. 9. Central hub 424 includes surface 459 upon which a band clamp tightens down and provides a gripping force as disclosed herein. Central hub 424 is illustrated including six attachment holes 413a, 413b, 413c, 413d, 413e, and 413f to allow the rider to align exemplary locking washers and exemplary 10 mm screws to rigidly affix the snowboard interface to either three- or four-hole snowboards. Attachment holes 413a, 413b, 413e, and 413f could be used with an exemplary four-hole snowboard, and either holes 413a, 413d, and 413e or holes 413b, 413c, and 413f could be used with a three-hole snowboard.

FIG. 11 illustrates the base plate of FIG. 9. Base plate 422 is illustrated including center hole 472 sized to receive a first narrower cylindrical section of the central hub 424 of FIG. 9. Base plate 422 is illustrated including a flat area 474 around hole 472, permitting the second wider cylindrical section of the hub or a washer located between base plate 422 and the central hub to locate freely to flat area 474. Reinforcement ribs 476 are provided in exemplary locations on base plate 422. It will be understood that reinforcement ribs can be added or configured to base plate 422 or any of the other features disclosed herein, that such ribs provide stiffness and strength according to methods known in the art, and the disclosure is not meant to be limited to the particular reinforcing rib configurations disclosed and illustrated herein. Exemplary shaft channel 470 is illustrated permitting a cam bolt and attendant features to be located to the base plate 422 and utilized according to the methods disclosed herein. In one embodiment, all of the features on a base plate, a top plate, and a band clamp can be symmetrical or reversible, such that a lever mechanism and a cam bolt can be reversed for either right handed or left handed operation.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an exemplary warped washer that can be utilized between a base plate and a central hub. FIG. 12A illustrates washer 564 in profile, showing how the washer is configured in a wavy pattern, such that portions of the washer contact the proximate base plate and other portions of the washer contact the proximate central hub. The wavy pattern creates a spring force in the washer. FIG. 12B illustrates washer 564 in plan view. Washer 564 includes an inner diameter sized to receive a first narrower cylindrical section of the central hub 424 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 illustrates band clamp of FIG. 9. Band clamp 458 is illustrated including tab 460 and activating arms 461. Tab 460 is provided to locate the band clamp 458, affixing the clamp in place between a base plate and a top plate. Activating arms 461 are illustrated, enabling a lever mechanism to selectively provide clamping force through the band clamp 458.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the top plate of FIG. 8A. Top surface 370 of top plate 326 is configured for connection to an exemplary snowboard binding. In one embodiment, top surface 370 is flat. Top plate 326 includes a plurality of mounting bosses 338 for connection of top plate 326 to a mating base plate. In one embodiment, top surface 370 includes counterbore or countersink features for each mounting boss 338, such that a fastener can be used to connect the top plate to the base plate through the mounting bosses, with the counterbore or countersink features permitting the fasteners to remain flush to surface 370. Slots 330 and mounting bosses 334 are provided.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary binding assembly configured for use by children or as a rental unit. Binding assembly 500 is illustrated including lever 544 in a configuration permitting the lever to be folded around an end of the assembly. Rental units can be designed to hold a simple global positioning device for property protection. FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary binding assembly configured for use on a snowboard optimized for racing. Thin sections 602 and 604 are provided. The illustrated rear facing lever design is snow protected at the instep, protecting the lever from contact during extreme racing conditions. A lighter design layered carbon fiber can be an alternate material in the racing design. The thinner section also has less material and can be lighter. The racing configuration can be designed to permit both feet forward facing inline as a racing stance.

One having skill in the art will appreciate that the device disclosed herein could be reversed, for example, with a central hub fixed to a snowboard binding, with a plate similar to the top plate attached to the snowboard, and with a locking element selectively applying a gripping force to the central hub.

The disclosed binding assembly can be used on both bindings of a snowboard, permitting the rider to adjust to any angle both of the snowboard bindings. In another embodiment, a single binding assembly can be used for the front foot on the snowboard, thereby permitting the rider to use the front foot to move on level riding surfaces, but requiring that the rider use the back foot in a fixed position when the rider is riding down a sloped riding surface. In such an embodiment, a spacer can be used between the back foot snowboard binding and the board, such that both feet have an equal height above the board. In one embodiment, the spacer can include structures similar to the glides disclosed herein, so that both feet include the improved feel provided by the glides.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a snowboard binding interface assembly is provided that will convert an existing non-rotatable snowboard binding for both left and right feet on all existing three- or four-hole snowboards to be rotatable snowboard bindings. The existing binding can be removed from the snowboard, the binding assembly disclosed herein can be attached to the board, and the existing bindings can be attached to the binding assembly.

Although the disclosure has been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. For example, other features may include a smaller size for children, a cable pull system, a cam lock system, a geared spring release and lock, a racing design, a cavity formed for RFID tracking, and GPS tracking adaptations for anti-theft and owner location purposes.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The above description of illustrated examples of the present disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, are not intended to be exhaustive or to be limitations to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, it is appreciated that the specific example values, times, etc., are provided for explanation purposes and that other values may also be employed in other embodiments and examples in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for adjustably mounting a snowboard binding to a snowboard, the device comprising:

a snowboard binding interface assembly configured to attach to the snowboard and attach to the snowboard binding, the snowboard binding interface assembly comprising: a base plate configured to rotate relative to the snowboard; and a locking element connected to the base plate and enabling the snowboard binding interface assembly to be locked in a selected rotational orientation.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the snowboard binding interface assembly further comprises features enabling attachment to a three-hole snowboard and attachment to a four-hole snowboard.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the snowboard binding interface assembly further comprises a central hub attached to the snowboard; and

wherein the locking element provides a gripping force, securing the central hub to the base plate.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the locking element comprises a band clamp.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the locking element further comprises a lever selectively activating the band clamp.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the locking element further comprises a cam bolt connected to the lever and connect to activating arms of the band clamp; and

wherein the lever selectively activating the band clamp comprises: the lever applying tension to a cam bolt; and the cam bolt applying force to the activating arms of the band clamp.

7. The device of claim 5, comprising a leash connected to the lever.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the lever can be configured for left-handed operation and right-handed operation.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein the central hub comprises a first narrower cylindrical section and a second wider cylindrical section; and

wherein the base plate comprises a center hole configured to accept the first narrower cylindrical section.

10. The device of claim 4, wherein the snowboard binding interface assembly further comprises a warped washer located between the base plate and the central hub.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the snowboard binding interface assembly further comprises a top plate connecting the base plate to the snowboard binding.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises a plurality of glides configured to contact a surface of the snowboard.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the snowboard binding interface assembly further comprises a global positioning device.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking element comprises a lever, wherein the lever is snow protected at an instep portion of the device.

15. A device for adjustably mounting a snowboard binding to a snowboard, the device comprising:

a snowboard binding interface assembly configured to attach to the snowboard and attach to the snowboard binding, the snowboard binding interface assembly comprising: a central hub attached to the snowboard, the central hub comprising a first narrower cylindrical section and a second wider cylindrical section; a base plate including a center hole configured to rotate around the first narrower cylindrical section; a band clamp attached to the base plate; and a lever selectively activating the band clamp to apply a gripping force to the central hub.

16. A method for attaching snowboard bindings to a snowboard, the method comprising:

attaching a snowboard binding interface assembly to holes on the snowboard corresponding to a front foot of a user;

attaching the snowboard binding interface assembly to one of the snowboard bindings; and

providing a lever selectively activating a locking element within the snowboard binding interface assembly, such that the snowboard binding interface assembly can selectively rotate freely relative to the snowboard and lock at a selected rotational orientation.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein attaching the snowboard binding interface assembly to the holes comprises affixing a central hub of the snowboard binding interface assembly to the holes.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein selectively activating the locking element comprises using a band clamp to apply a gripping force to the central hub.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

attaching a second snowboard binding interface assembly to holes on the snowboard corresponding to a back foot of the user;

attaching the second snowboard binding interface assembly to a second of the snowboard bindings; and

providing a second lever selectively activating a locking element within the second snowboard binding interface assembly.