BINDING SYSTEMS FOR A SNOWBOARD

Abstract

Embodiments are directed to a binding system for a snowboard. In some cases the binding system can include a lower base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard, and a pivot hinge coupled to the lower base plate and configured to pivot with respect to the snowboard. The binding system includes a latching mechanism coupled to the lower base plate and configured to when engaged, prevent rotation of the pivot plate and prevent pivoting of the pivot plate, and when disengaged, allow rotation of the pivot plate and allow pivoting of the pivot plate. In other cases, a system includes a front binding coupled to the snowboard at a first location, a back binding coupled to the snowboard at a second location, and a boot dock coupled to the snowboard at a third location between the back binding and a tail of the snowboard.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/746,153, filed Jan. 16, 2025, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/755,653, filed Feb. 7, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/922,600, filed Nov. 21, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein are directed to devices related to a snowboard binding and, more particularly to, devices that allow movement of a snowboard binding with respect to a snowboard while in use.

BACKGROUND

Snowboard bindings connect a rider to a snowboard and transfer the rider's energy and movements to the snowboard. Many traditional snowboard bindings have a rigid or a semi-rigid frame that is bolted or otherwise rigidly fixed to the snowboard. The rigid connection between the binding and the snowboard provides for precise control of the snowboard in a variety of scenarios. However, the rigid connection of a traditional snowboard binding may inhibit different riding positions or riding styles. The pivot binding system described herein may provide both a rigid connection to the board and allow the rider to manipulate the binding in order to accommodate one or more alternative riding styles.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein are directed to a binding system for a snowboard. The binding system includes a lower base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard using a set of fasteners. The binding system also includes a bearing having a first bearing element coupled to the lower base plate and a second bearing element configured to rotate with respect to the first bearing element about a first axis normal to the top surface of the snowboard. The binding can include a pivot hinge coupled to the second bearing element. The pivot hinge can pivot along a second axis that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the snowboard. The binding system can include an upper base plate that is coupled to the pivot hinge and configured to mount a snowboard binding along a top surface of the upper base plate. The binding system can also include a latching mechanism coupled to the lower base plate. The latching mechanism can be configured to, when engaged, prevent rotation of the upper base plate about the first axis and prevent pivoting of the upper base plate along the second axis. When disengaged, the latching mechanism can allow rotation of the upper base plate about the first axis and allow pivoting of the upper base plate along the second axis.

Embodiments described herein are also directed to a binding system for a snowboard including a lower base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard, a bearing assembly, and an upper base plate coupled to the lower base plate by the bearing assembly and configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate. The binding system can also include a pivot hinge coupled to the upper base plate, and the pivot hinge can be configured to pivot along an axis. The binding system can include a pivot plate coupled to the upper base plate by the pivot hinge and the pivot plate can be configured to couple to a snowboard binding along the top surface of the pivot plate. The binding system can include a latching mechanism coupled to the pivot plate and configured to when engaged, prevent rotation of the upper base plate and prevent pivoting of the pivot plate, and when disengaged, allow rotation of the upper base plate and allow pivoting of the pivot plate.

Embodiments described herein are further directed to a binding system for a snowboard including a lower base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard, a bearing assembly, an upper base plate coupled to the lower base plate by the bearing assembly and configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate. The binding system can include a slide assembly coupled to the upper base plate and configured to translate with respect to the lower base plate. The binding system can include a pivot hinge coupled to the slide assembly, and a pivot plate coupled to the slide assembly by the pivot hinge and configured to couple to a snowboard binding along the top surface of the pivot plate. Pivoting of the pivot plate can cause the slide assembly to translate with respect to the upper base plate. The binding system can include a latching mechanism coupled to the pivot plate and configured to when engaged, prevent rotation of the upper base plate and prevent pivoting of the pivot plate, and when disengaged, allow rotation of the upper base plate and allow pivoting of the pivot plate.

Embodiments described herein are also directed to a binding system for a snowboard. The binding system can include a front binding coupled to the snowboard at a first location, a back binding coupled to the snowboard at a second location, and a boot dock coupled to the snowboard at a third location between the back binding and a tail of the snowboard. The boot dock can be configured to accept a snowboard boot. The boot dock can include a base plate coupled to the snowboard at the third location. The base plate can define a first engagement surface configured to contact a toe portion of the snowboard boot. The boot dock can include a back plate coupled to the base plate and configured to pivot with respect to the base plate. The back plate can be configured to pivot between a collapsed position and an open position. In the collapsed positioned, the back plate can be substantially parallel to the base plate, and in the open position, the back plate can be angled with respect to the base plate and configured to contact a bottom of the snowboard boot. The binding system can include a support assembly at a fourth position between the front binding and the back binding. The support assembly can include a compliant member configured to contact a knee portion of a user when the snowboard boot is positioned within the boot dock.

Embodiments described herein are further directed to a binding system for a snowboard. The binding system can include a front binding coupled to the snowboard at a first location, a back binding coupled to the snowboard at a second location, and a boot dock coupled to the snowboard at a third location between the back binding and a tail of the snowboard. The boot dock can be configured to receive a snowboard boot. The boot dock can include a base plate coupled to the snowboard at the third location. The base plate can define a first engagement surface configured to contact a toe portion of the snowboard boot. The boot dock can include a back plate coupled to the base plate and defining a second engagement surface configured to contact a bottom portion of the snowboard boot. The boot dock can include first and second wing plates coupled to the back plate. The first wing plate can be configured to be positioned along a first side of the snowboard boot and the second wing plate can be configured to be positioned along a second side of the snowboard boot opposite to the first side. The binding system can include a support assembly positioned at a fourth location between the front binding and the back binding. The support assembly can be configured to contact a knee portion of a user when the snowboard boot is engaged with the boot dock.

Embodiments described herein are further directed to a boot dock for a snowboard. The boot dock can include a base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard, and a back plate coupled to the base plate and configured to pivot with respect to the base plate. The back plate can be configured to pivot between a collapsed position and an open position. The boot dock can include a first wing plate coupled to the back plate and having a first portion of the first wing plate extending from the back plate, and a second wing plate coupled to the back plate and having a second portion of the second wing plate extending from the back plate. In the collapsed positioned, the back plate is orientated at a first angle with respect to the base plate, and in the open position, the back plate is oriented at a second angle with respect to the base plate. When the base plate and the back plate contact a snowboard boot of a user, the first wing plate is configured to be positioned along a first side of the snowboard boot and the second wing plate is configured to be positioned along a second side of the snowboard boot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit this disclosure to any one included embodiment. To the contrary, the disclosure provided herein is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, and as defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1A depicts an example of a binding system in a state that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 1B depicts an example of a binding system in a state that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 1C depicts an example of a binding system in a state that allows a rider to be in a traditional snowboard stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example of a binding system, such as described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an example of a binding system attached to a snowboard, as described herein.

FIG. 4A depicts an example of a system including a boot dock that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 4B depicts an example of a system including a boot dock that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 5A depicts an exploded view of a boot dock.

FIG. 5B depicts a first perspective view of a boot dock in an open configuration.

FIG. 5C depicts a second perspective view of a boot dock in an open configuration.

FIG. 5D depicts a perspective view of a boot dock in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5E depicts a perspective view of a boot dock including support cables.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a support assembly.

FIG. 7A depicts an exploded view of a binding system.

FIG. 7B depicts a perspective view of a binding system in a first configuration, as described herein.

FIG. 7C depicts a cross-sectional view of the binding system taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7D depicts a detailed view of the cross-section shown in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E depicts a cross-sectional view of the binding system taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7F depicts a perspective view of the binding system in a second configuration, as described herein.

FIG. 7G depicts a bottom view of the binding system, as described herein.

FIG. 8A depicts an exploded view of a binding system, as described herein.

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view of a binding system in a first configuration, as described herein.

FIG. 8C depicts a cross-sectional view of the binding system taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8D depicts a detailed view of the cross-section shown in FIG. 8C.

FIG. 8E depicts a front perspective view of a binding system in a second configuration, as described herein.

FIG. 8F depicts a back perspective view of a binding system in a second configuration, as described herein.

FIG. 8G depicts a back view of a binding system in a second configuration, as described herein.

FIG. 9A depicts an example of a system in a state that allows a rider to be in a traditional snowboard stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 9B depicts an example of a system in a state that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of a system, as described herein.

FIG. 11A depicts an example of a system in a state that allows a rider to be in a traditional snowboard stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 11B depicts an example of a system in a state that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of a system, as described herein.

The use of the same or similar reference numerals in different figures indicates similar, related, or identical items. It should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein are directed to binding systems for a snowboard. In some cases, a binding system can allow a rider to transition between a traditional snowboard stance and what is referred to herein as a knee-down snowboard stance. As described herein, a knee-down snowboard stance may allow the rider to simulate the riding style of a surfer and be able to pivot his or her rear foot toward the nose of the snowboard and lower or drop his or her rear knee toward the board. This position allows the rider to face more directly toward the nose of the snowboard and may allow the rider to engage in a surf-style riding stance. In this position, the rider may control the board in a different manner than the traditional stance, which may be beneficial at lower speeds or in certain snow conditions.

As used herein, the term “knee-down snowboard stance” may be used to refer to a stance in which one or both of the bindings rotates toward the nose (or tail) of the snowboard. Additionally, the rear binding may pivot at the toe to lift a heel portion of the binding away from a top surface of the snowboard. The rotational and pivotal movement of the binding(s) can allow rider to rotate their foot and knee to a forward position over the snowboard, such that the front of their foot and knee is oriented toward the nose of the board, and allow the rider to drop/bend their knee towards the top surface of the snowboard while their heel pivots off the surface of the snowboard. This allows the rider to position their knee on the surface of the snowboard, with their knee bent and the front of their legs and body oriented in a direction of travel.

As used herein, the term “traditional snowboard stance” may be used to refer to a stance in which both snowboard bindings are rigidly fixed to the snowboard and in which a front/toe portion of the binding is substantially oriented towards a first edge of the snowboard, and a back/heel portion of the binding is substantially oriented towards an opposite edge of the snowboard. Each binding may be oriented at an angle with respect to a lateral axis of the snowboard that is substantially perpendicular to the snowboard edges. For example, each binding may be oriented at a positive or negative angle of 1 to 25 degrees or more with respect to the lateral axis. In some cases, each binding is oriented at an approximately zero angle (+/−1 to 3 degrees) with respect to the lateral axis.

The binding system may be retrofittable to use existing snowboard components and can be configured to attach to a traditional snowboard and utilize traditional snowboard bindings. Accordingly, the binding systems described herein can allow a rider to convert an existing snowboard and bindings to accommodate a system that enables the rider to selectively transition between traditional and knee-down snowboard stances. However, in some implementations, the binding system may include a custom binding that is integrated with a pivoting mechanism to reduce the number of parts, weight, and/or to provide a more optimized binding system.

As described herein, the binding system can include a latch mechanism having a release control that allows a rider to selectively transition between a traditional snowboard stance and a knee-down snowboard stance. Specifically, by actuating the latch mechanism, the rider can transition the binding system between an engaged state corresponding to a binding position of a traditional snowboard stance, and a disengaged state, which allows a rider to move to a knee-down snowboard stance. In the engaged state, the binding system can fix the snowboard binding to the snowboard to prevent movement (e.g., rotation and/or pivoting) of the binding with respect to the snowboard. In the disengaged state, the binding system can allow the snowboard binding to rotate and/or pivot with respect to the snowboard, which can allow a rider to move into the knee-down snowboard stance, as described herein.

Generally, while in the disengaged state the rider may freely rotate and/or pivot their binding (and foot) along a movement profile defined by the binding system. For example, the rider can rotate the binding about a first axis which is substantially perpendicular to a top surface of the snowboard and pivot the binding about a second axis at the toe and substantially parallel to the top surface of the snowboard. Accordingly, in the disengaged state the rider may move the binding between a variety of different positions. In some cases, the binding system can transition from a disengaged state to an engaged state as a result of the rider moving the binding to a specific orientation. For example, the rider may move the binding back to a transitional stance (e.g., heel lowered toward to the top surface of the board and the front of the binding rotated toward a respective edge of the snowboard), which may result in the latch mechanism automatically engaging and rigidly fixing the binding to the snowboard. Accordingly, the binding system can allow a rider to transition from an engaged state to a disengaged state using a release control of the latch mechanism and transition from a disengaged state to an engages state by moving the binding to s specific orientation with respect to the snowboard.

In some cases, the binding system may include a boot dock and support assembly, which can be used by a rider when in the knee-down stance. The boot dock and support assembly may provide additional stance options to allow for a natural surf-like feel when in the knee-down stance. The boot dock can be integrated with a traditional snowboard binding and/or the binding systems described herein. The boot dock can be coupled to a snow board between a back binding and a tail of the snowboard and the support assembly can be coupled to snowboard at a location between the back binding and the front binding. In the knee-down snowboard stance, a rider may remove his or her back foot from the back binding and engage their back foot with the boot dock. In some cases, the rider my position their back knee on the support assembly while their back boot is engaged with the boot dock. The boot dock and the support assembly can be positioned to allow a rider to orient their back foot and/or leg in a forward facing orientation associated with the knee-down snowboard stance as described herein. Accordingly, the boot dock and/or support assembly may provide additional or alternative options for riding a snowboard, as described herein.

The boot dock can be configured to passively engage with a snowboard boot such that a rider can engage their foot with the boot dock by positioning and/or pressing their snowboard boot against the boot dock. In some cases, the boot dock does not include a strap or other mechanism that retains the snowboard boot. Accordingly, a rider may remove their snowboard boot from the boot dock without needing to disengage a strap or other fastening mechanism. The boot dock can include features that help a rider engage their snowboard boot within the boot dock, which may help prevent a rider from unintentionally disengaging their snowboard boot from the boot dock. For example, the boot dock can include a base plate that couples to the snowboard and a back plate that couples to the base plate and is configured to pivot with respect to the base plate. While in a traditional snowboard stance, the back plate may be in a collapsed position. When a rider transitions to the knee-down snowboard stance and uses the boot dock, the back plate can pivot to an open position. In the open position a rider can position their toe portion of the snowboard boot against the base plate and a bottom (e.g., heel portion) of their snowboard boot against the back plate.

In some cases, the boot dock can include wing plates coupled to the back plate. For example, a first wing plate can be positioned along a first side of the snowboard boot and a second wing plate can be positioned along a second side of the snowboard boot opposite to the first side. The wing plates may provide additional surfaces that help engage a snowboard boot while a rider is using the boot dock, for example, in the knee-down stance.

As described herein, a binding system can include single binding as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, 7A-7G, and 8A-8G, each of which may be referred to as a “binding system.” A binding system may also include multiple binding systems (e.g., a binding system located at both front and rear bindings) as well as other components that may be used by the rider to engage the board (e.g., the boot dock, etc.).

These foregoing and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1A-12. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanation only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1A depicts an example 100a of a binding system 104 in a state that allows a rider 101 to be in one example knee-down stance. The example 100a includes a rider 101 secured to a snowboard 102 by the binding system 104. The snowboard 102 can include a top surface 106, a bottom surface 108, a nose 110, and a tail 112. The example 100a depicts a system having two binding systems 104. Each binding system 104 can secure a snowboard binding 120 to the snowboard 102. In some cases, only a single binding system 104 can be used to secure a binding 120 to the snowboard and a second binding 120 can be secured using traditional methods.

The example, 100a depicts an example in which the rider's front foot remains fixed in a traditional position in which the rider's toes are primarily oriented toward the front edge of the snowboard and the heel of the rider's front foot remains low and fixed with respect to the top surface 106 of the snowboard 102. The rider's rear foot is oriented, as shown in FIG. 1A, with toes oriented toward the nose 110 of the snowboard 102 and the rider's heel lifted away from the top surface 106 of the snowboard 102. Such a riding position may be described as a “surfer stance” and is also not typically available to a rider using traditional bindings, without the proposed mechanism(s) as described herein.

The example 100a provides an example of one binding system 104 in a disengaged state (e.g., the back binding system), which allows the rider 101 to position themselves in knee-down snowboard stance. In the knee-down stance the binding system 104 allows a corresponding binding 120 (e.g., the back binding in this example) to rotate toward the nose 110 (or tail 112, not shown) of the snowboard 102, while the front binding system 104 remains in an engaged state. Additionally, the binding system 104 can allow a corresponding binding 120 (e.g., the back binding) to pivot at the toe to lift a heel portion of the binding away from a top surface 106 of the snowboard 102 (e.g., depicted as the right heel of the rider 101 lifting and the knee of the rider 101 bending toward the top surface 106). The rotational and pivotal movement of the binding system 104 allows the rider 101 to rotate their foot and knee to a forward position over the snowboard 102, such that the front of their foot and knee is oriented toward the nose 110 of the snowboard 102, allowing the rider 101 to drop/bend their knee towards the top surface 106 of the snowboard 102 while their heel pivots off the top surface 106 of the snowboard 102. This can allow a rider 101 to position their knee on the top surface 106 of the snowboard, with their knee bent and the front of their legs and body oriented in a direction of travel.

FIG. 1B depicts an example 100b of a binding system 104 in a state that allows a rider 101 to be in one example knee-down stance. The example 100b includes a rider 101 secured to a snowboard 102 by the binding system 104. The snowboard 102 can include a top surface 106, a bottom surface 108, a nose 110, and a tail 112. The example 100b depicts a system having two binding systems 104. Each binding system 104 can secure a snowboard binding 120 to the snowboard 102. In some cases, only a single binding system 104 may be used to secure a binding 120 to the snowboard and the other binding 120 can be secured using traditional methods.

The example 100b depicts an example of both the front binding 120 and the back binding 120 in a disengaged state allowing the front or leading foot of the rider to rotate with the rider's toes oriented toward the nose 110 of the snowboard 102. The heel of the rider's front foot may also be raised or, as shown, may remain lowered toward a top surface 106 of the snowboard 102. This stance allows the rider 101 to face primarily toward the nose 110 of the snowboard 102, which is a riding stance not typically available to a rider using only traditional bindings, without the proposed mechanism. The example 100b provides an alternative example of the binding systems 104 in a disengaged state, which allows the rider 101 to position themselves in a knee-down snowboard stance, as described herein.

In some cases, the system can include a knee-receiving member 114, which can be attached to the top surface 106 of the snowboard 102. In some cases, the knee-receiving member 114 can include a compliant material, which provides a cushion for a knee of the rider 101 and helps a rider to stabilize their knee on the snowboard 102. The knee-receiving member 114 can be configured to deform and/or include other features (e.g., a knee channel, side stabilizers) that allow the rider 101 to transfer energy/force from their bent knee and to the snowboard 102. Accordingly, the knee-receiving member 114 can provide an additional way for a rider to control the snowboard 102 while in the knee-down snowboard stance.

FIG. 1C depicts an example 100c of the binding system 104 in a state that allows a rider to be in a traditional snowboard stance, such as described herein. The example 100c includes the rider 101 secured to a snowboard 102 by the binding system 104. The snowboard 102 can include a front edge 116 and a back edge 118. The example 100c depicts a system having two binding systems 104. Each binding system 104 can secure a snowboard binding 120 to the snowboard 102. In some cases, only a single binding system 104 may be used to secure a binding 120 to the snowboard and the other binding 120 can be secured using traditional methods.

The example 100c depicts an example of the binding system 104 in an engaged state, which allows the rider 101 to be in a traditional snowboard stance. In the traditional snowboard stance, each binding system 104 can fix a corresponding binding 120 to a snowboard 102, and a front/toe portion of each binding 120 is substantially oriented towards the front edge 116 of the snowboard 102, and a back/heel portion of each binding 120 is substantially oriented towards the back edge 118 of the snowboard 102. In a traditional snowboard stance, each binding system can rigidly fix a corresponding binding 120 to the snowboard 102 and prevent relative movement between a binding 120 and the snowboard 102. Additionally, each binding 120 may be oriented at a zero angle, at a positive angle, or at a negative angle, as described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an example of the binding system 104, such as described herein. The binding system 104 can be configured to attach a binding 120 to a snowboard (e.g., snowboard 102), as described herein. The binding system 104 can include a lower base plate 202, a bearing 204, a pivot hinge 206, an upper base plate 208, and a latching mechanism 210. In some cases, the bearing 204 may include a ring bearing in which a first or outer ring element and second or inner ring element are able to rotate with respect to each other. In the examples depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bearing 204 is a ring bearing. In other examples, the bearing 204 may include a roller bearing, journal bearing, plane bearing or other type of bearing that allows for a rotational coupling between the inner and outer elements.

The lower base plate 202 can be positioned on a top surface of a snowboard and attach to a snowboard using one or more fasteners 203 (one of which is labeled for clarity). The lower base plate 202 can attach to a snowboard using traditional fastening methods such as standard screws/bolts that engage with threaded inserts on a snowboard. For example, the lower base plate 202 can define openings and the one or more fasteners 203 can engage with the lower base plate 202 and extend through the openings to engage with threaded inserts or other threaded features integrated with the snowboard. The openings can be positioned to align with threaded inserts on the snowboard and/or include slotted (or other features such as multiple openings at different locations) which allow the position of the binding system 104 to be adjusted with respect to the snowboard.

The bearing 204 can be coupled to the lower base plate 202. For example, the bearing 204 can include a first bearing element, which is coupled to the lower base plate 202, and a second bearing element that rotates with respect to the first bearing element and lower base plate 202. The first bearing element, which is coupled to the lower base plate 202 may be the inner bearing element or the outer bearing element of a ring bearing. In some implementations, the first bearing element may be integrally formed with or integrally coupled to the lower base plate 202. The second bearing element is rotatably coupled to the first bearing element and configured to rotate about a first axis 250 (e.g., along directions 252). In some cases, the first axis 250 can be substantially normal to a top surface of the snowboard. However, in other embodiments the lower base plate 202 (or a component beneath the base plate) may be angled with respect to a top surface of the snowboard. In these cases, the second bearing element may rotate about an axis that is not normal to the top surface (e.g., an axis that is angled with respect to a normal vector from a top surface of the snowboard.

The bearing 204 is one example of a rotational mechanism that can be used to allow rotation between the lower base plate 202 and the upper base plate 208, and other types of rotational mechanisms can be used. For example, an alternative rotational mechanism may be provided by a rotating collar, captured flange, or other mechanism that enables a rotational coupling between elements of the mechanism.

The pivot hinge 206 can be coupled to the second bearing element, which enables the pivot hinge 206 to rotate about the first axis 250. The pivot hinge 206 can be configured to pivot/rotate about a second axis 254 (e.g., in directions 256). In some cases, the second axis 254 is substantially parallel to a top surface of the snowboard. The second axis 254 can be configured to allow the upper base plate 208 (and the binding 120) to pivot at a front/toe portion of the binding 120 allowing a rider to lift a back/heel portion of the binding 120. The pivot hinge 206 can include any suitable type of hinge including a pinned hinge, one or more ball joints, mechanical linkage, or other mechanism that allows a pivoting or rotation about the second axis 254. In an implementation in which the pivot hinge includes a mechanical linkage, the second axis may not be fixed in space and may translate as the pivot hinge is manipulated.

The upper base plate 208 can be coupled to the pivot hinge 206 and configured to mount or attach to a snowboard binding 120. The upper base plate 208 can be coupled to the pivot hinge 206 at an end of the upper base plate 208, thereby allowing the upper base plate 208 to pivot/rotate as described herein. The snowboard binding 120 can attach to a top surface of the upper base plate 208 using one or more fasteners. The snowboard binding 120 can be attached to the upper base plate 208 using traditional fastening methods such as standard screws/bolts that engage with threaded features on the upper base plate 208. For example, the upper base plate 208 can define threaded openings and the one or more fasteners can engage with upper base plate 208 to attach the binding 120 to the upper base plate 208. The openings can be positioned to align with bolt patterns on the snowboard binding 120 and/or include slots (or other features such as multiple openings at different locations) which allow the position of the binding 120 to be adjusted with respect to the upper base plate 208.

The latching mechanism 210 can include a first latch assembly 210a attached to the lower base plate 202 and a second latch assembly 210b attached to the upper base plate 208. The latching mechanism 210, can be configured to transition between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state the latching mechanism 210 can prevent rotation of the upper base plate about the first axis 250 and prevent pivoting of the upper base plate along the second axis 254. In the disengaged state, the latching mechanism 210 can allow rotation of the upper base plate 208 about the first axis 250 and allow pivoting of the upper base plate about the second axis 254.

The first latch assembly 210a can include a sliding block 212 and latch member, an example of which can be a latch pin 214, that are configured to translate with respect to the lower base plate 202 (e.g., along directions 215). The latch pin 214 can be configured to engage with a latching feature 216 of the second latch assembly 210b when the latching mechanism is engaged and secure a heel portion of the upper base plate 208 in a downward position. For example, the latch pin 214 can capture a portion of the latching feature 216 to prevent the pivoting motion. The latch pin 214 and the sliding block 212 can be biased to an engaged position by one or more spring elements. The latch pin 214 and the sliding block 212 can translate to release and/or capture the latching feature 216.

The release control 218 can be configured to cause disengagement of the latching mechanism 210. For example, actuation of the release control 218 can cause the sliding block 212 and pin 214 to move (compressing spring elements) and release the latching feature 216 thereby allowing the rider to pivot the upper base plate 208 and binding 120 about the second axis 254.

In some cases, the latching mechanism 210 includes features for preventing rotation of the upper base plate 208 (e.g., rotation about first axis 250). In one example, the latching feature 216 can include a first opening 225 and a portion of the bearing 204 or a fixed block can include a second opening 226. In the engaged state the latch pin 214 can extend through the first opening 225 and the second opening 226 and prevent rotation of the bearing 204. In one example, in the engaged stage the latch pin 214 may extend through the second opening 226, which extends through the first bearing element and the second bearing element preventing movement between these elements. In another example, the second opening 226 is defined by a fixed block 228 (shown in FIG. 3) that is fixed with respect to the snowboard and the latch pin 214 may engage with the fixed block 228 to prevent rotation of the mechanism about the first axis 250.

In the current example, the binding system 104 also includes an optional first stop 220 and a second stop 222 which limit rotation of the upper base plate 208 about the first axis 250. For example, the first stop 220 can contact the second stop 222 to limit rotation in one direction (e.g., the rider rotating the binding 120 back from a drop-knee snowboard stance). The first stop 220 and the second stop 222 may aid the rider in correctly positioning the upper base plate 208 to transition the binding system 104 from a disengaged state to an engaged state. In some cases, the position of the first stop 220 and the second stop 222 can be adjustable.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an example of the binding system 104 attached to a snowboard 102, as described herein. The binding system 104 includes the lower base plate 202, the bearing 204, the pivot hinge 206 (not shown in FIG. 3), the upper base plate 208 and the latching mechanism 210. FIG. 3 shows an example of the latching mechanism 210 in a disengaged state, as described herein. The binding system can transition to the disengaged state using release control 218, and actuation of release control 218 can cause the sliding block 212 and the latch pin 214 to be retracted thereby compressing spring elements 224.

In some cases, actuation of release control 218 can occur through pressing, pulling, or sliding the release control 218 by the rider. When the rider stops actuation (e.g., stops pressing, pulling, or sliding), the spring elements 224 can, in some cases, cause the sliding block 212 and the latch pin 214 to move at least partially back to a locking state. When the latch pin 214 moves back, if the upper base plate 208 is lifted, the system can remain in a disengaged state, and the rider can rotate the upper base plate 208 and binding 120 (e.g., about first axis 250) and pivot the upper base plate 208 and binding 120 (e.g., about second axis 254). When the rider pivots the upper base plate 208 to the appropriate position (e.g., parallel to the lower base plate) and/or rotates the upper base plate 208 to a traditional stance, the first latch assembly 210a can capture the second latch assembly 210b to transition the binding system to the engaged state.

In some cases, the latching mechanism 210 can be configured to allow independent control of the rotation of the upper base plate 208 about the first axis 250 and the pivoting of the upper base plate 208 about the second axis 254. For example, a first actuation input to the release control 218, may allow rotation of the bearing 204 and the upper base plate 208 about the first axis 250, but prevent pivoting of the upper base plate about the second axis 254 (e.g., by a causing the latch pin 214 to be retracted a first amount that releases the bearing 204 but maintains content with the second latch assembly 210b). A second actuation input to the release control 218, can allow the pivoting of the upper base plate 208 about the second axis 254. In some cases, the first actuation input and the second actuation input can be differing amounts of an input to the release control 218. In other cases, the release control may include different input structures and the first actuation input may be to a first input structure to allow rotation of the bearing 204 and the second actuation input may be to a second input structure to allow pivoting of the upper base plate 208, as described herein.

In some cases, the release control 218 input structure(s) can be located on the binding system 104, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. In other cases, the release control can include other input structures such as a handheld input structure. The handheld input structure can include cabling to cause actuation of the release control 218. In these examples, a rider may be able to hold the input structure in their hand thereby allowing actuation of the release control 218 and transition to the disengaged state without needing to bend down and touch the base plate area. In other cases, the handheld input structure can wirelessly communicate with an actuation structure to cause actuation of the release control 218.

FIG. 4A depicts an example 400a of a system 403 including a front binding assembly 404a, a back binding assembly 404b, a boot dock 500 and a support assembly 600 that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein. The front binding assembly 404a and/or the back binding assembly 404b can include the binding system described herein, such as bindings systems 104, 700 or 800 described with respect to FIGS. 1A-3 and 7-8. In some cases, the front binding assembly 404a and/or the back binding assembly 404b can include a traditional snowboard binding attached to a snowboard (e.g., without utilizing a transitional binding system (e.g., bindings systems 104, 700 or 800)), as described herein.

FIG. 4A depicts an example 400a of a system 403 in a state that allows a rider 101 to be in one example knee-down stance. The example 400a includes a rider 101 secured to a snowboard 402 by the system 403. The snowboard 402 can include a top surface 406, a bottom surface, a nose 410, and a tail 412. The example 400a depicts the system 403 having two binding assemblies 404a, 404b. Each binding assembly 404a, 404b can secure a snowboard binding to the snowboard 402.

The system 403 can also include the boot dock 500 and support assembly 600 which may provide an alternative option for a rider to ride in a knee-down stance. For example, in some cases, the boot dock 500 and support assembly 600 can allow a user to be positioned in a knee-down stance that allows a user to position their back foot and leg in a position that mimics a surf stance. The boot dock 500 can provide an engagement for the rider's 101 snowboard boot and the support assembly 600 can provide an engagement for the rider's 101 knee region.

The example 400a depicts an example in which the rider's front foot remains fixed in a traditional position in which the rider's toes are primarily oriented toward the front edge of the snowboard 402 and the heel of the rider's front foot remains low and fixed with respect to the top surface 406 of the snowboard 402. The rider's rear foot is positioned in the boot dock 500, as shown in FIG. 4A, with toes oriented downward toward the top surface 406 of the snowboard 402 and the rider's heel lifted away from the top surface 406 of the snowboard 402 while engaging the boot dock 500. Such a riding position may be described as a “surfer stance” and is also not typically available to a rider using only traditional bindings without the proposed mechanism. As shown in FIG. 4A, the rider's rear foot is removed from the rear binding 404b in order to engage the boot dock 500. The rider 101 may transition to a traditional riding stance by placing the rear foot in the rear binding 404b. As described with respect to FIGS. 5A-5E, the boot docket 500 may be collapsed or folded when not in use.

The boot dock 500 can be positioned at a location on the snowboard 402 that provides a desired knee-down stance for the rider 101. This may typically include positioning the boot dock 500 between the back binding assembly 404b and the tail 412, however, the boot dock 500 can be positioned at other locations along the snowboard 402 depending on the desired riding stance and limb length of the rider 101. Additionally, the boot dock 500 can be positioned at different angular orientations with respect to the snowboard 402 and/or locations, which may be selected by the rider. For example, in some cases, the boot dock 500 can be positioned along a midline of the snowboard. In other cases, the boot dock 500 can be positioned closer to a front edge or closer to a back edge. The positioning of the boot dock 500 can be based on each riders' anatomy and/or preference.

In the example depicted in FIG. 4A, the boot dock 500 can be positioned between the back binding assembly 404b and the tail 412 of the snowboard 402. The support assembly 600 can be positioned between the front binding assembly 404a and the back binding assembly 404b. When a knee-down stance is desired, the rider 101 can remove their back snowboard boot from the back binding and position their back snowboard boot to engage with the boot dock 500, and position their knee on the support assembly 600. The position of the boot dock 500 and/or the support assembly 600 may provide additional options for a knee-down stance while maintaining the bindings in a position for a traditional snowboard stance. For example, the positioning of the boot dock 500 between the back binding 404b and the tail 412, can allow a wider knee-down stance that emulates a surfer stance, while also allowing a user to transition between a traditional snowboard stance utilizing the front and back bindings 404a, 404b.

The support assembly 600 can be positioned at a location that contacts the rider's 101 knee and/or other portion of the rider's leg (e.g., shin) while the rider is in the knee-down stance. In some cases, the support assembly 600 can include a compliant (e.g., compressible or otherwise deformable) material, which provides a cushion for a knee of the rider 101 and helps a rider to stabilize their knee in the snowboard 402. The support assembly 600 can be configured to deform, deflect, or compress and/or include other features (e.g., a knee channel, side stabilizers) that allows the rider 101 to transfer energy/force from their bent knee to the snowboard 402.

In some cases, the support assembly 600 can be positioned between the front binding assembly 404a and the back binding assembly 404b. The support assembly 600 can be positioned in a variety of locations, which may be selected by the rider. For example, in some cases, the support assembly 600 can be positioned along a midline of the snowboard. In other cases, the support assembly 600 can be positioned closer to a front edge or closer to a back edge. The positioning of the support assembly can be based on each riders' anatomy and/or preference.

FIG. 4B depicts an example 400b of the system 403 in a state that allows a rider 101 to be in another example knee-down stance. The example 400b depicts an example of the front binding in a rotated state allowing the front or leading foot of the rider to rotate with the rider's toes oriented toward the nose 410 of the snowboard 402. The rider's rear foot may engage with the boot dock 500 and the rider's back leg (e.g., knee region) may engage with the support assembly 600. This stance allows the rider 101 to face primarily toward the nose 410 of the snowboard 402, which is a riding stance not typically available to a rider using only traditional bindings without the proposed mechanism. The example 400b provides an alternative example of the system 403 in a state, which allows the rider 101 to position themselves in knee-down snowboard stance, as described herein.

The boot dock 500 and the support assembly 600 can each be attached to the top surface 406 of the snowboard 402, as described herein. As discussed previously, the support assembly 600 can include a compliant material, which provides a cushion for a knee of the rider 101 and helps a rider to stabilize their knee on the snowboard 402. The support assembly 600 can be configured to deform, deflect, or compress and/or include other features (e.g., a knee channel, side stabilizers) that allow the rider 101 to transfer energy/force from their bent knee to the snowboard 402. Accordingly, the support assembly 600 can provide an additional way for a rider to control the snowboard 402 while in the knee-down snowboard stance.

FIGS. 5A-5E depict an example boot dock 500, which can be used in a knee-down riding stance, as described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-4B. FIG. 5A depicts an exploded view of the boot dock 500. The boot dock 500 can include a base plate 502, a back plate 504, an anchor plate 506, and a mounting plate 508. In some cases, the boot dock 500 can also include one or more wing plates 510a, 510b and lean adjustment 512.

The anchor plate 506 and/or the mounting plate 508 can be configured to attach the base plate 502 to a snowboard. In some cases, the anchor plate 506 can be rigidly attached to a top surface of a snowboard and the mounting plate 508 can rigidly couple the base plate 502 to the anchor plate 506. The anchor plate 506 can be configured to attach to a snowboard using adhesive materials, fasteners, and/or any other suitable way. Once attached, the anchor plate 506 can be configured to maintain a rigid or fixed relationship with respect to the snowboard, such that the anchor plate 506 does not move or rotate with respect to the snowboard.

The mounting plate 508 can couple with the anchor plate 506 and with the base plate 502 to fix the base plate to the anchor plate 506. In some cases, the base plate 502 can be coupled to the anchor plate 506 using removable fasteners and/or other suitable coupling techniques that allow the mounting plate 508 to be removably coupled to the anchor plate 506. Once coupled, the mounting plate 508 can maintain a rigid or fixed relationship with respect to the anchor plate 506 and/or the snowboard. Additionally, the mounting plate 508 can include features that couple the base plate to the snowboard in a fixed manner. For example, the mounting plate 508 can include a first set of teeth that couple with a set of teeth on the base plate 502. When the mounting plate is coupled to the anchor plate 506, the teeth on the mounting plate 508 can engage with the teeth on the base plate 502 to couple the base plate to a snowboard in a fixed relationship (e.g., rigidly couple the base plate 502 to a top surface of the snowboard).

Additionally, the mounting plate 508 can be configured to couple the base plate 502 to the anchor plate 506 (and snowboard) at different angular orientations. For example, the mounting plate 508 can be removed or loosened from the anchor plate 506, the base plate 502 can be rotated with respect to the anchor plate, and the mounting plate 508 can be re-engaged with the base plate 502 and the anchor plate 506 to fix the base plate 502 in the selected orientation.

In some cases, the base plate 502 can define an engagement surface 503 that is configured to contact a snowboard boot of a rider. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a rider may place a toe portion of their snowboard boot on the base plate 502 to engage the snowboard boot with the boot dock 500. In some cases, the base plate 502 can include features that can help maintain engagement between a snowboard boot and the boot dock 500. The engagement surface 503 can include material(s) that increase friction. For example, an adhesive backed friction-enhancing material (e.g., adhesive-backed textured substrate, adhesive-based polymer, grip tape) can be positioned on the base plate 502 and define the engagement surface 503. In other cases, the base plate 502 can define spikes, bumps or other protrusions, or other features which define at least a portion of the engagement surface 503 that engages with a snowboard boot (e.g., a bottom of the boot) to help retain the boot in contact with the base plate 502.

The back plate 504 can be attached to the base plate 502 and configured to pivot or otherwise move with respect to the base plate 502. For example, the back plate 504 can be attached to the base plate 502 using one or more pins or fasteners 505, which fix the base plate 502 to the back plate 504 and allow the back plate 504 to pivot or rotate with respect to the base plate 502. In the present example, the fasteners 505 are threaded fasteners that both secure the back plate 504 to the base plate 502 while allowing the back plate 504 to rotate or pivot. In other examples, the fasteners 505 may be rivets, pins, shoulder bolts, or other similar fasteners. Accordingly, the back plate 504 can be configured to transition between a collapsed position (e.g., shown in FIG. 5D) and an open position (e.g., shown in FIG. 5B). The pivoting or other movement can allow the back plate 504 to be stored in a lower profile or more compact configuration when not in use, which may help reduce interference while a user is engaged with the front and back bindings such as in a traditional snowboard stance.

In some cases, the back plate 504 can define an engagement surface 507 that is configured to contact a snowboard boot of a rider. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a rider may place a mid-foot and/or a heel portion of their snowboard boot on the back plate 504 to engage the snowboard boot with the boot dock 500. In some cases, the back plate 504 can include features that can help maintain engagement between a snowboard boot and the boot dock 500. The engagement surface 507 can include material(s) that increase friction. For example, an adhesive backed friction-enhancing material (e.g., adhesive-backed textured substrate, adhesive-based polymer, grip tape) can be positioned on the back plate 504 and define the engagement surface 507. In other cases, the back plate 504 can define spikes, bumps or other protrusions, or other features which define at least a portion of the engagement surface 507 and engage with a snowboard boot (e.g., a bottom of the boot) to help retain the boot in contact with the back plate 504.

In some cases, the boot dock 500 can include one or more wing plates 510a, 510b, which are attached to the back plate 504. The wing plates 510a, 510b can be configured to provide additional engagement with the snowboard boot. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first wing plate 510a can be positioned along a first side of the snowboard boot and a second wing plate 510b can be positioned along a second, opposite side of the snowboard boot when the snowboard boot contacts the back plate 504. The wing plates 510 may help engage the snowboard boot with the boot dock 500. For example, the wing plates 510 may constrain the boot along the sides of the boot to inhibit or limit side-to-side-movement of the rider's boot when placed in the boot dock 500. More generally, the wing plates 510 provide additional surfaces that contact the snowboard boot and allow a rider to transfer forces to the snowboard.

The wing plates 510a, 510b can be adjustable with respect to the back plate 504. For example, the wing plates 510a, 510b can be adjusted to change a distance between the wing plates 510a, 510b. The wing plates 510a, 510b can each be coupled to the back plate 504 using one or more removable fasteners 511. When the fastener(s) 511 are loosened or removed each wing plate 510a, 510b may slide or otherwise move with respect to the back plate 504, and the fastener(s) 511 can be tightened/engaged to fix each wing plate 510a, 510b in a fixed position with respect to the back plate 504. In some cases, the back plate 504 can define openings 509a, 509b and a portion of each wing plate 510a, 510b can extend through a respective opening 509a, 509b. The configuration of the fastening features and the openings 509a, 509b may allow for sliding motion to change a distance between the wing plates and/or some amount of rotation of a wing plate 510a, 510b within a respective opening 509a, 509b, to provide additional adjustment, which may help configure the wing plates 510a, 510b for different types/shapes of snowboard boots.

In some cases, the boot dock 500 can include the lean adjustment 512, which can be configured to set an angle of the back plate 504 with respect to the base plate 502 and/or allow the angle of the back plate 504 with respect to the base plate to be adjusted. The lean adjustment 512 can be attached to the back plate 504 using any suitable fastener (e.g., fastener 513). The lean adjustment 512 can be rigidly fixed to the back plate 504, using a fastener, and contact the base plate 502 when the boot dock 500 is in an open position (as shown in FIG. 5C), which can define the angle of the back plate 504 with respect to the base plate 502. The lean adjustment 512 can be moved and fixed at different location on the back plate 504, which can be used to define different angular orientations of the back plate 504 with respect to the base plate 502.

FIG. 5B depicts a first perspective view of a boot dock 500 in an open configuration. In some cases, the wing plates 510a, 510b can be configured such that a boot interface surface 507 defined by the back plate 504 is substantially flat, which may help facilitate boot engagement. For example, the wing plates 510a, 510b may each include a first portion that extends through a respective opening 509a, 509b on the back plate 504. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5C, a back side of the back plate 504 may define one or more recesses and a second portion of each of the wing plates 510a, 510b, can be positioned in a respective recess. This configuration may help reduce a profile of the boot dock 500, for example, when the boot dock is in a collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 5D.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when in the open configuration, the back plate 504 can be positioned at an angle with respect to the base plate 502. In some cases, the lean adjustment 512 can be configured to set an angle of the open configuration. In some examples, the back plate 504 can be oriented at a normal (or near normal) angle with respect to the base plate 502. In other examples, the back plate 504 may be orientated at an angle that is less than ninety degrees (i.e., less than a normal angle), such that the back plate 504 is tilted/rotated toward the base plate 502. In other examples, the back plate 504 can be oriented at an angle that is greater than ninety degrees (greater than a normal angle), such that the back plate 504 is tilted/rotated away from the base plate 502. The lean adjustment 512 can be configured to allow rotation between various different angles and can be configured to be fixed at a specific setting to achieve a desired angle when the back plate is on the open configuration.

FIG. 5D depicts a perspective view of a boot dock 500 in a collapsed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the back plate 504 can be rotated, pivoted, or otherwise moved toward the base plate 502. In some cases, in the closed configuration the back plate 504 can be positioned substantially parallel to the base plate 502, when in the closed configuration. In some cases, the wing plates 510a, 510b can define a closed position of the back plate 504 with respect to the base plate 502. For example, one or more of the wing plates 510a, 510b can contact the engagement surface 503 of the base plate 502. Accordingly, a height of the wing plates 510a and/or 510b that extend from the back plate 504 can define the closed position of the back plate 504 with respect to the base plate 502.

FIG. 5E depicts a perspective view of another example of a boot dock 501 including brace members 514a, 514b, which, in this example, are support cables. The boot dock 501 can be an example of the boot dock 500. The boot dock 501 can include one or more brace members 514a, 514b that can define the open position of the back plate 504 with respect to the base plate 502. Additionally or alternatively, the brace members 514a, 514b may increase a strength of the connection between the base plate 502 and the back plate 504.

Each brace member 514a, 514b can have a first end coupled to the base plate 502 and a second end coupled to the back plate 504. In this example, the couplings are cable mounting pins 515 that secure an eyelet or other feature of the respective support cable. A length of the brace members 514a, 514b can define an angle of the open position. In some cases, the brace members 514a, 514b can be configured to bend or otherwise deform when the boot dock 500 is moved from an open configuration to a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the support assembly 600, described herein. The support assembly 600 can be attached to a top surface of a snowboard as described herein. The support assembly 600 can include support plate 602, which may define a bottom portion 604 and a side portion 606. The bottom portion 604 can be configured to be positioned on a top surface of the snowboard and be coupled to the snowboard, for example, using an adhesive or other suitable fasteners. The side portion 606 is optional, and can extend upward from the top surface of the snowboard.

The support assembly 600 can include a compliant member 608 that is coupled to the support plate 602. The compliant member 608 can include a compressible or otherwise deformable material, which provides a cushion for a knee of a rider and helps a rider to stabilize their knee on the snowboard. The compliant member 608 can be configured to deform (e.g., compress or otherwise deflect) and/or include other features (e.g., a knee channel, side stabilizers) that allows the rider to transfer energy/force from their bent knee and to the snowboard. In some cases, the side portion 606 can extend above a top surface 610 of the compliant member 608, for example, along one or more sides of the compliant member 608. The side portion 606, can provide additional or alternative structure that allows the rider to stabilize themselves and/or transfer force/energy to the snowboard. Accordingly, the support assembly 600 can provide an additional way for a rider to control the snowboard while in the knee-down snowboard stance. The side portion 606 may also protect the rider's knee when placed on the support assembly 600.

FIG. 7A depicts an exploded view of a binding system 700, such as described herein. The binding system 700 provides an example of the binding system 104, which can be used to attach a binding (e.g., binding 120) to a snowboard (e.g., snowboard 102), as described herein. The binding system 700 provides another example of an assembly that can selectively transition between an engaged state, corresponding to a binding position of a traditional snowboard stance, and a disengaged state, which allows a rider to move to a knee-down snowboard stance, as described herein. The binding system 700 may include a single lever that allows the binding system to transition from an engaged state to a disengaged state and may allow for automatic transition back to the engaged state.

The binding system 700 can include a lower base plate 702, a bearing assembly 704, a pivot hinge 706, an upper base plate 708, a pivot plate 710 and a latching mechanism 712. In some cases, the bearing assembly 704 includes a swivel plate 705a, a first bearing element 705b and a second bearing element 705c, which allows rotation of the upper base plate 708 and pivot plate 710 with respect to the lower base plate 702 and a snowboard, as described herein. In other examples, the bearing assembly 704 can include roller bearings, journal bearings, plane bearings, or another type of bearing that allows for a rotational coupling between the lower base plate 702 and the upper base plate 708.

The lower base plate 702 can be configured to attach in a fixed relationship to a snowboard. When attached to a snowboard, the lower base plate 702 may be fixed or rigidly coupled to the snowboard to prevent movement of the lower base plate 702 with respect to the snowboard. For example, the lower base plate 702 may include one or more openings 707 (one of which is labeled), and a fastener can pass through a respective opening 707 and engage with the snowboard to fix the lower base plate 702 to the snowboard.

The upper base plate 708 can be coupled to the lower base plate 702 by the bearing assembly 704 and configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate 702 (e.g., about an axis normal to an upper surface of the lower base plate 702 and/or an upper surface of a snowboard). The bearing assembly can include a swivel plate 705a that has a first portion (e.g., first portion 728a shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D) surrounding the lower base plate 702 and a second portion (e.g., second portion 728b shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D) that extends under the lower base plate 702. The first bearing element 705b can be positioned between the second portion 728b of the swivel plate 705a and the lower base plate 702, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D. The second bearing element 705c can be positioned between the lower base plate 702 and the upper base plate 708, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D. The swivel plate 705a can be coupled to the upper base plate 708 in a fixed relation such that the swivel plate 705a and the upper base plate 708 rotate together with respect to the lower base plate 702. The first bearing element 705b and the second bearing element 705c can provide surfaces that allow rotation while reducing or preventing other types of movement between the upper base plate 708 and the lower base plate 702.

The pivot plate 710 and the upper base plate 708 can define the pivot hinge 706, which may also include a pin or other suitable coupling element that rotationally couples the pivot plate 710 to the upper base plate 708. For example, as shown in FIG. 7F, the pivot hinge 706 can define a first axis 701a between the pivot plate 710 and the upper base plate 708. The pivot plate 710 can rotate or pivot with respect to the upper base plate 708 about the first axis 701a. Additionally, as described above, and shown in FIG. 7F, the upper base plate 708 can rotate with respect to the lower base plate 702 about a second axis 701b. Accordingly, the pivot plate 710 (and a binding attached thereto) can be configured to independently rotate about the first axis 701a and the second axis 701b, which can allow a rider to enter a knee-down stance, as described herein.

The latching mechanism 712 can be coupled to the pivot plate 710 and configured to transition the binding system 700 between an engaged state and a disengaged state, as described herein. For example, when in the engaged state, the latching mechanism 712 can fix the pivot plate with respect to the upper base plate (e.g., prevent rotation about the first axis 701a shown in FIG. 7F) and fix the pivot plate 710 in a position that is substantially parallel to the upper base plate 708 and/or contacts the upper base plate 708 (e.g., shown in FIG. 7B). Additionally, when in the engaged state, the latching mechanism 712 can prevent rotation of the upper base plate 708 and the pivot plate 710 with respect to the lower base plate 702 and snowboard (e.g., prevent rotation about the second axis 701b shown in FIG. 7F). In the disengaged state, the latching mechanism can allow the pivot plate 710 to rotate with respect to the upper base plate 708 (e.g., about the first axis 701a shown in FIG. 7F) and/or allow the upper base plate 708 and pivot plate 710 to rotate with respect to the lower base plate (e.g., about the second axis 701b shown in FIG. 7F).

The latching mechanism 712 can include a release control, an example of which may be a lever 714, slide plate 716, slide pins 718; and a latch member, an example of which can be a latch plate 720, cover 722, anti-rotation member(s) 724 and cover fasteners 726. The lever 714, slide plate 716 and slide pins 718 can be coupled to a first side of the pivot plate 710 and the latch plate 720, the cover 722, and the anti-rotation member(s) 724 can be coupled to a second side of the pivot plate 710. When the lever 714 is pressed or pulled, the lever 714 can rotate causing the slide plate 716 to move along first direction 717a. The slide plate 716 can include openings and the slide pins 718 can extend through the openings in the slide plate 716. Movement of the slide plate 716 along the first direction 717a can cause the slide pins 718 to move along the openings which causes the latch plate 720 to move along the second direction 721a, which can retract the latch plate 720 from a neutral position. When the lever 714 is released spring or elastic forces can cause the slide plate 716 to move in a third direction 717b, which can cause the slide pins 718 to move in an opposite direction along the openings in the slide plate 716, which causes the latch plate 720 to move along a fourth direction 721b and extend from the pivot plate 710 to a neutral position.

In the neutral position the latch plate 720 can extend from the pivot plate 710 and engage with a catch feature 709 on the upper base plate 708 (e.g., shown in FIG. 7B). Accordingly, the latch plate 720 may prevent the pivot plate 710 from rotating with respect to the upper base plate 708 in an engaged state. When the lever 714 is engaged (e.g., pressed or pulled to rotate the lever 714), the latch plate 720 retracts from the neutral position and disengages from the catch feature 709, thereby allowing the pivot plate 710 to rotate with respect to the upper base plate 708, as described herein.

The latching mechanism 712 can also control rotation of the upper base plate 708 and the pivot plate 710 with respect to the lower base plate 702. The latching mechanism 712 can include a cover plate which couples the latch plate 720 to the pivot plate 710. The anti-rotation members 724 can be defined by the cover 722 and/or attached to the cover 722. The example in FIG. 7A depicts three abutments forming the anti-rotation members 724, however the anti-rotation members 724 can have fewer abutments (e.g., 1 abutment) or more abutments. When the pivot plate 710 is contacting the upper base plate 708, the anti-rotation members can extend through a first opening 711 in the upper base plate 708 and engage with one or more second openings 703 in the lower base plate 702. For example, the anti-rotation members 724 can extend through the one or more second openings 703, as shown in in FIG. 7E. The anti-rotation members 724 can prevent the pivot plate 710 and the upper base plate 708 from rotating with respect to the lower base plate 702. Accordingly, in an engaged state, the latching mechanism 712 can prevent the pivot plate 710 from rotating with respect to the upper base plate 708 (e.g., about the first axis 701a shown in FIG. 7F) and also prevent the pivot plate 710 and the upper base plate 708 from rotating with respect to the lower base plate 702 (e.g., about the second axis 701b shown in FIG. 7F).

FIG. 7B depicts a perspective view of a binding system 700 in a first configuration, as described herein. The example depicted in FIG. 7B, shows the binding in a closed configuration, in which the pivot plate 710 may contact the upper base plate 708 and/or the pivot plate 710 can be in a parallel configuration with the upper base plate 708. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the binding system 700 can be in an engaged state, where the latch plate 720 of the latching mechanism 712 (coupled to the pivot plate 710) is engaged with the catch feature 709 of the upper base plate 708. Additionally, the anti-rotation members 724 can be positioned/extend through the first opening 711 in the upper base plate and the second opening(s) 703 in the lower base plate, as shown in FIG. 7F. User engagement of the lever 714 (e.g., press or pull of the lever 714) can transition the binding system 700 to a disengaged state and the pivot plate 710 can rotate upward away from the upper base plate 708, as shown in FIG. 7F. Rotation of the pivot plate 710, upward, can cause the anti-rotation members 724 to disengage from the second opening(s) 703, allowing the upper base plate 708 and the pivot plate 710 to rotate with respect to the lower base plate 702, as described herein.

FIG. 7C depicts a cross-sectional view of the binding system taken 700 along line A-A shown in FIG. 7B. The swivel plate 705a is rigidly coupled to the upper base plate 708 and the swivel plate 705a and the upper base plate 708 are configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate 702, as described herein. The swivel plate 705a can partially capture an outer portion of the lower base plate 702 to couple/retain the upper base plate 708 to the lower base plate 702. Accordingly, the upper base plate 708, the pivot plate 710 and a snowboard binding attached to the pivot plate 710 can rotate as a rigid body with respect to the lower base plate 702 and the snowboard.

FIG. 7D depicts a detailed view of the cross-section shown in FIG. 7C. The bearing assembly 704 (shown in FIG. 7A) can include the first bearing element 705b positioned between the second portion 728b of the swivel plate 705a and the lower base plate 702. The bearing assembly 704 (shown in FIG. 7A) can also include the second bearing element 705c positioned between an upper surface of the lower base plate 702 and a lower surface of the upper base plate 708. The lower base plate 702, the bearing assembly 704 and the upper base plate 708 can be configured with appropriate tolerances and/or offsets to allow rotation of the upper base plate 708 with respect to the lower base plate 702 (e.g., about the second axis 701b shown in FIG. 7F, and reduce or prevent other types of movement between the upper base plate 708 and the lower base plate 702 (e.g., reduce or prevent wobble between the upper base plate 708 and the lower base plate 702).

FIG. 7E depicts a cross-sectional view of the binding system 700 taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 7B. As depicted in FIG. 7E, the lower base plate 702 can include one or more openings 703 and the anti-rotation member(s) 724 can be configured to engage with the one or more openings 703. The anti-rotation member(s) 724 can be rigidly fixed to the pivot plate 710 and the upper base plate 708, which prevents rotation of the upper base plate 708 and the pivot plate 710 with respect to the lower base plate 702. In some cases, the opening(s) 703 and/or the anti-rotation member(s) 724 can include features that facilitate engagement of the anti-rotation member(s) 724 into the opening(s), such as fillets, chamfers and/or tolerances that allow for some misalignment and help direct the anti-rotation member(s) 724 into the one or more openings 703.

FIG. 7F depicts a perspective view of the binding system 700 in a second configuration, as described herein. The example depicted in FIG. 7F, shows the binding in a open configuration, in which the pivot plate 710 can be rotated upward (e.g., pivot hinge 706) with respect to the upper base plate 708 and positioned at a non-parallel relationship with the upper base plate 708. In the example shown in FIG. 7F, the binding system 700 can be in a disengaged state, where the latch plate 720 of the latching mechanism 712 (coupled to the pivot plate 710) is disengaged with the catch feature 709 of the upper base plate 708. Additionally, the anti-rotation members 724 can be positioned out of the opening(s) 703 in the lower base plate 702, thereby allowing rotation of the upper base plate 708 and the pivot plate 710, as described herein.

FIG. 7G depicts a bottom view of the binding system 700, as described herein. In some cases, the binding system 700 can be configured to define rotational limits of the upper base plate 708 with respect to the lower base plate 702. For example, the lower base plate 702 can define one or more channels 730 and the swivel plate 705a can define tab 732 that extends into a respective channel 730. In the disengaged state, the tab 732 can allow the upper base plate to rotate along the channel 730. The channel 730 and tab 732 can define rotational limits and prevent the upper base plate 708 (and pivot plate 710) from rotating past a defined point.

FIG. 8A depicts an exploded view of a binding system 800, as described herein. The binding system 800 provides an example of the binding system 104, which can be used to attach a binding (e.g., binding 120) to a snowboard (e.g., snowboard 102), as described herein. The binding system 800 provides another example of an assembly that can selectively transition between an engaged state, corresponding to a binding position of a traditional snowboard stance, and a disengaged state, which allows a rider to move to a knee-down snowboard stance, as described herein. The binding system 800 can utilize a lever or other suitable mechanism to transition from an engaged state to a disengaged state and may allow for automatic transition back to the engaged state. Additionally, the binding system 800 provides an example of a system in which a pivot plate 810, can both rotate upward away from the base plate (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8E and described herein) and slide/translate while rotating. As shown in FIG. 8E, the sliding/translating motion of the pivot plate 810 can shift the location of a binding attached to the binding system 800, which may allow a user to shift their stance and/or location of their foot with respect to the snowboard when riding in a knee-down stance.

The binding system 800 can include a lower base plate 802, a bearing assembly 804, a slide assembly 806, an upper base plate 808, a pivot plate 810, pivot hinge (formed by hinge features 807a, 807b), and a latching mechanism 818. In some cases, the bearing assembly 804 includes a swivel plate 805a, a first bearing element 805b and a second bearing element 805c (shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D), which allows rotation of the upper base plate 808 and pivot plate 810 with respect to the lower base plate 802 (and a snowboard), as described herein. In other examples, the bearing assembly 804 can include a roller bearings, journal bearings, plane bearings, or other type of bearing that allows for a rotational coupling between the lower base plate 802 and the upper base plate 808.

The lower base plate 802 can be configured to attach in a fixed relationship to a snowboard, as described herein. When attached to a snowboard, the lower base plate 802 may be fixed or rigidly coupled to the snowboard to prevent movement of the lower base plate 802 with respect to the snowboard. For example, the lower base plate 802 may include one or more openings 803 (one of which is labeled), and a fastener can pass through a respective opening 803 and engage with the snowboard to fix the lower base plate 802 to the snowboard.

The upper base plate 808 can be coupled to the lower base plate 802 by the bearing assembly 804 and configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate 802 (e.g., about an axis normal to an upper surface of the lower base plate 802 and/or an upper surface of a snowboard). The bearing assembly can include a swivel plate 805a that has a first portion (e.g., first portion 828a shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D) that surrounds the lower base plate 802 and a second portion (e.g., second portion 828b shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D) that extends under the lower base plate 802. A first bearing element 805b can be positioned between the second portion 828b of the swivel plate 805a and the lower base plate 802, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D. A second bearing element 805c can be positioned between the lower base plate 802 and the upper base plate 808, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D. The swivel plate 805a can be coupled to the upper base plate 808 in a fixed relation such that the swivel plate 805a and the upper base plate 808 rotate together with respect to the lower base plate 802. The first bearing element 805b and the second bearing element 805c can provide surfaces that allow rotation while reducing or preventing other types of movement between the upper base plate 808 and the lower base plate 802.

The slide assembly 806 can cause a lower portion of the pivot plate 810 to slide/translate toward a back portion of the binding system 800 when the pivot plate 810 rotates upward (i.e., away from the upper base plate 808). In some cases, the sliding/translating motion of the slide assembly 806 can be coupled to the rotation motion of the pivot plate 810, for example, via slide levers 811a, 811b. Accordingly, rotation of the pivot plate 810 can cause a corresponding translation of the slide assembly 806, and vice versa.

The slide assembly 806 can include a slide plate 812, a slide pad 814 and slide bearings 816a, 816b. The slide plate 812 (e.g., portion of slide plate including the slide bearings 816a, 816b) can extend into slots on the upper base plate 808, and translate along the slot defined by the upper base plate 808. When assembled, the slide pad 814 can be positioned between the slide plate 812 and an upper surface of the lower base plate 802. The slide pad 814 can help facilitate translation of the slide plate 812 with respect to the upper base plate 808 and the lower base plate 802.

The slide levers 811a, 811b can each have a first end rotationally coupled to the upper base plate 808 and can each have a second end rotationally coupled to the pivot plate 810. Accordingly, as the pivot plate 810 is rotated with respect to the upper base plate 808, the slide levers 811a, 811b can cause the slide plate 812 (and a bottom portion of the pivot plate 810 coupled to the slide plate 812) to translate with respect to the upper base plate 808 (e.g., along channels defined in the upper base plate 808).

The pivot plate 810 and the slide plate 812 can define the pivot hinge, which may be formed by a first hinge feature 807a on the slide plate 812, and a second hinge feature 807b on the pivot plate 810. The pivot hinge may also include a pin (not shown) or other suitable coupling element that rotationally couples the pivot plate 810 to the slide plate 812. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the pivot hinge can define a first axis 801a between the pivot plate 810 and the slide plate 812. The pivot plate 810 can rotate or pivot with respect to the upper base plate 808 about the first axis 801a. Additionally, as described above, and shown in FIG. 8B, the upper base plate 808 can rotate with respect to the lower base plate 802 about a second axis 801b. Accordingly, the pivot plate 810 (and a binding attached thereto) can be configured to independently rotate about the first axis 801a, the second axis 801b, and translate with respect to the upper base plate 808, which can allow a rider to enter a knee-down stance, as described herein.

The latching mechanism 818 can be coupled to the pivot plate 810 and configured to transition the binding system 800 between an engaged state and a disengaged state, as described herein. For example, when in the engaged state, the latching mechanism 818 can fix the pivot plate 810 with respect to the upper base plate 808 (e.g., prevent rotation about the first axis 801a shown in FIG. 8B), fix the pivot plate 810 in a position that is substantially parallel to the upper base plate 808 and/or contacts the upper base plate 808 (e.g., shown in FIG. 8B). Additionally, when in the engaged state, the latching mechanism 818 can prevent rotation of the upper base plate 808 and the pivot plate 810 with respect to the lower base plate 802 and snowboard (e.g., prevent rotation about the second axis 801b shown in FIG. 8B). In the disengaged state, the latching mechanism can allow the pivot plate 810 to rotate with respect to the upper base plate 808 (e.g., about the first axis 801a shown in FIG. 8B), which can cause movement of the slide plate 812, and/or allow the upper base plate 808 and pivot plate 810 to rotate with respect to the lower base plate 802 (e.g., about the second axis 801b shown in FIG. 8B).

The latching mechanism 818 can include a slide plate 820, a release control an example of which may be a lever 821 (defined by the slide plate 820 or coupled to the slide plate 820), and a cover plate 822. The slide plate can define one or more openings 823 (one of which is labeled) that are configured to engage with retaining pins 824 coupled to the upper base plate 808. In some cases, the retaining pins 824 can be integrally formed with and/or defined by the upper base plate 808.

The slide plate 820 can be positioned within a recess on the back of the pivot plate 810 and retained within the recess by the cover plate 822, which is shown in FIGS. 8F and 8G. As shown in FIG. 8G, the slide plate 820 can be configured to slide/translate with respect to the pivot plate 810 (e.g., along the recess defined in the back of the pivot plate 810). The slide plate 820 can include (or be coupled to) elastic elements 825 which can maintain the slide plate 820 in a neutral position with respect to the pivot plate 810. The slide plate 820 can be configured to translate along direction 830 from the neutral position. The openings 823 can be configured such that when the pivot plate 810 contacts the upper base plate 808 and/or is substantially parallel to the upper base plate 808, the retaining pins 824 engage the slide plate 820 to retain the pivot plate 810 in a fixed position with respect to the upper base plate (e.g., the retaining pins 824 catch/engage a back surface of the slide plate 820), which corresponds to a neutral position of the slide plate 820. When the lever 821 is pressed, the slide plate 820 can move along direction 830, which can disengage the retaining pins 824 from the slide plate 812, allowing the retaining pins to pass through the opening 823 in the slide plate 820, thereby allowing the pivot plate 810 to rotate upward from the upper base plate 808. When the pivot plate 810 rotates such that the retaining pins 824 are no longer positioned in the openings 823, the elastic elements 825 can cause the slide plate 820 to move back to the neutral position.

The retaining pins 824 can be configured to automatically reengage with the slide plate 820 when the pivot plate is moved to contact the upper base plate 808 (e.g., to be substantially parallel to the upper base plate 808 as shown in FIG. 8B). For example, the retaining pins 824 can include tapered upper portions which cause the slide plate 820 to translate in the direction 830 allowing the retaining pins to pass through openings 823. When the pivot plate is substantially seated against the upper base plate 808 (e.g., in a parallel configuration as shown in FIG. 8B), the elastic elements 825, can cause the slide plate 820 to move back to a neutral position and engage the retaining pins to secure the pivot plate 810 in a fixed relationship to the upper base plate 808 (e.g., the engaged state).

The latching mechanism 818 can also control rotation of the upper base plate 808 and the pivot plate 810 with respect to the lower base plate 802. The latching mechanism 818 can include a cover plate 822 which couples the slide plate 820 to the pivot plate 810. The cover plate 822 can include or be coupled to anti-rotation members 827, shown in FIG. 8F. The example in FIG. 8F depicts three abutments forming the anti-rotation members 827; however, the anti-rotation members 827 can have can other configurations (e.g., fewer abutments or more abutments). When the pivot plate 810 is contacting the upper base plate 808, the anti-rotation members 827 can extend through a first opening 809 in the upper base plate 808 and engage with one or more second openings 826 in the lower base plate 802. For example, the anti-rotation members 827 can extend through the one or more second openings 826, similar to the example shown and described with respect to FIG. 7E. The anti-rotation members 827 can prevent the pivot plate 810 and the upper base plate 808 from rotating with respect to the lower base plate 802. Accordingly, in an engaged state, the latching mechanism 818 can prevent the pivot plate 810 from rotating with respect to the upper base plate 808 (e.g., about the first axis 801a shown in FIG. 8B) and also prevent the pivot plate 810 and the upper base plate 808 from rotating with respect to the lower base plate 802 (e.g., about the second axis 801b shown in FIG. 8B).

FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view of a binding system 800 in a first configuration, as described herein. The example depicted in FIG. 8B, shows the binding in a closed configuration, in which the pivot plate 810 may contact the upper base plate 808 and/or the pivot plate 810 can be in a parallel configuration with the upper base plate 808. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the binding system 800 can be in an engaged state, where the slide plate 820 of the latching mechanism 818 (coupled to the pivot plate 810) is engaged with the retaining pins 824 of the upper base plate 808. Additionally, the anti-rotation members 827 (shown in FIG. 8F) can be positioned/extend through the opening(s) 803 in the lower base plate 802. User engagement of the lever 821 (e.g., press or pull of the lever 821) can transition the binding system 800 to a disengaged state and the pivot plate 810 can rotate upward away from the upper base plate 808, as shown in FIG. 8E. Rotation of the pivot plate 810 upward can cause the anti-rotation members 827 to disengage from the opening(s) 803, allowing the upper base plate 808 and the pivot plate 810 to rotate with respect to the lower base plate 802, as described herein.

FIG. 8C depicts a cross-sectional view of the binding system 800 taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 8B. The swivel plate 805a is rigidly coupled to the upper base plate 808 and the swivel plate 805a and the upper base plate 808 are configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate 802, as described herein. The swivel plate 805a can partially capture an outer portion of the lower base plate 802 to couple/retain the upper base plate 808 to the lower base plate 802. Accordingly, the upper base plate 808, the pivot plate 810 and a binding attached to the pivot plate can rotate as a rigid body with respect to the lower base plate 802 and the snowboard.

FIG. 8D depicts a detailed view of the cross-section shown in FIG. 8C. The bearing assembly 804 (shown in FIG. 8A) can include the first bearing element 805b positioned between the second portion 828b of the swivel plate 805a and the lower base plate 802. The bearing assembly 804 (shown in FIG. 8A) can also include the second bearing element 805c positioned between an upper surface of the lower base plate 802 and a lower surface of the upper base plate 808. The lower base plate 802, the bearing assembly 804 and the upper base plate 808 can be configured with appropriate tolerances and/or offsets to allow rotation of the upper base plate 808 with respect to the lower base plate 802 (e.g., about the second axis 801b shown in FIG. 8B), and reduce or prevent other types of movement between the upper base plate 808 and the lower base plate 802 (e.g., reduce or prevent wobble between the upper base plate 808 and the lower base plate 802).

FIG. 8E depicts a front perspective view of the binding system 800 in a second configuration, as described herein. The example depicted in FIG. 8E, shows the binding in an open configuration, in which the pivot plate 810 can be rotated upward (e.g., at hinge joint) with respect to the upper base plate 808 and positioned at a non-parallel relationship with the upper base plate 808. Rotation of the pivot plate 810 can cause the slide plate 812 to translate with respect to the upper base plate 808, as described herein. In the example shown in FIG. 8E, the binding system 800 can be in a disengaged state, where the latching mechanism 818 (coupled to the pivot plate 810) is disengaged from the retaining pins 824 of the upper base plate 808.

FIG. 8F depicts a back perspective view of the binding system 800 in the second configuration, as described herein. The anti-rotation members 827 can be positioned out of the opening(s) 803 in the lower base plate 802, thereby allowing rotation of the upper base plate 808 and the pivot plate 810, as described herein.

FIG. 8G depicts a back view of the binding system 800 in the second configuration, as described herein. In the example depicted in FIG. 8G, the cover 822 is removed to show an example of the slide plate 820 coupled with the pivot plate 810. For example, the slide plate 820 can be positioned within a recess defined by the pivot plate 810. The elastic elements 825 can maintain the slide plate 820 in a neutral position, as described herein. Engagement of the lever 821 (shown in FIG. 8A), can cause the slide plate 820 to translate with respect to the pivot plate 810 thereby disengaging with the retaining pins 824 to allow rotation of the pivot plate with respect to the upper base plate 808.

FIG. 9A depicts a system 900a of a sliding binding assembly 902 in a state that allows a rider to be in a traditional stance, such as described herein. The system 900a includes a rider 101 secured to a snowboard 102 by the binding assembly 902 that includes a binding system 904 and a slide assembly 906. The snowboard 102 can include a top surface 106, a bottom surface 108, a nose 110, and a tail 112. The example 900a depicts a system having two binding systems 904. Each binding system 904 can secure a snowboard binding 120 to the snowboard 102. In some cases, only a single binding system 904 may be used to secure a binding 120 to the snowboard and the other binding 120 can be secured using traditional methods.

The binding system 904 can be an example of the binding systems described herein. For example, binding system 904 may be an example of binding system 104, binding system 700 or binding system 800. In each of the examples, the binding system 904 can be configured to couple to the slide assembly 906. For example, lower base plate 202, lower base plate 702 or lower base plate 802 can be statically coupled to the slide assembly 906 using one or more fasteners and/or other suitable methods as described herein. The slide assembly 906 can be coupled to the snowboard 102, as described herein.

The system 900a depicts an example in which the rider's front foot remains fixed in a traditional position in which the rider's toes are primarily oriented toward the front edge of the snowboard and the heel of the rider's front foot remains low and fixed with respect to the top surface 106 of the snowboard 102. The rider's rear foot also remains in a fixed traditional position, as shown in FIG. 9A with toes oriented toward the front edge of the snowboard 102 and a back/heel portion of each binding 120 is substantially oriented towards the back edge 106 of the snowboard 102, as described herein.

The system 900a provides an example of both binding systems 904 in an engaged state, as described herein, and the slide assembly 906 in an engaged state, which fixes the binding system with respect to the snowboard 102.

FIG. 9B depicts a system 900b of the sliding binding assembly 902 in a state that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein. The example 900b provides an example of the binding system 904 in a disengaged state, as described herein, as the slide assembly 906 is in a disengaged state. When the slide assembly 906 is in the disengaged state, a rider 101 can slide the binding system 904 and their rear foot with respect to the snowboard 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the slide assembly 906 can allow the binding system 904, binding 120, and rear foot of the rider 101 to slide toward the tail 112 of the snowboard 102. This may allow the rider 101 to select where their leg/foot is positioned while in a surfer stance. For example, when in the surfer stance, the rider 101 may choose to slide their rear foot toward the tail 112, which may provide a more natural or desirable surfer stance.

FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of the sliding binding assembly 902, as described herein. The binding system 904 can be an example of the binding systems described herein. For purposes of illustration, binding system 904 depicts the example binding system 700, shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7A-7G. However, other binding systems can be used, such as binding system 104, binding system and/or binding system 800. Additionally or alternatively, a boot dock, such as boot dock 500, can be coupled to the slide assembly 906.

The binding system 904 can include a lower base plate 1002, an upper base plate 1008 and a pivot plate 1010, which can be examples of similar components described herein (e.g., lower base plate 702, upper base plate 708 and pivot plate 710). The binding system 904 can also include a latching mechanism, as described herein.

The slide assembly 906 can be configured to allow the binding system 904 and an attached binding 120, to slide along the snowboard 102, as described herein. In some cases, the slide assembly 906 can include rails 1012a, 1012b, a slide plate 1014, and an engagement mechanism 1016. The rails 1012a, 1012b can be configured to couple to a top surface of a snowboard, for example using fasteners, an adhesive, and/or other suitable coupling mechanisms. The slide plate 1014 can couple to the rails 1012a, 1012b, and be configured to move along the rails 1012a, 1012b, and along the snowboard. In some cases, the slide plate 1014 can be configured to slide substantially parallel to a top surface of the snowboard and in directions towards and away from the tail of the snowboard (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B). The rails 1012a, 1012b and slide plate 1014 can include any suitable components that define a movement path of the slide plate 1014. For example, the rails 1012a, 1012b and slide plate 1014 may include bearings (e.g., linear bearings), guiderails, linear motion slides, telescoping rails, track rollers, slotted components, and/or any other suitable components, and/or combinations thereof. In some cases, the rails 1012a, 1012b and/or the slide plate 1014 can include components, such as stops, that define an end range of the motion path of the slide plate 1014 along the rails 1012a, 1012b.

The engagement mechanism 1016 can be configured to selectively transition the slide plate 1014 between a first, engaged state and a second, disengaged state. In the engaged state, the slide plate 1014 can be statically fixed with respect to the rails 1012a, 1012b, and the snowboard, which can allow the binding system 904 to remain in a fixed position with respect to the snowboard. In the disengaged state, the slide plate 1014 can move along the rails 1012a, 1012b, such that the binding system 904 can move with respect to the snowboard (e.g., translate along a top surface of the snowboard as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B). In the example shown in FIG. 10, the engagement mechanism 1016 includes a pin (e.g., a spring pin) which can be statically coupled to a first opening 1018 of the second rail 1012b (e.g., via a threaded coupling mechanism). In the engaged state, the pin can extend into a second opening 1017 in the slide plate 1014 to prevent movement of the slide plate 1014 with respect to the rails 1012a, 1012b.

In some cases, the engagement mechanism 1016 can be biased to the engaged state, for example using a spring pin. Accordingly, a user action/input such as pulling or pushing the pin may be required to transition the engagement mechanism 1016 from the engaged state to the disengaged state. Additionally or alternatively, when the user action/input is removed, the pin can be configured to return to the biased position. In some cases, the engagement mechanism 1016 can be configured to automatically (e.g., without requiring a user input) transition from the disengaged state to the engaged state. For example, the pin can be configured to engage the slide plate 1014 in response to the slide plate 1014 being moved to a defined, neutral location. In this regard, a user input may allow a user to move the slide plate 1014 toward the tail of the snowboard, by transitioning the engagement mechanism 1016 to a disengaged state, and the slide plate 1014 may freely move back and forth along a path defined by the rails 1012a, 1012b, until the slide plate 1014 is moved to the original/default position, at which point the engagement mechanism 1016 can automatically transition from the disengaged state to the engaged state (e.g., by the pin reengaging with the second opening 1017).

In some cases, the engagement mechanism can define multiple different engaged positions for the slide plate 1014 along the rails 1012a, 1012b. For example, the second rail 1012b can include one or more additional openings and/or pins, each of which define a different engaged position, along the rails 1012a, 1012b. The pin-based engagement mechanism is shown as one example of a selective engagement mechanism for the slide assembly 906. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement mechanism 1016 can include any other suitable structures or mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging the slide plate 1014.

The slide plate 1014 can also include one or more fastening features 1015, which can be configured to couple the binding system 904 to the slide plate 1014. In some cases, the fastening features 1015 can include threaded holes and one or more fasteners can be used to couple a lower base plate (e.g., lower base plate 702) to the slide plate 1014. In some implementations, the slide plate 1014 is integrally formed with the lower base plate. For example, the lower base plate may include a pair of flanges or features that engage with the rails 1012a, 1012b to enable translation of the binding system 904 as described herein.

FIG. 11A depicts a system 1100a of a binding assembly 1102 in a state that allows a rider to be in a traditional stance, such as described herein. The system 1100a includes a rider 101 secured to a snowboard 102 by the binding assembly 1102 that includes a binding system 1104 and a slide assembly 1106. The snowboard 102 can include a top surface 106, a bottom surface 108, a nose 110, and a tail 112. The example 900a depicts a system having two binding systems 904. Each binding system 904 can secure a snowboard binding 120 to the snowboard 102. In some cases, only a single binding system 904 may be used to secure a binding 120 to the snowboard and the other binding 120 can be secured using traditional methods.

The binding system 1104 can be an example of the binding systems described herein. For example, binding system 1104 may be an example of binding system 104, binding system 700 or binding system 800. In each of the examples, the binding system 1104 can be configured to couple to the slide assembly 1106. For example, lower base plate 202, lower base plate 702 or lower base plate 802 can be statically coupled to the slide assembly 1106 using one or more fasteners and/or other suitable methods, as described herein. The slide assembly 1106 can be coupled to the snowboard 102, as described herein.

In the example shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the slide assembly 1106 can be configured to couple to a snowboard 102 that includes one or more channel systems 1105a, 1105b. The channel systems 1105a, 1105b may also be used to couple a traditional binding or the binding system 1104 to the snowboard 102. In the current example, the slide assembly 1106 includes a slide plate 1212 (shown in FIG. 12) that couples to the rear channel 1105a. In the example of FIG. 12, the slide plate 1212 is configured to couple the binding system 1104 to a snowboard 102 with a channel system.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the system 1100a depicts an example in which the rider's front foot remains fixed in a traditional position in which the rider's toes are primarily oriented toward the front edge of the snowboard and the heel of the rider's front foot remains low and fixed with respect to the top surface 106 of the snowboard 102. The rider's rear foot also remains in a fixed traditional position, as shown in FIG. 9A with toes oriented toward the front edge of the snowboard 102 and a back/heel portion of each binding 120 is substantially oriented towards the back edge 118 of the snowboard 102, as described herein.

The system 1100a provides an example of both binding systems 1104 in an engaged state, as described herein, and the slide assembly 1106 in an engaged state, which fixes the binding system 1104 with respect to the snowboard 102.

FIG. 11B depicts a system 1100b of the binding assembly 1102 in a state that allows a rider to be in a knee-down stance, such as described herein. The system 1100b provides an example of the binding system 1104 in a disengaged state, as described herein, as the slide assembly 1106 is in a disengaged state. When the slide assembly 1106 is in the disengaged state, a rider 101 can slide the binding system 1104 and their rear foot with respect to the snowboard 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the slide assembly 1106 can allow the binding system 1104, binding 120 and rear foot of the rider 101 to move toward the tail 112 of the snowboard 102. This may allow the rider 101 to select where their leg is positioned while in a surfer stance. For example, when in the surfer stance, the rider 101 may choose to slide their rear foot toward the tail 112, which may provide a more natural or desirable surfer stance.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of the sliding binding assembly 1102, as described herein. The binding system 1104 can be an example of the binding systems described herein. For purposes of illustration, binding system 1104 depicts the example binding system 700, shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7A-7G. However, other binding systems can be used, such as binding system 104, and/or binding system 800. Additionally or alternatively, a boot dock, such as boot dock 500, can be coupled to the slide assembly 1106.

The binding system 1104 can include a lower base plate 1202, an upper base plate 1208 and a pivot plate 1210, which can be examples of similar components described herein (e.g., lower base plate 702, upper base plate 708 and pivot plate 710). The binding system 1104 can also include a latching mechanism, as described herein.

The slide assembly 1106 can be configured to allow the binding system 1104 and an attached binding 120, to slide along a snowboard 102, as described herein. The slide assembly 1106 can include the slide plate 1212, engagement mechanism(s) 1216a, 1216b, and channel slides 1218a, 1218b.

The slide assembly 1106 can be configured to allow the binding system 1104 and an attached binding 120, to slide along the snowboard 102, as described herein. The slide plate 1212 can include one or more fastening features 1215, which can be configured to couple the binding assembly 1104 to the slide plate 1212. In some cases, the fastening features 1215 can include threaded holes and one or more fasteners can be used to couple a lower base plate (e.g., lower base plate 702) to the slide plate 1212.

The engagement mechanisms 1216a, 1216b can be configured to selectively transition the slide plate 1212 between a first engaged state and a second disengaged state. In the engaged state, the slide plate 1212 can be statically fixed with respect to the snowboard, which can allow the binding system 1104 to remain in a fixed position with respect to the snowboard. In the disengaged state, the slide plate 1212 can move along the channel 1105a, such that the binding system 1104 can move with respect to the snowboard (e.g., translate along a top surface of the snowboard as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B).

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the engagement mechanisms 1216a, 1216b include toggle clamps which can extend through openings 1214a, 1214b in the slide plate 1212, and couple to the channel slides 1218a, 1218b (e.g., via a threaded coupling mechanism). The channel slides 1218a, 1218b can be configured to be inserted in the channels 1105a, 1105b, and retain the slide plate 1212 along a top surface of the snowboard. When the engagement mechanisms 1216a, 1216b are in an engaged state (e.g., toggle clamps are engaged) the engagement mechanisms 1216a, 1216b can clamp and/or press the slide plate 1212 against the top surface of the snowboard with sufficient force to prevent movement of the slide plate 1212 with respect to the snowboard. When the engagement mechanisms 1216a, 1216b are in a disengaged state (e.g., toggle clamps are disengaged), the disengaged mechanisms 1216a, 1216b can reduce the clamping/press force of the slide plate 1212 to the snowboard to allow the slide plate 1212 to move along the channel via the channel slides 1218a, 1218b sliding within the channel 1105a. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement mechanism(s) 1216a, 1216b can include any other suitable structures or mechanisms for selectively engaging and disengaging the slide plate 1212.

These foregoing embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A-12 and the various alternatives thereof and variations thereto are presented, generally, for purposes of explanation, and to facilitate an understanding of various configurations and constructions of a system, such as described herein. However, some of the specific details presented herein may not be required in order to practice a particular described embodiment, or an equivalent thereof.

Thus, it is understood that the foregoing and following descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for the limited purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms recited herein.

Although the disclosure above is described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but is instead defined by the claims herein presented.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at a minimum one of any of the items, and/or at a minimum one of any combination of the items, and/or at a minimum one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it may be appreciated that an order of elements presented for a conjunctive or disjunctive list provided herein should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to only that order provided.

Claims

1. A binding system for a snowboard, the binding system comprising:

a lower base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard using a set of fasteners;

a ring bearing having a first bearing element coupled to the lower base plate and a second bearing element configured to rotate with respect to the first bearing element about a first axis normal to the top surface of the snowboard;

a pivot hinge coupled to the second bearing element, the pivot hinge configured to pivot along a second axis that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the snowboard;

a pivot plate coupled to the pivot hinge and configured to mount a snowboard binding along the top surface of the pivot plate; and

a latching mechanism coupled to the lower base plate and configured to: when engaged, prevent rotation of the pivot plate about the first axis and prevent pivoting of the pivot plate along the second axis; and when disengaged, allow rotation of the pivot plate about the first axis and allow pivoting of the pivot plate along the second axis.

2. The binding system of claim 1, wherein:

the set of fasteners is a first set of fasteners;

the binding system further comprises the snowboard binding configured to receive a snowboard boot and mated to the top surface of the pivot plate using a second set of fasteners;

rotation of the pivot plate along the first axis causes a toe portion of the snowboard binding to rotate toward a nose of the snowboard; and

the pivoting of the pivot plate along the second axis causes a heel portion of the snowboard binding to lift away from the top surface of the snowboard.

3. The binding system of claim 1, further comprising an upper base plate positioned between the lower base plate and the pivot plate, wherein the lower base plate is configured to rotate about the first axis with respect to the lower base plate.

4. The binding system of claim 3, wherein:

the latching mechanism comprises a latch plate;

the upper base plate comprises a catch feature; and

the latch plate is configured to engage with the catch feature and prevent an upward pivot of the pivot plate with respect to the upper base plate when engaged.

5. The binding system of claim 3, wherein:

the latching mechanism is configured to disengage in response to a rider actuation of a release control; and

the latching mechanism is configured to engage in response to the pivot plate being positioned in a substantially flat orientation and at a predetermined angle along the first axis.

6. A binding system for a snowboard, the binding system comprising:

a lower base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard;

a bearing assembly;

an upper base plate coupled to the lower base plate by the bearing assembly and configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate;

a pivot hinge coupled to the upper base plate, the pivot hinge configured to pivot along an axis;

a pivot plate coupled to the upper base plate by the pivot hinge and configured to couple to a snowboard binding along the top surface of the pivot plate; and

a latching mechanism coupled to the pivot plate and configured to: when engaged, prevent rotation of the upper base plate and prevent pivoting of the pivot plate; and when disengaged, allow rotation of the upper base plate and allow pivoting of the pivot plate.

7. The binding system of claim 6, wherein:

the upper base plate defines a first opening;

the lower base plate defines a second opening;

the latching mechanism comprises an anti-rotation member extending from a bottom surface of the pivot plate;

when the latching mechanism is engaged, the anti-rotation member extends through the first opening and the second opening thereby preventing the rotation of the upper base plate with respect to the lower base plate; and

when the latching mechanism is disengaged, an upward pivot of the pivot plate causes the anti-rotation member to disengage from the first opening and the second opening thereby allowing rotation of the upper base plate with respect to the lower base plate.

8. The binding system of claim 7, wherein:

the latching mechanism comprises a latch plate configured to engage with the upper base plate;

the latch plate is positioned between the anti-rotation member and the pivot plate; and

the latch plate is configured to move with respect to the pivot plate and anti-rotation members between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

9. The binding system of claim 6, wherein:

the upper base plate comprises a catch feature; and

the latching mechanism comprises a latch plate configured to engage with the catch feature and prevent an upward pivot of the pivot plate with respect to the upper base plate when the engaged with the latching mechanism.

10. The binding system of claim 6, wherein:

the bearing assembly comprises a swivel plate that couples in a fixed relation to the upper base plate; and

the swivel plate comprises a portion that engages with the lower base plate to allow the upper base plate and the swivel plate to rotate with respect to the lower base plate.

11. The binding system of claim 6, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a lever that, in response to a manual actuation, is configured to cause the latching mechanism to transition from an engaged state to a disengaged state.

12. The binding system of claim 11, wherein the lever is coupled to the pivot plate.

13. The binding system of claim 6, further comprising a slide assembly coupled to the lower base plate, wherein:

when engaged, the slide assembly fixes the lower base plate, the upper base plate, and the pivot plate with respect to the snowboard; and

when disengaged the slide assembly allows the lower base plate, the upper base plate and the pivot plate to translate with respect to the snowboard.

14. The binding system of claim 13, wherein, when disengaged, the slide assembly allows the lower base plate, the upper base plate and the pivot plate to translate along the top surface of the snowboard and towards a tail of the snowboard.

15. The binding system of claim 13, wherein the slide assembly comprises an engagement mechanism configured to maintain the slide assembly in an engaged state and is configured to be manually operated to cause the slide assembly to transition from the engaged state to a disengaged state.

16. A binding system for a snowboard, the binding system comprising:

a lower base plate configured to mate with a top surface of the snowboard;

a bearing assembly;

an upper base plate coupled to the lower base plate by the bearing assembly and configured to rotate with respect to the lower base plate;

a slide assembly coupled to the upper base plate and configured to translate with respect to the lower base plate;

a pivot hinge coupled to the slide assembly;

a pivot plate coupled to the slide assembly by the pivot hinge and configured to couple to a snowboard binding along the top surface of the pivot plate, wherein pivoting of the pivot plate causes the slide assembly to translate with respect to the upper base plate; and

a latching mechanism coupled to the pivot plate and configured to: when engaged, prevent rotation of the upper base plate and prevent pivoting of the pivot plate; and when disengaged, allow rotation of the upper base plate and allow pivoting of the pivot plate.

17. The binding system of claim 16, wherein:

the upper base plate defines a first opening;

the lower base plate defines a second opening;

the latching mechanism comprises an anti-rotation member;

when the latching mechanism is engaged, the anti-rotation member extends through the first opening and the second opening to prevent the rotation of the upper base plate; and

when the latching mechanism is disengaged, pivoting of the pivot plate causes the anti-rotation member to disengage from the first opening and the second opening to allow rotation of the upper base plate.

18. The binding system of claim 17, wherein the anti-rotation member is coupled to a bottom surface of the pivot plate.

19. The binding system of claim 16, wherein:

the upper base plate comprises a set of retaining pins; and

the latching mechanism comprises a slide plate configured to engage with the set of retaining pins and prevent pivoting of the pivot plate when engaged with the slide plate.

20. The binding system of claim 19, wherein the slide plate is coupled to the pivot plate.

21-40. (canceled)