SNOWBOARD BINDING SYSTEM AND RELEASE MECHANISM

Abstract

Described herein is a snowboard binding system and release mechanism for releasing one of the two bindings by actuation means proximate the user's hand while in a substantially upright position. A cable means extends from the binding which is releasable in a standing position to the opposite leg of the user and is removably secured thereto. In use, the release mechanism enables the user to step in and out of the binding without having to bend over.

Description

FIELD

This invention relates generally to snowboard bindings, and more particularly, to an improved release mechanism for a snowboard binding.

BACKGROUND

Snowboard bindings are employed to secure boots to a board and are typically classified in one of two general types. A strap binding typically includes one or more straps that extend across a rider's boot to secure the boot to the binding. Alternatively, a step-in binding typically employs one or more strapless engagement members, rather than straps, into which the rider can step to lock the boot into the binding. The strapless engagement members are configured to engage with one or more corresponding engagement members on the boot.

Step in binding systems are limited in that they are designed to work with a specific boot and cannot be used with any boot desired by the user. In addition, some snowboard riders find these binding systems to lack in performance (e.g., responsiveness when controlling the snowboard), and may be at higher risk for inadvertent release while snowboarding. In contrast, strap binding systems can typically accommodate any snowboard boot and may address some of the above shortcomings of step-in binding systems. However, strap binding systems are more cumbersome and slower to get in and out of as they require the user to manipulate the straps to release the boot from the binding. As such both systems have their disadvantages. More recently, a hybrid version of the step-in binding system has been introduced in which the speed and ease of “stepping into” the binding is combined with the flexibility and performance advantages of strap systems.

One such hybrid step in binding is described in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2019/0290995 to Flannery. The Flannery binding includes a footplate that's pivotally coupled at a front pivot point to a body used for fixing the binding to the snowboard. The Flannery binding includes a lever coupled to the body at rear laterally adjacent fulcrum points, thereby defining a rear high back supporting arm and forward load arms. The Flannery binding further comprises a pair of linkages each connecting a respective load arm to a rear of the footplate at a rear and forward pivot points respectively. Stepping on the footplate applies force to the respective load arms via the linkages to depress the footplate to secure the boot to the binding. To release the binding the user has to press on the lever thereby releasing a latch and reversing the rotation of the pivot points and foot plate, thereby reconfiguring the binding to the open position in which the user can remove the boot from the binding.

Another hybrid step in system is describe in U.S. Pat. No. 11,738,253 to Edmond et al. This binding system includes a baseplate, a bearing highback rotatable relative to the baseplate, and a pedal to operate the bearing highback during clip-in between the opening position and the closing position. This binding further includes a locking element that locks the rotation of the bearing highback relative to the baseplate in the closed position against the elastic return of a lever. The locking element includes two ratchet notches with the lever. The lever, which is rotatably coupled to the baseplate, is designed for manual release via a maneuver arm at the terminal end of the lever.

While these hybrid systems provide an advancement in the art of snowboard bindings, shortcomings remain. For example, in each case, the user must still bend down to manipulate the lever in order to unlatch the binding and allow it to move to the open configuration, which may be undesirable for some users.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a release mechanism for a snowboard binding system includes a pair of bindings, each having a release lever, the release mechanism including a bracket configured to be fixed to a first one of the pair of bindings, a cable assembly, and an elongate attachment member. The cable assembly has a length greater than a distance between the pair of bindings when secured to a snowboard. The cable assembly includes an outer sheath and an inner cable movable relative to the outer sheath, wherein a first end of the outer sheath is attached to the bracket, and a first end of the inner cable being configured for attachment to a release lever of the first one of the pair of bindings, and where a pull member is attached to the second end of the inner cable. The elongate attachment member is coupled to the outer sheath proximate a second end of the outer sheath, wherein the elongate attachment member includes cooperating first and second fasteners at its opposite ends for defining an opening when the fasteners are coupled. The opening encircles the user's leg for securing the attachment member thereto.

According to further embodiment of the present invention, a snowboard binding system for a snowboard, includes a first binding and a second binding, each binding including a baseplate, a back support (or highback) rotatably coupled to the baseplate, at least one binding strap secured to the baseplate to create an adjustable-size opening for receiving a boot, and a lever movable between a first position in which the rotation of the back support is prevented and a second position in which the back support is rotatable relative to the baseplate. The binding system further includes a release mechanism including a cable assembly having a first end portion attached to the lever of the first binding, an intermediate portion extending a first distance away from the first end portion and attached to the second binding, and a second end portion extending a second distance away from the intermediate portion and coupled to an attachment member for securing the second end portion to a location such that the lever can be actuated by a user while in a substantially upright position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a step-in snowboard binding system that includes a pair of bindings with a release mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of one of the bindings of FIG. 1 with the release mechanism shown in a nominal (unactuated) state.

FIG. 3 shows the rear perspective view of the binding in FIG. 2, with the release mechanism in a second (actuated) state.

FIG. 4 shows a portion of the binding release system of FIG. 1 that includes the attachment and pull members of the release mechanism.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the second binding f FIG. 1 and the manipulation end of the release mechanism attached to the user.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the release mechanism in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a release mechanism 100 for a snowboard binding system 10 and, more particularly, to a cable-actuated release system that allows a rider to disengage the snowboard bindings from a convenient location while in a substantially upright position.

In conventional snowboard binding systems, disengagement from the snowboard typically requires the rider to manually operate individual release mechanisms located on each binding, often necessitating bending down or removing gloves. The present invention may address at least these limitations by providing a release mechanism that facilitates the disengagement of a snowboard bindings via a remotely located pull member.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism 100 is configured for use with a snowboard binding system 10 that includes a pair of bindings (12 and 14), each having a release lever 20. The binding release mechanism 100 according to embodiments of the present invention may be used with binding system described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,738,253 to Edmond et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety for any purpose. To configure the binding system 20 for use, each of the pair of bindings 12, 14 is secured to a snowboard 2 in a spaced apart manner (e.g., as can be seen in FIG. 1).

According to embodiments of the present invention, the release mechanism 100 is implemented using a cable assembly 110 that includes an outer sheath (or simply sheath) 112 and an inner cable (or simply cable) 114 movable within the sheath 112. In some embodiments, a Bowden cable is used for the cable assembly 110. The first end portion 111 of the cable assembly 110 is coupled to the release lever 20 of one of the bindings (e.g., the first binding 12) and the opposite, second end portion 115 of the cable assembly 110 is secured at a location proximate the user's hand while the user is in a generally upright position. In the context of the present disclosure, a position in which the user's legs are straight or have a slight (e.g., up to 20 degree) bend and/or the user's back is substantially straight or only slightly bend, such as up to 15 degree bend, is considered an upright position. The cable assembly 110 is configured to transmit a force from the second end portion 115 of the cable assembly 110, also referred to as the manipulation end, to the opposite, first end portion 111 of the cable assembly 110, also referred to as the actuated end. The second (or manipulation) end 115 of the cable assembly may include a pull member 160 configured to enable the user to grasp and apply a pulling force to the movable inner cable 114, thus actuating the mechanism 100 and consequently the lever 20. The pull member 160 may be implemented by a handle of any suitable shape. For example, the pull member 160 may be implemented by a loop or loop-shaped handle, a t-shaped handle, or any other suitable similar structure. In some embodiments, the handle may be formed from the second end 122 of the cable 114, such as by shaping the second end 122 to form the loop or T-shaped structure of the pull member. A sheath, rubber or suitable coating may cover the looped or T-shaped end of the cable for comfort of the user when actuating the release mechanism.

The outer sheath 112, near the second end 115 of the cable assembly 110 is configured for attachment to the user's leg 1. For example, the release mechanism 100 may include a strap 170. The strap 170 may be implemented using any suitable material such as fabric, rubber, robe or any other flexible elongate material. The strap 170 is configured for securing the cable assembly 110 to the user (i.e. snowboard rider). The strap 170 can be a any suitable length to encircle the rider's leg. In some embodiments the strap 170 can be between 15-20 inches in length. In some embodiments, such as to accommodate junior riders, the strap 170 is at least 8 inches in length. Other lengths can be used in other embodiments. The strap 170 is positioned near the second end 118 of the outer sheath 112, providing a mounting point for the pull member 160 at a location proximate the user's hand 3 while in a substantially upright position. The strap 170 may be secured to the cable assembly, and more specifically to the outer sheath, using any suitable means at a location near its second end. In some examples, the strap 170 is fixed to the sheath 112. In some examples, the strap 170 is removably coupled to the cable assembly 110, for example using a magnetic clasp, such that the strap 170 can remain attached to the user's leg when the user completely dismounts from the snowboard and carries or stows it. The strap 170 can be configured for securing to the rider (e.g., to the user's leg) using any suitable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners (also known as VELCRO), a buckle, a magnetic fastener including a pair of magnetic bodies such as a magnet fixed to one end of the strap and an attractive material (e.g., a ferromagnetic material) attached to the other end of the strap. As such, the elongate attachment member (e.g., strap) is designed to secure the manipulation end of the release mechanism within easy reach of the rider while in a standing position (e.g., as can be seen in FIGS. 5-7).

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the cable assembly 110, and more specifically the outer sheath 112, is secured to each of the two bindings 12 and 14. Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first end portion 111 of the cable assembly 110, which includes the first end 116 of the sheath 112 is secured to the first binding 12. In some embodiments, the sheath 112 is secured to the first binding 12 via a bracket 150 described further below so as to remain generally stationary relative to the first binding 12. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, an intermediate portion 113 of the cable assembly 110 is attached to the second binding 14 so that the intermediate portion 113 also remains generally stationary in use. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 113 is configured for removable attachment, for example using magnetic means. As can be further seen in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the second end portion 115 of the cable assembly 110, which includes the second end 118 of the sheath 112 extends a sufficient distance away from the second binding 14 to position the second end portion 115 of the cable assembly 110, and thus the manipulation end of the inner cable 114 near the user's hand 3 while in a substantially upright position. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the cable assembly 110 is configured to extend from the first binding 12 to the second binding 14, spanning the distance therebetween, and extending up the leg 5 of the user secured to the second biding 14, such that in use, when the rider dismounts from the first binding 12, the manipulation end 115 of the system remains attached to the user and does not interfere with the user's removal of their foot from the first binding 12.

In some embodiments, the release mechanism 100 includes a bracket 150 configured to be secured to one of the two bindings of the pair of snowboard bindings. In some embodiments, the bracket 150 is attached to the first binding 12 using any suitable means, such as by being welded, glued, bolted or otherwise fastened to remain in a generally fixed position relative to the binding 12. The bracket 150 serves as a mounting point for the cable assembly 110 and facilitates the transfer of force to the lever 20. In some embodiments, the release mechanism 100 is provided as a retrofit kit, including the cable assembly, bracket and one or more cable stays. To assemble the kit for use, the first end 120 of the inner cable is secured to the lever (e.g., via a stop end 121 threaded to the end of the cable 114), the bracket 150 is secured to the binding 12 (e.g., via a snap fitting or magnetic fitting), the first end of the sheath 114 is secured to the bracket 150 (e.g., a ferrule 117) and the cable is secured along at least a portion of its length to the snowboard (e.g., via one or more cable stays 180) and to the second binding 14 (e.g., via a magnetic mount). In other embodiments, the binding system is provided with the components of the release mechanism attached to the respective components of the binding system, and ready for installation on the snowboard.

When configured for use, the bracket 150 is attached to the one of the bindings 12 positioning the first end portion 111 of the cable assembly 110 near the release lever 20 of the first binding 12. As can be seen e.g., in FIG. 1, the cable assembly 110 may be secured along at least a portion of its length using one or more stays 180, such as cable clamps or worm gear clamps. In some embodiments, the cable assembly 110 may be magnetically secured to the snowboard 2, e.g., using magnetic mounts or any other suitable coupling that uses magnetic attraction between the cooperating elements of the coupling. In one embodiment, a first set of magnetic elements (e.g., metal rings or other suitable structure made from magnetically attractive material) may be attached to the outer sheath along the length that is to be secured to the board, and a second set magnetic elements (e.g., permanent magnets) may be attached at corresponding locations on the snowboard 2. Any suitable stays may be used in other embodiments to secure the outer sheath of the cable assembly to the snowboard.

The release mechanism is designed for integration with a snowboard binding system 10, where each binding 12, 14 includes a baseplate 15 that serves as the primary support structure for the binding, and a back support (or high back) 16 rotatably (or pivotally) coupled to the baseplate 15 to provide ankle support and control. Each binding 10 also includes at least one binding strap 17 that defines an adjustable opening 8 for receiving and securing the rider's boot 6. A release lever 20 is operable to unlock the back support 16 so that it can pivot rearwardly relative to the baseplate 15 to enable the user to step out of the binding. A release mechanism 100 according to embodiments of the present invention can be used to relocate the actuation point of the release lever 20 of one of the bindings to a location near the opposite leg of the rider and at a position that can be actuated while standing.

In operation, actuation of the pull member 160 causes movement of the inner cable 114 within the outer sheath 112 of the cable assembly 110, which in turn actuates (e.g., pulls) the release lever of the binding to unlock rotation of the high back 16. As can be seen, the length of the cable assembly 110 is greater than the distance between the two bindings when installed on the snowboard, which enables the manipulation end of the cable to be secured to the opposite leg of the rider from the one in the binding which is being released. This allows the release mechanism to remain secured to the rider even when the rider periodically steps out of the binding (e.g. when riding a chair lift). As can be seen, e.g., in FIG. 1, the length of the cable assembly 110 is of sufficient length, allowing the pull member to be positioned in a location accessible by the user while standing, such as near the rider's knee or thigh, and remain attached to the user's leg while the other binding is released. By providing a remote-actuated release system, the present invention may improve the user experience by eliminating the need for the rider to constantly bend down to manually release the bindings (e.g., each time the rider gets on and off a chair lift), which can be particularly advantageous for users with chronic back pain.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The above aspects and embodiments of the disclosure may be employed in any suitable combination as the present invention is not limited in this respect. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Claims

1. A release mechanism for a snowboard binding system including a pair of bindings, each having a release lever, the release mechanism comprising:

a bracket configured to be fixed to a first one of the pair of bindings;

a cable assembly having a length greater than a distance between the pair of bindings when secured to a snowboard, the cable assembly comprising an outer sheath and an inner cable movable relative to the outer sheath, wherein a first end of the outer sheath is attached to the bracket, and a first end of the inner cable is configured for attachment to a release lever of the first one of the pair of bindings, and where a pull member is attached to the second end of the inner cable; and

an elongate attachment member coupled to the outer sheath proximate a second end of the outer sheath, wherein the elongate attachment member comprises cooperating first and second fasteners at its opposite ends for defining an opening when the fasteners are coupled.

2. The release mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cable assembly comprises a Bowden cable.

3. The release mechanism of claim 1, wherein the elongate attachment member is removably coupled to the cable assembly.

4. The release mechanism of claim 3, wherein the elongate attachment member is removably coupled to the cable assembly using a magnetic coupling.

5. The release mechanism of claim 1, wherein the elongate attachment member comprises a strap having a length of at least 8 inches.

6. The release mechanism of claim 1, wherein the elongate attachment member comprises a strap, and wherein the first and second fasteners are selected from a hook and loop fastener, and magnetically attracted fasteners.

7. The release mechanism of claim 1, wherein the cable assembly is configured for removable attachment to the second one of the pair of bindings.

8. A snowboard binding system for a snowboard, comprising:

a first binding and a second binding, each comprising: a baseplate; a back support rotatably coupled to the baseplate; at least one binding strap operatively coupled to the baseplate to create an adjustable-size opening for receiving a boot; and a lever movable between a first position in which the rotation of the back support is prevented and a second position in which the back support is rotatable relative to the baseplate; and

a release mechanism comprising a cable assembly comprising a first end portion attached to the lever of the first binding, an intermediate portion extending a first distance away from the first end portion and attached to the second binding, and a second end portion extending a second distance away from the intermediate portion and coupled to an attachment member for securing the second end portion to a location such that the lever can be actuated by a user while in a substantially upright position.

9. The snowboard binding system of claim 8, wherein the cable assembly comprises a sheath and cable longer than and movable within to the sheath.

10. The snowboard binding system of claim 9, wherein the cable comprises a first end coupled to the lever and a second end terminating at a pull member, and wherein a first end of the sheath is coupled to a bracket fixed relative to the baseplate such that actuation of the pull member away from a second end of the sheath moves the lever towards the bracket.

11. The snowboard binding system of claim 8, wherein each of the first distance and the second distance is at least 8 inches.

12. The snowboard binding system of claim 8, wherein the attachment member is removably coupled to a second end of the sheath.

13. The snowboard binding system of claim 8, further comprising one or more stays for securing a length of the cable assembly between the first end portion and the intermediate portion to the snowboard.

14. The snowboard binding system of claim 8, wherein the cable assembly is configured to be secured to the snowboard using one or more cable clamps, worm gear clamps, or magnetic couplings.

15. A snowboard binding system comprising:

first and second bindings, each comprising: a baseplate; a back support rotatably coupled to the baseplate; at least one binding strap operatively coupled to the baseplate to create an adjustable-size opening for receiving a boot; a locking element movable between a first position in which the rotation of the back support is prevented and a second position in which the back support is rotatable relative to the baseplate; and a lever operable to release the locking mechanism; and

a Bowden cable having a length greater than a spacing between the first and second bindings when the first and second bindings are secured to a snowboard, wherein the Bowden cable comprises a first end coupled to the lever of the first binding, an intermediate portion attached to the second binding, and a second end extending a distance sufficiently away from the intermediate portion to enable actuation of the first end by a rider in a substantially upright position.

16. The snowboard binding system of 15, further comprising a strap proximate the second end of end of the Bowden cable.

17. The snowboard binding system of 15, wherein at last one of:

the distance is at least 8 inches; and

the length is at least 16 inches.

18. A release mechanism for releasing a first one of a pair of bindings on a snowboard, the release mechanism comprising an actuation means having a first end coupled to an unlocking lever of the first one of the pair of bindings, and a second end positioned proximate a second one of the pair of bindings.

19. The release mechanism of claim 18, wherein the actuation means comprises a Bowden cable connected to each of the first and second one of the pair of bindings.

20. The release mechanism of claim 19, wherein the second end of the actuation means is configured for removable attachment to a location that enables a user to actuate the first end from a substantially upright position.