Abstract:
A boot-binding for board sports such as snowboarding is provided that is both automatically closing and compatible with any style of boot or shoe. A molded plastic shell which is fixedly attached to the board&#39;s upper surface provides a substantially boot-shaped receiving space and an automatic closing gate clamps down tightly across the boot&#39;s upper surface to bind the foot tightly. In operation, the rider simply steps into the binding thereby actuating a release mechanism which allows the gate to swing closed. Gate receptors mounted to the exterior of the plastic shell opposite the hinge accept and latch the gate firmly across boot&#39;s upper surface. Several cushioning elements, some of which may be inflatable, may be included and manual adjustments may be made without special tools to adjust the fit and feel of the binding.

Description:
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/685,880, filed Oct. 14, 2003 and issued May 23, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,295, which claims priority of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/418,081, filed Oct. 11, 2002, which provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference, both of which applications are entitled “Automatic, Universal Boot Binding for Board Sports”. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to board sports such as snowboarding and boot bindings for use in such activities. More specifically, this invention relates to an automatically closing and latching binding for use in board sports which is compatible with any style boot or shoe. 
   2. Related Art 
   Ross (U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,700) discloses a snowboard binding for a generic soft boot. The binding has a pair of straps attached at their proximal ends to a baseplate and at their distal ends to a connecting rod. A rotating latch is mounted to the connecting rod and engages a bar which is attached to the side of the baseplate opposite the proximal end of the straps. 
   Hansen, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,770) describes a snowboard binding mechanism in which the binding instep is coupled to the binding sidewalls using flexible, tensile elements. The tensile elements are fixed at one end to the binding instep and fixed at the other end to a vertically-slid heel bar. The rider inserts the boot toe in the binding instep shell and presses the heel downward on the heel bar. As this pressure is applied, the tensile elements move downward in similar fashion, thus drawing the instep down upon the boot&#39;s upper surface. As the boot is positioned on the board surface, a latching mechanism fastens the heel bar securely. Removal is not assisted by any spring mechanism and the rider is required to apply upward pressure on the binding instep while releasing the latching mechanism. 
   Morrow, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,913) describes a snowboard binding mechanism that utilizes a fixture imbedded in the boot sole that couples with a latching mechanism on the board surface. This pairing enables convenient step-in performance, but requires specialized footwear. 
   Couderc, et al. (U.S. Pat. application Pub. No. 2001/0009320) discloses a snowboard binding with a single linkage to connect two lateral edges. The linkage comprises two or more points for fastening to a first of the edges, and a single point for fastening to the second of the edges. 
   It is the object of the present invention to simplify the binding-entry process for snowboarders of every skill level without compromising comfort or functionality and without requiring riders to purchase additional or specialized equipment. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the objectives of the present invention, the disclosed automatic closing and latching binding offers a simple and effective means of securing any style boot to a conventional snowboard or other flat riding-board. The preferred embodiment comprises a lightweight, molded shell for receiving the boot of the rider, an automatic or semi-automatic closing and latching mechanism and a system for adjusting the fit of the binding to the boot. 
   The boot-receiving enclosure portion of the binding is shaped to substantially resemble a snow boot without conforming to any particular boot style. This exterior shell is fixedly attached to the board&#39;s top surface and forms the base of the binding. Metal, plastic, or another sufficiently rigid material may be used for the shell so long as the material properties remain stable over a wide range of temperatures. 
   The automatic latching mechanism comprises an automatic closing gate and a foot activated release mechanism. The food-activated mechanism is adapted so that any conventional boot will trip the mechanism as the boot touches the mechanism, and no mating or other engagement with the mechanism is required. When the rider steps into the binding, the release mechanism is actuated and the gate swings closed across the boot-receiving space and the upper surface of the boot. At the end of the swing, one or more cooperating tab ends situated at the end of the gate opposite the rotating hinge automatically seat within cooperating receiver(s) which are mounted to the shell&#39;s exterior. 
   Adapting the fit and feel of the binding to various boot styles, sizes and user preferences is easily accomplished via, for example, ratcheting adjustments and/or other tuning steps. Preferably, adjustments include mechanisms that are easily done with a single tool, such as a Phillips screwdriver, or that are tool-free. This way, the user can quickly and conveniently adjust the bindings to any boot anywhere without the need for any tool(s). 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a right top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the gate mechanism open. 
       FIG. 2  is a left bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the gate mechanism open. 
       FIG. 3  is a right top perspective view of the embodiment of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the gate mechanism closed. 
       FIG. 4  is a front left perspective view of the embodiment of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3  with the gate mechanism closed. 
       FIG. 5  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-4  with the gate mechanism open and with the adjustability of embodiments of the ankle support, calf support, latch, and gate tab illustrated in dashed lines. 
       FIG. 6  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  with the gate mechanism closed and with the adjustability of embodiments of the support tab, catch arm, and catch plate illustrated in dashed lines and gate illustrated with arrows. 
       FIG. 7  is a right side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  with the gate mechanism closed and with the adjustability of embodiments of the side members and latch illustrated in dashed lines. 
       FIG. 8  is a left side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-7  with the gate mechanism closed and with the adjustability of embodiments of the side members and gate illustrated in dashed lines. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to the figures, there is shown one, but not the only, embodiment of the invented universal boot binding. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a base plate, vertical support, and automatic closing gate. Other optional features include a support tab, a foot-activated actuator for the closing gate, and a forward lean system. Preferably, essentially all features of the binding are adjustable so that one binding is fully functional over a wide of range of boot designs and sizes. The binding may be constructed from any rigid or semi-rigid material so that substantially all of the force of the user it transferred to the board via the binding. Preferably, it is constructed from aluminum and/or rigid plastic. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the preferred embodiment of universal boot binding  100  is shown with gate  20  in the open position. Outer shell  10  comprises base plate  11  and vertical support  12 . Base plate  11  is securely attached to the board, by screws or other conventional fasteners. Vertical support  12  includes side supports  13  and  13 ′ and ankle support  14 , and functions to stabilize the boot in binding  100  on the rear and two sides of the boot. Preferably, supports  13 ,  13 ′, and  14  do not move relative to each other. Side supports  13  and  13 ′ and ankle support  14  surround the boot on three sides and are designed to be fixedly attached to base plate  11  at all times, except when adjusting the position of vertical support  12  on base plate  11 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , four female-male screw attachments  15 ,  15 ′,  15 ″, and  15 ′″ pass through slots  16  and  16 ′ in base plate  11 ; slots  17  and  17 ′ in side supports  13  and  13 ′; and slots  18  and  18 ′ in ankle support  14 . Vertical support  12  may be moved longitudinally-i.e., from toe to heel-as appropriate for the user&#39;s boot. In order to accommodate varying boot widths, binding  100  may be manufactured in various sizes. Alternatively, binding  100  could have an adjustable width. 
   Returning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the boot, when in use, is further held in place by gate  20 , which covers or encloses at least a portion of the front of the boot by extending over the instep or top of the boot. The gate is releasably held in an open position when no boot is in binding  100 . Gate  20  is pivotally attached at its base end  20 ′ to side member  13  and is preferably held open by a catch system comprising catch arm  33  and catch plate  32 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Gate  20  swings in a radius over the instep of the boot. Catch arm  33 , which is attached to gate  20  at its base  33 ′, extends under and catches on catch plate  32  via notch  33 ′″. near its free end or tip  33 ″. In the preferred embodiment, the tip  33 ″, of catch arm  33  extends into the interior of the binding through opening  35  such that it will be contacted by the boot heel when the boot is being placed in the binding. This contact will cause catch arm  33  to be moved downward and away from catch plate  32 . Gate  20  is preferably spring-biased to the closed position, shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Alternatively, biasing means other than a coiled spring, such as other springs or flexing members. Preferably, disengaging catch arm  33  from catch plate  32  allows optional spring  31  to pivot gate  20  to the closed position. Thus, catch arm  33 , catch plate  32 , and spring  31  comprise a foot-activated actuator  30  for closing gate  20 . In an alternative embodiment, spring  31  may be omitted to eliminate the danger that a user&#39;s hand could be accidentally caught by a closing gate-e.g., in an embodiment designed for children. Preferably, there is no connection and no contact between the boot and catch system once actuator  30  is triggered. Catch arm  33  is preferably made from a resilient, rather than brittle, material so that it will snap into and out of position with catch plate  32  many times during the binding&#39;s life. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the preferred embodiment of universal boot binding  100  is shown with gate  20  in the closed position. Distal end of gate  20  preferably includes a ridged gate tab  21  that cooperatively fits into gate latch  24 . When actuator  30  is triggered by the user&#39;s foot, spring  31  causes gate  20  to swing from the open to the closed position with gate tab  21  entering gate latch  24 . However, this will typically not close gate  20  with sufficient tightness for most users. For that reason, gate latch  24  preferably includes gate ratchet  25  that works on teeth  21 ′ to tighten gate  20 , as needed. Gate latch  24  also includes release  26  so that gate latch  24  may be opened and gate tab  21  removed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , support tab  40  is attached to gate  20  so that it is above the approximate center of the binding or boot when gate  20  is closed. Support tab  40  contacts the upper toe portion of the boot. This increases the pressure on the boot by pressing rearward and slightly downward, pushing the heel back into the binding and making the fit of the boot in the binding more comfortable. In an alternative embodiment, support tab  40  may also be vertically adjustable to increase the downward pressure on the boot. Support tab  40  may be made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, or it may be an inflatable piece. 
   Snowboarding requires the rider to bend his knees rather than standing straight upright above the board. To aid in maintaining this position, the preferred embodiment includes forward lean system  50  that prevents the rider from standing perfectly upright while still allowing the rider to bend his knees and ankles. The preferred forward lean system comprises calf support  51 , ridged tab  52 , and latch  53 , which includes ratchet  54  and release  55 . Calf support  51  is pivotally attached to outer shell  10 , on ankle support  14 , via female-male screw attachments  56  and  56 ′ such that its pivot direction matches that of the user&#39;s leg bending at the ankle. Latch  53  cooperatively receives and holds tab  52 , and tab  52  is positioned with its teeth  52 ′ pointing downwards. Ratchet  54  acts to move tab  52  out of latch  53  such that calf support  51  pivots towards the user&#39;s legs—i.e., moves forward. Release  55  allows tab  52  to be moved out of latch  53  with little resistance (that is, up and/or forward), but prevents movement in the opposite (downward/rearward) direction until release  55  is activated to release the tab. Preferably, the user may manually pivot calf support  51  forward without using ratchet  54 , but may desire to use ratchet  54  for small adjustments or when the user&#39;s boots are already engaged in binding  100 . Thus, the rearward force applied to calf support  51  when the user attempts to straighten his legs is countered by the latch system, and, generally, no forward force is applied to calf support  51  during use. Therefore, the position of calf support  51  is preferably fixed during use; the user may increase the bend of his knees and ankles, but cannot straighten his legs. 
   In the preferred embodiment, all features affecting the fit and feel of the binding on a boot are adjustable so that the binding can be compatible with the largest number of boots possible, as variously illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8 . It is not necessary for any part of binding  100  to mate—i.e., mechanically join or connect—with any portion of a boot. Preferably, the boot is held tightly to eliminate, as much as reasonably possible, any movement of the boot within the binding during use, but an exact fit is not required. 
   Base plate  11  has an upward extension on the left and right of binding  100  with slots  16  and  16 ′. Side supports  13  and  13 ′ have slots  17  and  17 ′ near their base. Heel support  14  has a longitudinal extension on the left and right sides of binding  100  with slots  18  and  18 ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , these slots are sized and positioned so that female-male screw attachment  15  and  15 ′ may pass through and bind slots  16 ,  17 , and  18  simultaneously. Similarly, female-male screw attachment  15 ′ and  15 ′″ may pass through and bind slots  16 ′,  17 ′, and  18 ′ simultaneously. Preferably, side supports  13  and  13 ′ and ankle support  14  are separate pieces, all adjustably held in place by male-female screw attachments  15 ,  15 ′,  15 ″, and  15 ′. As illustrated with dotted lines in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , this allows side supports  13  and  13 ′ and ankle member  14  to be separately moved, rather than as a whole unit, in the longitudinal plane so that the boots are properly fitted into the binding and positioned above the board. 
   Gate  20  is detachably attached to outer shell  10  with two male-female screw attachments  27  and  27 ′ via screw holes  28 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In the preferred embodiment, six screw holes  28  are provided allowing gate  20  to be attached to outer shell  10  in three discreet positions. Latch  24  is also attached via male-female screw attachment  27 ″ via screw hole  28 ′, and multiple screw holes  28 ′ are provided to match the possible positions of gate  20  so that gate  20  will close and latch automatically at any position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . This allows gate  20  and latch  24  to be adjusted generally vertically, but with some longitudinal adjustment also occurring. The direction of adjustment is designed to correspond generally to the face of most boots. Alternatively, gate  20  and latch  24  could be continuously adjustable, rather than incrementally, by the use of continuous slots or channels and cooperating tightness. 
   To insure that tab  21  will always enter latch  24  automatically, L-shaped deflection arm  22  is adjustably attached to gate  20  via two male-female screw attachments  23  and  23 ′. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the top end of deflection bar  22  is tightly attached via first male-female screw attachment  23  and second male-female screw attachment  23 ′ passes through the approximate center of the same part deflection bar  22 . By adjusting second male-female screw attachment  23 ′, the tip of deflection bar  22  contacts tab  21  and radially adjusts its position in the swing radius of gate  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5  with deflection bar  22  shown in two possible positions. 
   Returning to  FIG. 6 , catch arm  33  is pivotally attached to gate via male-female screw attachment  34 . Catch plate  32  is also pivotally attached to gate via male-female screw attachment  34 ′. This allows catch arm  33  and catch plate  32  to be adjusted to optimize their cooperative connection, which functions to releasably hold gate  20  in the open position. This feature is particularly important in alternative embodiments where gate  20  and latch  24  are continuously adjustable. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , support tab  40  is attached to gate  20  via male-female screw attachment  42  with spring  41  placed around male-female screw attachment  42  between support tab  42  and gate  20 . Spring  41  biases support tab  40  away from gate  20  and tightening male-female screw attachment  42  forces support tab  40  toward gate  20 . 
   Any connection means may be used, but connectors that will allow for adjusting the position of the various parts is highly preferred. The preferred connector for all parts of the preferred embodiment comprises a screw and receiver where the receiver is flat. The screw is preferably positioned outside the binding and the flat receiver is positioned inside binding with the screw long enough to engage the receiver but short enough not to gouge the boot. (See female-male screw attachments  15 ,  15 ′,  15 ″, and  15 ′″ as examples.) Alternatively, tool-free connectors may be used. For example, wing nuts or thumb screws could be used where it is necessary to remove the connector completely, such as with gate  20 . These type of connectors could also be used where it is only necessary to loosen a connector to allow a part to pivot, such as catch plate  32 . Connectors such as cammed latches could be used for fasteners that are tightened against walls of a slot or channel, such as with the connection between vertical support  12  and base plate  11 . 
   Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following