Abstract:
A binding strap assist mechanism. The binding strap assist mechanism can be retrofit onto standard snowboard binding straps to bias the binding straps and an open configuration. Binding straps pass through the binding strap assist mechanism so that tensile stress along the length of each of these binding straps during use is not significantly conveyed to the binding straps assist mechanism. The tensile stress are thus isolated to the binding straps which are intended to carry such stresses. The present invention provides a safe and convenient feature to snowboard bindings and other bindings. Safety is achieved because even if the binding strap assist mechanism breaks or fails to function, the binding straps will continue to function as normal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 62/113,414, filed 7 Feb. 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/138,314, filed 25 Mar. 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This patent application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Design patent application No. 29519129, filed 2 Mar. 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains to binding strap mechanisms, and particularly to snow board binding strap mechanisms that ease securing a foot into a binding. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Snowboard bindings secure a snowboarder&#39;s foot onto his or her snowboard. Current bindings are effective during snowboarding, but still cumbersome to bind to a foot. 
         [0004]    Snowboard binding need to be removed often, unlike ski bindings. This is because of the nature of most chair lifts. Upon boarding a chair lift, one foot needs to be removed from the snow board binding and reattached after exiting the chairlift. The reattachment of the one foot into the binding is preferably done rapidly and efficiently. Upon chairlift egress, the snowboarder typically slides down a slope with one foot bound and one free. The snowboarder must stop to re-attach the binding prior to commencing further down-hill travel. 
         [0005]    Difficulty is found when the snow board binding strap overlays and area where the foot is to be inserted. This requires the snowboarder to bend over and physically remove the binding strap then insert the foot. This may sound simple, but when one is wearing bulky snow pants and a thick jacket, bending is not easy. On a slippery snow-covered hill there may be movement of the snowboard down the hill during this process. Accordingly it takes a special degree of skill to efficiently move the binding strap from the foot area, insert the foot into the binding while bent over, and to attach the binding strap. Both novices and experienced boarders recognize the cumbersome nature of re-attaching the binding every time a chairlift is used. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,515 B2 to Carrasca discloses a mechanism that helps the binding strap sets to more likely be free from the foot area. In particular, each binding strap set includes two sides. One side has a buckle and another side has ribs that engage the buckle. A hinge attaches the side with the buckle to the snowboard binding. The hinge enables the one side of the binding strap to flay open and thus enable the foot to be placed into the foot area of the binding. 
         [0007]    While this represents a step forward in the art of binding straps, several drawbacks of this design are apparent. In particular there is a possibility when the binding strap is open such as during an exit from the chairlift that it could interfere with stability of the snowboard. There is also a possibility that the hinged side of the binding strap could flop inwards and cover the foot area thus providing little benefit to a snowboarder that must bend over and remove the strap from the foot area. A third drawback is that the hinge is in line with the strap. Every time the strap is tightened stress is endured by the hinge this creates a situation where either failure of the hinge is possible or very robust hinges are required. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,992 B2 to Pascal et al. discloses a pivoting binding strap hinge that biases a snowboard strap into the open position. While the pivoting binding strap hinge performs multiple functions, it also suffers from the drawback that the pivot mechanism and biasing mechanism are in line with the strap. This causes the mechanisms to endure stress applied by the strap. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,597,318 B2 to Hall discloses a strap design for snowboard bindings. Each strap is bifurcated with materials of varying thicknesses to enable the strap to naturally bias into an open position. This also represents a step forward in the art of snowboard bindings however, there are drawbacks. One limitation is that the width of the binding strap near where it&#39;s mounted to the snowboard binding is much greater than the width of a normal strap. This is cumbersome. 
         [0010]    What is desired is a better way to bias a snowboard binding strap into an open position. It is also desired is a way of biasing the snowboard binding strap into an open position which is reliable, not cumbersome, and that can retrofit on existing snowboard straps. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention includes a snowboard binding. The bindings have binding straps. The binding straps include binding strap assist mechanisms to bias the binding straps into an open position which enables a snowboard user to easily place his or her foot into a foot area of the binding. The bindings are then buckled and secured to maintain a snowboarder&#39;s foot in the bindings. 
         [0012]    Biasing the binding straps and open configuration provides convenience and enables haste. The present invention is safe and even if the binding strap assist mechanism breaks or otherwise fails the binding straps continue to operate unhindered. 
         [0013]    Two variations of the binding strap assist mechanism are disclosed one including a compression spring which generates power through axial compression and extension of the spring the compression spring is a helical spring. The other variation includes torsion spring which generates power from rotation of the spring about its axis. 
         [0014]    In both embodiments provide the advantage of having a binding strap pass through each binding strap assist mechanism. The binding strap carries the tensile force necessary to hold a foot in the binding. The binding strap assist mechanism does not need to bear this tensile force. 
         [0015]    The embodiment having the compression spring is advantageous because during use of the snowboard, the compression springs are compressed to limit the entry of particulate matter between the compression spring windings. 
         [0016]    Additionally when the snowboard binding straps are released from a closed configuration to an open configuration the interstitial space between the compression spring windings expands releasing any particulate matter that could&#39;ve been trapped between the coils of the compression spring. 
         [0017]    Similarly, in the embodiment utilizing torsion spring the interstitial spaces between the coils of the torsion spring can be minimized when the binding straps are holding a foot during operation to inhibit accumulation of particulate matter. The interstitial space between spring windings is maximized when the binding straps move to the open configuration to release accumulated particulate matter such as ice or snow when the binding straps release the foot. 
         [0018]    Accordingly the present invention provides a reliable, simple, lightweight and safe mechanism for assisting binding straps of the snowboard into an open configuration. This makes the present invention convenient to use. 
         [0019]    In each embodiment the binding strap passes through the binding strap assist mechanism. This is a distinctive attribute of the present invention that enables the binding straps to bear the tensile load to firmly hold a foot in a binding. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a snowboard including two bindings in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of a binding mounted on the snowboard including a pair of binding strap assist mechanisms that maintain respective binding straps and an open position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a binding strap mounted on a snowboard including a pair of binding strap assist mechanisms and the respective binding straps maintain a closed position 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a binding strap assist mechanism in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the binding strap assist mechanism of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the binding strap assist mechanism of  FIG. 4  including a binding strap oriented in an open position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the binding strap assist mechanism of  FIG. 4  including a binding strap oriented in a closed position 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the binding strap assist mechanism of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a binding strap assist mechanism in accordance with the present invention oriented in an open position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of the binding strap assist mechanism of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]      FIG. 1  shows a snowboard generally designated with the reference numeral  10 . The snowboard includes binding  12  and binding  14  mounted on the snowboard. The binding  12  includes a heel cup  13 , a foot area  15 , a proximal pair of binding straps, and a distal pair of binding straps. The proximal pair includes binding strap  22  having one end attached proximal to the heel cup  13  and the binding strap  23  having one end attached proximal to the heel cup  13 . The distal pair of binding straps includes binding strap  20  and binding strap  21 . The binding strap  20  attaches to the binding  12  in a position distal the heel cup  13 . The binding strap  21  attaches in a position distal to heel cup  13 . 
         [0031]    The binding straps  20 ,  21 ,  22 , and  23  are shown in an open position to enable the foot of a snowboarder to readily be placed in the foot area  15 . 
         [0032]    The binding straps  22  and  20  are positioned on the medial side of the binding  12 . Both straps  20  and  22  are an open position. The straps  20  and  22  both include strap pads  24  and  26  that respectively pad and cover portions of the binding strap  22  and  20 . 
         [0033]    The binding straps  20  and  22  also include a clasp  28  and  30  respectively that are fixed on the pads  24  and  26 , respectively, of the binding straps  20  and  22 . The clasps  28  and  30  attached to a free ends of each respective pad  24  and  26  of the binding straps  20  and  22 . The clasps  28  and  30  enable the binding straps  21  and  23  to adjustably mate with the binding straps  20  and  22 , respectively. 
         [0034]    The binding straps  20  and  22  are typically integrated to the strap pads  24  and  26 , respectively though a fastener such as a bolt. The fastener is removable to enable disassembly of the binding straps  20  and  22 . Disassembly of the binding straps  20  and  22  through use of the removable fastener enables the binding strap assist mechanism of the present invention to slide over each binding strap  20  and  22  into an operative position. The binding straps  20  ad  22  are then re-assembled by fastening the strap pads  24  and  26  into an original position. 
         [0035]    Although a bolt is shown as an example of a removable fastener, any removable fastener used in snow board binding straps can be used in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0036]    Each binding strap  20  and  22  further includes a binding strap assist mechanism  18  and  16  attached in a pass through arrangement on each binding strap  20  and  22 , respectively. The strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16  bias the binding straps in the open position as shown. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows an expanded view of the binding  12  on the snowboard  10 . The binding strap  22  includes a bolted connection to the proximal portion of the binding  12  at the heel cup  13 . The binding strap  20  has a fixed connection to the distal portion of the binding  12 . 
         [0038]    The binding strap  20  and  22  pass through the binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16 , respectively. It can be appreciated that when the binding straps  20  and  22  connect with the binding straps  21  and  23  to hold the foot in the binding  12  that tensile stress along the length of each of these binding straps is significant and sufficient to hold the foot in the binding during rigorous snowboarding activity. This tensile stress is isolated to the binding straps and only insignificantly affects the binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16 . This is because the pass-through connection does not require the binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16  to endure these tensile stresses. Accordingly, the pass-through connection isolates tensile stress applied to the binding straps  20  and  22 . 
         [0039]    An advantage of the present invention is that the binding strap assist mechanisms can retrofit on existing snowboard bindings by simply removing the binding pads  26  and  24  and slidably connecting the binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16 , respectively into place. Once in place the binding pads  26  and  24  can be remounted to the snowboard binding  12 . In this embodiment, there is no need to remove the binding straps  20  and  22  to make the present invention retrofitable on existing bindings without the need for tools in most instances. 
         [0040]    An alternate embodiment the snowboard bindings  12  originally equipped with the snowboard binding strap assist mechanisms and sold as a single unit. The advantage of utilizing the binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16  is that standard binding straps  20  and  22  can be utilized, thus eliminating the need for custom binding straps to achieve the goals of the present invention. 
         [0041]    In yet another embodiment snowboard  10  is sold with bindings  12  attached the bindings  12  include the binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16  on the binding straps  20  and  22 , respectively. The advantage of this is that a snowboard customer can test the efficacy of the present invention while making a purchase decision. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows the distal pair in the proximal pair of binding straps in the closed position. When the binding straps are in the closed position the binding straps cooperate to hold a snowboarder&#39;s foot in the binding  12 . The binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16  endure very little pressure from the tension of the binding straps  20  and  22 , respectively. The binding straps  20  and  22 , which are designed for enduring significant tensile force, bear this tensile force without compromising the integrity or reliability of the binding strap assist mechanisms  18  and  16 . This enables the binding strap assist mechanisms  16  and  18  to be designed in a way that is not bulky or cumbersome and also enables the binding strap assist mechanisms  16  and  18  to be highly reliable and durable. 
         [0043]    The binding straps  21  and  23  include grooves or teeth that adjustably slide into the latches (e.g.  28 ) of the respective binding straps  20  and  22 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a binding strap assist mechanism generally designated with the reference numeral  18 . The binding strap assist mechanism  18  included a compression spring  30  having two ends, a lever arm  32  and a lever arm  34  that contact respective ends of the compression spring  30 . The lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32  are connected to each other by a hinge  35  to enable relative movement of the lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32 . This relative movement compress and release the compression spring  30 . 
         [0045]    The lever arm  32  and the lever arm  34  cooperate with the hinge  35  to form a buckle that holds the binding strap assist mechanism on a binding strap with friction. 
         [0046]    The lever arm  32  is has a smooth end  38  for contacting the binding strap. The lever arm  34  includes a pin  40  contacting the binding strap. And the hinge  35  includes a smooth portion for contacting the binding strap. Together the smooth end  38 , the pin  40  and the hinge  35  cooperate to hold the binding strap assist mechanism  18  in a desired position on the binding strap. 
         [0047]    The lever arm  34  includes a reinforcement pin  36 . The smooth end  38  of the lever arm  32  includes a reinforcement pin  37 . The reinforcement pins assure that contact between a binding strap and the mechanism  18 , does not deform the mechanism  18  due to contact between the binding strap and the regions of the mechanism  18  surrounding the reinforcement pins. 
         [0048]    Manipulation of the lever arm  32  with respect to the lever arm  34  about the hinge  35  enable selective adjustment of the position of a binding strap assist mechanism  18  on a binding strap. Once manipulated into a desired position on a binding strap the cooperation of the smooth end  38 , the pin  40  and the hinge  35  hold the binding strap assist mechanism  18  in the desired position. 
         [0049]    The lever arm  34  includes constraint tabs  39  and  41  which are affixed to extend from the lever arm  34  in a position adjacent to pins  36  and  40 . The constraint tabs inhibit undesired movement of the mechanism  18  on a binding strap while distancing the mechanism away from a binding strap to optimize moment forces that move the binding strap to an open configuration. The constraint tabs  39  and  41  assure optimal alignment of the mechanism  18  on a binding strap. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of the binding strap assist mechanism  18  of  FIG. 4 . The relationship between the lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32  with respect to the hinge  35  is clearly seen. Relative movement between the lever arm  32  and the lever arm  34  about the hinge  35  moves the end  56  of the lever arm  32  along an arc represented by the arrow  54 . The lever arm  32  includes hinge stop  41 . The hinge stop  41  is a fixed nib that is semi-spherical in shape, or semi-cylindrical in shape to inhibit build up of particulate matter such as ice or snow. The hinge stop  41  limits movement of the lever arm  32  with respect to the lever arm  34  when the spring  30  is extended and the mechanism  18  is in the open configuration as shown. 
         [0051]    The lever arm  32  has an end  52  in contact with the compression spring  30 . The lever arm  34  has an end  50  in direct contact with an opposite end of the compression spring  30 . Relative movement between the lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32  in rotation about the hinge  35  compresses and extends the compression spring  30  in the directions of the arrows  56 . It is shown that the ends  50  and  52  of the lever arms  32  and  34 , respectively are angled slightly from each other, i.e. they are not axially aligned with each other. This assures that the spring  30  buckles slightly forming a curved axis. Buckling enables the spring  30  to apply energy both from axial extension and compression, but also from the buckling of the spring. Utilizing both compressive energy storage and energy storage yielded from buckling, the spring can apply more force against the mechanism  18  than would be possible through use of axial compressive forces only. 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  shows the binding strap assist mechanism  18  biasing the binding strap  20  in the open position. Interstitial space between spring windings is maximized to release particulate matter such as ice and snow from the spring  30 . The compression spring  30  is slightly buckled. The compression spring has an axis that has a curve when buckled. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows the binding strap assist mechanism  18  holding a binding strap  20  and a closed position. Interstitial space between spring windings is minimized to inhibit entry of particulate matter into the spring  30 . 
         [0054]    In the closed position the compression spring  30  is nearly fully compressed to optimize axial extension capability of the compression spring and to minimize interstitial space between the windings of the compression spring  30 . Minimizing interstitial space between the windings of the compression spring minimizes the buildup of ice and snow or other disruptive particulate matter in the compression spring. Accordingly during use the compression spring  30  is less likely to become bound with particulate matter such as ice, dirt and snow. 
         [0055]    Additionally operation of the compression spring  30  between the closed position is shown to an open position ( FIG. 6 ) applies axial force in the direction of the arrows  58  (extension). During extension of the compression spring, the compression spring releases any particulate matter attached to the compression spring  30 . This is because when the binding strap assist mechanism  18  opens the interstitial space between spring windings is increased to release any particulate matter. 
         [0056]    Accordingly operating a snowboard while utilizing the present invention for downhill travel when the compression spring closed position has the dual benefit of inhibiting buildup of particulate matter surrounding the coils of the compression spring by minimizing interstitial space between the spring windings during operation, and upon releasing the binding straps into the open position to increase such interstitial space and thereby release any built-up particulate matter. 
         [0057]    The invention includes a method of attaching a binding strap assist mechanism to a snow board binding. The binding has straps that attach to hold a foot in the binding. Preparing the binding for attachment to a foot includes providing a binding strap having an integrated strap pad with a clasp. The strap pad being removeably attached to the binding strap with a removeably fastener or other device. The fastener can include a self-fastening fabric, or a threaded fastener, for example. Next, the strap pad is removed from the binding strap to make room for step of fastening the present invention to the binding strap. 
         [0058]    Next, the binding strap assist mechanism slides over the binding strap. The binding strap assist mechanism includes a first lever arm and a second lever arm connected by a hinge. The hinge defines a spring side with a spring and a strap side that contacts a portion of the binding strap. The hinge moves to accommodate the binding strap. When the binding strap assist mechanism is optimally positioned on the binding strap the strap pad is replaced on the binding strap. 
         [0059]    The spring is a helical spring that initially extends axially when the binding strap assist mechanism is attached to the binding strap, and the helical spring compresses axially when the binding strap is utilized to hold a foot in a snowboard. 
         [0060]    Another method in accordance with the present invention attaches a foot into a snow board binding that includes a binding strap and the mechanism of the present invention. First, a snow board with a binding having a binding strap is provided. The binding strap having a binding strap assist mechanism to hold the binding strap in an open configuration. The binding strap assist mechanism includes two lever arms attached by hinge. The binding strap passes one side of the hinge, a spring mounts on another side of the hinge to bias the binding strap in the open configuration. The foot is inserted into the binding while the binding strap is in the open configuration. The foot is secured in the binding by moving the binding strap into a closed configuration. The spring compresses when the binding strap is in the closed configuration to inhibit snow from interfering with operation of the spring. The spring does not buckle when compressed, or buckles an insignificant amount. In this way the spring exerts at least 99% of its force in an axial direction with respect to the axis of the spring. 
         [0061]    The spring extends when the binding strap is in the open configuration to release snow from the spring, particularly between the helical windings of the spring. 
         [0062]    In a preferred embodiment, the spring buckles slightly when extended to exert an axial force, and additionally a force due to the flexion (buckling) of the spring. This enables a spring of compact design to be used. This also maximizes the amount of energy the spring can apply in moving the binding strap into an open configuration to receive a foot. 
         [0063]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the binding strap assist mechanism  18 . The lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32  are hinged together. To enable relative movement of the lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32  compress and release the compression spring  30 . 
         [0064]    The hinged connection between the lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32  includes an axle  72  that press fits and extends through the smooth surfaces  70  and  68  of the lever arm  32 . The lever arm  32  and the lever arm  34  cooperate to form a buckle that holds the binding strap assist mechanism  18  on a binding strap. The axle  72  also extends through a tube  73  defined on the lever arm  34 . 
         [0065]    The lever arm  32  is has a smooth end  38  for contacting the binding strap. The smooth end  38  is hollow for receiving a reinforcement bar  64  in a press fit arrangement. The reinforcement bar  64  improves the integrity and durability of the smooth end  38 . The reinforcement bar  64  is made from stainless steel. 
         [0066]    The lever arm  34  includes a smooth portion  40  for contacting a binding strap. The smooth portion  40  receives reinforcement bars  66  and  67  to improve the integrity and durability of the smooth portion  40 . The reinforcement bars  64 ,  66  and  67  are made from stainless steel. 
         [0067]    The cylinders  68  and  70  receive the hinge tube  73  of the lever arm  34  to form a portion of the hinge  35 . The axle  72  inserts through the cylinders  68  and  70  and the hinge tube  73  of the lever arm  34  to hinge the lever arm  32  to the lever arm  34 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of the binding strap assist mechanism  18  in an open configuration. The binding strap assist mechanism  18  includes a lever arm  32  and a lever arm  34 . A hinge  35  interconnects the lever arm  34  and the lever arm  32 . Encircling the hinge are two helical torsion springs  80  and  82 . The helical torsion springs circumscribe the hinge  35  in a helical pattern and bias the binding strap assist mechanism  18  in an open configuration as shown. 
         [0069]    In an alternate embodiment, a single torsion spring can be used instead of the torsion springs  80  ad  82 . In another alternate embodiment, the two torsion springs can be replaced with a one double torsion spring. 
         [0070]    The lever arm  34  includes an end having a strap support plate  84 . The strap support plate  84  lines the strap  20  and helps to prevent the strap  20  from contacting the ground beneath the snowboard when the binding strap assist mechanism  18  maintains an open configuration. 
         [0071]    An advantage of this embodiment having the torsion spring design is that it is a low-profile and compact configuration that effectively biases a binding strap in an open configuration. 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of the binding strap assist mechanism  18  of  FIG. 9 . Hinge  35  includes an axle pin  86  and a pair of hubs  88  and  90 . The hubs  88  and  90  are integral to the lever arm  34  and the strap support plate  84 . Hubs  88  and  90  are hollow to enable the axle pin  86  to insert through the hubs  88  and  90 . The lever arm  32  define openings  92  and  94  for receiving the axle pin  86  and holding the lever arm  34  with the lever arm  32  in hinged arrangement. 
         [0073]    It can be appreciated that although the springs disclosed in the specification include compression and torsion springs having helically wound coils, the springs can also be made from any other material that stores energy when compressed or extended, or stores energy in response to torsion, and releases that energy in a manner similar to compression or torsion springs. Preferably the spring material would be able to endure temperatures of between −35° C. to 30° C. Additionally, the springs may include a cover to further achieve the goals of the invention. It can be further appreciated that the compression spring in various embodiments can also be replaced with multiple compression springs.