Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for angular displacement control of rotationally adjustable snowboard bindings, the apparatus including an actuating lever at the binding that is movable between positions to control rotation of the binding. A latching assembly restricts movement of the actuating lever in at least one lever postition to assure non-movement of the actuating lever absent an active manipulation by the user of the latching assembly.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to rotationally adjustable snowboard bindings, and, more particularly, relates to such binding systems allowing rotational adjustment of the rider&#39;s boot while in the binding relative to the surface of a snowboard. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Snowboard bindings incorporate a central disk which is rigidly attached to the snowboard, the disk capturing and engaging a base plate of the binding through a central aperture therein. The base plate is thereby securely fastened to the snowboard. Snowboard binding designs are now available which allow the angular orientation of the base plate, and thus the angular orientation of a rider&#39;s foot held at the base plate, to be adjusted relative to the surface of the snowboard without requiring the removal of the binding from the snowboard (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,236,216, 5,354,088, 5,028,068). However, many of these designs require the removal of the boot from the binding in order to make the adjustment. Some allow the rotational adjustment while the boot remains secured at the base plate of the binding. 
     Rotationally adjustable bindings are highly desirable since use thereof allows a given rider&#39;s preferred orientation on the board to be readily established and or changed as conditions or preferences change without repositioning the entire binding, including binding fasteners anchored in the snowboard. This is particularly advantageous for equipment rental shops where frequent adjustments may be expected from one rental customer to the next, heretofore requiring removal of the binding fasteners from the board and reinsertion thereof corresponding to the new, preferred binding orientation resulting in undo wear and tear of inserts and at the surface of the snowboard and shorter rental equipment useful life. 
     Snowboard bindings that can be maintained in a substantially free rotational state are also advantageous allowing the rider to orient the binding so that the rider&#39;s foot is aligned parallel to the snowboard length (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,552). This establishes the board in a skating position which allows the rider to easily manipulate through ski lift lines and the like and to assume a more comfortable position while sitting on a lift chair. However, securement against release to the free rotational state must be provided. A system that allows such release by a single movement, action or force cannot be considered to be secure because of the possibility that any single force which will release the binding to free rotation can be replicated, and thus not precluded from inadvertent application, while a binding is in use (for example by collisions or use on particularly jarring or difficult terrain). 
     Heretofore known rotationally adjustable bindings have not provided a combination of features felt to be necessary to maximize the benefits of such bindings. Such bindings should combine ease of use (for example, allowing adjustment without boot removal and simplicity of switching from a free rotational state to a secure state, preferably a single action using the rider&#39;s rear, or free, boot), ability to maintain the binding in the free rotational state and adjustability of the level of resistance to rotation in that state, and security from inadvertent switching to the free rotational state from the secured, or stable, state. Further improvement could thus still be utilized. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention provides improved rotationally adjustable snowboard bindings and methods, and more particularly provides improved angular displacement control apparatus and methods for such bindings. 
     The apparatus and method provide a combination of features to maximize the benefits of such bindings, including ease of adjustment without boot removal and simplicity of switching from a free rotational state to a secured state (preferably a single action using the rider&#39;s rear, or free, boot), ability to maintain the binding in the free rotational state and adjustability of the level of resistance to rotation in that state, and security from inadvertent switching to the free rotational state from the secured, or stable, state. 
     Use of this invention provides for highly reliable securement of angular position of the binding to the snowboard, for quick, continuously adjustable, reorientation of the binding with respect to the snowboard without the necessity of removing or loosening the mounting screws or the rider&#39;s boot, and ease of return to an angularly secured position. 
     The angular displacement control apparatus includes an actuator at the binding having a portion that is movable between an engaged position and an unengaged position corresponding to a rotationally secured state of the binding and a substantially free rotational state of the binding, respectively. A latching mechanism is provided that acts at least at one of the positions to assure non-movement of the actuator portion absent active movement of the latching mechanism by a user. 
     The rotationally adjustable binding of this invention includes a disk and a base plate having an aperture therein, the disk and the base plate being relatively rotatable with either the disk or the base plate being anchored to the snowboard. A release and securement assembly is connected with the base plate for controlling relative angular displacement between the disk and base plate. The release and securement assembly includes a lever movable between positions corresponding to substantially free rotational and rotationally secured states of the disk and base plate, the latching mechanism acting in cooperation with the lever. 
     The method of this invention includes the steps of latching an actuator at the binding that is movable between an engaged position and an unengaged position corresponding to a rotationally secured state of the binding and a substantially free rotational state of the binding, respectively. At least at one of the positions non-movement of the actuator is assured by the latching absent active unlatching by a user. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved rotationally adjustable snowboard binding apparatus and method. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide improved angular displacement control for rotationally adjustable snowboard bindings. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide rotationally adjustable snowboard binding apparatus and methods that combine features necessary to maximize the benefits of such bindings. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide rotational adjustment of snowboard bindings wherein ease of use, ability to maintain the binding in the free rotational state, and security from inadvertent switching to the free rotational state from the secured, or stable, state are combined. 
     It is still another object of this invention to provide apparatus and methods for allowing rotational adjustment of a snowboard binding without boot removal and having simplicity of switching from a free rotational state to a secured state, preferably by a single action using the rider&#39;s free boot. 
     It is another object of this invention to reduce rider stress and fatigue while riding chair lifts and maneuvering through lift lines by allowing quick changes of board position as dictated by the situation at hand, while providing hands-free board reorientation and return to a secured angular binding position. 
     It is still another object of this invention to provide an angular displacement control apparatus for a rotationally adjustable snowboard binding that includes an actuator at the binding including a portion movable between an engaged position and an unengaged position corresponding to a rotationally secured state of the binding and a substantially free rotational state of the binding, respectively, and a latching mechanism acting at least at one of the positions to assure non-movement of the portion absent active movement of the latching mechanism by a user. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a rotationally adjustable binding for binding a user&#39;s boot to a top surface of a snowboard that includes a disk, a base plate having an aperture therein, the disk and the base plate being relatively rotatable, one of the disk and the base plate being anchored to the snowboard, a release and securement means connected with the base plate for controlling relative angular displacement between the disk and base plate, the release and securement means including a lever movable between positions corresponding to substantially free rotational and rotationally secured states of the disk and base plate, and a latching mechanism at the base plate acting at least at one of the positions in cooperation with the lever of the release and securement means to assure non-movement of the lever absent active movement of the latching mechanism by a user. 
     It is still another object of this invention to provide a method for angular displacement control of a rotationally adjustable snowboard binding including the steps of latching an actuator at the binding that is movable between an engaged position and an unengaged position corresponding to a rotationally secured state of the binding and a substantially free rotational state of the binding, respectively, so that at least at one of the positions non-movement of the actuator is assured absent active unlatching by a user. 
     With these and other objects in view, which will become apparent to one skilled in the art as the description proceeds, this invention resides in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts and method substantially as hereinafter described, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention are meant to be included as come within the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings illustrate a complete embodiment of the invention according to the best mode so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of this invention for use with a first type of rotationally adjustable snowboard binding; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the latching mechanism of the apparatus of this invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus of FIG. 1 maintained in a free rotational state; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating release of the apparatus from the secured state of FIG. 1 for movement to the free rotational state; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view illustration with ghosted portions showing the apparatus of this invention for use with a second type of rotationally adjustable snowboard binding; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration showing the apparatus of this invention for use with a third type of rotationally adjustable snowboard binding; and 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view with cutaway portions illustrating operation of the apparatus of FIG.  7 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus and method of this invention may be employed with a variety of rotationally adjustable snow board bindings, several types of which are shown in the drawings, it being understood that this invention may be adapted for use with still other such binding types. In FIGS. 1 through 4, apparatus  20  of this invention is illustrated for use with rotationally adjustable snowboard binding system  21  (of a type illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,552). 
     Binding system  21  readily accommodates rotational binding release and securement while a user&#39;s boot is secured in the binding at the top surface of a snowboard. System  21  includes base plate  23  and securing disk  24  which is fastened to a snowboard by screws or the like through slots  25 . Blocks  26 ′ and  26 ″ for holding release and securement assembly  27  are preferably integrally formed (in accord with another aspect of this invention) with flanges  28 ′ and  28 ″ of base plate  23 , one on each side of slot  29 . Assembly  27  includes mechanism  30 , for example a slider mechanism linearly moveable within mounting blocks  26  with a close running fit (any appropriate camming mechanism could be used), one end of mechanism  30  secured by nut  31 . The other end of mechanism  30  is threaded to receive manipulable actuating control, or lever,  32  configured to be movable by hand or boot. 
     Disk  24  includes shoulder  33  and arcuate shank  34  extending through opening  35  in base plate  23 . Boot anchoring straps  36  are held at flanges  26  for securement of the boot to base plate  23  between flanges  28  and  38 . When secured, binding base plate  23  is held between the top of the snowboard and the bottom surface of shoulder  33  of disk  24 . When adjusted, since slot  29  is continuous from opening  35  and across base plate  23  and between flanges  28 ′ and  28 ″, when lever  32  is rotated (toward the top of the snowboard) slot  29  narrows and a clamping force is applied at shank  34  of disk  24  by the mating edge of opening  35  in base plate  23 . 
     Preload nut  31  is selectively adjustable on mechanism  30  to reduce or increase the width of slot  29  until a desired locking force is developed between disk shank  34  and central opening  35  of base plate  23 . At the same time, this adjustability feature allows selection of the relative freedom or restriction of rotation of base plate  23  around disk  24  when lever  32  is in the unsecured position (i.e., rotated away from the snowboard surface), thus allowing for relatively free rotation or a selected degree of frictional resistance to such rotation as a user may select. 
     Where a slider mechanism is used, the middle section of slider  30  and the bores through mounting blocks  26  have the same cross sectional shapes and are so designed that rotation of preload nut  31  or lever  32  does not cause slider  30  to rotate with respect to mounting blocks  26 . Lever  32  has a central bore with internal threads to engage threads on slider  30  so that lever  32  advances or recedes axially with respect to slider  30  when rotated. Thus in this particular system, rotational change of boot position relative to the top of the snowboard is achieved when slot  29  is opened by rotation of lever  32  such that base plate  23  can be rotated with respect to disk  24 . Moreover, a relatively free rotational state can be maintained until lever  32  is returned to the secured state position. 
     Turning now to apparatus  20  of this invention in use with the above-described system, the apparatus includes a latch assembly  40  in cooperation with lever  32 . Lever  32  is specifically configured so that rotation of the lever downward, towards the surface of a snowboard, narrows slot  29  to secure base plate  23  at disk  24  and create gap  42  between end  44  of lever  32  and flange  28 ′. Rotation of lever  32  in the opposite direction, away from the snowboard surface, opens slot  29  and releases base plate  23  for relatively free rotation around disk  24 , while closing gap  42  with end  44  abutting flange  28 ′ (see FIG.  4 ). 
     As shown in FIG. 2 (a rotated exploded view), latching assembly  40  includes arm  46  with manipulable portion  48  and projecting portion  50  at opposite sides of spring housing  52 . Bias spring  54  is coiled in housing  52  secured at one end  55  through aperture  56  in mounting stud  58  and at the other end  59  through aperture  60  at flange  28 ′. Securing screw  62  includes shoulder  64  for rotational interface with stud  58  and threaded end  66  for engagement at threaded bore  68  through flange  28 ′. 
     FIG. 3 shows lever  32  at the position corresponding to the free rotational state of the binding. In this position, the bias of spring  54  and configuration of lever  32  assures that projecting portion  50  of arm  46  is held against surface  70  of lever  32  which is abutting or nearly abutting flange  28 ′ at end  44 . When lever  32  in rotated toward the board (FIG.  4 ), flat portion  71  of end  44  is aligned facing flange  28 ′ defining gap  42  between end  44  and flange  28 ′, the gap being slightly larger than the thickness of projection portion  50  of arm  46 . The bias of spring  54  moves arm  46  so that projecting portion  50  enters gap  42  (see FIG. 1) thus preventing movement of lever  32  absent movement of latch arm  46  by a rider depressing manipulable portion  48 . Only then is lever  32  freed for user rotation from the position corresponding to the binding secured state to the position corresponding to the free rotational state. 
     Lever  32  is configured so that end  73  thereof is easily manipulatable by a user using the rider&#39;s free boot. In this way, the binding may be secured by the single action of a rider stepping down on end  73  to rotate lever  32  toward the board, latch assembly  40  moving into place to hold lever  32  thereat. On the other hand, the rider cannot merely kick lever  32  to cause rotation to a position corresponding to the free rotational state. This requires two distinct actions by the rider, depressing manipulable portion  48  of arm  46  (countering the bias of spring  54 ) to move projecting portion  50  out of gap  42  followed by rotation of lever  32 . This requirement provides security against inadvertent disengagement of base plate  23  during normal use of the snowboard. 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 show the apparatus of this invention for use with a binding of the type having a rotatable disk  74  (corresponding to disk  24  shown in FIG. 1) to which the rider&#39;s boot is affixed interlocked mechanically at gear-like teeth  75 . As now manufactured, bindings of this type include an actuator at a base plate having a slidable lever with engaging teeth at one end of the actuator rotationally fixed relative to the snowboard surface. The engaging teeth are movable (linearly) against a spring bias (always biasing the teeth into engagement at teeth  75  of disk  74 ) to disengage the teeth and allow relatively free rotation of the disk so long as manually held out of engagement. Thus, rotational adjustment is allowed, but not maintenance of disengagement of the teeth. There is, therefore, nothing provided allowing maintenance of a free rotational state in this type of binding. 
     The invention includes a modified version of the slidable lever in the form of an articulated rack of teeth  77 , together with a latching assembly  79  all maintained at a mount  80  fixed relative to the board&#39;s surface. Latching assembly arm  81  is pivotally maintained at mount  80  by pivot pin  82  and pivotably mounted to follower  83  at pins  84  pivotably holding rack  77  therebetween. Movement of rack  77  is constrained by pins  85  significantly shortening the available rotational arc. The opposite end of follower  83  is slidably constrained in slot  86  by pin  87 . 
     When arm  81  is rotated to rotationally secure and release the binding, rack  77  moves in an essentially linear fashion to engage and disengage teeth  75  (the short are available in rack motion provided to allow for centering difficulties encountered upon release and reengagement of the teeth, a difficulty present in such bindings as now produced). Spring  88  is held between pins  82  and  87  and assures latching assembly  79  snaps into position as lever end  89  passes it (i.e., the rotationally secured state as shown in FIG.  5 ). As arm  81  moves past articulated (i.e., spring mounted in a detent in mount  80 ) latch pin  91  in the clockwise direction toward rotational securement, pin  91  snaps up under spring force and into engagement at depression  93  at arm  81  to prevent reverse rotation absent a user pressing down pin  91  into the detent and counter clockwise movement of arm  81  to overcome spring  88 . Once lever end  89  clears spring  88  during counter clockwise travel, spring  88  serves to hold arm  81 , in the position corresponding to the free rotational state with rack  77  out of engagement with teeth  75  of disk  74 . In this position, pin  91  is held in its detent by arm  81 . Reengagement of the binding may be accomplished by the rider moving arm  81  at manipulable end  95  (with his free boot) to cause clockwise rotation. 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 show the apparatus of this invention for use with a binding of yet another type wherein rack  98  is moved by rotational forces into and out of engagement with teeth  100  of fixed disk  102 . As now produced, rack  98  is biased into engagement with teeth  100  by spring  104  and thus free rotation is not provided for. Lever  106  is rotatable by a user on shaft  108  in the direction shown (against spring bias) to cause disengagement of rack  98  and teeth  100  as rack  98  swings away. 
     The invention herein includes modification of lever  106  and provision of latching assembly  110 . Assembly  110  includes arm  112  pivotably mounted to the binding at pin  114 . Arm  112  is biased toward engagement by flat or leaf spring  116 . Surface  118  of arm  112  is slightly curved and provides restraint preventing lever  106  from being rotated to a position where rack  98  becomes disengaged from teeth  100  (corresponding to the rotationally secured state). Only when arm  112  is depressed at manipulable end  120 , and surface  118  thus pivots out of engagement with lever  106 , can lever  106  be moved by a user. When so moved, pawl  122  rides on the rear surface of lever  106  until lever slot  124  is encountered. When slot  124  and pawl  122  are aligned, pawl  122  snaps into the slot the holding lever  106  (and thus rack  98 ) in a position corresponding to a free rotational state with disk teeth  100  disengaged from the rack  98  (see FIG.  8 ). To reengage the binding in the secured state, the rider merely depresses manipulable portion  120  of arm  112  (using the free boot, for example) thus allowing lever  106  to be rotationally biased by spring  104  to the position shown in FIG. 7 with rack  98  engaged at teeth  100 . 
     As may be appreciated from the foregoing, improved angular displacement control is provided by the apparatus and methods of this invention for use with rotationally adjustable snowboard bindings. No matter the particular application of this invention with the various types of rotationally adjustable bindings, all include latching deployed in cooperation with the lever or other control mechanism used to rotationally release and resecure the binding (either modified or unmodified) to assure stability of the binding in the rotationally secured state and to maintain relatively free rotation of the binding in a rotational state.