Abstract:
Mounting system for attaching splitboard bindings or slide-mount bindings to non-splitboards or snowboards as to use multiple boards with one set of bindings, or interchange bindings quickly. Accomplished by using an assembly comprised of two congruent parts, namely a receiver plate and receiver plate retainer, that affix to a snowboard to allow the above mentioned bindings to slide on and off of any snowboard mounted with said assembly. A receiver plate retainer rests in and atop a notched and patterned receiver plate that, when fastened, creates a solid but angularly adjustable mounting system for said bindings to be securely fastened to a standard snowboard.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/592,494 filed on Jan. 30, 2012, entitled “A means for attaching Split-board specific bindings or sliding rail bindings to non-split-board or regular snowboard,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       REFERENCES CITED 
       [0002]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Cited 
                   
                   
                 Original 
                   
               
               
                 Patent 
                 Filing date 
                 Issue Date 
                 Assignee 
                 Title 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 5,984,324 
                 Aug. 14, 1997 
                 Nov. 16, 1999 
                 Voile Man- 
                 Touring 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 ufacturing 
                 Snowboard 
               
               
                 8,226,109 
                 Jun. 11, 2009 
                 Jul. 24, 2012 
                   
                 Splitboard 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Bindings 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Most snowboarding occurs within the monitored boundaries of a ski resort. Often snowboarders own several snowboards, each with slightly different shapes, camber, and/or varying levels of stiffness, for use in different snow conditions and territory on the mountain. A growing population of snowboarders also own a splitboard and splitboard bindings such as but not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324 (Wariakois) and U.S. Pat. No. 20120256395 (Ritter) respectively. A splitboard as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324 (hereby incorporated in full by reference) is comprised of a pair of “skis” (two halves of a snowboard) that may conjoin via hooks or latches to form what looks like and functions as a snowboard. Wariakois&#39; splitboard design is centered around the idea of allowing one to approach and climb a slope on two “skis”, and consequently descend that slope via snowboard configuration, with “skis” latched or hooked together. As Ritter points out, “Backcountry splitboarding, which combines ski touring and snowboarding, thus requires boot bindings adaptable for both ski configuration (i.e. one to a ski) and for snowboard configuration, (i.e. joining the skis as a snowboard)” (U.S. Pat. No. 20120256395). As such, backcountry splitboarding also requires binding mounts for both ski configuration and snowboard configuration. Ski configuration binding mounts would run parallel to the individual ski members, whereas, snowboard configuration binding mounts would run at an adjustable angle, each foot across both ski members (traditional snowboarding stance.) For the purposes of the present invention, only the binding mounts for snowboard configuration are relevant and below-mentioned. 
         [0004]    Wariakois&#39; binding, according to Ritter per U.S. Pat. No. 20120256395, employs “one widely used configuration of the prior art [in which] mounting block assemblies are attached in pairs crosswise on the opposing ski member halves of the splitboard, one pair for the forward leg and one pair for the back leg. These mounting blocks, disclosed by Wariakois in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324 (hereby incorporated in full by reference) include a toe mounting block and a heel mounting block, which are designed to slidingly receive an adaptor mounting plate . . . .” These prior art mounting blocks&#39; are structurally designed with hole patterns, by which they are affixed to Wariakois&#39; splitboard or any other industry standard splitboard. Splitboard hole patterns are wider (at 85 mm by 25 mm) than a snowboard&#39;s (at 40 mm by 20 mm, 20 mm by 20 mm, both industry standards), making these mounting blocks unable to affix to a snowboard. 
         [0005]    Per U.S. Pat. No. 20120256395, Ritter designed new bindings to fit Wariakois&#39; mounting block design. Rather than needing an additional adaptor plate, Ritter&#39;s bindings slide directly onto Wariakois&#39; mounting blocks. 
         [0006]    The present invention provides a receiver plate and receiver plate retainer that slidingly accept Ritter&#39;s splitboard binding or the likes thereof as laid out in U.S. Pat. No. 20120256395. Ritter&#39;s splitboard binding is structurally superior to prior art, and the present invention herein stated now allows Ritter&#39;s bindings to be affixed not only to splitboards but also to snowboards. The option of mounting a traditional snowboard with splitboard or slide-mount bindings does not exist in prior art. 
         [0007]    The present invention allows snowboarders to use a slide on and off binding for splitboards on snowboards as well. Snowboarders can own one set of bindings and multiple boards with the present invention affixed to each board. Each system on each board has a set stance, angularly determined, that the rider may take advantage of easily, switching the bindings from board to board quickly. Thus, on a powder day, a rider may switch his bindings onto the board he prefers for deeper snow that already has his stance in place. He need not adjust the stance each time he switches boards. 
         [0008]    The dimensions and sizing to fit a splitboard are an extreme limiting factor in providing a way to firmly mount a splitboard binding onto a traditional snowboard and still allow for adjustability of the angles while making a product strong enough for the rigors of riding. Given the amount of different snowboards and different bindings, it is not easy to change bindings between the various types of snowboards, and usually bindings are specific to boards or vice versa. This can make it very difficult to change bindings from board to board let alone the hassle of switching screws, screwing and unscrewing, and adjusting the angles of the various boards one might own. The end result of the present invention is that any board can now be used at any time, for changing conditions or preferences with a single pair of splitboard or slide-mount bindings. 
         [0009]    Many other binding systems use different holes, disks, or tracks to attach said bindings to a board; these various systems make it impossible to own multiple boards and use the same binding. Thus the present invention solves the problem of having to buy multiple sets of bindings for multiple boards. It makes stance adjustments simple and switching bindings between boards even simpler. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Disclosed here are mounting plates for attaching splitboard bindings to a snowboard. Contrary to presented teachings herein, teachings of the prior art disclose a series of mounting blocks designated for use on a splitboard with no prior art or solutions in disclosing the ability or option to use mounting plates for the purpose of riding on a snowboard. The object of the present invention is to make mountable a pair of splitboard bindings, which use a box girder type construction, variform box girder construction, or any similar means of a mediolateral flange attachment, to slidingly be placed on a snowboard as defined herein. No solution has been offered in the prior art to accomplish this, as mounting points are different on a snowboard comparatively to a splitboard. As previously defined, a snowboard is comprised of one solidly laminated piece that is inseparable. Due to the narrower hole patterns of a snowboard, there are many constraints in size and strength that must be overcome in order to mount splitboard bindings to a snowboard. The receiver plate and receiver plate retainer interface design allows for the weight of a snowboarder, translated through his bindings, to be distributed effectively from edge to edge of the snowboard, regardless of the narrower hole pattern. It provides a strong solution over the now longer area it must cover with minimal bolts while still functioning effectively over a wider-spanning distance. 
         [0011]    The receiver plate and receiver plate retainer interface provides adequate support to keep a splitboard binding firmly attached to a snowboard. By making the receiver plate retainer of an oblong shape, the receiver plate can be oriented angularly according to a rider&#39;s stance while still fitting a splitboard binding. The receiver plate retainer disperses and channels forces to the edges of the snowboard resulting in a strong receiver plate and receiver plate retainer assembly, also allowing quick edge-to-edge response of the snowboard. In function, by resting the receiver plate retainer in the aligned groves, notches, or ridges within the receiver plate at a user-defined angle, the tightening force on the receiver plate retainer sandwiches the receiver plate in the correct and chosen orientation as to provide a seamless and attached assembly to the board granting the user an easy on/off procedure of the splitboard binding. Thus creating a riding interface not seen before in snowboarding history. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]    These teachings of the invention can be easily understood whilst considering the following detailed descriptions along with the drawings and claims, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a receiver plate retainer and receiver plate as forming the assembly. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a snowboard mounted with receiver plate retainer and receiver plate. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a receiver plate retainer. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a receiver plate. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is perspective view of a receiver plate using an alternative groove or notch type adjustment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a receiver plate retainer using an alternative groove or notch type adjustment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The terms below-mentioned are defined herein as intended by the inventor, i.e., they are inherent meanings Any cited works incorporated by reference that utilize any meaning or definition of a word in the reference that diminishes or conflicts with the meaning as used here shall be considered idiosyncratic to said reference and shall not supersede the meaning of the word as used in the disclosure herein. 
       1. DEFINITIONS 
       [0020]    Snowboard: a single, inseparable, and laminated board intended to slide downhill on the snow, using standard 4×4 4×2 or slot mounting hardware. 
         [0021]    Splitboard: A pair of two separable ski members that join together using hardware and retention clips to take the form of a snowboard. 
         [0022]    Splitboard bindings: Consists of a pair: one for each foot of a snowboard rider. Comprised of metal or thermo-moldable plastics. Any type of snowboard bindings, which use a box girder type construction, variform box girder construction, or any similar means of a mediolateral flange attachment, to slidingly be placed on a snowboard as defined herein. 
         [0023]    Receiver Plate Retainer: Center fastening piece in which 4 or 2 bolts are placed through and connected to standard snowboard mounting features. Comprised of metal or composite thermo-moldable plastics. Securely retains the receiver plate at a specified angle for a rider&#39;s stance. 
         [0024]    Receiver Plate: rotationally coupled to the receiver plate retainer. Rotates around receiver plate retainer so that a given angle that corresponds to the grooves, notches, or slots can be chosen before the receiver plate retainer is fully tightened to the snowboard. 
         [0025]    Rider: One who rides or uses a snowboard to enjoy the thrill of going through and down the snow, also requiring a specific stance or stance angle coordinated by using the mounting points of a snowboard to make one&#39;s stance angles correct and optimal. 
         [0026]    Hardware: standard mounting hardware for snowboard bindings typically of an M6 style bolt supplied with snowboards or traditional snowboard bindings; used to fasten bindings to a snowboard. 
         [0027]    Mounting Point/Insert: exists on both splitboards and snowboards and allows for a screw to be mounted, attaching hardware for the fastening of bindings onto a board. Splitboard and snowboard mounting points are uniquely different due to the inherent differences in binding types and mounting preferences associated with snowboarding and splitboarding. 
       2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , this exploded view of the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) and receiver plate ( 2 ) shows the assembly when using standard hardware to conjoin the two parts for a rider&#39;s chosen alignment: as seen mounted to a snowboard&#39;s insert ( 3 — FIG. 2 ). Commonly, snowboards have bindings that mount to them using inserted attachment points or anchors ( 3 — FIG. 2 ) and usually this is in a 20×40 mm configuration or by means of a track mount. Using the holes ( 5 — FIG. 6 ) in the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ), one must insert screws through the holes ( 5 — FIG. 6 ) in the receiver plate retainer. Mounts/inserts on a snowboard ( 3 — FIG. 2 ) differ from those on splitboards (see prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324). Splitboards use a common mounting block as per U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324. Given the nature and proprietary features of a splitboard under U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324, splitboard mounting blocks were not designed for nor are capable of mounting to a snowboard. This due to the fact that all splitboards use proprietary mounting configurations as per U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,324. These patterns restrict angular adjustability on any common variations of the mounting blocks and these blocks are further impeded by their lack of strength to span the greater distances in insert patterns seen on a snowboard. New shapes and different materials must be chosen to ensure the ability to fasten a splitboard binding to a snowboard given these above listed constraints. 
         [0029]    The invention differs from many other board to binding interfaces in that the receiver plate retainer and receiver plate use a specifically shaped, molded or milled assembly to allow for bindings (currently made solely for splitboarding) to be attached to any standard non-split snowboard. Furthermore this specifically shaped assembly allows splitboard or box girder type bindings to be slidingly received by the assembly while allowing freedom of stance options limited to 40 degrees. 
         [0030]    The receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) is specifically shaped to use the reach of an oblong type shape to create the maximum surface for retaining the maximum surface area and attain a degree of adjustment equal to or less than 40-degrees. The stronger receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) is therefore able to extend the flex and structural aspects of the receiver plate ( 2 ) to allow for maximum distribution of the side to side flexes and stresses associated with maneuvering a snowboard. 
         [0031]    Relationship Between the Components: 
         [0032]    The receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) is mounted by means of mounting hardware through the receiver plate ( 2 ) onto the snowboard using 4 or 2 screws that go through the holes ( 5 ) in the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) and fasten the whole assembly ( 9 ) to the snowboard&#39;s mounting points ( 3 — FIG. 2 ), holding the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) against and down on the receiver plate ( 2 ) as to make the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) and receiver plate ( 2 ) pieces conjoin along the grooves, notches, or teeth ( 6 — FIG. 3 ,  10 — FIG. 4 ,  7 — FIG. 5 ,  8 — FIG. 6 ) at a determined angle to a rider&#39;s stance preference and hold the tightened assembly ( 9 ) to the board with common and standard hardware provided by board and binding makers. 
         [0033]    How the Invention Works: 
         [0034]    The receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) and receiver plate ( 2 ) components work together to create a mounting surface for a splitboard or box girder type binding. The receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) attaches through the receiver plate ( 2 ) by using screws standard for mounting a snowboard. The receiver plate retainer ( 1 ), and receiver plate ( 2 ) matingly engage together, via corresponding grooves, notches, or teeth ( 6 — FIG. 3 ,  10 — FIG. 4 ,  7 — FIG. 5 ,  8 — FIG. 6 ) and allow the receiver plate ( 2 ) to stay fixed in a chosen orientation to the snowboard as retained by the mounting inserts in a snowboard ( 3 — FIG. 2 ). The receiver plate ( 2 ) rotates around the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ), allowing the stance to be adjusted only when the receiver plate retainer is loosened for that purpose, as once the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) is fully tightened, further rotation becomes impossible due to the effect of the downward forces on the matingly engaged parts of the assembly ( 6 — FIG. 3 ,  10 — FIG. 4 ,  7 — FIG. 5 ,  8 — FIG. 6 ). Once a given stance angle is chosen and mounting hardware is tightened the splitboard binding can be slidingly received by the assembly ( 9 — FIG. 2 ). 
         [0035]    How to Make the Invention: 
         [0036]    The invention would be made by either milling, stamping, or molding the two pieces, receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) and receiver plate ( 2 ), from metal or thermo-moldable plastics. The parts expressed as the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) and the receiver plate ( 2 ) are necessary to make a splitboard binding mount to a snowboard. The size of the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) can be changed to make a smaller or larger interface; whereas, the shape of the receiver plate ( 2 ) must remain constant due to the constraints of splitboard or box girder type binding dimensions. The shape of the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ), could be altered to allow either a smaller or larger size, could be different shapes or materials as to allow for different stance options or a stronger connection. The receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) could also have different hole configurations to allow different mounting options for new or different, emerging snowboard mounting technologies. The receiver plate ( 2 ) can be adjusted to shave weight, harden material, or change the overall flex on a snowboard. The receiver plate ( 2 ) can be made of different combined materials to allow for a more flexible interface with a snowboard. 
         [0037]    How to Use the Invention: 
         [0038]    A person who has a set of splitboard bindings or slide-mount bindings made by various manufacturers would purchase a mounting system comprised of receiver plate retainers ( 1 ), receiver plates ( 2 ), and associated hardware. He would then affix these assemblies to his snowboard, allowing him to put his splitboard bindings on a snowboard aside from his splitboard, effectually buying one pair of bindings for multiple boards and allowing splitboard bindings to be mounted on all snowboards whether or not their snowboards have different hole patterns, tracks, etc. 
         [0039]    Additionally: The combination of the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ), and receiver plate ( 2 ), allows for various other attachments to be connected to a snowboard such as but not limited to a lock, larger no bindings, no boarding plates, tool assemblies, or padding not limited to rubber inserts that may be added under the plate, changing desired flex of the overall unit or maintaining a solid grip to board interface. Furthermore, dimensions of the hole patterns in which the mounting hardware is placed in the receiver plate retainer ( 1 ) can be changed to fit various hole patterns or alternate hardware preferences. 
         [0040]    Herein as stated, the preferred embodiment visually shown and described is capable of achieving the objective in relation to the present invention. These embodiments are described and shown only for the purpose of the illustration and not for the purpose of limitation; those skilled in the art will appreciate that many additions, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.