Patent Abstract:
A snowboard suspension system which comprises a mounting plate ( 27 ) which is connected to a binding plate ( 29 ) via one or more hinges ( 26 ). One or more dampers ( 30 ) situated between the binding plate ( 29 ) and the mounting plate ( 27 ) serve to dampen any compressive forces. A connection plate ( 31 ) may be added to produce a compound system.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/908,220, filed Jul. 17, 2001; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/239,892, filed Jan. 29, 1999; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/105,974, filed Jun. 26, 1998; which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/538,754, filed Oct. 2, 1995. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention is related to shock absorbing devices for snowboards, specifically to such devices which mitigate uneven terrain, while enhancing the performance of the snowboard.  
         BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Snowboarding has evolved from a fledgling sport in the 70&#39;s to a huge recreational and commercial enterprise in the 90&#39;s. There have been many recent advances in board and binding technology, but only one which specifically addressed the issue of shock absorption. This is simply a high-density foam pad which is mounted under the boarder&#39;s boot. Because this concept has been used in many other similar applications, it isn&#39;t patented. Quite frankly, it isn&#39;t effective either.  
           [0004]    Although snowboarding is similar to snow skiing in many ways, there are some salient differences. Most notably, the boarder&#39;s legs are fixed in a transverse position on a single board, which precludes any independent movement of the legs. The boarder executes turns by angling the knees in concert with rotation and angling of the torso. As such, one can turn as quickly as on skiis, and, surprisingly, go just about as fast. Although the feel of charging down a slope is somewhat akin to surfing a large wave, one does not have the convenience of simply falling off the board should a fall be in the making. Instead, the attached board can become a veritable torsion bar on the body, which has resulted in a spate of injuries unique to snowboarders.  
           [0005]    One of the primary causes of falls and snowboard-specific injuries is bumps, and how the boarder negotiates them. Unlike in skiing, where the legs are independent, the boarder&#39;s legs are in a fixed position, which reduces their available “travel”, or ability to absorb the shock of a bump. Tearing of the collateral ligaments in the knee can result from pitching forward due to this decreased absorptive capacity. A prime example of the need for additional shock absorption is apparent when snowboarding in fresh snow over a hard sub-layer. In this situation, the whole body is constantly receiving unpredictable jolts. Thus, in the interest of preventing injuries, and adding a new dynamic to the “feel” of the board, I submit the following designs.  
           [0006]    Since similar designs as those described for snowboards may be used for skiis and in-line skates, I have also covered these possibilities in this application. However, in the interest of simplicity, unless otherwise specified, all designs will be referred to as snowboard suspension systems.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:  
           [0008]    (a) to provide a simple means for absorbing shocks from bumpy terrain, while allowing for optimal edge control.  
           [0009]    (b) to create an entirely new dynamic for the snowboarder—a more lively “feel”, and enhanced turning capability.  
           [0010]    (c) to provide a means for the boarder to move forward on level terrain without undoing the bindings, by “bouncing” the board back and forth—similar to what skateboarders do.  
           [0011]    (d) to minimize the possibility of injury from rough terrain—decrease the amount of wear and tear on the boarder&#39;s body.  
           [0012]    (e) to increase the possibilities in “freestyle” boarding, due to the springier dynamic.  
           [0013]    (f) to allow for a greater range of weight distribution and fore-aft transference of weight during a turn.  
           [0014]    (g) to make the sport more appealing to older people, whose bodies aren&#39;t as resilient as they once were.  
           [0015]    Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.  
           [0016]    In summary, the invention is a snowboard suspension system for use with a snowboard that includes an elongate, flexible snow-planing member, dual elongate bindings for receiving a user&#39;s boots, and where the long axis of the bindings are located at an angle relative to the long axis of the snow-planing member. The snowboard suspension system of the invention includes dual suspension elements, each being coupled to a corresponding one of the dual bindings, and each suspension element having a top surface, a bottom surface and a desired thickness, and being formed to compress a preselected amount when a suitable force is applied to either the top or bottom surface. The invention also includes joining means for coupling each suspension element to the snow-planing member so that both suspension elements are linked by the snowboard.  
           [0017]    The dual suspension elements may also each include a binding member with a long axis and securing means for attaching to a corresponding binding. The joining means may take the form of dual mounting members each with corresponding long axes and securing means for attaching to the snow-planing member so that the long axis of each mounting plate is at an angle relative to the long axis of the snow-planing member. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the snowboard suspension system of the invention as it could be used by a snowboarder with a snowboard.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary front elevational view of the snowboard suspension system for the snowboarder&#39;s right boot depicted in FIG. 1, with the binding and right boot removed to focus attention on certain features of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary exploded view of the combination of the snowboard suspension system for the snowboarder&#39;s right boot depicted in FIG. 1, the snowboarder&#39;s right boot and associated binding, and the snowboard.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged, exploded view of the snowboard suspension system for the snowboarder&#39;s right boot depicted in FIG. 3, with the binding and right boot removed to focus attention on certain features of the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 5-8 are each like FIG. 2, front elevational views of the snowboard suspension system for the snowboarder&#39;s right boot, except that the snowboard is removed to focus on certain other features of the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary isometric view depicting an alternate embodiment of the snowboard suspension system of the invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary isometric view depicting an alternate embodiment of the snowboard suspension system of the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 11-12 are each fragmentary bottom views of a certain component of the invention shown in FIG. 4 to illustrate a way to provide attachment of the invention to the two standard types of conventional snowboards.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 is an enlarged, sectional view through line  12 - 12  of FIG. 3, and also showing an uncompressed and compressed position of the snowboard suspension system.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 14-15 are like FIG. 1, each fragmentary, isometric views of the preferred embodiment of the snowboard suspension system of the invention as it could be used by a snowboarder with a snowboard, except that the snowboarder and bindings are not depicted to focus attention on certain features of the invention.  
         [0028]    All of the remaining drawings are side views.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 16 shows a standard snowboard with bindings attached. The generic looking binding illustrated is meant to represent both “soft” and “plate” bindings. Most snowboarders mount the boot/binding obliquely to the board, not parallel to it.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 17 shows a simple spring-type snowboard suspension system with bottom stop.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 18 shows a hinge-type snowboard suspension system with damper.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 19 demonstrates how the various suspension systems are mounted on the board (hinge-type snowboard suspension system with baffles shown).  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 20 shows a cant.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 21 shows a cant placed under a spring-type snowboard suspension system with bottom stop.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 22 shows a compound spring-type snowboard suspension system.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 23 shows a hinged compound snowboard suspension system with dampers.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 24 shows a scissor-type snowboard suspension system.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 25 shows a telescoping-type snowboard suspension system.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 26 shows a parallelogram-type snowboard suspension system with damper.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 27 shows a cantilevered full-length snowboard suspension system with damper.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 28 shows a hinge-type snowboard suspension system with damper adapted to fit a pair of in-line roller skates. 
     
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN FIGS.  16 - 28   
       [0042]    [0042] 321  baffle  
         [0043]    [0043] 322  snowboard  
         [0044]    [0044] 323  bottom stop  
         [0045]    [0045] 324  boot/binding  
         [0046]    [0046] 325  spring hinge  
         [0047]    [0047] 326  hinge  
         [0048]    [0048] 327  mounting plate  
         [0049]    [0049] 328  damper connector  
         [0050]    [0050] 329  binding plate  
         [0051]    [0051] 330  damper  
         [0052]    [0052] 331  connection plate  
         [0053]    [0053] 332  cant  
         [0054]    [0054] 333  scissor arms  
         [0055]    [0055] 334  telescoping damper  
         [0056]    [0056] 335  slanted arms  
         [0057]    [0057] 336  skate boot  
         [0058]    [0058] 337  wheels  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0059]    [0059]FIG. 1 shows an isometric of the preferred embodiment of the snowboard suspension system of the invention at  10 . Also shown are portions of a snowboarder&#39;s legs and feet A, the snowboarder&#39;s boots B, associated boot bindings C, and a snowboard D. Any conventional boots, bindings and snowboards are usable with the invention. Snowboard D may be thought of as an elongate, flexible snow-planing member, and dual elongate bindings C are for receiving boots B. Corresponding long axes E of the bindings are located at angles F relative to a long axis G of the snowboard. System  10  includes fastener structure that preferably takes the form of dual suspension elements  10   a  and  10   b , each being coupled to a corresponding one of the dual bindings C.  
         [0060]    Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the illustration of suspension element  10   a  is meant to be representative of both elements  10   a - 10   b , where each element includes a top region or plate  12 , a bottom region or plate  14  and a desired thickness T (preferably between about 1- to 1.5-inches), and being formed to compress a preselected amount when a suitable force is applied to either the top or bottom plate. Also depicted is compressible section such as foam layer  16  and links such as bales  18 . As shown in FIGS. 2-8, each bale is angled or canted so that it is not at 90 degrees with respect to a plane containing the snowboard. In FIG. 2, an angle H depicts of less than 90 degrees, and preferably in the range of about 70-80 degrees, provides the proper bias toward compression that allows system  10  to meet the above objectives. The dimensions of plate  12  may be about 9-inches in length by about 6-inches in width, and the dimensions of plate  14  may be about 9-inches in length and about 6.75-inches in width. These dimensions have been found suitable for conventional snowboards, but suitable changes in such dimensions are possible.  
         [0061]    Referring to FIG. 4, suspension element  10   a  also includes first joining means or first joiners  20  for coupling each suspension element  10   a  (and  10   b , although undepicted in FIG. 4) to snowboard D (as shown in FIG. 1) so that both suspension elements are linked by the snowboard. First joiners  20  may also be thought of as screws or screw-serts, and preferably take the form of 6 mm×16 mm stainless steel screws. For reasons that will be described, either 3- or 4-screws are placed through appropriately sized openings  22   a  (oblong-shaped in cross section),  22   b  (approximately circular in cross section) in plate  12  and in plate  14 .  
         [0062]    Referring to FIGS. 3-4, suspension element  10   a  also includes second joining means or second joiners  24  (again preferably screws—two representative ones of the four are depicted) for attaching to a corresponding binding C (see FIG. 3) by placing the lead ends of the screws through suitable openings in the bindings (see FIG. 3), and turning the screws into threaded fittings  26  (a representative one of which is shown in FIG. 4) that are suitably fastened within openings  28  formed in plate  12 .  
         [0063]    Still referring to FIGS. 3-4, the ends of each bale  18  are placed through corresponding cylindrical sleeves such as sleeve  30  in each plate  12 ,  14 , with each sleeve suitably fastened within cylindrical bale openings, such as opening  32  formed in each plate  12 ,  14 . The ends of each bale  18  are circumferentially notched to allow placement of a washer  34  and lock washer  36  to hold each bale in the desired position within each sleeve. If each plate is formed by molding a suitable composite material, it has been found that reinforcing the length of each cyclindrical opening that receives a sleeve like sleeve  30  with angled, linear sections  38  will tend to limit shrinkage and ensure proper location of bale openings in the finished plate. Recesses  40  are preferably square in cross section and allow access to the ends of the bales for placement/sliding movement of washers  34  and lock washers  36 . Recesses  42  are the usual types of recesses when forming the plate from spheroidal elastomers. Recesses  44  are provide a distinctive look to plate  12  and are ornamental.  
         [0064]    Referring again to FIG. 4, a suitable adhesive layer  46  is applied to the top surface of foam layer  16 . It is possible to use any suitable means to attach foam layer  16  to one or both plates  12 ,  14 . Suitable openings  48  are formed in foam layer  16  to allow screws and screwdrivers to pass therethrough to attach plate  14  to snowboard D (see FIG. 13).  
         [0065]    Referring to FIGS. 5-8 and  14 - 15 , arrows are shown to illustrate that system  10  will result in the same controlled, horizontal, planar compression between plates  12  and  14  regardless of whether the snowboarder puts toe pressure (FIG. 6), heel pressure (FIG. 7), side (of boot or boots) pressure (FIG. 8), or toe-and-heel pressure (FIG. 15) on the plates.  
         [0066]    Referring to FIGS. 9-10, two alternate embodiments of the suspension system of the invention are shown. In FIG. 9, suspension element  110   a  is formed integrally by extruding suitable synthetic materials to form links  118  integral with plates  112  and  114  that sandwich a foam layer  116 . Plate  114  is suitable attached to snowboard D, and plate  112  is suitably attached to binding C as shown and described above. In FIG. 10, plate  14  is replaced by dual elongate panels  214  that are formed of a suitable material and include openings for receiving and suitably holding corresponding ends of bales  218 . Bales  218  should be positioned at an angle H as described in connection with FIG. 2.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIGS. 11-12 show the reason for constructing plate  14  with the 5-hole pattern of holes  22   a  and  22   b . The result is to allow for the 3-screw (FIG. 11) or 4-screw (FIG. 12) combinations which will accommodate attachment to the two types of hole patterns that snowboard manufacturers presently use when manufacturing snowboards. By constructing plate  14  as shown, there is no need for drilling additional holes in the snowboard when attaching suspension elements  10   a  and  10   b.    
         [0068]    Referring to FIG. 13, one can see how plate  14  can be attached to the snowboard by manually compressing plates  12  and  14 . The result is to align holes  22   a  and  22   b  in plates  12  and  14  (and corresponding holes in foam layer  16 ) to allow screws and a screwdriver to fit therethrough for tightening screws in the desired holes.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 17 shows the most elemental version of the snowboard suspension system. It is simply a piece of springy material bent to form a mounting plate  327 , and binding plate  329 . The fulcrum is a spring hinge  325 . It may be fabricated from spring steel (preferably stainless), or some form of composite with fiber reinforcement. A bottom stop  323  may be placed anywhere between the hinge and distal end of the mounting plate  327 . Another version incorporates a regular hinge  326  as the fulcrum (as in FIG. 18), and a damper  330  may be included as a replacement for the spring hinge  325 . All the figures on sheet  7  deal with simple snowboard suspension systems, as opposed to the compound snowboard suspension system shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In all cases, the snowboard suspension system is mounted between the board and the boot/binding.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 19 demonstrates the placement of a hinge-type snowboard suspension system with dampers and baffles. Any of the other versions except for FIGS. 27 and 28 have similar placements.  
         [0071]    The cant pictured in FIG. 20 can be made out of any water and temperature-resistant high durometer (preferably over 80) material. It may be a simple angle, or a compound angle, usually between 4 and 15 degrees, depending on the preferences of the boarder. All boot/binding  324  systems are mounted on the top of the binding plate  329 .  
         [0072]    In the hinge-type snowboard suspension system with damper pictured in FIG. 18, a damper connector  328  may be used to connect the binding plate  329  with the damper  330  in any fashion which maximizes vertical movement of the binding plate  329 . The damper  330  can be a variety of things—air/oil shocks, rubber, elastomers, springs, air bladders—any combination or anything which is resilient and has rebound characteristics. Attachments of the boot/binding  324  to the binding plate  329 , or the mounting plate  327  to the board  322  are achieved through the standard means—screws, slots, glues, or any other strong fastening systems. Current systems for attaching bindings to snowboards are adequate.  
         [0073]    The compound spring-type snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 22 is the same material as the snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 17, but configured in an S curve, so as to provide vertical compression to the side of each angle. This increases the available travel and allows for a more level binding plate  329 .  
         [0074]    In the compound hinge-type snowboard suspension system in FIG. 23 the mounting plate  327  is articulated with the connection plate  331  via a hinge  326 . The connection plate  331  then articulates with the binding plate  329  via another hinge  326 . On one side (in this case the left), there is a damper  330  between the binding plate  329  and the connection plate  331 . On the other side, there is another damper between the connection plate  331  and the mounting plate  327 . These dampers are comprised of the same materials as previously described. They may also be connected to the plates ( 327 ,  329 ,  331 ) via damper connector  328  type pieces, such that maximum vertical travel is facilitated. Placement of the damper  330  so that a cantilevered configuration is achieved is also possible.  
         [0075]    In the scissor-type snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 24, the mounting plate  327  is connected to two scissor arms  333  via hinges  326 . They cross each other at another hinge  326 , and then connect to the binding plate  329  via two more hinges  326 . Horizontal movement of both ends of the scissor arms  333  is accomplished through anything which allows the hinge free horizontal movement, while limiting lateral and vertical play. There are many possible permutations of this design too broad to cover, thus the illustration and description are simplified.  
         [0076]    The telescoping snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 25 incorporates two telescoping dampers  334  between the mounting plate  327  and the binding plate  329 . The attachment in both these areas is very strong, to limit any lateral play (a must for edge control), while allowing for vertical travel. Ideally, they should be very similar to the front forks on a motorcycle—a damping member which slides back and forth on a piston or plunger. As long as the telescoping members are machined to close enough tolerances (in the 0.008-0.014 range) the damping mechanism within each telescoping damper  334 , can be any of the aforementioned materials—coil springs, elastomers, air/oil combination, or simply air pressure.  
         [0077]    In the parallelogram-type snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 26, the mounting plate  327  articulates with the slanted arms  335  via hinges  326 . The hinges  326  also serve to connect the binding plate  329  with the slanted arms  335 . A damper  330  may be placed between the mounting plate  327  and the slanted arms  335 , or the binding plate  329  and the slanted arms  335 . Anything which allows for damping of the vertical movement of the binding plate  329  is fine. The dampers  330  may be any of the aforementioned materials.  
         [0078]    In the cantilevered full-length snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 27, both boot/bindings  324  are mounted on a single binding plate  329 . This articulates with the mounting plate  327  via a broad hinge  326 . A damper  330  can be placed anywhere between the hinge and the mid-section of the binding plate  329  to maximize the cantilevered effect. As an alternative, the damper may also be placed towards, or beyond the end (and attached via a damper connector  328 ) of the binding plate  329 .  
         [0079]    With the hinge-type suspension system with damper adapted to fin in-line roller skates pictured in FIG. 28, there are several special design considerations. As the hinge must be decreased in width (to roughly the width of the wheels, compared to the width of a snowboard), it isn&#39;t as inherently strong as with the snowboard, and must therefore be of larger diameter. Also, the binding plate  329  and mounting plate  327  must be thicker in order to counter the lateral thrust which is applied from the skater&#39;s stride. A piston-type air/oil damper  330  is the best choice for shock absorption and rebound. The shaft of the piston allows for increased lateral control and stability. More spring and less dampening are desirable qualities of the damper  330 , as it&#39;s important not to absorb, but enhance the lateral thrust from the skater&#39;s stride. Top and bottom attachments of the damper  330  must be of sufficient strength to minimize lateral play during the stride.  
       Operation  
       [0080]    The central concept of the various versions of the snowboard suspension system is to allow for vertical travel of the boot/binding  324 , while limiting any horizontal movement or rotation. This gives the boarder the advantage of having bumps dampened, while still allowing for maximum edge control. All the versions illustrated address this dynamic, with varying degrees of shock absorption and damping.  
         [0081]    In each of the designs illustrated on page one, the binding plate  329  moves radially in relation to the hinge ( 325 , 326 ), decreasing the distance to the mounting plate  327 , thus absorbing shocks that would normally be felt by the boarder. A bottom stop  323  may be incorporated to prevent the binding plate  329  from bottoming out on the mounting plate  327 . Also, a baffle system made of rubber or some other flexible material may be placed between the binding plate  329  and the mounting plate  327  in order to prevent the buildup of ice or snow.  
         [0082]    The compound spring-type snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 22 works similarly to the first two, but adds another curve to allow for more travel.  
         [0083]    All the snowboard suspension systems pictured in FIGS. 23-26 have the advantage of maximum travel coupled with relative constant fore-aft angle despite compression of the binding plate  329 . Of these, the hinged compound snowboard suspension system with dampers (pictured in FIG. 23) is the most simple, and is thus the preferred embodiment. Any vertical forces are dampened by the angle of the connection plate  331  becoming more acute from the dampers  330  compressing, thus allowing the binding plate  329  to move towards the mounting plate  327 .  
         [0084]    The scissor-type snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 24 allows for vertical travel of the binding plate  329  by increasing the acute angle on the scissor arms  333 . In the telescoping-type snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 25, the binding plate  329  moves in relation to the mounting plate  327  via telescoping dampers  334 .  
         [0085]    In the parallelogram-type snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 26, there is a great possibility of vertical travel as long as the damper(s)  330  are mounted outside of the slanted arms  335 , in order to provide clearance.  
         [0086]    In the cantilevered full-length snowboard suspension system pictured in FIG. 27, the binding plate  329  moves radially in relation to the hinge  326 , decreasing the distance to the mounting plate  327 . The cantilevered damper  330  allows for vertical travel. The design approximates the “feel” of a standard board, due to both bindings being mounted on the binding plate  329 , instead of moving independently. This is neither an advantage or disadvantage, simply another choice for those who prefer it. In order for this to work optimally, the mounting plate  327  must extend to the area below where the rear bindings  324  are mounted. The mounting plate must also be of a semi-flexible material, in order to allow for free flexion of the board.  
         [0087]    In each version the boot/binding  324  is always mounted on the binding plate  329 , and the snowboard suspension system is secured to the snowboard  322  via the mounting plate  327 . This allows for after-market fitting of snowboard suspension systems, in addition to fitting right from the factory. As previously mentioned, either “soft” or “plate” bindings may be used.  
         [0088]    Use of these snowboard suspension systems is very simple. The boarder simply attaches the boot/bindings  324 , and proceeds as they would on a standard board without snowboard suspension system, exuberant with the enhanced “feel” of the board.  
         [0089]    The suspension system for in-line roller skates pictured in FIG. 28 is well-suited for inclusion in production skates. However, there are some possibilities for after-market products. Anything which allows for a flex-free connection between the bottom of the boot  324 , and the binding plate  329  is fine. One possibility is to offer a system wherein the hinge  330  and mounting plate  327  are an integral unit, and can be changed on a given skateboot by removing them at the hinge  330 , and replacing them with a similar assembly that offers different performance features.  
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION  
       [0090]    There are many possibilities for further elaborations of these basic designs. In terms of materials usage, the most desirable combinations would be those that offer lightweight and strength. Any of the carbon fiber reinforced composites, or alloys would fit the bill. Whatever material is used should be resistant to temperature extremes, UV radiation, corrosion, chipping, breaking, or other forms of breakdown. All fittings should be stainless tell, or some other corrosion-resistant material. The actual snowboard suspension system may be mounted with the fulcrum or hinge  326  mounted towards the front or back. This is largely dependent on fore-aft angular considerations of the broader. A baffle  321  system may be incorporated in order to keep snow entirely out of the area of compression. A variety of dampers  330  may be used, ranging from simple air bladders to sophisticated air/oil shocks and torsion bars. A configuration which allows for progressive damping by combining various dampers  330  is the most desirable. The “feel” of the snowboard suspension system will be determined by the relative springiness and travel of each configuration. Every snowboard suspension system could be custom-tailored to the individual boarder by adjusting vertical travel, springiness, damping, sideways deflection, and placement of the snowboard suspension system on the board. These factors would be influenced by the boarder&#39;s skill, weight, interests (e.g. freestyle or racing), and preferred terrain.  
         [0091]    The hinged and hinged-compound type snowboard suspension system (as in FIGS. 18 and 23) are the most flexible in terms of allowing for the aforementioned customized configurations. As such, they are the preferred embodiments. By adjusting the placement of the dampers  330  relative to the hinges  326 , first through third class levers can be incorporated. In addition, by varying the durometer of each damper  330 , progressive rebound and damping can be attained. Different durometer dampers  330  may be used on front and back, depending on the conditions. A cantilever-style configuration is the most desirable in terms of maximizing the amount of travel in relation to compression of the damper  330 . For the current use, compression-type dampers  328  would be preferred over elongation-type dampers. Any other design considerations would be dictated by cost, available materials, and desired performance features.  
         [0092]    These types of suspension systems can also be adapted to fit downhill skiis. The only real difference is a greater emphasis on controlling fore-aft flexion, which has been done with the designs pictured in FIGS. 23-26. Not only do these systems allow for increased shock absorption, but, as with snowboards, they alter the “feel” of the skin in rather interesting ways.  
         [0093]    The hinge-type snowboard suspension system with damper adapted to fit in-line skates (as pictured in FIG. 28) is a significant improvement over current fixed systems insofar as it dampens shocks and significantly enhances the feel of the skates due to the rebound effect and energy return. Alterations may be in the form of the other designs described herein. The fulcrum, or hinge  326  may be placed further back, and a damper positioned in front, as well as behind it. A lock-out mechanism could be incorporated which keeps the suspension system from working, should that be desirable. Various damper  330  combinations could be offered for different weights and abilities.  
         [0094]    Accordingly, the reader will see that the various designs for a snowboard suspension system covered by this application have the following advantages over current board/binding configurations:  
         [0095]    They provide a way to quickly customize the feel of the board.  
         [0096]    They minimize the possibility of injury from rough terrain.  
         [0097]    They provide a means for the boarder to move forward on level terrain without undoing the bindings, by “bouncing” the board back and forth —similar to what skateboarders do.  
         [0098]    They create an entirely new dynamic for the snowboarder—a more lively “feel,” and enhanced turning capability.  
         [0099]    They provide a simple and effective means of absorbing shock from bumpy terrain for snow boarders, skiers, and skaters alike.  
         [0100]    They increase the possibilities in “freestyle” boarding, due to the springier dynamic and adjustability.  
         [0101]    They allow for a greater range of weight distribution and transference of weight during a turn.  
         [0102]    They make the sport more appealing to older people, whose bodies aren&#39;t as resilient as they once were.  
         [0103]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention, but as merely providing some illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The basic concept of a binding plate  329  which moves vertically in relation to a mounting plate  327  and has a means for damping or enhancing this movement is the central feature of these designs. To my knowledge, there are no precedents in the prior art which these designs emulate. Thus the scope of these designs should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0