Snowboard fixator and snowboard

Abstract

The invention relates to a ski holder (1) comprising a ski anchoring element (2), a boot anchoring element (3) and at least one pivoting mechanism (4) pivotally coupling the ski anchoring element (2) and the boot anchoring element (3) to allow the boot anchoring element (3) to pivot relative to the ski anchoring element (2). The invention also relates to a snowboard suitable for such a fixture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a binding for securely attaching a boot to a snowboard, and a snowboard adapted to enhance the enjoyment and recreation when using the snowboard binding. Background Art

[0002] Snowboarding is an activity and sport enjoyed all over the world. Equipment used for snowboarding includes a snowboard, a snowboard boot, and a snowboard binding, which is mounted on the snowboard and is used to fix the snowboard boot worn by the snowboarder.

[0003] Snowboard bindings are directly connected to the snowboard and their task is to transfer the energy of the skier's body and his / her muscle movements to the snowboard, thus helping the skier to control his / her board. Bindings are a key component of snowboards and can enhance the skiing experience, or ruin it if the wrong bindings are used. When choosing bindings, a skier must consider his skiing style and preferences.

[0004] Most known ski binding designs provide a rigid connection between the boot and the ski, making skiing uncomfortable. On ski lifts, the common soft bindings are also uncomfortable.

[0005] US 5,855,390 discloses a laterally flexible snowboard binding system that enables a skier to have a good rotation of the body toward the front of the board. The snowboard binding system includes a snowboard anchor plate, a shoe anchor plate, a biasing unit, and a locking unit. The snowboard anchor plate is attached to the biasing unit on one side and to the locking unit on the other side. The biasing unit is made of a hinge and a coil spring. The locking unit can be released by the snowboarder to maintain the snowboard anchor plate and the shoe anchor plate in a substantially parallel relationship unless the locking device is released by the snowboarder. This snowboard binding provides the skier with a certain degree of freedom relative to the snowboard and allows the skier to adjust the spacing of the bindings to make the front and rear legs more parallel to the snowboard.

[0006] This known pivoting, rotating snowboard binding has a pivot, i.e. a biasing unit, at the height of the top of the board to the side of the foot. The mechanism cannot support weight and cannot pivot either. Furthermore, the existing pivot works in an on / off mode, so that the pivot is only activated during jumps or on a ski lift. Most of the time, it is like a normal snowboard without any swivel. Since the pivot is located on the side of the foot, the pivot does not provide a natural swivel point and therefore it is uncomfortable. Furthermore, due to the nature of the hinge on the outside of each foot, the pivot of this known snowboard binding allows only one foot to be swiveled at a time.

[0007] Another disadvantage of known conventional bindings is that, in the case of skiing in deep powder snow, the skier must lean back and the hind leg becomes tired.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the problems of known ski bindings and to provide a new ski binding with increased freedom of movement of the ski anchor relative to the ski anchor and the body of the ski.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a snowboard binding with a comfortable pivot for the skier's foot, allowing the skier to perform different snowboarding tricks and ski with ease in deep powder snow.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a snowboard binding that allows the skier's feet to be pivoted and the pivoting portion is always active. This allows the skier to always have the most natural foot position and achieve a position of the body relative to the board that is not possible with traditional bindings.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adaptable snowboard suitable for use with the snowboard binding of the present invention to allow more tricks and create a different way of skiing with the snowboard.

[0012] These and other objects are achieved by a snowboard binding and a snowboard according to the present invention. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention provides a ski binding with a shoe anchoring element, which is pivotally arranged relative to a ski anchoring plate and a ski body. In a first aspect of the invention, a ski binding comprises a ski anchoring element, a shoe anchoring element and at least one pivot mechanism. The shoe anchoring element is pivotally connected to the ski anchoring element. The at least one pivot mechanism comprises at least one pivoting portion and / or at least one sliding guide.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the snowboard binding comprises two pivot mechanisms, which are pivotally coupled to both the snowboard anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element to allow the shoe anchoring element to pivot relative to the snowboard anchoring element. In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, the snowboard anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element are pivotally coupled at their respective front and rear portions by means of the pivot mechanisms to suspend the shoe anchoring element at its front and rear portions relative to the snowboard anchoring element.

[0015] It must be noted that the terms "front portion" and "rear portion" are used herein to denote the portion of the snowboard anchoring element and / or the shoe anchoring element in use which is in the direction of the user's foot. In other words, the front portion is substantially the area where the user's toes are arranged in use, while the rear portion is substantially the area where the user's heel is arranged in use.

[0016] The terms "pivot", "pivot mechanism", "rotate" and "pivotally" herein also refer to "rotate" or "swivel" or "tilt" as appropriate to describe a rotational or rotational movement about a pivot or rotation axis.

[0017] In other words, according to the present disclosure, for example, the phrase "at least one pivot mechanism pivotally couples the ski anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element" used herein also has the meaning of "at least one tilt mechanism rotationally couples the ski anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element".

[0018] It should be noted that the pivot or rotation axis can be a real axis or an imaginary axis. For example, as discussed in more detail below, in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the pivot or rotation axis is provided by two pivot parts (e.g., comprising a shaft or a pin and a nut), which are basically arranged at both the rear part and the front part of the fixture. It must be noted that according to one aspect, the rotation or pivot axis passes through at least one pivot part.

[0019] Furthermore, according to a possible embodiment, the pivot mechanism comprises one or more sliding guides intended to provide a rotation about a pivot or rotation axis, in this case an imaginary pivot or rotation axis defined, for example, by the curvature of the sliding guides.

[0020] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment shown in -16, the pivot mechanism comprises a pivot portion (e.g., comprising an axis or a pin and a nut) substantially at the rear part of the holder, thus providing a real pivot or rotation axis, and further comprises a sliding guide intended to provide rotation about the pivot or rotation axis, in which case the pivot or rotation axis is an imaginary pivot or rotation axis, for example defined by the curvature of the sliding guide. In this embodiment, the pivot or rotation axis of the pivot portion at the rear part of the holder (i.e., the real pivot or rotation axis) corresponds to the pivot or rotation axis of the sliding guide (i.e., the imaginary rotation axis).

[0021] It must also be noted that, even though not shown in the figures, embodiments in which the pivot mechanism comprises two sliding guides (without the pivoting portion), such as Fig.10It is also possible and within the scope of the invention that the pivoting part of the rear part of the embodiment of -16 is replaced by another sliding guide. In this case, two or more sliding guides provide a pivoting or rotation axis which is an imaginary rotation axis.

[0022] Advantageously, the presence of at least one pivot mechanism, preferably at least two pivot mechanisms, allows pivotal movement of the wearer's foot, preferably above the plane of the snowboard.

[0023] According to one aspect, the snowboard binding of the invention has two pivot mechanisms at or close to ankle height, preferably with horizontal axes of rotation in the direction in which the foot is pointing.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, both the snowboard anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element have a substantially cage-like shape, or they are substantially shell-like in shape. The term "substantially cage-like" is used in this disclosure to describe an open working structure having a hollow or concave shape. The term "substantially shell-like" also refers to hollow and concave shapes.

[0025] According to one aspect, the ski anchoring element comprises a base plate, i.e. the base plate is provided with an at least partially or preferably completely flat bottom surface which can be arranged on a flat surface of a ski. According to one embodiment, the ski anchoring element comprises two side walls in its longitudinal direction. Advantageously, each side wall is bent upwards at its front and rear ends in such a way that the side walls are connected at the respective front and rear portions.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the side walls of the ski anchoring element are tapered to end in the respective front and rear portions.

[0027] According to one aspect, each of said front and rear parts of the cage-like or shell-like shaped ski anchoring element has a through hole for accommodating a pivot mechanism to connect the ski anchoring element with the shoe anchoring element.

[0028] According to one aspect, the shoe anchoring element has a front portion and a rear portion, and each of them is provided with a through hole for accommodating a pivot mechanism, and each of them is arranged to pivotally connect the shoe anchoring element to the snowboard anchoring element.

[0029] At least one pivot mechanism, preferably at least two pivot mechanisms, comprises a pivot axis, which allows the shoe anchoring element to rotate relative to the ski anchoring element, the ski anchoring element being arranged at a distance from the bottom of the fixing means, preferably from the bottom plate of the ski anchoring element. The distance makes it possible to swing the shoe anchoring element about the pivot axis and over the side wall of the ski anchoring element, preferably freely.

[0030] According to one aspect, the pivot or rotation axis is arranged close to the height of the skier's ankles and preferably in the direction of the skier's feet.

[0031] According to one aspect, the pivot or rotation axis is arranged within the width of the binding, preferably within the width of the skier's foot. Advantageously, the pivot or rotation axis is located not outside the width of the binding (preferably not outside the width of the skier's foot), allowing tilting (rotational) movement of the skier's foot, preferably above the plane of the ski.

[0032] According to one aspect, the pivot axis of the pivot mechanism is preferably parallel or only slightly inclined relative to the base plate of the ski anchoring element.

[0033] It has to be noted that the term "slightly inclined" as used herein means that the pivot axis of the pivot mechanism may be inclined at an angle of at most 5° or preferably less than 3° relative to the base plate of the ski anchoring element.

[0034] Furthermore, according to one aspect, the pivot axis of the pivot mechanism passes through the front and rear parts of the shoe anchoring element and the snowboard anchoring element. In particular, the two pivot mechanisms include two pivot parts: one pivot part passes through a through hole formed on the respective front parts, i.e., the front ends, of the snowboard anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element, and the other pivot part passes through a through hole formed on the respective rear parts, i.e., the rear ends, of the snowboard anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element.

[0035] According to one aspect, the shoe anchoring element includes a heel holder, a base plate, and a side wall. The heel holder can be integral with the shoe anchoring element or can be attached thereto. The heel holder fits around the snowboarder's shoe above its swelling point for the heel of the foot. According to one embodiment, the heel holder protrudes upward from a rear portion of the shoe anchoring element.

[0036] The base plate of the snowboard anchoring element has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is the surface of the base plate facing toward the shoe anchoring element and the outer surface of the base plate is the surface facing toward the snowboard once the snowboard binding is attached thereto.

[0037] The base plate of the shoe anchoring element has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is the surface on which the user's shoe is placed, and the outer surface is the surface of the base plate facing the inner surface of the base plate of the snowboard anchoring element.

[0038] According to another aspect, the shoe anchoring element is provided with at least one transverse protruding element, preferably on the outer surface of the base plate, which transverse protruding element can engage with a sliding guide provided transversely on the snowboard anchoring element, preferably on the inner surface of the base plate thereof, or vice versa, the shoe anchoring element is provided with at least one sliding guide and the snowboard anchoring element is provided with at least one transverse protruding element cooperating with the sliding guide. The sliding guide has a shape, preferably a shape complementary to the protruding element, which allows the transverse protruding element of the shoe anchoring element to slide freely in the guide of the snowboard anchoring element.

[0039] According to a possible embodiment, wherein more than one sliding guide is provided, each of said sliding guides interacts with a corresponding element, preferably protruding laterally from an outer surface of the bottom plate of the shoe anchoring element, or vice versa.

[0040] In another aspect of the present invention, the at least one pivot mechanism includes a pivot portion and at least one sliding guide.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the one pivot portion passes through at least one hole formed on the rear part of the ski anchoring element and the rear part of the shoe anchoring element, and the at least one sliding guide is provided on the ski anchoring element and interacts with the element protruding laterally from the outer surface of the base plate of the shoe anchoring element, thereby allowing a pivot connection between the shoe anchoring element and the ski anchoring element.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the ski anchoring element may include one sliding guide located essentially at the front part of the ski anchoring element and another sliding guide located at the rear part of the ski anchoring element, and thus two corresponding protruding elements protruding laterally from the front part and the rear part of the outer surface of the base plate of the shoe anchoring element.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, the ski binding comprises a pivot at the rear portion of both the shoe anchoring element and the ski anchoring element, and a sliding guide at least at the front portion of the ski anchoring element. Preferably, the sliding guide is present at both the front portion and the rear portion of the outer surface of the bottom wall of the ski anchoring element.

[0044] When the ski binding comprises a pivot portion rotatably connecting the rear parts of both the shoe anchoring element and the ski anchoring element, the basic cage-like shape or the basic shell-like shape of the ski anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element is open at the front part, preferably, the front part of the base plate of the ski anchoring element and / or the front part of the base plate of the shoe anchoring element is freely exposed.

[0045] This structure of the ski binding allows for different sizes of boots to be inserted. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the pivot point is at the rear portion of both the boot anchoring element and the ski anchoring element, while allowing for a sliding connection to be provided at the front portion between the boot anchoring element and the ski anchoring element, thus also cooperating at the front portion to pivotally couple the boot anchoring element and the ski anchoring element. In particular, there is a catch feature, such as a sliding guide with a substantially "L-shaped" cross section, which supports the front portion of the boot anchoring element in the vertical and horizontal directions, while still allowing for sliding about the axis of rotation.

[0046] This embodiment of the invention, wherein the at least one pivot mechanism comprises a pivot portion in conjunction with the at least one sliding guide, provides for a greater range of shoe sizes to be accommodated by the fixture.

[0047] Preferably, said protruding element of the shoe anchoring element has a shape complementary to the shape of a corresponding sliding guide provided on the ski anchoring element, thereby allowing a free rotation of the shoe anchoring element about the rotation axis of the ski binding.

[0048] As stated, according to a possible embodiment, it is not excluded that the protruding element is provided on the snowboard anchoring element and the sliding guide is arranged on the shoe anchoring element.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sliding guide has the shape of a channel, i.e. it has a bottom wall and two side walls forming a cavity in which the protruding element of the shoe anchoring element can slide freely due to its complementary shape. Thus, the sliding guide controls the direction of movement of the shoe anchoring element within the snowboard anchoring element.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the snowboard binding comprises two sliding guides and two protruding elements, wherein the protruding elements have a shape complementary to the shape of the corresponding sliding guides.

[0051] According to one aspect, the skier's boot can be attached to the boot anchoring element by means of fastening methods known in the art, such as fixers or ratchet (safety) straps, shoelaces, clips, step-in systems, etc. In addition to or instead of the fastening means described herein, any fastening means can be used in this context. According to one aspect of the invention, the fastening means can be attached to the boot anchoring element by means of connecting eyelets, preferably by means of bolt-type through-holes. Advantageously, the connecting eyelets or through-holes are provided on the side walls and / or the heel retainer of the boot anchoring element.

[0052] In another aspect of the invention, the ski anchoring element and preferably the base plate thereof is provided with an angle setting plate having slots or holes or bores for attaching the angle setting plate to the ski, e.g. by screws, bolts, etc. as known in the art. Preferably, the angle setting plate is arranged in the plane of the base plate of the ski anchoring element. The angle setting plate can be attached to the ski by means of conventional toothed discs and screws.

[0053] Advantageously, the angle setting plate is connected to the snowboard anchoring element by means of an elastic element, such as a spring or an elastomer. When the skier wears the snowboard binding of the invention, the angle setting plate with this element allows a rigid and limited rotation around a vertical axis located in the middle of the foot, but it does not allow the angle setting plate to translate relative to the board.

[0054] A further embodiment of the invention is a ski binding in which the pivot mechanism comprises only sliding guides, in particular two or more sliding guides. Therefore, no pivoting part is foreseen in this embodiment.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to enhance the stability of the shoe anchoring element slidably connected to the ski anchoring element, the outer surface of the base plate of the shoe anchoring element is provided with two laterally protruding auxiliary elements, which can be slidably engaged with the guide or channel respectively, have a shape complementary to the auxiliary protruding elements, and are laterally arranged in the inner surface of the base plate of the ski anchoring element.

[0056] The snowboard binding according to this embodiment has an open structure, ie it has an open front part and a rear part.

[0057] Advantageously, the angle setting plate of the ski binding of the present invention comprises a structural element acting as a torsion spring mechanism, which allows the shoe anchoring element to be rotated or twisted relative to the ski anchoring element and the ski itself around an axis Y passing vertically through the angle setting plate and in particular perpendicularly through the bottom surface of the ski anchoring element.

[0058] The torsion spring mechanism of the angle setting plate comprises a mini-disc, an inner mounting member and an intermediate mounting member. The mini-disc is provided with holes or slots through which drive screws or bolts are passed into the snowboard, as is standard practice for securing a snowboard anchoring element of a snowboard binding to a snowboard. The inner mounting member surrounds the mini-disc and is oriented and fastened thereto. The intermediate mounting member is connected to the snowboard anchoring element by means of (one or more) elastic elements, such as elastomeric elements. The intermediate mounting member can be rotated relative to the inner mounting member and the base plate of the snowboard anchoring element so that the intermediate mounting member can be further rotated relative to the snowboard.

[0059] Thus, the ski binding of the present invention, comprising an angled plate with the torsion spring mechanism, allows both a rotational (pivoting) movement of the ski binding about the longitudinal axis X, and a rotational or torsional movement of the ski anchoring element about a vertical axis Y perpendicular to the upper surface of the bottom wall of the ski anchoring element.

[0060] The torsion about the vertical axis Y obtained by the torsion spring mechanism of the invention, combined with the rotation of the shoe anchoring element relative to the ski anchoring element about the longitudinal axis X of the ski binding, is novel in the prior art of the invention.

[0061] All embodiments of the ski binding of the present invention may include a torsion spring mechanism. In particular, the ski anchoring element of the ski binding of the present invention may be combined with a torsion spring mechanism when it is mounted to the snowboard, allowing a limited rotation (twist) around an axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal upper surface of the snowboard. Specifically, the axis Y is perpendicular to the surface of the ski anchoring element or the surface of the angled board. Another aspect of the present invention is a snowboard, preferably a snowboard for attaching the ski binding of the present invention. The snowboard has a longitudinal shape with a length and width that allows a pair of said bindings to be fixed on its longitudinal upper surface, to which the ski binding is fixed.

[0062] The longitudinal upper surface terminates in a tip and a tail. The tip and / or the tail are bent upwards at an angle comprised between 30° and 80° relative to the upper longitudinal surface of the snowboard.

[0063] The curved tip and / or tail of the board should preferably have a length that allows the skier to take advantage of the ski binding of the present invention and perform many tricks that are not possible with known ski bindings. In particular, the skier can ski stably on the tip or tail of the board using the inclination of the binding and the curved section of the tip and tail of the board. This length preferably has a flat portion, but may also have a continuous curve.

[0064] It is possible for only the tip or only the tail to curve upwards, while the other side can resemble a traditional snowboard.

[0065] The tip or tail may have a handle that the skier may hold while skiing in a leaning position.

[0066] Advantageously, the length of each of the curved tip and the curved tail is comprised between 50 mm and 700 mm, determined for an overall length of the snowboard comprised between 1000 mm and 2000 mm.

[0067] The ratio of the length of each of the curved tip portion or the curved tail portion to the entire length of the snowboard is between 1 / 20 and 1 / 3.

[0068] This arrangement of the snowboard binding and the shape of the snowboard allow the snowboarder to be more comfortable with respect to known bindings and to perform more interesting tricks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The structure and features of the snowboard binding of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the preferred embodiment given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0070] - Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a snowboard binding according to the invention, wherein the shoe anchoring plate does not pivot relative to the snowboard anchoring element;

[0071] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a snowboard binding according to the invention, wherein the shoe anchoring plate is pivoted relative to the snowboard anchoring element;

[0072] - Figure 5 is a schematic perspective rear view of a possible embodiment of a snowboard binding according to the present invention;

[0073] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a schematic perspective rear view of a possible embodiment of a snowboard binding, showing the binding from the bottom wall of the snowboard anchoring element;

[0074] - Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a snowboard binding according to the invention, provided with binding straps and a backing piece;

[0075] - Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a snowboard binding according to an aspect of the present invention, showing a base plate of a boot anchoring element equipped with binding straps and a backing member;

[0076] - Fig.10 is a schematic perspective view of a further possible embodiment of a snowboard binding according to the invention, showing a snowboard binding equipped with a binding strap and a backing piece and having open ends at the respective front portions of the shoe anchoring element and the snowboard anchoring element;

[0077] - Fig.11 and Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A partial top view of a snowboard binding is shown without the binding straps and backing piece;

[0078] - Fig.13 Shows Fig.10 The ski binding shown illustrates the cooperation of an element protruding laterally from the outer surface of the base plate of the shoe anchoring element with a corresponding sliding guide of the ski anchoring element;

[0079] - Fig.14 yes Fig.10 A partial bottom view of the snowboard binding is shown, exposing the outer surface of the bottom plate of the snowboard anchoring element;

[0080] - Fig.15 Shows Fig.10 A snowboard binding shown without the binding straps and backing member, wherein the shoe anchoring element is tilted to show the inner surface of the base plate of the snowboard anchoring element;

[0081] - Fig.16 yes Fig.10 a perspective cutaway view of a snowboard binding shown;

[0082] - Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of a snowboard of the present invention;

[0083] - Fig.19 A binding according to the invention and a snowboard according to the invention are shown in possible skiing positions;

[0084] - Fig. 20 A skier is shown in a possible skiing position using a binding according to the invention and a ski according to the invention;

[0085] - Fig.21 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a snowboard equipped with binding straps and a backing member, wherein the pivot mechanism comprises only a plurality of sliding guides;

[0086] - Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 A three-dimensional cutaway view of a snowboard binding;

[0087] - Fig.23 is in an inclined position about the pivot axis X, Fig.21 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a snowboard binding;

[0088] - Fig.24 and Fig.25 yes Fig.21 1 is a schematic perspective rear view of an embodiment of a snowboard binding shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating the snowboard binding emerging from a bottom wall of a snowboard anchoring element, exposing an angle setting plate;

[0089] - Fig.26 yes Fig.21 A perspective cutaway view of the bottom wall of the ski anchoring element of a ski binding, detailing the structural construction of the angle plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] A snowboard binding is described herein that is configured to secure a wearer to a snowboard that allows the wearer to transfer torque and force from his or her legs to the snowboard to control the snowboard and / or provide a comfortable skiing posture. In addition, the snowboard binding of the present invention is configured to allow the snowboarder to transfer his or her various leg / foot movements to the snowboard to produce a range of varying torque forces on the snowboard, thereby providing the snowboarder with greater flexibility of his or her body relative to the board.

[0091] Thus, the snowboard binding of the present invention provides mobility relative to the board and allows the wearer to adjust the position of his or her feet relative to the snowboard because the binding is configured to pivot relative to the snowboard. This allows the wearer to assume a comfortable skiing posture.

[0092] Figure 1 FIG. 9 shows a possible embodiment of a snowboard binding according to the invention. The illustrated snowboard binding 1 (also referred to herein as a binding) comprises a snowboard anchoring element 2, a shoe anchoring element 3 and two pivoting mechanisms 19, 20.

[0093] The snowboard anchoring element 2 is pivotably connected to the shoe anchoring element 3 by means of a pivot mechanism 4 comprising two pivots or pivot (swivel) joints. Figure 3 , 4 As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , this arrangement of the fixing device 1 allows a pivoting or tilting of the shoe anchoring element 3 relative to the ski anchoring element 2 .

[0094] In particular, the ski anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3 are pivotally connected at their respective front and rear parts 10, 11, 12, 13 by means of two pivots, ie two pivot joints, acting as pivot mechanisms.

[0095] In particular, Figure 1 The ski binding 1 shown in FIG. 9 comprises a pivot mechanism comprising two pivot parts 19, 20. The pivot axis of the mechanism passes through holes in the respective front parts 10, 12 of the ski anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3, and through holes in the respective rear parts 11, 13 of the ski anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3.

[0096] This arrangement of the two pivots 19 , 20 in the ski binding of the invention allows the shoe anchoring element 3 to be suspended at the two pivot points 19 , 20 , namely at its front part 10 , 12 and rear part 11 , 13 relative to the ski anchoring element 2 .

[0097] According to a possible embodiment, as shown in the figures, the ski anchoring element 2 comprises a base plate 14 and two side walls 15 in the longitudinal direction of the ski anchoring element 12. The shoe anchoring element 3 is formed by the base plate 7, the side walls 6 and the heel holder 6.

[0098] The base plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2 has an inner surface which faces towards the base plate 7 of the shoe anchoring element 3 and an outer surface which faces towards the ski once the ski binding is attached thereto.

[0099] The bottom plate 7 of the shoe anchoring element 3 has an inner surface on which the user's shoe is placed and an outer surface which faces the inner surface of the bottom plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2 .

[0100] According to one embodiment, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the pivot 20 and therefore also the rotation axis X passes through a hole formed in the rear portion 11 of the shoe anchoring element 3, so that the snowboard binding 1 has a pivot 20 which is located at or close to the height of the wearer's ankle and the horizontal rotation axis points in the direction of the foot.

[0101] Both the ski anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3 are preferably made of strong plastic or lightweight metal and comprise recesses in order to reduce the weight of the binding.

[0102] The two pivoting mechanisms comprising the two pivoting parts 19, 20 comprise a pivot axis X which allows a rotation or tilting of the shoe anchoring element 3 relative to the ski anchoring element 2. The pivot or rotation axis X is arranged at a distance from the base plate 14 of the ski element 2 which allows a tilting / swinging, preferably free tilting / swinging, of the shoe anchoring element 3 relative to the ski anchoring element 2, preferably above the edge of the side wall 15 of the ski anchoring plate 2.

[0103] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the pivot axis X connects through holes formed in the front and rear parts 10, 11, 12, 13 of the respective snowboard anchoring element 2 and shoe anchoring element 3.

[0104] Figure 1 The embodiment shown in Figure 9 shows that each pivot mechanism is formed by a pivot part including a shaft or a pin and a nut. Other types of pivot parts are also suitable for obtaining the same result. One or more bearings, preferably ball bearings, can be provided at the pivot part.

[0105] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the shaft is inserted into corresponding through holes formed on the front and rear parts 10, 12, 11, 13 of both the snowboard anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3, and thereby obtains two pivot points, namely pivots 19, 20, one connecting the respective front parts 10, 12 of the snowboard anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3, and the other connecting the respective rear parts 11, 13. The shaft is attached in the two pivot points 19, 20 by nuts.

[0106] The pivot axis X is preferably parallel, but may be slightly inclined relative to the base plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2. The inclination of the pivot axis relative to the base plate of the ski anchoring element may be at most 5°, but is preferably less than 3°.

[0107] Since the snowboarder is supported by the pivoting shoe anchoring element 3, which is pivotably connected at its front and rear parts 10, 11 to the corresponding front and rear parts 12, 13 of the snowboard anchoring element 2, the rotational freedom provided by the two pivot joints, i.e. the pivots, allows the snowboarder to create new flexibility, enhancing the snowboarder's ability to achieve new body positions and perform new tricks. In addition, this pivoting arrangement of the snowboard binding of the present invention provides a swivel / tilt of the skier's feet, which causes less fatigue and stress on the legs during a long skiing day and when sitting on a ski lift.

[0108] In the shown embodiment, both the ski anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3 have a substantially cage-like shape or a substantially shell-like shape. Thus, the ski anchoring element and the shoe anchoring element 2, 3 have an open working structure comprising a hollow shape or a concave shape.

[0109] Figure 2 5 shows a ski binding 1, wherein the outer surface of the base plate 7 of the shoe anchoring element 3, facing towards the inner surface of the base plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2, is provided with two transversely protruding elements 21a, 21b, which can respectively engage with a sliding guide 22 arranged transversely on the inner surface of the base plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2. Advantageously, each of the sliding guides 22a, 22b has a shape complementary to the corresponding protruding element 21a, 21b and is arranged transversely on the inner surface of the base plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2 in such a way that each protruding element 21 can slide in the corresponding sliding guide 22a, 22b during pivoting of the shoe anchoring element 3 about the pivot axis X.

[0110] according to Figure 1In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the sliding guides 22a, 22b formed on the inner surface of the bottom plate 14 of the snowboard anchoring element 2 have the shape of a channel, i.e. it has a bottom wall and two side walls, which form a cavity in which the protruding elements 21a, 21b of the shoe anchoring element 3 can slide freely due to their complementary shapes. Thus, the sliding guides 22a, 22b control the movement direction of the shoe anchoring element 3 relative to the snowboard anchoring element 2.

[0111] The ski binding of the present invention is mounted to a ski (not shown) by means of the use of mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws, etc. In detail, according to one embodiment, the ski anchoring element 2 is fastened to the ski by means of an angled plate 16 provided with holes or slots 17 through which screws or bolts are driven into the ski, as is standard practice.

[0112] According to one embodiment, as shown in the figures, the angle setting plate 16 is connected to the base plate 14 of the snowboard anchoring element 2 by means of an elastic element 18, such as a spring. In the embodiment shown, Figure 1 9 shows a snowboard binding in which the angle setting plate 16 is accommodated in the plane of the base plate 14 of the snowboard anchoring element 2. This arrangement of the snowboard binding 1 of the present invention allows a limited rotation of the snowboard binding 1 about a vertical axis passing through the center point of the angle setting plate 16. This rotation of the snowboard binding also helps to further improve the comfort of the snowboarder during skiing.

[0113] Advantageously, in order to better utilize the above-mentioned rotation of the ski anchoring element 2 , the vertical axis of the angling plate 16 may pass through the middle of the foot of the skier received in the shoe anchoring element 3 .

[0114] Figure 1 7 shows some connecting holes 8, 9 on the shoe anchoring element 3, in particular on the heel holder 5 and the side wall 6. These holes are used to insert the fastening device or fastener strip 23 for the shoe and the back lining 24 into the shoe anchoring element 3, such as Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In addition to or instead of the fastener straps, any fastening means may be used, such as fasteners, laces, clips, etc.

[0115] For example, Fig.10 A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 16 , in which the ski binding comprises a pivoting portion 20 and two sliding guides 21a , 22b operating as a pivoting mechanism.

[0116] The one pivot 20 passes through at least one hole formed in the rear portion 13 of the ski anchoring element 2 and the front portion 11 of the shoe anchoring element 3 to allow a pivotal coupling between the shoe anchoring element 3 and the ski anchoring element 2 .

[0117] Said sliding guides 21a, 21b are arranged laterally on the inner surface of the bottom plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2. Each of said sliding guides cooperates with a corresponding element 22a, 22b protruding laterally from the outer surface of the bottom plate 7 of the shoe anchoring element 3, thereby allowing a lateral sliding movement along a curved surface (thus providing a pivotal coupling above the ski anchoring element 2 about the pivot axis X of the shoe anchoring element 3).

[0118] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment shown in -16, one of the two guide members 22a is arranged on the rear part 13 of the inner surface of the bottom wall 14 of the ski anchoring element 2, and therefore, the corresponding element 21a which protrudes laterally from the outer surface of the bottom wall of the shoe anchoring element 3 is located at the rear part 11 of the shoe anchoring element 3 in such a way that the laterally protruding element 21a of the shoe anchoring element 3 is allowed to slide in the sliding guide 22a and thereby provide a pivoting movement of the ski binding around the pivot axis X.

[0119] like Fig.13 and 15 As shown, according to one embodiment, a further sliding guide 22b is provided at the front portion 12 of the inner surface of the base plate 14 of the snowboard anchoring element 2, and accordingly, a corresponding element 21b protruding laterally from the outer surface of the base plate 7 of the shoe anchoring element is located at the front portion 10 of the shoe anchoring element 3. Similar to the laterally protruding element 22a, the further laterally protruding element 21b is also arranged in such a way that it is possible to cooperate with the corresponding sliding guide 22b and to provide the snowboard binding with a pivoting movement about the pivot axis X.

[0120] Each of the protruding elements 21a, 21b has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the corresponding sliding guide 22a, 22b.

[0121] Fig.10 , 13 , 14 and 16 show snowboard bindings according to said other embodiments, which are equipped with binding straps 23 and a backing member 24.

[0122] Fig.11 and 12 The embodiment shown is without the fastener strip 23 and the backing member 24. Fig.10 A partial top view of a ski binding, wherein the inner surface of the bottom plate of the shoe anchoring element 3 is exposed. Fig.11 and 12It is shown that the basic cage-like shape or the basic shell-like shape of both the ski anchoring element 2 and the shoe anchoring element 3 is open at the front part 10, 12 of both, where the sliding guide 21b is located. This "open" shape of the front parts 25, 30 of the bottom plates 7, 14 of both the shoe anchoring element 3 and the ski binding element 2 allows the ski binding to be adapted to different sizes of shoes.

[0123] also, Fig.11 , 12 15 show the inner surface of the bottom plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2 of the binding according to this further embodiment, wherein the bottom plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2 is provided with an angle setting plate 16 which is connected to the ski anchoring element 2 by means of an elastomeric material.

[0124] according to Fig.21 In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 26 , the ski binding 1 has only a plurality of sliding guides 21a, 21b, 21c, preferably at least two or more sliding guides as the pivot mechanism, that is, the ski binding of this embodiment is not provided with a pivot portion.

[0125] Fig.21 Figure 26 shows a ski binding with two sliding guides 21a, 21b. In order to increase the stability of the shoe anchoring element 3 slidably connected to the ski anchoring element 2, the outer surface of the base plate 7 of the shoe anchoring element 3 is provided with two transversely protruding auxiliary elements 31a, 31b, which can be slidably engaged with guides or channels 32a, 32b of the ski anchoring element 2, respectively. The guides or channels 32a, 32b have a shape complementary to the protruding auxiliary elements 31a, 31b and are transversely arranged on the inner surface of the base plate 14 of the ski anchoring element 2. The ski binding according to this embodiment has an open structure, i.e. it has an open front part 33 and a rear part 34.

[0126] exist Fig.21 In the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the angle setting plate 16 has structural elements that act as torsion spring mechanisms 35, 36, 37, which allow the shoe anchoring element 3 to rotate or twist around the axis Y relative to the snowboard anchoring element 2 and the snowboard itself. Fig.25 An axis Y is shown which passes vertically and in particular perpendicularly through an angled plate 16 provided in the bottom surface of the ski anchoring element 2 .

[0127] like Fig.24As shown in Figure 26, the torsion spring mechanism of the angle setting plate 16 includes a mini-disc 35, an inner mounting member 36 and an intermediate mounting member 37. The mini-disc 35 is provided with holes or slots 17 through which drive screws or bolts are passed into the snowboard, as is standard practice for attaching the snowboard anchoring element 2 of the snowboard binding 1 to the snowboard. The inner mounting member 36 surrounds the mini-disc 35 and is oriented and fastened thereto. The intermediate mounting member 37 is connected to the snowboard anchoring element 2 by means of (one or more) elastic elements 18, such as elastomeric elements. The intermediate mounting member 37 can rotate relative to the inner mounting member 36 and the base plate 14 of the snowboard anchoring element 2. Therefore, the intermediate mounting member 37 can be further rotated relative to the snowboard.

[0128] Combined by Fig.21 -26 The angle plate with the torsion spring mechanism described in the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 1 In another embodiment of the present invention shown in -16, Figure 1 The embodiment shown in -16 comprises a pivoting portion or a combination of a pivoting portion and one or more sliding guides as a pivoting mechanism.

[0129] therefore, Fig.21 The ski binding 1 of the invention shown in -26 allows both a rotational (pivoting) movement of the ski binding about the longitudinal axis X and a torsional movement of the ski anchoring element 2 about a vertical axis Y perpendicular to the upper surface of the bottom wall 14 of the ski anchoring element 2.

[0130] The torsion about the vertical axis Y obtainable by the torsion spring mechanism 35, 36, 37 of the invention, combined with the rotation of the shoe anchoring element 3 relative to the ski anchoring element 2 about the longitudinal axis X of the ski binding 1, is novel in the prior art of the invention.

[0131] Another aspect of the present invention is a snowboard 26 that is specially adapted for use with the snowboard binding of the present invention, thereby further enhancing the enjoyment and recreation of the snowboarder.

[0132] The snowboard 26 of the present invention is Fig.17 2 and has a longitudinal shape, the length and width of which allow a pair of ski bindings, preferably the snowboard bindings of the present invention, to be attached to its longitudinal upper surface 27.

[0133] Said longitudinal upper surface 27 of the snowboard 26 terminates in a tip 28 and a tail 29 which are bent upwards at an angle α comprised between 30° and 80° relative to said longitudinal upper surface 27 of the snowboard 26 . Fig.18 The high degree of curvature of the tip and tail relative to the upper surface of the snowboard is shown.

[0134] It must be noted that the phrase "the longitudinal upper surface terminates in a pointed portion 28 and / or a tail portion 29" is used herein to indicate that the snowboard base includes a pointed portion and / or a tail portion, which may be made in one piece with the snowboard base or may be separate parts constrained to the snowboard base.

[0135] As already mentioned above, it is possible that only the tip or only the tail is curved upwards, while the other side can be similar to a traditional snowboard.

[0136] In particular, it must be noted that even in Fig.17 -18 shows a snowboard having both a curved tip portion 28 and a curved tail portion 29, it is also possible according to such an embodiment of the present invention that the snowboard has only a curved tip portion with a curved angle and length disclosed herein, and only a curved tail portion with a curved angle and length disclosed herein.

[0137] With the bindings and the curved portions on the tip and tail of the board tilted, the skier is able to ski stably on the tip or tail of the board when the board is at extreme angles (over 30°) relative to the ground.

[0138] Fig.19 A binding according to the invention and a snowboard according to the invention are shown in a possible use position in which the snowboarder can ski stably on the tail 29 of the board. Fig. 20 Also shown is a skier using a binding according to the invention and a ski according to the invention, with a curved tail 29 according to the invention alone and a standard tip, in a possible skiing position in which the skier can ski stably on the tail 29 of the board.

[0139] In view of the above, the snowboard according to the invention, preferably in combination with a binding according to the invention, allows to reach skiing positions which are not reachable with known snowboards.

[0140] For example, with standard snowboards, it is not possible to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The ski position shown, where the snowboard is skiing stably in the curved tail section while the board is at an extreme angle (over 30°) relative to the ground.

[0141] Furthermore, due to the pivoting (rotation) of the shoe anchoring part relative to the ski binding element, around the pivot axis (rotation axis) X or the pivot axis (rotation axis) X and the torsion axis Y of the ski binding, the combination with the ski binding according to the invention also allows, in a skiing position on the tail or on the tip of the ski, the soles of the skier's feet to reduce their inclination relative to the ground (for example, they can be arranged parallel or almost parallel relative to the ground).

[0142] The ratio between the length L1 of each of the curved tip 28 and the curved tail 29 relative to the total length L of the ski 26, i.e. the length of the flat part corresponding to the base of the ski, is comprised between 1 / 20 and 1 / 3. The advantages of the binding described herein are numerous. The tilting action provided by the ski binding introduces a wider range of flexibility, improving the comfort of the skier during skiing and when sitting on the ski lift. This flexibility also allows a wider range of skiing techniques.

[0143] According to different possible embodiments of the invention, the curved tip portion 28 and / or the curved tail portion 29 has a flat portion, but it may also include a continuous curve and a generally curved surface. In the case of a curved or curved shape, the length L1 of the curved tip portion and / or the curved tail portion is measured by a straight line (placed on the plane of the longitudinal cross-section of the ski) extending between the two ends of the curved tail portion and the curved tip portion (i.e. between the end of the flat base of the ski from which the curved tail portion and / or the curved tip portion extends and the end of the curved tail portion and / or the curved tip portion).

[0144] The binding for a snowboard according to the invention has a standardized mounting system, so it is compatible with most boards. However, it can also be adapted to be attached to boards with other mounting systems. Furthermore, the binding of the invention does not require specific footwear for skiing.

Claims

1. A snowboard binding (1), comprising: Snowboard anchoring element (2) and shoe anchoring element (3); At least one pivot mechanism (4) pivotally couples the ski anchoring element (2) and the shoe anchoring element (3) to allow the shoe anchoring element (3) to pivot relative to the ski anchoring element (2).

2. The snowboard binding according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one pivot mechanism comprises at least one pivot portion (19, 20) and / or at least one sliding guide (22a, 22b).

3. The ski binding according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The at least one pivot mechanism pivotally couples the ski anchoring element (2) and the shoe anchoring element (3) at respective front portions (10, 12) and / or rear portions (11, 13) of the ski anchoring element (2) and the shoe anchoring element (3).

4. Snowboard binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one pivot mechanism (4) comprises a pivot axis (X) which allows the shoe anchoring element (3) to rotate relative to the ski anchoring element (2).

5. The snowboard binding according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pivot axis (X) is arranged at a distance from the base plate (14) of the ski anchoring element (2).

6. The snowboard binding according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The pivot axis (X) is arranged close to the height of the skier's ankle and is preferably arranged in the direction of the skier's foot.

7. The ski binding according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that: The pivot axis (X) is arranged within the width of the binding, preferably within the width of a skier's foot.

8. The snowboard binding according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The pivot axis (X) is parallel or slightly inclined relative to the bottom of the holder.

9. The snowboard binding according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that: The pivot axis (X) is preferably parallel or slightly inclined relative to the base plate (14) of the ski anchoring element (2) in the direction in which the foot is pointing.

10. The snowboard binding according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that: The pivot axis (X) passes through a front portion and / or a rear portion (10, 11; 12, 13) of at least one or both of the snowboard anchoring element (2) and the shoe anchoring element (3).

11. Snowboard binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one pivot mechanism (4) comprises: at least one pivot portion (19) arranged substantially at the front portion (10) of the shoe anchoring element (3), preferably, the pivot portion at the front portion passes through at least one hole formed on the front portion (10) of the shoe anchoring element (3); and / or at least one pivot portion (20) arranged substantially at the rear portion (11) of the shoe anchoring element (3), preferably, the pivot portion at the rear portion passes through at least one hole formed on the rear portion (11) of the shoe anchoring element (3).

12. The snowboard binding according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that: The at least one sliding guide (22a, 22b) has a shape complementary to the at least one protruding element (21a, 21b).

13. Snowboard binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one pivot mechanism comprises a pivot portion (20) and at least one sliding guide (22b).

14. The snowboard binding according to claim 13, characterized in that: The one pivot portion (20) is arranged substantially at the rear part (13) of the ski anchoring element (2), preferably the pivot portion passes through at least one hole formed on the rear part (13) of the ski anchoring element (2), and the at least one sliding guide (22b) interacts with at least one protruding element (21b), which preferably protrudes laterally from the outer surface of the base plate (7) of the shoe anchoring element (3) to allow a pivotal connection between the shoe anchoring element (3) and the ski anchoring element (2).

15. The snowboard binding according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The at least one pivot mechanism (4) comprises at least two pivots (19, 20) which suspend the shoe anchoring element (2) relative to the ski anchoring element (3) at its front portion (10) and rear portion (11), respectively.

16. The snowboard binding according to any one of claims 2 to 10 and 12, characterized in that: The pivot mechanism is at least two sliding guides (22a, 22b) arranged transversely on the inner surface of the base plate (14) of the ski anchoring element (2).

17. The snowboard binding according to claim 16, characterized in that Each of the at least two sliding guides (22a, 22b) interacts with a protruding element (21a, 21b) which preferably protrudes laterally from the outer surface of the base plate (7) of the shoe anchoring element (3) to allow a pivotal connection between the shoe anchoring element (3) and the ski anchoring element (2).

18. The snowboard binding according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The outer surface of the base plate of the shoe anchoring element (3) is provided with two laterally protruding auxiliary elements (31a, 31b), which can respectively slidably engage with guides or channels (32a, 32b) laterally provided in the inner surface of the base plate (14) of the snowboard anchoring element (2) and having a shape complementary to the protruding auxiliary elements (31a, 31b).

19. Snowboard binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ski anchoring element (2) is provided with an angle setting plate (16) having a hole (17) for attaching the angle setting plate (16) to a ski.

20. Snowboard binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ski anchor element incorporates a torsion spring mechanism when it is mounted to the ski to allow limited rotation about an axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal upper surface of the ski.

21. The snowboard binding according to claim 20, characterized in that The angle setting plate (16) comprises the torsion spring mechanism, which comprises a mini-disc (35), an inner mounting member (36) oriented and fastened to the mini-disc (35), and an intermediate mounting member (37), wherein the mini-disc (35) is provided with a hole or slot (16).

22. A snowboard (26) for attaching a binding, preferably a binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The snowboard is formed as a board with a longitudinal shape, the length and width of the snowboard allowing the pair of bindings to be attached to the longitudinal upper surface (27) of the snowboard, wherein the longitudinal upper surface ends in a pointed portion (28) and / or a tail portion (29), and the pointed portion (28) and / or the tail portion (29) are bent upwardly at an angle (α) between 30° and 80° relative to the longitudinal upper surface (27) of the snowboard.

23. The snowboard according to claim 22, characterized in that The length (L1) of the curved tip portion (28) and / or the curved tail portion (29) is comprised between 50 mm and 800 mm.

24. The snowboard according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that The ratio of the length (L1) of each of the curved tip portion (28) and / or the curved tail portion (29) relative to the entire length (L) of the base of the snowboard (26) is comprised between 1 / 20 and 1 / 3.

Images