Snowboard binding formed from two separable parts

Abstract

The present invention seeks to provide an improved snowboard binding of the type in question which, with unchanged travel comfort and constant adjustment options, allows the snowboard to be attached and removed in a simplified manner. The present invention relates to a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard shoe to a snowboard, comprising a baseplate (12), which is designed to be attached by means of fastening device to a snowboard and to sit flat against same, a highback (36), which extends substantially perpendicular to the baseplate (12), a toe strap (15), and an instep strap (34). The snowboard binding according to the invention is formed in two modules, wherein the baseplate (12) and the toe strap (15) are associated with a first module (10) and the highback (36) and the instep strap (34) are associated with a second module (30). The first module (10) and the second module (30) are releasably coupled by a coupling unit (20) to one another. The first module (10) is designed to remain on the snowboard in the decoupled state and the second module (30) is designed to remain on a snowboard shoe in the decoupled state.

Description

[0001] SNOWBOARD BINDING MADE OF TWO SEPARAL PARTS

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a snowboard binding comprising a base plate which is designed to be attached to a snowboard by means of a fastening device and to lie flat against it, a highback which extends substantially perpendicular to the base plate, a toe strap and a

[0004] Instep strap.

[0005] Such snowboard bindings of this type are well-known and are used in pairs to connect the snowboard to the

[0006] to manufacture snowboard boots for a user, i.e., a snowboarder. In such known bindings, the connection between binding and boot is usually made in such a way that first of all the

[0007] The toe and instep straps, usually equipped with ratchets, are opened, then the shoe is placed in its intended position on the

[0008] The base plate is placed down, and then the two straps are rethreaded and tightened. However, attaching the snowboard using the binding requires the user to sit down and usually wear gloves to perform the threading and tightening process, which many snowboarders find cumbersome.

[0009] On the other hand, so-called "flow bindings" have recently come onto the market, where the highback can be folded back to create an opening for the boot.

[0010] The highback is designed to offer users a convenient step-through design, allowing it to be folded back up and locked in place after the foot is inserted. However, this requires sufficient clearance behind the binding for this pivoting movement of the highback. This means, for example, that stepping into the binding on steep slopes is not possible, as there is insufficient space for the highback to pivot. Furthermore, in such bindings, the highback must have a forward lean angle of at least 5° when closed, which limits the flexibility of these systems. Finally, adjusting and operating Flow bindings is cumbersome, as they require a total of four buckles and ultimately must be opened and closed manually.

[0011] For a while, "step-in bindings" were also available, where a specially designed boot could be clicked into a base plate on the snowboard. However, this required the expensive purchase of these special boots, which also had to be reinforced and therefore not very flexible, and because such systems were considered by snowboarders to be problematic in terms of power transmission and thus riding feel, as well as their operation when covered in snow or ice.

[0012] Because these systems were perceived as inadequate, they failed to gain traction in the market.

[0013] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved snowboard binding of the generic type, which allows for simplified putting on and taking off of the snowboard while maintaining unchanged riding comfort and the same adjustment options.

[0014] For this purpose, the snowboard binding according to the invention is designed in two parts, wherein the base plate and the toe strap are assigned to a first assembly and the highback and the instep strap to a second assembly.

[0015] are assigned to a assemblies, wherein a coupling unit is provided by means of which the first and the second assemblies can be detachably coupled to each other, wherein the first assembly is configured to remain on the snowboard in a decoupled state and the second assembly is configured to remain on the snowboard in a decoupled state.

[0016] to remain in the snowboard boot.

[0017] It is to the inventors' credit that they recognized that through the

[0018] The two-part construction of the snowboard binding according to the invention, with the second assembly remaining on the boot, allows for easier attachment of the snowboard, for example by a targeted step, similar to an alpine ski binding, without compromising the riding feel and / or individual comfort.

[0019] The binding settings must be addressed.

[0020] For example, in some embodiments of the invention, ratchet systems for adjusting the straps to adapt to the respective snowboard boot can still be provided, and already purchased snowboard boots that were actually intended for use with conventional bindings can be used.

[0021] To ensure a firm connection between the snowboard boot and the second assembly even in a decoupled state, this second assembly can, in a preferred design, further include a

[0022] The binding element includes a stirrup which, when coupled to the binding, points with its underside towards the base plate and is designed to form a contact surface for the sole of the snowboard boot with its upper side. In this way, the stirrup element creates a force triangle between the instep strap, the highback, and the

[0023] A clamping element is created that essentially spans the area of ​​the wearer's ankle or foot joint. This ensures a secure hold of the second assembly on the snowboard boot. When the wearer walks in a decoupled state, the boot only has a small additional step in the sole area due to the clamping element, which does not significantly reduce comfort. This measure allows, for example, previously purchased snowboard boots that were originally intended for use with conventional bindings to also be used with the

[0024] The binding according to the invention can be used further. Alternatively, however, alternative measures for attaching the second assembly to the snowboard boot would of course also be conceivable, for example via interacting engagement elements; however, these would require a

[0025] redesign or at least modification of the used

[0026] Snowboard boots are required.

[0027] To improve the mobility of the ankle joint, especially in decoupled positions

[0028] State of the bond according to the invention in the embodiment with the

[0029] To further improve the ironing element, one could consider the following:

[0030] The highback, instep strap, and stirrup element are connected to each other in a pivotable manner around a single axis. This axis will therefore run in the width direction of the wearer's foot or shoe in the area of ​​the wearer's ankle, such that it is in

[0031] Essentially corresponds to the joint hinge axis of the ankle joint.

[0032] Furthermore, the first assembly can also include a wall element that extends essentially perpendicular to the base plate and curves around a rear section of the base plate. By providing this wall element, the lateral support of the snowboard boot in the binding is improved when the binding is engaged, and forces are transferred between the snowboarder's foot and their snowboard.

[0033] This wall element can also, when coupled, form a support for the highback, thus limiting its pivoting movement relative to the binding element at a predetermined angle between the highback and the base plate, the predetermined angle preferably being adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism. This ensures in a simple manner that the highback can also transmit forces from the wearer's boot to the snowboard and vice versa, the predetermined angle being a crucial parameter of such bindings and depending on the intended use and the rider's technique.

[0034] The adjustment mechanism should be adjustable. For this purpose, the adjustment mechanism can, for example, be designed such that it comprises a counter element that is movable in the vertical direction on the highback and, in the coupled state of the binding according to the invention, comes into direct contact with the wall element, whereby the angle between the highback and the stirrup element can be adjusted by the position of the counter element on the highback.

[0035] Although the coupling unit of the invention

[0036] Snowboard bindings can be designed in various ways, but one particularly simple and reliable possibility is that they comprise a first part which includes at least one engagement element, for example a rack or a detent recess, and a second part which includes at least one movable detent tooth and a return mechanism for the detent tooth, wherein in the coupled state the return mechanism preloads the at least one detent tooth to engage with the at least one engagement element.

[0037] Depending on the design of the coupling unit, it does not need to transmit particularly high forces, especially if the aforementioned wall element is provided, which can absorb the main forces acting longitudinally along the snowboard and perpendicular to the rider's feet. A similar principle applies when the highback is supported by the wall element, allowing forces acting towards the rider's heel to be absorbed. Therefore, the coupling unit only needs to ensure that the forces directed away from the snowboard are absorbed and that the first assembly and the second assembly are properly connected.

[0038] The components of the inventive bonding assembly cannot be unduly separated from one another. This is achieved by providing the aforementioned locking teeth and a [mechanical] for

[0039] In conjunction with a suitable counter element, the barb action of these locking teeth allows for easy entry into the connection, i.e., coupling of the first and second assemblies, whereby in the coupled state the return mechanism ensures that at least one locking tooth and the engagement element are firmly in contact with each other, thus fixing the connection in its coupled state.

[0040] While various mechanisms are conceivable as actuating elements for opening the binding, for example suitably arranged push buttons to release the engagement between the

[0041] at least one detent tooth and the engagement element, in a particularly user-friendly embodiment the actuating element can comprise a pull cable by means of which the at least one detent tooth is disengaged from the engagement with the at least one detent tooth against the action of the return mechanism.

[0042] at least one intervention element can be moved outwards. By the

[0043] If the movement to actuate this pull rope is redirected, for example, by an integrated lever mechanism, so that the rope is actuated in the direction of release from the binding, optimal force can be achieved to release the boot from the snowboard. Furthermore, the pull rope can be guided, at least in sections, within or around the highback and preferably secured to it. This ensures that the pull rope is in

[0044] In the coupled state of the binding according to the invention, the binding does not impede the skier while skiing, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance can also be achieved. For example, a locking mechanism can be provided to secure the pull rope to the highback, which, in the engaged state, firmly connects the pull rope to the highback and only releases it for opening the binding when disengaged. Although the two parts of the coupling unit can be freely assigned to the two assemblies, in particular, to facilitate operation when opening the binding, the first part of the coupling unit can be assigned to the first assembly and the second part of the coupling unit to the second assembly.

[0045] To ensure optimal power absorption and easy operation of the

[0046] To ensure the bond according to the invention, one part of the coupling unit can be attached to the ironing element and the other part of the

[0047] The coupling unit must be assigned to the wall element.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a snowboard binding according to the invention and a snowboard boot which is configured to be connectable to the second assembly of the binding. One of the advantages of the present invention is that no significant modifications need to be made to the snowboard boot compared to known snowboard boots, and under certain circumstances, even snowboard boots already in circulation can be used in the system according to the invention.

[0049] Furthermore, the system according to the invention can comprise two snowboard bindings according to the invention, two snowboard boots and a snowboard to which the base plates of the two snowboard bindings can be attached by means of their fastening devices, wherein the

[0050] Fastening devices preferably also include an adjustment of the

[0051] Allow for adjustments to their position and / or angle relative to the top of the snowboard. These adjustments can

[0052] for example, by means of a disc with four screws each, which allows for adjustment of the shoe axle relative to the snowboard axle

[0053] This enables further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of an embodiment when viewed together with the accompanying figures. These show in detail:

[0054] Figure 1 shows a first assembly of a component according to the invention.

[0055] Snowboard binding;

[0056] Figure 2 shows the second assembly of the snowboard binding.

[0057] Figure 1; and

[0058] Figures 3a and 3b show the second assembly from Figure 2 in a container with a

[0059] Snowboard boot connected condition in rear and side view.

[0060] Figure 1 shows a first assembly of a snowboard binding according to the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10. The first assembly comprises a base plate 12, which is designed and configured to be mounted on a snowboard and then lie flat against the snowboard with its underside. For this purpose, a mounting disc 14, often referred to as a "minidisk," is provided in a central recess of the base plate 12. This mounting disc has mounting holes 14a for screwing in screws for connection to the snowboard and is rotatable relative to the base plate in order to adjust the desired angle between the longitudinal axis of the snowboard and the longitudinal axis A of the base plate. Furthermore, the

[0061] Mounting disc 14 has a scale 14b arranged, by means of which a precise adjustment of the aforementioned angle is possible.

[0062] Furthermore, the first assembly 10 comprises a toe strap 15, which extends in a substantially arc-shaped manner from two attachment points, of which only one attachment point 15a is shown in the view depicted in Figure 1, in the area of ​​the front region 12a of the base plate 12 in the base plate axis A. The toe strap 15 is pivotable about the two attachment points 15a relative to each other.

[0063] The toe strap is hinged to opposite mounting sections 16 extending perpendicularly to the base plate 12, so that individual adjustment of the position of the toe strap 15 relative to the base plate 12 is possible.

[0064] Although the toe strap 15 is shown as a single piece in the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, in other embodiments of the binding according to the invention its length can also be adjustable in a known manner, for example by means of a ratchet system. In yet another embodiment, the toe strap 15 could also be designed as a cap which, in the coupled state, extends over the entire

[0065] The front of the snowboard boot protrudes, extending both in front of and over the toes of the wearer of the boot.

[0066] Attached to the assembly section 16 is a wall element 18, which also extends essentially vertically upwards from the base plate 12, follows the shape of the base plate 12 laterally and describes an arc 18a in the rear area 12b of the base plate 12.

[0067] Furthermore, a two-part first part 20 of a coupling unit is located on the lateral inner sections of the wall section 18. This coupling unit connects the first assembly 10 to the second assembly 30 shown in Figure 2 and described below. In the illustration from Figure 1, only the right part of the first part 20 is visible.

[0068] The coupling unit is shown, however, with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the base plate 12, an identically constructed assembly is located on the other side of the wall element 18, i.e., the left part of the first part 20 of the coupling unit. The two aforementioned first parts 20 of the

[0069] Each coupling unit comprises a pair of guide rails 22 and two engagement elements 24 in the form of detent openings. These detent openings 24 are designed so that the detent teeth 28, shown in Figure 2 and pre-tensioned outwards by a spring element (not shown), which form part of the second part 26 of the coupling unit, can slide into them and, due to the barbed shape of the detent teeth 28 and the pre-tension from the spring element, cannot be easily pulled out of them upwards. By providing at least two detent openings 24, it can be ensured that even if, for example, the sole of the

[0070] snowboard boot or the inside of the base plate snow

[0071] has accumulated, but a coupling of the binding is always possible, whereby in the event of a later melting or removal of the snow, the shape of the locking teeth 28 only allows for a further pushing together of the binding.

[0072] The already mentioned second part 26 of the coupling unit is attached to a bracket element 32 of the second assembly 30 of the invention.

[0073] Snowboard bindings are provided and shown in Figure 2.

[0074] Ironing element 32 extends section by section below the position intended for a shoe and laterally upwards along this in the second assembly 30 and can be connected in the state of the two

[0075] Assemblies 10 and 30 are guided on the one hand by the guide rails 22 and on the other hand lie in a recess 12c provided for this purpose in the base plate 12 of the first assembly 10.

[0076] Furthermore, the second assembly 30 comprises an instep strap 34, which is detachably connected to the other components of the second assembly 30 to allow it to be attached to a snowboard boot and which, like the toe strap 15, is made in one piece in the embodiment shown.

[0077] is designed, but could also be length-adjustable by means of a ratchet system, as well as a Flightback 36, which extends essentially vertically and in an arc shape and follows the calf of a wearer in a sense to allow support and power transmission in this direction between the leg of the snowboarder and his snowboard.

[0078] The components stirrup element 32, instep strap 34, and highback 36 are pivotally connected to one another about an axis 38, which extends essentially in the area of ​​the hinge axis of the ankle joint of its wearer. The connection itself can be formed, for example, by a pair of screws or rivets, which

[0079] Accordingly, the three aforementioned components connect on both sides of the wearer's ankle, whereby a unilateral release of these

[0080] Connection or by dividing the aforementioned ratchet system, opening the instep strap 34 and thus attaching it to a

[0081] Snowboard boots are allowed.

[0082] In the area of ​​the highback 36, Figure 2 also shows two loops 40, for example formed from a wrapped wire rope, which form part of a release device for the coupling unit and, in particular, for the two-part second part 26 thereof. For this purpose, the loops 40 are parts of cables that are connected to the locking teeth 28 in such a way that pulling the loops 40 upwards causes the locking teeth 28 to retract towards the base of the support, so that in the coupled state of the coupling unit they are disengaged from the

[0083] The locking openings 24 can protrude and the coupling unit is released in such a way that the second assembly 30 can be detached from the first assembly 10. The cables are guided within the highback 36 and, in variants of the binding according to the invention, can be locked in place to prevent accidental activation.

[0084] Finally, Figure 2 shows an adjustable counter-element 42 associated with the highback 36, which acts in such a way that, in the coupled state of the two assemblies 10 and 30, it is directly attached to the wall element 18 in the

[0085] The area of ​​the arch 18a comes into contact with the highback 36, whereby the angle between the highback 36 and the stirrup element 32 can be adjusted in the coupled state by the position of the counter element 42 on the highback 36 with respect to the vertical direction. This counter element 42 can be seen again in Figures 2a and 2b, which each show the second assembly 30 from Figure 2 in a rear and side view connected to a commercially available snowboard boot 44 (soft boot). These two illustrations make it clear that in the decoupled state of the inventive

[0086] The second assembly 30 of the snowboard binding is held on the boot 44 by the triangle formed by the bail element 32, the instep strap 34 and the highback 36, whereby the pivotability of the three components relative to each other about the axis 38 creates a

[0087] Excellent mobility of the ankle of the wearer of shoe 44 is ensured, so that wearing the second assembly 30 on shoe 44 is not perceived as disturbing.

Claims

Claims Snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot (44) to a snowboard, comprising: a base plate (12) which is designed to be attached to a snowboard by means of a fastening device (14) and to lie flat against it; a highback (36) which extends essentially perpendicular to the base plate (12); a toe strap (15) and an instep strap (34); characterized in that it is designed in two parts, wherein the base plate (12) and the toe strap (15) are assigned to a first assembly (10) and the highback (36) and the instep strap (34) are assigned to a second assembly (30), wherein a A coupling unit (20, 26) is provided by means of which the first (10) and the second (30) assembly can be detachably coupled to each other, wherein the first assembly (10) is configured to remain attached to the snowboard in a decoupled state and the second assembly (30) is configured to remain attached to the snowboard in a decoupled state. Snowboard boot (44) to remain. Snowboard binding according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second assembly (30) further comprises a stirrup element (32) which, in the coupled state of the snowboard binding, is oriented with its underside towards the base plate (12) and is designed to form a contact surface for the sole of the snowboard boot (44) with its upper side. Snowboard binding according to claim 2, characterized in that the highback (36), the instep strap (34) and the stirrup element (32) are connected to each other in a pivotable manner about a single axis (38). Snowboard binding according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first assembly (10) further comprises a wall element (18) which extends substantially perpendicular to the base plate (12) and arcuately around a rear area (12b) of the base plate (12). Snowboard binding according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that in a coupled state the The wall element (18) forms a support for the highback (36) in order to limit its pivoting movement relative to the bracket element (32) at a predetermined angle between the highback (36) and the base plate (12), wherein the predetermined angle is preferably adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism (42). Snowboard binding according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit (20, 26) comprises a first part (20) which includes at least one engagement element (24), for example a rack or a detent recess (24), and a second part (26) which includes at least one displaceable detent tooth (28) and a reset mechanism for the detent tooth (28), wherein in the coupled state the reset mechanism preloads the at least one detent tooth (28) to engage with the at least one engagement element (24). Snowboard binding according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a pull cable as an actuating element (40), by means of which the at least one locking tooth (28) is movable against the action of the restoring mechanism out of engagement with the at least one engagement element (24).

8. Snowboard binding according to claim 7, characterized in that the pull rope (40) at least guided section by section in the area of ​​the highback (36) or within it and preferably attachable to it.

9. Snowboard binding according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first part (20) of the coupling unit (20, 26) is assigned to the first assembly (10) and the second part (26) of the coupling unit is assigned to the second assembly (30).

10. Snowboard binding according to one of the preceding claims, at least claims 2 and 4, characterized in that the coupling unit (20, 26) is assigned on the one hand to the bracket element (32) and on the other hand to the wall element (18).

11. System comprising a snowboard binding according to one of the preceding claims and a snowboard boot (44) which is configured to connect with the second assembly (30) of the Snowboard bindings should be connectable.

12. System according to claim 11, comprising two snowboard bindings, two snowboard boots (44) and a snowboard to which the base plates (12) of the two snowboard bindings can be attached by means of their fastening devices (14), wherein the Fastening devices (14) preferably allow adjustment of the attachment with respect to their position and / or angle with respect to the top of the snowboard.

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