Suspension device

Abstract

The invention relates to a suspension device comprising a first attachment plate (1 ) for attachment to a snowboard (5) and a second attachment plate (2), which second attachment plate (2) is designed for attachment to a boot binding (6) or is part of a boot binding (6), the attachment plates (1, 2) being tiltable with respect to each other along a tilt axis (3), wherein the attachment plates (1, 2) are connected to each other via two connection means (4) at a distance from each other, and wherein a spacer (7) is arranged coaxially with each of the connection means (4) between the attachment plates (1, 2). The invention also relates to a sports device.

Description

[0001] 64437 / MB

[0002] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT)

[0003] Suspension device

[0004] The invention relates to a suspension device as well as to a sports device, as defined in the independent claims.

[0005] Existing suspension mechanisms for snowboards primarily focus on vibration absorption through compressible elements, allowing for independent compression at multiple comers of the device. Such constructions enable various directional compressions and movements, which may provide a multi-directional response but lack the controlled application of ferees directed towards the edges of a snowboard, which is, however, essential for applications like snowboarding. Known devices of this type are for example disclosed in US 6,655,700 B1 and US 2007 / 0114737 A1 .

[0006] Additionally, devices for use in connection with skis are known, with tilt axes oriented to achieve inversion and eversion, suitable for applications where each leg interacts independently with its respective ski. Such devices, for example described in EP 0469452 A1 and EP 2 036 596 A1 , are not designed for snowboard applications, an essential difference being that both feet of the skier are exposed to the suspension effect. 64437 / MB

[0007] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT)

[0008] A limitation of current systems therefore generally is their inability to restrict tilting solely to dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, a motion that has been found to provide a specific benefit for snowboard riders by allowing controlled motion of the binding relative to the board while keeping other types of movements restricted, allowing optimal force transfer from the rider’s foot to the snowboard.

[0009] An object of the invention may therefore be seen in providing a suspension device for a snowboard, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art by limiting motion to dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.

[0010] The invention is now based on the observation that the provision of a tilt axis being essentially parallel to board’s direction of longitudinal extension enables directional control without leading to a de-stabilization of the rider’s stance on the snowboard, ensuring that the force input from the terrain to the edge of a snowboard can be absorbed or dampened in an effective manner.

[0011] The suspension device disclosed here particularly comprises at least two attachment plates. The first plate may be designed to be attached to a snowboard, and the second plate may be designed to be attached to a boot binding, with both plates capable of being tilted relative to each other along a tilt axis.

[0012] The first plate may be an integral part of a snowboard or it may be the snowboard itself. The second plate may also be an integral part of a boot binding, such as a base plate of a boot binding.

[0013] The plates are in particular rigid plates and / or made of a rigid material. However, the plates may also be flexible. For example, the suspension effect may also be achieved by providing at least one of the attachment plates in the form of a flexible material.

[0014] Connection means may be provided to interconnect the two attachment plates. Particularly, at least two connection means are provided, such that a tilt axis is defined, about which the two attachment plates can be tilted. Said tilt axis may define the single degree of freedom the attachments plates have in relation to each other. The two 64437 / MB

[0015] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT) connection means are positioned at a distance to each other to facilitate controlled tilting. These connection means may aid in maintaining a spatially consistent relationship between the plates.

[0016] It is possible that further connection means are provided along the tilt axis, but it is in any case preferable that no connection means are provided, which lie apart from the tilt axis.

[0017] The connection means may be for example screws, bolts or the like.

[0018] At least one spacer per connection means may be provided. The spacers are preferably arranged coaxially with the connection means. The connection means may be positioned such to maintain a fixed tilt axis, when no force is exerted onto the attachment plates. Each spacer may align coaxially with the respective connection means, ensuring consistent spacing and tilt control, so that impact forces transfer into controlled tilting movement about the tilt axis by compression of the spacers. This configuration allows tilting only about the specified tilt axis without the unwanted multidirectional flexibility of existing solutions.

[0019] The material of the spacers is particularly flexible, such that a tiling movement between the attachment plates is achieved upon exertion of force towards the long edge of a snowboard, when the suspension device is attached to the board.

[0020] The spacers may for example be made from a flexible material, such as polyurethane or an epoxide resin, but any other material can be used. The spacers may also be made of springs or they may comprise springs. If at least one attachment plate is made of a flexible material, or dampening elements are used, the spacers may also be rigid.

[0021] The shape of the spacers is not particularly limited, but in one embodiment, the spacers may have a cylindrical outer shape with straight or curved sides.

[0022] Additional dampening elements may be provided, especially between a head of the connection means and the second attachment plate. These elements may also be 64437 / MB FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT) made of or contain a flexible material to further absorb impact forces, enhancing the suspension effect. However, the suspension device may also be devoid of such dampening elements, such that the head of the connection means is in direct contact with the second attachment plate or it is separated therefrom only by a washer.

[0023] A locking device may be provided to lock the tilting mechanism, which is particularly suitable for setups with devices installed on both legs allowing for asymmetric input between legs.

[0024] The suspension device may offer tailored configurations through independent installation on the leading or trailing leg, or both. When installed on both legs, the device mechanically restricts tilting on one leg, preserving direct control on one leg while allowing suspension-assisted motion on the other.

[0025] Rubber elements may be positioned in between the first plate and snowboard with an aim to prevent wear or damage to the board. Generally, these rubber elements may be protection members or elements, which may be made of or comprise any flexible material, which is suitable to prevent the board from wear or damage.

[0026] One or more protection members may be arranged at the underside of the first attachment plate, i.e. , the side of the first attachment plate which faces the snowboard when the suspension device is in its mounted state. One or more protection members may also be arranged on the underside of the second attachment plate, i.e., the side of the second attachment plate which faces the first attachment plate. This may particularly suitable to avoid direct contact of the second attachment plate with the snowboard, when the second attachment plate is tilted.

[0027] The length of the connection means, the characteristics of the spacers and the dampening elements, if provided, may be selected in dependence of the desired properties of the suspension device.

[0028] Upon installation on a snowboard, the first attachment plate may be connected to the board and the second attachment plate may be connected to a boot binding. In this 64437 / MB

[0029] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT) installation, the tilt axis of the suspension device preferably runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of extension (or direction of longitudinal extension) of the snowboard.

[0030] Generally, the direction of longitudinal extension of the snowboard may be defined as or run parallel to the primary axis of the snowboard, which runs lengthwise from the tip (nose) to the tail of the board. Typically, the direction of longitudinal extension coincides with the longest geometrical extension of the snowboard, but in specific board geometries, it may deviate therefrom.

[0031] The term “essentially parallel” may encompass a parallel arrangement as well as deviations of up to 25°, such as up to 5°, from parallel.

[0032] In order to establish a connection between the snowboard and the first attachment plate and / or the boot binding and the second attachment plate, fastening elements, such as screws, may be used. Said screws may be guided through fastening holes in the first and / or second attachment plate.

[0033] Generally, the invention relates to a suspension device comprising a first attachment plate and a second attachment plate, which first attachment plate is designed for attachment to a snowboard or is part of a snowboard, which second attachment plate is designed for attachment to a boot binding or is part of a boot binding, the attachment plates being tiltable with respect to each other along a tilt axis.

[0034] It may be provided that the attachment plates are connected to each other via two connection means at a distance from each other, and that a spacer is arranged coaxially with each of the connection means between the attachment plates.

[0035] It may be provided that no more than two connection means are provided or, if more than two connection means are provided, that all connection means are arranged along the tilt axis.

[0036] It may be provided that the spacers are made of or contain a flexible material. 64437 / MB

[0037] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT)

[0038] It may be provided that the spacers are made of or contain material that is configured to absorb vibration in the first attachment plate. For example, the material may be any material with a Shore A hardness of more than 70, such as more than 80, preferably between 85 and 95.

[0039] It may be provided that the distance between the two connection means is designed to fit a boot binding in between and at most 30 cm.

[0040] It may be provided that dampening elements are arranged between a head portion of the connection means and the second attachment plate.

[0041] It may be provided that the dampening elements are made of or contain a flexible material.

[0042] It may be provided that the spacers and / or the dampening elements, if provided, are or comprise springs.

[0043] It may be provided that the spacers and / or, if provided, the dampening elements have one of: a planar side surface; a convex side surface; a concave side surface; wherein the side surface is perpendicular to the first attachment plate.

[0044] It may be provided that the first attachment plate has fastening holes for fastening the suspension device to the snowboard using fastening elements, such as screws.

[0045] It may be provided that the second attachment plate has fastening holes for fastening the suspension device to the boot binding using fastening elements, such as screws.

[0046] It may be provided that a locking device is provided for reversibly locking the tilting motion of the plates with respect to each other. 64437 / MB FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT)

[0047] It may be provided that at least one protection member is provided on the first attachment plate and / or on the second attachment plate, wherein the protection member is arranged at a distance from the spacers and the dampening elements.

[0048] It may be provided that the protection member is arranged on the side of the first attachment plate which faces the snowboard in the mounted state of the suspension device, and / or wherein the protection member is arranged on the side of the second attachment plate which faces the first attachment plate.

[0049] It may be provided that the protection member is made of or comprises a flexible material, such as rubber.

[0050] The invention may also relate to a sports device comprising two boot bindings, one snowboard, and at least one suspension device as described herein, wherein the boot bindings are attached to the snowboard, and wherein the suspension device connects at least one of the boot bindings to the snowboard.

[0051] It may be provided that the sports device comprises a further suspension device as described herein, wherein one suspension device connects each of the boot bindings to the snowboard.

[0052] It may be provided that the tilt axis of the suspension device(s) is arranged essentially parallel to the direction of longitudinal extension of the snowboard.

[0053] Further features of the invention become apparent from the claims, the drawings, and the exemplary embodiments of the invention, which will be described hereinafter. These exemplary embodiments are solely intended to illustrate beneficial aspects of the invention without limiting the scope of protection thereto.

[0054] In the drawings:

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a sports device having one suspension device attached; 64437 / MB

[0056] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT)

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a detailed exploded view of a suspension device attached to a snowboard; and

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a snowboard having two suspension devices and two boot bindings attached thereto.

[0059] Except otherwise mentioned or clear from the context, the following features / elements are shown: first attachment plate 1 ; second attachment plate 2; tilt axis 3; connection means 4; snowboard 5; boot binding 6; spacer 7; dampening element 8; head portion 9 (of connection means 4); fastening holes 10 (in first attachment plate 1 ); fastening holes 11 (in second attachment plate 2); direction of longitudinal extension 12 (of snowboard 5); washer 13.

[0060] Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, where a suspension device is attached to a snowboard 5. As can be seen in this drawing, the tilt axis 3 of the suspension device runs essentially parallel to the direction of longitudinal extension 12 of the snowboard 5.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows a detailed exploded view of a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, where one suspension device is attached to a snowboard 5.

[0062] The suspension device has a first attachment plate 1 , which connects the suspension device to the upper surface of the snowboard 5 via screws that are guided through fastening holes 10. There is a rigid and tight connection between the snowboard 5 and the first attachment plate 1 , which does not allow any tilting, rotational, or translational motion between the first attachment plate 1 and the snowboard 5 during use of this sports device.

[0063] The suspension device has a second attachment plate 2, which is attached at a distance to the first attachment plate 1 to allow fitting of the spacer 7. The second attachment plate 2 is designed for attaching to a boot binding (not shown).

[0064] A connection between the plates 1 , 2 is achieved via the connection means 4, which may have a thread on their outer surface. The connection means 4 are tightly 64437 / MB

[0065] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT) connected to the first attachment plate 1 . Spacers 7 are positioned between the first attachment plate 1 and the second attachment plate 2. Spacers 7 include a body with a central cavity passing through the first surface of the body and a second surface of the body. Connection means 4 is configured to pass through the cavity of spacers 7 providing a coaxial connection thereto.

[0066] The spacers 7 have an essentially cylindrical shape with a hole through which the connection means 4 may pass. The spacers 7 define the distance between the plates 1 ,

[0067] 2 in a state where no force is exerted to the device. In this embodiment, the spacers 7 are made of polyurethane, an epoxide resin, or any other material alike. The flexibility of the spacers 7 may be adjusted upon the desired suspension properties of the suspension device.

[0068] Above the second attachment plate 2, dampening elements 8 are arranged coaxially with the connection means 4, followed by washers 13 and head portions 9, the latter being screw nuts in this embodiment. Like the spacers 7, the dampening elements 8 are also made of polyurethane, an epoxide resin, or any other material alike in this embodiment.

[0069] The arrangement of first and second attachment plates 1 , 2 is such that they have only one degree of freedom relative to each other, which is a tilting motion about the tilt axis 3. The tilt axis 3 is defined by the two connection means 4 of the suspension device.

[0070] Free tilting movement about the tilt axis 3 is inhibited by the spacers 7, which are in permanent contact with both the attachment plates 1 , 2.

[0071] The suspension device is attached in such manner to the snowboard 5 that the tilt axis

[0072] 3 runs essentially parallel to the direction of longitudinal extension 12 of the snowboard 5.

[0073] Protection members (not shown) are attached on the underside of the second attachment plate 2 in order to avoid direct contact of the plate 2 with the snowboard 5 upon a tilting motion about the tilt axis 3. 64437 / MB

[0074] FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT)

[0075] Fig. 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, where two boot bindings 6 are attached to a snowboard 5 with each using one suspension device. As indicated, the tilt axes 3 of the suspension devices run parallel to direction of longitudinal extension 12 of the snowboard 5.

[0076] Generally, the mechanism of operation of the suspension device is as follows: During a sudden change in riding conditions, like snow density, ice, etc., impact / vibration may be transferred via the snowboard’s edge over the boot binding to the rider. This unpredictable behavior may result in excessive impact / vibration and load transfer through the edge contact between a snowboard and the terrain, which can further result in the loss of edge contact, and the rider crashing.

[0077] The use of the suspension mechanism according to the invention may ensure that such impact / vibration is at least partially absorbed by tilting of the attachment plates 1 , 2 relatively to each other through compression of the spacers 7 and the optional dampening elements 8. A transfer of impact / vibration to the rider can thus be reduced or even prevented. Use of the suspension device may therefore result in constant edge contact between the snowboard and the terrain, providing enhanced safety and an improved riding experience.

[0078] As mentioned, the use of dampening elements 8 in addition to the spacers 7 is optional, such that the behavior of the suspension device can be adjusted individually to the rider’s needs.

Claims

64437 / MBFusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT)Claims1. A suspension device comprising a first attachment plate (1 ) and a second attachment plate (2), which first attachment plate (1 ) is designed for attachment to a snowboard (5) or is part of a snowboard (5), and which second attachment plate (2) is designed for attachment to a boot binding (6) or is part of a boot binding (6), the attachment plates (1 , 2) being tiltable with respect to each other along a tilt axis (3), characterized in that the attachment plates (1 , 2) are connected to each other via two connection means (4) at a distance from each other, and that a spacer (7) is arranged coaxially with each of the connection means (4) between the attachment plates (1 , 2).

2. The suspension device according to claim 1 , wherein no more than two connection means (4) are provided, and / or wherein all connection means (4) are arranged along the tilt axis (3).

3. The suspension device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacers (7) are made of or contain a flexible material, and / or wherein the spacers (7) have a Shore A hardness of 70 or more, such as 80 or more.

4. The suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance between the two connection means (4) is at most 30 cm.

5. The suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein dampening elements (8) are arranged between a head portion (9) of the connection means (4) and the second attachment plate (2).

6. The suspension device according to claim 5, wherein the dampening elements (8) are made of or contain a flexible material, and / or wherein the dampening elements (8) have a Shore A hardness of 70 or more, such as 80 or more.

7. The suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacers (7) and / or, if provided, the dampening elements (8) have one of: a planar side64437 / MBFusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT) surface; a convex side surface; a concave side suface; wherein the side surface is perpendicular to the first attachment plate (1 ).

8. The suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spacers (7) and / or, if provided, the dampening elements (8) are springs or contain springs.

9. The suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first attachment plate (1 ) has fastening holes (10) for fastening the suspension device to the snowboard (5) using fastening elements, such as screws, and / or wherein the second attachment plate (2) has fastening holes (11 ) for fastening the suspension device to the boot binding (6) using fastening elements, such as screws.

10. The suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a locking device is provided for reversibly locking the tilting motion of the plates (1 , 2) with respect to each other.11 . The suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one protection member is provided on the first attachment plate (1 ) and / or on the second attachment plate (2), wherein the protection member is arranged at a distance from the spacers (7) and the dampening elements (8).

12. The suspension device according to claim 11 , wherein the protection member is arranged on the side of the first attachment plate (1 ) which faces the snowboard (5) in the mounted state of the suspension device, and / or wherein the protection member is arranged on the side of the second attachment plate (2) which faces the first attachment plate (1 ).

13. The suspension device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the protection member is made of or comprises a flexible material, such as rubber.

14. A sports device comprising two boot bindings (6), one snowboard (5), and at least one suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the boot64437 / MB FusionRide OG, Krotzlergasse 6 / 10 / 15, 1 1 10 Wien (AT) bindings (6) are attached to the snowboard (5), and wherein the suspension device connects one of the boot bindings (6) to the snowboard (5).

15. The sports device according to claim 14 comprising a further suspension device according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein one suspension device connects each of the boot bindings (6) to the snowboard (5).

16. The sports device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the tilt axis (3) of the suspension device(s) is arranged essentially parallel to the direction of longitudinal extension (12) of the snowboard (5).

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