Land vehicles – Skates – Shoe attaching means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-11
2001-08-21
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Skates
Shoe attaching means
C280S014220, C280S624000, C280S619000, C036S117100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276708
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains generally to the field of snowboarding equipment and more particularly to a new configuration of snowboarding boots and bindings providing convenient grasp and release at distinct points of contact on opposing sides of toes and heels, respectively.
2. Prior Art
Various snowboard binding systems have been disclosed in the prior art. By way of example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,190,311; 5,558,355; 4,973,073; 5,577,757; 5,564,719; 5,474,322; 5,505,478; 5,697,631; 4,177,584; 4,205,467; 4,546,524; 5,820,155; 5,695,210; 4,021,056; 5,661,876 and 5,660,410 all disclose snowboard or ski bindings and some disclose compatible boots or shoes. However, all have deficiencies in regard to the interface between the bindings and the boots. More specifically, most of the prior art discloses insufficient contact between boot and binding such as only two points or regions of contact on opposing middle positions of the boot. Such limited contact is inadequate because it permits heel and or toe lift which reduces control of the snowboard during critical maneuvers. Other prior art provides heel and toe locking, but permits separation between boot and binding along the sides of the boot thereby reducing the security of the interface which detrimentally affects the confidence of the snowboarder. Moreover, the release mechanism for both types of prior art (i.e., side connections and heel and toe connections), is typically too cumbersome and complex making it either unreliable or too difficult to engage.
Therefore, despite the significant number of relevant prior art patent disclosures, there is still a need for a snowboard boot/binding configuration which provides sufficient interface contact to allow excellent control and security, while still offering a reliable and convenient release mechanism. There is also a need to provide a snowboard boot binding configuration which is more comfortable and has a more convenient release mechanism than existing configurations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a unique contact configuration between boot and binding for snowboarding. More specifically, in the present invention, contact pins are provided on opposing sides of the boot at both the heel area and the toe area. This 4-point contact configuration assures heel and toe stability and reliable side boot restraint. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, concave mating receptacles at matching locations on the binding, assure easy and simple interconnection which is also secure and reliable. Furthermore, a release mechanism is provided to selectively retract the pins using a simple pull cord arrangement which is both convenient and effective despite being mechanically simple and therefore reliable. An option advantageous feature of the present invention, resides in strap linkages which permit more convenient tightening and loosening of the boot straps. A strap/yoke configuration provides improved interconnection between the boot and the user's foot. The pull cord is routed within the sole of the boot and upward along the ankle area of the boot for more convenient access. The pull cord is connected to retract linkages at both heel and toe areas, both of those linkages being spring loaded to provide normally extended pins. A variety of pin receptacle configurations are shown for facilitating boot-to-binding step-in connection.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved snowboard boot and binding which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.
It is another object of the invention to provide a snowboard boot and binding wherein a 4-point interface is used to selectively secure the boot to the binding.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a snowboard boot and binding having both quick connect and quick release capability.
It is still an additional object of the invention to provide a snowboard boot and binding which offers greater security and control and quicker connect and disconnect as compared to the prior art.
It is still an additional object of the invention to provide a snowboard boot having more convenient pin extending and retracting linkages.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4021056 (1977-05-01), Oakes
patent: 4177584 (1979-12-01), Beyl
patent: 4205467 (1980-06-01), Salomon
patent: 4546524 (1985-10-01), Kreft
patent: 5660410 (1997-08-01), Alden
patent: 5695210 (1997-12-01), Goss et al.
patent: 5697631 (1997-12-01), Ratzek et al.
patent: 6056312 (2000-05-01), Hogstedt
McClellan James S.
Swann J. J.
Tachner Leonard
LandOfFree
Snowboard boot and binding assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Snowboard boot and binding assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Snowboard boot and binding assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2456478