JP2007530112A - Autonomous electromagnetic control system for fastening boots to snowboards, skis or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

An autonomous electromagnetic control system that couples boots to a board used in sports such as snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, or surfboarding. Placed on the athlete's clothes and boots and board for the safe implementation of the sport. The system includes a rechargeable battery, an electric or solar battery charger, a power switch, an electromagnetic attractor element or electromagnet provided on each boot, a ferromagnetic slab, a sheet or A command transmission / reception system using particles, and optionally electromagnetic waves or infrared rays, may be used to control the switch and may include a voice recognition device. Thus, an exerciser with an optional system configuration comprising a suit / boots and board can safely slide the surface with optimal control. In this system, the user can quickly and conveniently remove the board from himself / herself remotely and autonomously without the need for an automatic board release system that is not under user control.

Description

  The present invention relates to an autonomous electromagnetic control system that couples boots to snowboards, skis, or generally boards used in sports such as skateboards and surfboards. The system of the present invention is placed on a sports wearer's clothing and boots, as well as on a board, so that the sport can be safely performed. The system is based on a magnetic link between the boot and the snowboard or ski, which can be freely configured by the sports person, manually by electrical cable transmission, or by a voice recognition device and transmission / reception system (emission-transmission system). It can be detached by act on its own several electrical switches using voice commands by a reception system, or using electromagnetic waves by an infrared transmission and transmission-reception system (emission-receptor system).

Briefly, currently, fixing or fastening systems include:
Ski binding type a) Telemark binding. In this type of fixation, only the front end of the boot is fixed with the heel end completely free. This makes it easier for skiers to go downhill.
b) Cross-country binding (Nordic skiing): Same as telemark binding. In this fixation, only the boot butt is freed so that the user can make a large stride and easily advance on flat land with the help of two long poles.
c) Alpine ski binding: This fixation consists of two devices, the buttocks and the front end. When the force applied to the binding reaches a predetermined limit related to the skier's weight and ability level, the boot is detached from the binding by several springs. The front end is released mainly by the lateral or vertical force applied on it, and the end of the heel is detached mainly by the vertical force.
d) Ski mountain binding: A combination of the previous two technology devices.
To climb up, the skier is assisted by some kind of sealing skin attached to the heel of the ski and by the free heal impact of the heel, while on the other hand, • Place the device and slide without a skin, similar to the alpine ski type, although using more basic fixation.
e) Snowblade binding: This is a small one with a ski length of between 50 and 100 cm and is used in the ski sector where the boots are installed by a clip system. This type of installation was first developed for snowboard binding of hard boots as a locking or installation system that can only be manually released. In the case of a major accident, the binding will come off and the skier will lose grip with snow or ice, which is a disadvantage rather than an advantage.

  All of the technology developed in the ski market to date is basically a boot / binding system against vibration and bending that can be caused by increased speed, jumps, collisions or other situations due to lack of skill or skill. Focus on making you more sensitive. In addition, there is another problem that there are two skis and their length (2 meters or more) often triggers the entanglement of both, especially with accidents occurring in the case of beginners. In the last few years, patents in this area have released bindings from boots at the point of minimal signs of skis getting cross-bragged, jumping, or over-vibrating. In this way, the focus is on contributing to countermeasures before the aforementioned forces or inconveniences that cause damage occur. By detecting these signs through sensors, the binding can be opened automatically. This system is not yet commercially available.

  The recent ski evolution, called the era of carving, also needs to be considered, in this type of ski the ski length is greatly reduced to 40 cm and at the same time the width is increased, which ultimately makes a turn The skier offers greater stability to the point where it is not necessary to use a pole.

  Many skilled skiers, who have increased in recent years, do not want the binding to be released against their will. This is because it makes it impossible to enjoy full freedom on particularly steep slopes that can lead to the loss of their skis and the gripping system. All this means that traditional binding systems tend to inevitably decrease. Therefore, according to the theory of skiing, it is desirable that his skis cannot be disengaged from the skier in dangerous situations on steep slopes.

Snowboard binding type a) Hard boot binding A binding system for snowboarding, consisting of hard plastic boots of the alpine skier type. A peg is used to install the boot on the snowboard and can therefore only be released manually. The binding is composed of a metal semicircular arc shape, and is installed on the boot ridge using a gap or a crack into which the semicircular arc shape is inserted. A press-on shutting system at the front end installs the toe cap on the board. The evolution of this system is based on a new style of mounting boots on the board. By pushing the toe end of the boot into the front of the binding and at the same time pushing the rear end of the boot or vice versa, the toe end of the boot is pushed down at the same time for installation without manual operation. Used. In this case, only release is a manual operation. This system, called an alpine snowboard, is now rarely used.
b) Soft boot binding: This is the most common system, made from rubber and fabric boots (of resting snow boot type) and a mixture of nylon and carbon fiber Made of several bindings consisting of two slip jackets. One of the slip jackets is for the front end (toe region), the other is in the instep part that fastens the buttock, and the latter has a rear tool that withstands the force at the back of the calf. Grasping and releasing is a manual operation using several recessed steps and several rattling type pans. This evolution of the system, called “step-in”, facilitated automatic gripping while release was still a manual operation. This system is made from a metal binding and boot that is screwed onto the board, and the boots sole incorporates several metal components that allow the board to go from the shoe through the binding. When pressure is applied, both are installed or fastened by pressure. In order to release the boot from the binding, it is necessary to manually move the peg. In some cases, the boot does not have a metal device, but the material on the side of the shoe sole has indentations so that triggers can enter into these indents from the bindings on the board. Yes. This “step-in” system uses no technology other than a fastening mechanism in a manner that it can only be released by hand. The only new contribution of this technology is the automatic gripping process.

Regarding the fastening means and resistance test of the binding device on the board, the following points are described.
1. In the past, the binding was secured by screws fastened to the board using a hard aluminum plate inserted in the center of the board.
2. Due to the lack of safety of the previous system, female inserts were devised and placed on the board, which allowed six male screws to be screwed into these inserts, resulting in industry standards. became. For about ten years, patents have concentrated on distributing and placing these inserts on the board. It was a system for monopolizing this type of board binding or the exclusive use of certain inserts by several manufacturers.
3. Recently, resistance testing has determined the strength that one of these inserts can withstand until it is detached from the board. Since three to four inserts are used to secure one binding, it is virtually impossible for the user to separate the binding from the board due to the separation of the insert or broken binding. It should be pointed out that snowboarding has a very different origin from that of skiing, and its safety system is also a different sport. It is desirable in snowboarding rather than skiing that the boot does not automatically detach from the binding or board. In principle, the boot should only be detached from the board (either manually or remotely). Otherwise, if there are no points to grip the slippery surface, the practitioner is left unprotected. Equally, or more importantly, other practitioners are at risk of accidents caused by downhill courses or inoperable snowboards downhill.

To date, all these binding systems, whether it is an actual model or a conventional patent, manually bind the binding base to the board at the predetermined angle that the border or skier always uses during the run. It was based on screwing. To change this angle, the user had to stop, remove the boot from the board, and turn the binding with the help of a tool.
US Pat. No. 6,007,086 US Pat. No. 5,820,155 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-314365 US Pat. No. 6,224,086

  In the past, various binding systems using magnetic or electrical machines have been the object of patents. Hopkins U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,086 of 28 December 1999, named Electric Ski Binding System, is a permanent magnet located on the rear portion of the toe tip and on the boot heel, and the "" "Anchor spots" or other pole magnets with several electromagnets located at the points, with which the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnets is canceled and the fastening or gripping is released A ski boot fastening system as described is described. This system is an active safety system consisting of a microprocessor and a sensor located along the binding that detects rapid changes in force and pressure in the system and commands its unlocking Is provided. The main disadvantage here is that, as mentioned above, this system cannot be recommended for snowboarding, and it cannot be recommended for actual carving type skis that turn sharply. As mentioned above, this system requires binding.

  Brisco, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,155, Oct. 13, 1998, describes a snowboard that incorporates an electromechanical quick release mechanism that is operated via a combination of transmit and receive RF that acts as a second release element. The fastening mechanism is described. As the fastening is mechanical and the release is mechanical and electromechanical, the main drawback is that in case of malfunction, the remote quick release during operation does not work.

  Hitachi Metals Co., Ltd.'s 1997 patent application No. 133207, published December 2, 1998, describes a snowboard magnet device that fastens a boot and a board with permanent magnets. The main drawbacks are similar to those mentioned in the previous paragraph, since the release system only allows the system to be unlocked by manual mechanical forces and thus relies on another mechanism.

  US Pat. No. 6,224,086, May 1, 2001, named Apparatus for Gliding over Snow, describes a system in which only magnetic force is used to mount a ski boot or snow boot on a snowboard. It is described. Again, the main problem, as in the patent cited above, is that the release system can only be unlocked by manual mechanical force (lever).

The disadvantages described above are avoided by fastening systems such as those set forth in the appended claims showing the following advantages over typical patents of the prior art.
-Eliminate mechanical fastening and release, thereby increasing comfort and speed.
-Allow immediate locking or gripping and release (whenever desired by the user) by remote and autonomous control, avoiding any dangerous automatic operation when doing this sport.
-On snowboards, the angle and spacing of the boots on the board can be changed during rest or motion by foot motion and electrical switches.
-In skiing, it is possible to change the geometry of the footprint of the turn according to the fixation of the front and rear of the boot, and the same set of skis can be used.
-Similarly, for snowboarding, it allows a sensation of sliding comparable to its "relative" board sports (surfboards and skateboards).
-Allows slipping on the snow surface with optimal and safe control, with the possibility of removing the board or ski in the event of imminent danger.
-Enables the implementation of acrobatics in "half-pipe or freestyle" departments that require instantaneous remote release of boards or skis.

  The autonomous electromagnetic control system for fastening or tying a snowboard and a ski boot is an electric or solar battery charger (valve-charger type integrated in the boot or the like). From a number of rechargeable batteries, a number of electrical switches, a number of electromagnet or electromagnetic attractor elements disposed within each boot, and a ferromagnetic material housed on the board Comprising a plurality of sheets or slabs, rollers or particles, on which the user's boots are placed and fixed, and the switch opening / closing commands are sent / received via electrical cables, If desired, the switch is controlled via a command transmission / reception system that uses electromagnetic waves or infrared light, and the switch is capable of voice recognition. Vice may be provided.

  The following is its basic performance. That is, the battery is charged with current or solar energy (solar power generation panel). Each boot switch activates or deactivates the electromagnet of each corresponding boot and connects or disconnects them to the rechargeable battery. These switches can be operated manually or directly by the user or by the voice of a sports person, for example by command transmitted via an infrared transmission / reception system with a transmitter located in the glove. A voice recognition system that recognizes and interprets a command to a transmitter that issues a coded command received by a receptor that operates by opening or closing current from a rechargeable battery to an electromagnet located in the boot. Or it is actuated indirectly by sending a command. All these devices are connected between them via corresponding cables and connectors whenever necessary and are placed in different parts of the clothing and accessories used by the sports person. Such parts can be, without limitation, helmets, suits, backpacks, belts, waist pouches, gloves, boots, and some of them, and the board itself. .

  When an electromagnetic attractant is used instead of an electromagnet, the installation is done by a permanent magnet, whose magnetic force forms a magnetic field opposite to that of the magnet when switched on by any of the means described above, resulting in release. Can be offset by the electrical actuation of the suction.

  The system comprises one or more special boards with ferromagnetic sheets or slabs embedded in the surface, on which the magnetic field formed by the electromagnets of each boot acts. Sufficient adsorption strength to prevent one or more boards from being detached from the boot.

  Several figures have been attached to complete the following description and to assist in a better understanding of the features of the present invention. According to the figure, the innovation and advantages are much easier to understand.

  Three possible and preferred embodiments of an autonomous electromagnetic control system for snowboard or ski boot binding are described below. An equally common element for all of them is snowboarding (or skiing), which is discussed once at the end of this section, but is understood to be an integral part of all preferred embodiments.

  A first preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. FIG. 1A shows a sports person wearing a suit with an upper top (8), trousers (7), belt (1) and boots (5). On the belt or waist pouch (1), a rechargeable battery comprising an electric charger or solar cell (2) battery, a manual switch (23), and a connector (3) is arranged. A belt connector (3), a connector (4), and a conductor cable (15) are attached to the trouser (7). The cable is incorporated in the trouser cloth, and the connection device is connected to the connector ( 4). Each boot (5) is connected in parallel to the boot connection device (4b) to be attached to the trouser connector (4), the joint cable (20) to be joined to the boot connection device described above, and the cable (20). A connected electromagnet or electromagnetic attracting body (6) is arranged. Inevitably, the connectors (3) and (4), and the connecting elements attached to them, are of the male and other female types with as many (usually two) terminals as necessary. And allows electrical connection between belt (1) -trousers (7) and trousers (7) -boots (5) in such a manner.

  Thus, there are two independent circuits in the system that controls the coupling or fastening, and each circuit individually controls the coupling of the corresponding boot. If an electromagnet is used, the corresponding switch (23) may be manually opened or closed, and if the boot (5) is located on the surface of the snowboard (22) or ski (26), it is released relative to that surface. Or because it is fixed, its function is simple. When using an electromagnetic attractor, the work is reversed: it is released when the switch is closed and is connected or fastened when the switch is opened.

  FIG. 1A shows the boot (5) in more detail, and the elements of the system incorporated therein can be identified.

  A second preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 2 and 2-A. FIG. 2 shows a sporting person wearing a suit with a top part (8), trousers (7) and boots (5 '). The top body (8) comprises a speech recognition device (14) and a command transmitter (13). The voice recognition device can also be attached to a support placed on the neck or helmet of a sports person. Referring to FIG. 2A, each boot includes a rechargeable battery (9) incorporated in the boot body, a valve charger set (10), and a joint between the valve charger (10) and the rechargeable battery (9). A connection (21), a receiver switch (11), an electromagnet or electromagnetic attracting body (6), several joint connections (21a) between the receiver switch (11) and a rechargeable battery, a receiver switch A connection (21b) between the union (11) and the electromagnet or electromagnetic attracting body (6) is provided, and the electromagnet or electromagnetic attracting body (6) is incorporated in the lower part of the boot at the contact portion with the ground.

  Thus, there are two independent circuits in the control system for coupling, each circuit individually controlling the fastening of the corresponding boot, but unlike the first preferred embodiment, its activation or deactivation is This is done by different voice commands, some of which are commands for activation, others are commands for deactivation and are different for the left and right boots, so the reception of each boot The machine is programmed differently by the control device formed by the voice recognition device (14) and the voice command transmitter (13). Its function is simple because it is sufficient to say the necessary password, and the related operations are started by first recognizing the password and secondly by the user describing it. As a result, the transmitter (13) transmits a coded command that is decoded and executed as received by the boot receiver (11), and the boot (5) is snowboarded (22). Or, if placed on top of the surface of the ski (26), they are released or combined with the board or ski.

  The third preferred embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, except that it is assisted by a number of switch transmitters (12) incorporated in a sports person's gloves (24). .

  The receiver switch (11) of the boot is activated / deactivated by voice and is also activated / deactivated by the switch transmitter (12), and the command generated by the switch transmitter (12) is It has priority over the directive, which gives this device greater reliability and safety. With respect to the operation of this third preferred embodiment, the speech recognition device is similar to the second preferred embodiment described above, but it should be further noted that the device incorporated in the glove is: To activate / deactivate the corresponding boot switch receiver (11) on the same side of each button of the switch transmitter (12) of the glove (24).

  However, for those non-professionals of these sports, the option described in the previous paragraph that each boot can be controlled independently, whether by switch or by voice command, It is important to note that options can be included that include programming as well as transmitter switching receivers so that coupling or release occurs simultaneously on both boots with corresponding commands. It should also be noted that the control device can be incorporated into backpacks, glasses, belts or waist pouches, gloves, etc. instead of being placed in the clothes of a sports person.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows the interior of the boot and shows a possible fixing method of the electromagnet incorporated into the boot surface (5, 5). The number of electromagnets and the geometric shapes formed by them (straight, triangle, quadrilateral, etc.) are determined in relation to the weight of the sporter and the degree of experience.

  FIG. 5 shows a plan view and a perspective view of the table (22) so that a ferromagnetic material covering the entire surface of the upper table (16) can be seen.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the ski (25) on one side and a perspective view on the other, showing the ferromagnetic material covering the entire upper surface of the ski (26).

  Having fully described the features of the embodiments of the present invention and embodying the three preferred forms, the foregoing solutions have been described in accordance with what has been described above in an illustrative and non-limiting manner without changing the nature of the invention. It should be pointed out that many detailed changes can be made.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a sports person equipped with a first preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrating several possible placement points of the various elements of the system. It is a figure which shows roughly one side of a boot provided with the apparatus corresponding to the aspect shown by FIG. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a sports person equipped with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating possible placement points of various devices of the system. FIG. 4 schematically shows one of the boots provided with a device corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a sports person equipped with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating some possible placement points of various elements of the system. Fig. 2 schematically shows the underside of the boot, showing a possible arrangement of an electromagnet on the shoe sole or an integrated electromagnetic attractant. It is a top view of a board. It is a top view of skiing.

Claims (13)

An autonomous electromagnetic control system for boot binding for snowboards, skis or the like,
A rechargeable battery, an electrical charger, and an electrical switch, each of which is selected from sportswear clothing, helmet, backpack, belt, waist pouch, gloves, boots, and Some of them, and even those that can be placed on the board itself,
And an electromagnet or electromagnetic gripper disposed on the boot;
Command sending means for opening and closing the switch to actuate and deactivate the electromagnet or electromagnetic gripper, command sending means which may be an electrical cable, electromagnetic wave or infrared; and
Consisting essentially of one or more boards whose upper side is completely covered with ferromagnetic material,
The fastening of the boot to the one or more boards is performed by electromagnetic force joining the electromagnet or electromagnetic gripper to the top surface of the one or more boards with the ferromagnetic material, all of which Quickly, comfortably, remotely, and autonomously separate the boots from the board without the presence of an automated system that releases the board or boards regardless of the intention of the sporter Autonomous electromagnetic control system that promotes the possibility. A rechargeable battery that can be placed on the belt, helmet or backpack of a sports wearer's clothing;
An electric or solar battery charger (2) of the rechargeable battery, a manual switch (23), and a connector (3), all of which are arranged on the belt (1);
One of the respective connectors (3), two connectors (4) and one of the connectors (4) incorporated in the pants fabric and each first connecting element being arranged on the pants (7) A first connecting element adapted to two conductor cables (15) joined to
Fit to their respective connectors (4), cables (20) and electromagnets (6) of each boot (5), the cable (20) being a joint between the second connection device and the electromagnet (6) A second connection device (4b) acting as a part;
A snowboard (22) whose upper side is completely covered with a ferromagnetic material (16), the fastening of the boot (5) to the board (22) is performed by electromagnetic force, and its activation / deactivation is performed The autonomous electromagnetic control system for snowboard boot binding according to claim 1, which is manually controlled by a manual switch (23) located on the belt (1). A voice recognition device (14) and a command transmitter (13);
Rechargeable battery (9), charger valve set (10), receiver switch (11), electromagnet (6), union connector (21) of receiver switch (11) and rechargeable battery (9), electromagnet A joint connector (21b) between (6) and the receiver switch (11), and a union connection between the electromagnet (6) described above;
A snowboard (22) whose upper side is completely covered with a ferromagnetic material (16),
The coupling of the boot (5) to the board (22) is effected by electromagnetic force, and its activation / deactivation is controlled by a voice command detected by the voice recognition device (14), and the command (13 The autonomous electromagnetic control system for snowboard boots according to claim 1, wherein the autonomous electromagnetic control system for snowboard boots is generated, transmitted and received by a receiver switch (11) of each boot (5). Further comprising a switch transmitter (12) incorporated in the gloves of the sports person,
Fastening of the boot (5 ') to the board (22) is effected by electromagnetic force and its activation / deactivation is further controlled by a command generated and transmitted by the switch transmitter (12) of the glove. The autonomous electromagnetic control system for snowboard boot binding according to claim 3, received, decoded and executed by the receiver switch (11) of each boot (5 ′).   The electromagnet is replaced with an electromagnetic gripper, and the boot (5) is coupled to the board (22) by magnetic force, and the operation release / operation is arranged on the belt (1) by the manual switch (23 The autonomous electromagnetic control system for snowboard boot binding according to claim 2, which is manually controlled by   The electromagnet is replaced with an electromagnetic gripper, the boot (5 ′) is fastened to the board (22) by magnetic energy, and the release / operation is detected by the voice recognition device (14). 4. Controlled by command at, generated and transmitted by said command transmitter (13), received by said receiver switch (11) at each boot (5 '), decoded and executed Autonomous electromagnetic control system for the described snowboard boot binding.   The electromagnet is replaced by an electromagnetic gripper, the boot (5 ') is connected to the board (22) by magnetic means, and its deactivation / activation is generated by the switch transmitter (12) of the glove 5. The autonomous for snowboard boot binding according to claim 4, further controlled by transmitted and transmitted commands, received, decoded and executed by the receiver switch (11) of each boot (5 '). Electromagnetic control system. A rechargeable battery that can be placed in a sportsman's belt, helmet, or backpack;
The aforementioned rechargeable battery electric or solar charger (2), manual switch (23), and several connectors (3), all of which are arranged on the belt (1);
Each main connection device is connected to one of the respective connectors (3), two connectors (4) and one of the connectors (4) incorporated in the pants fabric and arranged on the pants (7). Several main connection devices that can be attached to the two conductor cables (15) to be joined;
The connector (4), the cable (20), and the electromagnet (6) of each boot (5) can be mounted, and the cable is joined between the second connecting element and the electromagnet (6). Several second connecting devices (4b) acting as cables (20);
Each one of them comprises two skis (25) whose upper side is completely covered with a ferromagnet (26),
Fastening of the boot (5) to the ski (25) is effected by electromagnetic force and its activation / deactivation is manually controlled by a manual switch (23) arranged on the belt (1). 2. An autonomous electromagnetic control system for ski boot binding according to 1. A voice recognition device (14) and a command transmission device (13);
Several rechargeable batteries (9), valve charger set (10), receiver switch (11), electromagnet (6), junction connection of the rechargeable battery (9) to the valve charger (10) (21) the junction connection (21a) of the rechargeable battery (9) and the receiver switch (11), the junction connection (21b) of the receiver switch (11) to the electromagnet (6) and the electromagnet ( 6) the junction connection between
Two skis (25), each having its upper side completely covered with a ferromagnetic material (26), and the coupling of the boot (5 ') to the ski (25) is performed by electromagnetic force. The activation / deactivation is controlled by a voice command detected by the voice recognition device (14), generated and transmitted by the command transmission device (13), and the reception of each boot (5 '). Autonomous electromagnetic control system for ski boot binding according to claim 1, wherein the autonomous electromagnetic control system is received, decoded and executed by a machine switch (11).   At the same time, several switch transmitters (12) incorporated in the gloves of the sportsman are also provided, the coupling of the boot (5 ') to the ski (25) described above being effected by electromagnetic force, Deactivation is controlled by the generated command, transmitted via the switch transmitter (12) of the glove, received by the receiver switch (11) of each boot (5 '), decoded and executed The autonomous electromagnetic control system for ski boot binding according to claim 9.   The electromagnet is replaced by an electromagnetic gripper, the boot (5) is fastened to the ski (25) by magnetic force, and the operation release / release is performed by the manual switch (located on the belt (1)). Autonomous electromagnetic control system for ski boot binding according to claim 8, controlled manually by 23).   The electromagnet is replaced by an electromagnetic attracting body, the fastening of the boot (5 ′) to the ski (25) is generated by magnetic force, and the voice / actuation detected by the voice recognition device (14) is detected. According to claim 9, controlled by command, generated and transmitted by said command transmitter (13), received, decoded and executed by said receiver switch (11) of each boot (5 ') Autonomous electromagnetic control system for the described ski boot binding. The electromagnet is replaced by an electromagnetic gripper, the fastening of the boot (5 ') to the ski (25) is generated by magnetic means, and its deactivation / activation is generated by the switch transmitter (12) of the glove 11. Autonomous electromagnetic control for ski boot binding according to claim 10, controlled by command transmitted and received, received, decoded and executed by the receiver switch (11) of each boot (5 '). system.

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