US20170274270A1

US20170274270A1 - Lateral unidirectional mechanism and birotational operating system

Info

Publication number: US20170274270A1
Application number: US15/104,960
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas Lundbaek
Original assignee: Dry Water Productions Inc
Current assignee: Dry Water Productions Inc
Priority date: 2013-12-18
Filing date: 2014-12-18
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Also published as: WO2015095618A1; EP3082984A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to such a system, apparatus, and a method for allowing freedom and range of motion, movement, and spatial position on at least a snowboard or other board device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of non-injury or MONI is used to allow a rider of a snowboard (or other device) the ability to move in multiple dimensions (in multiple angles and in multiple planes); the MONI embodiment allows a snowboard or other device to be inverted and offers an adjustable safety release mechanism as akin to skis. In another embodiment of the present invention, electro-magnetism is used to secure a rider to a snowboard (or other device) instead of a boot-binding, finally allowing a rider to maneuver like a skateboarder or surfer, with the ability to move anywhere on the board at will.

Description

This application claims the benefit of an earlier filed provisional application, filed Dec. 18, 2013, identified as Application No. 61/917,938.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and a method for allowing freedom and range of motion, movement, and spatial position on at least a snowboard or other board device.
2. Description of Related Art
Snowboarding is wildly popular by riders all over the world. A “rider” generally refers to a person who rides snowboards (and that term shall be used herein), but the term may generally also refer to riders of other boards or other board devices (herein, collectively “device” or “devices”). A rider typically wears special purpose snowboard boots that are placed within bindings that are attached to the snowboard itself. The bindings are typically attached to the snowboard fastened by screws or other fasteners. When attached via screws, by way of non-limiting example, the bindings do not move relative to the snowboard. Accordingly, a rider strapped into the bindings has no ability to move the position of his foot (or feet) relative to the snowboard. This fixed riding position is distinct from other boarding sports such as skateboarding and surfing, whose riders are free to rotate and pivot in multiple dimensions. Further, this fixed riding position may lead to injury from fatigue and inability to compensate for loss of control since a rider's feet are bound, and he may absorb certain negative forces such as accidental axial contortion, dorsiflexion, inversion, shifting, or other twisting actions. In light of the foregoing and other shortcomings in the art, it is desirable to provide for freedom and range of motion, movement, and dynamic spatial position for snowboard riders.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables a rider of any snowboard or a similar device to operate more like a rider of surfboards (“surfer”) or a rider of skateboards (“skateboarder”), as the case may be, wherein any rider may manipulate the spatial positioning of his foot (or feet) unimpeded by a locking mechanism, an aspect not found in any prior art, and without the need for mere gross distribution of a rider's mass.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus, in a preferred embodiment with thickness of an average pencil and with sufficient diameter to accommodate any size boot.
The apparatus enables virtually any relevant boot-binding brand typically found on a snowboard (or other device) to become independently spinnable, that is, freely rotateable, when said snowboard is attached to virtually any applicable snowboard brand(s) or similar. A preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pedal machine (or “hub and mounting assembly”) comprises three parts: a first part, a circular disc (or “top plate”), the platform upon which to attach a boot-binding or similar, acting as the cap plate protecting the inner workings; a second part, a circular disc (or “rim plate”) with a bevel cut donut center, acting as a turret, to which said first part may be secured; and a third part, a circular disc (or “a pivot”), preferably attachable to a snowboard or other device, with a matching/opposing bevel or truncation to said second part, preferably acting as the axel or hinge around which said first and second parts rotate, preferably together.
The three parts of the hub and mounting assembly may be designed differently, by way of non-limiting examples as a function of the snowboard or in an effort to reduce friction or maximize the hub and mounting assembly efficiencies. By way of non-limiting example, the rim plate should preferably use steps instead of a bevel that may allow for more precise and consistent measurement in production while attaining the same result. In another aspect, the rim plate incorporating steps may also incorporate O-rings. In another aspect, the thickness of the rim plate is decreased such that when it is secured to the top plate, the rim plate never touches the surface of the snowboard.
Certain aspects of the present invention may provide solutions to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been solved by currently available snowboards and the parts that bind it to its rider. For example, certain aspects of the present invention provide a system, apparatus and method for allowing a rider of a snowboard to change her spatial positioning relative to the snowboard.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a method includes receiving selected user preferences via a computer or similar device that enhance, via any number of metrics, of the ride of a snowboard. Said computer may employ computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium causing a computer to receive selected user preferences, by way of non-limiting example.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method includes receiving selected real-time experiential data or other information, in one embodiment, employing sensors, to help find optimal positioning of the hub and mounting assembly.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method includes combining user preferences with experiential data to help find optimal positioning of the hub and mounting assembly. Further, the method may include prompting the rider to perform a task, by way of non-limiting example, moving the position of his foot. Where the rider successfully completes the task as defined by user preference or computer-assisted optimal positioning, the method includes taking the rider to a next task. If the rider does not successfully complete the task, the method includes prompting the rider to attempt the task again until the task is successfully completed.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and system employs electro-magnetism in securing a rider to a snowboard with or without the need of a boot-binding. With the magnetic field engaged, a rider can be secured as if by conventional anchoring, able to withstand the same forces encountered in a given sport. By decreasing the magnetic field, a rider can reposition a single foot or both feet and the respective positions thereof as desired. By turning off the magnetic field, a rider can instantly dismount the board, by way of non-limiting examples, stepping off at the end of a run or during mid-air tricks, a rider can flip the board around like a skateboarder in a half-pipe. Additionally, pre-selected delay times can elapse, after which the full strength of the magnetic field automatically adjusts so that a rider can feel confident about reconnecting securely to the board; conversely, this feature can be incorporated into a rheostat or other device, fixable to the rider or remotely controlled by known devices. Additionally, an adjustment setting can be chosen, depending on a rider's weight, level of ability, or preference, thus allowing the snowboard or other devices to be released in case of an emergency, much like the safety features of skis, including a retractable tether/leash to prevent a runaway board.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and system imbeds a rotational mechanism similar to the hub and mounting assembly into a board itself.
The present invention may fit virtually any junior to adult size snowboard or other device and boot-bindings and similar but the invention may be tailored for varying-size riders.
The present invention increases a rider's leverage due to the extant increased height from the thickness of the hub and mounting assembly.
As the present invention may be applied to many types of boards, by way of non-limiting example, kite boarding, surfing, wake boarding, windsurfing or any board that, by way of non-limiting example, comes into contact with water, the materials selected for the hub and mounting assembly should be suitable for a particular environment, by way of non-limiting examples, poly-carbonate or preferably carbon fiber for boards related to water sports.
The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the invention are illustrative of those that can be achieved by the various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other aspects and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will be apparent from the description herein or can be learned from practicing the various exemplary embodiments, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variation which may be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of certain aspects of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. While it should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is an (exploded) view of a hub and mounting assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a top plate 102, pivot 104, and rim plate 106, all shown with boot-binding, a boot, a foot, and a snowboard, with a three-dimensional inset view of an attached mechanism of non-injury (or MONI, which can be seen at FIGS. 8A-I).

FIG. 1B is a view of four typical mounting patterns for snowboards.

FIG. 1C is a view of the dimensions of three of said typical snowboard mounting patterns, each including a center point 112, upon which the pedal machine, i.e., the hub and mounting assembly 100, pivots.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the hub and mounting assembly assembled 100.

FIG. 2B is a view of said four typical mounting patterns for snowboards with each snowboard having an embodiment of the hub and mounting assembly 100 secured onto said snowboard with varying boot binding attachment holes that is consistent with the mounting patterns of the respective snowboard.

FIG. 2C shows various embodiments of the hub and mounting assembly 100 fully assembled in different shapes.

FIG. 2D is an (exploded) view of one embodiment of the hub and mounting assembly 100 having a modified (heart-shaped) top plate 210, a pivot 104, and a modified rim plate 208.

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the hub and mounting assembly 100 of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3B and 3C are partial cut-a-way views of the hub and mounting assembly 100 showing rotation.

FIG. 4 is a top and side view of the top plate 102 showing attachment holes for boot-bindings while said attachment holes may vary in number, especially as a function of the board.

FIG. 5 is a top and side view of the pivot 104 of the hub and mounting assembly.

FIG. 6 is a top and side view of the rim plate 106 of the hub and mounting assembly, the rim plate 106 which may be attached to the top plate.

FIGS. 7A-B is an alternative and preferred embodiment of the hub and mounting assembly where step cuts are used (in place of or in conjunction with a bevel design).

FIGS. 8A-J shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention known as the mechanism of non-injury or MONI.

FIGS. 9A (alpha through delta) are views of the basic components that may go into a snowboard.

FIGS. 9B-K shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention employing magnetic resulting in a magneto securable snowboard system.

FIG. 10A shows a traditional boot-binding system and FIG. 10B shows a modification of said boot-binding system that incorporate rotational aspects and the present invention via the elimination of cogs and serrations.

FIGS. 11A-B show an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the snowboard is imbedded with a rotational mechanism analogous to the hub and mounting assembly 100 that is embedded in the snowboard 1100 itself.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the embodiment of FIGS. 9B-K are incorporated into a pair of skis 1202 and accompanying ski boots 1204 resulting in a magneto securable ski system 1200.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.
It will be readily understood that the components of various embodiments of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of a system, apparatus and method of the present invention, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.
The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. By non-limiting example, reference throughout this specification to “certain embodiments,” “some embodiments,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “in some embodiment,” “in other embodiments,” or similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments
As used in this application, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” may refer to one or more than one of an item. The terms “and” and “or” may be used in the conjunctive or disjunctive sense and will generally be understood to be equivalent to “and/or”. For brevity and clarity, a particular quantity of an item may be described or shown while the actual quantity of the item may differ. Features from an embodiment may be combined with features of another.
As used in this application, the term “including” (or any of its various forms such as include) means “including but not limited to” or without limitation; whereas “consisting” (or any of its various forms such as consist) means limited to a particular group or subset.
As used in this application and unless qualified, any reference to a single foot or to both feet may be interchangeable to either or both.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide freedom and range of motion by using what is referred to as a pedal machine, i.e., the hub and mounting assembly, that can be designed and structured to allow for unfettered spatial adjustment by which a rider's otherwise bound feet to a typical snowboard may now change the position of a foot relative to the snowboard. Typically, the spatial adjustment will be elicited by manual changes by the rider by movement of his foot. In one exemplary embodiment, computer technology can be used as a process to supply the means to take into account various information and data from the spatial position of the hub and mounting assembly and transduce said information and data to find optimal positioning of said hub and mounting assembly. The resulting positioning of the pedal machine and the freedom of change thereof, produced either electronically or naturally by the rider, or both, produces an enhanced technical ride on a snowboard (or other device) that is more efficient and more natural like skateboarding or surfing. Additionally, the resulting freedom of movement results in a more comfortable, convenient, and potentially safer ride since a rider's feet will no longer be bound, thereby precluding a rider from absorbing certain forces, by non-limiting example, accidental axial contortion, dorsiflexion, inversion, shifting or twisting action.
FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a hub and mounting assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown with a boot-binding, a boot, a foot, and a snowboard 110. The apparatus is shown as a stacked assembly including a top plate 102, a pivot 104 that attaches to the snowboard via various mounting or attachment holes 108 and a rim plate 106 containing a center 112. When the boot-binding is attached to the top plate 102 via its various mounting or attachment holes 114, the hub and mounting assembly 100 allows the snowboarder or rider the flexibility of movement and increased control and comfort.
A hub and mounting assembly 100 may have varying overall dimensions, with one embodiment ranging from two inches to nine inches (2″-9″) in diameter with a thickness ranging from one-eighths inch (⅛″) to seven-eighths inch (⅞″), with one preferred embodiment, preferred overall dimensions of eight and one-half inches by three-eighths inches (8.5″ by ⅜″).
FIG. 1B is a representation of four typical mounting patterns 110A-D for snowboards. There are other mounting patterns available; however, these four are
FIG. 1C is a view of the layout of three of the typical snowboard mounting patterns 110A, 110C, 110D, each including a center point 112, upon which the hub and mounting assembly 100 pivots.
FIG. 2A shows an exemplary embodiment of the hub and mounting assembly 100 assembled. The hub and mounting assembly 100 may include the top plate 102, which may be circular, shown with the preferred mounting or attachment hole formation 114 for boot bindings and shown with mounting or attachment holes 202 for the top plate 102; said top plate mounting or attachment holes 202 are preferably identical to 302 as found in FIG. 3A. Any of the hub and mounting assembly 100 fasteners for any said holes therein may vary in pattern, color or type, by way of non-limiting example, flush or raised screws, clamps, or otherwise. The hub and mounting assembly 100, i.e., its parts, may be made of metal, by way of non-limiting example, 60/61 certified aluminum, plastic, by way of non-limiting example, polycarbonate, a composite material, or fiber, preferably carbon-fiber, and in any combination or permutation. The hub and mounting assembly 100 may be any pattern or color to allow the user to match or stylize their snowboards or boards.
FIG. 2B shows the exemplary embodiment of the hub and mounting assembly 100 assembled and mounted to a snowboard with a particular mounting pattern consistent with the attachment holes 114 of a particular boot binding. FIG. 2C, shown without any boot-binding attachment holes 114, shows alternative embodiments 204A-C of the hub and mounting assembly 100 to include any shape, by way of non-limiting example, star-, circular-, or oval-shaped. FIG. 2D shows an exploded view of one such alternative embodiment 206 of an alternative hub and mounting assembly as seen in 204A-C that is heart-shape having a heart-shaped top plate 210, a pivot 104, and a heart-shaped rim plate 208, wherein said top plate 210 and pivot 104 have attachment holes 114 consistent with the mounting holes on a respective snowboard, for example, 110A.
FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the hub and mounting assembly 100 comprising a top plate 102, a pivot 104, and a rim plate 106. The top plate 102 comprises preferably two or more mounting holes 302 for fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting holes 302 are un-threaded bores, preferably clear and may or may not be counter-sunk, one-quarter inch (¼″) to seven inches (7″) but preferably one-half inch (½″) from the circumferential edge 304 of a circular top plate 102, wherein the circumferential edge of said top plate may, by way of non-limiting example, be beveled, faceted, square, rounded, preferably quarter round 402, or any other way. Boot-bindings may be fastened to the top plate 102 in any number of ways. The top plate 102 may be, by non-limiting example, powder-coated or hard anodized to reduce frictional forces and to protect surfaces, and may have a thickness that may vary between one-eighth inch (⅛″) to seven-eighths inch (⅞″) but preferably be three-sixteenths inch ( 3/16″). The top plate 102 may be any color or pattern.
The pivot 104 may have any shape but is preferably circular with a preferably complementing edge 306 to interlock into the rim plate 106 at its inside edge called a turret 308. The pivot 104 may include a beveled edge resulting in a smaller diameter at the bottom of the pivot 104 and a larger diameter at the top of the pivot 104 whose thickness is preferably the same as the rim plate 106. The pivot 104 includes holes 310 to allow for various mounting configurations for snowboards or other devices as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The pivot 104 may also be fastened to other styles of mounting patterns on other boards. The pivot has a deck height, which allows the rim plate 106 to spin or freely rotate without friction due to binding or rubbing with the snowboard or the top plate 102. The pivot 104 may alternatively or additionally include an antifriction bearing assembly, by way of non-limiting example, such as a Torrington arrangement or other roller, cylindrical or barrel bearing system, Teflon, or O-ring. Such a bearing system may be located between the pivot 104 and a top plate 102. Any of the surfaces, by way of non-limiting example, 502, of the pivot 104 is preferably hard-anodized.
The rim plate 106 is preferably secured under the pivot 104 preferably by way of an interlocking inner beveled edge corresponding to an angle of the outer beveled edge of the pivot 106. The preferred embodiment range will have outer and inner circumferential edges that may vary between twenty-two point five degrees (22 ½°) to ninety degrees(90°) to between one-eighths inch to seven inches (⅛″-7″) wide. The preferred distance from the outer circumferential edge to the inner circumferential edge is seven-eighths inch (⅞″) when using a circular rim plate 106.
The rim plate 106 is of a thickness to allow it to spin or freely rotate without friction due to binding or rubbing with the snowboard. In another embodiment, the thickness of the rim plate 106 may vary such that the underside 706 (as found in FIG. 7B) of the rim plate 106 is thinner, by way of non-limiting example, by shaving off, by way of non-limiting example, ten microns (10 μm) to one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16″), a reduction that will, by way of non-limiting example, keep the moving rim plate 106 and top plate 102 assembly from potentially scratching the surface of the board.
Another embodiment of the rim plate 106 may be between two inches (2″) to four inches (4″) diameter, assuming current, conventional, or commercially available boot-bindings are modified to allow rotation to occur within the bindings themselves, as found in FIG. 10.
The rim plate 106, preferably circular in shape, may be any color or pattern, which allows the user to match or coordinate the parts of the hub and mounting assembly 100. The rim plate 106 includes mounting holes 312 that may be any size or shape but preferably three-sixteenths inch ( 3/16″) to attach the rim plate 106 and the top plate 102 together, so the rim plate 106 and the top plate 102 rotate together as an assembly. Varying locations of the mounting holes may be employed to secure the top plate 102, by way of non-limiting example, one-eighth inch (⅛″) to preferably seven-eighths inch (⅞″) from the circumferential edge of the rim plate 106. The rim plate 106 comprises preferably two or more mounting holes 312 for fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting holes 312 are threaded bores, preferably clear, offset, and not counter-sunk, one-half inch (½″) from the circumferential edge of the rim plate 106 resulting in alignment with the mounting holes 302 of the top plate 102.
Additionally or alternatively, the top plate 102 and the rim plate 106 may be integrally formed or otherwise attached to each other (e.g., by way of non-limiting examples, a bonding agent, a weld, clamping, or suction). Shown is one method of attaching the top plate (102) to the rim plate (106); other methods of attachment are contemplated and should be considered within the scope of the present application.
Though not preferred, additionally or alternatively, the pivot and the board may be integrally formed or otherwise attached to each other (e.g., by way of non-limiting examples, a bonding agent, a weld, clamping, or suction).
FIGS. 3B and 3C shown are partial cut-a-way views of the hub and mounting assembly 100 collectively showing rotation thereof. FIG. 3B shows the hub and mounting assembly, secured by screws 314, rotated to a first point while FIG. 3C shows the hub and mounting assembly rotated to a second point. The first and second points of rotation are merely for the sake of illustrating rotation of the hub and mounting assembly. Accordingly, rotation of the hub and mounting assembly may or may not be limited to particular points depending on application. The axial rotation of the hub and mounting assembly 100 allows the snowboarder more freedom of control of the board.
FIG. 4 is a top and side view of the top plate 102 showing attachment holes 114, preferably threaded for boot-bindings. Attachment holes in any shape or pattern (see e.g., FIGS. 1B and 1C) may be employed allowing for multiple styles of boot-bindings to be attached to the top plate 102 of the hub and mounting assembly 100. Preferably a steel-threaded collet 404 acts as an insert for attachment or mounting holes 114 attached preferably by epoxy to the top plate 102.
FIG. 5 is a top and side view of the pivot 104 of the hub and mounting assembly 100 showing attachment holes 108, preferably counter-sunk, to secure to a snowboard or related device. In the present embodiment, the pivot 104 includes a smaller diameter of the pivot at a bottom face and a larger diameter of the pivot at an upper face of the pivot, resulting in 306. The angle of the pivot preferably interlocks with the rim plate 106 at 308.
FIG. 6 is a top and side view of a rim plate 106 which may be attached to the top plate 102. A beveled angle on the turret 308 of a rim plate 106 interlocks said rim plate to a pivot 104 alongside its edge 306 creating 602. Preferably a steel-threaded collet 606, which may have similar characteristics as 404, acts as an insert for attachment or mounting holes 312 of the rim plate, attached to the rim plate 106 preferably by epoxy.
FIGS. 7A-B shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention employing a step system, generally 702 or 704, on the rim plate 106, resulting in an omitted portion 706. FIGS. 7A-B show a rim plate 106 that may have one or more steps carved into the turret 308, by way of non-limiting example, incorporating right angles (instead of bevels or in conjunction with bevels) that complement the pivot 104. By way of non-limiting example, a said first step 702 could be from one-eighth to seven inches wide (⅛″ to 7″) with additional steps varying from one-sixteenth inch to seven inches ( 1/16″ to 7″). FIG. 7A shows a said step 702 that would complement a step cut 704. In an aspect of this embodiment, an O-ring made of almost any material, by way of non-limiting example, rubber, Teflon or preferably carbon fiber and with a thickness of one sixty-fourth inches to one-eighth inches ( 1/64″ to ⅛″), may be embedded within a said step 702 or 704 or on the turret 308.
FIG. 1A shows an inset view of FIGS. 8A-I, which shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of non-injury 800 or MONI. Said embodiment of the present invention of the apparatus allows a rider to adjust not only her height at any angle but also choosing different planes, thus changing her multi-dimensional stance and thereby allowing leverage of many available forces. Though not shown, a MONI device may have incorporated a safety release mechanism akin to skiis with adjustable settings for beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert riders.
FIG. 8A shows a hub and mounting assembly 802 similar to the hub and mounting assembly 100 of FIG. 1. However, the hub and mounting assembly 802 top plate 804 includes an attachment plate 806 that preferably has a single top leaf plate 810 for attachment of boot-bindings via attachment holes 114, the preferred embodiment; a MONI device could have intervening or additional plates between said attachment plate 806 and said top leaf plate 810; however, if no top leaf plate is used, that is, only an attachment plate, it must have a way to attach the boot bindings, preferably via attachment holes.
FIGS. 8A-E shows a rider progressively leaning forward. As shown in FIGS. 8A-E, MONI allows for a first angle 824 (or a height adjustment of the plane of the boot or boot-bindings) between the top plate 804 of the hub and mounting assembly of 802 and the attachment plate 806; as shown in FIGS. 8F-I, MONI also allows for a second angle 822 between the top leaf plate 810 and attachment plate 806; a complementary angle 826 to said second angle 824 can be seen when the top plate is in motion. The first and second angles can also be seen with the boot attached as shown in FIG. 8J.
Any type of hinge, by way of non-limiting example, a saloon-door hinge, cafe-swinging door hinge, or double-acting spring hinge, may be used to attach the attachment plate and any successive leaf plate. The first angle adjustment can be possible preferably via an integrated hinge preferably comprising a barrel 808 from the top plate 804 with complementary barrels 814 on the attachment plate 806, secured by a pin 812 and may include a mechanism, by way of non-limiting examples, such as a spring 813 or elastic band (not shown), to automatically return the hinge to a closed position or lesser angle; the second angle adjustment can be possible preferably via an integrated hinge preferably comprising a barrel 820 on the top leaf plate 810 with complementary barrels 816 on the attachment plate 806 secured by a pin 818 and may include, by way of non-limiting example, a spring similar to 813 with similar function; all of which allow for adjustments by the rider to achieve more comfort and control if not greater maneuverability and epic tricks. The attachment plate, top leaf plate and pin may be made of any of the materials used in the hub and mounting assembly 100. Any hinge or part thereof, including by way of non-limiting example, a barrel, may be molded or attached by fasteners, welded, or other means.
FIG. 9A (alpha) shows top and side views of a snowboard 902 without any physical attachments and the basic components of a snowboard. FIGS. 9A (Beta through Delta) show the basic and enhanced components of a snowboard. The basic components of snowboards typically comprise a top sheet 904, one or more fiberglass layers 912, a core 906, a base 908, and an outer edge 920. Typically constructed like a ski with metal edges, in general, there are two types of snowboards: cap construction and sandwich construction (and a third, a hybrid of the previous two). In cap construction, the top sheet 904, typically a protective layer of plastic that provides a surface for graphics, and the fiberglass layer 912 are brought down over the core 906, which typically constitutes most of a snowboards' thickness and can be made of foam, honeycomb panels, wood, composite, or any combination of said materials, including sets of metal inserts 918 necessary to mount bindings, resulting in sealing the outer edge 920. Sandwich construction employs laying each layer flat and a sidewall (not shown) is put in at the sides to protect the core. Another layer of fiberglass reinforced plastic 914 may be used to provide strength and stiffness. The base 908 is typically an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material, a type of plastic with dense, abrasion resistant, low friction properties.
In an alternative embodiment, electro-magnetism, instead of a boot-binding, is used to secure a rider to a snowboard. The snowboard itself may be made of plastic, fiber or composite material surfaces. The board may be constructed without the addition of fiberglass altogether, and replaced with a magnetic layer of steel, neodymium, or other sheet 910 as the base or core material, to which a modified boot binding 922, as found in FIG. 9B, attaches. A piezoelectric layer 916 can also be incorporated into the construction of such a snowboard or other devices to provide an additional charge to the magnetism while the core 906 may be a magnetizeable metal 910 or piezoelectrical substrate 916, in any combination or permutation.
FIG. 9B is an exploded representation of the snowboard 902 of FIG. 9. The snowboard 902 uses an electromagnetic or magnetic attachment or binding system 922 for snowboards or other devices. The system 922 could be made with permanent magnets or electromagnets. The magnetism of the invention would secure a boot to a snowboard (or other device) allowing a secure attachment, thus potentially eliminating or incorporating into the bindings, which could still be used in conjunction, by way of non-limiting example, as a convenience or enhancement feature. A special snowboard boot or similar may be designed with the binding system 922 incorporated into the boot by almost any means, including by way of non-limiting example, into the boot sole, attachable to any boot or binding system 922, or incorporating the binding system into the binding itself.
Electromagnetism and magnetism are both commonly known in scientific fields. Magnets are attracted to iron or steel utilizing magnetic flux lines of attraction. The top and side views of FIG. 9B show one embodiment of the positioning of the magnets inside the boot, however, the magnet could be positioned in the board in another embodiment of the invention. The magnet attaches the boot to the snowboard 902 or a steel plate imbedded into the board via magnetic fields. As shown in FIGS. 9E-91, the electromagnets are connected in parallel to a power source 930, by way of non-limiting example, a battery, kinetic charger, and piezoelectric material, including a power switch to allow the rider to increase, decrease, or (de-)activate the magnetic field, as shown in FIG. 9K. The bottom view shows the boots attached to the board via magnetic fields showing the placement of the magnets in one embodiment of the current invention.
FIG. 9C shows an iron core 932 as the basis of an electromagnet. FIG. 9D shows a basic electromagnet using a coil of wire powered by the power source utilizing a power and ground system. Applying power and ground to the coil of wire creates a magnetic field, thus attracting items made of iron or steel. The coil of wire could be made of multiple loops of wire to create the necessary magnetic field.
FIG. 9E shows electromagnets 922 powered by power source 930 connected in a parallel circuit. A parallel circuit and electromagnets are commonly known electrical fundamentals.
FIG. 9F shows an electrical schematic of a parallel circuit consisting of a power source and conductors. Also shown are the current flows based upon the electron theory of electricity.
FIG. 9G shows a top view of one embodiment of the current invention as set up in an array of electromagnets connected in electrical circuits connected to a power source.
FIG. 9H shows a side view of the electromagnet array and wiring.
FIG. 9I shows a bottom view of the electromagnet array and wiring necessary to create the magnetic fields.
FIG. 9J shows an electrical connector necessary to connect the electromagnet array to a power source. It may be made of plastic with metal connectors with metal wiring. The wiring would be of typical electrical design.
FIG. 9K shows a power rheostat or potentiometer necessary to control the magnetic field strength to attach and secure the magnet array to the mounting plate. This would allow the snowboarder to adjust the current flow through the magnets to created varying amounts of magnetic fields. Since a rider will finally be able to maneuver like a skateboarder or surfer, with the ability to move anywhere on the board at will, with the flip of a switch or toggle, as shown in FIG. 9K, essentially adjusting his position from hanging ten to mono-skiing or hopping off.
Though not shown, a MONI device may have incorporated into it any of the embodiments identified in FIG. 9, including by way of non-limiting example, said safety-release mechanisms.
FIG. 10A shows a typical boot-binding system 1000 with an aperture plate 1002 consisting of various slots 1004 meant to fit various snowboards and their matching or complementary cogs 1006 that in turn complements cogs 1008 in the boot binding 1010 of the boot-binding system 1000.
FIG. 10B shows a modification of the traditional boot-binding system found in FIG. 10A wherein the modified boot-binding system incorporates rotational aspects and the present invention via the elimination of cogs and serrations into a modified boot-binding system 1012. Specifically, the modified aperture plate 1014 acts as the pivot as found in the hub and mounting assembly 100 and said modified aperture plate complements its edge 1014 to the edge 1016 of the modified boot binding 1018 of the boot-binding system 1012. The aperture plate may be modified to still rotate without modifying the cogs of conventional boot bindings.
FIGS. 11A-B show an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the snowboard is imbedded with a rotational mechanism analogous to any of the previous embodiments presented herein, by way of non-limiting example, the hub and mounting assembly 100, the hub and mounting assembly with attachment plate 800, and the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-K, any of which is embedded into the snowboard 1102 itself, resulting in an embedded hub system 1100. In a preferred embodiment, a snowboard may be constructed similar to the explanations given in FIG. 9A, with a recess 1114 that accommodates a moveable pivot 1104, which may, by way of non-limiting example, have a bevel cut or circumferential stepped edge with conventional boot binding anchoring attachments 1112. The moveable pivot 1104 may rotate freely under a moveable-pivot collar 1106 which is secured to the board with screws or other attachment means 1108, having, by way of non-limiting example, a matching step cut. At least one moveable-pivot collar spacer 1110 with step cut may also be used to secure the pivot 1104, allowing a rider to choose the best stance or position. FIG. 11B shows an enhanced side view of said embodiment.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention that results in a magneto securable ski system 1200 where the embodiment of FIGS. 9B-K are incorporated, en toto or in part, into a pair of skis 1202 and accompanying ski boots 1206 to secure the rider via the use of various magnetics 1204, as described in the instant application herein.
The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention. Modifications of the above-disclosed embodiments of the present invention of which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, although in some embodiments, a pedal machine is discussed, related methods and devices are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, methods of manufacturing the embodiments are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pedal machine for a snowboard, comprising:

a top plate;

a rim plate, in communication with said top plate; and

a pivot plate, in communication with said rim plate, wherein said pivot plate is configured to attach to the snowboard and around which said top plate and said rim plate can freely rotate,

2. The pedal machine of claim 1, wherein said rim plate includes step cuts in communication with said top plate.

3. The pedal machine of claim 1, wherein said rim plate includes bevel cuts in communication with said top plate.

4. The pedal machine of claim 1, wherein said rim plate includes bevel cuts and step cuts in communication with said top plate.

5. The pedal machine of claim 1, wherein said top plate includes boot-binding attachment holes.

6. The pedal machine of claim 1, wherein said top plate and said rim plate are integrally formed as a single unit.

7. The pedal machine of claim 1, wherein said top plate and said rim plate rotate.

8. The pedal machine of claim 1, wherein it includes an attachment mechanism, further comprising an attachment plate hingedly in communication with said top plate.

9. The pedal machine of claim 8, further comprising a top leaf plate hingedly in communication to said attachment plate.

10. A pedal machine for a device, comprising

a top plate;

a circular rim plate in communication with said top plate; and

a circular pivot plate, in communication with said circular rim plate, wherein said circular pivot plate is configured to attach to the device and around which said top plate and said circular rim plate freely rotate.

11. The pedal machine of claim 10, wherein said top plate and said circular rim plate are integrally formed as a single unit.

12. The pedal machine of claim 10 wherein said top plate and said circular rim plate rotate.

13. The pedal machine of claim 10, further comprising an attachment plate hingedly connected to said top plate.

14. The pedal machine of claim 13, further comprising a top leaf plate hingedly connected to said attachment plate.

15. A pedal machine configured to be connected to both a snowboard and a binding, the pedal machine comprising:

top plate;

a circular rim plate fixedly attached to said circular top plate; and

a circular pivot plate in communication with said rim plate through one or more of a bevel cut and a step cut, wherein said circular rim plate is configured to attach to the snowboard and around which said circular rim plate freely rotates.

16. The pedal machine of claim 15, further comprises an attachment mechanism, wherein said mechanism comprises:

an attachment plate hingedly connected to said top plate; and

a top leaf plate hingedly connected to said attachment plate.

17. The pedal machine of claim 16, wherein the top leaf plate includes boot-binding attachment holes configured to attach to said binding.

18. A pedal machine integral to a. snowboard, comprising:

an electromagnet or magnet configured to magnetically communicate with a boot or a binding, wherein the electromagnet or magnet is positioned within the snowboard.

19. The pedal machine of claim 18, wherein the electromagnet or magnet comprises an electromagnet, and wherein the pedal machine further comprises a power source positioned within the snowboard powering the electromagnet.

20. A pedal machine integral to a snowboard, comprising:

a circular pivot;

a recess in the snowboard;

a pivot collar surrounding the recess in the snowboard and within which the circular pivot can freely rotate.