WO2014089622A1

WO2014089622A1 - A binding for receiving and securing a snowboard boot

Info

Publication number: WO2014089622A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/001451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Anthony FLANNERY
Original assignee: Flannery Paul Anthony
Priority date: 2012-12-11
Filing date: 2013-12-11
Publication date: 2014-06-19

Abstract

There is provided a binding [10] for receiving and securing a snowboard boot, the binding comprising a triggering arrangement adapted to be triggered by pressure exerted on the triggering arrangement; and a strap [190] coupled to the triggering arrangement and operable to transition from an open configuration [10b] to a closed configuration [10a] upon triggering of the triggering arrangement, wherein the strap [190] is adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding when the strap [190] is in the open configuration [10b], and wherein the strap [190] is adapted to bear on the snowboard boot for securement when the strap [190] is in the closed configuration [10a].

Description

A BINDING FOR RECEIVING AND SECURING A SNOWBOARD BOOT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a binding for receiving and securing a snowboard boot.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in industries related to snowboarding, skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing and the manufacture of sporting equipment and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

Snowboarding has become a popular sport. Typically, a user will wear snowboard boots and will utilise snowboard bindings that are attached to the snowboard to receive and secure the snowboard boots. Snowboard bindings are often designed having a high-back plate and at least one adjustable strap allowing the snowboard boots to be securely attached to the snowboard. In most cases, the user will unbuckle the adjustable strap(s) on the snowboard bindings such that the snowboard boots can be received and then the user will re-buckle the adjustable strap(s) to secure the snowboard boots. This is quite a time consuming and inconvenient process which is often carried out in difficult environments such as the peak of the slope. Also, as the unbuckling and buckling of the strap(s) require the hands of the user, the user will often have to bend over and/or sit down in an uncomfortable manner to properly receive and secure the snowboard boots. As such, a need therefore exists for a snowboard binding that is able to quickly and conveniently receive and secure a snowboard boot.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

The invention seeks to provide a binding for receiving and securing a snowboard boot which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. According to one aspect, there is provided a binding for receiving and securing a snowboard boot, the binding comprising:

- a triggering arrangement adapted to be triggered by pressure exerted on the

triggering arrangement; and

- a strap coupled to the triggering arrangement and operable to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration upon triggering of the triggering arrangement, wherein the strap is adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding when the strap is in the open configuration, and wherein the strap is adapted to bear on the snowboard boot_' for securement when the strap is in the closed configuration.

Preferably, the binding further comprises a body portion: wherein the triggering arrangement is movably attached to the body portion, allowing the triggering arrangement to transition from a first position to a second position relative to the body portion under pressure exerted by the snowboard boot such that the strap is in the open configuration when the triggering arrangement is in the first position and the strap is in the closed configuration when the triggering arrangement in the second position.

Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a base plate adapted to bear against an underside of the snowboard boot in use.

Preferably, the base plate is pivotally attached to the body portion.

Preferably, the base plate is pivotally attached to the body portion substantially at the front of the body portion.

Preferably, the binding further comprises a lever coupling the triggering arrangement at one end, and pivotally attached at a pivot portion to the body portion.

Preferably, the lever is substantially linear.

Preferably, the triggering arrangement is disposed substantially lower than the pivot portion.

Preferably, the strap comprises a shortening mechanism adapted to reduce the length of the strap when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Preferably, the shortening mechanism comprises a buckle portion adapted to substantially reduce the length of the strap when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a cord coupled to the buckle portion. Preferably, the buckle portion is attached to the body portion.

Preferably, the strap comprises a first portion and a second portion movably attached to the first portion by way of an intermediate portion and wherein the first portion is adapted to substantially move towards the second portion when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Preferably, the first portion and a second portion are pivotally attached to the intermediate portion.

Preferably, the binding further comprises an aperture adapted for receiving at least a portion of the intermediate portion therein.

Preferably, the first portion is biased away from the second portion.

Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a cord coupled to the intermediate portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a binding for receiving and securing a snowboard boot, the binding comprising: - a triggering arrangement adapted to be triggered by pressure exerted by the

snowboard boot; and

a high-back plate coupled to the triggering arrangement and operable to transition from a open configuration to a closed configuration upon triggering of the triggering arrangement, wherein the high-back plate is adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding when the high-back plate is in the open configuration and wherein the high-back plate is adapted to bear laterally on the snowboard boot for securement when the high-back plate is in the closed configuration.

Advantageously, a user wearing the snowboard boot is able to simply apply pressure to the received snowboard boot for securement. This allows the user to be able to secure the snowboard boot in a timely and convenient manner. Furthermore, the reliance on the hands of the user to secure the snowboard boot is substantially reduced.

Advantageously, the need for the snowboard boot to have specific hardware compatible to the binding is substantially reduced. Preferably, the high-back plate is orientated substantially rearwardly when in the open configuration and substantially forwardly when the in the closed configuration.

Advantageously, the high-back plate is orientated substantially rearwardly when in the open configuration allowing the snowboard boot to be easily and conveniently received by the binding.

Advantageously, the high-back plate is orientated substantially forwardly when in the closed configuration allowing the snowboard boot to be secured and supported.

Preferably, the binding further comprises a body portion, wherein the triggering arrangement is movably attached to the body portion allowing the triggering arrangement to transition from a first position to a second position relative to the body portion under pressure exerted by the snowboard boot such that the high-back plate is in the open configuration when the triggering arrangement is in the first position and the high-back plate is in the closed configuration when the triggering arrangement in the second position.

Advantageously, pressure can be exerted onto the base plate by the underside of the snowboard boot to trigger the triggering arrangement. This allows the user to simply use their weight to form the necessary pressure to trigger the triggering arrangement. Furthermore, the need for uncomfortable or strenuous movement of the foot of the user to move the snowboard boot in order to trigger the triggering arrangement is substantially reduced.

Preferably, the base plate is pivotally attached to the body portion.

Advantageously, the risk of triggering the triggering arrangement before the snowboard boot has been properly received is substantially reduced. This is because the base plate requires pressure to be exerted on the back of the base plate for the base plate to pivotally move from the first position to the second position and hence requires the back of the snowboard boot to be received. Preferably, the binding further comprises a lever coupling the high-back plate at a first end and the triggering arrangement at a second end, wherein the lever is pivotally attached at a pivot portion between the first end and the second end to the body portion.

Advantageously, the lever adjusts the output of force produced by the triggering arrangement when moved from the first position to the second position. This allows the lever to deliver the required amount of force needed to transition the high-back plate from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Preferably, the lever is substantially linear.

Advantageously, the linear lever is easier and more economical to manufacture.

Preferably, the binding further comprises a locking means operable to releasably lock the high-back plate in the closed configuration.

Advantageously, the locking means allows the snowboard boot to be secured until the high- back plate is released.

Advantageously, the locking of the high-back plate in the closed configuration substantially locks the triggering arrangement in the second position.

Preferably, the locking means is located at the pivot portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a binding for receiving and securing a snowboard boot, the binding comprising:

a triggering arrangement adapted to be triggered by pressure exerted by the snowboard boot; and

a strap coupled to the triggering arrangement and operable to transition from a open configuration to a closed configuration upon triggering of the triggering arrangement wherein the strap is adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding when the strap is in the open configuration and wherein the strap is adapted to bear downwardly on the snowboard boot for securement when the strap is in the closed configuration. Advantageously, a user wearing the snowboard boot is able to simply apply pressure to the received snowboard boot for securement. This allows the user to be able to secure the snowboard boot in a timely and convenient manner. Furthermore, the reliance on the hands of the user to secure the snowboard boot is substantially reduced. Advantageously, the need for the snowboard boot to have specific hardware compatible to the binding is substantially reduced.

Preferably, the binding further comprises a body portion, wherein the triggering arrangement is movably attached to the body portion allowing the triggering arrangement to transition from a first position to a second position relative to the body portion under pressure exerted by the snowboard boot such that the strap is in the open configuration when the triggering arrangement is in the first position and the strap is in the closed configuration when the triggering arrangement is in the second position.

Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a base plate adapted to bear against an underside of the snowboard boot in use. _ Advantageously, pressure can be exerted onto the base plate by the underside of the

snowboard boot to trigger the triggering arrangement. This allows the user to simply use their weight to form the necessary pressure to trigger the triggering arrangement. Furthermore, the need for uncomfortable or strenuous movement of the foot of the user to move the snowboard boot in order to trigger the triggering arrangement is substantially reduced. Preferably, the base plate is pivotally attached to the body portion.

Advantageously, the risk of triggering the triggering arrangement before the snowboard boot has been properly received is substantially reduced. This is because the base plate requires pressure to be exerted on the back of the base plate for the base plate to pivotally move from the first position to the second position and hence requires the back of the snowboard boot to be received.

Preferably, the strap comprises a buckle portion adapted to substantially reduce the length of the strap when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Advantageously, the reduction in length of the strap causes the strap to tighten and bear downwardly on the snowboard boot for securement.

Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a cord coupled to the buckle portion.

Advantageously, the cord allows the force produced by the triggering arrangement to be transferred to the buckle portion.

Preferably, the buckle portion is attached to the body portion.

Advantageously, the first portion moving towards the second portion causes the strap to reduce in length.

Preferably, the first portion and a second portion are pivotally attached to the intermediate portion. Preferably, the second portion comprises an aperture adapted to receive at least a portion of the first portion therein.

Preferably, the first portion is biased away from the second portion.

Advantageously, the first portion being biased away from the second portion substantially biases the triggering arrangement to the first position. Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a cord coupled to the intermediate portion.

Advantageously, the movement of the triggering arrangement from the first position to the second position causes the cord to move the first portion towards to second portion.

- a triggering arrangement adapted to be triggered by pressure exerted by the

snowboard boot; and - a high-back plate and a strap, wherein the high-back plate and the strap are coupled to the triggering arrangement and operable to transition from a open configuration to a closed configuration upon triggering of the triggering arrangement, wherein the high-back plate and the strap are adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding when the high-back plate and strap are in the open configuration and wherein the high-back plate is adapted to bear laterally on the snowboard boot and the strap is adapted to bear downwardly on the snowboard boot for securement when the high-back plate and strap are in the closed configuration. Advantageously, a user wearing the snowboard boot is able to simply apply pressure to the received snowboard boot for securement. This allows the user to be able to secure the snowboard boot in a timely and convenient manner. Furthermore, the reliance on the hands of the user to secure the snowboard boot is substantially reduced.

Advantageously, the need for the snowboard boot to have specific hardware compatible to the binding is substantially reduced. f

Preferably, the high-back plate is orientated substantially rearwardly when in the open configuration and substantially forwardly when in the closed configuration.

Advantageously, the high-back plate is orientated substantially rearwardly when in the open configuration allowing the snowboard boot to be easily and conveniently received by the binding. ^

Preferably, the binding comprises a body portion, wherein the triggering arrangement is movably attached to the body portion allowing the triggering arrangement to transition from a first position to a second position relative to the body portion under pressure exerted by the snowboard boot such that the high-back plate and the strap are in the open configuration "when the triggering arrangement is in the first position and the high-back plate and the strap are in the closed configuration when the triggering arrangement in the second position.

Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a base plate adapted to bear against an underside of the snowboard boot in use. Advantageously, pressure can be exerted onto the base plate by the underside of the snowboard boot to trigger the triggering arrangement. This allows the user to simply use their weight to form the necessary pressure to trigger the triggering arrangement. Furthermore, the need for uncomfortable or strenuous movement of the foot of the user to move the snowboard boot in order to trigger the triggering arrangement is substantially reduced.

Preferably, the base plate is pivotally attached to the body portion.

Preferably, the binding comprises a lever coupling the high-back plate at a first end and the triggering arrangement at a second end, wherein the lever is pivotally attached at a pivot portion between the first end and the second end to the body portion.

Preferably, the lever is substantially linear.

Advantageously, the linear lever is easier and more economical to manufacture.

Advantageously, the locking means allows the snowboard boot to be secured until the high- back plate is released. Advantageously, the locking of the high-back plate in the closed configuration substantially locks the triggering arrangement in the second position.

Preferably, the locking means is located at the pivot portion.

Preferably, the strap comprises a buckle portion adapted to substantially reduce the length of the strap when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Advantageously, the reduction in length of the strap causes the strap to tighten and bear downwardly on the snowboard boot for securement.

Preferably, the buckle portion is attached to the body portion.

Preferably, the first portion is biased away from the second portion.

Advantageously, the first portion being biased away from the second portion substantially biases the triggering arrangement to the first position. Preferably, the triggering arrangement comprises a cord coupled to the intermediate portion. Advantageously, the movement of the triggering arrangement from the first position to the second position causes the cord to move the first portion towards to second portion.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is perspective view of the binding having a high-back plate and an ankle strap in the open configuration in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is side view of the binding of Fig. 1 with the high-back plate of Fig. 1 and the ankle strap of Fig. 1 in the open configuration;

Fig. 3 is side view of the binding of Fig. 1 with the high-back plate of Fig. 1 and the ankle strap of Fig. 1 in the closed configuration;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the binding of Fig. 1 with the high-back plate of Fig. 1 and the ankle strap of Fig. 1 in the open configuration, the binding having a support in ghost view;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the binding of Fig. 1 with the high-back plate of Fig. 1 and the ankle strap of Fig. 1 in the closed configuration, the binding having the support of Fig. 4 in ghost view;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view showing a gasket and an aperture of a base of the binding;

Fig. 7 shows two diagrams of a locking mechanism of the binding;

Fig. 8 shows two diagrams of the locking mechanism in another configuration;

Fig. 9 is a lateral view showing a particular configuration of a base plate and the high- back plate in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a rear view showing a cavity defined by a body portion of the binding in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; ' Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the binding showing the accommodation arrangement of Fig. 10 from another angle;

Fig. 12 is another view showing a padding unit of the binding in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 13 is an enlarged, partial fragmentary view of the padding unit, showing a body portion and a guiding member thereof.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

According to an aspect of the present invention, referring to Figs. 1 to 8, there is provided a binding 10 for receiving and securing a snowboard boot. The binding 10 comprises a body portion 20 and a triggering arrangement. The body portion 20 comprises a bottom portion 40 and two supports 50, 50'. The bottom portion 40 is adapted to adjustably attach to a snowboard and is planar. The bottom portion 40 has two opposing longitudinal sides 60, 60' that are slightly smaller in length than the snowboard boot. The support 50 extends perpendicularly and upwardly from the longitudinal side 60 and the support 50' extends perpendicularly and upwardly from the longitudinal side 60'. The two supports 50, 50' are highest at the back of the body portion 20 and descend in height towards the front of the body portion 20. A top portion 55 of the support 50 and a top portion 55' of the support 50' are the highest portions of the respective supports 50, 50' and the top portions 55, 55' are

substantially level in height with each other. The width between the two supports 50, 50' are larger than the snowboard boot such that the volume defined by the bottom portion 40 and the supports 50, 50' is able to house the snowboard boot relatively snugly to prevent lateral movement of the snowboard boot. The triggering arrangement is adapted to be triggered by downward pressure exerted by the snowboard boot. The triggering arrangement comprises a base plate 70 adapted to bear against an underside of the snowboard boot in use and is located within the volume defined by the bottom portion 40 and the supports 50. The base plate 70 is substantially rectangular in shape and has two opposing longitudinal sides 80, 80'. The base plate 70 has a width smaller than the width between the two supports 50, 50' such that the base plate can travel during triggering. The base plate 70 also has a length that is smaller than the length of the snowboard boot. The base plate 70 is pivotally attached to the two supports 50, 50' of the body portion 20 at the front of the body portion 20 such that the base plate 70 is operable to pivot from a first position to a second position upon exerting downward pressure on the base plate 70. In the first position the base plate 70 is angled upwardly away from the bottom portion 40 and in the second position the base plate 70 is substantially parallel and adjacent to the bottom portion 40. A user wearing the snowboard boot is able to use their weight to form the necessary downward pressure on the base plate 70 to trigger the triggering arrangement and thus reduce the reliance on the hands of the user. The risk of triggering the triggering arrangement before the snowboard boot has been properly received is also reduced. This is because the base plate 70 requires pressure to be exerted substantially on the back of the base plate 70 for the base plate 70 to pivotally move from the first position to the second position and hence requires the back of the snowboard boot to be received. Furthermore, the need for uncomfortable or strenuous movement of the foot of the user to move the snowboard boot to trigger the triggering arrangement is reduced. In other embodiments, the base plate 70 is pivotally attached to the supports 50, 50' anywhere along the body portion 20 or even pivotally attached to the bottom portion 40. In other embodiments, the base plate 70 is slidably attached to the supports 50, 50' such that in the first position the base plate 70 is parallel and distal to the bottom portion 40 and in the second position the base plate 70 is parallel and proximal to the bottom portion 40. In a further embodiment, the triggering arrangement comprises a rod instead of the base plate 70. The rod is slidably attached to the supports 50, 50' at the back of the body portion 20 such that in the first position the rod is parallel and distal to the bottom portion 40 and in the second position the rod is parallel and proximal to the bottom portion 40.

In further embodiments, the triggering arrangement comprises a cable instead of the base plate 70. The cable is attached to the supports 50, 50' at the back of the body portion 20 such that in the first position the cable is distal to the bottom portion 40 and in the second position the cable is proximal to the bottom portion 40.

In this embodiment, the binding 10 further comprises two members 90, 90'. The member 90 extends perpendicularly and upwardly from the longitudinal side 80 of the back of the base plate 70 such that the member 90 is adjacent and parallel to the support 50. The member 90' extends perpendicularly and upwardly from the longitudinal side 80' of the back of the base plate 70 such that the member 90' is adjacent and parallel to the support 50'. A top portion 95 of the member 90 and a top portion 95' of the member 90' are the highest portions of the respective members 90, 90' and the top portions 95, 95' are substantially level in height with each other. The top portions 95, 95' of the members 90, 90' are substantially level in height with the top portions 55, 55' of the supports 50, 50' when the base plate 70 is in the first position. The top portion 95, 95' of the members 90, 90' are lower in height than the top portions 55, 55' of the supports 50, 50' when the base plate 70 is in the second position.

Furthermore, the top portions 95, 95' of the members 90, 90' are located forwardly to the top portions 55, 55' of the supports 50, 50'.

The binding 10 further comprises a high-back plate 100 shaped to match the contours of the back of the snowboard boot. In one embodiment, the high-back plate 100 comprises a centrally located aperture for weight, snow egress purposes and the like.

The high-back plate 100 is moveably coupled to the base plate 70 to transition from an open configuration (to receive the snowboard boot) to a closed configuration (to secure the snowboard boot) upon the base plate 70 pivoting from the first position to the second position. The high-back plate 100 is adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding 10 when the high-back plate 100 is in the open configuration and to bear laterally on a rearward surface of the snowboard boot for securement and support when the high-back plate 100 is in the closed configuration. The binding 10 further levers 120 providing leverage between the high-back plate 130 base plate 70. As is apparent from the embodiment given, in a preferred embodiment, the lever 120 is curved beneath the high-back plate 100 to define leverage on either lateral edge of the breach 100. The curved lever 120 beneath the high-back plate 100 provides support for the high-back plate 100 and defines an end stop where the high-back plate 100 is adapted to pivot with respect to the lever 120 (described below). However, in other embodiments it should be appreciated that the breach 100 may comprise discrete levers 120 such as a first lever at one lateral edge and a second lever at the other lateral edge.

The lever 120 comprises a distal connection point 130 attached to the high-back plate 100. As is apparent from the embodiment given, the distal connection point 130 comprises a pivot point to allow the high-back plate 100 to pivot with respect to the lever 120. Referring to the view provided in figure 2, the binding 10 comprises offset mechanism 205 allowing the offset of the high-back plate 100 to be configured with respect to the lever 120. In a preferred embodiment, the offset mechanism 205 comprises a mesh and a user operable lever adapted for engaging or disengaging the mesh in configuring the offset.

The lever 120 comprises a proximate connection point 140 pivotally attached to member 90. The lever 120 and the high-back plate 100 are orientated to define an obtuse angle therebetween. The lever 120 is also pivotally attached to support 50 at a pivot portion 150 (see Fig. 6) located between the distal connection point 130 and the proximate connection point 140. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the pivot portion 150 is located closer to the proximate connection point 140 for leverage purposes. The lever 120 and the high-back plate 100 are orientated to define an obtuse angle therebetween, which angle may be configured using the offset mechanism 205 in the embodiment described above.

The binding 10 further comprises an ankle strap 190 operably coupled to the base plate 70 and similarly operable to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration upon the base plate 70 pivoting from the first position to the second position. It should be noted that the ankle strap 190 is depicted broken in their company and representations for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, at the portion of the ankle strap 190 shown as broken in the company and representations, the ankle strap 190 may comprise a length adjusting mechanism such as a cleat or the like for the purposes of allowing the user to fine tune the length of the ankle strap 190.

The ankle strap 190 is adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding 10 when the ankle strap 190 is in the open configuration and to bear downwardly on the snowboard boot for securement when the ankle strap 190 is in the closed configuration.

The ankle strap 190 comprises buckle 200 adapted for shortening the ankle strap 190 when the ankle strap 190 transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

Referring again to figure 1, it is apparent that the other end of the ankle strap 190 distal the buckle 200 is pivotally secured to the support 50. Reducing the number of movable parts of the binding 10 in this manner increases the robustness and durability of the binding 10.

However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, two buckles 200 may be employed at either end of the ankle strap 190 for various purposes including for allowing greater shortening of the ankle strap 190 as compared to if a single buckle 200 were used. Referring to the embodiments, shown in figure 3 and 4, there is shown the binding 10 in the open configuration 10b (shown in figure 4) wherein the high-back plate 100 is in the open configuration (backwardly rotated) and the strap 190 is in the open configuration (lengthened) and in the closed configuration 10a wherein the high-back plate 100 is in the close configuration (forwardly rotated) and the strap 190 is in the close configuration (shortened).

Referring now to magnified view of the binding 10 as substantially shown in figure 5, the buckle 200 comprises intermediate buckle portion 250 pivotable at either end between the support 50 and the ankle strap 190. In the embodiment shown in figure 5, the intermediate buckle portion 250 is in the extended position so as to position the ankle strap 190 in the open position. As the base plate 70 is depressed, the intermediate buckle portion 250 is pulled downwards and accommodated by accommodation 255 so as to bring the end of the ankle strap 190 snug against the support 50.

In a preferred embodiment, the transition of the intermediate buckle portion 250 between the extended position and a contracted position is effected by cord 280 pivotably coupled between portions of the intermediate buckle portion 250 by cord attachments 285. The cord 280 is operably coupled to the base plate 70 such that downward pressure on the base plate increases tension in the cord 280 so as to bring the intermediate buckle portion 270 towards the contracted position. In this manner, the cord 280 may be attached to a lateral edge of the base plate 70 adjacent the buckle 200. Alternatively, the cord 280 may run beneath the base plate 70 and be affixed to the distal support 50. An interface may be provided between the base plate 70 and the cord 280 for the purposes of reducing friction between the two and may -_Λ comprise suitable lubrication, rollers and the like. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the under surface of the base plate may be provided with suitable guides, tips or the like to prevent the cord 280 from straying in use.

In certain embodiments, the buckle 200 may be biased towards the extended position to assist during the opening of the binding 10. It should be noted that other shortening mechanisms may be employed for the purposes of shortening the ankle strap 190. For example, rather than employing a buckle mechanism, the cord 280 may act directly on the strap 190 to shorten the strap.

The cord 280 may be manufactured from a pliable wire or the like. However, sufficiently strong plastic or other polymer may be employed. Furthermore, the cord 280 may be coated for durability and corrosion purposes. In other embodiments, the triggering arrangement may comprise other mechanisms as opposed to a cord such as use of rods, wherein an end of a rod is attached to the longitudinal side of the back of the base plate 70 and the other end of the rod is pivotally attached to the intermediate buckle portion 270. A rod may be located at either lateral edge of the base plate 70 where two buckles 200 used.

The binding 10 further comprises a locking means operable to releasably lock the high-back plate 100 in the closed configuration. The locking means is located at the pivot portion 150 and automatically locks the high-back plate 100 as the high-back plate 1000 transitions to the closed configuration. The locking means comprises a lever 300 adapted to be actuated by the user to release the high-back plate 100 from the locking means. It will be appreciated that when the high-back plate 100 is locked in the closed configuration, the ankle strap 190 will be in turn locked in the closed configuration and thus the snowboard boot will be secured until the high-back plate is released. In another embodiment, the locking means is operable to lock the base plate 70 in the second position. The locking means is located between the bottom portion 40 and the base plate 70. The locking means automatically locks the base plate 70 as the base plate 70 pivots to the second position. The locking of the base plate 70 in the second position causes the high-back plate 100 and the ankle strap 190 to be locked in the closed configuration.

The binding 10 further comprises a toe strap 311 attached to the supports 50 at the front of the body portion 20. The toe strap 311 is adapted to bear downwardly on the front of the snowboard boot for securement. It will be appreciated that the toe strap 31 1 has a ratchet mechanism to lengthen or shorten the length of the toe strap 311.

Referring to figure 7 and 8 there will now be described in further detail a locking mechanism adapted for locking the binding 10 when the binding 10 is in the closed configuration. The binding 10 comprises a lock release lever 315 adapted for releasing a locking mechanism. The lock release lever 315 is ergonomically shaped to accommodate a user's forefingers (even while gloved) to allow the binding 10 to be unlocked by way of upward motion of the lock release lever 315.

The binding 10 comprises a base plate frame 300 adapted for engaging and supporting the base plate 70. Preferably the base plate frame 300 is manufactured from metal for strength purposes. The base plate frame 300 comprises lateral protrusions 325 adapted for capture by · the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises flanges 320 that extent forward in the locked configuration to trap lateral protrusions 325 therein. The base plate frame 300 comprises lateral protrusions 325 on either side for capture by a locking mechanisms on either side of the base plate frame 300. The locking mechanism further comprises a rotational translation rod 305 to ensure that the lateral locking mechanisms operate in unison.

The embodiment shown in figure 7 shows the binding 10 in the open configuration. As such, downward pressure on the base plate 70 will cause the base plate frame 300 to move downwards such that lateral protrusions 325 are received by the locking mechanism such that locking flanges 320 move forward to trap the lateral protrusions 325. The locking flanges 325 preferably biased forward by means of a torque inducing spring or the like such that locking flanges 325 extend into the locking aperture 330.

Referring to the embodiment given in figure 8, there is shown the binding 10 in the closed configuration wherein the locking mechanism is locked. Specifically, the lateral protrusions 325 are trapped within the locking aperture 330 by locking flanges 320. Furthermore, the locking lever 315 is in the downward configuration. As such, in order to release the base plate frame 300, the locking lever 315 is pulled upwards such that the locking flanges 320 moves backwards to allow the lateral protrusions 325 to escape the locking aperture 330. Rotational translation rod 305 in shows that the distal locking mechanism operates in unison. In a preferred embodiment the binding 10 comprises biasing means to bias the base plate frame 300 upwards such that the lateral protrusions 325 naturally escape the locking aperture 330 wherein the locking lever 315 is pulled upwards.

Referring now to the embodiment provided in figure 5, there is shown rearwardly located shield members 335 adapted for preventing the ingress of snow and other debris when the base plate 70 is in the open configuration. Shield members 335 are adapted for sliding with respect to each other to provide a substantially continuous shield against the ingress of snow and the like. Engagements 340 may be provided between each shield member 335 to prevent the shield members from moving laterally with respect to each other. While in the

embodiment given, three shield members 335 provided, it should be appreciated that another number of shield members 335 may be employed, such as 2 or 4 for example It should be noted that other shield mechanisms may be employed as opposed to sliding shield members 335, such as a concertina arrangement or the like. Furthermore, the base of the binding 10 may be provided with apertures 345 to allow the escape of any trapped debris or snow therein when the base plate 70 moves downwards.

Furthermore, referring to the exemplary embodiment provide on figure 6, there is shown in a further mechanism for the prevention of the ingress of snow and other debris within the interior of the binding 10. Specifically, the binding 10 comprises a laterally located gasket 350 located at either lateral edge of the base plate 70 and adapted for bridging the gap between the base plate 70 and the members 50 to prevent snow and other debris from travelling to beneath the base plate 70 when the base plate 70 transitions between the opened and close configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the gasket 350 is made of foam.

Exemplary configuration of the base plate 70 and the high-back plate 100

In another embodiment illustrated in figure 9, the base plate 70 and the high-back plate 100 are arranged to facilitate transition of the binding 10 from the open configuration to the closed configuration

In particular, for each lateral side of the base plate 70, the base plate 70 further comprises a pivot protrusion 71 coinciding with the proximate connection point 140, and extending laterally and perpendicularly away from the base plate 70. For each lateral side, the high-back plate 100 defines a pivot hole 105 for pivotally engaging the corresponding pivot protrusion 71.

For each lateral side of the base plate 70, the base plate 70 further comprises a guide protrusion 72. The pivot protrusion 71 and the guide protrusion 72 are arranged such that a distance between a centre of the pivot protrusion 71 and a centre of the guide protrusion 72 is approximately 30mm. Further, in such arrangement, an acute angle of 60° is defined between the base plate 70 and a line LI extending through the centres of the pivot protrusions 71 and the guide protrusion 72. For each lateral side, the high-back plate 100 further defines a guide slot 110 located toward the base plate 70 for slidable engagement with the guide protrusion 72.

When a downward force is applied on a rearside of the base plate 70, the transition from the open configuration to the close configuration high-back plate 100 takes place. During the transition of the base plate 70 from the first position to the second position, a rear end 70a of the base plate 70 is lowered from a position, where the rear end 70a is inclined with respect to the a front end 70b of the base plate 70, to another position, where the rearside 70a is substantially parallel to the front end 70b.

As the rearside of the base plate 70 lowers, the high-back plate 100 pivots about the pivot protrusion 71 and toward the snowboard boot. The pivotal movement of the high-back plate 100 is guided by the guide protrusions 72 and the guide slots 110. In particular, during the transition, the guide protrusions 72 moves relative to the high-back plate 100 from one end to the other end of the guide slot 110.

As such, the above configuration facilitates the exertion of force on a rearside of the snowboard boot by the high-back plate 100 for pushing the snowboard boot forward into a position for securement by the binding 10.

Accommodation of the locking mechanism by the body portion 20

To reduce the likelihood of jamming of the locking mechanism (shown in figures 7 and 8) by snow or the like, at least a portion of the locking mechanism of the binding 10 may be located within a cavity 21 defined by the body portion 20 as shown in figures 10 and 11. It should be noted that, for clarity, the cavity 21 is shown in figure 10 without the locking mechanism.

In particular, at least both arms 310 of the locking mechanism are located within the body portion 20. With further reference to figure 7, in a further embodiment, at least one of the lateral protrusion 325, the flanges 320, the lever 315, and the locking aperture 330 may further be located within the cavity defined by the body portion 20. As such, by virtue of the reduced area of exposure to the environment, the configuration of the embodiment shown in figures 10 and 11 is less susceptible to ingress of snow or the likes. Also, the likelihood of injury attributed to pinching by the mechanical elements of the binding 10 is also reduced.

Underfoot padding To further reduce the susceptibility of the base plate 70 to ingress of snow or the like, the binding 10 may further comprise a padding unit 400, as shown in figure 12, operable to push snow rearwardly away from the base plate 70 during the transition of the base plate 70 from the second position to the first position. In one configuration, referring to figure 13, the padding unit 400 comprises a body portion 405 and a guide member 410 located on the body portion 405. The body portion 405 extends longitudinally along the base plate 70 and between the supports 50, 50'. The guiding member 410 is located at a bottom side of the body portion 405, located toward a rear side of the body portion 405, extends laterally away from the body portion 405, and comprises two guide portions 415, 415' located at lateral sides opposite to each other. The body portion 20 defines two guide slots 22 for slidably and respectively engaging the guide portions 415, 415'. The two guide slots 22 extend longitudinally along the base plate 70. Each of the guide portions 415, 415' comprises a lip protrusion 416, 416' extending transversely in an upward direction and serving to restrict lateral movement of the guiding member 410 (also shown in the enlarged view of figure 10).

Turning to figures 14 and 15, there is shown a locking mechanism comprising a lifting rod 306 operable to move upward with respect to the arms 310 when the base plate 70 transitions from the second position to the first position (illustrated in figure 14), and to move downward with respect to the arms 310 when the base plate 70 transitions from the first position to the second position (illustrated in figure 15). The lifting rod 306 is located underneath the body portion 405, and serves to lift the body portion 405.

By virtue of the slidable engagement of the guide portions 415, 415' and the guide slots 22, upward and downward movements of the guide portions 415, 415' and the rear side of the body portion 405 are substantially restricted. Therefore, in such a configuration, as a section of the body portion 405 coinciding with the lifting rod 306 is raised, the rear side of the body portion 405 is guided forward along the guide slots 22 such that the body portion 405 forms a substantially inverted V shape when viewed laterally. In this position, a rear end of the base plate 70 is exposed. When force is applied to the base plate 70, causing the base plate 70 to transition from the first position to the second position, the section of the body portion 405 coinciding with the lifting rod 306 is lowered and the rear side of the body portion 405 is guided rearwardly along the guide slots 22. The rearward movement of the body portion 405 serves to push snow rearwardly away from the rear end of the base plate 70, thereby preventing jamming of the rear end of the base plate 70 by the snow. As such, it is apparent from the above that the binding 10 in the above embodiments is less susceptible to jamming by foreign objects, such as snow.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" 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 one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to industries related to snowboarding, skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing and the manufacture of sporting equipment.

Claims

1. A binding for receiving and securing a snowboard boot, the binding comprising:

• a triggering arrangement adapted to be triggered by pressure exerted on the triggering arrangement; and · a strap coupled to the triggering arrangement and operable to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration upon triggering of the triggering arrangement, wherein the strap is adapted to allow the snowboard boot to be received by the binding when the strap is in the open configuration, and wherein the strap is adapted to bear on the snowboard boot for securement when the strap is in the closed configuration.

2. A binding as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a body portion: wherein the triggering arrangement is movably attached to the body portion, allowing the triggering arrangement to transition from a first position to a second position relative to the body portion under pressure exerted by the snowboard boot such that the strap is in the open configuration when the triggering arrangement is in the first position and the strap is in the closed configuration when the triggering arrangement in the second position.

3. A binding as claimed in claim 2, wherein the triggering arrangement comprises a base plate adapted to bear against an underside of the snowboard boot in use.

4. A binding as claimed in claim 3, wherein the base plate is pivotally attached to the body portion.

5. A binding as claimed in claim 4, wherein the base plate is pivotally attached to the body portion substantially at the front of the body portion.

6. A binding as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a lever coupling the triggering arrangement at one end, and pivotally attached at a pivot portion to the body portion.

7. A binding as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lever is substantially linear.

8. A binding as claimed in claim 6, wherein the triggering arrangement is disposed substantially lower than the pivot portion.

9. A binding as claimed in claim 2, wherein the strap comprises a shortening mechanism adapted to reduce the length of the strap when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

10. A binding as claimed in claim 9, wherein the shortening mechanism comprises a buckle portion adapted to substantially reduce the length of the strap when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

11. A binding as claimed in claim 10, wherein the triggering arrangement comprises a cord coupled to the buckle portion.

12. A binding as claimed in claim 10, wherein the buckle portion is attached to the body portion.

13. A binding as claimed in claim 10, wherein the strap comprises a first portion and a second portion movably attached to the first portion by way of an intermediate portion and wherein the first portion is adapted to substantially move towards the second portion when the strap transitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

14. A binding as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion and a second portion are pivotally attached to the intermediate portion.

15. A binding as claimed in claim 13, further comprising an aperture adapted for receiving at least a portion of the intermediate portion therein.

16. A binding as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion is biased away from the second portion.

17. A binding as claimed in claim 13, wherein the triggering arrangement comprises a cord coupled to the intermediate portion.