WO2019136557A1

WO2019136557A1 - Curvature adjustment of a sliding board

Info

Publication number: WO2019136557A1
Application number: PCT/CA2019/050027
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gautier Arcouette; Laurent HANNEUSE; David Mitchell; Michael Moliner
Original assignee: Siq Mountain Industries Inc.
Priority date: 2018-01-11
Filing date: 2019-01-08
Publication date: 2019-07-18
Also published as: CA2991592A1

Abstract

A system or apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board includes a frame having spaced apart board connectors having board connecting interfaces for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions and a connecting portion coupled between the board connectors. The apparatus includes an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location and including a board engager for engaging the sliding board at a third longitudinal position between the first and second longitudinal positions and a spacer coupled between the adjustment location and the board engager. The spacer has an adjustable length relative to the adjustment location for adjusting a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager. The adjuster is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board.

Description

CURVATURE ADJUSTMENT OF A SLIDING BOARD

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Canadian patent application no. 2,991 ,592 entitled“CAMBER ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR SLIDING APPARATUS” filed on January 1 1 , 2018. This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 62/662,693 entitled“CURVATURE ADJUSTMENT OF A SLIDING BOARD”, filed on April 25, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments of this invention relate to sliding boards and more particularly to adjusting curvature of a sliding board.

2. Description of Related Art

Sliding boards such as snowboards and skis, for example, may be used by users or riders for a variety of applications and in a variety of conditions. For example, some users may use their sliding board to periodically ride on both hard packed or groomed snow conditions and deep snow or powder snow conditions. Some users may prefer to use their sliding board for carving turns or racing at times while wishing to use their sliding board for freestyle riding or buttering at other times. Different applications and/or conditions may be best ridden by different sliding boards having sliding surfaces with different longitudinal curvatures, often referred to as a camber or rocker of the board. For example, sliding boards with sliding surfaces that are concave or have "traditional camber" (less rocker) may be best suited for carving and/or packed snow, whereas sliding boards with sliding surfaces that are convex or have "reverse camber” (more rocker), may be best suited for soft, powder snow conditions. Many sliding boards have sliding surfaces with fixed longitudinal curvatures, which may perform well in certain applications and/or conditions but not in others. Such sliding boards may be designed for specific purposes, including those that are designed for packed snow and those that are designed for soft, powder snow. The curvature of the sliding surface or camber or rocker of a board being non- adjustable may force riders to choose between a board designed for packed snow and a board designed for soft powder snow. Thus, a rider may need to purchase more than one snowboard, which may be expensive and may still force the rider to focus on one type of snow condition for any particular day. It also may force the rider to move bindings from one snowboard to another which may be inconvenient for the rider.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board. The apparatus includes a frame having first and second spaced apart board connectors having first and second board connecting interfaces for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board, and a connecting portion coupled between the first and second board connectors. The apparatus includes an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location of the connecting portion. The adjuster includes a board engager for engaging the sliding board at a third longitudinal position of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the third longitudinal position being between the first and second longitudinal positions, and a spacer coupled between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager, the spacer having an adjustable length relative to the adjustment location for adjusting a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager. The adjuster is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the spacer to change the spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion of the frame and the board engager to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board.

In the first configuration, the adjustable length of the spacer may be a first length such that when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the board engager is configured to engage the sliding board to facilitate a sliding surface of the sliding board having a longitudinally concave shape. In the second configuration, the adjustable length of the spacer may be a second length greater than the first length such that when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the board engager is configured to engage the sliding board to facilitate the sliding surface of the sliding board having a longitudinally convex shape.

In the first configuration, when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the board engager may be on a first side of a plane that passes through the first and second board connecting interfaces. In the second configuration when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board at least a portion of the board engager may be on a second side of the plane opposite to the first side of the plane.

The first and second board connectors may include first and second boot binding supports at the first and second board connecting interfaces for supporting first and second user boot bindings.

The first and second boot binding supports may have first and second boot binding support widths configured to support generally the full width of the first and second user boot bindings and the connecting portion may have a connecting width less than the first and second boot binding support widths. The connecting width may be less than or equal to about half of the first boot binding support width and less than or equal to about half of the second boot binding support width.

The connecting portion of the frame may be integral with the first and second board connectors.

The frame may include a single sheet, the sheet included in the first and second board connectors and the connecting portion of the frame.

The frame may include a cover covering the sheet.

The sheet may include a plurality of holes and the cover may fill the plurality of holes.

Each of the board connectors may include a plurality of mounting holes and a mounting channel.

The adjuster may include a hand grip rotatable to adjust the adjustable length of the spacer, at least a portion of the hand grip being disposed on an opposite side of the frame from the board engager.

The spacer of the adjuster may include a first threaded portion coupled to the board engager and a coupler coupled to the frame at the adjustment location, the coupler having a second threaded portion engaged with and complementary to the first threaded portion such that the first threaded portion is configured to be rotated relative to the second threaded portion of the coupler to adjust the adjustable length of the spacer.

The spacer may be configured such that the second length of the spacer is greater than the first length of the spacer by at least about 3 cm. The board engager may include a generally planar circular board engaging surface for engaging a generally planar upper surface of the sliding board.

The apparatus may include a plurality of protrusions extending from an upper surface of the connecting portion.

The sliding board may be a snowboard.

In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board. The apparatus includes a frame having first and second spaced apart board connectors having first and second board connecting interfaces for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board, and a connecting portion coupled between the first and second board connectors. The apparatus includes an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location of the connecting portion. The adjuster includes a board engager for engaging the sliding board at a third longitudinal position of the sliding board when the first and board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the third longitudinal position being between the first and second longitudinal positions, and means for coupling between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager, the means for coupling including means for adjusting an adjustable length of the means for coupling to adjust a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager. The adjuster is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the means for coupling to change the spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion of the frame and the board engager to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board. ln accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a sliding board system including a sliding board and any of the above apparatuses, wherein the first and second connecting interfaces of the apparatus are coupled to the sliding board at the first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board.

The sliding board system may include first and second user boot bindings coupled to the sliding board.

Other aspects and features of embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention,

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding board system including an apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 is an assembled perspective view of the sliding board system of Figure

1 ;

Figure 3 is a side view of the sliding board system of Figure 1 shown with the apparatus in a first configuration according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of the sliding board system of Figure 1 shown with the apparatus in a second configuration according to various embodiments of the invention; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 6 is a lower perspective view of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 7 is a top view of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure

1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sheet that may be included in the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 9 is a front cross sectional view of part of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 10 is a partial side view of the sliding board system of Figure 1 shown with the apparatus in a first configuration according to various embodiments of the invention; and

Figure 11 is a partial side view of the sliding board system of Figure 1 shown with the apparatus in a second configuration according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1 , a sliding board system in accordance with various embodiments is shown at 10 in an exploded view or disassembled state. The sliding board system 10 includes an apparatus 12 for adjusting curvature of a sliding board, a snowboard 14, which may act as the sliding board, and first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18.

In various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may allow users or riders of the snowboard 14 to quickly adjust the curvature of the sliding surface of the snowboard 14. For example, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may allow riders to adjust the curvature of the sliding surface of the snowboard 14 from a "traditional camber" board having a concave sliding surface to a "reverse cambered" board having a convex sliding surface and back again, and in some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may allow riders to further adjust the curvature to a continuum of curvatures in between. Therefore, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may facilitate the rider customizing/personalizing their snowboard's curvature or camber setting depending on their riding style, preference and snow conditions.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may include features that allow the curvature of the sliding surface of the snowboard 14 or camber to be changed by the user by simply reaching down and interacting with the apparatus 12. For example, in some embodiments, a rider may be able to adjust the curvature by turning a hand grip or knob between the bindings while riding or while stopped, without stepping out of the bindings or removing the bindings. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be configured to turn a traditional snowboard having a sliding surface with concave curvature, which may have been originally designed for packed/groomed snow, into a powder board by simply turning a knob or hand grip, while riding. In powder snow, the ability to change the camber in some embodiments without stepping out of the bindings may be a safety feature as the rider may be able to reduce the risk falling into deep snow.

Referring to Figure 1 , in various embodiments, the first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18 and the apparatus 12 may be mounted to the snowboard 14 using sets of screws 24 and 26 affixed to sets of complementary threaded holes 28 and 30 in the snowboard 14, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 2, the sliding board system 10 is shown assembled, with the user boot bindings 16 and 18 and the apparatus 12 mounted to the snowboard 14. When the apparatus 12 has been mounted, the apparatus 12 may facilitate adjustment of the curvature of a sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 as described in accordance with various embodiments in further detail below. In various embodiments, by adjusting the curvature of the sliding surface 15, the board may be adaptable or tunable for a variety of applications and/or conditions.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be configurable between a first configuration wherein the apparatus 12 facilitates the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally concave shape, as shown in Figure 3, and a second configuration wherein the apparatus 12 engages the sliding board to facilitate the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally convex shape, as shown in Figure 4.

In various embodiments, by facilitating adjustment of the curvature of the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 between a concave and a convex shape, the apparatus 12 may allow the snowboard 14 to be adjusted to perform well in a variety of conditions. For example, in some embodiments a concave shape to the sliding surface of the snowboard 14 may allow the snowboard 14 to perform well in applications or conditions where a concave shape is desirable, such as, for example, for carving or racing or in hard packed or groomed snow conditions, and a convex shape to the sliding surface of the snowboard may allow the snowboard 14 to perform well in applications or conditions where a convex shape is desirable, such as, for example, deep snow or powder conditions.

Referring to Figure 5, the apparatus 12 shown in Figures 1-4 is shown disassembled in an exploded view with further detail. The apparatus 12 includes a frame 40 having first and second board connectors or board connecting portions 41 and 43. The first and second board connectors 41 and 43 have first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 respectively for coupling to the snowboard 14 shown in Figures 1-4.

Figure 6 shows the apparatus 12 assembled and from a lower perspective view in accordance with some embodiments. Referring to Figure 6, each of the board connectors 41 and 43 may include a respective set of mounting holes 50 and 52 through which screws may be inserted and screwed into complementary holes in the snowboard 14 shown in Figures 1-4 to facilitate coupling the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 with the snowboard 14.

Referring to Figure 1 , as discussed above, in some embodiments, the sets of screws 24 and 26 used for mounting the first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18 to the snowboard 14 may be used to also mount the first and second board connectors 41 and 43 to the snowboard 14 as shown in Figures 2-4.

In some embodiments, the first and second board connectors 41 and 43 may include mounting channels 51 and 53 through which bolts or screws may be inserted to facilitate coupling the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 with a snowboard having a corresponding mounting channel and/or threaded nuts moveable therein (not shown), for example. In various embodiments, by including the sets of mounting holes 50 and 52 and the mounting channels 51 and 53, the board connectors 41 and 43 may be used to connect to different types of snowboards and boot binding mounting systems.

In some embodiments, alternative or additional ways of coupling the board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 with the snowboard 14 may be used. For example, in some embodiments, an adhesive or glue may be used to couple the board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 with the snowboard 14. Referring to Figure 1 , the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 may be coupled to the snowboard 14 at first and second spaced apart connecting areas 20 and 22 of the snowboard 14. The connecting areas 20 and 22 may be areas on a top surface of the snowboard 14 that abut the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to or mounted to the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, the first and second spaced apart connecting areas 20 and 22 may include first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the snowboard 21 and 23 which may be longitudinal positions included in the connecting areas 20 and 22 that are closest to one another. In some embodiments, the first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions may be about

Referring to Figure 5, the frame 40 also includes a connecting portion 45 coupled between the first and second board connectors 41 and 43. In some embodiments, the connecting portion 45 may be integral with the first and second board connectors 41 and 43. In other embodiments, the connecting portion 45 and the connectors may be distinct and coupled to one another via connectors, for example.

Referring still to Figure 5, in some embodiments the first and second board connectors 41 and 43 may include first and second boot binding supports or support portions 46 and 48 at or above the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 for supporting the first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18 shown in Figures 1-3. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second board connectors 41 and 43 may include generally planar surfaces configured to support the first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18 shown in Figure 1 and the planar surfaces may act as the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48

In various embodiments, the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48 may include the holes 50 and 52 and/or the channels 51 and 53 and be disposed above the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44. In some embodiments, this may allow the frame 40 to be mounted to the board via mounts of the user boot bindings and binding mount holes already provided in the snowboard 14.

Referring to Figure 7, the apparatus 12 is shown assembled and from a top view. In various embodiments, the frame 40 may have a length 76. For example, in some embodiments, the length of the frame 40 may be about 80 cm.

In some embodiments the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48 may have widths 78 and 79 that are configured to support generally a full width of the first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18. Referring to Figure 1 , by way of example, the width 79 of the second boot binding support 48 of the frame 40 is equal to or greater than a width 81 of the second user boot binding 18. In various embodiments, the width 78 of the first boot binding support 46 may be equal to or greater than a width of the first user boot binding 16.

Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the connecting portion 45 may have a connecting width 94 that is less than the widths 78 and 79 of the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48. In various embodiments, the connecting width 94 being less than the widths 78 and 79 of the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48, may facilitate the connecting portion 45 having flexibility, while still providing adequate support and stability for the user boot bindings 16 and 18 at the boot binding supports 46 and 48.

In some embodiments, the connecting portion may have a connecting width 94 that tapers inwards. For example, in some embodiments, the connecting width 94 of the connecting portion 45 is at its minimum at a center of the connecting portion 45. In some embodiments, the connecting portion being tapered/less wide in the center may facilitate less interference with natural torsion of the snowboard 14 when the board is being ridden. In some embodiments, the widths 78 and 79 may be about 20 cm and the connecting width 94 may be about 6 cm in the center. In various embodiments, the connecting width 94 may be less than or equal to about half of the widths 78 and 79 to facilitate flexibility of the connecting portion 45. In various embodiments, such flexibility of the connecting portion 45 may allow the sliding board system 10 shown in Figures 2-4 to perform well during use. For example, in various embodiments, flexibility about a longitudinal axis of the connecting portion 45 may allow torsional flexibility about a longitudinal axis of the snowboard 14, which may allow the snowboard 14 to turn more easily during use.

Referring to Figure 5, in various embodiments, the connecting portion 45 may be integral with the first and second board connectors 41 and 43 and the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48. For example, in some embodiments, the connecting portion 45 and the first and second board connectors 41 and 43 acting as the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48 may be formed from a single sheet of material that has a cover formed about it. In various embodiments, the connecting portion 45 and the first and second board connectors 41 and 43 being formed from a single sheet having a cover formed about it may allow the apparatus 12 to be simple and low cost to manufacture, and/or have a low weight.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown at 120 a sheet of material that may be included in the frame 40 in various embodiments. In some embodiments the frame

40 including the connecting portion 45 and the first and second board connectors

41 and 43 acting as the first and second boot binding supports 46 and 48, shown in Figure 5, may be formed by applying a cover around the sheet 120 shown in Figure 8, the cover being made of or including a softer material than the sheet 120. In some embodiments, the cover may be applied to the sheet 120 using a plastic mold. In some embodiments, the sheet 120 may be made of a metal such as full hardened stainless steel, and the cover around the sheet 120 may be made of a soft plastic such as thermoplastic rubber, for example. In various embodiments, the cover may act to reduce or prevent damage to the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, the frame 40 including the harder resilient sheet 120, covered by the softer cover may facilitate the frame 40 coupling to the snowboard 14 without damaging the snowboard 14 at the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 while still having strength and resilience for adjusting curvature of the snowboard 14.

Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the sheet 120 may include a plurality of holes or channels 122 and the cover may fill the holes or channels 122 once the frame 40 is manufactured. In some embodiments, the holes or channels 122 allowing the cover material to pass therethrough may result in the cover remaining fixed to the sheet 120 when the frame 40 is flexed during use. In some embodiments, the holes or channels 122 may all be spaced generally the same distance from an outer edge of the sheet 120.

Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may include a plurality of protrusions, with an exemplary one of which shown at 126, extending from an upper surface of the connecting portion 45. In various embodiments, the protrusions 126 may provide grip to a user of the snowboard 14 when the apparatus 12 is mounted on the snowboard 14. For example, in various embodiments, the protrusions 126 may be used as a stomp pad, such that when a user of the snowboard has only one boot affixed or strapped into the bindings, for example, for maneuvering across generally flat or uphill terrain or loading and/or unloading from a lift, the user may place their unstrapped boot on the protrusions 126 and the protrusions 126 may reduce the likelihood that the user’s unstrapped boot will slip. In various embodiments, the protrusions may be integral with the cover of the frame 40. Referring back to Figure 5, the apparatus 12 includes an adjuster 60 coupled to the connecting portion 45 of the frame 40 at an adjustment location of the connecting portion 45. In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 45 includes a hole at the adjustment location. In some embodiments the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 may be located such that the adjuster 60 is disposed generally above the center of the snowboard 14 when the frame 40 is mounted to the snowboard 14, as shown in Figures 2-4, for example. In various embodiments, positioning of the adjustment location above the center of the snowboard 14 may facilitate symmetric curvature adjustment of the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14. In some embodiments, the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 may be generally at a center of the connecting portion 45 of the frame 40.

Referring still to Figure 5, the adjuster 60 includes a board engager 62 for engaging the snowboard 14 shown in Figures 1-4. In various embodiments, the board engager 62 may include a generally planar circular board engaging surface 63 for engaging a generally planar upper surface of the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, the circular shape of the board engaging surface 63 may facilitate pivoting of the adjuster around the board engaging surface 63 when the surface is engaged with the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, the planar surface of the board engaging surface 63 may facilitate application of vertical force to the planar upper surface of the snowboard 14. In some embodiments, the board engager 62 may be made of a soft resilient material to facilitate engagement with the snowboard 14 without slipping and/or damaging the snowboard 14. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, a circular thermoplastic rubber pad having a diameter of about 6 cm acts as the board engager 62.

Referring to Figure 1 , when the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 of the frame 40 of the apparatus 12 are coupled to the snowboard 14, the board engager 62 engages the snowboard 14 at a third longitudinal position 140 between the first and second longitudinal positions 21 and 23 of the snowboard 14. For example, in some embodiments, the board engager 62 may engage the snowboard 14 at an area on the snowboard 14 having a center that acts as the third longitudinal position 140 of the snowboard 14 and is generally midway between the first and second longitudinal positions 21 and 23.

Referring to Figure 5, the adjuster 60 also includes a spacer 64 coupled between the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 and the board engager 62. In various embodiments, the spacer 64 may have an adjustable length 90, as shown in Figure 9, relative to the adjustment location for adjusting a spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 and the board engager 62.

Referring to Figure 5, the spacer 64 includes a base or foot 66 to which the board engager 62 is coupled. In some embodiments, the base 66 may be made of a soft material such as rubber silicon or soft plastic, for example. In some embodiments, the board engager 62 may be coupled to the base 66 using an adhesive, for example. The spacer 64 also includes a first threaded portion 68 to which the base 66 is mounted via a screw 70. In some embodiments, the base 66 may be coupled to the first threaded portion 68 via an additional or alternative coupling mechanism, such as an adhesive, for example. Referring to Figure 5, the spacer 64 also includes a hand grip or handle 72 which may be integral with the first threaded portion 68 and rotatable to adjust the adjustable length of the spacer.

In some embodiments the hand grip 72 may be disposed on an opposite side of the frame 40 from the board engager 62 and the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, the hand grip 72 being on the opposite side of the frame 40 may allow a user to easily grip and rotate the hand grip 72, for example, when the snowboard 14 is in use or about to be used. In some embodiments, during use, the user or rider may rotate the hand grip 72 to adjust the adjustable length of the spacer while strapped into the snowboard 14 (e.g., while at least one of the user’s feet and boots is held in the first and second boot bindings 16 and 18 shown in Figures 1-4). In various embodiments, this ability to change the curvature without stepping out of the bindings may provide a safety feature as the user may be able to reduce the risk falling into deep snow while adjusting the curvature of their snowboard.

Referring still to Figure 5, the spacer 64 also includes a coupler 74 configured to be mounted to the connecting portion 45 at the adjustment location. In some embodiments, the coupler 74 may be mounted to the coupler 74 via a friction fit, for example. The coupler 74 is shown mounted to the connecting portion 45 in Figure 9.

Referring to Figure 5, the coupler 74 includes a second threaded portion 80 which is complementary to and configured to be engaged with the first threaded portion 68. The first threaded portion 68 is shown engaged with the second threaded portion 80 in Figure 9.

Accordingly, the first threaded portion 68 may be coupled to the connecting portion 45 of the frame 40 via engagement of the first and second threaded portions 68 and 80, such that rotation of the first threaded portion 68 relative to the second threaded portion 80 adjusts the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 as shown in Figure 9. In various embodiments, the coupler 74 and the first threaded portion 68 may each be made of a non-corrosive hard material. For example, in some embodiments, the coupler 74 and the first threaded portion 68 may each be made of a hard plastic, such as, Nylatron™ or UFIMW plastic.

In some embodiments, the coupler 74 may be a separate component from the connecting portion 45 and this may, in some embodiments, allow the connecting portion 45 to have different properties from the coupler 74. For example, in some embodiments, the connecting portion 45 may be flexible while the coupler 74 is rigid. In alternative embodiments, a coupler having generally similar functionality to the coupler 74 shown in Figure 5 may be integral with the connecting portion 45. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the connecting portion 45 that has been drilled and tapped may act as a coupler.

Referring to Figure 5, the adjuster 60 also includes a cover 82 surrounding the first threaded portion 68 of the spacer 64 for protecting the first threaded portion 68 from debris during use. In various embodiments, the cover 82 may be extendible so that it can cover the first threaded portion 68 when the adjustable length of the spacer is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, a rubber bellows may act as the cover 82.

Referring now to Figure 9, a cross-sectional view of the adjuster 60 is shown, with the adjuster assembled. In use, the hand grip 72 of the adjuster 60 may be rotated by a user to cause the first threaded portion 68 to rotate relative to the second threaded portion 80 of the coupler 74. The rotation may adjust the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 relative to the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 and thereby adjust a spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 and the board engager 62. In various embodiments, adjusting the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 when the apparatus 12 is mounted to the snowboard 14 may facilitate adjustment of the longitudinal curvature of the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14.

In various embodiments, fixing the coupler 74 to the connecting portion 45 of the frame 40 and moving the board engager 62 relative to the coupler may allow the board engager 62 to engage the snowboard 14 without being attached or fixed to the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, this may allow the snowboard 14 to remain generally unmodified by the apparatus 12 and so in various embodiments, use of the apparatus 12 may not damage the snowboard 14. In some embodiments, the board engager engaging the snowboard 14 without being attached or fixed to the snowboard may allow the snowboard 14 to temporarily move relative to the board engager 62 (e.g. away from the board engager 62) during use which may improve performance and/or improve durability of the board. Referring now to Figures 10 and 11 , the apparatus 12 is shown in detail in first and second configurations respectively when mounted to the snowboard 14, wherein the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 of the first and second connectors 41 and 43 of the frame 40 are coupled to the snowboard 14.

Referring to Figure 10, the adjuster 60 of the apparatus 12 is in a first configuration where the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 is a first length. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 in the first configuration may be about 1 cm. In some embodiments, the first length may be the shortest possible length for the spacer 64.

In various embodiments, in the first configuration, when the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 are coupled to the snowboard 14, the board engager 62 is configured to engage the snowboard 14 to facilitate the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally concave shape, as shown in Figure 10.

In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the shape of the snowboard 14 may resiliently deform the frame 40 from, for example, a generally planar shape as shown in Figure 5 when not mounted to the snowboard 14 to a curved one as shown in Figure 10. In some embodiments, for example, in the first configuration, the connecting portion 45 may have flexed such that the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 is about 1 cm from the plane 200. In various embodiments, this initial resilient deformation may encourage flexibility of the connecting portion 45 during use. In various embodiments, such flexibility of the connecting portion 45 may allow the snowboard 14 to flex with the connecting portion 45 while the snowboard 14 is being ridden and therefore may improve performance and/or durability of the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, a user or rider may wish to set the adjustable length 90 as shown in Figure 10 such that the adjuster 60 is in the first configuration and the sliding surface 15 is concave when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on terrain for which a concave sliding surface may be desirable. For example, in some embodiments, a user or rider may set the adjustable length 90 as shown in Figure

10 when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on a firm or hard surface, such as, for example, groomed snow, on which a concave sliding surface may provide improved performance compared to a planar or convex sliding surface.

Referring now to Figure 11 , the adjuster 60 of the apparatus 12 is shown in a second configuration where the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 is a second length that is greater than the first length shown in Figure 10. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 in the second configuration shown in Figure 11 may be between about 2 cm and about 4 cm. In some embodiments, the adjustable length 90 of the spacer 64 in the second configuration may be about 4 cm. In various embodiments, the user may rotate the hand grip 72 of the adjuster 60 to adjust the adjustable length 90 between the first length shown in Figure 10 and the second length shown in Figure 11.

In various embodiments, in the second configuration, when the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 are coupled to the snowboard 14, the board engager 62 is configured to engage the snowboard 14 to facilitate the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally convex shape, as shown in Figure 10.

In various embodiments, a user or rider may wish to set the adjustable length 90 as shown in Figure 11 such that the adjuster 60 is in the second configuration and the sliding surface 15 is convex when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on terrain for which a convex sliding surface may be desirable. For example, in some embodiments, a user or rider may set the adjustable length 90 as shown in Figure

11 when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on a relatively soft surface, such as, for example, powder or deep snow, on which a convex sliding surface may provide improved performance compared to a planar or concave sliding surface.

In some embodiments, the geometry of the apparatus 12 in the first and second configurations may allow the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 to change from the longitudinally concave shape shown in Figure 10 to the longitudinally convex shape shown in Figure 11. For example, in some embodiments, in the first configuration shown in Figure 10, when the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 are coupled to the snowboard 14, the board engager 62 may be on a first side of a plane 200 shown by a dashed line in Figures 10 and 11 that passes through or is defined by the first and second board connecting interfaces. For example, the plane 200 may pass through or be defined by the first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions 21 and 23 on the snowboard 14. In the second configuration when the first and second board connecting interfaces 42 and 44 are coupled to the snowboard 14, at least a portion of the board engager 62 may be on a second side of the plane 200 opposite to the first side of the plane. In various embodiments, the board engager moving from one side of the plane 200 to the other side of the plane 200 may result in the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 changing from a concave shape to a convex shape, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In some embodiments, the difference between the first length of the adjustable length 90 shown in Figure 10 and the second length of the adjustable length 90 shown in Figure 11 may be at least great enough such that curvature of the sliding surface 15 can be changed from a concave shape to a convex shape. For example, in some embodiments, the difference may be at least about 1 cm. In some embodiments, the difference may be at least about 3 cm, for example.

In various embodiments, the adjustable length 90 may be adjustable to a plurality or continuum of lengths between the first and second lengths and therefore the curvature of the sliding surface 15 may be adjustable to a plurality or continuum of curvatures between the concave curvature shown in Figure 10 and the convex curvature shown in Figure 11. In various embodiments, this may facilitate a high degree of resolution in choosing a desired curvature for the snowboard 14, which may be desirable for tuning the curvature of the sliding surface depending on a variety of factors, such as user weight and/or skill or varying snow conditions, for example.

In various embodiments, adjusting the curvature by applying force using the board engager on the third longitudinal position between the first and second longitudinal positions of the snowboard 14 may allow curvature to be adjusted with reduced force than would be required if force were applied to only the first and second longitudinal positions. In some embodiments, this may allow a user to adjust the curvature using the hand grip 72 only, without requiring tools.

In various embodiments, as discussed above, the connecting portion 45 may be flexible, such that when the adjuster 60 is in the second configuration shown in Figure 11 , the connecting portion has flexed compared to when the adjuster 60 is in the first configuration shown in Figure 10.

In various embodiments, the flexibility of the connecting portion 45 may allow the frame 40 to resiliently deform when the user is riding the snowboard 14 and forces are applied to the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, this flexibility may allow the snowboard 14 to flex with the connecting portion 45 during use and therefore may improve performance and/or durability of the snowboard 14. In some embodiments, in the second configuration, the connecting portion 45 may have flexed such that the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 is at least about 1 cm further from the plane 200 than in the first configuration. Various embodiments

In various embodiments an apparatus that operates generally similarly to the apparatus 12 shown, for example, in Figure 1 and described above may be configured to adjust curvature of another sliding board, such as, a ski, a split board snowboard, or another sliding board configured to slide on snow.

In various embodiments, another spacer coupled between the adjustment location of the connecting portion 45 and the board engager 62 and having an adjustable length relative to the adjustment location for adjusting a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager 62 may be used in an apparatus generally similar to the apparatus 12 described above. In various embodiments, an alternative or additional way of adjusting the length of the spacer may be used. For example, in some embodiments, instead of complementary threading portions, the spacer may include a pneumatic cylinder or bag and a pump wherein an adjustable length of the spacer may be adjusted using the pump.

In some embodiments, an apparatus generally similar to the apparatus 12 shown in Figures 1-11 and described above may include a frame generally similar to the frame 40 but coupled to the snowboard 14 via different means. For example, in some embodiments, the frame generally similar to the frame 40 may be manufactured with the snowboard 14 and may be made integral with the snowboard 14.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may include a cover, such as, for example, a bellows, covering the first threaded portion 68 between the coupler 74 and the board engager 62 shown in Figure 5. In such embodiments, the cover may protect the first threaded portion 68 from debris and/or snow while the snowboard 14 is being ridden. While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board, the apparatus comprising: a frame having: first and second spaced apart board connectors having first and second board connecting interfaces for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board; and a connecting portion coupled between the first and second board connectors; an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location of the connecting portion, the adjuster including: a board engager for engaging the sliding board at a third longitudinal position of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the third longitudinal position being between the first and second longitudinal positions; and a spacer coupled between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager, the spacer having an adjustable length relative to the adjustment location for adjusting a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager; wherein the adjuster is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the spacer to change the spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion of the frame and the board engager to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: in the first configuration, the adjustable length of the spacer is a first length such that when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the board engager is configured to engage the sliding board to facilitate a sliding surface of the sliding board having a longitudinally concave shape; and in the second configuration, the adjustable length of the spacer is a second length greater than the first length such that when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the board engager is configured to engage the sliding board to facilitate the sliding surface of the sliding board having a longitudinally convex shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein in the first configuration, when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the board engager is on a first side of a plane that passes through the first and second board connecting interfaces and in the second configuration when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board at least a portion of the board engager is on a second side of the plane opposite to the first side of the plane.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first and second board connectors include first and second boot binding supports at the first and second board connecting interfaces for supporting first and second user boot bindings.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first and second boot binding supports have first and second boot binding support widths configured to support generally the full width of the first and second user boot bindings and wherein the connecting portion has a connecting width less than the first and second boot binding support widths.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the connecting width is less than or equal to about half of the first boot binding support width and less than or equal to about half of the second boot binding support width.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the connecting portion of the frame is integral with the first and second board connectors.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the frame includes a single sheet, the sheet included in the first and second board connectors and the connecting portion of the frame.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the frame includes a cover covering the sheet.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the sheet includes a plurality of holes and wherein the cover fills the plurality of holes.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein each of the board connectors includes a plurality of mounting holes and a mounting channel.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the adjuster includes a hand grip rotatable to adjust the adjustable length of the spacer, at least a portion of the hand grip being disposed on an opposite side of the frame from the board engager.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the spacer of the adjuster includes a first threaded portion coupled to the board engager and a coupler coupled to the frame at the adjustment location, the coupler having a second threaded portion engaged with and complementary to the first threaded portion such that the first threaded portion is configured to be rotated relative to the second threaded portion of the coupler to adjust the adjustable length of the spacer.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the spacer is configured such that the second length of the spacer is greater than the first length of the spacer by at least about 3 cm.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the board engager comprises a generally planar circular board engaging surface for engaging a generally planar upper surface of the sliding board.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15 further comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from an upper surface of the connecting portion.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the sliding board is a snowboard.

18. An apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board, the apparatus comprising: a frame having: first and second spaced apart board connectors having first and second board connecting interfaces for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board; and a connecting portion coupled between the first and second board connectors; an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location of the connecting portion, the adjuster including: a board engager for engaging the sliding board at a third longitudinal position of the sliding board when the first and board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the third longitudinal position being between the first and second longitudinal positions; and means for coupling between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager, said means for coupling including means for adjusting an adjustable length of the means for coupling to adjust a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager; wherein the adjuster is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the means for coupling to change the spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion of the frame and the board engager to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board.

19. A sliding board system comprising: a sliding board; and the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first and second connecting interfaces of the apparatus are coupled to the sliding board at the first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board.

20. The sliding board system of claim 19 further comprising first and second user boot bindings coupled to the sliding board.