Snowboard binding system and release mechanism
OwnerMichael Wetzelinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described herein is a snowboard binding system and release mechanism for releasing one of the two bindings by actuation means proximate the user's hand while in a substantially upright position. A cable means extends from the binding which is releasable in a standing position to the opposite leg of the user and is removably secured thereto. In use, the release mechanism enables the user to step in and out of the binding without having to bend over.
Claims20
A release mechanism for a snowboard binding system including a pair of bindings, each having a release lever, the release mechanism comprising:
- a bracket configured to be fixed to a first one of the pair of bindings;
- a cable assembly having a length greater than a distance between the pair of bindings when secured to a snowboard, the cable assembly comprising an outer sheath and an inner cable movable relative to the outer sheath, wherein a first end of the outer sheath is attached to the bracket, and a first end of the inner cable is configured for attachment to a release lever of the first one of the pair of bindings, and where a pull member is attached to the second end of the inner cable;
- and
- an elongate attachment member coupled to the outer sheath proximate a second end of the outer sheath, wherein the elongate attachment member comprises cooperating first and second fasteners at its opposite ends for defining an opening when the fasteners are coupled.
A snowboard binding system for a snowboard, comprising:
- a first binding and a second binding, each comprising:
- a baseplate;
- a back support rotatably coupled to the baseplate;
- at least one binding strap operatively coupled to the baseplate to create an adjustable-size opening for receiving a boot;
- and
- a lever movable between a first position in which the rotation of the back support is prevented and a second position in which the back support is rotatable relative to the baseplate;
- and
- a release mechanism comprising a cable assembly comprising a first end portion attached to the lever of the first binding, an intermediate portion extending a first distance away from the first end portion and attached to the second binding, and a second end portion extending a second distance away from the intermediate portion and coupled to an attachment member for securing the second end portion to a location such that the lever can be actuated by a user while in a substantially upright position.
A snowboard binding system comprising:
- first and second bindings, each comprising:
- a baseplate;
- a back support rotatably coupled to the baseplate;
- at least one binding strap operatively coupled to the baseplate to create an adjustable-size opening for receiving a boot;
- a locking element movable between a first position in which the rotation of the back support is prevented and a second position in which the back support is rotatable relative to the baseplate;
- and
- a lever operable to release the locking mechanism;
- and
- a Bowden cable having a length greater than a spacing between the first and second bindings when the first and second bindings are secured to a snowboard, wherein the Bowden cable comprises a first end coupled to the lever of the first binding, an intermediate portion attached to the second binding, and a second end extending a distance sufficiently away from the intermediate portion to enable actuation of the first end by a rider in a substantially upright position.
The snowboard binding system of 15, further comprising a strap proximate the second end of end of the Bowden cable.
The snowboard binding system of 15, wherein at last one of:
- the distance is at least 8 inches;
- and
- the length is at least 16 inches.
A release mechanism for releasing a first one of a pair of bindings on a snowboard, the release mechanism comprising an actuation means having a first end coupled to an unlocking lever of the first one of the pair of bindings, and a second end positioned proximate a second one of the pair of bindings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.