Binding for snowboard decks

Abstract

 A binding (1) for snowboard decks (2), comprising a plate (3), for resting the sole of a shoe, which is provided with a central hole which is provided perimetrically with first teeth (9) which cooperate selectively with second teeth (10) of a gearwheel (11) which can be associated with the deck (2).
The plate (3) is articulated laterally to a lever (13) and cooperates with a kinematic mechanism that is adapted to force the opening and closing in the manner of an optical diaphragm of a pair of jaws (22, 29), which are pivoted to the plate (3), at a T-shaped protrusion (37) that protrudes axially to and above the gearwheel (11).

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a binding for snowboard decks.

[0002] Nowadays the use is known of decks for snowboarding, with which a binding is associated that is necessary in order to couple the deck to a shoe worn by the user.

[0003] Conventional bindings make it possible to orient the shoe at a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the deck so as to allow the user to orient the body in order to assume the desired position during the snowboard run.

[0004] In US patent no. 5,028,068 a device is disclosed which is adapted to position, selectively and so that it can pivot, a ski binding on a snowboard deck.

[0005] Such known solution discloses a first plate, which supports a boot, which is arranged above a second, circular plate that is provided, perimetrically, with a groove.

[0006] The second, circular plate is rotatably associated with a third plate that is integrally coupled to the snowboard deck.

[0007] The second, circular plate has, at the aforementioned groove, a cord, which is wound therein and can be tensioned by way of a lever the actuation of which enables the engagement and/or the disengagement of the cord with the second, circular plate: this enables the user to vary the angular position of the binding with respect to the longitudinal axis of the deck.

[0008] Such solution is not however devoid of drawbacks, such as the presence of the lever for tensioning the cord which is far away from and uncoupled from the binding, with consequent possible disengagement of the lever owing to accidental impacts with stones or other objects or with snow or ice.

[0009] A part of the cord is furthermore exposed to possible accidental impacts, and may be torn or become weakened thus compromising use of the binding.

[0010] Also US patent no. 5,044,654 is known in which a binding is disclosed which can be subjected to a rotation about its vertical axis; and provided thereon are six holes, conveniently spaced apart, for accommodating six screws that are adapted to enable the fixing thereof to the snowboard deck in a desired angular position selected in advance by the user.

[0011] The angular position can be modified by unscrewing the screws and repositioning them so that the binding is rotated by the desired angle.

[0012] This solution too is not devoid of drawbacks, however: in order to vary the angular position of the binding with respect to the snowboard deck, in fact, the user has to remove the foot from the binding and, by way of an adapted tool, unscrew the fixing screws, reposition the binding in the desired position, and couple it to the deck again.

[0013] Such operations thus necessitate a large amount of time to be carried out, while also requiring the user to always be equipped with at least one tool.

[0014] The possibility also arises that, owing to the scant attention the user pays to such operations due to his or her haste to get onto the pistes, an imprecise fixing of the screws to the deck results, with consequent dangers of separation or of scant control of the deck during sporting practice.

[0015] The aim of the present application is therefore to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks in conventional types by devising an invention that makes it possible to easily, quickly and safely perform the angular adjustment of the binding with respect to the longitudinal axis of the deck.

[0016] Within this aim, an object is to devise an invention that makes it possible to achieve such angular adjustment even with the shoe associated with the binding.

[0017] Another object is to provide an invention that is structurally simple and low-cost and can be made with the usual conventional plants.

[0018] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a binding for snowboard decks, comprising a plate, for resting the sole of a shoe, which is provided with a central hole which is provided perimetrically with first teeth which cooperate selectively with second teeth of a gearwheel which can be associated with said deck, characterized in that a lever is articulated laterally to said plate and cooperates with a kinematic mechanism that is adapted to force the opening and closing in the manner of an optical diaphragm of a pair of jaws which are pivoted to said plate, at a T-shaped protrusion that protrudes axially to and above said gearwheel.

[0019] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a particular, but not exclusive, embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the invention;

Figure 2 is a three-quarters side view of the invention associated with a deck of a snowboard;

Figure 3 is a view from above of the invention in the open condition;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3 in which the plate is decoupled from the disk;

Figure 5 is a view similar to the previous one with the binding assembled;

Figure 6 is a view from above of the invention in the closed condition;

Figure 7 is a sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a view from below of the invention in the closed condition.

[0020] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0021] Moreover, it should be noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

[0022] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a binding for snowboard decks 2, comprising a plate 3 that is substantially rectangular in plan and acts as a support for resting the sole of a shoe (not shown), which is provided with a central hole 4 at which, on the upper surface 5 and lower surface 6 of the plate 3, a first seat 7 and a second seat 8 having a circular plan shape are coaxially provided.

[0023] First teeth 9 are provided perimetrically at the second seat 8 and cooperate selectively with second teeth 10 of a gearwheel 11 which can be accommodated within the second seat 8.

[0024] The gearwheel 11 has a plurality of first holes 12 for the fixing thereof, by way of adapted screws, to the deck 2.

[0025] Adapted walls 12a and 12b protrude along the longitudinal perimetric sides of the plate 3 and are adapted to define a resting zone for the shoe.

[0026] A flat lever 13 is articulated laterally to the plate 3 and is Y-shaped in plan, the leg 14 of the Y protruding beyond the longitudinal perimetric edge 15 of the plate 3 and the wings 16a and 16b of the Y being able to be inserted into an opening 17 that is provided on the longitudinal perimetric edge 15 and is connected to said first seat 7.

[0027] The rounded ends of the wings 16a and 16b are pivoted, through first pivots 18a and 18b, respectively to the plate 3 and to a first end of a linkage 19 that can be accommodated, in the condition in which the binding is fastened, within the opening 17.

[0028] The second end of the linkage 19, which operates constantly within the opening 17, is pivoted, through a second pivot 20, to a tab 21 that protrudes radially from a first jaw 22 and is accommodated at the base 7a of the first seat 7 and is shaped like a half annulus with an arc-like portion 23 that is adjacent to the central hole 4.

[0029] One end of the first jaw 22 is free, whereas the other end, designated with the numeral 25, is pivoted, through a third pivot 24, to a first end of an overlying first lamina 26 which is curved with a radius that is such as to operate in a region that surrounds the central hole 4.

[0030] The second end 27 of the first lamina 26 is in turn pivoted, through a fourth pivot 28, to a first end of an underlying second jaw 29, which is substantially similar, in terms of shape and size, to the first jaw 22.

[0031] One end of the second jaw 29 is free to move within the first seat 7, whereas the other end, designated with the numeral 30, is pivoted, through a fifth pivot 31, to a first end of an overlying second lamina 32, which is substantially similar, in terms of shape and size, to the first lamina 26.

[0032] The fourth pivot 28 and the fifth pivot 31 are mutually adjacent, a first retention element 33 being present between them and protruding from the underlying base 7a of the first seat 7 through the second jaw 29, being arranged in a region that is adjacent to, and directed towards, the central hole 4, and interacting with the lateral surfaces of the first lamina 26 and the second lamina 32.

[0033] The second jaw 29 is thus pivoted to one end of the plate 3.

[0034] The second lamina 32 has a second end 34 which is pivoted, through a sixth pivot 35 that is adjacent to the third pivot 24, to the underlying first jaw 22.

[0035] The third pivot 24 and the sixth pivot 35 are mutually adjacent, a second retention element 36 being present between them and protruding from the underlying base 7a of the first seat 7 through the first jaw 22, being arranged in a region that is adjacent to, and directed towards, the central hole 4, and interacting with the lateral surfaces of the first lamina 26 and the second lamina 32.

[0036] The first jaw 22 is thus also pivoted to one end of the plate 3.

[0037] The depth of the first seat 7 is such as to accommodate, with the possibility of movement, the first jaw 22 and the second jaw 29 and the first lamina 26 and the second lamina 32.

[0038] The depth of the opening 17 is such as to accommodate, with the possibility of movement, the wings 16a and 16b and the linkage 19.

[0039] The lever 14 is thus connected to a kinematic mechanism that is defined by the linkage 19 and by the first jaw 22 and the second jaw 29 and by the first lamina 26 and the second lamina 32 and makes it possible to achieve the vise-like fastening, more specifically the rotation and mutual approach of the jaws 22 and 29, in the manner of an optical diaphragm, in order to clamp the first jaw 22 and the second jaw 29 about a T-shaped protrusion 37 that protrudes axially to and above the gearwheel 11.

[0040] The protrusion 37 protrudes from the gearwheel 11 by the height that is required in order to be arranged, through the central hole 4, on the plane of arrangement of the first jaw 22 and of the second jaw 29; moreover the protrusion 37 has an annular groove 38 the height of which is at least equal to the thickness of the first jaw 22 and of the second jaw 29 which thus can engage it removably, mutually locking the plate 3 and the gearwheel 11.

[0041] A cover 39 is present to temporarily cover the kinetic mechanisms that are adapted to force the opening and closing, in the manner of an optical diaphragm, of the first jaw 22 and the second jaw 29, that is flat and can be arranged over the plate 3 and be locked thereto by way of an abutment 40 shaped like a tooth which protrudes below one end of the plate 3 and interacts with a perimetric edge of one end of the lower surface 6 of the plate 3, and a screw 41 which can be inserted in a slot 42 that is formed longitudinally in the cover 39 and can be tightened in a complementary threaded seat 43 that is provided in said plate 3.

[0042] In practice it has been found that the invention has fully achieved the intended aim and objects, a binding for snowboard decks having been obtained which makes it possible to perform, easily and quickly thanks to the presence of the lever, and safely due to the locking, in the manner of an optical diaphragm, on the protrusion 37 protruding from the gearwheel 11, the angular adjustment of the binding with respect to the longitudinal axis of the deck.

[0043] Moreover the binding can be angularly adjusted even with the shoe associated with the binding.

[0044] Naturally the materials used as well as the dimensions of the individual components of the invention may be more pertinent to specific requirements.

[0045] The various means of achieving certain different functions certainly need not coexist only in the embodiment shown, but may be present in many embodiments, even if they are not shown.

[0046] The characteristics indicated above as advantageous, convenient or similar, may also be missing or be substituted by equivalent characteristics.

[0047] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. TV2011 A000179 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and/or signs, those reference numerals and/or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and/or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and/or signs.

Claims

1. A binding (1) for snowboard decks (2), comprising a plate (3), for resting the sole of a shoe, which is provided with a central hole which is provided perimetrically with first teeth (9) which cooperate selectively with second teeth (10) of a gearwheel (11) which can be associated with said deck (2), characterized in that a lever (13) is articulated laterally to said plate (3) and cooperates with a kinematic mechanism that is adapted to force the opening and closing, in the manner of an optical diaphragm, of a pair of jaws (22, 29) which are pivoted to said plate (3), at a T-shaped protrusion (37) that protrudes axially to and above said gearwheel (11).

2. The binding according to claim 1, characterized in that a first seat (7) and a second seat (8) having a circular plan shape are provided coaxially at said central hole (4) on the upper surface (5) and lower surface (6) of said plate (3), first teeth (9) being provided perimetrically at said second seat (8) and cooperating selectively with second teeth (10) of a gearwheel (11) which can be accommodated within said second seat (8).

3. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flat lever (13) is articulated laterally to said plate (3) and is Y-shaped in plan, the leg (14) of the Y protruding beyond the longitudinal perimetric edge (15) of said plate (3) and the wings (16a, 16b) of the Y being able to be inserted into an opening (17) that is provided in said longitudinal perimetric edge (15) and is connected to said first seat (7), the rounded ends of said wings (16a, 16b) being pivoted, through first pivots (18a, 18b), respectively to said plate (3) and to a first end of a linkage (19) that can be accommodated, in the condition in which the binding is fastened, within said opening (17).

4. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second end of said linkage (19), which operates constantly within said opening (17), is pivoted, through a second pivot (20), to a tab (21) that protrudes radially from a first jaw (22) which is shaped like a half annulus and is accommodated at the base (7a) of said first seat (7) and has an arc-like portion (23) that is adjacent to said central hole (4), one end of said first jaw (22) being free, whereas the other end (25) is pivoted, through a third pivot (24), to a first end of an overlying first lamina (26), which is curved with a radius that is such as to operate in a region that surrounds said central hole (4).

5. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second end (27) of said first lamina (26) is in turn pivoted, through a fourth pivot (28), to a first end of an underlying second jaw (29), which is substantially similar, in terms of shape and size, to said first jaw (22), one end of said second jaw (29) being free to move within said first seat (7), whereas the other end (30) is pivoted, through a fifth pivot (31), to a first end of an overlying second lamina (32), which is substantially similar, in terms of shape and size, to said first lamina (26).

6. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fourth pivot (28) and said fifth pivot (31) are mutually adjacent, a first retention element (33) being present between them and protruding from said underlying base (7a) of said first seat (7) through said second jaw (29), being arranged in a region that is adjacent to, and directed towards, said central hole (4), and interacting with the lateral surfaces of said first lamina (26) and said second lamina (32).

7. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second lamina (32) has a second end (34) which is pivoted, through a sixth pivot (35) that is adjacent to said third pivot (24), to said underlying first jaw (22), said third pivot (24) and said sixth pivot (35) being mutually adjacent, a second retainer (36) being present between them and protruding from said underlying base (7a) of said first seat (7) through said first jaw (22), being arranged in a region that is adjacent to, and directed towards, said central hole (4), and interacting with the lateral surfaces of said first lamina (26) and said second lamina (32).

8. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first jaw (22) and said second jaw (29) are pivoted at one end to said plate (2).

9. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth of said first seat (7) is such as to accommodate, with the possibility of movement, said first jaw (22) and said second jaw (29) and said first lamina (26) and said second lamina (32), the depth of said opening (17) being such as to accommodate, with the possibility of movement, said wings (16a, 16b) and said linkage (19).

10. The binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said kinematic system is formed by said linkage (19), said first jaw (22) and said second jaw (29) and said first lamina (26) and said second lamina (32), which make it possible to achieve the clamping in the manner of an optical diaphragm of said first jaw (22) and said second jaw (29) at said protrusion (37), said protrusion (37) protruding from said gearwheel (11) by the height that is required in order to be arranged, through said central hole (4), on the plane of arrangement of said first jaw (22) and said second jaw (29), said protrusion (37) having an annular groove (38) the height of which is at least equal to the thickness of said first jaw (22) and said second jaw (29) which can engage therein removably, mutually locking said plate (2) and said gear (11).

Drawing