JP2012510338A - Gliding board binding components - Google Patents

Abstract

The snowboard binding and hold-down device can bend or move with the snowboard to minimize any impact on the flex characteristics when riding. The snowboard binding may be adaptable to various snowboard binding mounting devices.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

[background]
As the rider understands, the feel of the snowboard can be determined at least in part by how the snowboard bends. Also, certain types of board flex may be recommended depending on various riding styles and ground conditions. With this in mind, snowboards can be designed with specific flex patterns.

  A snowboard binding takes the form of a rigid base plate that secures the rider to the snowboard and typically receives the rider's boots, and a rigid retainer disk that is received by the base plate and attaches the base plate to the snowboard (known as a “tray” style binding). The rigid retainer disc includes openings or slots that conform to the pattern of screw inserts (eg, “4 × 4” or 3D®) placed on the snowboard. The fastening portion passes through the holding disc and is screwed into the insert to attach the base plate to the board. The stiffness of the base plate and the retaining disc can create a dead spot that resists bending of the snowboard under and / or adjacent to the binding.

  In contrast to tray-type bindings, “baseless” bindings do not include a floor or base so that the rider's boots ride directly on the snowboard. Baseless binding is believed to allow for a larger board flex compared to tray binding. An example of baseless binding is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0030000 A1, assigned to The Burton Corporation, the assignee of the present application. In this particular baseless binding, the fastening platform is located outside the binding sidewall (ie, not within the binding footrest area), and the binding is configured to attach a channel-based binding interface to the snowboard. . Baseless bindings described in published patent applications are not compatible with snowboards configured with 4x4 or 3D® insert patterns.

[Overview]
Aspects of the invention relate to bindings that facilitate bending of the board at and / or in the vicinity of the binding when mounted on a sliding board. According to certain embodiments, the binding has an inner base region and an outer base region that move in response to an outwardly warped (eg, convex) bend of the sliding board. One or both of the base and the retainer used to secure the base to the sliding board allows the first and second parts of the binding base to pivot or otherwise move towards each other Can be arranged to

  According to one aspect, a pressing device for mounting the binding base to the sliding board, the first rigid pressing portion arranged to be mounted in the complementary pressing portion receiving area of the binding base, and the complementary of the binding base And a second rigid pressing portion arranged to be attached to the target pressing portion receiving area. When each of the first and second rigid pressing portions attaches the binding base to the sliding board, the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion are movable relative to each other according to the bending force of the sliding board. A bent connecting portion is provided between the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion.

  According to another aspect, a pressing device for mounting the binding base to the planing boat, wherein the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigidity are each arranged to be mounted to the complementary pressing portion receiving area of the binding base. A holding device including a holding portion is provided. The first rigid pressing portion includes a central portion and a binding base engagement mechanism facing the central portion for resisting binding distortion, and the second rigid pressing portion includes the central portion and the central portion. And a binding base engagement mechanism for resisting binding distortion.

  According to another aspect, a pressing device for mounting the binding base to the sliding board is arranged to be mounted to the complementary pressing part receiving area of the binding base at a plurality of different angular positions relative to the binding base. A hold-down device is provided that includes a first and a second rigid hold-down portion. The hold-down device comprises at least one rotation stop that is cooperable with the binding base rotation stop to limit the angular position of the binding base relative to the hold-down device.

  According to another aspect, a pressing device for mounting the binding base to the sliding board is arranged to be mounted to the inner inner region of the binding base, and receives the fastening portion to slide the rigid inner pressing portion. A rigid inner retainer portion including at least one opening or slot arranged to be attached to the inner surface and a rigid inner retainer portion arranged to be attached to the inner and outer regions of the binding base and receiving the fastening portion to the sliding board And a rigid outer retainer portion that includes at least one opening or slot disposed to attach to the retainer. The plurality of teeth extend along the arcuate shape of each of the rigid inner hold-down portion and the rigid outer hold-down portion, and the corresponding teeth in each of the inner inner region and the inner outer region of the binding base at one of a plurality of different angular positions. Can be engaged. The hinge has a rigid inner holding portion and a rigid portion so that when the holding device attaches the binding base to the sliding board, the rigid inner holding portion and the rigid outer holding portion are movable relative to each other according to the bending force of the sliding board. Connect the outer holding part.

  According to another aspect, a binding base for a sliding board is provided that includes an inner region including an inner sidewall and an inner base region and an outer region having an outer sidewall and an outer base portion. Each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion is positioned between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall and defines a retainer attachment region together such that the outer base portion and the inner base portion are spaced apart from each other. Divided into Each of the inner and outer base portions has a plurality of teeth engageable with the complementary teeth of the retainer so that the binding base can be attached to the retainer at one of a plurality of different angular positions relative to the retainer. Including. The retainer engagement mechanism for resisting binding base strain is located on the inner base portion and faces toward the inner side wall, and the retainer engagement mechanism for resisting binding base strain is on the outer base portion Located facing the outer side wall.

  According to another aspect, a binding base for a planing boat is provided that includes an inner region including an inner sidewall and an inner base region, and an outer region having an outer sidewall and an outer base portion. Each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion is positioned between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall and defines a retainer attachment area together such that the outer base portion and the inner base portion are spaced apart from each other. Divided. Each of the inner and outer base portions has a plurality of teeth engageable with the complementary teeth of the retainer so that the binding base can be attached to the retainer at one of a plurality of different angular positions relative to the retainer. Including. The binding base includes at least one rotation stop that engages a corresponding rotation stop of the hold-down device to limit the angular position of the binding base relative to the hold-down device.

  In a further aspect, a sliding board binding is provided having an inner side wall and an outer side wall, and an inner base portion and an outer base portion. Each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion is positioned between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall and defines a retainer attachment area together such that the outer base portion and the inner base portion are spaced apart from each other. Divided. The pressing device is arranged to be received by a pressing device receiving area for mounting the binding base to the sliding board. The hold-down device includes an inner portion and an outer portion, and a bent connection between the inner portion and the outer portion. Each of the inner and outer base portions includes a plurality of teeth that are engageable with complementary teeth of the inner and outer portions of the retainer at multiple angular positions of the binding base relative to the retainer. The inner base portion and the outer base portion are movable relative to each other in response to the bending force of the sliding board when the pressing device attaches the binding base to the sliding board.

  These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

  The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For clarity, not all components are numbered in all drawings. In the drawing

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a binding according to a particular embodiment, showing an inner base region and an outer base region of a binding that moves about a heel-toe axis. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an undesirable distortion of binding known as “parallelogramming”. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of an undesirable distortion of the binding called “bowing”. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a binding according to one embodiment mounted on a snowboard with a channel binding interface. 4 is a plan view of the binding of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the binding of FIGS. 3 and 4 along line 5-5 of FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the pressing device of FIG. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the pressing device of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hold-down device according to one embodiment configured for use with a snowboard having a 4 × 4 insert pattern. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hold-down device according to one embodiment configured for use with a snowboard having a 3D® insert pattern. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a hold-down device according to one embodiment configured for use with a snowboard having a 4 × 4 insert pattern. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a hold-down device according to one embodiment configured for use with a snowboard having a channel-type binding interface. 10B is a perspective view of the pressing device shown in FIG. 10A with the fastening plate removed. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the binding of FIG. 1 including an insole, a highback, and a binding strap. FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of the binding of FIG. 11A showing the insole positioned to access the hold-down device (highback and binding strap not shown).

[Detailed description]
Aspects of the present invention relate to bindings, binding base plates, and binding retainer disks, each of which may be referred to herein independently or collectively as a “binding component”. And is constructed and arranged to facilitate bending of the sliding board relative to the position of the binding component. The binding, the binding base plate, and the binding retainer disk may additionally or alternatively be arranged to resist unwanted distortion when riding a sliding board that includes a binding component.

  In one illustrated embodiment, the rigid binding includes a footrest region positioned between the inner and outer sidewalls. The footrest region may take the form of a rigid base and may further include a rigid retainer received in the rigid base opening for mounting the base to the sliding board. The binding base is characterized by an inner base region and an outer base region that are movable (eg pivotable) relative to each other in response to the flexing force of the sliding board when the binding is secured to the sliding board via a holding device. obtain. The movable arrangement of the inner and / or outer areas reduces the resistance of the rigid binding to bending of the sliding board. One or both of the hold-down device and / or the base can be configured to facilitate movement of the inner and outer base regions in response to the outward curvature of the board or other forces acting on the sliding board.

  According to some aspects, the sliding board binding includes a base having an inner region and an outer region spaced apart from each other along an intermediate portion of the binding and defining a retainer mounting region. The inner and outer regions of the intermediate portion are divided and a gap extends just between the inner and outer regions of the holding device mounting region. The hold-down device has a first portion and a second portion configured to cooperate with the base and to move relative to each other in response to a bending force of a board on which the binding is mounted. The hold-down device may be a single unit formed from a unitary structure, or may be composed of two or more components that cooperate. Alternatively, the hold-down device can include separate and separate components that are arranged to cooperate when mounted on a sliding board.

  According to some aspects, the binding, the binding base plate, and / or the binding retainer may be parallel reprogramming (i.e., the inner and / or outer regions rotate on the top surface of the board, or in the heel-to-toe direction of the binding). It can be configured to resist unwanted distortion of the binding, such as facing / moving relative to each other) and / or warping (ie, portions of the inner and outer regions are separated from each other). While not limited to bindings configured to minimize resistance to the bending force of the sliding board, such bindings may be particularly susceptible to undesirable distortions. The binding may include a bridge that connects the inner and outer regions of the binding to resist unwanted distortion, such as at the front end of the binding. Additionally or alternatively, an interface may be provided between the hold-down device and the binding base to resist parallel programming and / or warping. According to some aspects, the binding includes or instead of an integral base and presser arrangement, and may include a base and a separate presser device for securing the base to the sliding board.

  Virtually “sliding board” as used herein generally refers to any board-type structure and other devices that allow the rider to cross the plane. Some non-limiting examples of gliding boards include snowboards, skis, water skis, wakeboards, kiteboards, surfboards, and the like. However, for ease of understanding and not to limit the scope of the invention, aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to a snowboard.

It will also be understood that the term “holding device” generally refers to a binding component that may be used to secure the binding to the sliding board. Although some embodiments described herein refer to a retainer disc, the retainer device may take other overall shapes, so that the retainer device constitutes a disc shape and a component that is independent of the binding base. It will be understood that this is not a limitation.

  Snowboard bindings include strap bindings (also known as tray bindings), step bindings, hybrid strap / step bindings, and rider boots having one or more of toe straps, instep straps, and thin straps It will also be appreciated that other arrangements for securing the snowboard to the snowboard may be included. Further, any of the above described snowboard bindings may include a highback and, in addition, a forward tilt adjuster to limit the forward tilt of the highback. Aspects of the present invention are not limited to any particular binding scheme, whether or not specified herein. Further, the binding is configured to fit a snowboard with a channel-type mounting arrangement, a 4 × 4 fastener insert pattern, a 3D® insert insert pattern, and other binding interface systems that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Can be done.

  FIG. 1 is a somewhat exaggerated schematic diagram of a rigid binding 20 that is configured to facilitate snowboard flex despite the presence of a rigid binding. The binding 20 and the snowboard 22 are shown both in an unbent state (represented by a solid line) and in a bent state (represented by a broken line). As shown, as the board 22 curves under and adjacent to the binding, the inner region 24 and outer region 26 of the binding 20 move relative to each other (eg, pivot) in response to the board flex. This movement can be characterized around an axis that extends substantially in the binding-base heel-toe direction (ie, extends into and out of the page of FIG. 1). When the binding is mounted perpendicular to the snowboard axis (i.e., at a stance angle of 0 degrees), the pivot axis of the retainer and the axis of the binding base are coincident. Many riders may wear one or both bindings at an angle to the board axis, and have front and rear bindings at different angles. If the pivot of the holding device and the axis of the binding base do not match, the binding base will move around the binding axis in response to the outward bending force of the board. It will not be the same as if it coincides with the pivot axis of the holding disc. A particular type of undesirable distortion of the binding is schematically represented in FIGS. 2A and 2B, where the solid lines represent the inner and outer regions 24 and 26 of the undistorted state, and the dashed lines indicate various distorted states. Represents. Parallel programming includes the inner and / or outer regions rotating on the top surface of the board or moving opposite / to each other in the heel-to-toe direction of the binding, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2A. The dashed line in FIG. 2B represents the type of warp and includes the toe ends 28 of the inner and outer regions being separated from each other. It will also be appreciated that warping may include the central portion and / or the heel ends of the inner and outer regions extending away from each other.

  3 and 4 show a binding 20 that includes a base plate characterized by an inner base region 24 and an outer base region 26 and an inner sidewall 32 and an outer sidewall 34. The base region is arranged to move (eg, bend or pivot) relative to each other about the heel-toe shaft 30 due to a gap or separation between the two regions at least partially in the hold-down device receiving region. Is done. As can be seen from the above description, the conventional tray binding retainer disc receiving opening is, in contrast, completely surrounded by a base material extending from one side wall to the other, relative to the inner and outer base portions. A continuous rigid base or floor is provided between the side walls that resists bending. The base is secured to the snowboard 22 by a retainer 44 having an opening or slot 77 for receiving a fastener or other component for attachment to a snowboard binding interface, such as a T-nut fitted in a fastener insert or channel 90. Is done. The holding device has a first part 46 and a second part 48 connected by a hinge 50. The hinge allows the first portion 46 and the second portion 48 of the hold-down device 44 to move in response to bending forces that move the board away (ie, outward) from the binding. The rear or heel end of the binding base may be open as shown, or may be arranged to allow inward bending of the inner and outer base regions in response to board bending. Other configurations of binding components that facilitate bending of the snowboard when the binding is installed are contemplated, and some such other arrangements are described in more detail herein.

  Compared to the tray type binding, it is more likely to be affected by parallel reprogramming or warping by configuring the base to facilitate board flexing, such as by interrupting the base at the holding device receiving area and at the front and back positions. Can be changed. The inner and outer regions of the toe end or front of the binding shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be connected to each other by a bridge 52 that can be configured to resist unwanted distortion of the binding. The bridge 52 resists movement of the toe ends 28 away from each other and resists warping distortion. The binding may include one or more bridges that connect the inner and outer base regions together to resist warping at the toe end, the heel end, the central portion of the binding, and other locations, and combinations thereof.

  According to some embodiments, the bridge may be configured to resist unwanted strain while allowing the inner and outer regions to bend toward each other. Certain embodiments of the bridge bend more easily around an axis extending on the binding's heel-toe axis than in other directions, such as the vertical axis of the binding associated with parallel reprogramming (seen when riding) Configured as follows. This is achieved in the embodiment of FIG. 3 by having a thickness T of the bridge 52 that is smaller than the width W of the bridge. Also, the bottom of the bridge may be located above the bottom of the base region as shown. According to one embodiment, the bridge 52 may have a thickness of about 5 mm and a width of about 20 mm (ratio of about 1: 4), although other widths, thicknesses and ratios are also possible. The bridge is composed of a composite adapted to allow further flex around the heel-toe axis than the other direction axis, etc. It will be appreciated that it can be configured to bend more than the other directions. Additionally or alternatively, other members may be incorporated into the bridge to allow movement as shown in FIG. 1, including movement about a pin hinge, living hinge, or heel-toe axis. It includes including other bend connections that resist bending in other directions while allowing. It will also be appreciated that certain binding-based embodiments may not have bridges.

  According to some embodiments, the heel hoop 54 may also resist undesirable strains. This can be achieved by a heel hoop that bends more easily around the binding-based heel-toe axis than in other directions. The heel hoop is configured with a thickness T that is less than the width W and may allow binding movement as shown in FIG. Additionally or alternatively, a bent arrangement such as a pin hinge, living hinge, expansion joint, compression joint, etc. can be incorporated into the heel hoop.

  The binding 20 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B includes a pressing device 44 that fixes the binding 20 to the board 22. As shown, the hold-down device 44 includes a first portion 46 and a second portion 48 (for more appropriate applications, the first and second portions are referred to herein as the inner and outer portions. obtain). The first portion and the second portion are connected to each other by being bent with respect to each other in the illustrated central region 73 or the like by a hinge having a pivot shaft 56. Other types of flex connections other than hinges are also contemplated and certain of these arrangements are described herein. Each of the first portion 46 and the second portion 48 has a hole for receiving at least one screw-type fastening portion 78, a set of holes 77, one or more slots, or a combination thereof, and the holding device. 44 and the resulting binding base 20 nested therein is secured to the board 22. Multiple holes or slots, such as the three holes 77 shown in each of the first part 46 and the second part 48, allow for selective positioning of the hold-down device and consequently selective positioning of the binding base relative to the edge of the snowboard To. The outer edge 64 of each of the first portion 46 and the second portion 48 includes a bowl-shaped base engaging member 60. The lower surface 65 of the bowl-shaped member 60 positioned on the bottom surface 67 of the holding device 44 includes a plurality of teeth 74 that mesh with corresponding teeth 75 of the binding base 20 and bind in one of a plurality of different angular directions. The base and the holding device can be fixed. The hook-like member portion 61 faces towards the central region 73 of the device and, when mounted, corresponds to a corresponding pressing device engaging member 62 of the binding base (protrusion in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6B). ). The arc-shaped groove 70 is defined on the lower surface of the pressing device by the hook-shaped member. A portion of the outer edge 64 of each of the first and second portions further extends in a direction radially away from the central region 73 so that the outer edge can engage a corresponding stop on the binding base 20. A pair of shoulders that function as

  As described above, the hold-down device 44 can include a first portion 46 and a second portion 48 that can move toward each other in response to the outward bending force of the board. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6B, the hinge 50 connects the first portion 46 and the second portion 48. As shown, the hinge 50 includes a pivot axis 56. The hold-down device has a tip-tail direction and an edge-edge direction, with the pivot axis 56 extending along either direction (extending along the edge-edge direction in the figure) or suitable for a particular application. Placed in any other direction. The holding device 44 is not limited to the arrangement of the hinge 50 shown in the figure, and other mechanisms that allow movement of the first and second parts are also conceivable, including a living hinge (for example, connecting the first and second parts) Metal first and second parts joined by overmolded plastic), a tether connecting the first and second parts, one or more ball joints or socket joints, first and second moving towards each other This includes, but is not limited to, nested fittings that guide the second portion and other fittings. Additionally or alternatively, although not all embodiments include a flex connection, the hold-down device can include two or more portions that are independent of each other.

  In certain embodiments, a binding-based stance angle adjustment with respect to the presser disc, and ultimately the snowboard axis, may be provided. The plurality of retainer teeth 74 engage the corresponding teeth 75 in the base region of the binding base and bring the binding base to the desired stance angle when the fastener engages the board insert or other binding interface. Allows to rotate and maintain in that position. As shown in FIG. 6B, the plurality of teeth are positioned on the back surface 65 of the bowl-shaped member 60, extend along the arcuate portion (and corresponding base plate region) of the retainer, and engage at different rotational positions. Enable. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6B, the plurality of teeth 74 are inclined outwardly from the central region of the retainer, but other orientations are possible, including vertical, parallel, and different or different orientations Includes bent teeth. The surface of the pressing device may include an angle indicating mark that indicates the orientation of the snowboard binding base relative to the pressing disk. As shown, the hold-down device can include a body portion that includes two or more openings or slots for receiving fasteners for attaching the hold-down device to the sliding board. A plurality of angle adjustment teeth may be provided on the lip extending outward from the body portion. The lip may include vertical, parallel, inclined or curved surfaces that support a plurality of teeth. Further, in certain embodiments, the first and second hold-down portions can both have an hourglass-like configuration. That is, a wide outer edge that can be curved as shown, and a narrow central region or constriction as in the pivot axis of the hold-down device.

  The hold-down device and the binding base may be arranged to resist certain types of binding distortion and / or movement, particularly including warpage and / or parareprogramming. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 </ b> A, and 6 </ b> B, the inner pressing portion 46 includes a base engaging member 60 such as a ridge facing away from the inner outer edge of the pressing device 44, or in other words, the pressing device 44. Facing toward the central region 73. The complementary presser engagement member 62 of the base then faces towards the inner side wall 32 of the binding. The engagement between the surface 61 of the saddle member 60 and the retainer engagement member 62 of the binding base 20 (which can also be a saddle) causes the binding base region to move away from the central region 73 when mounted. I can resist that. In this respect, warpage as shown in FIG. 2A can be resisted. The saddle-shaped member 60 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6B extends for a constant curvature of curvature and provides resistance to warping in all rotational directions of the binding base relative to the hold-down device at this point. It will be appreciated that the complementary base / presser engagement member may be configured in other ways, such that the embodiment of FIGS. 3-6B is not limiting. By way of example, in some embodiments, a plurality of receptacles and protrusions (eg, nails and holes) are positioned on complementary engagement surfaces of the retainer and base and interlock the binding base and retainer at different angular orientations. Can be configured. This strain resistant member may be provided at some or all stance angular positions of the binding base relative to the hold-down device.

  Collectively, the interaction of the teeth 74, 75 and the engagement members 60, 62 can effectively lock the binding base region to the corresponding portion of the hold-down device. That is, the combination of the teeth 74 and the binding engagement member 60 of the portion of the retainer 44 can be positioned to collectively resist the movement of the binding base region in multiple or all directions. As an example, the engagement between the teeth 74, 75 resists rotation between the binding base region and a portion of the hold-down device. The binding base region moves away from or toward the corresponding portion of the hold-down device by interaction with the hook-shaped member 60 (or other binding base engaging member) and / or the heel-to-toe direction of the binding You can resist moving. Thus, engaging the binding base region with the retainer portion can resist undesirable distortion as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B when the retainer is fixedly mounted to the board.

  According to some embodiments, the portions of the hold-down devices 46, 48 may be interlocked with the binding base regions 24, 26, such as by snap-fit connections. As an example, the groove 70 of the holding device of FIGS. 3 to 6B receives a corresponding protrusion 71 in the binding base region and interlocks with the protrusion 71 to accurately and / or fix the binding base to the holding device. Positioning. In some embodiments, the groove may be on the base region of the binding and the corresponding protrusion may be on the hold-down device. Corresponding protrusions can also be part of the groove of either the binding base or the holding device. According to some embodiments, the grooves and corresponding members are fitted with a slight gap, no gap, or a slight interference fit to help achieve this. The first portion 46 and the second portion 48 of the hold-down device 44 may be configured to resist rotation of the engaged base region board about the top surface to assist in resisting parallel programming. As an example, each of the first portion 46 and the second portion 48 of the hold-down device of FIGS. 3 and 4 is attached to the snowboard with a single screw fastener 78. When the first and second holding portions (and potential corresponding portions of the binding) do not contact each other, and the tightening force associated with the screw fastening portion is overcome, the first and second holding portions are on the top surface of the snowboard. It may be possible to rotate. However, the surfaces of the hinges 76 are in contact with each other and resist such rotation. In other embodiments, the first and second hold-down portions that are independent of each other (eg, not connected to each other) can include surfaces that are not in contact with each other and resist rotation. According to some embodiments, these surfaces are simply positioned adjacent to each other, thereby causing contact between the surfaces, one or more rotations, two or more rotations. Or, it may resist further rotation after an initial amount of rotation has occurred within other angles, such as 5 degrees or more. In other embodiments, each hold-down portion may be secured to the board with a plurality of fasteners to resist rotation about the board top surface.

  Embodiments of the binding base and / or hold-down device may include one or more detents 80 to limit the range of angular positions where the binding base can be attached to the snowboard. By limiting the range of angular positions, a minimum amount of engagement between the binding and the hold-down device can be ensured, and as a result, the binding is securely attached to the snowboard. As shown in FIG. 4, the stop may include a pair of shoulders in each of the first and second portions of the hold-down device. Each pair of first shoulders or protrusions may engage a corresponding stop (shoulder or protrusion) in the binding to prevent rotation beyond a particular clockwise angle. Each pair of second shoulders or protrusions may contact a corresponding stop in the binding to limit counterclockwise rotation. In other embodiments, the stop may be positioned on only the first and second hold-down portions and one of the corresponding areas of the binding, and in other embodiments the stop may be completely absent. It will also be appreciated that the stop may be integral to the binding base and / or the hold-down device and may be independent of the snowboard binding fastener.

  Binding embodiments may be adaptable to a wide range of snowboard binding mounting systems. The hold down device shown in FIGS. 3-6B is configured to attach the binding to a snowboard with an ICS® channel binding interface sold by The Burton Corporation. The binding 20 of FIGS. 3-6B or its modification can also be mounted to the snowboard using other types of fastening systems by simply changing the hold-down device 44. As an example, the hold-down device 44 shown in FIG. 7 can be used to attach the binding 20 to a snowboard 22 having a 4 × 4 placement screw insert, while the hold-down device of FIG. 8 is a 3D® screw insert. Can be used on snowboards with patterns. The hold-down device may be configured to attach the binding to a snowboard having other fastening arrangements, or may be applicable with two or more fastening arrangements so that aspects of the invention are not limited in this respect. .

  As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the holding device 44 can be composed of a first portion 46 and a second portion 48 that are independent of each other. In such an embodiment, the first and second parts can move freely relative to each other because there is no direct physical connection. According to other embodiments, the hold-down device can include more than two independent parts, such that aspects of the invention are not limited to having only a first hold-down part and a second hold-down part.

  Each pressing device shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B includes a clamping plate 82 and a positioning plate 84 that is independent from the clamping plate. As shown, the positioning plate includes a plurality of teeth 74 that rotate relative to the retainer 44 to engage and position the binding 20. In order to attach the binding to the snowboard, the clamping plate 82 is positioned over the positioning plate 84 and the portion of the binding. The screw fastening portion passes through the hole 77 of the fastening plate and the positioning plate, and is fastened so as to fix the fastening plate and the positioning plate to the upper surface of the binding and the snowboard. The clamping plate also includes an engaging member facing away from the outer edge of the presser device to resist binding distortion.

  10A and 10B show an alternative embodiment of a hold-down device configured to attach the binding 20 to a snowboard 22 having a channel-type binding attachment system as shown in FIG. The illustrated embodiment includes a first portion 46 and a second portion 48, each having a clamping plate 82 and a positioning plate 84, as in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Each of the first part and the second part is connected to the other by a key 86. The key 86 allows the portions 46, 48 to bend relative to each other about a heel-toe axis perpendicular to the key.

  The key 86 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B can help position the first portion 46 and the second portion 48 of the hold-down device 44. As an example, the key 86 may hold the first and second portions away from each other at a constant distance, preventing the positioning plate 84 from moving away from the corresponding portion of the binding by moving toward each other. This is accomplished in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B by a key bend 88 through each portion 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 10B. The keys of FIGS. 10A and 10B may additionally or alternatively extend down to fit within the channel 90 of the snowboard 22 and interact with the edges of the channel. The interaction of the key 86 with the edge of the channel 90 can resist rotation of the key about an axis extending upward from the top surface of the snowboard. Then, the key can limit the rotation of the first and second parts of the pressing device around the upper surface by the interaction between the bent part and the key. This interaction naturally resists parallel programming. In another embodiment, a two-part key (one part associated with each of the first and second parts) may be used instead.

  Embodiments of the hold-down device can be constructed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, plastics, composite materials, and other materials. The embodiments of FIGS. 3-5, 6, 7, and 8 may be particularly suitable for plastic structures including fiber reinforced plastic structures. The embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9B and 10A-10B may be suitably configured with a plastic positioning plate and a metal clamping plate, and a metal key. However, it will be appreciated that other materials may be used and contemplated.

  The insole 92 may be positioned over the inner and outer base portions 36, 38 to provide a surface for receiving the rider's boots. One embodiment of the insole is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As shown, the insole 92 includes an inclined toe support 94 and a heel support 96 that connect to the binding 20, respectively. The insole 92 also includes a retainer device 44 and a central portion 98 overlying the inner base portion 36 and the outer base portion 38 of the binding.

  The center portion 98 of the insole is raised from the binding when the binding is attached to or removed from the snowboard, or when the binding position is adjusted, to allow access to the base portion of the binding 44. Can receive. As shown in FIG. 11A, the central portion 98 is connected to the tilted toe support 94 by the living hinge 100, although other types of connections are possible. This hinge makes it possible to pivot upwards while the central part remains connected to the binding.

The insole can be coupled to the binding in a number of ways. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the inclined toe support 94 of the insole 92 is fastened to a bridge 52 that connects the toe end of the binding inner region and the toe end of the outer region. The heel support 96 includes a clip that is received in a groove at the heel end of the binding. It will be appreciated that other connections are also possible.
[Example]

  Tests were conducted to characterize the impact of bindings constructed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention on board flex. The test includes an EST® baseless binding, hinged hold-down device, generally used with a channel mounting system generally similar to that shown in US 2008 / 0030000A1, as shown generally in FIG. It was implemented for a structured binding and a conventional TRIAD (R) tray binding including a conventional presser disc. Each binding was composed of a common material (plastic formed by a selective laser sintering (SLS) prototyping process) and was of a medium size configured for the rider's right foot. A 2009 Hero® snowboard with a channel mounting system was used for each test. A fourth test was performed on a snowboard without binding for comparison.

Table 1 shows the results of the three-point bending test. The board / binding assembly was supported at two points outside the inner and outer sides of the binding and were separated by a distance of 480 mm. A tension / compression tester was used to deflect the third point of the board / binding assembly positioned in the footrest area of the binding, 40 mm below. The amount of force required to achieve 40 mm deflection was recorded for each board / binding assembly and is shown in Table 1 below. A three point bend test was also performed on a board without binding. As can be seen from the test results, a little force is required to bend the board with the binding with the hinged holding device (Test 2) compared to the conventional tray binding (Test 3).

Table 2 below shows the changes in load and percentage in stiffness associated with each of the binding / board combinations (Tests 1-3 in FIG. 1) after reducing the board-only stiffness (Test 4 in FIG. 1). Table 2 also shows the percentage increase in stiffness associated with each binding relative to the board only (the binding with the hinged retaining disc (Test 2) is less rigid than the conventional binding (Test 3)).

A second test was performed to determine the stiffness of each binding described above with respect to Table 1, excluding the flex characteristics of the board. Each binding was mounted on a snowboard that was split in two edge-to-edge directions under the binding mounting surface. The split board / binding assembly was supported on two rollers outside the inner and outer sides of the binding and separated by a distance of 135 mm. Using a tension / compression tester, deflect the third point of the split board / binding assembly centered in the binding footrest area with a force of 300 N, here the split board / binding The deflection and stiffness were recorded. Table 3 below shows the results of this test. Again, the binding with the hinged retainer is less rigid than the conventional tray binding.

  It is to be understood that aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to figures that illustrate exemplary embodiments according to aspects of the invention. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to illustrate all aspects of the invention, but are used to describe some exemplary embodiments. For example, while aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to snowboard bindings for use in combination with snowboards, aspects of the present invention may be used with any suitable sliding board and corresponding bindings including wakes, skis, and the like. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are not intended to be narrowly configured in light of the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used singly or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.

  While several aspects of at least one embodiment of the invention have been described, it will be appreciated that various alternatives, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only.

Claims (158)

A holding device for attaching the binding base to the sliding board,
A first rigid retainer portion disposed to engage a complementary retainer portion receiving area of the binding base to secure the binding base to the sliding board;
A second rigid retainer portion, the second rigid retainer portion disposed to engage the complementary retainer portion receiving area of the binding base and to secure the binding base to the sliding board;
A bent connecting portion that interconnects the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion, and that allows the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion to move relative to each other;
Including a holding device.   The pressing device according to claim 1, wherein the bending connecting portion divides the pressing device into a first rigid inner portion and a second rigid outer portion.   2. The pressing device according to claim 1, wherein the bending connecting portion includes a turning shaft in which the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion are movable with respect to each other.   The pressing device according to claim 1, wherein the bent connecting portion includes a hinge.   The pressing device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion includes a curved outer edge.   The pressing device according to claim 1, wherein the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion have an hourglass shape.   A plurality of teeth in each of the first rigid retainer portion and the second rigid retainer portion, the binding base corresponding to the binding base being disposed relative to the retainer disc at one of a plurality of different angular positions. The pressing device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of teeth engageable with the teeth to be engaged.   The bent connection portion is positioned at a central portion of the pressing device, and the first rigid pressing portion has a binding base engaging member facing toward the central portion for resisting undesired distortion of the binding. 2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the second rigid outer retainer portion includes a binding base engagement member that faces toward the central portion and resists undesirable distortion of the binding.   9. The first rigid retainer portion includes a groove, the second rigid retainer portion includes a groove, and the first and second binding base engaging members partially define each groove. The holding device as described.   The pressing device according to claim 9, wherein the grooves are on a common radius.   The pressing device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second binding base engaging members are bowl-shaped.   The hold-down device of claim 9, wherein each of the grooves is defined by a body portion and a lip portion, the body portion extending lower than the lip portion.   The presser according to claim 1, further comprising at least one anti-rotation, wherein the presser further includes at least one anti-rotation that can cooperate with the anti-rotation of the binding base to limit the angular direction of the binding base with respect to the presser device. apparatus.   The pressing device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one angle indicating mark of the rigid pressing portion that indicates a direction of the binding base with respect to the pressing device.   The presser device of claim 1, further comprising at least two openings or slots adapted to received fasteners for securing the presser device to the sliding board.   At least two openings or slots including a body portion and a lip and adapted to a received fastening portion for securing the retainer to the sliding board are located in the body portion and are a plurality of teeth, the binding base being The presser according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of teeth are located on the lip, engageable with corresponding teeth of the binding base to be positioned relative to the presser device at one of a plurality of different angular positions. apparatus.   The pressing device according to claim 1, which is combined with a binding base.   The holding device according to claim 17, wherein the binding base is a snowboard binding base.   The presser device according to claim 1, which is combined with a sliding board.   The pressing device according to claim 19, wherein the sliding board is a snowboard. A holding device for attaching the binding base to the sliding board,
A first rigid pressing portion arranged to be mounted in a complementary holding portion receiving area of the binding base, the first portion for resisting binding distortion facing the central portion and the central portion. A first rigid pressing portion including a binding base engaging member;
A second rigid presser part arranged to be mounted in a complementary presser part receiving area of the binding base, the second part for resisting binding distortion facing the central part and the central part A second rigid pressing portion including a binding base engaging member;
Including a holding device.   22. The first rigid retainer portion includes a groove, the second rigid retainer portion includes a groove, and the first and second binding base engagement members partially define each groove. Holding device.   23. The hold down device of claim 22, wherein each of the grooves is defined by a body portion and a lip portion, the body portion extending below the lip portion.   The pressing device according to claim 23, wherein the first groove and the second groove are on a common radius.   The pressing device according to claim 21, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are bowl-shaped.   A plurality of teeth on each of the first and second hold-down portions, engageable with complementary teeth on the binding base to allow rotation adjustment of the binding base relative to the first and second hold-down portions. The holding device according to claim 21, further comprising a plurality of teeth.   The pressing device according to claim 21, further comprising at least one angle indicating mark of the rigid pressing portion that indicates a direction of the binding base with respect to the pressing device.   The at least one detent further comprising at least one detent that is cooperable with a binding base detent to limit the angular orientation of the binding base relative to the hold-down device. Holding device.   The pressing device according to claim 21, wherein each of the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion includes a curved outer edge.   The pressing device according to claim 21, wherein the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion have an hourglass shape.   24. The hold down device of claim 21, further comprising at least two openings or slots adapted to received fasteners for securing the hold down device to the sliding board.   24. The hold down device of claim 21, including a body portion and a lip portion, wherein the body portion extends lower than the lip portion.   At least two openings or slots in the body portion and a plurality of teeth of the lip, the binding base being in a plurality of different angular positions, adapted to a received fastening for securing the pressing device to the sliding board 33. The retainer of claim 32, further comprising a plurality of teeth engageable with corresponding teeth of the binding base such that one of the teeth is disposed relative to the retainer.   The holding device according to claim 21, which is combined with a binding base.   The holding device according to claim 34, wherein the binding base is a snowboard binding base.   The holding device according to claim 21, which is combined with a sliding board.   The holding device according to claim 36, wherein the sliding board is a snowboard.   By being a pressing device for mounting the binding base to the sliding board, it is a first rigid pressing portion, and is attached to the complementary pressing portion receiving area of the binding base at a plurality of different angular positions with respect to the binding base. A first rigid pressing portion and a second rigid pressing portion arranged to be attached to the complementary pressing portion receiving area of the binding base at a plurality of different angular positions with respect to the binding base. A rigid hold-down portion and at least one rotation stop that is cooperable with the binding base rotation stop and limits the angular position of the binding base relative to the hold-down device; Holding device.   39. The retainer of claim 38, wherein the first and second retainer portions include outer edges, and the anti-rotation includes a shoulder at each outer edge.   The pressing device according to claim 38, wherein the at least one rotation stop includes a first rotation stop of the first rigid pressing portion and a second rotation stop of the second rigid pressing portion.   39. The pressing device according to claim 38, wherein the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion have an hourglass shape.   39. The retainer of claim 38, further comprising at least two openings or slots adapted to received fasteners for securing the retainer to the sliding board.   39. The hold down device of claim 38, including a body portion and a lip portion, wherein the body portion extends lower than the lip portion.   At least two openings or slots in the body portion and a plurality of teeth of the lip, the binding base being in a plurality of different angular positions, adapted to a received fastening for securing the pressing device to the sliding board 44. The retainer of claim 43, further comprising a plurality of teeth engageable with corresponding teeth of the binding base to be disposed relative to the retainer at one of the two.   A plurality of teeth on each of the first and second hold-down portions, engageable with complementary teeth on the binding base to allow rotation adjustment of the binding base relative to the first and second hold-down portions. 39. The hold down device of claim 38, further comprising a plurality of teeth.   39. The retainer of claim 38, further comprising at least one angle indicating mark on the rigid retainer portion that indicates a binding base orientation relative to the retainer.   39. The holding device according to claim 38, combined with a binding base.   The holding device according to claim 47, wherein the binding base is a snowboard binding base.   39. The hold down device according to claim 38, combined with a sliding board.   The pressing device according to claim 49, wherein the sliding board is a snowboard.   A pressing device for mounting a binding base on a sliding board, the mounting base being arranged to be mounted on an inner inner region of the binding base, and receiving a fastening portion for mounting the first rigid pressing portion on the sliding board A first rigid hold-down portion including at least one opening or slot arranged in such a manner as to be attached to the inner and outer regions of the binding base and for attaching the second rigid hold-down portion to the sliding board A second rigid pressing portion including at least one opening or slot disposed to receive the fastening portion, and extending along an arcuate portion of each of the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion A plurality of teeth, wherein the inner base region and the inner outer region of the binding base are in one of a plurality of different angular positions. A plurality of teeth engageable with each corresponding tooth; and when the pressing device mounts the binding base on the sliding board, the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion are arranged on the sliding board. A pressing device comprising: a hinge connecting the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion so as to be movable with respect to each other according to a bending force.   52. The retainer device of claim 51, comprising a body portion and a lip portion, wherein the body portion extends lower than the lip portion.   The at least two openings or slots of each of the first and second rigid retainer portions are located in the body portion and the plurality of teeth extending along an arcuate portion of each of the rigid outer and inner portions 53. The retainer of claim 52, wherein is located on the lip.   52. The pressing device according to claim 51, wherein the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion have an hourglass shape.   52. The pressing device according to claim 51, wherein each of the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion includes a curved outer edge.   The hinge is positioned at a central portion of the retainer; the first rigid retainer portion has a binding base engagement member facing the central portion to resist undesired distortion of the binding; and 52. The retainer of claim 51, wherein the second rigid outer retainer portion has a binding base engagement member that faces toward the central portion to resist unwanted distortion of the binding.   57. The first rigid retainer portion includes a groove, the second rigid retainer portion includes a groove, and the first and second binding base engaging members partially define each groove. Holding device.   58. The hold down device of claim 57, wherein each groove is on a common radius.   58. The retainer device of claim 57, wherein each of the grooves is defined by a body portion and a lip portion, the body portion extending lower than the lip portion.   52. The retainer of claim 51, further comprising at least one angle indicating mark on the rigid retainer portion that indicates a binding base orientation relative to the retainer.   52. The holding device according to claim 51, combined with a binding base.   62. The pressing device according to claim 61, wherein the binding base is a snowboard binding base.   A sliding board binding base, an inner region including an inner sidewall and an inner base portion, and an outer region including an outer sidewall and an outer base portion, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion is the inner Positioned between a side wall and the outer side wall to define a holding device mounting area together, the outer base portion and the inner base portion being separated so as to be spaced apart from each other, the inner and outer base portions Each including a plurality of teeth engageable with complementary teeth of the retainer so that the binding base is attachable to the retainer at one of a plurality of different angular positions relative to the retainer To resist distortion of the binding base located at the inner base portion and facing toward the inner sidewall. A holding device engaging member located in said outer base portion, facing towards the outer side wall, including a hold-down device engaging member to resist distortion of the binding base, the binding base.   64. The binding base of claim 63, further comprising a bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base.   64. A binding base according to claim 63, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   66. The binding base of claim 65, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   65. The binding base of claim 64, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bend promoting member.   64. The binding base of claim 63, further comprising a heel hoop that connects the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   69. The binding base of claim 68, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   64. The binding base of claim 63, wherein each of the inner base portion engaging member and the outer base portion engaging member extends along an arcuate portion.   64. The binding base of claim 63, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion includes an arcuate groove partially defined by the respective engagement member.   72. A binding base according to claim 71, wherein each of the grooves comprises the plurality of teeth.   The binding device according to claim 72, wherein each engaging member protrudes over the plurality of teeth.   64. A binding base according to claim 63, wherein the outer engagement member faces toward the outer sidewall and the inner engagement member faces toward the inner sidewall.   64. The at least one detent further comprising at least one detent that is cooperable with a detent of the retainer to limit the angular direction of the binding base relative to the retainer. Binding base.   64. A binding base according to claim 63 in combination with a hold-down device. With highback,
At least one snowboard boot retaining member;
64. The binding base of claim 63, further comprising:   A sliding board binding base, an inner region including an inner sidewall and an inner base portion, and an outer region including an outer sidewall and an outer base portion, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion is the inner Positioned between a side wall and the outer side wall to define a holding device mounting area together, the outer base portion and the inner base portion being separated so as to be spaced apart from each other, the inner and outer base portions Each including a plurality of teeth engageable with complementary teeth of the retainer so that the binding base is attachable to the retainer at one of a plurality of different angular positions relative to the retainer And at least one rotation stop, which engages with a corresponding rotation stop of the pressing device and Comprising at least one detent positioned to limit the angular position of the down feeding based, and binding base.   The binding base of claim 78, wherein the at least one detent includes a detent for each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion.   79. The plurality of teeth according to claim 78, wherein the plurality of teeth are located along an arcuate portion of each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion, and the at least one detent is located along the arcuate portion. Binding base.   The binding base of claim 78, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion includes a groove that includes the plurality of teeth, and wherein the at least one detent partially defines the groove.   79. A binding base according to claim 78, further comprising a bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base.   83. A binding base according to claim 82, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   84. The binding base of claim 83, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   83. A binding base according to claim 82, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bend promoting member.   81. The binding base of claim 80, further comprising a heel hoop that connects the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   The binding base according to claim 86, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   79. A binding base according to claim 78 in combination with a hold-down device. With highback,
At least one snowboard boot retaining member;
79. The binding base of claim 78, further comprising: A sliding board binding base, an inner region including an inner sidewall and an inner base portion, and an outer region including an outer sidewall and an outer base portion, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion is the inner Positioned between a side wall and the outer side wall to define a holding device mounting area together, the outer base portion and the inner base portion being separated so as to be spaced apart from each other, the inner and outer bases Each of the portions includes a plurality of teeth that are engageable with complementary teeth of the retainer such that the binding base is attachable to the retainer at one of a plurality of different angular positions relative to the retainer. An outer region; and a bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base;
Including binding base.   The binding base according to claim 90, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   92. The binding base of claim 91, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   The binding base according to claim 90, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bending promoting member.   The binding base of claim 90, further comprising a heel hoop that connects the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   95. The binding base of claim 94, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   The binding according to claim 90, in combination with a hold-down device. With highback,
At least one snowboard boot retaining member;
The binding base of claim 90, further comprising: A snowboard binding comprising: an inner side wall and an outer side wall; and a binding base including an inner base portion and an outer base portion, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion includes the inner side wall and the outer side wall. A binding base positioned between and defining a holding device mounting area together, wherein the outer base portion and the inner base portion are separated to be spaced apart from each other; and the binding base is mounted to the snowboard A pressing device arranged to be received by the pressing device receiving region for the pressing device, the pressing device including an inner portion and an outer portion, and a bent connection portion between the inner portion and the outer portion, Each of the inner and outer base portions is in front of the retainer A pressing device comprising a plurality of teeth engageable with complementary teeth of the inner and outer portions of the pressing device at a plurality of angular positions of a binding base; and at least one snowboard boot retaining member; When the holding device attaches the binding base to the snowboard, the inner base portion and the outer base portion are movable relative to each other according to the bending force of the snowboard.
binding.   99. The binding of claim 98, wherein the flex connection includes a hinge.   99. The binding of claim 98, further comprising a bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base.   The binding of claim 100, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   102. The binding of claim 101, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   101. The binding of claim 100, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bend promoting member.   99. The binding of claim 98, further comprising a heel hoop connecting the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   105. The binding of claim 104, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   99. The binding of claim 98, further comprising a highback.   99. The binding of claim 98, wherein the at least one snowboard boot retaining member is a binding strap.   99. The binding of claim 98, wherein the hold-down device further comprises at least two openings or slots adapted to receive fasteners for attaching the hold-down device to a snowboard.   A binding for a snowboard, comprising an inner side wall and an outer side wall, and an inner pressing part receiving area and an outer pressing part receiving area, each of the inner pressing part receiving area and the outer pressing part receiving area, Positioned between the inner side wall and the outer side wall and defining a pressing device mounting area together, the inner pressing part receiving area and the outer pressing part receiving area being separated so as to be spaced apart from each other; A binding base, and a first rigid first pressing portion arranged to be attached to the inner pressing portion receiving region of the binding base, wherein the central portion and the central portion and the surface facing the first rigid pressing portion A first binding base for resisting binding distortion A first rigid pressing portion including a joint member; a second rigid pressing portion disposed so as to be attached to the outer pressing portion receiving area of the binding base; a central portion; and the second rigid pressing portion A second rigid pressing portion including a second binding base engaging member for resisting binding distortion, facing the central portion of the portion and toward the binding; and each of the inner and outer base portions includes the pressing device A plurality of teeth engageable with complementary teeth of the inner pressing portion and the outer pressing portion of the pressing device at a plurality of angular positions of the binding base with respect to the at least one snowboard boot holding member, When the pressing device attaches the binding base to a snowboard, the inner base portion and the outer base portion The base portion and the first rigid pressing portion and the second rigid pressing portion in response to bending forces of the snowboard which is movable with respect to each other, binding.   110. The first rigid retainer portion includes a groove, the second rigid retainer portion includes a groove, and the first and second binding base engagement members partially define the respective grooves. The binding described.   112. The binding of claim 110, wherein each of the grooves is defined by a body portion and a lip portion, the body portion extending lower than the lip portion.   111. The binding of claim 110, wherein the first groove and the second groove are on a common radius.   110. The binding of claim 109, wherein the first engagement member and the second engagement member are bowl-shaped.   110. The binding of claim 109, further comprising a bend connection between the first rigid retainer portion and the second rigid retainer portion.   115. The binding of claim 114, wherein the flex connection includes a hinge.   110. The binding of claim 109, further comprising a bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base.   117. The binding of claim 116, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   118. The binding of claim 117, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   117. The binding of claim 116, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bend promoting member.   110. The binding of claim 109, further comprising a heel hoop connecting the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   121. The binding of claim 120, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   The binding of claim 109, further comprising a highback.   110. The binding of claim 109, wherein the at least one snowboard boot retaining member is a binding strap.   110. The binding of claim 109, wherein the hold-down device further comprises at least two openings or slots adapted to receive fasteners for attaching the hold-down device to a snowboard.   A snowboard binding comprising: an inner side wall and an outer side wall; and a binding base including an inner base portion and an outer base portion, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion includes the inner side wall and the outer side wall. A binding base positioned between and defining a retainer mounting area together, wherein the outer base portion and the inner base portion are separated to be spaced apart from each other; and the binding base to the snowboard A pressing device arranged to be received by the pressing device receiving area for mounting, the pressing device including a first portion and a second portion, and each of the inner and outer base portions is the pressing device The holding device at a plurality of angular positions of the binding base with respect to A plurality of teeth engageable with complementary teeth of the first and second portions, wherein the at least one rotation stop engages a corresponding rotation stop of the pressing device and The at least one rotation stop disposed on the binding base so as to limit the angular position of the binding base; and at least one snowboard boot holding member, wherein the pressing device attaches the binding base to the snowboard. The binding, wherein the inner base portion and the outer base portion and the inner portion and the outer portion are movable relative to each other in response to a bending force of the snowboard.   126. The binding of claim 125, wherein the first and second hold-down portions include outer edges and the detent includes a shoulder at each outer edge.   126. The binding of claim 125, wherein the at least one rotation stop includes a first rotation stop of the first rigid hold-down portion and a second rotation stop of the second rigid hold-down portion.   129. The binding of claim 125, further comprising a flex connection between the first rigid retainer portion and the second rigid retainer portion.   129. The binding of claim 125, wherein the flex connection includes a hinge.   129. The binding of claim 125, further comprising a bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base.   131. The binding of claim 130, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   132. The binding of claim 131, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   134. The binding of claim 130, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bend promoting member.   126. The binding of claim 125, further comprising a heel hoop that connects the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   135. The binding of claim 134, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   The binding of claim 125, further comprising a highback.   129. The binding of claim 125, wherein the at least one snowboard boot retaining member is a binding strap.   129. The binding of claim 125, wherein the retainer further comprises at least two openings or slots adapted to receive a fastener for attaching the retainer to a snowboard. A snowboard binding comprising: an inner side wall and an outer side wall; and a binding base including an inner base portion and an outer base portion, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion is formed on the inner side wall and the outer side wall. A binding base positioned between and defining a holding device mounting area together;
A pressing device arranged to be received by the pressing device receiving area for mounting the binding base on a snowboard, wherein the pressing device includes an inner portion and an outer portion, and an inner portion and an outer portion. Each of the inner and outer base portions is engageable with complementary teeth on the inner and outer portions of the retainer at a plurality of angular positions of the binding base relative to the retainer. A pressing device including a plurality of teeth, at least one snowboard boot retaining member,
Including bindings.   140. The binding of claim 139, further comprising a bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base.   143. The binding of claim 140, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   142. The binding of claim 141, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   140. The binding of claim 139, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bend promoting member.   140. The binding of claim 139, further comprising a heel hoop that connects the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   145. The binding of claim 144, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   137. The binding of claim 136 further comprising a highback.   140. The binding of claim 139, wherein the outer base portion and the inner base portion are coupled to form a circular retainer receiving area. A snowboard binding comprising: an inner side wall and an outer side wall; and a binding base including an inner base portion and an outer base portion, wherein each of the inner base portion and the outer base portion includes the inner side wall and the outer side wall. A binding base positioned between and defining a retainer attachment area together, wherein the outer base portion and the inner base portion are separated to be spaced apart from each other;
A holding device arranged to be received by the holding device receiving area for attaching the binding base to a snowboard, wherein the holding device includes a first part and a second part, and the inner and outer base parts Each comprising a plurality of teeth engageable with complementary teeth of the first and second portions of the retainer at a plurality of angular positions of the binding base relative to the retainer;
At least one snowboard boot retaining member;
A bridge connecting the outer region to the inner region at a toe end of the binding base, and when the pressing device attaches the binding base to a snowboard, the inner base portion, the outer base portion, and the presser The binding wherein the first and second parts of the device are movable relative to each other in response to the bending force of the snowboard.   149. The binding of claim 148, wherein the bridge has a thickness and a width, the width being greater than the thickness.   150. The binding of claim 149, wherein the bridge has a bottom surface, the inner and outer base regions have a bottom surface, and the bottom surfaces of the inner and outer base regions are lower than the bridge bottom surface.   149. The binding of claim 148, wherein the bridge includes a bridge bend promoting member.   149. The binding of claim 148, further comprising a heel hoop connecting the inner and outer sidewalls at a heel end region of the binding base.   153. The binding of claim 152, wherein the heel hoop includes a heel hoop bend promoting member.   149. The binding of claim 148, further comprising a bend connection between the first rigid retainer portion and the second rigid retainer portion.   149. A binding according to claim 148, wherein the flex connection includes a hinge.   The binding of claim 148, further comprising a highback.   149. The binding of claim 148, wherein the at least one snowboard boot retaining member is a binding strap.   149. The binding of claim 148, further comprising at least two openings or slots adapted to receive fasteners for mounting the hold-down device to a snowboard.