Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1
RETRACTABLE GUIDE MEANS FOR A SNOWBOARD
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to guide means for snowboards and a method for
propelling
the snowboard in a desired direction.
BACKGROUND ART
Snowboards have gained popularity and acclaim over the years, rising from a
recreational sport or hobby to a recognized Olympic sport. As such,
innovations
from materials used in snowboard construction to bindings have resulted in
high
performance boards and binding systems adapted for many different types of
uses, such as for slalom, freestyle, etc.
One drawback of today's snowboard is that during non-downhill motion, forward
movement is difficult to control. For example, moving to and from the lift,
chalet or
otherwise getting from one point to another along a flat surface or stretch,
is a
difficult and labourious process, especially without hawing the benefit of any
previous substantial momentum. Typically, snowboards, generally have a flat or
convex bottom surfaces, which tend to slip or slide sideways as their design
is
intended for manoeuvring down a ski slope rather than for gliding or moving in
a
controlled straight path along a flat surface. In order to get from a starting
point to
the lift, the rider has to either completely remove his or her feet from the
binding
systems and walk, or at least remove one foot or boot from a binding and push
the
snowboard along with the opposite foot while trying to adjust for the sideways
slide or slippage of the board while maintaining his balance.
In the prior art, Pritchard US 6,220,631 discloses a skeg structure in which a
2
snowboard is provided with skegs extending complEaely through the board and
which are in certain embodiments mounted at the rear of the board. The skegs
are generally held in a locked position, and are stated to be useful for
tracking and
stability over snow surfaces. In the arrangement disclosed, the skeg is
manually
lowered into snow contact and maintained in the position with a thumb-screw
forcing the skeg into continuous contact with the snow.
In contrast to the arrangement of the present invention, this reference does
not
have a guide in which the user while engaging a harness or binding mechanism,
can lower and raise the guide means into and out of operative position, when
it is
desired to move or glide across a flat surface, as opposed to downhill usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention also provides a combination of a binding and guide means
which can be mounted to a conventional snowboard where the snowboard is
provided with a recess for the guide means. In particular, the provision of a
binding and guide means can thus provide existing snowboards with added
features, which heretofore were not available in the post-market field whereby
existing snowboards could be modified to provide improved characteristics.
The present invention addresses the above problem by providing a means to
allow a rider to turn the binding in-line with the snowboard and a second
means
to facilitate tracking of the board. The tracking means consists of a
retractable
skate or blade which the rider may push down to act as a guide fin, blade keel
or
the like, under the snowboard when pushing or skating , for' example when
travelling along a flat or going to or from a lift line. According to one
aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a retractable guide blade which allows a
user
to push or skate in a manner similar to that of a technique used for pushing a
skateboard and move, or push forward without sliding sideways. By turning at
least the front foot, it is less stressful on the knees and provides for a
much more
ergonomic or natural position while pushing the board with one foot.
3
In accordance with the present invention and in accordance with one embodiment
thereof, there is provided a snowboard having a binding and retractable guide
means, said guide means comprising a movable blade movable between a first
retracted position within said board and a second e;~tended position
exteriorly of a
bottom surface of said board, said guide means and said binding means being
operatively associated with one another, with said guide means being movable
between said first and second positions by said binding.
In the above embodiment, preferably the board includes spaced apart upper and
bottom surtaces with a core therebetween, said core having an aperture
extending
inwardly from said bottom surface and adapted to receive said blade when in a
retracted position.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention thus provides a mufti-position
binding system a retractable blade which aids a user to control the forward
movement of a snowboard.
The present invention thus allows the user to have a more ergonomic stance and
position during a controlled forward movement through the combination of a
multi-
position binding system having a retractable guide blade.
In another aspect of the present invention , a preferred form of the
retractable
guide means is where the guide means comprises a movable blade movable
between a first retracted position within the board and a second extended
position
exteriorly of a bottom surface of the board, where the blade means has an
actuation means associated with a binding for raising and lowering the blade
between a first and second position.
In another aspect of the present invention, the guide means comprises at least
one movable blade movable between a first retracted position within a board
and
a second extended position exteriorly of a bottom surface of a board.
A preferred form of means for retaining the blade comprises an insert formed
into
the core of a snowboard, where the insert has a flexible structure adapted to
engage opposed sides of the blade, wherein the flexible structure is
positioned
within the aperture to prevent snow or ice interfering with movement of the
blade.
According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a binding
suitable for use with a snowboard, the combination of binding means and guide
means, the guide means comprising a movable blade movable between a first
retracted position within a snowboard and a second extended position
exteriorly of
a bottom surface of a snowboard; the binding mean, comprising a binding
adapted to be secured to a snowboard and to retain a snowboard user's foot;
the
binding means being operatively associated with said guide means when
assembled to a snowboard to thereby actuate said movable blade to place said
blade in said second extended position.
According to the above embodiment, desirably the guide means includes an
insert
adapted to be positioned in an aperture in a snowboard to receive the blade of
the
guide means when in a retracted position, the insert comprising a flexible
housing
adapted to engage opposed sides of the blade when the blade is in a retracted
position in a snowboard to prevent snow or ice interfering with the movement
of
the blade.
Again, according to a preferred form of the above embodiment, the binding
includes rotatable means operatively associated with said guide means whereby
rotation of said rotatable means of said binding lowers said blade from said
first
position to said second position.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the above arrangement, the binding
means comprises a rotatable assembly rotatable between first and second
positions, the assembly including a swivel plate, guide means for guiding the
swivel plate between the first and second positions, nneans for retaining the
rotatable assembly fixedly secured to an upper surface of the snowboard.
5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to
the
accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a guide blade ;according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the guide means positioned within a
guide
blade holder ;
Figure 3 is a cross section view taken along lines of Figure 4 and guide blade
insert within a core of a snowboard;
Figure 4 is an exploded view of the insert showing the guide blade and the
guide
blade holder;
Figure 5 is a bottom elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a guide
blade holder ;
Figure 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a blade and housing ;
Figure 7 is a side view of an improved snowboard according to a preferred
embodiment;
Figure 8 is a top view of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a top view of the snowboard of Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a front view of a portion of a snowboard showing a blade in a
retracted position;
Figure 10A is a front view of a blade in Figure 10;
Figure 11 is a front view of alternative embodiment of the blade of Figure 10,
shown in a retracted position;
Figure 11 A is a front view of the blade of Figure 11 in an extended position
;
Figure 12 is a top view of a snowboard according to the present invention
illustrating preset binding positions during normal use , and
Figure 13 is a top view of the snowboard of Figure 12 illustrating bindings in
a
skating position .
Figure 14 is a top view of a swivel type rotatable binding with skate ;
Figure 15 is a bottom view of Figure 14 ;
Figure 16 is a side view of the swivel plate of Figure 14;
Figure 17 is an side elevational view of a guide blade insert, and
Figure 18 is a front view of a composite retractable guide blade insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, the system of the present invention provides a
snowboard having a binding, and means associated with the binding for raising
and towering guide means. For ease of explanation, reference will be made to
the guide means initially, with the binding components described as being in
association therewith.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a
7
retractable guide means for snowboards, including an actuation guide 10, an
aperture 160, a skate or blade holder 20, and guide means in the form of a
skate
or blade 40. The blade or skate 40 as discussed herein is understood to
incorporate retractable guide means, such as a skate, blade or the like which
in
use extends from a recessed position within the snowboard to act as a keel or
rudder, to provide positive traction when the rider is pushing the board.
Similarly,
the aperture 160 as discussed herein is understood to incorporate shapes or
combination of shapes, which allow for the blade to extend from within the
aperture through the bottom of the snowboard.
As illustrated in Figures 1 through 6, there is provided a guide means for use
in
conjunction with the binding. The guide means is in the form of a skate or a
blade
40, which provides positive traction for the rider of the snowboard 150 when
in an
extended or in use position. In use, the blade 40 may act as a keel or ridge
to
provide positive traction. As illustrated, the blade 40 includes retaining or
locking
pins 13 or other suitable means adapted to moveably retain or lock the blade
40
within the actuation guide 10 through a blade holder 20. A blade holder is
part of
the binding sub-plate or can be independently held in the snowboard core.
Desirably, a conventional snowboard 150 would be K>rovided with a slot or
corresponding aperture 160 adapted to receive the blade 40 along a
substantially
longitudinal axis to the board. Most desirably, the aperture 160 is positioned
beneath the binding or binding system mounting area, as this location or
position
of the retractable guide means optimizes control of the board by the user
during
skating or pushing of the board.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the member 10 includes a guide or groove 22,
having a
form of a generally S-shape or configuration. The retaining pins 13 of the
guide
blade 40 are adapted to inserted into the S-shaped guide 22. In use, the
actuation
guide 10 is rotated by the binding (described hereinafter) which allows the
pins to
travel along the guide 22 and allows the blade 40 to lower or raise, thus
extending
or retracting the guide blade 40 from a recessed position within the snowboard
150 or snowboard core 155. The actuation guide 10 may be used in combination
with a binding plate or attachment plate of a modified snowboard binding
system,
or may be a separate element adapted to attach to a conventional binding
systems. In the present embodiment, the actuation guide 10 is adapted to
rotate
between a first position and at least one second position, where as the
actuation
guide 10 rotates, the skate or guide blade holder 22 engages with the pins 13
which, from a retracted position within the snowboard, forces the blade 40 in
a
downward direction extending at least a portion of the blade 40 from
underneath
the snowboard.
In the above example, when the rider's foot, mounted preferably in a binding,
is
turned in line with the longitudinal axis of the board, the holder 22 is
rotatably
driven, thus forcing the member 40 to move downwardly relative to the board
via a
cam-like action. This in tum forces the blade 40 to extend below the lower
face of
the snowboard to provide a keel-tike function. When the rider rotates his foot
in
the opposite direction, the actuation guide 10 rotates, causing the skate
holder 20
draw the blade 40 in an upward direction, thereby ensuring that when the users
foot is in a first or non-actuated position, the blade portion is recessed
within the
core of the snowboard.
The blade 40 may be positioned either in a slot andlor recess 160 directly in
the
snowboard, or alternatively the blade portion could be used with an insert or
holder 20, adapted to hold or guide the blade. Preferably, the blade 40 is
provided with at least one angular or sloping end surface 44, which is curved
to
provide a smooth or curved surface for providing the keel-like function.
As previously mentioned, the present invention also provides a combination of
a
binding and guide means, which can be used to be mounted on any conventional
type of snowboard. In such an arrangement, the snowrboard may be provided with
a suitable aperture or recess to receive the guide means or alternatively,
snowboards provided with pre-formed apertures may be used. In that
arrangement, the binding can be mounted to the snowboard above the aperture
by suitable means and the guide means inserted into the aperture and then
operatively connected to the binding. Depending on the type of binding (e.g.
one
which uses a rotatable plate as described hereinafter), the binding will be
directly
9
or indirectly connected to the guide means to actuate the same.
Desirably, the pins or extrusions 13 are coated with a non-stick material, a
rubberized coating or may be formed from a rubberized material , i.e.,
silicone ,
urethane or other flexible, elastic material. This non-stick coating material
could
also be selected from the group including Teflon or nylon, combinations
thereof
or derivatives thereof. Alternatively, the pins could bye replaced by bushings
or the
like.
In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the
retractable
blade means 40 is adapted to be used as an insert, and placed within a recess
or
suitable housing within the snowboard 150 or snowboard core 155.
Figure 3 illustrates the retractable blade means as positioned within a
snowboard
150 in a retracted or non-use position. As illustrated, the blade 40 is in a
retracted
position within the skate or guide blade holder 20, which is positioned
immediately
or substantially directly beneath the binding system tar actuation guide 10 of
the
snowboard 150. Actuation guide 10 as shown includes a binding engaging
surface, which when actuated by the rider or user, engages with an upper
portion
50 of the blade 40 through the apertures 70, which extends at least a portion
of
the blade 40 through the skate holder 20 and thus extends the blade 40 beneath
the bottom surface 130 of the snowboard 150. The blade 40 includes a lower
surface 90, and in the preferred embodiment is flush or co-planar with the
bottom
surtace 130 of the snowboard 150 when in a normal ~or non-actuated use.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the blade 40 and the skate or blade
holder
20. As illustrated, there is provided for use with a snowboard 150, a
generally T-
shaped skate holder 20 having apertures 70, and is adapted to house therein a
skate or blade 40. Blade 40 according to the present embodiment may be in the
form of an elongated U, or C-shaped configuration, having a bottom 41, and
opposed ends 42 and 43, wherein at least one end includes curved or a sloped
surface 44. Desirably, flexible material 30 is positioned between the ends 42
and
43, and is affixed through conventional means (i.e., bonded, glued or the
like) to
10
the interior portion 110 of the skate or blade 40. The blade 40 has an upper
surface 50 of opposed ends 42 and 43 which are adapted to protrude through
apertures 70. Apertures 70 are adapted to permit the upper portions 50
to protrude there through to operatively engage with binding engagement
surface
of the actuation guide 10.
Flexible material 30 as illustrated includes an upper surface 60, which in use
is
adapted to be affixed to the upper portion 120 of the interior of the holder
20. The
flexible material 30, such as silicone, urethane, or the like, is preferably
fabricated
from conventional materials able to remain flexible under cold conditions, and
desirably retains a "memory" which enables the material to easily return to
its
original shape. Such materials could include non-stick coatings, such as
Teflon or
the like, and or other rubberized coatings as described above.
Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the skate or blade holder
20,
having a generally rounded or ovoid exterior configuration, and an interior
which is
adapted to receive the blade 40 as described herein. An upper surface 120 is
shown positioned between apertures 70, which in use, is adapted to receive the
upper portion 60 of the flexible material 30. As described above, the upper
surface
60 of the flexible material 30 is adhered to the upper interior surface 120 of
the
holder 20 through any conventional means.
In a still further alternative embodiment, Figure 6 illu;9trates an elongated
blade 40
located within a housing 11. Housing 11 may be affixed to the upper surface
132
of a snowboard 150, and is adapted to receive a boot or other conventional
binding systems. The blade 40 extends through a slot 160 or aperture within
the
core 155 of the board 150, when actuated by suitable actuation means.
Desirably,
the bottom surface 90 of the guide blade 40 is flush or co-planar with the
bottom
surface 130 of the board 150 when in a non-actuated position.
A further embodiment is shown in Figures 7 through 13. A modified snowboard
150 as illustrated in Figure 7 includes an upper surface 132, a bottom surface
130, a continuous side 140, a forward or front portion 144, a rear or tail
portion
11
146 and a blade or skate portion 40 (shown in an extended position). As
illustrated, the front or forward facing portion 144 is preferably angled in
an
upward direction, while the rear portion or tail 146 is also angled in a
generally
upward direction. It is understood that the present invention may be adapted
for
use with various types of snowboards, for example, carving boards, boards
designed for powder or slalom boards, etc., or the like, and that the present
invention described herein is not limited to such.
Bindings 170 and 180 are positioned on the upper surface 132 of the snowboard
150 in a conventional manner, and may be mounted according to industry
standards or dimensions in appropriate mounting areas suitable to the
requirements of the board and its intended use.
Figure 7 illustrates a modified snowboard 150. As shown, the modified
snowboard
150 is provided with a blade or skate 40, which, when actuated by rotation of
the
binding by the rider, extends from the bottom surface 130 of the snowboard 150
to
provide guide means to aid the user in controlling the direction of the
snowboard
150 when being pushed or propelled by the rider, which may also be referred to
as scooting, skating or pushing. The blade or skate 40 when not in use is
recessed within the core 155 of the snowboard 150, and is described in greater
detail below.
In a preferred alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the modified
snowboard 150 includes multi-position front and rear bindings 170 and 180
respectively, are able to pivot from a first position to at least a second
position. As
illustrated in this example, the skate or blade portion 40 is positioned
beneath the
foremost or front binding 170. Desirably, the snowbo2ird may include one blade
40
by rotation of the binding. The actuating device 10 may be integrated with the
binding 170 such that when the binding 170 is rotated between a non-use and in-
use position, a portion of the blade 40 is extended or retracted. As the rider
or
user rotates the binding between the preset positions, the skate or blade
portion
extends through the insert 20 within the core 155 c~f the snowboard 150, and
protrudes from the bottom surface 130 of the board 155 such that the blade 40
will
12
act as a keel or rudder for the snowboard 150 to help stabilize the board
while the
user or rider is pushing or steering the board during skating.
The actuating means or device 10 may be of any conventional construction, that
is
adapted to extend and retract the blade 40 when desired. Preferably, the
actuating means 10 includes a lever or cam wherein the rider actuates the
blade
40 by lifting the lever or cam to extend the blade from within the insert 20
while
rotating the binding.
Typically, snowboards have a generally minimal board thickness. Snowboard
manufacturers design various boards for various purposes such as carving ,
freestyle etc., and the thickness of the boards will vary depending on the
function
of the board. Desirably, the blade 40 is mounted immediately below the
bindings
or mounting areas for the bindings (170 or 180). The blade 40, for exemplary
purposes only, may extend from the bottom surface 30 of the snowboard 150
from approximately a .05 of a millimetre to a few centimetres, and preferably
has a
length from about 1 to 30 centimetres, and most pref~arably in the range of 5
to 20
centimetres. As understood, the extended length and width of the blade 40 will
vary depending on the length and thickness of the board and the design or
purpose of the board.
Figure 9 is an alternative embodiment wherein the snowboard 150 is provided
with a pair of blades 40, each blade mounted or positioned beneath the
bindings
170 and 180. Desirably, each blade 40 and actuating device 10 could be affixed
and operated in the same manner as described above and in further detail
below.
In a further alternative, embodiment, the blade 40 and the actuating means 10
may be in the form of an insert, adapted for use with conventional bindings,
wherein an existing board may be modified to include the insert, as shown in
Figures 3 and 4.
The blade 40 is shown in greater in Figures 10 and 11 in a retracted or non-
use
position and an in-use or extended position. In Figure 10, the blade 40 is
shown
in a retracted position, for example during normal snornrboarding use or
activity.
13
The blade 40 is housed within the core 155 in a recess or slot 160, and is
affixed
within the slot or recess 160 through a flexible material 30. The flexible
material 30
may be of any conventional material known in the an, or other suitable
material
able to remain flexible under cold conditions. In the present embodiment,
flexible
material 30 may be injected, precast or adhered into place with the blade 40.
Flexible material 30 is preferably affixed to a portion of the blade 40, and
is
adapted to travel between a non-actuated position within the core 155 of the
snowboard 150 and an extended position wherein the flexible material 30 is
parallel with the bottom surface 130 of the snowboard 150. The actuating means
10, which may be used as either a stand alone device or in combination with
the
multi-position bindings, provides the necessary forces to retract or extend
the guide
means 40. Additionally, the blade 40 may be constructed of a material adapted
to
provide a non-stick surface. Examples of such type of materials would be
Teflon
type non stick material. Teflon or non stick coating materials could also be
employed to ensure a non-stick blade.
Figure 10a illustrates the blade portion 40 in an extended or in-use position.
As
shown, the flexible material 30 is co-planar with the bottom surface 130 of
the
snowboard 150 . This co-planarity ensures that the blade 40 is fully extended
to
allow for greater control of the board during a pushing, steering or skating
activity.
Figure 11 illustrates an alternative view of Figure 10, 'wherein the holder or
insert
20 and the guide blade 40 is replaced by a single T-shaped blade 40a, within a
recess 160a. Desirably, the skate or blade 40a preferably is, substantially co-
planar with the bottom surtace of the snowboard. As shown, flexible material
30a,
as selected from the above material, or alternatively springs or the like, is
affixed
to at least a portion of the t-shaped blade 40a in order to provide a
compressive
resilient or elastic member.
Figure 11 a illustrates the blade portion 40a in an extended or in-use
position. As
shown, the flexible material 30a has been compressed within the recess of the
board, and at least a portion of the blade 40a has been extended beneath the
bottom surface of the snowboard 150 .
14
Both Figures 10 and 11 can be used in conjunction vvith an insert 20 or 800 as
described below.
Figure 12 illustrates a snowboard 150 with the binding portions 170 and 180 in
an
in-use or snowboarding position. As illustrated, the bindings 170 and 180 are
in a
preset position for snowboarding, ensuring that the glade 40 is in a retracted
position. The preset position may be set using stops, releasable pins, quick
release levers or bindings etc., to ensure that the sn~owboard binding does
not
release or move to a difFerent setting.
Figure 13 illustrates a snowboard 150 where the bindings are in a steering or
skating position. The bindings 170 and 180 have been rotated such that the
users's
feet are positioned such that the guide means or bladle 40 has been extended
and the rider can maintain control over the direction of the board while
pushing with
the opposite foot.
Binding 170, as illustrated in Figure 139 has been rol:ated, in this example,
to allow
the users front foot to face towards the front 144 of tile snowboard 150. As
illustrated, the rotation of the front or foremost binding permits the rider
to engage
the blade 40 through the actuation means 10, or 20Ci, and to provide the user
a
more ergonomic body position in order to push or propel the board and the user
forward.
Alternatively, the present invention may be used in combination with rotatable
binding systems. Vllhen used in combination with roitatable bindings, where at
least one of the bindings (170 or 180) is able to swivel and engage with the
blade
40, such that the blade 40 is pushed or extended beneath the bottom surface
130
of the snowboard 150.
Figure 14 illustrates an alterative embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated, there is provided a swivel plate system incorporating a blade
suitable
for use with a retractable blade according to one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown, there is provided a multi-position rotatable binding and
skate
15
system generally indicated by reference number 50C~, which includes a swivel
plate or base 510, an anchor plate 550, a plurality ~~f slots or grooves 520
(shown
in phantom) including on at least one end 530 a tapered area thereof, a
generally
circular inner peripheral edge 534 for guiding the swivel plate 510 around
anchoring plate 550.
The combination of the binding shown in Figure 14, and the guide means
previously described, can be provided as a "set" which may be manufactured and
sold for application to any conventional sr,owboard, in which the snowboard is
either provided with a recess for receiving the guide means, or alternatively,
the
snowboard is modified to include such a recess or aperture. Thus, the binding
shown in Figure 14 may be subsequently mounted to the upper surface of a
snowboard over the area in which the recess is local:ed, and in turn, the
guide
means mounted in the recess by suitable securing mseans.
Anchor plate 550, as illustrated, is a generally circul<~r, and has a "T"
shaped
configuration when seen in profile as shown, and is adapted to hold the
rotatable
plate 510 against the snowboard surface 132. ~esirably, there is provided a
seal
545, shown in phantom lines, mounted to the swivel plate 510, proximate the
slots or grooves 520 which would prevent snow or ice from building up within
the
slots 520 or edges 530.
Suitable fastening means 560, such as mounting screws, are provided to secure
the anchor plate 550 to the snowboard 132. Compal:ible binding mounting means,
shown generally as reference numeral 565, may be used with conventional
snowboard binding systems. A boot catch structure, snot shown, such as a quick
release bindings or the like, may be utilized with the present embodiment as
part
of or in combination with the multiple position systems 500.
A skate blade 540 is shown in phantom lines mounted directly beneath the
swivel
plate 510 and retained within the core of a snowboard. Suitable slots, for
example
slot 160 as described above, or apertures under the swivel plate and suitable
actuation means, as described above, may be utilized to affix the retractable
blade
16
540 in operative association with the multi-position binding system 500.
Mounted to the anchor plate 550 are end engaging ;tops, 580 and 590. Stop 580
as shown is mounted to the plate 550. Adjustable stop 590 is adjustable
through
removable screws, pins or the tike, which are adapted to fit into
corresponding
apertures 592 in plate 550. In a normal snowboarding position, or use, the
adjustable stop 590 may be positioned by the rider into various apertures 592
in
order to set the rider's boot or binding to a desired angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of the board.
A release handle 600 is provided to disengage pin 570 from stops 580 and 590.
Handle 600 may be of a conventional type release handle, such as spring-
loaded,
cam operated, quick-release or the like, which is adapted to release the
swivel
plate 510 from a blade extended position to a blade retracted position. As
illustrated in Figure 14, the handle 600 is engaged with stop 580, which has
rotated the binding such that the skate 540, which is operatively mounted
beneath
the swivel plate 510, is in an extended or in-use position. ldVhen desired,
the rider
releases the handle 600 to disengage pin 570 from stop 580 from a skating or
pushing position, the rider positions the handle 600 to position the pin 570
to lock
the pin 570 into place within stop 590, or a snowboarding p~sition or pin 570
engages automatically when binding is rotated to the desired end position.
Figure 15 is a bottom view of Figure 14, illustrating thie slots or grooves
520, the
tapered areas 530 and a seal 545. The slots 520 allows for the swivel plate to
clear from engaging with an upper surface of the blaeie 540 when the swivel or
binding is in a snowboarding position. Tapered areas 530 are adapted to
provide
for the gradual engagement of the swivel plate 510 with an upper surface 50 of
a
skate or blade 40 as described above.
In use, as the swivel plate 510 is rotated and engage, with the upper surface
50
of the blade or skate, the plate 510 forces the blade LGO, not shown, from
within the
slot 160 into an in use or extended position beneath the lower surface of the
snowboard. The seal 545 as illustrated is positioned .adjacent the outside
facing
17
side or periphery of the slots 520. The seal 545 may be of a conventional
type,
able to remain flexible under cold conditions and is adapted to prevent snow
or ice
from entering the slots 520 or ends 530, such that rotation of the swivel
plate is
not impaired from snow or ice plugging the slots or grooves.
Figure 16 illustrates an enlarged view of the swivel plate 510 in position
around
the anchor plate 550. As shown, the anchor plate 5:i0 is adapted to center and
guide the swivel plate in position.
Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the retractable guide means 700, illustrating
a
mounting plate 775, including suitable fastening means 720 to affix the guide
700
to a snowboard. Desirably, fastening means 72~ may also be used to mount
thereto conventional bindings, or other binding or mounting systems
eliminating
the need of pre-installed threaded inserts.
Figure 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a retractable guide means
including an insert 800. Snowboards are often manuifactured from a variety or
materials, and as such various types of snowboards may be formed from multiple
layers of different material. Such snowboards, when an aperture or slot is
formed
therein, may require additional support. Insert 800 a:. illustrated is
provided with a
movable blade 840, an upper portion 810 and a lower corresponding portion 820.
Mounting screws 815 are provided to secure the upper and lower portion to each
other. As shown, the two piece insert 800 is adapted to be affixed to an upper
and
a lower surface (832 and 830 respectively of a snowboard. Desirably, the lower
or bottom portion 820 includes tapered edges 822, which provide additional
support to the board near the slot, and also serve to protect the base or
bottom
sliding surface.
In another alternative embodiment, the retractable blade may be formed as an
insert, having one or more sections, i.e. an upper and a lower section.
Desirably,
sections are adapted to be fitted onto a pre-existing s~nowboard, or may be
incorporated into the snowboard during its manufacture.
1~
In a still further alternative embodiment, the retractable guide blade may
have an
inverse configuration to the above embodiments, wherein the lower portion or
section is substantially larger than the upper portion or section and is
adapted to
house the blade. For example, the configuration of tree insert could be in an
inverse aT'° shape, where the actuation means would engage through from
an
upper surface of the snowboard.
The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and as such various
modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention. For example, various blade configurations could be used, as well as
various binding systems can be adapted for use with various types of blades or
guide means for different types of boards.
