Splitboard binding apparatus and systems

Abstract

In some embodiments, a binding apparatus is provided for use with a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode. Apparatus may include a binding interface that is configured to engage with multiple interfaces of a binding system. For example, a binding interface may be configured to engage with, or selectively attach to, two or more of a ride mode interface, a tour mode interface, a heel lock down interface, a heel riser interface, a riser and heel lock down interface, a crampon interface, and a snow shoe interface. A heel riser interface may comprise at least one height position configured to raise a user's heel while climbing an incline, such as a mountain or hill. The heel riser interface may also be configured to securely connect a heel of a binding interface to a splitboard.

1 . An apparatus for use on a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode, the apparatus comprising:
 a binding interface comprising a first attachment portion, a second attachment portion generally opposing the first attachment portion, and a third attachment portion disposed generally between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion;   wherein the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a ride mode interface of a splitboard in a ride mode configuration and the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a tour mode interface of a splitboard in a tour mode configuration;   wherein the first attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the ride mode interface to secure a first portion of the binding interface to the ride mode interface;   wherein the second attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to releasably couple a second portion of the binding interface to the ride mode interface such that the first portion of the binding interface generally opposes the second portion of the binding interface;   wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage more than one interface;   wherein the binding interface securely joins splitboard halves to form a snowboard when the binding interface is attached to the ride mode interface.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to the ride mode interface. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to the tour mode interface. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to a heel lock down interface when the binding interface is attached to the tour mode interface. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to selectively attach to a crampon interface. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage two or more of the following interfaces: the ride mode interface, the tour mode interface, a heel lock down interface, a heel riser interface, a riser and heel lock down interface, a crampon interface, and a snow shoe interface. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the third attachment portion is configured to engage a single interface at a given time. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the third attachment portion is configured to engage multiple interfaces simultaneously. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface comprises a retractable pin. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ride mode interface includes at least one toe receiving mechanism mounted to a first or second ski and at least one heel receiving mechanism mounted to the other of the first and second ski, and wherein the first attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the toe receiving mechanism of the ride mode interface and the second attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the heel receiving mechanism of the ride mode interface. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the more than one engagement portion comprises the toe receiving mechanism and the heel receiving mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the toe receiving mechanism at or near a seam of the splitboard. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the heel receiving mechanism at or near a seam of the splitboard. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the third attachment portion of the binding interface is configured to engage the ride mode interface to define a preload such that a seam of the splitboard is substantially pulled up to the binding interface. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the binding interface is configured to receive a boot. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the binding interface is integral with a boot. 
     
     
         17 . An system for use with a splitboard to convert the splitboard between a ride mode and a tour mode, the system comprising:
 a binding interface, wherein the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a ride mode interface of a splitboard in a ride mode configuration and the binding interface is configured to removably attach to a tour mode interface of a splitboard in a tour mode configuration; and   a heel riser interface comprising at least one height position configured to raise a user's heels while climbing, wherein at least one component of the heel riser interface is also configured to selectively lock a heel of the binding interface down when the binding interface is attached to the tour mode interface.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the heel riser interface comprises a base portion and a climbing wire. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one component of the heel riser interface comprises the climbing wire. 
     
     
         20 . A heel lock down interface for use with a splitboard binding attached to a tour mode of a splitboard binding apparatus, the heel lock down interface comprising a heel riser system comprising at least one component, wherein the at least one component of the heel riser system is configured to lock the heel of the splitboard binding down to a splitboard ski.