阅读说明：本技术 板运动的反向旋转鳍转向系统 (Counter-rotating fin steering system for plate motion ) 是由 布莱恩·卡尔 于 2020-11-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于滑雪板的转向系统包括两个固定界面盒,其中一个可以是主动的,而其中一个可以是被动的。响应于骑手的转向脚的旋转或倾斜,主动固定界面盒的顶板的旋转或倾斜导致骑手的转向脚下方的转向鳍的反向旋转。被动固定界面盒通过主动和被动固定界面盒之间的连接件做出响应,导致骑手的非转向脚下方的转向鳍的旋转。当转向鳍未对准时,转向鳍的已协调的反向旋转使板沿骑手的转向脚的旋转方向转动。可选地,两个固定盒可以在转向中起作用,即,能够进行两脚转向。(A steering system for a snowboard includes two fixed interface boxes, one of which may be active and one of which may be passive. Rotation or tilting of the top plate of the actively fixed interface box causes counter-rotation of the steering fin under the rider's steering foot in response to rotation or tilting of the rider's steering foot. The passive fixed interface box responds by a connection between the active and passive fixed interface boxes, causing rotation of the steering fins under the rider's non-steering feet. When the steering fins are misaligned, the coordinated counter-rotation of the steering fins causes the plate to turn in the direction of rotation of the rider's steering foot. Alternatively, two securing boxes may be active in steering, i.e. enabling two-foot steering.)

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a first fixed interface box having a first top plate and a first turning fin that counter-rotates in response to movement of the first top plate;

a second fixed interface box having a second turning fin; and

a connector connecting the first fixed interface box with the second fixed interface box;

wherein the second fixed interface box rotates the second turning fin in response to movement of the first top plate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an n degree rotation of the first top plate results in an-n degree counter-rotation of the first turning fin.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein an n degree rotation of the first top plate results in an n degree rotation of the second turning fin.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an n degree rotation of the first top plate results in a-m degree counter rotation of the first turning fin.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein an n degree rotation of the first top plate results in an m degree rotation of the second turning fin.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second stationary box comprises a second top plate and the second turning fin rotates in response to rotation of the second top plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the connector includes first and second cables connected to the first and second pulleys, respectively.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the connector includes first and second rods connected to the first and second pulleys, respectively.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the connector includes a belt connecting the first and second pulleys.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the connector includes a chain connecting the first and second pulleys.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fixed interface box is mounted to a snowboard such that the first top plate is not parallel to a top surface of the snowboard.

12. A method, comprising:

manipulating a snowboard in response to rotation of at least one foot of a rider, by:

moving a first top plate of a first fixed interface box in response to movement of one foot of the rider;

counter-rotating a first turning fin of the first fixed interface box in response to movement of the first top plate; and

rotating a second turning fin of a second fixed interface box in response to movement of the first top plate.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising counter-rotating the first turning fin of the first fixed interface box by-n degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising rotating the second turning fin of the second fixed interface box n degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate.

15. The method of claim 12, comprising counter-rotating the first turning fin of the first fixed interface box-m degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising rotating the second turning fin of the second fixed interface box by m degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the second fixed interface box includes a second top plate and including rotating the second turning fin in response to rotation of the second top plate.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the first fixed box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and including rotationally connecting the first pulley to the second pulley with first and second cables connected to the first and second pulleys, respectively.

19. The method of claim 12 wherein the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and including rotationally connecting the first pulley to the second pulley with first and second rods connected to the first and second pulleys, respectively.

20. The method of claim 12, wherein the first fixed box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and including rotationally connecting the first pulley to the second pulley with a belt.

21. The method of claim 12, wherein the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and including rotationally connecting the first pulley to the second pulley with a chain.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to board sports such as snowboarding, and more particularly to steering systems for sports boards.

Background

Snowboards are typically manipulated by tilting the board to one side and adjusting the rider's weight distribution to apply a force with the edge of the board to initiate a turn to the left or right of the downhill line. The position of the rider's head, shoulders, hips and arms can affect the performance of a turn, as can the body tilt of the rider and the force distribution between the front and rear feet. This technique can be difficult to learn and, if performed inefficiently, requires a great deal of physical labor. Various board steering functions have been conceived in order to assist beginners in learning skis, but none have gained widespread popularity as they are often difficult to use and do not necessarily assist riders in learning how to steer boards in a standard manner.

U.S. patent 9,180,359 to Deutsch discloses a rotatable snowboard binding system that allows the front binding to freely rotate from riding mode to skating mode so that the rider can slide and rotate back to riding mode. In the glide mode, the fin member protrudes below the bottom of the ski. This acts on the snow to maintain the rider's direction of travel. The system enables both the high-flying foot (gooffy foot) and the rider of a conventional bicycle to negotiate the lift and lift lines and make translations by allowing the front tether to rotate between 0 (riding) and 90 (coasting) positions. In riding mode, the movable binding plate and wood plate will operate normally. When the system is used in skating mode, the front binding rotates so that the rider can operate the snowboard like a skateboard. In this rotated position, the fin members protrude from the bottom of the plate.

Us patent 6,579,134 to Fiebing discloses a user pushable sports board apparatus for moving on a fluid medium, the apparatus comprising a board adapted to be supported by the fluid medium including a top and a bottom, a plurality of fin assemblies mounted to the board, each fin assembly including a foot platform for supporting a user's foot, the platform having a substantially vertical platform axis about which the platform pivots in response to force input from the user's foot, a fin disposed below the bottom for transferring force to the fluid medium, the fin having a substantially vertical fin axis about which the fin is pivotable, and a transmission connecting the foot platform to the fin to pivot the fin about its fin axis in response to pivoting of the foot platform about its platform axis.

WO 2004018286a1 to Mackay et al discloses a movable swivel plate in which a person can control a ride, such as a surfboard, body panel, surfer, skateboard, etc., wherein the rider's feet never have to come into contact with the feet. A disk and may control steerable fins. This can reduce the learning time of the beginner and allow experienced riders to perform exercises that cannot be accomplished without accessories. Furthermore, the mounting means comprise a ramp for reducing the resistance for the sliding of the body portion on the contact surface and an interruption for slowing or stopping the rotation of the disc when the interruption is applied.

DE 202011108482U1 discloses kite boards with rotating plates connected to fins for control during use in water.

U.S. patent 7,832,742 to Duggan discloses a foot or boot mount for a sports board (e.g., a snowboard, a surfboard, a mountain floor, a surfboard, a kite board, or the like) having an inclined baseplate with bearing raceways or other means of providing an axis. The inclined rotating plate is pivotally guided by a rotation inclined by a predetermined angular amount, and has a top surface inclined by a predetermined angular amount with respect to a rotation axis thereof. The top surface provides direct or indirect support for the bottom surface of the rider's foot. The inclination of the top surface is aligned with respect to its axis of rotation such that the upwardly inclined portion is generally aligned toward the interior of the rider's foot. Thus, the rider's feet and body parts are more naturally aligned, and the rider is free to continuously rotate his or her feet and more comfortably change posture.

U.S. patent 6,626,443 to Lafond discloses a multi-position binding system for a snowboard, the system having at least two preset positions, including a first position in which a user can control the snowboard in normal use and a second position; the binding system is rotated so that the guide blade passes through the slot from a recessed position within the core. When in use, the blades extend from the bottom surface of the snowboard to provide a guide to assist the rider in controlling the direction of the snowboard during forward movement.

Us patent 3,290,048 to Masami discloses a rudder attached to the bottom plate of a snowboard that can be rotated up to 45 degrees in each direction in use, depending on the shifting weight of the skier, and can be rotated 90 degrees in a climbing groove by the displacement of an axle.

"Lumbos", kicktarter. Year 2017, month 9, day 16, https: area.org/web/20170916010111/; https: // www.kickstarter.com/projects/snowboard-better-device-rifer-and-fanner-lumbos discloses "a new ski accessory that can be installed between your board and a fixture, allowing the foot to rotate in both directions, resulting in a more free and comfortable experience. "

Com, beckmann. Year 2013, month 2, day 8, https: area.org/Web/20130208233023/http: com/machine-tools/a-better-binding, discloses a flexible fixed (see picture) interface, in fact you will be fast if you do not move ideal on the board. "

Disclosure of Invention

All examples, aspects and features mentioned in this document can be combined in any technically possible way.

According to some aspects of the invention, an apparatus comprises: a first fixed interface box having a first top plate and a first turning fin that counter-rotates in response to rotation of the first top plate; a second fixed interface box having a second turning fin; a connector connecting the first fixed interface box with the second fixed interface box; wherein the second fixing world rotates the second turning fin in response to the rotation of the first top plate. In some embodiments, n degrees of rotation of the first top plate results in-n degrees of counter-rotation of the first turning fin. In some embodiments, n degrees of rotation of the first top plate results in n degrees of rotation of the second turning fin. In some embodiments, n degrees of rotation of the first top plate results in-m degrees of counter-rotation of the first turning fin. In some embodiments, an n degree rotation of the first top plate results in an m degree rotation of the second turning fin. In some embodiments, the second fixed interface box includes a second top plate, and the second turning fin is configured to rotate in response to rotation of the second top plate. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the connector includes first and second wires connected to the first and second pulleys, respectively. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the connector includes first and second rods connected to the first and second pulleys, respectively. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the link includes a belt connecting the first pulley and the second pulley. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box includes a first pulley, the second fixed interface box includes a second pulley, and the connector includes a chain connecting the first pulley and the second pulley. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box is mounted to the snowboard such that the first top plate is not parallel to the top surface of the snowboard.

According to some aspects of the invention, a method comprises: manipulating a snowboard in response to rotation of at least one foot of a rider, the method comprising: rotating the first top plate of the first fixed interface box in response to rotation of one of the rider's feet; counter-rotating a first turning fin of the first fixed interface box in response to rotation of the first top plate; the second turning fin of the second fixed interface box is rotated in response to rotation of the first top plate. Some embodiments include counter-rotating the first turning fin of the first stationary box by-n degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate. Some embodiments include rotating the second turning fin of the second stationary box by n degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate. Some embodiments include counter-rotating the first turning fin of the first stationary box by-m degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate. Some embodiments include rotating the second turning fin of the second fixed interface box m degrees in response to n degrees of rotation of the first top plate. In some embodiments, the second fixed interface box comprises a second top plate and the method comprises rotating the second turning fin in response to rotation of the second top plate. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box comprises a first pulley, the second fixed interface box comprises a second pulley, and the method comprises rotationally connecting the first pulley to the second pulley with first and second cables connected to the first and second pulleys, respectively. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box comprises a first pulley, the second fixed interface box comprises a second pulley, and the method comprises rotationally coupling the first pulley to the second pulley with first and second rods coupled to the first and second pulleys, respectively. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box comprises a first pulley, the second fixed interface box comprises a second pulley, and the method comprises rotationally connecting the first pulley to the second pulley with a belt. In some embodiments, the first fixed interface box comprises a first pulley, the second fixed interface box comprises a second pulley, and the method comprises rotationally connecting the first pulley to the second pulley with a chain.

According to some aspects of the invention, an apparatus comprises: a fixed interface box having a top plate and a turning fin that rotates on a first axis in response to pivoting of the top plate on a second axis orthogonal to the top plate.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a snowboard with a steering system having counter-rotating fins.

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show front, side, top and perspective views of a snowboard with a steering system having the counter-rotating fin of fig. 1.

Fig. 3A and 3B show the relationship between the rotation of the steering foot of the rider and the rotation of the steering fin.

Fig. 4 shows the direction of the turning fin relative to the descent line during turning.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the rear active fixed interface box.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the front passive fixed interface box.

Fig. 7A shows the steering system of the counter-rotating fins of fig. 2A-2D without the top plate, so the fixed interface box can be seen in more detail.

Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of fig. 7A taken along section a-a.

Fig. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show the connections between the stationary boxes for coordinating the counter-rotation of the turning fins.

Fig. 9 shows the relationship between the rotation of the rider's foot and the rotation of the steering fin in an embodiment with two actively fixed interface boxes.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the front active fixation interface box.

Figure 11 shows a snowboard with a steering system of counter-rotating fins including an inwardly sloping interface box.

12A, 12B, 12C and 12D show a snowboard having a steering system with counter-rotating fins that responds to pivoting of the rider's feet in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the steering fins.

Fig. 13 shows the mounting box of one of fig. 12A to 12D in more detail.

Fig. 14, 15A, 15B and 16 show the retainer wire in more detail.

Fig. 17, 18, 19A and 19B show the connection between the gear shaft and the steering fins in more detail.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a snowboard 100 having a steering system with counter-rotating fins. The steering system includes two fixed interface boxes 102, 104 with steering fins 106. The fixed interface box is mounted at a location along the length of the board, i.e., at the rider's foot. The standard holder 108 is mounted to the fixed interface boxes 102, 104. The rider's boot is secured in the binding in a standard manner. The fixed interface box enables the rider to maneuver the snowboard 100 by rotating one foot (hereinafter referred to as the steering foot), thereby rotating the steering fin 106. The steering foot may be the rear foot, which is the right foot when riding the board in the most common direction. A linkage (linkage)110 between the fixed interface boxes 102, 104 coordinates the rotation of the steering fin 106.

Fig. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show front, side, top and perspective views of a snowboard 100 with a steering system having counter-rotating fins. The fixed interface boxes 102, 104 are generally cylindrical in shape and include a circular top plate 200 on which a holder (not shown) is mounted. The top plate 200 (secured to the steering feet) of the actively-fixed interface box 102 is rotatable. The top plate 201 (fixed to the non-steering foot) of the passively fixed interface box 104 is not rotatable. The top plate is disposed on a bottom plate 202, and the bottom plate 202 is fixed to the plate 100 by bolts or screws and does not rotate. The linkage between the fixed interface boxes includes two flexible cables 204 with tensioners 206. The tensioner allows for adjusting the tension of the cable, for example, to avoid slack due to cable stretching. The tensioner also helps to fine tune the cable length for the distance between the cassettes, allowing the fixation to be placed according to the rider's preference. Rotation of the top plate 200 of the active fixed interface box 102 in a first plane causes the turning fins 106 of the active fixed interface box to counter-rotate in a second plane parallel to the first plane and exerts a force on the cables 204 to cause the turning fins 106 of the passive fixed interface box 104 to rotate in unison.

Fig. 3A and 3B show the relationship between the rotation of the steering foot of the rider and the rotation of the steering fin. The rotational movement of the rider's steering foot 300 (to the right/rearward in the illustrated example) causes the top plate 200 of the actively fixed interface box 102 to rotate in the same direction as the steering foot. Rotation of the top plate 200 causes the turning fin 106 of the active fastening box 102 to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the rider's turning foot 300, i.e., the turning foot and the turning foot fin rotate in opposite directions. The non-steering foot 302 of the rider (left/forward in the illustrated example) has a fixed position on the top plate 201, neither of which is able to rotate. To steer the board in a straight direction, the rider's steering foot 300 is rotated to a position that orients the steering fin 106 lengthwise on an axis 304 that is the same size as the length of the board, which is the 0 degree position shown in FIG. 3A. To steer the board to the right as shown in fig. 3B, the rider rotates the steering foot 300 to the right (CW as viewed from above), which causes the CCW counter-rotation of the steering fin 106 of the active fixed interface box 102 and the CW rotation of the steering fin 201 of the passive fixed interface box 104. For example, starting from the 0 degree position, the rotation of the turning fin may be limited to +/-45 degrees.

The rotation of the turning fin 106 may be proportional to the rotation of the top plate 200 of the active fixed interface box 102. For example, an n degree rotation of the top plate of the active fixed interface box may, but need not, translate into an n degree rotation of the turning fins 106 of the active fixed interface box 102 and an n degree rotation of the turning fins 106 of the passive fixed interface box 104. In some embodiments, n-degree rotation of the top plate of the active fixed interface box translates into-m-degree rotation of the turning fins of the active fixed interface box and m-degree rotation of the turning fins of the passive fixed interface box. Further, the rotation of the passive fixed interface box turning fins may be, but need not be, equal in size and opposite in direction relative to the active fixed interface box turning fins. It should be noted that the orientation of these mechanisms may be reversed so that the snowboard may be maneuvered by rotating the rider's left foot rather than the rider's right foot.

Fig. 4 shows the orientation of the turning fin relative to the descent line 400 during a turn. The plate 100 rotates due to the force exerted on the snow by the counter-rotating steering fins. As described above, rotation of the rider's steering foot results in rotation of both of the steering fins. The left turn is initiated by rotating the turning fin using the turning foot so that the inner end 402 of the turning fin rotates towards the right edge 403 of the board and the outer end 404 of the turning fin rotates towards the left edge of the board. The right turn is initiated by rotating the inner end 402 of the turning fin towards the left edge 406 of the board using the turning foot, while the outer end 404 of the turning fin is rotated towards the right edge 403 of the board. Thus, the snowboard 100 is turned to the side of the rider's active/steering foot rotation.

Referring to fig. 5, 7A and 7B, the top plate 18 of the active (rear) fixed interface box 102 is mounted to the pulley gear (aka intermediate plate) 11 and the main gear 8 by machine screws and threaded inserts 19. The turning fin 22 is connected to the gear shaft 6, for example partially inserted into a bearing 3, which bearing 3 is fitted in a hole of the turning fin. The lateral shear pin 21 fixes the steering fin to the gear shaft. The selected guide pin has a breaking strength that helps protect the rider from injury due to forces transmitted from the steering fin to the rider's foot. The turning fin includes a thin PTFE wiper 23 mounted on the bottom of the plate to facilitate rotation of the turning fin by reducing friction between the turning fin and the plate. The gear shaft 6 is fitted through a hole in the plate and a corresponding hole in the bottom plate 2 bolted to the top of the plate. The bearing 3 is provided between the larger diameter portion of the gear shaft and the bottom plate to facilitate rotation of the gear shaft, i.e., to reduce friction between the gear shaft and the plate. The bearing 12 is interposed between the gear shaft and the pulley gear. Bearings 13 are interposed between the top and bottom plates to facilitate rotation of the top plate, i.e., to reduce friction between the top and bottom plates. The main gear 8 drives the gear shaft 6 through a transmission gear set including transmission gears 9 and 10, and the transmission gears 9 and 10 are mounted to the base plate 2 through bushings 4, 5 and a holding plate 37. The end of the cable 15 is connected to a fixed point of the pulley gear 11. The cable is guided by the arcuate notched edges of the pulley gear. The transmission gears 9 and 10 rotationally connect the pulley gear 11 to the gear shaft 6 so that the gear shaft rotates in the opposite direction with respect to the pulley gear. The cable 15 is alternately pulled according to the rotation direction of the pulley gear 11. Flexible nylon retaining wires 40 connect the top plate to the base plate.

Referring to fig. 6, 7A and 7B, the top plate 30 of the passive (front) stationary box 104 is mounted to the bottom plate 2. The bearing 12 is disposed between a pulley gear (also referred to as an intermediate plate) 28 and a top plate 30. Pulley gear 28 is fixed to brake disc 24 and shaft 6. The shaft 6 is fitted through a hole in the center of the base plate 2 and connected to the turning fin 22 by a lateral shear pin 21. The turning fin 22 has a PTFE wiper 23, which PTFE wiper 23 abuts against the bottom of the plate to facilitate the turning of the turning fin. The end of the cable 15 is connected to an anchor point of the pulley gear 28 and the cable is guided by the arc-shaped grooved edge of the pulley gear. The force exerted on the cable by the pulley gear of the active fixed interface box causes the pulley gear 28 of the passive fixed interface box to rotate. Rotation of pulley gear 28 causes rotation of shaft 6, resulting in rotation of diverter fin 22. A threaded brake screw 27, which passes through a threaded opening in the base plate 2, moves the pivotal brake lever 25 to regulate the anti-rotation brake force acting between the brake disc 24 and the brake pad 26. The brake lever is fixed by a fixing plate 37 and a bush 39. The brake screw may be used to set the anti-spin friction and secure the brake disc and the steering fin in a fixed orientation so that they do not spin. Flexible nylon retaining wires 41 connect the top plate to the base plate.

Fig. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D show examples of connections between rotation converters for coordinating the reverse rotation of the turning fins. Fig. 8A shows a linkage including two flexible cables 800. The cable may comprise braided or parallel wires or filaments. Each end of each cable is positively anchored into a circular intermediate plate pulley 801. The cable is wrapped partially around the circular or arc-shaped slot of the intermediate plate pulley in the opposite direction with respect to the center. Thus, the intermediate plate pulley 801 can only rotate in the same direction in a coordinated manner. The reverse rotation of the central shaft is caused by the gears connecting the driving side intermediate plate to the driving side central shaft. Fig. 8B shows a linkage using two non-flexible rods 802. Each end of each rod is positively anchored to one of the circular intermediate plate pulleys 801. The lever is free to pivot relative to the intermediate plate pulley at the anchor point. The center of rotational movement of the intermediate plate is between the anchor points, so that the intermediate plate pulleys can only rotate in the same direction and in the same direction with the push-pull force applied by the rod. Fig. 8C shows a connection using a strap 804. The belt is wrapped around a circular intermediate plate pulley 801. Specifically, teeth disposed around each intermediate plate mesh with teeth on the inside of the belt 804. Thus, the intermediate plate pulleys rotate only in a coordinated manner. Proceeding in the same direction. Fig. 8D shows a link using a chain 806. The chain is wound around a circular intermediate plate pulley 801. Specifically, a sprocket disposed around each intermediate plate engages the chain. Thus, the intermediate plate pulleys only rotate in the same direction in the same manner.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment configured for bipedal steering. In this embodiment, both fixed interface boxes 102, 900 are movable, e.g., both top plates rotate and rotationally connect to respective mid-plate pulleys. The rotational movement of the rider's right foot 300 rotates the right top plate of the fixed interface box 102, which causes the associated steering fins to counter-rotate relative to the rider's foot. The rotational movement of the rider's left foot 302 rotates the left top plate 902 of the fixed interface box 900, which causes the associated steering fin 106 to rotate in the same direction as the rider's foot. The connection between the fixed interface boxes 102, 900 coordinates the rotation of the turning fins. For example, the connection ensures that the turning fin has the same degree of rotational movement relative to the 0 degree position, although the direction of rotation is opposite. It should be noted that the implementation of bipedal steering may be reversed such that the right foot steering fin rotates in the same direction as the rider's right foot, while the left foot steering fin rotates in the opposite direction relative to the rider's left foot.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the front active fixed interface box 900 (fig. 9). A drive (front) fixed interface box top plate 18 is mounted on a pulley gear (aka mid-plate) 11. Pulley gear 11 is fixed to brake disc 24 and shaft 6. The shaft 6 passes through a hole in the base plate 2 and is connected to the turning fin 22. The steering fin 22 is connected to the shaft 6 by a hole and a transverse shear pin 21. The turning fin includes a PTFE wiper 23 mounted on the bottom of the plate to facilitate turning of the turning fin. The cable 15 is connected to the pulley gear 11 through an anchor point and an arcuate notched edge. The rotational force exerted on the pulley gear 11 via the rotation of the top plate 18 causes the rotation of the shaft 6. The force exerted on the cable 15 by the pulley gears of the two moveably fixed interface boxes causes the pulley gears to rotate in a coordinated manner, for example in the same direction and angle of rotation. Rotation of the pulley gear 11 causes rotation of the shaft 6 and hence of the steering fin. A brake screw 27, which passes through a threaded hole in the base plate, moves the pivoting brake lever to adjust the anti-rotation braking force exerted on the brake disc. The setscrew may be used to set the anti-rotation friction and secure the turning fin in a fixed orientation so that it does not rotate. Unlike the active (rear) stationary box 102 (fig. 5), the active (front) stationary interface box turning fin 22 rotates in the same direction as the top plate 18.

Figure 11 shows a snowboard with a steering system having counter-rotating fins that includes inwardly angled interface boxes 900, 902. The inwardly sloped interface box has a bottom plate 904, the bottom plate 904 having non-parallel rounded ends. More particularly, the bottom end, which is fixed to the snowboard, is not parallel to the top end, which is mounted to the top plate, such as being offset by 10-20 degrees (including 10 and 20 degrees). The height dimension of the base plate is smallest at the closest point between the inwardly sloped interface boxes 900, 902 and largest at the furthest point between the inwardly sloped interface boxes. Thus, the left and right top plates, the fixing device and the rider's feet are inclined inward. The joint between the top plate and the shaft and/or pulley converts rotation of the top plate in a first plane/axis to rotation of the pulley/shaft in a second plane/axis. The portion of the inwardly angled interface box other than the engagement plate and the base plate is substantially the same as the non-angled interface box described above. The inwardly sloped interface box helps avoid stress on the rider's ankles and hips.

Fig. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D illustrate snowboards with steering systems having counter-rotating fins that respond to pivoting of the rider's feet in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the steering fins. Each fixed interface box 910 includes a top plate 912, a bottom plate 914, a bellows 916, and a turning fin 918 connected to a shaft 920. The sole plate is fixed to the snowboard 922 and does not move relative to the snowboard. The top plate 912 has a rounded upper surface that is generally parallel to the top of the snowboard 922 and does not rotate relative to the bottom plate. However, the top plate pivots in response to the force exerted by the rider's foot so that the upper surface is not parallel relative to the top of the snowboard. Specifically, the rider's feet can pivot forward or backward relative to the rider, thereby causing the upper surface of the top plate to rotate left and right relative to the snowboard, and not parallel to the top surface of the snowboard in either of two directions, as shown in FIG. 12D. Tilting to +/-8 degrees from an angle parallel to the top surface of the ski can rotate the steering fin to +/-30 degrees. A bellows 916 is connected at the gap between the bottom plate 914 and the top plate 912 to help prevent snow from entering the fixed interface box while allowing the top plate to pivot. The turning fin rotates in response to left-right rotation of the top plate. Specifically, the pivoting direction of the top plate determines the direction of rotation of the steering fin. In some embodiments, the steering fins steer the snowboard to one side of the roof plate pivoting downward, training the rider to lean into a turn. Two cables 924 provide a cross-cable connection between the fixed interface boxes for coordinating the counter-rotation of the turning fins. Although both fixed interface boxes have a 180 degree offset when mounted to a snowboard, they may be mobile and substantially identical. It should be noted that the cross-cable link can be used with any of the fixed interface box implementations described above, e.g., based on rotation of the top plate.

Fig. 13 shows the mounting box of one of fig. 12A to 12D in more detail. A shaft 920 (fig. 12C) connects the turning fin to a sun gear 926 and a pulley 928. The gears of gear quadrant 930 are operatively connected to (in mesh with) the sun gear. Two vertical supports 932 are provided within the floor 914, i.e., in a fixed position relative to the floor. The rotation shaft 934 links the vertical support 932 to the base 936 such that the base is rotatable via the shaft. The top plate 912 is bolted to the base 936. One of the shafts has a bevel gear 938 disposed at the distal end. Gear quadrant 930 includes bevel gear 940 which is operatively connected to (meshed with) shaft bevel gear 938. Pivoting of the top plate 912 relative to the bottom plate causes the mounting member 936 to pivot on the shaft. The pivot of the carrier is translated into rotation of the shaft connected to the steering fins by the axle, bevel gear 938, quadrant bevel gear 940, quadrant 930, and sun gear 926. Pivoting of the base also translates into rotation of the pulley 928. Rotation of the pulleys of both fixed interface boxes is translated by the cable 924 into counter-rotation of the pulleys of the other fixed interface box. Thus, the turning fins rotate in opposite directions by the same angular offset, but in opposite directions.

Fig. 14, 15A, 15B and 16 show the fixing lines connecting the top plate to the bottom plate in more detail. Each base plate 950 includes a circular recess/groove 952 formed in an inner sidewall 954. Each top plate 956 includes a corresponding circular recess/bowl 958 formed in the side wall. The cross section of the notch is rectangular. During assembly, the circular notches are aligned and the retention wire 960 is inserted into the opening formed by the aligned notches. The retention wire 950 may be made of flexible nylon and have a rectangular cross-section similar in size to the opening formed by the aligned notches, as particularly shown in fig. 14B. Upon insertion, the retaining wire prevents the top plate from moving vertically up or down relative to the bottom plate, but allows the top plate to rotate relative to the bottom plate. Side openings may be provided in the top plate and the base plate so that, when mounted, the free ends of the retainer wires are located outside the top plate and the base plate. A handle 962 may be formed on the free end of the retainer wire. The handle can snap into a slot 964 on the base plate. The top plate may be released from the base plate by pulling on the handle to remove the handle from the slot and pulling on the handle to remove the securing wire from the opening formed by the aligned grooves.

Fig. 17, 18, 19A and 19B show the connection of the steering fins to the gear shaft in more detail. A shear pin 21, which is longer than the gear shaft diameter, is located in a transverse hole through the gear shaft 7 such that the main axis of the shear pin is perpendicular to the main axis of the gear shaft. The distal end of the shear pin extends from the transverse bore. The gear shaft and shear pin are inserted into notches 972 at the top of the turning fins 22. More specifically, the shear shaft fits in the cylindrical bore of the notch, and the shear pin fits in the slot of the notch. The shear pin establishes a rotational connection between the gear shaft and the steering fin. Rotation of the pinion shaft 6 rotates the shear pin, which in turn exerts a force on the turning fin, thereby rotating the turning fin. Application of excessive force between the steering fins and the gear shaft via the shear pin may cause the shear pin to break, thereby rotationally decoupling the shaft from the steering fins. The breaking strength of the shear pin is selected to protect the rider from injury due to excessive feedback force applied to the pinion shaft by the steering fins.

The wiper 23 includes a slotted opening 974 through which the gear shaft 6 and the shear pin 21 pass when inserted into the turning fin. Four protrusions 976 formed on the bottom of the wiper 23 fit into corresponding openings 978 in the top of the turning fin 22. More specifically, the protrusion is press-fitted into the opening and maintains alignment between the wiper and the turning fin.

The turning fin 22 is fixed to the gear shaft 6 by a fastener 970 such as a machine screw. The gear shaft 6 includes a slot 982, the slot 982 being characterized by a shaft diameter that is smaller than the portions of the shaft above and below the slot. The depth and width of the slot 982 may be approximately the same as the diameter of the shaft of the fastener 970. The fastener is inserted into a counter-sunk opening 980 in one side of the turning fin 22. The walls of the turning fin, on opposite sides, include a threaded hole that engages the threads of the fastener. The opening 980 is offset from the center of the slotted opening 972 such that the shaft of the fastener fits into and traverses the slot 982 of the gear shaft. Therefore, when the shear pin is broken by an excessive force, the fastener fixes the steering fin to the gear shaft without inhibiting free rotation of the steering fin relative to the gear shaft. The shear pin may be replaced by removing fasteners 970 so that the turning fin may be detached from shaft 6, thereby exposing shear pin 21. After a new shear pin is inserted into the shaft, the fin is reinstalled into the gear box and secured with fasteners.

A number of features, aspects, embodiments, and implementations have been described. However, it will be understood that various modifications and combinations may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept described herein. Accordingly, those modifications and combinations are within the scope of the following claims.