CA3049331A1 - Curvature adjustment of a sliding board - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board includes first and second spaced apart board connectors for coupling to the board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions, a first support coupled between the connectors, a second support coupled between the connectors, a spacer coupled between the supports, the spacer having an adjustable length for adjusting a spacing distance between the supports at least by flexing the second support relative to the first support, at least one board engager coupled to the second support and configured to engage the board when the connectors are coupled to the board such that when the adjustable length of the spacer is adjusted, the at least one board engager engages the board and causes the board to flex with the second support to adjust longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the board. Other apparatuses and systems are described.

Description

CURVATURE ADJUSTMENT OF A SLIDING BOARD
BACKGROUND
1. Field Embodiments of this invention relate to sliding boards and more particularly to adjusting curvature of a sliding board.

2. Description of Related Art Sliding boards such as snowboards and skis, for example, may be used by users or riders for a variety of applications and in a variety of conditions. For example, some users may use their sliding board to periodically ride on both hard packed or groomed snow conditions and deep snow or powder snow conditions. Some users may prefer to use their sliding board for carving turns or racing at times while wishing to use their sliding board for freestyle riding or buttering at other times.
Different applications and/or conditions may be best ridden by different sliding boards having sliding surfaces with different longitudinal curvatures, often referred to as a camber or rocker of the board. For example, sliding boards with sliding surfaces that are concave or have "traditional camber" (less rocker) may be best suited for carving and/or packed snow, whereas sliding boards with sliding surfaces that are convex or have "reverse camber" (more rocker), may be best suited for soft, powder snow conditions.
Many sliding boards have sliding surfaces with fixed longitudinal curvatures, which may perform well in certain applications and/or conditions but not in others.
Such sliding boards may be designed for specific purposes, including those that are designed for packed snow and those that are designed for soft, powder snow.
The curvature of the sliding surface or camber or rocker of a board being non-adjustable may force riders to choose between a board designed for packed snow and a board designed for soft powder snow. Thus, a rider may need to purchase more than one snowboard, which may be expensive and may still force the rider to focus on one type of snow condition for any particular day. It also may force the rider to move bindings from one snowboard to another which may be inconvenient for the rider.
SUMMARY
In accordance with various embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart board connectors for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board, a first support coupled between the first and second board connectors, a second support coupled between the first and second board connectors, a spacer coupled between the first and second supports, the spacer having an adjustable length for adjusting a spacing distance between the first and second supports at least by flexing the second support relative to the first support, at least one board engager coupled to the second support and configured to engage the sliding board when the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board such that when the adjustable length of the spacer is adjusted, the at least one board engager engages the sliding board and causes the sliding board to flex with the second support to adjust longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board.
Each of the first and second spaced apart board connectors may include one or more longitudinally extending mounting slots, each configured to receive at least one fastener for coupling the first and second spaced apart board connectors with the sliding board.
The apparatus may include a first boot binding support configured to couple to the first board connector at a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart positions and a second boot binding support configured to couple to the second board connector at a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart positions.
The spacer may include a flexibly resilient shock absorber configured to flex to resiliently change the adjustable length when force is applied to the spacer.

-3-The flexibly resilient shock absorber may include a spring.
The first support may include an opening through which at least a portion of the spacer extends, such that at least a portion of the flexibly resilient shock absorber extends away from the first and second supports and the sliding board when the apparatus is in use and the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board.
The spacer may be configured to apply tension to the first support and compression to the second support when the adjustable spacing length is increased.
The first support may include first and second hooks for coupling to the second support.
The spacer may be configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the spacer to change the spacing distance between the first and second supports to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of the sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board and wherein the second support includes an outer board side surface that is longitudinally concave when the spacer is in the first configuration and longitudinally convex when the spacer is in the second configuration.
In accordance with various embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart board connectors for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board, a connecting portion coupled between the first and second board connectors, and an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location of the connecting portion, the adjuster including a board engager for engaging the sliding board at a third

-4-longitudinal position of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the third longitudinal position being between the first and second longitudinal positions, and a spacer coupled between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager, the spacer having an adjustable length relative to the adjustment location for adjusting a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager, wherein the spacer includes a flexibly resilient shock absorber configured to flex to resiliently change the adjustable length when force is applied to the spacer. The adjuster is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the spacer to change the spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board.
The flexibly resilient shock absorber may include a spring.
The connecting portion may include an opening through which at least a portion of the spacer extends, such that at least a portion of the flexibly resilient shock absorber extends away from the connecting portion and the sliding board when the apparatus is in use and the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board.
When the adjuster is in the second configuration, the adjustment length of the spacer may be at a maximum length and when the adjuster is in the second configuration, the spacer may include a cavity for holding the spring when the spring is compressed, the cavity having a height greater than a compressed height of the spring.
In accordance with various embodiments, there is provided a sliding board system including a sliding board, and any of the above described apparatuses, wherein

-5-the first and second connectors of the apparatus are coupled to the sliding board at the first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board.
The sliding board system may include first and second user boot bindings coupled to the sliding board.
Other aspects and features of embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding board system including an apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 2 is an assembled perspective view of the sliding board system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side view of the sliding board system of Figure 1 shown with the apparatus in a first configuration according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 4 is a side view of the sliding board system of Figure 1 shown with the apparatus in a second configuration according to various embodiments of the invention;

-6-Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding board system including an apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 8 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 9 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 10 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 11 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 12 is a lower perspective view of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;

-7-Figure 13 is a top view of the apparatus for adjusting curvature shown in Figure 1 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 14 is a side cross sectional view of part of the apparatus for adjusting curvature across 14-14 as shown in Figure 13 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 15 is a front cross sectional view of part of the apparatus for adjusting curvature in the configuration shown in Figure 4 according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus for adjusting curvature according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 17 is a side view of a sliding board system including the apparatus of Figure 16 in a first configuration according to various embodiments of the invention;
Figure 18 is a side view of a sliding board system including the apparatus of Figure 16 in a second configuration according to various embodiments of the invention; and Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the sliding board system of Figure 17 according to various embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to Figure 1, a sliding board system in accordance with various embodiments is shown at 10 in an exploded view or disassembled state. The

-8-sliding board system 10 includes an apparatus 12 for adjusting curvature of a sliding board, a snowboard 14, which may act as the sliding board, and first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18.
In various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may allow users or riders of the snowboard 14 to quickly adjust the curvature of the sliding surface of the snowboard 14. For example, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may allow riders to adjust the curvature of the sliding surface of the snowboard 14 from a "traditional camber" board having a concave sliding surface to a "reverse cambered" board having a convex sliding surface and back again, and in some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may allow riders to further adjust the curvature to a continuum of curvatures in between. Therefore, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may facilitate the rider customizing/personalizing their snowboard's curvature or camber setting depending on their riding style, preference and snow conditions.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may include features that allow the curvature of the sliding surface of the snowboard 14 or camber to be changed by the user by simply reaching down and interacting with the apparatus 12. For example, in some embodiments, a rider may be able to adjust the curvature by turning a handgrip or knob between the bindings while riding or while stopped, without stepping out of the bindings or removing the bindings. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be configured to turn a traditional snowboard having a sliding surface with concave curvature, which may have been originally designed for packed/groomed snow, into a powder board by simply turning a knob or handgrip, while riding or while stopped, for example. In powder snow, the ability to change the camber in some embodiments without stepping out of the bindings may be a safety feature as the rider may be able to reduce the risk falling into deep snow.

-9-In various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be configured to facilitate adjustment of curvature of the snowboard 14 without altering or damaging the snowboard. For example, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be coupled to the snowboard 14 using boot binding mounting holes already provided in the snowboard 14 and board connectors and a board engager that apply external forces to the outer surfaces of the snowboard 14.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be configured to reduce stresses applied by the apparatus 12 to the snowboard 14. For example, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may include a flexibly resilient shock absorber for absorbing forces applied between the apparatus 12 and the snowboard 14 during use. In some embodiments the apparatus 12 may be configured to reduce longitudinal stresses applied to the snowboard 14 when the apparatus 12 is used to adjust the curvature of the snowboard 14.
Referring to Figure 1, in various embodiments, the first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18 and the apparatus 12 may be mounted to the snowboard 14 using sets of screws 24 and 26 affixed to sets of complementary threaded holes 28 and 30 in the snowboard 14, for example, as shown in Figure 2.
Referring to Figure 2, the sliding board system 10 is shown assembled, with the user boot bindings 16 and 18 and the apparatus 12 mounted to the snowboard 14.

When the apparatus 12 has been mounted, the apparatus 12 may facilitate adjustment of the curvature of a sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 as described in accordance with various embodiments in further detail herein. In various embodiments, by adjusting the curvature of the sliding surface 15, the board may be adaptable or tunable for a variety of applications and/or conditions.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be configurable between a first configuration wherein the apparatus 12 facilitates the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally concave shape, as shown in Figure 3, and a

-10-second configuration wherein the apparatus 12 engages the snowboard to facilitate the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally convex shape, as shown in Figure 4.
In various embodiments, by facilitating adjustment of the curvature of the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 between a concave and a convex shape, the apparatus 12 may allow the snowboard 14 to be adjusted to perform well in a variety of conditions. For example, in some embodiments a concave shape to the sliding surface of the snowboard 14 may allow the snowboard 14 to perform well in applications or conditions where a concave shape is desirable, such as, for example, for carving or racing or in hard packed or groomed snow conditions, and a convex shape to the sliding surface of the snowboard may allow the snowboard 14 to perform well in applications or conditions where a convex shape is desirable, such as, for example, deep snow or powder conditions.
Referring to Figure 5, the apparatus 12 shown in Figures 1-4 is shown disassembled in an exploded view. The apparatus 12 includes first and second spaced apart board connectors 50 and 52 for coupling to the snowboard 14 (shown in Figure 1, for example) at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the snowboard 14. The apparatus 12 includes a first support 80 coupled between the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 and a second support 90 coupled between the first and second board connectors 50 and 52. In some embodiments, the first support 80 may not be directly connected to the first and second connectors 50 and 52 but rather, the first support 80 may be coupled between the first connector 50 and the second connector 52 via respective portions of the second support 90.
The apparatus 12 includes a spacer 100 coupled between the first and second supports 80 and 90, the spacer having an adjustable length for adjusting a spacing distance between the first and second supports 80 and 90 at least by flexing the second support 90 relative to the first support.

-11-The apparatus 12 also includes a board engager 120 coupled to the second support 90 and configured to engage the snowboard 14 (shown in Figure 1, for example) when the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 are coupled to the snowboard 14 such that when the adjustable length of the spacer 100 is adjusted, the board engager 120 engages the snowboard 14 and causes the snowboard to flex with the second support 90 to adjust longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the snowboard.
Referring still to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the first and second spaced apart board connectors 50 and 52 may be configured to mount to the snowboard 14 shown in Figure 1 at a plurality of locations on the snowboard 14. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second spaced apart board connectors 50 and 52 may include longitudinally extending mounting slots or openings 60 and 64 and 66 and 70 respectively. In some embodiments, each of the mounting slots 60, 64, 66, and 70 may be configured to receive at least one fastener, such as, for example the screws 24 and 26 shown in Figure 1, for coupling the connectors 50 and 52 with the snowboard 14, for example, as shown in Figure 1.
In various embodiments, the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 may act as supports to which the user boot bindings 16 and 18 shown in Figures 1-4 may be coupled. In some embodiments, the first and second board connectors may be made of a rigid material, such as, for example, hard plastic, to facilitate support of the apparatus 12 and the user boot bindings 16 and 18 around the bolts or screws coupling the connectors 50 and 52 with the snowboard 14. Referring to Figure 1, in various embodiments, the screws 24 and 26 received within the mounting slots 60, 64, 66, and 70 may also be used to mount the user boot bindings 16 and 18 to the snowboard 14 via the holes 28 and 30 in the snowboard 14.
Referring to Figure 1, in various embodiments, holes generally similar to the holes 28 and 30 in the snowboard 14 may be positioned differently on different

-12-snowboards and so the board connectors 50 and 52 of the apparatus 12 being configured to mount to the snowboard 14 at a plurality or continuum of locations via the slots 60, 64, 66, and 68 shown in Figure 5, may facilitate use of the apparatus 12 with a variety of different snowboards having different mounting hole positions.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the first and second spaced apart board connectors 50 and 52 may include additional mounting slots 62 and 68 configured to receive at least one fastener for coupling the connectors with a snowboard 17 having an alternative boot binding mounting system, as shown in Figure 6. Accordingly, in various embodiments, by including the mounting slots 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70, the apparatus 12 may be mountable to snowboards having varying mounting systems.
Referring to Figure 5, the first and second supports 80 and 90 may be configured to apply offsetting longitudinal tensile and compressive stresses to one another when the apparatus 12 is in use, which may generally offset and reduce stress applied at the board connectors 50 and 52 to the snowboard 14 shown in Figure 1, for example. In some embodiments, the offsetting of tensile and compressive stresses by the first and second supports 80 and 90 may allow the apparatus 12 to be mounted to the snowboard 14 via the slots 60, 64, 66, and 68, such that longitudinal forces transferred between the board and the apparatus 12 via the slots are reduced and thus slippage of the screws along the slots may be reduced.
In some embodiments, the first support 80 may include a sheet 82 of material configured to withstand tension forces during use. In some embodiments the sheet 82 may be made of metal, such as, for example, full hardened stainless steel.
In some embodiments, the sheet may be about 76 cm long and may have a thickness of about 0.635 mm, for example. In some embodiments, the first support 80 may include a covering portion 84, which may be made of plastic overmolded onto the sheet 82. In some embodiments, the covering portion 84 may be made of a hard

-13-plastic. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the covering portion 84 may include a softer plastic such as thermoplastic rubber, for example. In various embodiments, the covering portion 84 may act as a foot grip allowing a user to step on the covering portion 84 when getting onto or off of a chair lift, for example.
Figure 7 shows the sheet 82 in accordance with various embodiments without the overmolded covering portion 84.
Referring to Figure 5, the first support 80 may include first and second hooks and 88 bent from the sheet 82. The first and second hooks 86 and 88 may act as support connectors for coupling the first support 80 with the second support 90 and the first and second board connectors 50 and 52. In various embodiments, the first and second hooks 86 and 88 may allow the first support 80 to apply large forces to the second support 90 without slipping. In various embodiments, the first support 80 may include fasteners, such as bolts or rivets, for example, for fixing the first support 80 to the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 and the second support 90. In various embodiments, the first and second hooks 86 and 88 may connect to the second support 90 outside of where the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 are coupled to the second support 90.
Still referring to Figure 5, the second support 90 may include first and second bars 92 and 94 coupled to the board connectors 50 and 52 and configured to withstand compression forces from the first support 80 during operation. In various embodiments, the first and second bars 92 and 94 may be coupled to the board connectors 50 and 52 by passing through openings in the first and second board connectors 50 and 52. In some embodiments, the first and second board connectors may be overmolded onto the first and second bars, for example.
Figure 7 shows the first and second bars 92 and 94 in an exploded view. In various embodiments, the bars 92 and 94 may be made of strong resiliently flexible material, such as, for example, spring stainless steel and may have a diameter of about 4 mm, for example.

-14-Referring to Figure 7, each of the first and second bars 92 and 94 may include bent portions proximate ends of the bars. In various embodiments, the bent portions may be received by the hooks 86 and 88 of the sheet 82. In various embodiments, the first and second hooks 86 and 88 being connected directly to the first and second bars 92 and 94 may facilitate forces passing directly to the strongest load bearing portions of the apparatus 12 (e.g., the metallic bars 92 and 94 and hooks 86 and 88).
Referring to Figure 7, the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 may include openings (see e.g., opening 96) surrounding passageways holding the first and second bars 92 and 94. In some embodiments, including the openings surrounding the passageways holding the first and second bars 92 and 94 may help to reduce weight of the first and second board connectors 50 and 52.
Referring back to Figure 5, the apparatus 12 may include a first boot binding support 140 configured to couple to the first board connector 50 at a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart positions and a second boot binding support 142 configured to couple to the second board connector 52 at a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart positions. In various embodiments, the first and second boot binding supports 140 and 142 may include heel and toe boot binding supports 144 and 146 and 148 and 150, respectively. In various embodiments, the boot binding supports 140 and 142 may provide lateral support for the user boot bindings 16 and 18 shown in Figure 1.
The heel boot binding support 144 may include a connector including protrusions 154 and 156 for being received in complementary openings 160 included in the first board connector 50. The complementary openings 160 may facilitate selectively positioning the heel boot binding support 144 at one of a plurality of positions along a length of the first board connector 50. In various embodiments, the toe boot binding support 146 and the heel and toe boot binding supports and 150 may include similar connectors having protrusions for being received in

-15-complementary openings 162, 164 and 166 of the first and second board connectors 50 and 52, such that each of the heel and toe boot binding supports 144, 146, 148, and 150 is connectable to the apparatus 12 at a plurality of longitudinal positions.
In various embodiments, the plurality of possible longitudinal positions for connecting the heel and toe boot binding supports 144, 146, 148, and 150 may facilitate use of the apparatus 12 with different users and/or different stances used by each user. In some embodiments, the ability to set the heel and toe boot binding supports at different longitudinal positions may facilitate supporting user boot bindings 16 and 18 mounted at different angles, in accordance with preferences of the user. Referring to Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11, the heel and toe boot binding supports 144 and 146 of the first boot binding support 140 are shown in various example configurations which may be selectable by the user.
While in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the boot binding supports 140 and 142 are connectable to the apparatus 12 at a plurality of discretely spaced apart positions, in some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may include a connector, such as, for example, a slidable connector, configured to facilitate the boot binding supports 140 and 142 connecting to the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 at a continuum of longitudinal locations, the continuum of longitudinal locations including a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart positions.
Referring to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the heel boot binding support 144 may include indentations or score lines 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, and 180, which may be configured such that portions can be torn or cut away along the score lines by a user, depending on an angle at which the user boot binding 16 (shown in Figure 1, for example) may be mounted on top of the heel boot binding support 144. In various embodiments, the toe boot binding support 146 and the heel and toe boot binding supports 148 and 150 shown in Figure 5, for example, may include similar score lines.

-16-Referring to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the spacer 100 may include a spring 108, which may act as a flexibly resilient shock absorber configured to flex to resiliently change the adjustable length of the spacer when force is applied to the spacer. In various embodiments, inclusion of the spring 108 in the spacer 100 may lead to reduced stress applied to the first and second supports 80 and 90 and the snowboard 14 (shown in Figures 1-4, 14 and 15, for example) during use, such as, for example, when the snowboard 14 is ridden over bumpy terrain. In some embodiments, the spring 108 may be configured to withstand normal riding conditions while still providing some give to reduce shock forces. In some embodiments, for example, the spring 108 may be configured to fully compress when about 136 kg of weight is applied to it. In some embodiments, another flexibly resilient shock absorber, such as, for example, an air shock/bag may be used in addition to or alternatively to the spring 108.
Referring to Figure 5, the spacer 100 may include a first threaded portion 104 coupled to the first support 80 to allow rotation of the first threaded portion relative to the first support and a second threaded portion 106 coupled to the second support 90, the second threaded portion 106 threadably engaged with the first threaded portion 104. In various embodiments, the spacer 100 may include a handgrip 102 mounted to the first threaded portion 104, such as, for example, by screws 103. The first threaded portion 104 may extend through an opening 107 in the first support 80, the opening 107 having a diameter less than a diameter of the handgrip 102, such that when the handgrip 102 and the first threaded portion are connected, the first support 80 is held between the first threaded portion and the handgrip 102 such that the handgrip and the first threaded portion are coupled to the first support 80 to allow rotation relative to the first support.
In some embodiments, the first support 80 may include a reinforcement plate or sheet 121 configured to provide additional support to the support 80 around the central opening in the first support 80. In some embodiments, the reinforcement

-17-plate 121 may be made of a strong rigid material, such as, for example, full hardened stainless steel.
Referring to Figure 5, the second threaded portion 106 may be held generally fixed relative to the second support 90 and such that the second threaded portion is unable to rotate relative to the second support 90. The spacer 100 may include a post 110 connected to the bars 92 and 94, and configured to extend through a central opening in the second threaded portion 106, the post 110 and the central opening in the second threaded portion complementarily shaped to limit rotation of the second threaded portion 106 while allowing the second threaded portion 106 to slide along the post 110.
In various embodiments, the spacer 100 may include the spring 108 disposed around the post 110 and configured to hold the second threaded portion 106 and limit movement of the second threaded portion 106 along the post 110. In various embodiments, during assembly of the apparatus 12, the spring 108 and the second threaded portion 106 may be slid around the post 110 and a locking post 112 may be inserted into the post and held in place using a bolt 114 threadably engaged with the handgrip 102. In various embodiments, the locking post 112 being inserted into the post 110 may cause upper flanges 111 of the post 110 to be held outward after assembly to limit upward movement of the second threaded portion 106.
In some embodiments, the spacer 100 extending through the opening 107 may allow at least a portion of the spring 108 to be on the opposite side of the first support 80 from the second support 90 such that at least a portion of the spring 108 extends away from the first and second supports 80 and 90 and the snowboard 14 (shown in Figures 1-4, 14 and 15, for example) when the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 are coupled to the snowboard. In various embodiments, this may allow a spring to be used that is larger than the spacing distance between the

-18-first and second supports 80 and 90, which may facilitate improved shock absorption by the spring 108.
In various embodiments, the handgrip 102, the first and second threaded portions 104 and 106, the post 110, and/or the locking post 112 may each be made of a non-corrosive hard material. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second threaded portions 104 and 106 may each be made of a hard plastic, such as, for example, high density polypropylene.
Referring to Figure 5, the post 110 may be connected to the board engager 120, and the second support 90. For example, in some embodiments, the post 110 may be integral with the board engager 120, with both made from a single piece of material, and the board engager may include openings through which the bars 92 and 94 of the second support 90 are received and held.
In various embodiments, the board engager 120 may include a board engaging surface for engaging a generally planar upper surface of the snowboard 14 (shown in Figures 1-4, 14 and 15, for example).
Referring to Figure 12, there is provided a lower perspective view of the apparatus 12, which depicts the board engaging surface of the board engager 120. In various embodiments, the board engaging surface of the board engaging surface may facilitate application of vertical force to the planar upper surface of the snowboard 14 (shown in Figures 1-4, 14 and 15, for example). In some embodiments, the board engager 120 may be made of a soft resilient material to facilitate engagement with the snowboard 14 without slipping and/or damaging the snowboard 14. For example, in some embodiments, the board engager 120 may include a pad for covering a bottom surface of the board engager 120 to enlarge a surface area of the board engaging surface and/or avoid damaging the snowboard 14. In some embodiments, the pad may be made of a soft material, such as, for example, a thermoplastic rubber. In some embodiments, the apparatus 12 may

-19-include a cover for covering bottom portions of at least a section of the metal rods 92 and 94 and engaging the snowboard 14, to facilitate better distribution of pressure on the snowboard 14. In such embodiments, the cover may act as a board engager.
Referring to Figure 12, the reinforcement plate 121 is shown in further detail in accordance with various embodiments.
In various embodiments, the board engager 120 may engage the snowboard 14 (shown in Figures 1-4, 14 and 15, for example) without being attached or fixed to the snowboard 14. In various embodiments, this may allow the snowboard 14 to remain generally unmodified by the apparatus 12 and so in various embodiments, use of the apparatus 12 may not damage the snowboard 14. In some embodiments, the board engager 120 being configured to engage the snowboard 14 without being attached or fixed to the snowboard may allow the snowboard 14 to temporarily move relative to the board engager 120 (e.g. away from the board engager 120) during use which may improve performance and/or improve durability of the board.
Referring to Figure 3, when the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 of the apparatus 12 are coupled to the snowboard 14 at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the snowboard 14, the board engager 120 engages the snowboard 14 at a third longitudinal position between the first and second longitudinal positions. For example, in some embodiments, the board engager may engage the snowboard 14 at an area on the snowboard 14 that is generally midway between the first and second longitudinal positions.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, during use, the user or rider may rotate the handgrip 102 to adjust the adjustable length of the spacer 100 while strapped into the snowboard 14 (e.g., while at least one of the user's feet and boots is held in the first and second user boot bindings 16 and 18 shown in Figures 1-4).

-20-In various embodiments, this ability to change the curvature without stepping out of the bindings may provide a safety feature as the user may be able to reduce the risk falling into deep snow while adjusting the curvature of their snowboard.
Referring now to Figure 13, the apparatus 12 is shown from a top view. Figure shows the spacer 100 in the configuration shown in Figure 3 in further detail in a sectional view. The spacer 100 of the apparatus 12 shown in Figure 14 is in the first configuration where an adjustable length 200 of the spacer 100 between the first and second supports 80 and 90 is a first length. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustable length 200 of the spacer 100 in the first configuration may be about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the first length may be the shortest possible adjustable length for the spacer 100, with the second threaded portion 106 at a highest position relative to the first threaded portion 104.
In various embodiments, in the first configuration, the board engager 120 is configured to engage the snowboard 14 to facilitate the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally concave shape, as shown in Figures 3 and 14. In various embodiments, a user or rider may wish to set the adjustable length 200 as shown in Figure 14 such that the apparatus 12 is in the first configuration and the sliding surface 15 shown in Figure 3 is concave when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on terrain for which a concave sliding surface may be desirable.
For example, in some embodiments, a user or rider may set the adjustable length 200 as shown in Figures 3 and 14 when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on a firm or hard surface, such as, for example, groomed snow, on which a concave sliding surface may provide improved performance compared to a planar or convex sliding surface.
In operation, a user may wish to adjust the longitudinal curvature of the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 shown in Figure 3 and so a user may rotate the handgrip 102 shown in Figure 14 to cause the handgrip 102 and the first threaded portion 104 to rotate relative to the second threaded portion 106, which is held in

-21-place rotationally by the post 110. Rotation of the first threaded portion 104 relative to the second threaded portion 106 may cause the first threaded portion 104, and therefore the first support 80 which is coupled to the first threaded portion 104, to move upward relative to the second threaded portion 106 and away from the second support 90, to which the second threaded portion is coupled via the spring 108, the post 110 and the board engager 120.
Accordingly, rotation of the first threaded portion 104 relative to the second threaded portion 106 may cause the adjustable length 200 of the spacer 100 to be adjusted and thus to cause a spacing distance between the first and second supports 80 and 90 to be adjusted. In various embodiments, the second support 90 may flex to allow for an increase in the adjustable length as shown between the first configuration shown in Figures 3 and 14 and another configuration, such as, for example, the second configuration shown in Figures 4 and 15 and the snowboard 14 may flex with the second support 90 such that longitudinal curvature of the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 is adjusted. In various embodiments, the first support 80 may also flex to accommodate the increase in the adjustable length 200. In various embodiments, the spring 108 may compress slightly while the first threaded portion 104 moves upward relative to the second support 90.
In various embodiments, the second support 90 may generally resist compression forces applied by the first support 80 when the adjustable length of the spacer 100 is increased that would, without the second support 90, have been applied to the snowboard 14 via the first and second board connectors 50 and 52. In various embodiments, because the snowboard 14 and the second support 90 flex together, the second support 90 may keep the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 generally at the same longitudinal positions on the snowboard 14 and resist longitudinal forces on the first and second board connectors 50 and 52, regardless of the curvature of the flexed snowboard 14. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the apparatus 12 may be configured such that forces applied to the snowboard via the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 and the board engager 120

-22-are generally non-longitudinal forces. In various embodiments, this may reduce stress on the snowboard 14 and/or reduce slipping of the screws 24 and 26 within the slots of the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 during use.
In various embodiments, the user may rotate the handgrip 102 until the spacer has an adjustable length as shown in Figure 15, for example, such that the apparatus 12 is in the second configuration shown in Figure 4, and the board engager 120 is configured to engage the snowboard 14 to facilitate the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 having a longitudinally convex shape.
In various embodiments, a user or rider may wish to set the adjustable length as shown in Figures 4 and 15 such that the apparatus 12 is in the second configuration and the sliding surface 15 is convex when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on terrain for which a convex sliding surface may be desirable.
For example, in some embodiments, a user or rider may set the adjustable length as shown in Figure 4 when the user is riding the snowboard 14 on a relatively soft surface, such as, for example, powder or deep snow, on which a convex sliding surface may provide improved performance compared to a planar or concave sliding surface.
In some embodiments, the flexibility and/or geometry of the apparatus 12 in the first and second configurations may allow the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 to change from the longitudinally concave shape shown in Figures 3 and 14 to the longitudinally convex shape shown in Figures 4 and 15. For example, in some embodiments, in the first configuration shown in Figures 3 and 14, when the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 are coupled to the snowboard 14, an outer board side surface 91 (shown in Figure 14, for example) of the second support 90 may be longitudinally concave. In some embodiments, in the first configuration shown in Figure 3, when the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 are coupled to the snowboard 14, the board engager 120 may be on a first side of a plane that passes through or is defined by the first and second board

-23-connectors 50 and 52. For example, the plane may pass through or be defined by the first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions on the snowboard 14.
In the second configuration when the first and second board connectors 50 and are coupled to the snowboard 14, the outer board side surface 91 (shown in Figure 15, for example) of the second support 90 may be longitudinally convex. In some embodiments, in the second configuration shown in Figure 4, when the first and second board connectors 50 and 52 are coupled to the snowboard 14, at least a portion of the board engager 120 may be on a second side of the plane opposite to the first side of the plane. In various embodiments, change in concavity of the board side surface 91 of the second support 90 and/or the board engager moving from one side of the plane to the other side of the plane may result in the sliding surface 15 of the snowboard 14 changing from a concave shape to a convex shape, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
In some embodiments, the difference between the first length of the adjustable length 200 shown in Figure 14 and the second length of the adjustable length shown in Figure 13 may be at least great enough such that curvature of the sliding surface 15 can be changed from a concave shape to a convex shape. In some embodiments, the difference may be at least about 3 cm, for example.
In various embodiments, the adjustable length 200 may be adjustable to a plurality or continuum of lengths between the first and second lengths and therefore the curvature of the sliding surface 15 may be adjustable to a plurality or continuum of curvatures between the concave curvature shown in Figures 3 and 14 and the convex curvature shown in Figures 4 and 15. In various embodiments, this may facilitate a high degree of resolution in choosing a desired curvature for the snowboard 14, which may be desirable for tuning the curvature of the sliding surface depending on a variety of factors, such as user weight and/or skill or varying snow conditions, for example.

-24-Referring to Figure 15, in some embodiments, even when the spacer 100 is in the second configuration shown in Figure 15 where the second threaded portion 106 is at its lowest position relative to the first threaded portion 108 and the spacer 100 is fully extended, the second threaded portion 106 may remain spaced apart from and above the first support 80, such that at least a portion of the spring 108 is on the opposite side of the first support 80 from the second support 90. In the configuration shown in Figure 15, the first and second threaded portions 104 and 106 may form a cavity or pocket 109 within which the spring 108 may be receivable.
In some embodiments, the cavity 109 may have a height between the second threaded portion 106 and a bottom surface of the first threaded portion 104 that is greater than a compressed height of the spring 108. Thus, in some embodiments, even when the spacer 100 is in the second configuration shown in Figure 15, there is enough spacing between the second threaded portion 106 and the bottom surface of the first threaded portion 104 for the spring 108 to fully fit within the cavity 109 when fully compressed. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the spacer 100 may be configured such that the spring 108 cannot become fully compressed or bottom out when forces are applied to the snowboard 14, even when the spacer 100 is in the second configuration shown in Figure 15. In various embodiments, this may prevent damage to the snowboard 14 because the first and second supports 80 and 90 may be very close to one another (within about 1 mm, for example) when extreme forces are applied to the snowboard 14 and the spacer 100 bottoms out, for example, by the bottom surface of the first threaded portion 104 contacting the second support 90 and/or the first and second supports 80 and 90 contacting each other.
Various embodiments In various embodiments, a spacer having generally similar elements to the spacer 100 described above may be included in various apparatuses for adjusting curvature of a sliding board that may differ from the apparatus 12 described above.

-25-For example, referring to Figure 16, there is shown an exploded view of an apparatus 400 for adjusting curvature of a sliding board, in accordance with various embodiments. The apparatus 400 includes first and second spaced apart board connectors 402 and 404 for coupling to a snowboard 406 (shown in Figures 17 and 18 for example) at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the snowboard 406. The apparatus 400 also includes a connecting portion or support 408 coupled between the first and second board connectors 402 and 404 and an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location of the connecting portion, the adjuster including a board engager 412 and a spacer 414.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion 408 may include a sheet and a cover portion generally similar to the first support 80 discussed above. The board engager 412 may be configured to engage the snowboard 406 (shown in Figures 17 and 18 for example) at a third longitudinal position of the snowboard 406 when the first and second board connectors 402 and 404 are coupled to the snowboard 406, the third longitudinal position being between the first and second longitudinal positions.
Referring to Figure 16, the spacer 414 may be coupled between the adjustment location of the connecting portion 408 and the board engager 412. In some embodiments, the spacer 414 may include elements generally similar to elements described above having regard to the spacer 100 shown in Figure 5 and described above, for example. Referring to Figure 17, the spacer 414 may have an adjustable length relative to the adjustment location at which the spacer 414 is coupled to the connecting portion 408 for adjusting a spacing distance 415 between the adjustment location and the board engager 412.
Referring to Figure 16, in various embodiments, the spacer 414 may include a spring 420 acting as a flexibly resilient shock absorber configured to flex to resiliently change the adjustable length when force is applied to the spacer 414.

-26-In some embodiments, the adjuster may be configurable between a first configuration as shown in Figure 17 and a second configuration as shown in Figure 18 by adjustment of the adjustable length of the spacer 414 to change the spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion 408 and the board engager 412 to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface 407 of the snowboard 406 when the first and second board connectors 402 and 404 are coupled to the snowboard 406.
Referring to Figure 16, in some embodiments, the spacer 414 may include generally similar elements to those included in the spacer 100 shown in Figure 5, for example. The spacer 414 may include a handgrip 430 and a first threaded portion 432 configured to couple together via screws 433 and rotatably couple to the connecting portion 408. The first threaded portion 432 may extend through an opening 435 in the connecting portion 408. The spacer 414 may include a second threaded portion 434 for threadably engaging the first threaded portion 432.
The spacer 414 may include a post 436 for rotationally holding the second threaded portion 434 and allowing the second threaded portion 434 to slide thereon. The spacer 414 may also include the spring 420 for flexibly and resiliently holding the second threaded portion 434 along the post 436. The spacer 414 may also include a locking post 438 configured to be received within the post 436 and a bolt 439 for engaging with the handgrip 430 and holding the locking post 438 in place. In some embodiments, the board engager 412 may include a soft resilient cover, which may be made of a soft resilient material, such as, for example, a thermoplastic rubber pad.
Referring still to Figure 16, the spacer 414 may also include a detent 440 coupled to the post 436 and configured to pass through a detent opening 442 of the connecting portion 408. In various embodiments, the detent 440 being held in the detent opening 442 may keep the post 436 and the second threaded portion 434 from rotating when the handgrip 430 and the first threaded portion 432 are rotated

-27-by a user. In various embodiments, the detent 440 may be configured to avoid jamming in the detent opening 442.
Referring to Figure 16, the first board connector 402 includes a connecting portion connector 460 configured to mount or connect to the connecting portion 408 at a selected one of a plurality of longitudinal locations on the connecting portion. In various embodiments, the connecting portion connector 460 may include a plurality of ridges or recesses 462 for facilitating engagement with and mounting to one or more of a plurality of complementary ridges or recesses 464 of the connecting portion 408.
In various embodiments, because the ridges 462 may engage at various locations to a selected set of the ridges 464, the ridges 462 and 464 may facilitate mounting of the first board connector 402 to the connecting portion 408 at a plurality of longitudinal locations, while reducing the likelihood of the connecting portion connector 460 slipping on the connecting portion 408 during use, particularly when the spacer 414 is extended as shown in Figure 18 and significant forces are applied between the connecting portion connector 460 and the connecting portion 408.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion connector 460 may be made of a hard non-corrosive material, such as, for example, stainless steel. In various embodiments, a high resolution of longitudinal mounting locations provided by the ridges 462 and 464 may be desirable to allow mounting of the board connectors 402 and 404 to different snowboards which may have significant variability for board binding mounting hole locations. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the ridges may be spaced close together, such as, for example, about 2 mm apart.
Still referring to Figure 16, in various embodiments, the first board connector 402 may include a board mount 480 to which the connecting portion connector 460 may be coupled, such as by a snap fastener or friction fit, for example. The board mount 480 may include one or more board connecting interfaces for engaging with an upper surface of the snowboard 406 shown in Figures 17 and 18. The first

-28-board connector 402 also includes a center plate 490 and a user boot binding support 492. The center plate 490 may extend through an opening in the user boot binding support 492 and couple to the board mount 480 to facilitate rotatable coupling of the user boot binding support 492 to the center plate 490 and the board mount 480. In various embodiments, rotation of the user boot binding support relative to the board mount 480 may allow a user to easily customize an angle of their bindings as per their riding preference.
In various embodiments, each of the center plate 490, board mount 480, and connecting portion connector 460 may include openings for receiving mounting screws, which may be received in complementary threaded openings in the snowboard 406 when the first board connector 402 is connected with the snowboard 406, for example, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. In various embodiments, a user boot binding 500 as shown in Figures 17 and 18 may be supported by the user boot binding support 492 and the center plate 490 shown in Figure 16 and mounted with the screws for mounting the first board connector to the snowboard 406. In various embodiments, the board mount 480, center plate 490 and user boot binding support 492 may be made of a rigid material, such as, for example, hard plastic, to facilitate support of user boot bindings around the bolts or screws coupling the connectors 402 and 404 with the snowboard 406.
In various embodiments, the second board connector 404 may be generally similar to the first board connector 402. Figure 19 shows an exemplary exploded view of the second board connector 404 with a user boot binding 502 and screws 504 for mounting to the second board connector 404, in accordance with various embodiments.
In various embodiments, the resilient flexibility of the spring 420 shown in Figure 16 may allow the snowboard 406 shown in Figures 17 and 18 to move as a result of forces applied to the snowboard. In various embodiments, this may result in reduced stress applied to the connecting portion 408, the connecting portion

-29-connector 460, the snowboard 406, and/or the board mount 480, when the snowboard 406 is in use, such as, for example, when the snowboard 406 is ridden over bumpy terrain.
In some embodiments, the spacer 400 extending through the opening 435 may allow at least a portion of the spring 420 to be on the opposite side of the connecting portion 408 from the snowboard 406 such that at least a portion of the spring 420 extends away from the connecting portion 408 and the snowboard 406 when the first and second board connectors 402 and 404 are coupled to the snowboard. In various embodiments, this may allow a spring to be used that is larger than the spacing distance between the connecting portion 408 and the snowboard 406 even in the first configuration, which may facilitate improved shock absorption by the spring 420.
In some embodiments, similar to as described above having regard to the spacer 100, even when the adjuster is in the second configuration shown in Figure 18 where the second threaded portion 434 is at its lowest position relative to the first threaded portion 432 and the spacer 414 is fully extended, the second threaded portion 434 may remain spaced apart from and above the connecting portion 408, such that at least a portion of the spring 420 is on the opposite side of the connecting portion from the snowboard 400. In the configuration shown in Figure 18, the first and second threaded portions 432 and 434 may form a cavity or pocket within which the spring 420 may be received and the cavity may have a height between the second threaded portion 434 and a bottom surface of the first threaded portion 432 that is greater than a compressed height of the spring 108.
In various embodiments, various advantages similar to those described above having regard to the apparatus 12 may similarly apply to the apparatus 400 and vice versa.

-30-In various embodiments an apparatus that operates generally similarly to the apparatuses 12 and 400 described above may be configured to adjust curvature of another sliding board, such as, a ski, a split board snowboard, or another sliding board configured to slide on snow.
In some embodiments, an apparatus generally similar to the apparatuses 12 and 400 described above may be coupled to a sliding board or snowboard via different means. For example, in some embodiments, an apparatus generally similar to the apparatuses 12 and 400 may be manufactured with a snowboard and may be made integral with the snowboard. In some embodiments, an adhesive or glue may be used to couple the board connectors with the snowboards.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting the invention as construed in accordance with the accompanying claims.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board, the apparatus comprising:
first and second spaced apart board connectors for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board;
a first support coupled between the first and second board connectors;
a second support coupled between the first and second board connectors;
a spacer coupled between the first and second supports, the spacer having an adjustable length for adjusting a spacing distance between the first and second supports at least by flexing the second support relative to the first support;
at least one board engager coupled to the second support and configured to engage the sliding board when the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board such that when the adjustable length of the spacer is adjusted, the at least one board engager engages the sliding board and causes the sliding board to flex with the second support to adjust longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second spaced apart board connectors includes one or more longitudinally extending mounting slots, each configured to receive at least one fastener for coupling the first and second spaced apart board connectors with the sliding board.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 further comprising a first boot binding support configured to couple to the first board connector at a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart positions and a second boot binding support configured to couple to the second board connector at a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart positions.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the spacer includes a flexibly resilient shock absorber configured to flex to resiliently change the adjustable length when force is applied to the spacer.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the flexibly resilient shock absorber includes a spring.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5 wherein the first support includes an opening through which at least a portion of the spacer extends, such that at least a portion of the flexibly resilient shock absorber extends away from the first and second supports and the sliding board when the apparatus is in use and the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the spacer is configured to apply tension to the first support and compression to the second support when the adjustable spacing length is increased.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first support includes first and second hooks for coupling to the second support.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the spacer is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the spacer to change the spacing distance between the first and second supports to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of the sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board and wherein the second support includes an outer board side surface that is longitudinally concave when the spacer is in the first configuration and longitudinally convex when the spacer is in the second configuration.

10. An apparatus for adjusting curvature of a sliding board, the apparatus comprising:
first and second spaced apart board connectors for coupling to the sliding board at first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board;
a connecting portion coupled between the first and second board connectors;
an adjuster coupled to the connecting portion at an adjustment location of the connecting portion, the adjuster including:
a board engager for engaging the sliding board at a third longitudinal position of the sliding board when the first and second board connecting interfaces are coupled to the sliding board, the third longitudinal position being between the first and second longitudinal positions; and a spacer coupled between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager, the spacer having an adjustable length relative to the adjustment location for adjusting a spacing distance between the adjustment location and the board engager, wherein the spacer includes a flexibly resilient shock absorber configured to flex to resiliently change the adjustable length when force is applied to the spacer;
wherein the adjuster is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration by adjustment of the adjustable length of the spacer to change the spacing distance between the adjustment location of the connecting portion and the board engager to facilitate adjustment of longitudinal curvature of a sliding surface of the sliding board when the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the flexibly resilient shock absorber includes a spring.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11 wherein the connecting portion includes an opening through which at least a portion of the spacer extends, such that at least a portion of the flexibly resilient shock absorber extends away from the connecting portion and the sliding board when the apparatus is in use and the first and second board connectors are coupled to the sliding board.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein when the adjuster is in the second configuration, the adjustment length of the spacer is at a maximum length and when the adjuster is in the second configuration, the spacer includes a cavity for holding the spring when the spring is compressed, the cavity having a height greater than a compressed height of the spring.

14. A sliding board system comprising:
a sliding board; and the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and second connectors of the apparatus are coupled to the sliding board at the first and second spaced apart longitudinal positions of the sliding board.

15. The sliding board system of claim 14 further comprising first and second user boot bindings coupled to the sliding board.