New Quick Entry System

6615 Views 57 Replies 23 Participants Last post by quikboarder93, Nov 6, 2013

quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · Nov 5, 2013

Trying to get some feedback. What do you guys think of this invention I made?
Snowboard binding Quick Flip Technology (Patent Pending!) - YouTube

(Sorry for originally posting in binding reviews and leaving that thread there. If someone tells me how to delete a thread, I will delete that one)

1 - 20 of 58 Posts

ETM

· #2 · Nov 5, 2013

Its good to see young guys like you having a go. Im sure you can make something of it.

Maybe get your haircut finished off and relax a bit, you sound like you just took duromine for the first time lol.
Get someone to hold the camera so you have 2 hands free to show how it works.
What about the toe ratchet?

hardasacatshead

· #3 · Nov 5, 2013

Good work dude. I think it's got potential.

The only thing I would suggest is don't directly bag out the competition by putting in comments like the whole "cough flow cough" bit in the description of your vid. If it were to take off and you were looking for backers then you need to display maturity and the right attitude. Remember, you can't demand respect - you've got to command it.

Keep it up mate, good luck.

quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 5, 2013

Sorry man, I've just been waiting over a year to make this video haha. I also have Asperger's syndrome, so I am a little "off." It could be used for the toe cap strap too if everything were re-dimensioned and some tweaks were made, but I didn't really work on that yet. I was more concerned with the ankle strap because it gets in the way the most.

quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 5, 2013

hardasacatshead said:
Good work dude. I think it's got potential.

The only thing I would suggest is don't directly bag out the competition by putting in comments like the whole "cough flow cough" bit in the description of your vid. If it were to take off and you were looking for backers then you need to display maturity and the right attitude. Remember, you can't demand respect - you've got to command it.

Keep it up mate, good luck.

Righteous!

And thanks man! I changed the description because you have a great point. I just get carried away sometimes with how much I dislike some binding designs. Ha

ETM

· #6 · Nov 5, 2013

quikboarder93 said:
Sorry man, I've just been waiting over a year to make this video haha. I also have Asperger's syndrome, so I am a little "off."

Its understandable lol.
I wouldnt say you are "off", more like "on" :thumbsup:

Keep at it, testing, refining, listening to feedback, admiting when you are wrong etc and you will have a good chance.

quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 5, 2013

ETM said:
Its understandable lol.
I wouldnt say you are "off", more like "on" :thumbsup:

Keep at it, testing, refining, listening to feedback, admiting when you are wrong etc and you will have a good chance.

Thanks! Well, I certainly feel "off" in this world haha

I'm really glad that right off the start, you guys are giving me constructive criticism. This is a GOOD sign.

As for testing, refining, etc... I think I've gone as far as I can go with prototyping on my own. I will be getting a CNC machined aluminum prototype soon to have a fully functioning (new) prototype equivalent to the plastic prints, but I'm to the point where the improvements I'm seeing involve tweaking where it mounts on the heelcup, which I can't necessarily do myself. Who knows though, someone could always see something I didn't.

No worries here about me admitting faults haha. I try to stay as humble as possible. Big egos are overrated and are limiting to the mind, which is meant to be an infinitely expandable tool.

Triple8Sol

· #8 · Nov 5, 2013

Get a 3D printer! But seriously, definitely consider weight along with durability. If you can use a light composite, I think that would be preferable to steel or even alum, as long as you can retain strength and stiffness.

john doe

· #9 · Nov 5, 2013

I had the same idea few years ago. Threw it out for multiple reasons. One of them being knowing of other patented quick buckles. I would love to read your patent application and what other patents were referenced in it.

slyder

· #10 · Nov 5, 2013

I like your idea and as said before glad to see a younger person taking some design, engineering and imagination to make a go and several prototypes.
Kudo's there !!!! I like Flows that said I think your design has promise. I have no vested interest of the inside working of this sport.

few questions:

Are you making these to just replace the ladder strap on "all" bindings?
The hook strap, that is just a rapid prototype for testing right? As it seems quite bulky if the newer part is going to follow that design.
What material is the loop part going to be made of for strength. As that big loop just isn't aesthetically pleasing
Are you making this for the toe cap as well if not what real time or convenience saving is there since you still need to ratchet the toe?
Big concern for me is that black hook. How durable is that? If the hook is weak and breaks not good. If the hook wears out the base part where it hooks to is also a weak point I would believe.
I know it's very early but Price Point $50 kinda steep, $20 maybe not much profit .....

Again nice job and hope it works out. Very impressed with your attempts and willingness to put your passion into a working prototype. Just pointing out some of the issues I see not bashing your attempts !!!!
I would try them
Good Luck !!!

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cav0011

· #11 · Nov 5, 2013

I would recommend looking at K2's Auto tech. If you could combine the item you made with the auto to strap it might work really well.obviously you would have to work with k2 in that case but if could lend thier quick entry bindings that little something extra to put them ahead of other methods

shelbybeck

· #12 · Nov 5, 2013

don't let the cat out of the bag....oops, too late

ask yourself......will this satisfy a NEED or a WANT?....

if you know it will satisfy a NEED...then you may be onto something.
if you yourself would actually use it....you really may be onto something.
the key is making it practical, efficient and durable.
the big key is trying to keep it as quiet as possible while developing
because there are people with the wherewithal out there who will
take your idea,.....develop it themselves and market it.......lol

If you really believe your product is viable,...seek a patent attorney
and what you need to do to protect your idea.

that being said....with further developing you may just be onto something
there.

good luck!!

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BurtonAvenger

· #13 · Nov 5, 2013

While this isn't the worst idea I've ever seen in snowboarding I do want to say I saw something similar to this on a demo rental binding about 10 years ago or more.

You need to re-shoot that video. Get a tripod, get yourself presentable, and learn to breath. A haircut wouldn't hurt as no one wants to look at some hipster inspired emo over the eye haircut, but that's your personal style so whatever.

There are a few flaws in this design that I can already see. Some you've mentioned others that you've over looked as you're too invested and close to this project.

The lock to heel strap is one of them. That bolt right there is non flexing and a direct pressure point. I can tell the plastic you used will flex but that metal hoop and bolt won't. That is going to really suck when someone presses out over it or drives into it to flex the board. You need to find a way to have a hinge connection piece there, something similar to what is on the heel straps of the K2 Formulas or IPO's.

The reason the ladder and ratchet system exists and is still in use is that you do get micro adjustment. Every click on that ladder is one more adjustment. Also if you're stripping out ladders you have your strap adjusted wrong and it's stripping due to the teeth slipping and not gripping, go readjust your bindings. Your system is designed to be 100% dialed in before you hit the slopes and that's that. If you set it up with your pant leg tucked in and it's not, it won't fit the same. Snow build up in the binding and it won't fit the same. Your boots break in, won't fit the same. See what I'm getting at here? You need to have the ability to micro adjust. Using one of those flip of screw tabs like Burton or Flux would be key in this.

You mention that if it breaks finding a replacement part will be impossible. Go to the hardware store, find some of the most common nuts/bolts/screws. Make sure it's something that people can find in the base area at a repair shop. With Flow or Gnu I can find those parts at any repair shop at any resort I go to. The only thing I can't find is the cable which if that's broken you're probably dead or seriously fucked up. Maybe even a bit of a moron, but that's another story.

You might be on to something in terms of innovation as we've used ladders and ratchets since the late 80's. The problem is you have some fundamental design flaws, you're not addressing certain needs of the rider, and your video is piss poor. My suggestion is to try cold calling/emailing a few of the big guys to see if you can talk to someone in their design department. I think using the guise of an engineering student looking for help on a school project might help. This will allow you to see what/how they do things and hopefully give you some more feedback to drive you in the right direction. I've seen a lot of crappy ideas over the years, this isn't one of them but it's still rudimentary and needs refinement, keep it up and you could create something that changes snowboarding.

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Karpediem

· #14 · Nov 5, 2013

Essentially the system you are using is used by ski boots. Basically along the lines of what BA was saying, you need to have a way to micro adjust. Ski boot buckles do this by spinning the buckle, plus they have options of where to latch onto. Your best option might just be copy the ski boot setup. Heck, buy a cheap ski boot, remove the buckles and try it out. This could actually be a fairly easy DIY for anyone.

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quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #15 · Nov 5, 2013

john doe said:
I had the same idea few years ago. Threw it out for multiple reasons. One of them being knowing of other patented quick buckles. I would love to read your patent application and what other patents were referenced in it.

You can actually patent new uses/improvements on ideas, so as long as no one else is using it for a snowboard binding, the other patents do not really interfere.

zk0ot

· #16 · Nov 5, 2013

Karpediem said:
Essentially the system you are using is used by ski boots. Basically along the lines of what BA was saying, you need to have a way to micro adjust. Ski boot buckles do this by spinning the buckle, plus they have options of where to latch onto. Your best option might just be copy the ski boot setup. Heck, buy a cheap ski boot, remove the buckles and try it out. This could actually be a fairly easy DIY for anyone.

closer to this design from fulltilt boots... almost the same. except the lock. something to look into i suppose.

As an outsider. i dont think there is enough benefit. the buckle time is only slightly quicker on the ankle strap (still gotta ratchet the toe).... at the cost of loss of micro adjustability, possible dead spots.

seeing that k2's autos didnt survive even though it was a good idea. that the super quick rear entry or traditional strap bindings are going to trump anything else.
It needs to be exceedingly beneficial in today's world. a slight enhancement isnt worth peoples time it seems.

Dont take this as a "foot on your head" to keep you down but encouragement to bring this above and beyond. its not there yet.

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quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 5, 2013

Triple8Sol said:
Get a 3D printer! But seriously, definitely consider weight along with durability. If you can use a light composite, I think that would be preferable to steel or even alum, as long as you can retain strength and stiffness.

3D printers are expensive and I have no investors (yet). I'm not concerned about lightweight as of now because I am going to be seeking a licensee this winter. I'm hoping I will get the chance to work with a snowboard company on refining and perfecting this, that way I'll have more resources.

quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #18 · Nov 5, 2013

slyder said:
I like your idea and as said before glad to see a younger person taking some design, engineering and imagination to make a go and several prototypes.
Kudo's there !!!! I like Flows that said I think your design has promise. I have no vested interest of the inside working of this sport.

few questions:

Are you making these to just replace the ladder strap on "all" bindings?

The hook strap, that is just a rapid prototype for testing right? As it seems quite bulky if the newer part is going to follow that design.

What material is the loop part going to be made of for strength. As that big loop just isn't aesthetically pleasing

Are you making this for the toe cap as well if not what real time or convenience saving is there since you still need to ratchet the toe?

Big concern for me is that black hook. How durable is that? If the hook is weak and breaks not good. If the hook wears out the base part where it hooks to is also a weak point I would believe.

I know it's very early but Price Point $50 kinda steep, $20 maybe not much profit .....

Again nice job and hope it works out. Very impressed with your attempts and willingness to put your passion into a working prototype. Just pointing out some of the issues I see not bashing your attempts !!!!
I would try them
Good Luck !!!

1. This is actually more directed towards urban riding, where there is a ton of strapping in and unstrapping. However, if it turns into something more than that, then sweet deal.
2. Yes, that is just for testing haha. The black strap I hold in the video (over the pool table) will be closer to the final design. The bulky hook is well... bulky, heavy, stiff, and made from common parts at Lowe's.
3. Strap, plastic. Loop, aluminum.
4. As of now, I do not plan on making it for the toe cap myself. I'm actually hoping a company will get on this with me to do the final prototyping and develop a system for the toe cap strap. I kind of don't want to make it for the toe cap strap though because with the ratchet on it, you can keep the strap pushed forward and out of the way and just use the quick ankle strap if you want to do one-footed tricks then quickly strap back in.
5. The black hook actually doesn't need to be strong. 99% of the time, there is no force being applied to it. The latch functions perfectly fine without it because the tension holds it shut. That's just for reassurance, so it doesn't release if someone hits it on the lift, you hit it falling on a rail, etc..., so really, it just has to be strong enough to occasionally take an impact.
6. I'll figure out price point if I can't get a licensing deal. Probably $40 or so

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quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #19 · Nov 5, 2013

shelbybeck said:
ask yourself......will this satisfy a NEED or a WANT?....

if you know it will satisfy a NEED...then you may be onto something.
if you yourself would actually use it....you really may be onto something.
the key is making it practical, efficient and durable.
the big key is trying to keep it as quiet as possible while developing
because there are people with the wherewithal out there who will
take your idea,.....develop it themselves and market it.......lol

If you really believe your product is viable,...seek a patent attorney
and what you need to do to protect your idea.

that being said....with further developing you may just be onto something
there.

good luck!!

It's something I used all last season and I actually refuse to put ratchets and ladders back on that binding. That's why I decided to start designing, get some plastic prints, and fill out/file my patent application haha. Nothing in snowboarding satisfies a need because the entire sport is not necessarily a "need." I'm getting CNC machined aluminum parts soon of the final prototype. The strap will still look a little bulky and cheap, but the latch will be solid at that point.

quikboarder93

Discussion Starter · #20 · Nov 5, 2013

BurtonAvenger said:
While this isn't the worst idea I've ever seen in snowboarding I do want to say I saw something similar to this on a demo rental binding about 10 years ago or more.

You need to re-shoot that video. Get a tripod, get yourself presentable, and learn to breath. A haircut wouldn't hurt as no one wants to look at some hipster inspired emo over the eye haircut, but that's your personal style so whatever.

There are a few flaws in this design that I can already see. Some you've mentioned others that you've over looked as you're too invested and close to this project.

The lock to heel strap is one of them. That bolt right there is non flexing and a direct pressure point. I can tell the plastic you used will flex but that metal hoop and bolt won't. That is going to really suck when someone presses out over it or drives into it to flex the board. You need to find a way to have a hinge connection piece there, something similar to what is on the heel straps of the K2 Formulas or IPO's.

The reason the ladder and ratchet system exists and is still in use is that you do get micro adjustment. Every click on that ladder is one more adjustment. Also if you're stripping out ladders you have your strap adjusted wrong and it's stripping due to the teeth slipping and not gripping, go readjust your bindings. Your system is designed to be 100% dialed in before you hit the slopes and that's that. If you set it up with your pant leg tucked in and it's not, it won't fit the same. Snow build up in the binding and it won't fit the same. Your boots break in, won't fit the same. See what I'm getting at here? You need to have the ability to micro adjust. Using one of those flip of screw tabs like Burton or Flux would be key in this.

You mention that if it breaks finding a replacement part will be impossible. Go to the hardware store, find some of the most common nuts/bolts/screws. Make sure it's something that people can find in the base area at a repair shop. With Flow or Gnu I can find those parts at any repair shop at any resort I go to. The only thing I can't find is the cable which if that's broken you're probably dead or seriously fucked up. Maybe even a bit of a moron, but that's another story.

You might be on to something in terms of innovation as we've used ladders and ratchets since the late 80's. The problem is you have some fundamental design flaws, you're not addressing certain needs of the rider, and your video is piss poor. My suggestion is to try cold calling/emailing a few of the big guys to see if you can talk to someone in their design department. I think using the guise of an engineering student looking for help on a school project might help. This will allow you to see what/how they do things and hopefully give you some more feedback to drive you in the right direction. I've seen a lot of crappy ideas over the years, this isn't one of them but it's still rudimentary and needs refinement, keep it up and you could create something that changes snowboarding.

I will be shooting more videos once I get the CNC machined aluminum prototype parts. I am also very aware that I need a haircut Lol I actually don't usually let my hair grow into my face this much. I just got really excited that it was finally patent pending because I'd been working on this project for over a year under the radar, so I made a quick video and posted it to spread my stoke! This video does definitely suck, but there will be more to come that will be put together much better.

The bulky bolt was just a temporary prototype for tested. It doesn't actually create pressure points even though it does not flex because it basically attached to a hinge, which allows it to move. However, it still won't be the final design. Everything you see in this video was financed on a part time job $11/hour tutoring alg-calculus at a local college.

For micro adjustments, I actually want to make both sides of the strap like the fixed side of the Nitro bindings. Super easy to adjust. You actually don't really need micro adjustments every time though, which is why Flows, Gnus, and rear entry work. Some people actually like the consistent pressure and feel of those bindings. My binding system is quicker to adjust than those though because you can keep your foot in the binding while adjusting, as opposed to having to take it out every time. I also (typically) don't strip out ladders anymore, but let's face it, many people do and snowboard companies have to cover this expense under warranty pretty often.

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