Abstract: A binding assembly includes a boot having a plate, and a binding plate secured to a snowboard. The boot plate includes at least one set of opposing, horizontally-projecting, binding tabs positioned along the sides of the boot. The binding plate includes at least one set of binding elements that correspond, respectively, to the binding tabs. The assembly further including a mechanism operatively associated with at least one binding element and the binding plate to maintain at least one binding element in a closed position after engagement of the binding tabs with the binding elements unless manually released by the user. In operation, the binding tabs on the boot are maneuvered to engage the binding elements on the binding plate to mount the boot to the snowboard.

Abstract: This safety closure particularly for ski boots comprises a closure lever associated with one of the flaps to be joined and connected to a link element. Coupleable to the link element is an opening element associated with the other of the flaps to be joined. Also provided is a locking lever adapted to prevent release of the closure lever as the link element is placed under tension, thereby the closure device has two separate members, the one for closing the device and the other for opening it.