Abstract: An articulated snowboard includes first and second members that are joined at a first end by an articulation mechanism that permits vertical offset between the members while preserving parallel orientation of at least one of a longitudinal axis through each member and a leading edge of each member. Articulation enhances stability, user control, and braking action. Further, the articulation mechanism permits folding the articulated snowboard in half for storage and transport, and also permits separating the two members. When separated the two members can be worn by a user as emergency snowshoes or short skis.

Abstract: A snowboard boot binding rotation system provides for detent notches that may be adjusted in rotational separation by the relative rotation of two co-rotating disks. Adjustment of the location of the lock engaging these notches and adjustment in the separation between the notches allows complete adjustment of the user's stance for snowboarding and skateboarding. A pawl mechanism allows for a hard-lock and soft-lock to be used in the snowboarding stance and skateboarding stance, respectively, for convenience of use by not requiring the boot to be removed from the binding to make the stance angle adjustments.

Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member including at least two portions that are to be contacted by and to support a rear portion of the rider's leg and that are movable relative to each other for setting a desired forward lean of the highback. The support member may include a lower portion with a pair of mounting locations for mounting the highback to a gliding board component, such as a snowboard binding, and an upper portion movably supported by the lower portion to vary the forward lean of the highback. The lower portion of the support member may be mounted to a snowboard binding baseplate for lateral rotation between a plurality of lateral positions. The highback may include a forward lean adjuster that prevents the upper portion from moving in the heel direction beyond a predetermined forward lean position.

Abstract: A snowboard binding comprises base plate with an extension in the peripheral regions on either side of its longitudinal axis, and a U-shaped support element, each extension retaining a respective leg of the support element, which supports a back support pivotably disposed in the region of the support element base and/or which is a stop restriction for a back support mounted on the extensions of the base plate. A pivot bearing mounts the support element so as to be pivotable in a limited pivot path about a pivot axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the base plate. The binding comprises an adjusting and locking mechanism for fixing the support element in a desired angular position relative to the base plate, and/or an elastically resilient damping mechanism for rebounding the support element into a pre-defined angular position relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A snowboard binding having a mounting plate for attachment to a snowboard in spaced-apart relation thereto, a clamping plate arranged between the snowboard and the mounting plate, a peg that projects from the clamping plate and extends through an opening in the mounting plate, a base plate that has an opening over which a hold-down plate extends, and a hold-down plate coupled to the clamping plate by means of a central opening via the peg. The mounting plate opening is substantially larger than the dimension of the peg of the clamping plate in two shift directions (x, y) extending perpendicular to each other, so that the clamping plate and the hold-down plate coupled with it can move, together with the base plate, relative to the mounting plate in the two shift directions. There is a positive-fit connection of the mounting plate to the clamping plate and/or the hold-down plate.

Abstract: A binding to retain a boot on a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as a snowboard, ski, or roller skate. The binding includes a linkage that connects first and second flanges. The linkage includes a first band attached to the first flange, and a tightening device attached to the second flange. An abutment of the binding is fixed to the first band toward a free end of the band, so as to be located on the other side of the tightening device with respect to a fastening end of the band, thus preventing a separation of the first band and of the tightening device.

Abstract: A toe ramp system for use with a snowboard binding. The system includes a toe ramp for adjustable attachment to a front portion of a base plate of the snowboard binding and including a toe ramp interlocking structure associated with a toe ramp rear wall. Also included is a first spacer having a first interlocking structure associated with a first wall for removable attachment to the toe ramp interlocking structure and having a second interlocking structure associated with a second wall for removable attachment to a base plate wall. In an implementation, the system also includes at least a second spacer having a third interlocking structure associated with a front wall for removable attachment to the second interlocking structure of the first spacer, and having a fourth interlocking structure associated with a rear wall for removable attachment to the base plate wall.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing or snow boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snow-board. A unique feature of the invention is to use magnetic forces in cooperation with a novel mechanical locking mechanism to removably affix the snow boot to the ski or snowboard.

Abstract: A snow board binding comprises a base for supporting a footwear, at least one strap fastening connected to the base for restraining the footwear on the base, and a connection between the strap fastening and the base. The connection comprises a first portion of the strap fastening having greater flexibility than any remaining portion of the strap fastening.

Abstract: An adjustable strap assembly for securing a boot to a binding. The assembly includes a lateral strap, an instep pad, a medial strap and an adjustable retention assembly. In an implementation, the lateral strap has a first end for connection to a lateral side of the binding and a second end, and the instep pad includes a connection device positioned on a first distal end for adjustable connection to the second end of the lateral strap. The instep pad also includes an engagement device positioned on a raised ramp area adjacent a second distal end. The medial strap has a first end for connection to a medial side of the binding, and includes an elongated slot along its length that is positioned a predetermined distance from its second end. The adjustable retention assembly is associated with the elongated slot, and functions to releasably secure the medial strap to the instep pad which permits the length of the strap assembly to be selectively adjustable by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus is attachable to a conventional snowboard to convert the snowboard into a snow scooter having improved performance characteristics in comparison to those of the snowboard alone. The apparatus includes a member movable relative to the snowboard by either the hands or feet of the rider, and forces and motions applied to that member by the rider are converted by an associated motion and force transmitting mechanism into twisting motions of the rear portion of the snowboard relative to the front portion of the snowboard, allowing the scooter rider to better perform turns and other maneuvers during the riding of the scooter and also allowing the rider to ride the snow scooter without foot bindings fixing his feet to the scooter.

Abstract: Step-in snowboard binding designed to hold a boot by its sides. The binding comprises at least one jaw secured to a driving arm intended to be driven by the boot. The jaw has a cam-shaped part collaborating with a locking element which can move in a guide in such a way that the jaw is locked for various positions of the jaw. The jaw is equipped with a return spring which tends to keep it in the open position, and the jaw and the locking element cooperate to keep the locking element away from its locking position when the jaw is raised. In this way, the jaw cannot be closed inadvertently and the locking element does not hamper the closure movement.

Abstract: A sliding device provides a binding-free apparatus suitable for trick and other riding on snow, sand, ice and other surfaces. An elongated deck to support the rider is elevated from and attached to an elongated runner, which provides a surface that slides on the snow, sand, etc. The runner may be made more narrow than the deck to provide leverage for the rider to tilt the device onto an edge of the runner to steer the device. The device may not have any defined front or back portion and thus be adapted for riding in either direction.

Abstract: A device for gliding over snow includes a runner equipped with a gliding sole, on which is mounted a plate for receiving the user's two free feet. A projection over the plane of the gliding sole of the rear end of the plate is offset rearward by at least 20 millimeters relative to a projection of the rear end of the runner.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved boards and board materials for use in various sports and leisure context. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the boards are well suited for use in skateboards. The board may be provided with varying numbers of layers of material as well as include various edges and protective guards that are placed on the board. Additionally, the protective edges and guards are integrated in novel techniques, which prevent such guards falling off the board during use. Additionally, the board used in a deck assembly of a skateboard (or other board) is comprised of a novel construction of a lightweight yet rigid material in combination with an even lighter material. Different materials may be substituted in and out of the board in order to adjust the physical characteristics of the board.

Abstract: The boot/binding assembly for a snowboard with an automatic binding has a base (12) having a device (14) for holding the boot via its sides and complementary forms guiding and positioning the boot in the binding. The guiding and positioning forms (16) located on the binding extend above the holding device (14) for holding the boot so as to prevent the actuation of the holding device until the boot is fully positioned relative to the binding.

Abstract: A shock absorption system for a sports board which includes a rocker assembly for attaching the board to a raised platform which rocks forward and aft on the board. A space between the platform and the board to accommodate two independent inflated bladders which create a cushion for the platform to rock into forward and aft. The pressure inside the bladders will be at the rider's desired psi and will be sufficient for the rider to exert extreme pressures for balance, control, and maneuvers on any given terrain conditions.

Abstract: A two-piece articulated snowboard having a first section held to a second section by a connector. the connector is configured so that it permits some bending so that the longitudinal axis of the board bends at the connector. Preferably, the connector permits very little or no twisting so that the first and second sections stay in the same horizontal plane.

Abstract: A binding for a snow board includes a spacer which is provided integrally or together with a base plate and has a plurality of recesses. Fitting members which have larger hardness than the spacer are mounted in the recesses. The fitting members may be different in hardness from one another.

Abstract: Herein taught is a new device for improving the overall function and/or aerodynamic qualities of a typical snowboard. The device may be manufactured independently as an accessory item, or it may be included in the snowboard at the point of manufacture. The main improvement being an elongated member which when combined with a snowboard, functions as a springboard respectively. Whereby, bodily movements and/or energies of a user are transferred from the springboard into the snowboard and greatly aid with overall performance, especially jumping and turning.

Abstract: A spacer for a sliding device connects a deck to a runner. The spacer may allow relative rotation, pivoting and/or sliding of the deck and the runner. The sliding, pivoting and/or rotating may reduce the stresses experienced at the attachment points of the spacer and the deck or the spacer and the runner. The spacer arrangement may also provide a sliding device with a smoother ride.

Abstract: A binding to retain a boot on a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as a snowboard, ski, or roller skate. The binding includes a linkage that connects first and second flanges. The linkage includes a first band attached to the first flange, and a tightening device attached to the second flange. An abutment of the binding is fixed to the first band toward a free end of the band, so as to be located on the other side of the tightening device with respect to a fastening end of the band, thus preventing a separation of the first band and of the tightening device.

Abstract: A gliding or rolling board having, from a first end to a second end, a first end zone, a central zone, and a second end zone. The board has in height at least a first reinforcement. In the central zone, at least one of the reinforcements has at least a portion whose structure is mechanically weakened with respect to the rest of the reinforcement structure.

Abstract: An adjustable strap assembly for securing a boot to a binding. The assembly includes a lateral strap, an instep pad, a medial strap and an adjustable retention assembly. In an implementation, the lateral strap has a first end for connection to a lateral side of the binding and a second end, and the instep pad includes a connection device positioned on a first distal end for adjustable connection to the second end of the lateral strap. The instep pad also includes an engagement device positioned on a raised ramp area adjacent a second distal end. The medial strap has a first end for connection to a medial side of the binding, and includes an elongated slot along its length that is positioned a predetermined distance from its second end. The adjustable retention assembly is associated with the elongated slot, and functions to releasably secure the medial strap to the instep pad which permits the length of the strap assembly to be selectively adjustable by a user.

Abstract: A security edge for skis and snowboards (1) which comprises indentations or protrusions with variable thickness which are designed, depending on the type of ski or snowboard, to be variable in length, width and height and offer a permanent grip on surfaces such as snow, ice, artificial snow etc.

Abstract: A snowboarding boot includes a sole assembly having an outsole with a the lower face for contacting a ground surface and a reinforcing piece. Further included is a transverse plate for interaction with complementary arrangements of a binding. The plate is mechanically integrated with the sole assembly. An elastic element is interposed between the plate and the sole assembly. The element is deformable to allow lateral deflection of the boot relative to the binding.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a snowboard binding including a base having a toe end and a heel end, and a guide that is adapted to guide a snowboard boot back toward the heel end of the base when the snowboard boot is stepped into the binding. Another embodiment is directed to a snowboard; binding including a baseplate and a heel hoop hinged for rotation relative to the baseplate. A further embodiment is directed a snowboard binding to mount a snowboard boot to a snowboard, the snowboard boot including at least one pin extending from medial and lateral sides thereof. The snowboard binding comprises a base having medial and lateral sides; a pair of engagement cams each mounted to one of the medial and lateral sides for rotation between open and closed positions; at least one lever to move the pair of engagement cams from the closed position to the open position; and a cocking mechanism that is adapted to maintain the pair of engagement cams in the open position upon release of the at least one lever.

Abstract: A ski boot binding for snowboards includes a base (4) to which a back piece (10) is pivotally mounted. The back piece (10) extends upward from the base and supports the user's ankle. The degree to which the back piece flexes affects an amount of support which it provides to the user's ankle. A reinforcement (22) is mounted on a central part of a rear face (19) of the back piece. The reinforcement is adjustably mounted for vertical movement relative to the back piece to adjust the flexibility of the back piece, hence the amount of rearward ankle support.

Abstract: To provide a novel sliding apparatus on snow having excellent maneuverability in view of human anatomy and capable of excellently making full use of feature of a sliding plate per se, a sliding apparatus on snow includes a sliding plate in a shape of a snow board, a front stay a lower end of which is attached to a front portion of the sliding plate pivotably only in a front and rear direction and which extends in a skewed rear upper direction therefrom, a handle fixed to an upper end of the front stay, a rigid frame a front end of which is pivotably attached to a middle portion of the front stay and which is extended therefrom toward a rear side thereof while being divided in a bifurcated shape and extended to a lower side thereof from a central position above the sliding plate in the front and rear direction to a rear side thereof, two pieces of frame extension portions continuous to the rigid frame in the bifurcated shape, extended to a rear side thereof along side edges of the sliding plate and fixedly att

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to individually or simultaneously customize the pitch, roll, height, yaw, linear placement and lateral placement of his/her boots on his/her skis. This system allows the user to stand in a position while skiing that is closer to his/her natural position and to have the parameters of such a stance measured and quantified, thereby improving comfort, performance, and safety. As opposed to the limited variation in only some parameters described by current art, this invention allows significant variation in all individual parameters and simultaneous customization of all parameters. This simultaneity is important because of its increased ease to the skier and because altering any one parameter can change the center of pressure, thus creating the need for additional changes until the perfect combination of adjustments is made.

Abstract: A system for tool free disengagement of an engagement member from a base while the base is mounted to a substrate, so that the engagement member may be repositioned, tool free, in a new mounting location. The engagement member and the base include complementary locking members, and the engagement member may be constructed so that manipulation of the engagement member releases the complementary locking members allowing relocation of the engagement member in a new mounting location. The system may be incorporated in a binding for securing a foot or a boot and in footwear.

Abstract: A binding and boot engagement system for use with a snowboard having a step-in binding system is disclosed. The system has a flexible tether connectable at one end to the snowboard and at the other end to the user. When a user is in an elevated lift and has one boot removed from a binding, the user may apply an upward force to the tether, thereby causing the board to elevate. By positioning the free boot over the binding and applying the upward force, the boot is caused to engage with the binding. Features of the invention include having first and second portions of the tether wherein the first portion is generally non-stretchable and the second portion is resiliently connected to the user. In this configuration, a slight tension is usually present in the system, thereby decreasing the chances for unintentional engagement of the system with undesirable objects such as lift equipment or mountain hazards.

Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus. The device includes a strap provided to extend between two fasteners, the strap including a covering portion and one or two fastening portions. A cover covers the covering portion to demarcate a channel for receiving a free end of each fastening portion.

Abstract: Interface plate (1) intended to be inserted between a snowboard binding and the upper face of a snowboard, and which comprises: an essentially circular central zone (2) through which the screws (38) for attaching the binding to the board can pass; two outer zones (3, 4) of a width smaller than the diameter of the central zone (2), arranged symmetrically with respect to the central zone (2), and of which the ends furthest from the central zone (2) act as supports for diametrically opposed zones of the binding so as to transmit the forces exerted from the binding to the board only at said outer zones (34) which are advantageously located near to the edges (9, 10).

Abstract: A device for coupling an item of footwear on an item of sports equipment in order to use the equipment enables the equipment to be detached when not in use.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing support pad to be positioned between a boot and a snowboard, or between the boot and a snowboard binding, and a snowboard binding incorporating such support pad. The support pad has at least two layers of material having different hardnesses. A first layer has a support surface for contacting the boot and it has a bonding surface opposite to the support surface. A second layer is joined to the bonding surface of the first layer. The hardness of the second layer is less than the hardness of the first layer.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing or snow boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snowboard. The snow boot or foot enclosure component of the invention carries a permanent magnet that engages a metal plate provided on the snowboard. The mechanical locking mechanism that is operated by the user is also strategically mounted on the snowboard. The mechanical locking component includes a toe locking mechanism and a cooperating heel locking mechanism that is easily operable to enable the snow boot to be readily disconnected from the upper surface of the snowboard or snow ski.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing or snow boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snowboard. The snow boot or foot enclosure component of the invention carries a permanent magnet that engages a metal plate provided on the snowboard. The mechanical locking mechanism that is operated by the user is also strategically mounted on the snowboard. The mechanical locking component includes a toe locking mechanism and a cooperating heel locking mechanism that is easily operable to enable the snow boot to be readily disconnected from the upper surface of the snowboard or snow ski.

Abstract: A snowboard (110) includes a body (22) formed from a primary core (130) reinforced by a structural layer (132, 134) that wraps the primary core. A secondary core formed from first and second binding lifter plates (120) is disposed above the body and adhered thereto with an elastomeric layer (142). A top layer (136) overlies the secondary core and the exposed portions of the body to integrate the secondary core into the snowboard. The snowboard further includes a bottom layer (138) reinforced with edge strips (140). The integrated modular lifter plates provides additional leverage and vibration dampening at selected regions of the snowboard without significantly impacting the torsional and longitudinal flexibility of the center section (112) of the snowboard.

Abstract: Device for gliding over snow (1) that includes a runner (2) equipped with a gliding sole (3) on which is mounted a plate for receiving the user's two free feet, wherein the projection over the plane of the gliding sole (3) of the rear end (22) of the plate is offset rearward by at least 20 millimeters relative to the projection of the rear end (25) of the runner.

Abstract: An accessory for a snowboard, comprising a plate (12) adapted to support the feet of a rider, the plate being constructed and arranged to be secured releasably to the snowboard, and having steering means (22, 24) which is pivotably mounted on said plate and which is constructed to extend away from the snowboard in a first arrangement, and to lie substantially parallel to the snowboard in a further arrangement.

Abstract: A self propelled scooter that has a pair of wheels that ride on the ground and a frame having a footboard mounted between the wheels. The rear wheel has a shiftable axle, that is, the axle that rotatably affixes the rear wheel to the frame can be moved between a location that is at the center of the rear wheel where the user can readily coast the scooter and a location offset with respect to the center of the wheel where that offset location allows the user to employ a pumping action and use the weight of the user on the footboard to propel the scooter forwardly. A mechanism operable by the user allows the user to selectively move the rear axle between the two locations so that the user can pump the scooter to gain speed when the axle is in the offset location and then shift the axle back to the center location to dissipate that speed by allowing the scooter to coast.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gliding board design with innovative skiing features. The gliding board design consists of two gliding board halves (1, 2) on which shoe-fastening devices are mounted. Both gliding board halves (1, 2) are connected pivotally via a linkage construction whereby a bearing is attached to each shoe-fastening device. A pole each is fitted into the bearings in relation to the longitudinal extension of the gliding board design and is extended underneath the shoe-fastening device, whereby the two gliding board halves (1, 2) can be pivoted in relation to the pole. A coupling device connects the poles (5, 6), which can be rotated, whereby each pole is kept at such a distance from the surface of the gliding board halves (1, 2) and the coupling device has been constructed in such a way that it prevents contact with the gliding board halves (1, 2) due to deflection or tilting while skiing.

Abstract: A sliding device provides a binding-free apparatus suitable for trick and other riding on snow, sand, ice and other surfaces. An elongated deck to support the rider is elevated from and attached to an elongated runner, which provides a surface that slides on the snow, sand, etc. The runner may be made more narrow than the deck to provide leverage for the rider to tilt the device onto an edge of the runner to steer the device. The runner may be provided with rocker and sidecut to improve turning. Longitudinal and/or lateral recesses may be provided to help position the device during tricks and maneuvers.

Abstract: Snowboards with various edge structures are disclosed herein. A portion of the edge of the snowboard may be formed by a hardened or metal edge. A remaining portion of the edge defined by an absence of the hardened or metal edge forms a grind edge. The disclosed invention provides a snowboard that has only partial metal or hardened edges along its perimeter to allow the rider to slide or grind on a rail without worry of catching a hardened or metal edge on the rail, or damaging the hardened or metal edge during the grinding activity. Embodiments of the invention also relate to edge structures of snowboards that allow for easy repair of those edge structures.

Abstract: The invention features a sliding device, such as a sledboard, having upwardly turned ends at each end of the board, so as to be ridden with either end of the device facing in the leading direction, i.e., when used on a downward slope, in the downhill direction. The sliding device has both an upturned leading end and an upturned trailing end. The sliding device is thereby able to spin around and is able to ride in both directions, enabling a rider or riders to ride backwards or forwards. These upturned or “flipped-up” ends also confer the advantage of preventing one end of the sled from acting as a brake by digging into the snow and stopping the sled. This allows the sled to travel down the hill no matter which end is facing down the hill.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet material suitable for use in manufacturing gliding board bases includes placing a first group of materials including plastic particles on a continuously moving surface in a first pattern, and placing a second group of materials including plastic particles on the continuously moving surface in a second pattern. Heat and pressure are applied to sinter the plastic particles together to form the sheet material having a first area with a first set of characteristics formed mainly of particles from the first group adjacent a second area with a second set of characteristics different from the first set of characteristics formed mainly from particles from the second group. The first and second sets of characteristics may include only one characteristic, such as color, hardness, wear-resistance, etc., or a plurality of different characteristics.

Abstract: A positioning system for a snowboard is provided. The positioning system includes an improved slider system and corresponding numerical positioning system.

Abstract: A shock absorption system for a sports board which includes a rocker assembly for attaching the board to a raised platform which rocks forward and aft on the board. A space between the platform and the board to accommodate two independent inflated bladders which create a cushion for the platform to rock into forward and aft. The pressure inside the bladders will be at the rider's desired psi and will be sufficient for the rider to exert extreme pressures for balance, control, and maneuvers on any given terrain conditions.

Abstract: An auxiliary rolling device of a skateboard comprises: a base at the bottom side of the skateboard; a brace, being mounted onto the base; a recession, being disposed on the brace; a shaft rack, being protruded from each of the sides of the recession, and a penetrating hole, being disposed each on the shaft rack, and a shaft passes through the penetrating holes such that the shaft is fixed into a position and both of its ends protrudes out of the shaft rack, and a wheel is mounted onto each end of the shaft. A roller wheel is sheathed into the middle section of the shaft, and the external diameter of the roller wheel is smaller than that of the wheel.