Abstract: The invention allows riders to quickly and effortlessly strap in and out of their bindings with only one hand, with embodiments for top-entry bindings, rear-entry bindings and hybrid-bindings. The invention can be integrated into bindings or delivered as after-market add-on products that re-use and adapt the riders existing binding.

Abstract: A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and an axle-engaging wheel hub for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel, an axle, and a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle. A wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel that is adapted to receive either an axle-engaging wheel hub or a wheel hub which is adapted for use with a fastener for mounting the wheel to the axle depending upon the preference of the assembler. Wheeled containers and methods of assembly thereof are also provided for use with such wheel assemblies.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for hands-free binding that offer enhanced convenience, style, and performance. In an embodiment, the systems and devices disclosed herein comprise a binding system having an opening. In an embodiment, the binding system can be configured to change the size of the opening to allow for an item to be inserted, secured, released, and/or removed. In an embodiment, the binding system can be configured to be able to change its profile.

Abstract: Various mechanical closure systems and securing systems are disclosed, such as snowboard bindings and car rack systems. The systems include a mechanically reformable strap. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.

Abstract: An improved supplemental binding attachment scheme involving an extended strap and customizing tool enables customizing of a strapped article of leisure wear. The customizing tool may take the form of a stud, or any number of personalized shapes, including characters, strings, logos, icons and anything that attaches to show that any article belongs to a user. Kits, straps, and software based instructions are likewise included in the present disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.

Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.

Abstract: A geometry-shifting strap for a binding having a baseplate is disclosed. The geometry-shifting strap is shiftable between a closed position wherein the distal end of the geometry-shifting strap is biased or disposed over the baseplate, and an open position wherein the distal end of the strap is not over the baseplate. The strap includes at least one arcuate element that biases the strap to the closed position when the arcuate element is in a concave configuration, and biases the strap to the open position when the arcuate element is in a convex configuration.

Abstract: A device for receiving a foot or a boot on a gliding apparatus, the receiving device including a base plate that extends along a longitudinal direction, from a rear end to a front end, as well as a rear support element, the rear support element being articulated with respect to the base plate, in the area of the rear end, in order to be capable of being folded, selectively, towards the base plate or deployed rearwardly. The receiving device includes an abutment that limits the deployment of the rear support element with respect to the base plate. The abutment is fixed to the base plate, the abutment has a self-supporting structure, and the abutment limits the deployment of the rear support element by acting along the longitudinal direction (L). The abutment is transversely flexible in order to assume the shape of the rear support element when the latter is deployed rearward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemark ski binding system that includes a first coupling configured to couple a ski to the toe of a ski boot and a second coupling configured to attach the ski to the heel of the ski boot. The second coupling may attach to the ski separately from the first coupling. The first coupling attaches to the boot using a freely rotating, releasable toe coupling design. The second coupling incorporates a flexible attachment that facilitates vertical movement of heel of the ski boot with respect to the ski and connects to the ski underneath or near the bellows of the boot.

Abstract: A step-in binding for reversibly securing a boot to sports equipment comprises a toe portion (a toe iron or toe box) that engages the toe of the boot and a cable having both ends connected to the front portion. The cable extends from the front portion around the heel of the boot. The cable includes a heel lever that engages both the heel of the boot and a heel block such that the boot heel remains free to be lifted vertically relative to the ski and binding. The heel of the boot is reversibly secured to the sports equipment by frictional forces between a camming surface of the heel lever and an anterior surface of the heel block. The heel lever can be tipped between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A snowboard binding for coupling a snowboard boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a highback that extends upwardly from a midfoot or heel region of the binding to provide rear support for the boot. In one embodiment, the highback is formed of a plurality of modular components that each can be manufactured of a separate material to collectively provide desired structural characteristics to the highback. The attachment of the highback, its supporting elements and one or more straps to retain the boot within the binding are arranged such that certain attachment points are fixedly connected to each other and thus made to move synchronously when the position of the highback with respect to the binding's base is adjusted.

Abstract: Various mechanical closure systems and securing systems are disclosed, such as snowboard bindings and car rack systems. The systems include a mechanically reformable strap. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding with a sole-plate which is to be fastened on the surface of a snowboard and to which, firstly, an instep element is fastened or coupled, which instep element can be adjusted between a clamping position and a release position and by means of which the upper side of a shoe, which can be accommodated in the snowboard binding can be partially embraced, and to which, secondly, a leg support is pivotably coupled, which leg support can be pivoted between a rear entry position and a front travelling position with control means provided by means of which a pivoting movement of the leg support into the entry position is coupled at least in some sections to an adjustment movement of the instep element from the clamping position into the release position.

Abstract: A strap for a mechanical closure device is disclosed. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a snowboard binding, including a mount, rear plate, top plate assembly base, rotary top pressboard, trigger support and coupling plate. The coupling plate, the mating frame of the rotary top pressboard, the mating ends of the trigger support and the top plate assembly base are coupled together to form a four-bar mechanism. The pressing state of the rotary top pressboard can be positioned directly by the perpendicular trigger support, and the rotary top pressboard can realize an expanded opening state over 90°. Thus, the snowboard boot can be slipped directly into the snowboard binding, enabling more convenient locating and release of the snowboard binding with better efficiency and applicability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spring cartridge for a ski binding, wherein the ski binding has a rotatable front binding part for attachment of a ski boot, and is in particular a telemark ski binding. In the binding the spring cartridge provides tension to a biasing cable which biases the rotatable front binding part, so as to rotate the front binding part so that an attached ski boot would be brought into contact with the ski to which the ski binding is attached. The spring cartridge comprises an extended hollow housing open at both ends, a compression spring held within the extended hollow housing and a pressure stub held partly within the compression spring. The pressure stub is structured with an extended portion having a cross dimension smaller than the interior size of the compression spring and a head having a larger size than the interior size of the compression spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retainment strap for bindings particularly for snowboards that comprises an actuation lever fixable to a tie-rod coupleable to one side of a binding and engageable with a toothed strip fixable to the other side of the binding, the retainment strap further comprising an external sheath fixable to the base of the actuation lever and having a passage channel for the tie-rod. The tie-rod is provided with a plurality of selectively adjustable fixing zones for the base. Symbols that are viewable from a small window in the sheath are provided on the tie-rod in a manner to indicate outwardly the length adjustment for the retainment strap. The tie-rod is provided with a longitudinal slot for rendering the tie-rod more flexible.

Abstract: A strap for a mechanical closure device is disclosed. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retainment strap for bindings particularly for snowboards that comprises an actuation lever fixable to a tie-rod coupleable to one side of a binding and engageable with a toothed strip fixable to the other side of the binding, the retainment strap further comprising an external sheath fixable to the base of the actuation lever and having a passage channel for the tie-rod. The tie-rod is provided with a plurality of selectively adjustable fixing zones for the base. Symbols that are viewable from a small window in the sheath are provided on the tie-rod in a manner to indicate outwardly the length adjustment for the retainment strap. The tie-rod is provided with a longitudinal slot for rendering the tie-rod more flexible.

Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a binding that can be used for securing a boot to a snowboard. The binding includes a baseplate, a toe strap, an ankle strap, a strap fastener for the toe or ankle strap, and a movable linkage that connects the toe strap to the ankle strap, such that when the fastener is operated, travel of the linkage is produced, and such travel can secure the strap that is not directly tied to the strap fastener. The invention provides for the securement of two individual straps against a snowboard boot with the operation of a single strap fastener.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle strap assembly for a snowboard binding. The strap assembly includes a middle strap portion having a stiffening panel with a longitudinal slot defining upper and lower rails, and at least one stiffening member that engages the upper and lower rails. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the stiffness of a strap assembly for a snowboard binding.

Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: Snowboard binding (1), comprising a base (2) on which a foot-gripping strap (10) is mounted, and in which strap (10) is capable of moving around a transversal axis (8) to enable strap (10) to be folded towards base (2), and in which at least part of strap (10) is capable of pivoting relative to the base to enable the said section of strap (10) to move outwards when shoes are put on, characterized in that the said section of the strap is connected to the base via a mechanism (20) which is hinged relative to the base around an axis (7) which is more or less parallel to the longitudinal middle plane of the binding, such that it enables this section of strap (10) to move outwards, said mechanism (20) also comprising a pivot hinge (8) with the said section of the strap to enable this section of the strap to pivot in a folding movement towards base (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning the cable or bail of a ski-touring binding, a tensioning lever for such apparatus, and a replacement component for the lever are provided. The apparatus provides different tension for walking and for skiing. The lever includes a handle and a pivot for rotational engagement of the lever on the cable or bail. The pivot is located between the handle and a plurality of boot heel holders. The holders are configured such that at least one holder will contact the ski boot heel at a different distance relative to the pivot than another of the holders. The replacement component is removably fixed to the lever and is configured to provide a heel holder surface and to retain a bail or cable in rotational engagement with the lever.

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding board, in particular alpine ski or snowboard, with a sliding-board basic body and a binding-receiving plate. According to the invention, the binding-receiving plate is integrated as a supporting part in the central region of the sliding-board basic body, in which it is used, by being surrounded positively at the sides by raised regions of the sliding-board basic body.

Abstract: A strap for a mechanical closure device is disclosed. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures.

Abstract: A binding for a snowboard where one band has one end mounted on the one-side rising portion of a base plate and another end connected to one end of another band. The another band has another end mounted on the other-side rising using a connecting member. A structure for mounting the bands onto the rising portion includes a hole formed in the bands, a plurality of holes each having a hook groove respectively formed in the rising portion, a pin including a projection to be inserted into the hook groove, a lever disposed on the pin for rotating the pin, and an arc-shaped groove formed in a desired depth portion of each of the plurality of holes with a hook groove coaxially with the same hole and in communication with the hook groove.

Abstract: A snow board binding includes a base plate and a longitudinal frame that is pivotally attached to the front end of the base plate. A linkage is pivotally attached to the longitudinal frame. A strap, which is shaped complimentary to the front portion of the boot, has a front member that is connected to a front portion of the longitudinal frame and a rear member that is pivotally connected to the linkage. A heel cup defines a bottom rear pivot point that is pivotally attached to the base plate and defines a front pivot point that is pivotally attached to the linkage. The linkage is configured so that when downward force is applied to the longitudinal frame by the heel portion of the boot, the longitudinal frame pivots downwardly so as to be parallel with the base plate. The linkage is also configured to pull the strap downwardly, thereby securing the boot to the base plate.

Abstract: A device for receiving a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, the device including a rear support element, the rear support element having a support surface adapted to support the back of the lower part of a user's leg, as well as a free surface opposite the support surface. The rear support element includes a first wall located on the side of the support surface, as well as a second wall located on the side of the free surface, the first wall including a traction-resistant material, the walls being affixed to one another.

Abstract: A snowboard binding (100) is disclosed having a base plate (102) with a highback (120) pivotally attached. A locking lever (130) is disposed on the back of the highback for locking the highback in a generally upright position with a desired maximum forward lean. A flexible member such as a strap (140) or a panel (202), cord guide (204), and cord (206) attached to the highback and to the locking lever to facilitate moving the lever between an open position and a locked position. In an embodiment of the invention, the base plate includes a pair of oppositely-disposed, pivotable sidewalls (104) and the highback is attached to the base plate with a heel loop (112) that pivotably engages the sidewalls, such that straps (108, 110) mounted to the sidewalls move to engage the boot (90) when the highback is moved to an upright position.

Abstract: A ski binding of the cross-country type in which a ski boot's heel may be elevated with respect to the ski's top surface while in the act of skiing. The binding includes a toe piece associated with a heel retainer through a spring-biased linkage. A linkage typically includes a pre-loaded compression spring mounted external to a core element. A preferred linkage includes a plurality of rigid link elements defining plurality of intermediate pivot axes between an anchor and the heel retainer. Certain preferred linkage systems permit unfettered boot flexion, but transversely maintain the heel retainer in a zone over the ski to facilitate step-in engagement. Desirably, the core is adjustable along the linkage, to change a spacing between the toe piece and heel retainer independent of spring pre-load. Preferred embodiments of the binding a rear frame adapted to permit step-in engagement of a ski boot. Certain frames may carry a televator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding for soft boots. The fixing straps can be pivoted by means of a joint from a closed position to an open position close to the opening for entry. The straps are kept in an open position by means of a holding device. The holding power of the holding device stems from the resistance of the joint.

Abstract: A snowboard binding having a base element that can be fastened to the top of a snowboard. At least one instep element extends over part of a snowboard boot fastened to the base element. The instep element is movable along at least one arc-like path to improve mobility of the boot in the binding.

Abstract: A snowboard binding that includes a strap (10) for gripping the front part of a foot, the strap being capable of pivoting relative to an axis (11) substantially perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the binding. The snowboard binding includes a stop for limiting the rearward pivoting of the strap (10) relative to the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radius surface for use on a ski binding resistance mechanism cartridge. The radius surface of the present invention enables a cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge to bend directly adjacent to the cartridge. Since the cable is able to bend adjacent to the cartridge, the overall functionality of a binding is improved. In addition, the radius surface can be adjusted to specifically dictate the exit bend radius allowed on the cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved telemark ski binding. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dual front cable under-foot telemark binding. The two front cables attach to a linkage point within the toe receiving portion. The front cables are also designed to be easily replaceable by a consumer thereby extending the overall lifespan of the binding. In addition, the coupling between the two front cables and the resistance mechanism cartridges includes a unique rotational and lateral chalking mechanism that prevents inadvertent adjustment.

Abstract: A binding for a sports boot on a gliding board, comprising a base intended to be fixed on a gliding board, means for binding the boot and a rear stop or spoiler, wherein, on each lateral part of the base (1), the spoiler (3) is on the one hand mounted so as to move about a pin (4) mounted so as to move relative to the base (1) and on the other hand connected to the base (1) by a second means for guiding its movement relative to the base (1).

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus, namely, a snowboard accessory, which comprises a base and first and second straps operatively connected to the base. The straps are selectively removable from the base. The straps are adapted to secure a snowboarder's left foot to the base. Further, the straps are reversible such that a snowboarder's right foot can be attached to the base. Accordingly, it an object of the present invention to provide a toe-hook apparatus that is reversible such that a regular-footed rider or a goofy-footed rider may relieve stress on their knees and ankles when riding a chair lift.

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 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: A snowboard binding has a support structure with a base plate and side plates that project from the base plate. Tension cables, which hold a single instep element, are attached to the side plates. The instep element extends from a toe region of the boot up to at least its instep region. A single tensioning device for the tension cables is independent of a pivoting position of a heel element.

Abstract: A binding strap for use in a soft boot snowboard binding is provided, the binding strap including a flexible, unitary binding member having an ankle section connected to a toe section by a midsection. The binding strap may be configured and dimensioned to preferably provide a rider with easy entry and exit from the strap. In addition, the shape and flexible nature of the binding makes it comfortable to use, while also allowing it to perform well by securely engaging the rider's boot to the snowboard. The unitary construction allows the binding strap to move in an integrated manner, while the surface area of the binding strap reduces pressure points by distributing pressure exerted by the binding over a relatively large surface area of the boot, and hence foot, of the rider.

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 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 conventional (strap) binding assembly for use with a snowboard. The binding assembly comprises a frame (120) having a base portion (122) that receives a snowboard boot. A pair of side walls (124) extend upwardly from either side of the base, and a high back portion (24) extends upwardly from the rearward end of the base. An ankle strap assembly (130) having a first ankle strap (131) attached to one side of the frame and a second ankle strap (135) attached to the other side of the frame, is provided, including a clasp (140) for adjustably securing the first ankle strap to the second ankle strap. In some embodiments the first ankle strap is attached to the frame with a biased hinge assembly (150), biasing the distal end (131b) of the strap away from the frame. In a preferred embodiment, a toe strap assembly (160), functionally similar to the ankle strap assembly is also provided, disposed forwardly of the ankle strap assembly.

Abstract: A snowboard binding of the invention includes: a guide unit for properly guiding a tip portion of a left band while preventing the tip portion from entering a space of a buckle; an ankle strap fitting unit for optically fastening a ankle strap around a boot; an erroneous open preventing unit for preventing a lever of a forward inclination regulation mechanism from inadvertently releasing; a retaining unit for retaining the foot in a highback; and a binding discrimination unit.