Abstract: A short ski comprises a base 10 having a pair of side walls 16 on which a pair of arms 11, which hold an ankle belt 12, and a foot belt 13 are mounted. Means are provided for adjusting and fixing the belts 12, 13 so as to accommodate shoes of most different types and sizes and avoid the need for special ski boots.

Abstract: A Snowboard binding includes a baseplate intended to be mounted on a snowboard. A rear bow, is mounted on the baseplate (2) at two attachment points and a highback is mounted so that it can pivot with respect to the rear bow. Further included are means for independently modifying the vertical position of each point of attachment of the bow (3) to the baseplate (2).

Abstract: A buckle for fastening a strap having a mounting location especially arranged relative to a force resolving location of the buckle to control dive of the buckle in a particular direction when the strap is cranked down. A mounting location includes a pair of flanges extending sideways from the buckle housing and away from a floor of the housing.

Abstract: A binding comprising a base plate (1) carrying, for holding a boot, front retention (2) and a heelpiece (7) mounted slidably on the base plate, and a traction strap (16) acting on the heelpiece in order to pull it forward. The base plate (1) is equipped with a rack (6), and the heelpiece (7) is equipped with two levers (11, 12), the lower arms of which are connected to the ends of a small arch (15) which hooks into the rack. The upper arms of the levers are connected to the traction strap (16) which is intended to pass diagonally over the instep of the boot. The pressure on the small arch makes it possible to increase the force of the forward thrust and the heel of the boot is pressed against the base plate.

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 baseplate for binding a foot to a board, particularly suitable for application as a snowboard binding baseplate, maybe tuned to provide a certain level and/or balance of one or more performance properties including, but not limited to power transmission, responsiveness, feel, and comfort. The binding baseplate may include localized regions of varying stiffness to provide a specific performance property. Consequently, the binding baseplate may include a specific stiffness characteristic at a location where the boot engagement members are mounted, providing a desired response of the binding baseplate to forces that may be generated by the rider during turns, landing jumps, and otherwise during riding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ski binding assembly comprising a toe member and heel member affixed to a ski. The ski binding assembly further comprises a ski boot having a sole extension with through-holes formed therethrough. The assembly also provides a latch mechanism adapted to both engage the through-holes in the ski boot as well as clear snow and other debris which has collected within the throughholes. In another aspect of the invention, the toe member has openings which allow snow collected therein to be expelled as the ski boot is inserted into the toe member. Finally, the heel member is adapted to support the ski boot while reducing the overall weight of the ski binding assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein relatively simple locking devices for sporting items such snowboards and the like. In one form of the locking device, the same includes a member which can be affixed to a binding of a snowboard, and includes a releasable cable which can be wrapped around a fixed or stationary object so as to secure the sporting item thereto for safe storage. In one embodiment, the cable is normally retained in a flanged section of a pad of the locking system, but can be released therefrom for attachment to the fixed or stationery object. In another embodiment, the cable can be retained around a boot binding assembly.

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 contact configuration between boot and binding for snowboarding. Contact pins are provided on opposing sides of the boot at both the heel area and the toe area. This 4-point contact configuration assures heel and toe stability and reliable side boot restraint. Concave mating receptacles at matching locations on the binding assure easy and simple interconnection which is also secure and reliable. A release mechanism is provided to selectively retract the pins using a simple pull cord arrangement. Strap linkages permit more convenient tightening and loosening of the boot straps. A strap/yoke configuration provides improved interconnection between the boot and the user's foot. The pull cord is routed within the sole of the boot and upward along the ankle area of the boot for more convenient access. The pull cord is connected to retract linkages at both heel and toe areas, both of those linkages being spring loaded to provide normally extended pins.

Abstract: The heel bail assembly incorporates tension members, such as rods, and compression springs, the springs being enclosed in casings. Each of two side tension members extend from the toe assembly of a ski harness into a casing. A U-shaped tension member extends from one casing around the ski boot heel to the other casing. Threaded connections of the side tension members to the casings enable adjustment of the length of the bail assembly.

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 device is provided which secures one's leg and foot to a moving plane such as a skate board or ski board. The device comprises a first strap wrapped around the user's leg beneath the knee and above the calf. A second strap attached to the first strap and removably attached to the moving plane. Means are provided to hold the second strap in tension and to connect the second strap to the board.

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 contact configuration between boot and binding for snowboarding. Contact pins are provided on opposing sides of the boot at both the heel area and the toe area. This 4-point contact configuration assures heel and toe stability and reliable side boot restraint. Concave mating receptacles at matching locations on the binding assure easy and simple interconnection which is also secure and reliable. A release mechanism is provided to selectively retract the pins using a simple pull cord arrangement. Gear operated strap linkages permit more convenient tightening and loosening of the boot straps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for retaining a boot on a gliding board. The device includes especially a dorsal support element and a base, the dorsal support element being journalled on the base along a substantially transverse Y-Y' axis of the device, wherein at least one braking mechanism opposes a journal movement of the dorsal support element with respect to the base along the Y-Y' axis, in at least one journal direction, and wherein a return mechanism maintains the dorsal support element substantially in contact with the lower part of the leg.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a boot on a glide plate especially adapted for snowboarding, the boot including an upper affixed to a sole adapted to cooperate with the board. The apparatus includes a longitudinal positioning and retention device for the boot thereupon, such device being obtained in a complementary manner in a front lateral zone and a rear lateral zone and in the corresponding zones of the sole. Also, the transverse axes of the front and rear retention devices are spaced apart by a distance that is common to at least two boot sizes, enabling the length of the boot to be released and allowing the front and rear ends of the boot to be freed of all retention elements with respect to the board, such elements extending exclusively in a lateral direction with respect to the sole.

Abstract: The snowboard binding with a pivoting heel element and a movable instep element has, in the area stepped on by the sole of the snowboard boot, a movable tread element that is coupled both to the instep element and to the heel element such that, when the tread element is pressed down in the direction of the snowboard surface, the instep element and the heel element are simultaneously and synchronously forcibly moved into their closed position.

Abstract: A snowboard binding (6) has an adjustably positioned toe ramp (44) mounted to the front end (32) of the base (18) with an upwardly curving front portion (62) shaped to conform to the toe (14) of the boot sole (12) to increase the toe-side edge responsiveness. A dampened, energy absorbing heel pad (66) is mounted to the rear end (28) of the base to help absorb impact. Arm channels (84,86) are formed in each of the left and right side flanges (22,24), extend upwardly from the baseplate (20), and are sized to contain the left and right mounting arms (94,96) of a heel support (26). A pair of threaded fasteners (104,108) clamp the mounting arms within the side flanges over a range of upwardly and rearwardly extending portions. Front-and-rear forces on the heel support are resisted by the two fasteners and by engagement of the upper and lower edges (122,124) of the arms with upper and lower channel walls (88,89).

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding for mounting on a ski to hold a ski boot includes a base plate for mounting on the upper surface of the ski. The base plate has a front section on which a resilient compression element, such as a spring, is mounted. The compression element is coupled to a forward end of a cable so that when rearward force is applied to the cable, the compression element provides resistance to the rearward movement of the cable, and then expands to pull the cable forward when the rearward force is removed. A toe plate is mounted on the base plate for receiving and holding a ski boot toe. The toe plate has a channel formed below the upper surface thereof, which extends from the front section rearwardly for receiving the cable. The cable is coupled at the forward end to the compression element and extends rearwardly through the channel.

Abstract: A binding used for securing a snowboarder's snowboots on top of a snowboard. Two pair of the bindings are used for mounting on the snowboard and received around a portion of the instep and around a portion of the toe of each snowboot. Broadly, each binding includes a flexible strap having a first end attached to a ratchet assembly mounted on the snowboard and adjacent one side of the snowboot. A second end of the strap is attached to a quick release assembly mounted on the snowboard and adjacent an opposite side of the snowboot. The ratchet assembly is used for tightening the flexible strap on the snowboot. The ratchet assembly includes a spool with spool gear. The first end of the strap is attached to the spool. A spool release lever is attached to a side of the spool gear. A spool advancing lever is pivotly mounted to the spool release lever. One end of the spool advancing lever is received between gear teeth of the spool gear.

Abstract: A binding system for attaching a boot to a snowshoe wherein a greater percentage of the energy from the movements of the boot is transmitted to the snowshoe binding and the snowshoe which then assists in the more efficient movement of the snowshoe. The binding system also provides increased control of the snowshoe. The binding system comprises resilient elastic flexible material attached to the perimeter of the boot and straps looped through the front of the toe area of the boot to points in the front perimeter of the snowshoe and also a resilient elastic strap around the instep of the boot attached to the rear section of the snowshoe.

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate, a high back member, a toe strap and an in-step strap. The high back member, toe strap and in-step strap are pivotally connected to the base plate so that the high back, toe strap and in-step strap each move between a first open position and a second closed position with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a ski binding comprising a toe piece and a cable tensioned around a heel of the boot to a position below a sole of the boot at the toe, providing a rebound force for returning the boot heel to the ski without preventing the boot heel from being lifted off the ski.

Abstract: A snowboard boot binding comprising a base adapted to receive a boot, an in-step pad adapted to cover the top of the boot, a rear support adapted to cover a heel and the back of the boot, the rear support being pivotedly mounted at the base. The in-step pad is attached to the base via tension cables passing through the sides of the base, coming out under the base below a pivot point and being attached to the rear support and progressing longitudinally along the rear support. The rear support is maintained in a vertical position by a spring loaded lever, which when pulled back, provides space to insert the boot and most importantly releases the tension in the cables, and which allows the easy insertion of the boot. Bringing the rear support back to its original position reestablishes the tension in the cables. The boot is thus firmly held in place by the combined effects of the pressure provided by the in-step pad and the rear support. For storage the rear support can be folded over the base, to save space.

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding, especially a hiking ski binding which includes a toe iron (10) adapted for mounting on a ski top and having cheeks (11) and sole catches (12) for accommodating and supporting the front part of the sole of a ski booth in sideways, forwards and upwards directions. A tension cable (14) is adapted to be passed about the heel of the boot and includes a tensioning mechanism (13) whereby the ski boot may be fixed to the toe iron (10) such that during cross-country skiing or ski hiking, the heel of the boot and the heel of the skier may be raised from the ski top. The tension cable (14) also co-operates with a mechanism (15) for varying the effective cable length. A portion of the tension cable (14) includes a tension spring (16, 17). A tightening lever (19) bearing against the sole of the boot is pivotally mounted on the portion (18) of the tension cable (14) which is intended to be passed about the heel of the boot.

Abstract: A boot binding system for a snowboard includes a rigid heel support adapted for attachment to a heel of a boot. The heel support has a protruding member. A rigid ankle support is provided which is adapted for attachment along a rear spine of a boot. The ankle support is pivotally secured to the heel support, such that the ankle support pivots laterally, and flexes forwardly, while providing rigid support rearwardly. A heel binding is provided having an overlay member which overlays the protruding member thereby preventing the heel of the boot from being raised. A toe binding is provided which is adapted to secure a toe of a boot to a snowboard thereby preventing the protruding member from being moved relative to the overlay member.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in combination with a snowboard to allow release of the snowboard binding straps from a location spaced from the snowboard. The release mechanism employed to delatch latch members connected to the binding straps may be either electrically or manually operated.

Abstract: A heel-binding device having an elastic member connected to two anchors which are connected to a sporting board directly, or indirectly via connections to a foot strap which is itself connected to said sporting board.

Abstract: A ski safety binding of the type which is convertible between downhill and touring configurations comprises a base plate connectable to a ski via a safety release mechanism and a sole plate, to which a ski boot can be fastened, which is arranged for pivotal movement about a transverse pivot axis located adjacent the toe of the ski boot on the base plate to define the touring configuration. At least one fitting is provided on at least one side of the binding for securing the sole plate to the base plate in the downhill configuration. The, or each, fitting comprises a link incorporating a spring at its forward end and which extends between a point of attachment at the forward part of the base plate and a point at which it is held to the rear of the sole plate at the side thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel binding for use with a toe binding on a trail ski which heel binding comprises in combination an elongated elastic member suitably made of gum rubber adapted to be attached at each end thereof to a ski boot to form a closed loop suitably by means of a plate member formed of leather; a heel locating member fixedly attachable to the ski adjacent the heel of said ski boot, adapted to cooperate with a notch in the heel of said ski boot to locate said boot on said ski and a latch fixably attachable to said ski adapted to releasably receive said elongated member so as to maintain said elongated member under sufficient tension to resiliently retain the heel of the ski boot in contact with the ski.

Abstract: A bracket for receiving the toe edge of a ski boot sole is attached to the surface of a ski so as to accommodate both lateral and perpendicular pivoting of the boot relative to the ski surface. A lateral release mechanism is included and a cable or other biasing means maintains pressure against the boot in the direction of the toe bracket. By appropriately positioning a single pin, the lateral pivoting or the perpendicular pivoting can be prevented so as to accommodate either downhill or cross-country skiing.