Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a removable strap for a snowboard boot to preventing the rider's foot from lifting in the boot. The ankle strap enables a soft boot to be used with both a strap-less step-in binding system, and a strap binding system. Another aspect is a snowboard binding including a strap adapted to releasably secure the snowboard boot and constructed and arranged to avoid creation of a pressure point at an instep bone of the rider. A further aspect is an apparatus comprising a snowboard boot and a strap attached thereto. The strap is arranged to prevent the rider's heel from lifting in the snowboard boot, and is constructed and arranged to avoid creation of a pressure point at an instep bone of the rider.

Abstract: A fastening assembly and method for fastening a strap, such as a snowboard binding strap. A fastener may have guide members to facilitate the introduction of an engagement member with the fastener. The fastener may be attached to a strap to allow physical manipulation of the fastener, e.g., for alignment of the fastener with an engagement member, without requiring substantial movement of the strap.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard, and an interface for use in such a system. The system comprises a snowboard boot, a snowboard binding and an interface having at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding. The interface further includes at least one strap adapted to mount the interface to the snowboard boot. The outer sole of the snowboard boot includes a recess rearward of the arch area that is adapted to receive the interface so that the interface does not protrude below the outer sole when the interface is mounted to the snowboard boot. In another embodiment, the interface includes a base that is adapted to pass under the sole of the snowboard boot, the base having a non-planar contoured upper surface that is adapted to fit within a recess in a sole of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: To retain a glove or mitten to a jacket, an elastic loop is sewn into the cuff of the sleeve which is sized to securely receive the barrel shaped cord lock at the end of a glove leash. The narrow glove loop opening prevents the larger cord lock from slipping through the loop, securely retaining the unworn glove to the jacket.

Abstract: An identification display system including a hidden pocket having an opening through which an identification, such as a card, season pass, lift ticket or the like may be viewed, once revealed. The pocket may be located on the inside of a garment, such as a jacket, or on an inner garment such as pants which are covered by an outer garment, such as a jacket, so that when the bottom of the jacket or outer garment is flipped up, the identification is visible.