Abstract: A snowboard binding system provides a step-in binding that can be used with a soft boot having a sole that is flexible over its entire length without the boot becoming uncoupled due to its flexing. This is accomplished by having one element of the binding constantly urging the associated binding member which is attached to the boot away from the other binding element. This binding element is also displaceable which allows both binding elements to be engaged simultaneously. The rear binding element has a jaw which is normally biased to an open position where it receives the associated binding member which is attached to the boot. As the boot is pushed downwardly the jaw is moved to a latched position where it engages the binding member on the boot. When the jaw is fully in its latched position it is engaged by a locking mechanism which locks it in this position. A release mechanism allows the locking mechanism to be disengaged when it is desired to release the binding.

Abstract: A boot binding apparatus for a snowboard where the snowboard boot includes a first securement in the form of a front hook member and a second securement in the form of a rear hook member which are imbedded within the sole of the snowboard boot. The snowboard boot is flexible in order to bend in the same manner as a conventional soft boot. The boot binding apparatus includes a front latching mechanism and a rear latching mechanism with the front latching mechanism including a latching hook member with this latching hook member facing toward the toe edge of the snowboard. The rear latching mechanism is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position with the rear latching mechanism being continuously biased toward the latching position. The latching hook member of the front latching mechanism may also be movable and continuously biased in a direction toward the toe edge of the snowboard.

Abstract: A boot binding apparatus for a snowboard where the snowboard boot includes a first securement in the form of a front hook member and a second securement in the form of a rear hook member which are imbedded within the sole of the snowboard boot. The snowboard boot is flexible in order to bend in the same manner as a conventional soft boot. The boot binding apparatus includes a front latching mechanism and a rear latching mechanism with the front latching mechanism including a latching hook member with this latching hook member facing toward the toe edge of the snowboard. The rear latching mechanism is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position with the rear latching mechanism being continuously biased toward the latching position. The latching hook member of the front latching mechanism may also be movable and continuously biased in a direction toward the toe edge of the snowboard.

Abstract: A boot binding apparatus for a snowboard in the form of a locking system where there is utilized a toe latching mechanism and a heel latching mechanism. The toe latching mechanism is to be engageable with a hook mounted either on the snowboard or embedded within the sole of the boot. The heel latching mechanism is to be engageable with the heel latching post mounted on the snowboard or within the sole of the boot. Locking engagement between the boot and the snowboard is to be accomplished by merely performing a "step-in" procedure by the rider of the snowboard. The secure locking of the boot to the snowboard is to be accomplished with the user initially engaging the toe area of the boot, or the user initially engaging the heel area of the boot, or the user engaging both the toe and the heel area simultaneously.