Abstract: A snowboard binding that includes lock-retaining elements having sloping or conical surfaces for guiding the sole of a snow boot into a seated position. The boot sole becomes more restricted in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the further the boot is introduced into the binding. Also is disclosed a snowboard binding and a boot combination having interengaging boot-retaining members on the binding and locking parts on the boot sole.

Abstract: A snowboard binding that includes lock-retaining elements having sloping or conical surfaces for guiding the sole of a snow boot into a seated position. The boot sole becomes more restricted in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the further the boot is introduced into the binding. Also is disclosed a snowboard binding and a boot combination having interengaging boot-retaining members on the binding and locking parts on the boot sole.

Abstract: A snowboard binding that includes lock-retaining elements having sloping or conical surfaces for guiding the sole of a snow boot into a seated position. The boot sole becomes more restricted in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the further the boot is introduced into the binding, and a snowboard and a boot combination further having interengaging boot-retaining members on the binding and locking parts on the boot sole.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski having a boot sole with first and second movable portions, and a biasing device for urging the portions apart to add stiffness to the ski.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes an engagement member attachable to a ski and having a free end, and an impedance device engageable with the free end of the engagement member as the ski bends to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes apparatus for variably limiting the longitudinal movement of a ski binding support plate mounted on a ski. The degree of movement determines the amount of bending possible, and thus controls ski stiffness.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes an engagement member attachable to a ski and having a free end, and an impedance device engageable with the free end of the engagement member as the ski bends to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes springs for urging a ski boot into a ski binding, and apparatus for modifying the biasing force to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes apparatus for variably limiting the longitudinal movement of a ski binding support plate mounted on a ski. The degree of movement determines the amount of bending possible, and thus controls ski stiffness.

Abstract: A system for changing the stiffness of a ski includes an engagement member attachable to a ski and having a free end, and an impedance device engageable with the free end of the engagement member as the ski bends to change the stiffness of the ski.

Abstract: A ski binding release mechanism that includes both an electronic and a mechanical release mechanism. The mechanical release mechanism incorporates a delay feature that allows it to function only if the electronic mechanism experiences a failure. The delay feature is provided by a cylinder movable with respect to a stationary piston positioned therein, the piston dividing the cylinder into two chambers. Movement of the cylinder, required to release the soleholder of a ski boot, is retarded by the time required to pass liquid in the cylinder from a first of the chambers to a second of the chambers through a choke passage in the piston as the cylinder moves. Movement of the cylinder is caused by a plunger connected to the soleholder of the ski binding that urges against the cylinder under the influence of a sustained, predetermined, potentially hazardous force acting on the binding.

Abstract: A toe piece for a safety ski-binding involving a four-bar linkage comprising a base plate and an overlying cover, and having two parallel side members whose fixed front ends are pivotally mounted at the front end of the base plate, the rear free ends being pivotally connected by upper and lower link members. The free ends of the side members have boot clamps pivotally connected thereto which are held in a boot-securing position by their locking engagement with clamp-lock members pivotally mounted on the upper link member. The clamp-lock members are freed from such engagement by the action of clamp-lock release means associated with the upper link member, and pivotal thereabout, activated by forces generated by a skier's boot on the binding. Multiple embodiments of the invention are shown including release means activated by lateral forces imposed on the binding, as well as release means operated by the action of either horizontal or vertical forces thereon.