Abstract: A binding assembly includes a boot having a plate, and a binding plate secured to a snowboard. The boot plate includes at least one set of opposing, horizontally-projecting, binding tabs positioned along the sides of the boot. The binding plate includes at least one set of binding elements that correspond, respectively, to the binding tabs. The assembly further including a mechanism operatively associated with at least one binding element and the binding plate to maintain at least one binding element in a closed position after engagement of the binding tabs with the binding elements unless manually released by the user. In operation, the binding tabs on the boot are maneuvered to engage the binding elements on the binding plate to mount the boot to the snowboard.

Abstract: A binding assembly includes a boot having a plate, and a binding plate secured to a snowboard. The boot plate includes at least one set of opposing, horizontally-projecting, binding tabs positioned along the sides of the boot. The binding plate includes at least one set of binding elements that correspond, respectively, to the binding tabs. In operation, the binding tabs on the boot are maneuvered to engage the binding elements on the binding plate to mount the boot to the snowboard.

Abstract: A rotatably adjustable binding assembly provides for quick and easy rotational adjustment of the binding assembly from a preset first rotational position to a preset second rotational position while a person's foot remains engaged in the binding assembly. The binding assembly includes a detent mechanism mounted under a foot base that engages at least one plate element whereby engagement of the detent mechanism with the plate element secures the binding assembly at a first or second rotational position. Operation of a foot tab actuates the detent mechanism, thereby permitting a "hands free" method of adjusting the rotational position of the binding assembly.

Abstract: A footwear includes an upper portion connected to a sole and a highback connected to the upper portion. An adjusting mechanism is operably associated with the highback. The adjusting mechanism includes at least one flexible member connectively associated with the highback and a locking member operably associated with the flexible member. The adjusting mechanism is operable to lock the footwear in one or more substantially rigid positions and can be used to set a forward leaning position of the footwear.