Abstract: An adjustable strap assembly for securing a boot to a binding. The assembly includes a lateral strap, an instep pad, a medial strap and an adjustable retention assembly. In an implementation, the lateral strap has a first end for connection to a lateral side of the binding and a second end, and the instep pad includes a connection device positioned on a first distal end for adjustable connection to the second end of the lateral strap. The instep pad also includes an engagement device positioned on a raised ramp area adjacent a second distal end. The medial strap has a first end for connection to a medial side of the binding, and includes an elongated slot along its length that is positioned a predetermined distance from its second end. The adjustable retention assembly is associated with the elongated slot, and functions to releasably secure the medial strap to the instep pad which permits the length of the strap assembly to be selectively adjustable by a user.

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 binding mount for mounting a binding to a snowboard includes a lower portion, an upper portion and a lock. The lower portion is attached to the snowboard and has a protruding lip with at least two circumferential notches corresponding to at least two positions between which the binding mount is selectively rotatable. The upper portion has an upper surface adapted to receive a binding and a lower surface that receives the protruding lip. The upper portion has first and second pieces that are removably assembled together at a junction extending through an axis of rotation. The lock is coupled to the upper portion and is actuatable by the user to selectively lock the position of the upper portion relative to the lower portion by engagement with any of the notches in the lip.

Abstract: A rotatable snowboard boot binding anchor apparatus consisting of a base disc component with peripherally positioned screw holes and centrally positioned circularly and elliptically shaped anchoring holes for anchoring the apparatus to a snowboard and reservoirs located therein for receipt of a pair of latch plates, which base disc component supports, resting upon it, a rotatable top plate with a spring loaded pull-pin located in housing affixed to the top side of the top plate which pull-pin is insertable into holes within the latch plates and which top plate with centrally located circularly and elliptically shaped mounting holes to facilitate, together with mounting insert units press fitted to such centrally located mounting holes, an anchoring to the top plate, of a boot binding; together with a top locking ring with peripherally positioned screw holes, to, with screws, be affixed to the base disc component while circumscribing and accordingly holding the top plate, with a pull-strap component leashable

Abstract: A snowboard includes a slide board and a step board which are joined by a connecting member in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship. Because of the elevated position of the step board, the snowboarder gains a leverage in controlling the edges of the slide board without any substantial effort. Therefore, the snowboarder is enabled to control the snowboard without requiring his or her boots to be fixed to the snowboard. Also, because the snowboarder can move his or her feet on the deck at will, this additionally increases the freedom in shifting of the weight. Therefore, as opposed to the conventional snowboard which does not provide any such leverage, and restrains the snowboarder's feet to fixed positions thereon, the snowboarder is allowed to shift his or her weight much more effortlessly, and perform a greater variety of tricks.

Abstract: A swivel mount for a board binding includes a base mountable to an upper surface of a board, and a swivel plate rotatably mounted on the base for relative swivelling rotation of the swivel plate relative to the base between a ride position and forward-walking positions. A rotational resistance device cooperates between the swivel plate and the base for increasing rotational resistance above that of free-floating rotation but without locking of the swivel plate in a preset locking position when swivelling the swivel plate through the radial arc of the forward-walking positions. A ride position latch releasable locks the swivel plate in the ride position. An actuator releases the ride position latch. The applied force urges the swivel plate to swivel from said ride position to the forward-walking position.

Abstract: A ladder strap (150) is made by joining—for example, by co-molding—a first, relatively supple material, defining a lower strap portion (155) with a second, relatively hard material defining an upper strap portion (165). The teeth (167) of the ladder strap are comprises substantially of the harder, second material. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second materials are thermoplastic urethanes, and the co-molding is done using an injection molding process. The co-molding process may be accomplished with co-injection, wherein the two materials are injected at about the same time, or the first material may be injected into a first mold cavity and allowed to partially set, after which the cavity is modified to accommodate the second material.

Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.

Abstract: A snowboard binding comprises a base, a front binding arrangement and a rear binding arrangement. One of the front and rear binding arrangements is a binding member and the other is a binding mechanism, which includes a catch, a latch and a stationary guide. The catch moves between release and latched positions. The latch selectively holds the catch in at least one latched position. The stationary guide is fixed to the base to form a cleat insertion opening between the catch and the stationary guide. Preferably, the binding member is a front binding member and the binding mechanism is a rear binding mechanism. The catch preferably pivots about a pivot axis that is spaced rearwardly on the base from a pivot axis of the latch. In an alternate embodiment, the front and rear binding arrangements are reversed on the base.

Abstract: Snowboard binding has a base plate (1) having an arch (4), a rear support piece (24) which can be displaced on the base plate, a foot strap (13), optionally an instep strap (5), and a linking device for kinematic linking between the foot strap and the rear support piece. The kinematic linking device has linking pieces (14, 15, 25, 26) connecting the support piece (24) and the foot strap (13) and passing on each side of the central zone of the base plate. This binding may be adjusted rapidly, symmetrically or non-symmetrically, without the necessity of removing and replacing screws.

Abstract: A boot binding, such as a snowboard boot binding, where an opening through the binding that may allow passage of undesirable substances onto the floor of the binding is covered by a gasket. The gasket may be permanently or removably attached to the binding, and may be rigid or, alternatively, compliant where desired to have the gasket conform to an associated shape of the boot placed in the binding.

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base member, a front binding member, a rear binding member, a front abutment section and a rear abutment section. The front binding member is coupled to the front portion of the base member. The rear binding member is coupled to the rear portion of the base member. The front and rear binding members are arranged and configured to selectively engage a front and rear cleats of a snowboard boot. The front abutment section extends upwardly from the front portion of the base member to laterally support the front binding member. The rear abutment section extends upwardly from the rear portion of the base member to laterally support the rear binding member.

Abstract: A quick-fit system of a shoe on a snowboard where the hell-piece also serves as locking detents and unlocking cam for the system maintaining the shoe in its fixing element. The heel-piece is divided in its lower part into two branches each interlocked to a wing of the base by a pin. The lower part of the branches are urged to be housed in a notch with matching shape, located on the shoe or heel support linked thereto.

Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a board adapted to a sporting activity, and a boot therefor. The device includes a base, a lateral edge, a rear support element, and at least one linkage for holding the boot above the base. The edge and the rear support element each have an inner surface. One or several of the inner surfaces of the device has at least one friction plate that projects at least partially with respect to the inner surface, the fiction plate being provided at least to oppose a movement of the boot in relation to the base.

Abstract: Snowboard binding comprising a baseplate (1) on which is mounted a bow (7) that is adjustable in terms of position by means of two pairs of nuts and screws and a highback (8) mounted on the bow so chat it is orientable. Each of the screws (25) used to mount the highback (8) on the bow (7) and one of the screws (22, 24) of the pair of screws used to fix the bow to the baseplate arc coaxial and share a common nut (17, 19). This construction has the effect of simplifying the nut-and-screw fittings and of increasing the range of orientation of the highback.

Abstract: A snowboard that facilitates turn carving by distributing the load applied by the rider over a much greater portion of the edge of the board preferably comprises a spider mount drive system operably mounted on the board. The drive system includes a drive base that is operably coupled to a boot binding and is adapted to distribute a load applied by a rider to multiple locations along the edge of the snowboard. The drive base preferably includes a central cross member and first and second elongated leg members extending outwardly from its heel and toe locations and is preferably pivotally mounted to the board. The drive base may be formed integrally with the binding or, alternatively, be formed as a separate insertable member.

Abstract: A snowboard binding is provided for releasably connecting a boot to a snowboard. One embodiment of the invention includes inner and outer main bodies to receive a two-piece cleat. A second embodiment includes inner and outer hooks for hooking, and a latch for securing, a one-piece cleat. A third embodiment includes a front main body and a spring-loaded latch in a rear main body for engaging a one-piece cleat. A fourth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with inwardly beveled, semi-circular inner and outer main bodies. A fifth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with a front main body and a latch, fixedly mounted upon an axle, within a rear main body. The latch is biased toward the engaged position by a spring. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a one-piece cleat is engaged with a front main body and two rear spring biased latches. In a seventh embodiment, among other things, the cleat is formed in two pieces.

Abstract: A snowboard suspension system which comprises a mounting plate (27) which is connected to a binding plate (29) via one or more hinges (26). One or more dampers (30) situated between the binding plate (29) and the mounting plate (27) serve to dampen any compressive forces. A connection plate (31) may be added to produce a compound system.

Abstract: A binding insert suspension includes an insert assembly affixed within the core of a snowboard, and a compressible layer disposed between the binding and the snowboard. The insert assembly comprises an outer insert member and an inner insert member slidably seated with the outer insert member. The inner insert member is adapted to receive a threaded fastener of a binding in threaded engagement. The binding insert suspension provides a selected amount of dampened vertical travel between the snowboard and the binding for absorbing vibration when riding hard-packed surfaces, and for providing shock absorption when riding over jumps, half pipes, and other terrain.

Abstract: A mounting disk for holding a binding base plate through a central aperture in said base plate to the top surface of a snowboard. The binding plate may be secured in a plurality of rotational positions relative to the disk. The mounting disk may be secured in a plurality of linear positions along the width and/or length of the snowboard top surface.

Abstract: A safety release mechanism for snowboards functions with standard contemporary snowboarding boots and bindings. Bindings that would normally be fastened to the snowboard are instead both fastened to a single binding support platform. A platform retention assembly, fastened to the snowboard, includes preloaded compliant members that form interfaces with contours on the binding support platform. The interfaces prevent the binding support platform from separating from the snowboard except when a force or torque applied to the snowboard exceeds a set threshold. The platform retention assembly also includes firm features that contact firm mating features on the binding support platform to prevent translation of the binding support platform relative to the platform retention assembly in the plane of the snowboard. The firm features and the firm mating features are arranged such that the contacts between them, when projected onto the plane of the snowboard, are all tangent about one mutual center point.

Abstract: A method and system for mounting a binding to a gliding board. In one embodiment, a single row of attachment features, e.g., threaded inserts, may be used to mount a foot binding to the gliding board. The attachment features may be equally spaced along the row, e.g., at 25 mm increments. In one embodiment, a binding includes a hold down plate that may be attached to the gliding board using only two fasteners, e.g., each fastener engaging with an attachment feature on the board, or using only fasteners that lie along a longitudinal line on the gliding board.

Abstract: A snowboard binding interface assembly for connecting a snowboard binding to a snowboard, the snowboard binding interface assembly facilitating rotational movement of the snowboard binding relative to the snowboard and having a locking element attached to the snowboard leash where the locking element can be disengaged by the rider pulling on the leash such that the rider may then rotate his snowboard boot.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system comprising at least one movable engaging member that, when engaged, secures a snowboarder's boot from vertical or horizontal movement is disclosed. In one embodiment, a binding system having two active sides is disclosed, allowing a snowboarder to engage the binding by stepping downwardly onto the binding mechanism, thus reversibly forcing tensioned engaging members between an extended and a retracted position and back to an extended position, thereby securing the snowboarder's boot to the upper surface of a snowboard. A preferred embodiment utilizes positioning keys that properly orientate a snowboarder's boot into binding engagement. Other embodiments include snowboard boots having active binding mechanisms positioned on the boot itself, such mechanisms engageable with static members secured to the surface of a snowboard.

Abstract: An adjustable mount for use with a snowboard and a snowboard binding has a center-line and a channel which longitudinally extends along the center-line of the snowboard. The snowboard binding includes a binding base plate and a disc. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface and is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The adjustable mount includes a rail and a locking mechanism. The rail is disposed in the channel and is fixedly coupled thereto. The rail is a flexible member and has a key-slot and two series of parallel notches. The binding base plate is disposed on the snowboard. The disc has a center-line and a bottom surface. The disc is rotatably coupled to the binding base plate. The locking mechanism securely couples the rail to the binding base plate.

Abstract: A ski binding or a snowboard binding having boot holder components on the front end or the toe end and on the rear end or the heel end. The invention includes a holding device which is arranged between the boot holder components and this holding device connects said boot holder components by means of connection elements. These connection elements have an adjusting device having an adjusting input which can be operated by a motor-driven tool, and the connection elements are adjustable against a self-locking effect, that is, adjustable to provide some resistance to further toe-to-heel movement of the connection elements once adjusted. The connection elements can be part of a threaded spindle. The boot holder components and holding device are secured displaceably on the ski or the snowboard in a fixed manner in the vertical direction with a form-fitting connection on a guide rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski or snowboard.

Abstract: A binding to retain a boot on a gliding or rolling apparatus, such as a snowboard, ski, or roller skate. The binding includes a linkage that connects first and second flanges. The linkage includes a first band attached to the first flange, and a tightening device attached to the second flange. An abutment of the binding is fixed to the first band toward a free end of the band, so as to be located on the other side of the tightening device with respect to a fastening end of the band, thus preventing a separation of the first band and of the tightening device.

Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.

Abstract: A snowboarding boot includes a sole assembly having an outsole with a the lower face for contacting a ground surface and a reinforcing piece. Further included is a transverse plate for interaction with complementary arrangements of a binding. The plate is mechanically integrated with the sole assembly. An elastic element is interposed between the plate and the sole assembly. The element is deformable to allow lateral deflection of the boot relative to the binding.

Abstract: A snowboard boot binding mechanism includes a base member having a recessed channel. A first plate is slidably attached to the base member. A first pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the first plate. Each of the first pair of engagement rods has a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for selectively engaging and locking a first bar attached to a first side of the snowboard boot. A second plate is fixedly attached to the base member. A second pair of engagement rods are fixedly attached to the second plate. Each of the second pair of engagement rods have a head disposed at an axial end of the rod for engaging and locking a second bar attached to a second side of the snowboard boot which is disposed opposite to the first side.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a snowboard binding including a base having a toe end and a heel end, and a guide that is adapted to guide a snowboard boot back toward the heel end of the base when the snowboard boot is stepped into the binding. Another embodiment is directed to a snowboard; binding including a baseplate and a heel hoop hinged for rotation relative to the baseplate. A further embodiment is directed a snowboard binding to mount a snowboard boot to a snowboard, the snowboard boot including at least one pin extending from medial and lateral sides thereof. The snowboard binding comprises a base having medial and lateral sides; a pair of engagement cams each mounted to one of the medial and lateral sides for rotation between open and closed positions; at least one lever to move the pair of engagement cams from the closed position to the open position; and a cocking mechanism that is adapted to maintain the pair of engagement cams in the open position upon release of the at least one lever.

Abstract: A highback for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member including at least two portions that are to be contacted by and to support a rear portion of the rider's leg and that are movable relative to each other for setting a desired forward lean of the highback. The support member may include a lower portion with a pair of mounting locations for mounting the highback to a gliding board component, such as a snowboard binding, and an upper portion movably supported by the lower portion to vary the forward lean of the highback. The highback may include a forward lean adjuster that that prevents the upper portion from moving in the heel direction beyond a predetermined forward lean position. The forward lean adjuster may be coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion of the highback to maintain the upper portion in the selected forward lean position independent of the gliding board component.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system has a boot and a binding configured to be releasably coupled together. The boot has an upper potion, a sole portion, a front catch and at least one rear catch. The binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement and a front binding member. The base member has a front portion and a rear portion. The rear binding arrangement is coupled to the rear portion to selectively engage at least one rear catch. The rear catch has a concave abutment surface. The rear binding arrangement has a movable tooth portion with a convexly shaped latching surface designed to selectively engage the abutment surface to couple the boot to the binding. The abutment surface and the latching surface are configured to reduce flexing of the binding when the boot is deflected relative to the binding.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system that incorporates the riding performance of a strap binding with the convenience of a step-in binding. The binding system includes a binding interface that is configured to be coupled to a step-in binding base, while also being configured to secure a snowboard boot in a manner that provides a rider with the riding performance of a strap binding. The binding interface may include one or more straps for securing a boot to a snowboard. The binding system may be configured so that the binding base engages regions of the binding interface to which the straps are attached to provide the feel of a strap binding. The binding base may include at least three engagement members to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface. The binding base may include a pair of engagement members at both the rear or heel end and the front or toe end thereof to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system that incorporates the riding performance of a strap binding with the convenience of a step-in binding. The binding system includes a binding interface that is configured to be coupled to a step-in binding base, while also being configured to secure a snowboard boot in a manner that provides a rider with the riding performance of a strap binding. The binding interface may include one or more straps for securing a boot to a snowboard. The binding system may be configured so that the binding base engages regions of the binding interface to which the straps are attached to provide the feel of a strap binding. The binding base may include at least three engagement members to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface. The binding base may include a pair of engagement members at both the rear or heel end and the front or toe end thereof to engage with corresponding mating features on the interface.

Abstract: A binding (10) for securing a snowboarder's boot to a snowboard (12). The binding includes a baseplate (16) in which a plurality of apertures (38) are formed. Each aperture receives the base (50) of an adjustable dampening assembly (37). The dampening assembly (37) is retained in place by a flange (54) projecting from the lower extremity of the perimeter of the base, which is captured between the baseplate and the snowboard upper surface. A dampening pad (52) is threadably inserted into an internally threaded aperture formed in the base. The dampening pad can be twisted, either by contacting the upper surface (60) of the dampening pad with a thumb or with a driver tool. Twisting of the dampening pad selectively adjusts the height of the dampening pad, which has an elastomeric head, above the baseplate to adjust the fit and vibration and shock absorption abilities of the binding.

Abstract: A snow-board binding is described and comprises a base (2) for supporting a footwear, at least one strap fastening (5, 6) connected to the base for restraining the footwear on the base (2), and means for connecting means comprising a first portion (17) of the strap fastening (5, 6) having greater flexibility than any remaining portion of the strap fastening.

Abstract: A system for tool free disengagement of an engagement member from a base while the base is mounted to a substrate, so that the engagement member may be repositioned, tool free, in a new mounting location. The engagement member and the base include complementary locking members, and the engagement member may be constructed so that manipulation of the engagement member releases the complementary locking members allowing relocation of the engagement member in a new mounting location. The system may be incorporated in a binding for securing a foot or a boot and in footwear.

Abstract: A binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snowboard, designed in a manner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat its operation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales in the form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles, and a pair of bindings attached to the snowboard. Each binding has a base including elongated, slotted holes located on the circumference of a circle through which bolts are placed to secure the base to the snowboard with a friction washer therebetween. The elongated holes allow for rotational adjustment of the binding. A hook-shaped structure extends from one side of the base with the hook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a camming structure with a downward and outwardly sloping surface ending in a bale-receiving notch.

Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus. The device includes a covering portion, which itself includes a longitudinal reinforcement and a shock-absorbing pad. The hardness of the shock absorbing-pad increases from an inner end toward an outer end of the reinforcement.

Abstract: A conventional (strap) binding assembly for use with a snowboard. The binding assembly comprises a frame (120) having a base portion (122) that receives a snowboard boot. A pair of side walls (124) extend upwardly from either side of the base, and a high back portion (24) extends upwardly from the rearward end of the base. An ankle strap assembly (130) having a first ankle strap (131) attached to one side of the frame and a second ankle strap (135) attached to the other side of the frame, is provided, including a clasp (140) for adjustably securing the first ankle strap to the second ankle strap. In some embodiments the first ankle strap is attached to the frame with a biased hinge assembly (150), biasing the distal end (131b) of the strap away from the frame. In a preferred embodiment, a toe strap assembly (160), functionally similar to the ankle strap assembly is also provided, disposed forwardly of the ankle strap assembly.

Abstract: A base for supporting a boot on a board, the base having a device for angular orientation in relation to the board. The device includes a circular opening provided in the base and a disk, the latter being nested in the opening of the base to retain the base on the board. An abutment limits an axial displacement of the disk away from the upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A device for retaining a boot on a sports apparatus. The device includes a strap provided to extend between two fasteners, the strap including a covering portion and one or two fastening portions. A cover covers the covering portion to demarcate a channel for receiving a free end of each fastening portion.

Abstract: A snowboard comprises a board and bindings mounted on the board's surface. The board is designed with a first sole surface which is divided into three portions between the tips, and which is flat along its entire length between the transitions to the tips when the board is pressed down against the base. In the front and rear portions, on each side of the first sole surface, the sole of the snowboard includes secondary lateral areas (2). In the secondary lateral areas (2), the cross section will form substantially straight lines. The secondary areas are rigid and not in contact with the ground unless the board is edged. The angle that the secondary lateral areas form with the first sole surface viewed in cross section, will substantially be increasing when moving from the transverse lines (5 or 7) towards the transition to the tips (4 or 8).

Abstract: A snowboard interface has an upper interface and a lower interface, wherein the upper interface rotates and translates relative to the lower interface.

Abstract: Embodiments of a foot-board for play, exercise, and practice of aerial recreational moves on a jumping device are described. The foot-board is preferably flexible and cushioning, but with enough firmness for the desired effect of aerial moves taking off on a board rather than just on the jumper's feet. The foot-board is preferably flexible in a plurality of directions, that is, at least in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. The foot-board is attached to the user's feet by a strap system, and preferably heel rests at the back of the heels. The feet may rest in recesses in the top surface of the board to provide more sure location of the feet. The foot-board is preferably water-proof or water-resistant, for use on water trampolines. Hand-grips may be provided at one or more locations of the foot-board, which, combined with the flexibility of the board, enhance the moves and style of the practicing foot-boarder.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing apparatus disposed between a binding and a board has a bottom plate for coupling to the board, a top plate or binding platform to receive the binding, and bearing-biasing assemblies coupled between the bottom plate and the top plate. Each bearing-biasing assembly includes a bearing assembly and a biasing assembly where the bearing assembly is disposed coaxially with the biasing assembly. The bearing-biasing assembly is responsive to mechanical energy encountered by the binding platform or the board during use by enabling the binding platform to swivel or pivot from or move along an axis intersecting a top surface of the board.

Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system includes a binding and a boot configured to be releasably coupled together. The snowboard binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement, and a front binding arrangement. The snowboard boot includes an upper portion, a sole portion, at least one rear catch and a front catch. The sole portion has a toe section, a mid section and a heel section. The rear catch is located at the heel section of the sole portion. The front catch is coupled to the toe section and has a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from the toe section of the sole portion, and a tongue portion extending laterally between the leg portions. The toe section has a pair of front catch guide surfaces located forwardly and laterally of the front catch to guide the front catch toward the front binding arrangement.

Abstract: A method and system for mounting a binding to a gliding board. In one embodiment, a single row of attachment features, e.g., threaded inserts, may be used to mount a foot binding to the gliding board. The attachment features may be equally spaced along the row, e.g., at 25 mm increments. In one embodiment, a binding includes a hold down plate that may be attached to the gliding board using only two fasteners, e.g., each fastener engaging with an attachment feature on the board, or using only fasteners that lie along a longitudinal line on the gliding board.