Abstract: A release device for a binding for a boot on a gliding board. The device includes a rotatable motor with an output shaft bearing a cam rotatable about a first axis; a lever pivotable about a second axis between a closed position and an open position, the lever having a large crank in contact with the cam, and a small crank; a tripper having at least one control tooth, which is in contact with the small crank when the lever is in the closed position, and at least one release tooth; a rod movable between a closed position and an open position, the rod being provided with a notch in which the release tooth is engaged when the rod is in the closed position. The motor can deliver a torque at its output shaft of less than 2 mN·m, or as little as less than 1 mN·m. The cam includes a plate bearing a cam groove, the cam groove including at least two distinct, contiguous portions, viz.

Abstract: A ski binding having two ski-binding parts is positioned on a ski, which bears guide devices for arranging the two ski-binding parts for sliding action, it being possible for each ski-binding part to be connected to an, in particular strip-like connecting element, which connecting elements can be secured in relation to the ski, between the two ski-binding parts, by means of a locking device which is fixed relative to the ski and has at least one blocking lever which can be engaged with, and disengaged from, toothing formations provided laterally on the connecting elements.

Abstract: A snowboard binding (100) having a baseplate (110), a highback (118) attached to the baseplate, and a strap assembly (120) including an instep strap subassembly (124) pivotably attached to the baseplate on one side, and releasably attachable to a mounting strap (132) on the other side. The baseplate includes a lateral toe wall (116). The strap assembly includes a forefoot strap (140) having an upper leg (142) that engages the instep strap, optionally a medial leg (144) that attaches to the medial side of the baseplate, and a front leg (146) that engages a front end of the baseplate. The toe portion of the user's boot (90) is engaged by the forefoot strap. The user secures a boot to the binding with a single engagement mechanism, such as a ratchet buckle (130), which secures both the instep portion and the forefoot strap portions of the strap assembly.

Abstract: An alpine ski binding system for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski. The binding system includes a secondary toe release that provides an attenuated release threshold under lateral shear loading conditions that can cause anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The secondary toe release responds to a trigger that senses the lateral shear loads applied to the inside (medial) afterbody of the ski and triggers the secondary toe release the boot at an attenuated release torque. Lateral shear loads applied to the ski along the leading (medial) forebody and along the entire outside (lateral side) of the ski substantially do not cause the trigger to trip.

Abstract: The invention describes a ski binding (1), with guide elements (8, 9) which can be mounted or pre-fitted on a ski (3) in the binding longitudinal direction (10), for a front and a rear jaw body (4, 5). A first coupling element (15) is connected to the front jaw body (4) and a second coupling element (16) is connected to the rear jaw body (5). Mutually facing end portions (17, 18) of these coupling elements (15, 16) co-operate with a positioning and fixing mechanism (14) disposed between the jaw bodies (4, 5) in order to adjust and retain the jaw body (4, 5) as necessary. An overlap width (19) between the two coupling elements (15, 16) can be varied to make an individual adjustment for different jaw distances (12). At least one coupling element (15, 16) is provided with at least two mutually parallel rows (21, 22, 23) of positioning elements (20), and these positioning element-rows (21, 22, 23) are disposed offset from one another in the binding longitudinal direction (10).

Abstract: The invention provides a binding system for a snowboard comprising a boot (2) and a boot receiving plate (4), the boot receiving plate (4) having at least one engagement element (6), and the boot (2) having at least one boot gripping element (3) wherein the or each boot gripping element (3) and the or each engagement element are operable for flexible respective co-engagement.

Abstract: A binding is adapted for coupling footwear, such as a boot, to a sports board. The binding permits easy adjustment of the binding's position on the board, while also allowing for removal of the binding from the board for improved utility of storage or transport. Adjustment, engagement between binding and board, and removal functions may be accomplished without the use of tools or ancillary components. The binding includes a movable coupler element or elements that removably couple to a retaining disc to secure the binding to the retaining disc and the board.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system includes a boot unit and a binding unit. The boot unit has a boot cradle that has straps that are secured to a snowboard boot and lugs that extend from the sides of the cradle. The binding unit has retainers that releasably engage the lugs of the boot unit. The retainer includes a lever that has a cam and a lever handle and a compression member. When the boot unit is inserted into the binding unit, the lever is actuated to lock the compression member against the lug and securely fasten the boot and boot unit to the board.

Abstract: A device for the adjustable fastening of an accessory on a gliding board, which comprises a base comprising means for fastening the accessory and which accommodates a bar having a toothed part suitable for positioning in a complementary toothed part secured to the gliding board, which device comprises a crank that can rotate within the base and one end of which is connected to a lever, and wherein the bar has one degree of freedom and a part in contact with the bent part of the crank, so that a first position of the lever corresponds to the low position of the toothed part and a second position corresponds to a high position of the toothed part.

Abstract: A safety binding device for binding a boot on an alpine ski including a releasable retaining mechanism of the mechanical, hydraulic, viscoelastic type, which actuate a release as a function of the forces to which the boot is subjected and as a function of the duration ?t of the application of such forces. The release action occurs as soon as the magnitude of the force is greater than an actual release threshold, Sr, which is dependent upon the duration ?t of the application of force, such that if duration is greater than one second, the actual release threshold is between 50% and 75% of the theoretical release threshold, St, whereby: ?t>1 s; 0.75×St?Sr(?t)?0.5×St, with the theoretical release threshold St being determined as a function of the skier's parameters in conformance with ISO standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device (1) between a boot (2) and a board-like type of sports equipment (3), in particular a ski binding. The connecting device comprises a toe or front binding fixture (5) that can be associated with the tip (4) of the boot, and a heel or rear binding fixture (7) that can be associated with the heel area (6) the boot (2). The binding fixtures each have a sole holder (8,9) for engaging the boot (2). The boot is clamped between the sole holders with a pre-tensioning force that is applicable via a pre-tensioning spring (11).

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.

Abstract: This invention would significantly improve the ease of riding a snowboard on ski lifts where typically one foot must remain unbound to push off with. The invention allows for control of the board specifically through the diversion of the gravitational force of weight of the rider through forces of tension, elasticity, and leverage. The diversion of these forces allows the rider to steer roughly in the same manner as if their foot was bound.

Abstract: Device for adjustable fixing of an accessory on a board for gliding comprising a base, comprising locations for fixing the accessory and receiving a bar having a toothed part capable of a positioning in a complementary toothed part integral with the board for gliding, wherein the bar is mounted so as to be movable in rotation on the base about an axis, comprises, on either side of this axis, the toothed part and an end, and which comprises a knob capable of occupying two different positions, comprising a cam surface that interacts with the end of the bar such that a first position of the knob corresponds to a low position of the toothed part and a second position corresponds to a high position of the toothed part.

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.

Abstract: A ski boot sole for cooperating with a ski binding to releasably hold the sole in the binding, the sole having front and rear recesses with front and rear fitting plates. The front recess and the front fitting plate are engaged by the front sole holder rotatable about a longitudinal axis for releasably holding the front sole holder against displacement in the forward, sideways and vertical directions. The rear recess and rear fitting plate are engageable by the rear sole holder which is rotatable about a transverse axis. The rear sole holder butts against the portion of the fitting plate extending outside the border of the sole to secure the rear portion of the sole in the rearward, sideways and vertical directions.

Abstract: A sports board binding and foot traction apparatus for use in sports boards such as surfboard, skateboard, wakeboards, and the like. The apparatus includes a sports board having an upper surface and at least one magnet holding receptable disposed in the upper surface; A a ferromagnetic bar is disposed under the bottom of the magnet holding receptacles, and permanent magnets are placed in the receptacles to form a magnetic region on the surface of the board. An article of sports footwear having a sole is provided, and a ferromagnetic plate is disposed in at lest a portion of the footwear soles. When the footwear is brought into proximity with the magnetic field, a binding force is applied to the footwear.

Abstract: A device for binding a boot to a cross-country ski, the device fixing the front of the boot to the ski while allowing the rear of the boot to move relative to the ski between a low position and a high position. The device includes an elastic return system for applying an elastic return force to return the boot to the low position, and an elastic abutment operable at the end of travel of the boot toward the high position.

Abstract: A device for receiving and retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus is disclosed. The device has a seat associated with a rear support element, the rear support element having a support surface facing a free surface, the rear support element being rotatably mounted with respect to the seat, an abutment limiting a rearward rotation of the rear support element, the abutment having a cursor that is movable along the rear support element, as well as a mechanism for immobilizing the cursor on the rear support element. A wall covers the cursor on the side of the free surface, the immobilizing mechanism extending through the wall.

Abstract: A binding for a snowboard or other type of board that has a base plate structure formed of a lower plate that is mountable on a board; an upper plate that is adapted to receive a boot and is mounted above the lower plate in a spaced relationship; and a spring-based suspension system connecting the upper plate to the lower plate. The suspension system has a plurality of springs, one spring being connected between a flange of the upper plate and a corresponding flange on the lower plate. A boot attachment apparatus is connected to the base plate structure.

Abstract: A device for binding a boot to a sports article allowing the heel of the boot to be raised with respect to the sports article, of the type in which the boot has a first connecting zone positioned at the front of the boot, and a second connecting zone positioned rearward of the first connecting zone. The device includes an attachment arm having a fixed length, the attachment arm being articulated to the base of the device at a first of two fixed points of the attachment arm and adapted to be joined to the second connecting zone of the boot at a second of the two fixed points of the attachment arm. A guiding mechanism slidably guides the first boot connecting zone relative to the base of the device.

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radius surface for use on a ski binding resistance mechanism cartridge. The radius surface of the present invention enables a cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge to bend directly adjacent to the cartridge. Since the cable is able to bend adjacent to the cartridge, the overall functionality of a binding is improved. In addition, the radius surface can be adjusted to specifically dictate the exit bend radius allowed on the cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge.

Abstract: Ski binding (1; 1?; 1?), in particular touring, telemark or cross-country binding, with a front retaining element associated with the front sole end (7a) of a ski boot (5), a back retaining element (21) so constructed that it engages an edge (7b) at the front part of the boot sole or at the heel of the boot, and a tensioning device (17; 25; 47; 17?; 17?) that connects the front and back retaining elements to one another, and that allows the front and back retaining elements to be locked to the ski boot and, in particular in the locked state, allows the heel of the boot to be raised away from the ski, wherein the front retaining element grips the sole of the ski boot on both sides near the tip of the boot, in particular with lateral resilience, and with the front retaining element there is associated an elastic pressing element (13) to press the upper side of the sole against the retaining element.

Abstract: Adjustable support apparatus between a boot and a snowboard, comprising in combination a lower support plate connectible to a snowboard, an upper plate carried by the lower plate to be rotatable about a main upright axis, the upper plate connectible to a boot, a retainer connected to the support plate and holding the upper plate in position for rotation, about the axis, and an adjustable holder carried by one of the plates to project upwardly relative to the retainer, the holder having different positions of selectable connection to the other of the plates about the axis.

Abstract: An all-terrain ski upon which various cross-country skiing techniques can be used by having a sliding member (2) slide over a base member (1) to simulate gliding on snow. The sliding member is held down by medium washers (6) and uses wheel and bearing assemblies (5) to glide. There is a return mechanism (3) that is connected to sliding member (2) and base member (1) which provides resistance and returns the sliding member (2) and base member (1) to their original position before the sliding member was slid.

Abstract: A device for binding a boot to a sports article allowing the heel of the boot to be raised with respect to the sports article, of the type in which the boot has a first connecting zone positioned at the front of the boot, and a second connecting zone positioned rearward of the first connecting zone. The device includes an attachment arm having a fixed length, the attachment arm being articulated to the base of the device at a first of two fixed points of the attachment arm and adapted to be joined to the second connecting zone of the boot at a second of the two fixed points of the attachment arm. A guiding mechanism slidably guides the first boot connecting zone relative to the base of the device.

Abstract: Disengageable ski binding having a carrying plate which is provided as a standing surface for a ski boot and is arranged on a ski-mounted base part such that it can be rotated about a vertical axis of the base part counter to an adjustable resistance of a first latching device, and having disengageable front and rear sole holders which are arranged on the carrying plate, it being the case that the rear sole holders can be disengaged counter to an adjustable resistance of a second latching arrangement, which is separate from the first latching device, and/or the front sole holders are locked within a predetermined angle-of-rotation region of the carrying plate, without affecting the resistance of the first latching device, and are unlocked outside the region of rotation.

Abstract: An interface adjustment mechanism 100 includes a frame member 102 and fore and aft adjustable spacer holding members 104, 106, and is disposed within the outsole of the snowboard boot 10. The interface adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a plurality of interface adjustment assemblies 160. Each interface adjustment assembly 160 includes a base member 170 having a threaded aperture and an adjustment member or spacer 172 having a threaded portion threadably engageable with the threaded aperture of the base member so that the spacer 172 can be adjustable relative to the base member 170. When incorporated into the snowboard boot 10, the interface adjustment mechanism 100 provides the rider with an adjustable spacer/dampening system that can eliminate slop and provide dampening and shock absorption between the snowboard boot 10 and the snowboard binding 30. Eliminating slop and providing dampening and shock absorption provides the rider with improved control, force transmission, and feel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety ski binding (1) with a toe and a heel binding (4, 5) and an electronic circuit arrangement (6). This circuit arrangement (6) comprises a computer unit and a memory system as well as a sensor system (8) for detecting at least one set safety release value of the safety ski binding (1). The circuit arrangement (6) has at least one electronic evaluation device (13, 14) with a software-driven, programmable micro-controller (39, 40), the micro-controller (39, 40) having a non-volatile memory system (41, 42) or being connected to a non-volatile memory system (41, 42). This micro-controller (39, 40) is programmed to store manually altered settings of the safety release value and/or changing states of the safety ski binding (1) detected by the sensor system (8) in the memory system (41, 42).

Abstract: A ski binding arrangement for cross-country or telemark binding, and a ski boot adapted thereto with a boot sole, such that the arrangement includes a first engagement element on the binding side and a second engagement element on the boot side in the region of the front end of the boot sole, which in the position for use are engaged with one another and keep the ski boot in linear or areal contact with a ski or a binding plate attached to the ski, wherein the underside of the boot sole in the front region is conversely curved in the long direction and the first and second engagement elements are adapted to one another such that, when the back end of the boot is raised or lowered, the boot sole makes a rolling motion associated with a longitudinal shift of the contact line or area on the ski or binding plate and, by a lowering or raising of the front end of the boot, e.g. movement in the direction opposite to that of the back end.

Abstract: A device for binding a boot to a sports article, of the type having a retaining system whereby the boot is fixed to the ski with a possibility of moving in relation to the sports article, between a low position and a high position, of the type having a system for the elastic return of the boot to its low position, and of the type in which the retaining system is independent of the elastic return system. The elastic return system includes at least an elastic member that is connected to the sports article, and a flexible linkage that connects the elastic member directly or indirectly to the boot, and which cooperates with at least one return member.

Abstract: A ski binding for cross-country skis and touring skis with a step-in mechanism. The ski binding has two pressure-spring-loaded retention bolts located in the toe region and extending substantially transversely to the running direction and having a rounding at their outer ends. The retention bolts engage in openings of the boot sole or of parts of the latter and can be brought out of the snapped-in position by a releasing mechanism, wherein the rounding of the retention bolt is to lie above that plane which extends through the longitudinal axis of the bolt and in the snapped-in state, parallel to the ski upper side.

Abstract: A binding for coupling a shoe to a snowboard and the like, comprising a base plate that can be fixed to a snowboard and the like and supports a front band, a rear band and a rear spoiler, fastenable onto a shoe, an interconnection being provided for connecting the spoiler and the front and rear bands for positioning in an open position, in which the bands are raised, with the rear spoiler in a lowered position for insertion of the shoe, and for positioning in a closed position, in which the bands are fastened onto the shoe, with the rear spoiler in the raised position.

Abstract: The front binding (1) comprises two jaws (5a, 5b) holding a boot vertically and laterally by means of their actions on the sole of the boot and articulated on a carriage (4) that is movable in translation between two extreme positions in which the action of the carriage (4) on release means gives rise to the release of the boot by rocking of one or other of the jaws (5a, 5b). The carriage (4) is returned to an intermediate position by an elastic means. The binding is noteworthy in that the rocking pins of the jaws (5a, 5b) are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the binding. The binding makes it possible to hold a boot having a sole that makes it easier for the user to walk.

Abstract: A wakeboard binding plate assembly includes a disc and ring. The disc is sized to fit within the opening of the ring, with each of the disc and ring including irregular surfaces, respectively positioned to engage each other. The disc is mounted to a portion of a boot assembly of the wakeboard. The ring is adapted to be fastened to a wakeboard, with the disc held in place between the disc and a boot assembly for the wakeboard, engagement between the irregular surfaces of the disc and the ring preventing rotation of the disc. Loosening the ring allows the disc to rotate so that the boot assembly can be easily moved to a desired alignment.

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: 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 method is provided for coupling a shoe worn by a user onto a coupling mount on a wakeboard by a step-in action. A binding comprises a coupler on either the shoe or wakeboard and a corresponding coupling mount on the other of the shoe or wakeboard to receive the coupler.

Abstract: Adjustable base for a ski binding, comprising a rail (2) for mounting on a ski, a row of teeth (5) extending parallel to the axis of the rail, a plate (3), for carrying a ski-binding element, mounted slidably on the rail and carrying a toothed latch (11), that can be displaced transversely to the rail, for engaging in the teeth of the row of teeth in order to immobilize the plate on the rail through the action of a knuckle-joint mechanism. The teeth (5) of the row of teeth extend transversely to the rail, occupying approximately half the width of the rail, and the latch (11) includes a number of teeth that is greater than two and advantageously of a length substantially equal to the width of the row of teeth (5), and it is displaceable from one side of the rail to the other.

Abstract: The boot/binding assembly for a snowboard with an automatic binding has a base (12) having a device (14) for holding the boot via its sides and complementary forms guiding and positioning the boot in the binding. The guiding and positioning forms (16) located on the binding extend above the holding device (14) for holding the boot so as to prevent the actuation of the holding device until the boot is fully positioned relative to the binding.

Abstract: Interface plate (1) intended to be secured to the upper face of a ski and capable of accommodating the toe piece and the heel piece of a safety binding, characterized in that it has a longitudinal recess forming a slideway capable of holding projecting parts situated under the toe piece and under the heel piece, while allowing the toe piece and the heel piece to slide inside the slideway with a view to adjusting the binding to the length of the boot, and in which the profiles (10, 11; 12, 13) of the zones of the slideway respectively holding the toe piece and the heel piece are geometrically identical.

Abstract: A device for binding a boot to a sports article, of the type having a housing that is adapted to receive a member for fastening the boot, and which is provided with a movable latch capable of being displaced between an open position, in which the fastening member can be introduced or disengaged from the housing, and a closed position, in which the latch prevents the disengagement of the fastening member, and of the type in which the displacement of the latch is controlled by a control system, whereby the control system has a gripping member that is slidably movable, and a connecting rod that is linked by its two ends to the latch, on the one hand, and to the gripping member, on the other hand.

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: 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: The arrangement comprises a bottom part (1), which is mounted on the ski (3), and a top part (2), which can be fitted on the bottom part. The boot (4) can be connected to the top side (21) of the top part (2). The bottom part (1) comprises a base (13) which can be fastened on the body of the ski (3) and can be introduced into a correspondingly shaped central section (23) of the top part (2). In this central section (23), the base (13) is retained by means of a connecting devices (35). The central section of a flexible member (60) is retained between the base plate (10) and the body of the ski (3). This member (60) and the way it is secured on the ski are such that it acts as an automatically triggering brake.

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 binding system is provided that is relatively easy to step-in and step-out of. The snowboard binding has a base member, a front binding member movably coupled the base member between a release position and a latched position, and a pair of rear binding members coupled to lateral sides of the base member. The rear binding members have latch members movable relative to the base member to selectively hold the rear catch portions of a snowboard boot. The latch members are arranged to move laterally apart relative to each other upon application of a force direction substantially towards the base member. The first and second latch members are arranged to selectively hold the catch members in a plurality of engagement positions having different heights above the base member.

Abstract: The locking device for a detachable skate of sports shoe in accordance with the present invention mainly comprises a rotatable hook, an elastic member, a lever and an engaging wall. The rotatable hook is provided on the detachable skate being adapted to releasably engaging with the engaging wall provided under the sports shoes. The elastic member is provided to bias the rotatable hook and the lever is used to rotate the rotatable hook for assembling or disassembling by means of overcoming bias force of the elastic member.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system includes a boot and a binding 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 forward to rearward longitudinal axis extending between a toe 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. The front catch has a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from the toe section and a tongue portion extending laterally between the leg portions. The tongue portion has a forward to rearward dimension that is larger than forward to rearward dimensions of the leg portions to longitudinally secure the boot relative to the binding.