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 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 binding system for securing a boot (10) having an instep portion and a toe portion to a snowboard (28) includes an attachment member (12) provided on the toe portion of the sole of the boot, a corresponding engaging member (16) on a frame (14), and a strap (18) for securing a portion of the boot in the frame. One end (58) of the instep strap is anchored to one side of the base, while a loose end of the strap is passed over the instep boot portion and tightened by means of a ratcheting buckle mechanism (48) to the opposing side of the frame once the user has placed his foot on the frame. Thus, the toe is readily and firmly secured to the frame, and the strap is merely tightened.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a new type of elevating plate for the binding or a binding element of a glide board, especially of a snowboard.

Abstract: An on-the-hill 360° adjustable attack angle boot and binding system has a central mounting post fixed to a board. Surrounding the post is a friction pad to grip the boot sole. The boot sole has a convex spring reaching from heel to toe to transfer the boarder's weight from heel to toe, thereby forcibly engaging the friction pad.

Abstract: A release binding (20) is shown for releasably attaching a ski boot to a telemark or cross-country ski (22). A load spool (50) having a circumferential groove (56) is attached perpendicular to the bottom of a standard toe plate (24) used to secure the toe of the boot. A release plate (40) having a planar load spring (44) inside is attached to the ski. The load spring has two sides (62, 64) attached together at both ends forming an elongated aperture. To assemble the boot on the ski, the skier orients the load spool through a hole (48) in the top of the release plate into the elongated aperture of the spring and pushes down. A pilot surface (60) on the load spool pushes the two sides of the spring apart until the groove is reached whereupon the two spring sides snap into the groove retaining the toe plate on the ski.

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 snowboard binding system comprising at least one movable engaging member that, when engaged, secures a snowboarder's boot from vertical or horizontal movement. In one embodiment, the binding system has two active sides, 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: Binding apparatus for use with an item of sports equipment, including a first part adapted for attachment to an article of footwear and a second part adapted for attachment to the item of sports equipment. The second part includes a protuberance. The first part is a housing adapted to be mounted in the sole of the article of footwear, and includes a recess adapted to receive the protuberance. The first and second parts have complementary securing parts for releasably securing the protuberance in the recess when the protuberance reaches a predetermined engagement therein for sideways pivoting movement of the article of footwear relative to the item of sports equipment. The recess has a substantially cylindrical face generally perpendicular to the sole of the article of footwear, and a lower opening defined by an inner lip for receiving the protuberance therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shock-absorbing apparatus for use with a variety of snowboards and binding systems. The apparatus includes a binding platform, at least one bearing assembly coupled to the binding platform and the snowboard, and at least one biasing assembly coupled to the platform and the snowboard. Each bearing assembly and biasing assembly are responsive to mechanical energy encountered by the binding platform or the snowboard during use by enabling the binding platform to swivel/pivot from or move along an axis that intersects a top surface of the snowboard.

Abstract: A selectively closable and releasable connecting device for connecting a sports shoe and an item of sports equipment, has a baseplate for fixedly mounting to the item of sports equipment and on which the shoe sole can be supported and locked. The shoe being provided with lateral grooves for receiving a pair of locking elements of the connecting device, which lie rigidly and fixedly diametrically opposite each other on the baseplate with respect to a central pivot for the shoe. The device has a second pair of locking elements which likewise lie diametrically opposite one another and are rotatably connected to the baseplate via a gear mechanism having a driving element with a driver which protrudes, with respect to the supporting surface of the baseplate, for activation by the shoe, in the baseplate. The baseplate is further provided with a gear mechanism locking element which locks the gear mechanism in the closed position.

Abstract: A binding including a tool-free system for adjusting the lateral rotation and forward-lean of a leg support member. The binding includes a baseplate, a leg support member mounted for lateral rotation to the baseplate and a tool-free system coupling the support member and the baseplate. The binding may also include a tool-free forward-lean adjuster for setting the angle of the leg support member relative to the baseplate. Thus, the lateral rotation and forward lean of the leg support member may be quickly adjusted without the use of separate tools.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for a snowboard with which the boots of a snowboarder can be securely attached to the board while permitting release thereof upon application of a force greater than a preselected threshold. If a force of an undesirable magnitude in either a lift-out or torsional direction is applied to either of the snowboarder's boots with respect to the board, then that boot will be released by the binding, and the other binding will also automatically release the other boot. Both boots can also be manually released from the bindings, and one boot can be left secured to the board while the other is released for negotiating ski lifts and the like. The snowboard bindings permit easy step-in entry which will allow the boot to be secured to the binding even in the event of snow or the like being stuck between the boot and binding. A safety brake is also provided which prevents run-away of the board if it is detached from the rider.

Abstract: A contact configuration between boot and binding for snowboarding. Contact pins are provided on opposing sides of the boot at both the heel area and the toe area. This 4-point contact configuration assures heel and toe stability and reliable side boot restraint. Concave mating receptacles at matching locations on the binding assure easy and simple interconnection which is also secure and reliable. A release mechanism is provided to selectively retract the pins using a simple pull cord arrangement. Strap linkages permit more convenient tightening and loosening of the boot straps. A strap/yoke configuration provides improved interconnection between the boot and the user's foot. The pull cord is routed within the sole of the boot and upward along the ankle area of the boot for more convenient access. The pull cord is connected to retract linkages at both heel and toe areas, both of those linkages being spring loaded to provide normally extended pins.

Abstract: A boot for use with a snowboard having a binding for attachment to the boot. The boot includes a base, a highback and an upper. The base includes a binding-receiving plate for attaching the boot to the binding on the snowboard. The base also has toe and heel ends. The base is formed with a toecap at the toe end and has a heel counter at the heel end. Tread projects from the bottom of the base for traction when the boot is not attached to the snowboard. The highback extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The highback provides aft support to the user. The upper is fixedly attached to the base and is arranged and configured to receive the foot and ankle of the user. The upper has a rearward side adjacent the highback. The upper is more flexible than the base and the highback. A base strap is connected to opposing sides of the base and extends across a portion of the upper.

Abstract: A snowboard boot binding mechanism includes a base member having a recessed channel. The 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 fist 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 of the first side.

Abstract: A three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.

Abstract: A boot support includes a disc solidly secured on a ski board, and a boot supporting bracket rotatably secured to the disc. A pawl is slidably received in the disc and movable to engage with the bracket, or is slidably received in the bracket and movable to engage with the disc, for releasably securing the bracket to the ski board. The bracket may be adjusted relative to the disc and the ski board to various angular position by the pawl without disengaging the bracket from the disc and the ski board.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing of snow-boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snow-board. Uniquely only magnetic forces are used to affix the snow boot to the ski or snow-board.

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: An apparatus for attaching a shoe to a gliding element. The apparatus includes a blocking/anchoring mechanism of the shoe in an anchoring zone thereof extending substantially from the front end of the shoe to the area of the metatarso-phalangeal journal zone or in front thereof. The apparatus includes an arrangement for rocking the blocking/anchoring mechanism, this rocking arrangement being positioned in the anchoring zone of the shoe and being designed so as to allow for a predetermined angle of movement of the shoe assembly with respect to the gliding element. Preferably, the maximum angle of movement of the blocking/anchoring mechanism is between about 5° and 30°.

Abstract: A binding includes an upper attachment connected to a boot, a lower attachment connected to a board, a coupler attached to one of the upper and lower attachments, and a coupling mount attached to the other of the upper and lower attachments. The coupling mount and the coupler are configured to automatically engage with each other to lock the upper attachment to the lower attachment when a user wearing the boot steps onto the lower attachment and to permit rotation of the upper attachment relative to the lower attachment when the upper attachment is locked to the lower attachment. A release actuator is actuated to disengage the coupler and the coupling mount. A lock locks the boot in a selected rotary position relative to the board. The coupler includes a collar and a sleeve positioned within the collar. The collar is rotatable relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.

Abstract: A retention or binding apparatus for a boot on a gliding board, especially a snowboard. The apparatus includes a retention element associated with the board, cooperating with a complementary retention element associated with the boot, together ensuring a connection between the boot and the board according to different degrees of freedom. The apparatus includes a groove for one of the elements, and a rib for the other element. The rib and the groove having complementary shapes to enable cooperation by nesting. The apparatus also includes a gripping mechanism for one of the elements and a latching mechanism for the other element, forming a removable latch for actively retaining the rib nested in the groove.

Abstract: A boot suitable for use in association with various sports related gliding devices having a stirrup embedded in the sole of the boot containing a pair of opposed arms for removably supporting a pin therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a snowboard boot and a binding interface including an interface feature that is adapted to releasably engage with a snowboard binding. The binding interface is movably mounted to the boot so that the boot can flex in a side-to-side direction through an angle relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility. In one embodiment, the binding interface is mounted to the boot at a pair of laterally spaced attachment points with a pair of strapless fasteners. In another embodiment, the binding interface is mounted to at least one attachment point and a portion of the boot is flexible between the attachment point and a side. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the interface feature does not protrude below the bottom surface of the boot, and the interface feature does not protrude beyond the sides of the boot.

Abstract: A boot for use with a snowboard having a binding for attachment to the boot. The boot includes a base, a highback, and an upper. The base includes a binding-receiving plate for attaching the boot to the binding on the snowboard. The base also has toe and heel ends. The base is formed with a toecap at the toe end and has a heel counter at the heel end. Tread projects from the bottom of the base for traction when the boot is not attached to the snowboard. The highback extends upwardly from the heel counter of the base. The highback provides aft support to the user. The upper is fixedly attached to the base and is arranged and configured to receive the foot and ankle of the user. The upper has a rearward side adjacent the highback. The upper is more flexible than the base and the highback. A base strap is connected to opposing sides of the base and extends across a portion of the upper.

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: The present invention relates to a highback support which is pivotally mounted to a support member. A lever mechanism fixed to a backside of the highback support includes a lever which selectively engages a portion of the support member and provides mechanical advantage for setting and releasing the highback support between a support position and a release position. In the support position, the highback support is positioned to engage the back of a snowboard boot to provide a rigid surface against which a snowboard rider can lean for steering. In the release position, the highback support is free to pivot making it possible for the snowboard rider to walk easily.

Abstract: A system is provided for mounting a boot to an article for gliding, for example a snowboard. The system includes a boot having a binding engagement assembly with at least one aperture, and a locking component supported by a binding. The aperture and the locking component are disposed at an angle relative to each other, with the angle being variable so as to adjust the size of the aperture relative to the locking component. In a first, non-secured position, the angle between the locking component and the aperture is such that the size of the aperture relative to the locking component is sufficient to allow the locking component to be slidably received within the aperture. In a second, engaged position the angle between the locking component and the aperture is such that the size of the aperture relative to the locking component produces a fit therebetween sufficient to secure the locking component to the binding engagement assembly.

Abstract: A snowboard boot and an assembly of a snowboard boot and a retention apparatus for securing the boot to a snowboard. The boot includes a sole, an upper affixed to and extending upwardly from the sole, and an attachment member attached to the sole. The attachment member has a portion extending substantially longitudinally and spaced from a portion of the sole for facilitating engagement with a latch of the retention apparatus. The retention apparatus of the assembly includes an attachment mechanism for attaching in a vertical direction and along a horizontal plane, which cooperates with a complementary attachment mechanism of the boot, arranged in a central portion of the sole of the boot. The boot includes a skeleton that is constituted by a minimal force-transmission circuit which provides for the support necessary for practicing the gliding sport and the force-transmission circuit passes through the attachment mechanism of the boot.

Abstract: A binding system is configured to removably mount a footwear member to a sporting or recreational device. In a preferred embodiment, the binding system includes a binding member having at least one rail attached thereto. The rail preferably has an elongated, arcuate shape. A corresponding slot on the footwear member is configured to slidingly receive the rail. The cross-sectional shape of the slot conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the rail. The footwear member is mounted to the binding member by aligning the rail and slot and slidingly inserting the rail into the slot using a rotational motion.

Abstract: A skate (20) having a shoe portion (22) detachably secured to a plurality of longitudinally aligned skate wheels (26) for traversing a surface. The shoe portion having a sole defining a toe end (34) and a heel end (36). The skate further includes a frame (24) having an upper surface and a lower surface attached to the wheels. The skate also includes a heel latch member (78) rotatably attached to the frame for receiving and coupling to a heel binding attachment surface (54) located in the heel end of the sole to the frame. A toe latch member (76) is attached to the frame for receiving and coupling a toe binding member (42) located in the toe end of the sole to the frame. A lever arm (92) is attached to the heel latch member to selectively release or attach the shoe portion from the heel latch member. The heel latch member is rotatable about a vertical axis extending normal to the elongate direction of the frame.

Abstract: A fastener for a snow board comprises a U-shaped heel element and a collar band which are pivoted on a plate-shaped base and moved in a pincer-like manner by means actuated by the foot of the skier.

Abstract: A boot is provided for engagement with a binding mounted to an article for gliding on snow. The boot includes a boot body having a toe portion, a heel portion and a lower region, and has a length extending in a toe-to-heel direction. A first member is supported by the boot body and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the first member includes a contact portion extending beyond the boot body for releasably engaging a portion of the binding. The length of the boot with the first member in the extended position is greater than the length of the boot with the first member in the retracted position. The first member may extend beyond the toe portion of the boot body in the extended position, or may extend beyond the heel portion. In the extended position, the first member may be engageable with a bail portion of the binding.

Abstract: An interface is provided for connecting a sports boot with a gliding board. The boot has a tall, soft upper, a flexible sole with at least one longitudinal groove of trapezoidal cross section and four attachment points. The interface has (1) on the boot side, an outer profile of trapezoidal overall shape similar to that of the groove in the boot and which is intended to engage in the groove of the boot and (2) means of automatically attaching and locking the four attachment points of the boot. At the rear of the interface, an arm rises up approximately vertically and is equipped with means of connection to the back of the upper of the boot. The lower part of the interface has attachment means adapted to the particular type of gliding board.

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 snowboard binder for removably securing a boot onto a snowboard. The snowboard binder includes a bail mounted on a bottom surface of a boot having a set of locking rods on its both ends, a base disposed on the snowboard having a set of loop-type hooks formed to respectively receive each of locking rods on both ends of thereof, and a latch device for removably securing one of the locking rods within a set of bracket extended upward from the base spaced apart from each other in the proximity of one of the loop-type hooks. An angle adjust device for conveniently controlling the angle of the base is also provided.

Abstract: A snowboard binding for fastening a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes a baseplate adapted to be mounted on the snowboard and side walls projecting vertically upward. An instep element is mounted over the baseplate and adapted to reach over the instep of the snowboard boot. A tread element is coupled to the instep element and movable downward a displacement distance for moving the instep element into a closed position. Flexible tensile elements couple the tread element to the instep element and the flexible tensile elements are mounted on respective sides of the instep element. Deflection elements engage each of the tensile elements. Each of the deflection elements are positioned above the baseplate a distance at least as great as the displacement distance.

Abstract: A boot suitable for use in association with various sports related gliding devices having a stirrup embedded in the sole of the boot containing a pair of opposed arms for removably supporting a pin therebetween.

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 contact configuration between boot and binding for snowboarding. Contact pins are provided on opposing sides of the boot at both the heel area and the toe area. This 4-point contact configuration assures heel and toe stability and reliable side boot restraint. Concave mating receptacles at matching locations on the binding assure easy and simple interconnection which is also secure and reliable. A release mechanism is provided to selectively retract the pins using a simple pull cord arrangement. Gear operated strap linkages permit more convenient tightening and loosening of the boot straps.

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: An impact release binding assembly for a snowboard which separates into two parts upon a sufficient impact subjected on the binding assembly regardless of the direction of the impact origin. The binding apparatus includes a boot plate coupled to the boot, and a latch assembly movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the latch assembly releasably mounts the boot plate to the snowboard, while in the unlatched position, the latch assembly releases the boot plate from the snowboard. An inertia block is provided, having a selected mass, and formed to retain the latch assembly in the latched position until a sufficient inertial force dislodges the inertia block from supportive contact with the latch assembly.

Abstract: An improved snowboard binding system allows the snowboarder to maintain full control of the snowboard while also allowing the snowboarder to rotate the feet during the operation of the snowboard without the requirement of manual adjustment. A binding base (22) is attached to the snowboard and contains a circular, downward-facing surface (23) having several discontinuities. A boot catch structure (26) is attached to the user's boot and has a corresponding number of upward facing planar surfaces (27) that fit into the base surface discontinuities. Engagement of the binding is accomplished by the insertion of the boot catch into the binding base and relative rotation of the two parts. The binding system is equipped with a locking plate (24) that guards against accidental release of the binding system.

Abstract: A boot/binding device apparatus assembly for a boot on a gliding member is of the type including an arrangement for binding the front end of the boot, the rear end of the boot being free to be raised with respect to the gliding member. The assembly includes an arrangement for control and continues elastic return of the boot towards the gliding member, located at the rear of the binding device of the front end of the boot. Advantageously, the control and elastic return arrangement is constituted by an anchoring device for the binding device cooperating with anchoring apparatus associated with the boot, at least one of the anchoring device of the boot or of the binding device being provided with an elastic return mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a boot on a glide plate especially adapted for snowboarding, the boot including an upper affixed to a sole adapted to cooperate with the board. The apparatus includes a longitudinal positioning and retention device for the boot thereupon, such device being obtained in a complementary manner in a front lateral zone and a rear lateral zone and in the corresponding zones of the sole. Also, the transverse axes of the front and rear retention devices are spaced apart by a distance that is common to at least two boot sizes, enabling the length of the boot to be released and allowing the front and rear ends of the boot to be freed of all retention elements with respect to the board, such elements extending exclusively in a lateral direction with respect to the sole.

Abstract: An electric ski binding system with magnetic interfaces and a microprocessor achieves releasable engagement of a ski boot to ski bindings. A permanent magnet in the front ski binding and a permanent magnet of opposite polarity in the toe portion of the boot create a front magnetic interface. A permanent magnet in the rear ski binding and a permanent magnet of opposite polarity in the heel portion of the boot create a rear magnetic interface. Electromagnets in the proximity of the front and rear magnetic interfaces are disposed so that their polarity opposes the permanent magnets of the boot. The electromagnets are turned off while the boot is engaged with the ski binding to allow the permanent magnets to couple at the front and rear magnetic interfaces. The electromagnets are operated when disengaging the boot from the ski binding to create a magnetic field substantially greater than that of the permanent magnets in the front and rear magnetic interfaces.

Abstract: An alpine ski boot is shown which has a substantially flexible boot upper attached to a hinged sole made of two rigid parts. A rigid ankle cuff extends up from the heel of the boot to the leg opening of the boot upper. The ankle cuff has straps that may be closed around the user's ankle to secure the ankle and foot in a fixed position relative to the boot sole, and thereby to provide lateral support. The forward pitch of the ankle cuff is adjustable. The boot upper may be substantially made of flexible materials such as leather or rubber. The sole is formed of a rigid toe portion and a rigid heel portion. To facilitate walking, the two sole parts are hinged at approximately the location of the ball of the foot. The hinged sole is provided with a means to lock the two rigid parts of the sole to form the equivalent of a single rigid sole member. The locked sole can be received in a conventional automatic alpine ski binding of the type which attaches to the heel and toe of the boot.

Abstract: Arrangement of a cross-country, particularly skating binding (15) and a shoe (16) adapted thereto, which has on its forward sole (12) complementary engagement members introducible into engagement members of the binding in order to produce a joint-like connection, the engagement members on the sole comprising a bracket (11) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole and roughly parallel to the tread surface of the sole and located off-set relative to the forward sole end, and the complementary engagement members on the binding comprising a retaining hook engaging over the bracket (11), particularly from behind, which is movable from a closed position into a release position and vice-versa. The retainer hook (6) is movable out of the closed position into the release position by means of an actuating device (3, 4) coupled therewith, against the action of a member, particularly a resilient member (5) initially resiliently tensioning it in a forward direction.