Abstract: A heel retainer for a ski binding, includes a base plate using which the heel retainer can be fastened to an upper side of a ski or snowboard; a connecting structure connectable to the base plate; and a tensioning device using which a ski boot is tensioned onto the ski. The connecting structure includes first and second connecting structure parts. The first connecting structure part can be moved relative to the second connecting structure part in the transverse release direction when the ski binding is transversely released. The tensioning device includes a sole retainer which, in direct contact with the sole of a ski boot, tensions the ski boot onto the ski or snowboard. The sole retainer is formed as a rolling body exhibiting a rotational axis and is connected to the tensioning device such that the sole retainer can be rotated about its rotational axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: A toepiece (10) for a binding device for securing a boot to a gliding board comprises a fixed part (11) which is intended to be secured to the gliding board, and a mobile part (12) which is mounted on the fixed part with a possibility of relative movement (T) with at least one transverse component and on which two jaws (13d, 13g) are mounted so as to pivot about a substantially longitudinal axis (Ag, Ad). The toepiece (10) comprises a lever (16) that is actuable from the outside of the toepiece (10) and takes up a blocking position in which blocking elements (25d, 25g) that are integral with the lever (16) prevent the jaws (13d, 13g) from tilting so as to keep the toepiece (10) in a closed configuration in which the jaws (13d, 13g) retain the boot.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: A toe piece for a gliding apparatus, such as a touring ski, including two tightening elements relatively movable between a boot-tightened position, in which they engage respective lateral housings of the boot, and an open position to release the boot, the tightening elements forming a pivot axis for the boot and a stop movable between an active position in which the stop comes into contact with the front end of the boot so as to longitudinally position the lateral housings of the boot, and a retracted position in which the stop does not interfere with normal pivoting of the boot during an ascent phase, the stop being in an active position when the two tightening elements are in the open position and the movable stop is directly connected to the tightening elements, so that a relative displacement of the tightening elements causes the stop to switch between its active and retracted positions.

Abstract: A snowshoe binding includes a base plate having opposing first and second lateral sides and a locating block located on the second lateral side and defining an inverted T-shaped retaining hole, a flat connection block defining therein a bottom accommodation chamber adapted for accommodating the locating block, a plurality of binding strap each having a first end connected to the first lateral side of the base plate and a second end coupled to the flat connection block, and a locking device adapted for detachably locking the flat connection block to the locating block.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding a footwear toe to a snow travel aid. The apparatus comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of the footwear about the toe in forward and rearward directions and is for use with a heel holder that provides for lateral release. The apparatus comprises one or more resilient elements for biasing the jaws whereby the jaws are biased towards a closed position throughout the operational range of motion of the jaws. Also provided is an apparatus which comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of footwear about the toe, wherein the apparatus is adapted for generally horizontal, forward and rearward translation relative to a longitudinal axis of the snow travel aid, selectively by a user.

Abstract: Binding for fastening a boot (10) into in exercise appliance, such as into a ski (1), which binding comprises at least a support part (4), a tip part (7) installed in the support part, and a heel loop (8), of which the position of at least one or other in the support part (4) can be changed for adjusting the binding to boots of different sizes, and which heel loop (8) is installed in the support part (4) in a manner that allows turning in relation to it. The invention is implemented so that the support part (4) is hinged at its front end so that the support part is hinged around a horizontal axis, such as a hinge pin (5), which is essentially at a right angle in relation to the ski (1).

Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.

Abstract: A binding is described for a sliding board (1) having two side walls (4), which receive a shoe (3) between them, having a heel clip (5) linked to the side walls (4), and having an instep strap (6). To ensure advantageous stress conditions, it is proposed that the side walls (4) form a stop (10) for the heel clip (5) pivoted up into an end location, and the instep strap (6) be linked to the heel clip (5) at a radial distance from the linkage axis (8) of the heel clip (5).

Abstract: The invention describes a ski binding with guide elements for a front and a rear binding piece body oriented in the binding longitudinal direction, which binding piece bodies are designed to retain the front and rear end portion of a sports shoe. This ski binding comprises a first coupling element connected to the front binding piece body and a second coupling element connected to the rear binding piece body. A positioning and fixing mechanism is disposed between the binding piece bodies in order to adjust and retain the binding piece bodies by reference to the binding longitudinal direction. The first and second coupling element can be selectively rigidly coupled with one another and uncoupled from one another.

Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.

Abstract: Ski-fastening is fixed on a ski or on a platform attached to a ski or on a platform of a safety platform binding. Ski fastening includes a heel seat stop, a forepart fixing item, a forepart stop and a main body for fixing other parts of one's leg. The body of the holder is pendulously attached to the main body. The holder contains a height-adjustment component, on which there is a rotationally embedded calf support with an item for shank fixation. Ski-fastening further includes a holder's control component for pendulous movement and an item for fetlock fixation.

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 to 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 with guide elements for a front and a rear binding piece body oriented in the binding longitudinal direction, which binding piece bodies are designed to retain the front respectively rear end portion of a sports shoe. This ski binding comprises a first coupling element connected to the front binding piece body and a second coupling element connected to the rear binding piece body, and mutually facing end portions of these coupling elements co-operate with a positioning and fixing mechanism disposed between the binding piece bodies in order to adjust and retain the binding piece bodies by reference to the binding longitudinal direction. The positioning elements of the first and second coupling elements are respectively disposed on the left-hand and/or right-hand side faces of the two coupling elements lying one above the other by reference to the standing plane and by reference to the binding longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Ski binding (10) for fixing a ski shoe that comprises an upper and a sole (11), having a front retaining element (12) associated with the front end of the sole, a rear retaining element (13) arranged to engage at the foresole or at the heel of the ski shoe, a tensioning means (15, 16, 17, 19) effective between front and rear retaining elements, and having a means, associated with the front retaining element (12) and pivotally mounted relative to the latter about a horizontal axis, for supporting the front end of the sole or sole-supporting means (28), wherein the pivotal axis (29) associated with that supporting means simultaneously defines the pivotal axis about which a structural unit (26) comprising the front and rear retaining elements is pivotable when the shoe heel is lifted or lowered. The sole-supporting means (28) associated with the front end of the sole is pivotable relative to the structural unit (26) and is lockable, as required, by a separate locking element (30).

Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.

Abstract: A convertible toe strap for securing a toe area of a snowboarding boot is selectively and repeatedly convertible between different restraining configurations. The convertible toe strap includes a first configuration where one of toe lift or forward movement is resisted and a second configuration where both toe lift and forward movement is resisted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a binding (120), and in particular to a ski binding (120), wherein the binding (120) is directly contacting the ski (102), but is still capable of sliding longitudinally on the ski (102) to reduce stiffness.

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: 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 present invention provides hydroplaning equipment, such as boards, skis, bindings, boots and poles for use in connection with a hydroplaning device for a rider to perform liquid sport athletic maneuvers, which comprises a support member having a height relative to the ground and a slope; a surface member disposed on the support member, wherein the surface member forms at least an angled surface and a catchment area. The device also comprises a liquid circulation system, having a liquid source, at least one feed line and at least one return line with the liquid source being in fluid communication with the at least one feed line and the at least one return line being in fluid communication with at least one of the liquid source and a disposal location. The device includes at least one liquid dispenser disposed adjacent to the support member or the surface member.

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 present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: A crosscountry ski (1), the lower face (3) of which is curved to form a wax zone (2) positioned substantially in the region lying below the user's boot, wherein its upper face (11) has at least one recess (10), and wherein each recess (10) holds a rigid longitudinal bar (12, 13) extending from the rear of the wax zone (2) to the front of said zone, with one of the ends (17) of each bar (12, 13) abutting (4) on an element (16) which is fixed relative to the ski, while complementary means (20) interacting with the other end (18) of each bar (12, 13) are provided in order to adjustably compress said bar (12, 13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: A snowboard binding (1) including a base plate (2), arranged to receive the sole of the user's boot, and an element (5) for securing to the board located in the central part of the base plate, wherein the base plate (2) includes two plates (10, 11) for receiving the contact of the boot sole, these two plates (10, 11) partially overlapping and each having an adjustable longitudinal position, and wherein locking means (25) pass through the two plates (10, 11) in their overlap zones (14, 16) in order to anchor them in an element (5) for securing the base plate to the board.

Abstract: A safety-binding heelpiece, for a ski boot, comprising a tubular body (1) having a trigger function and including, at one of its ends, a heel grip (2) for holding the heel of a ski boot on a ski, this tubular body (1) being articulated in rotation about a cam (3) formed in a cylindrical piece, this cam being integral with two lateral arms (4) connected to a base (8) mounted so as to move longitudinally on a plinth (9) for fasting to a ski, the separation between the two arms (4) at the base being smaller than their separation at their link with the cam.

Abstract: The invention comprises a snowboard having an elongated plastic plank as its body with up curved remote ends. A pair of circular plates are fixed to the top of the plank spaced toward the opposite end of the plank to serve as base for mounting bindings thereon and to raise the bottoms of the bindings a narrow distance or height above the plank. A metal elongated steel bar is fixed along the length of the plank along top of the plank to give the plank added strength and rigidity for additional control of the plank by the operator of the plank.

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: Ski equipment that provides, preferably in combination, a toe release system for reducing the risk of knee injuries and a steering system for increasing turn performance. In the toe release system, the binding has a toe binding portion secured with a securing element at a forward position relative to a rear binding portion of the binding, and a release element that communicates with the securing element for releasing the toe binding portion in response to the application of pressure to the rear cuff of a boot secured with the binding, permitting movement of the toe binding portion away from the rear binding portion and thereby releasing a toe of the boot. In the steering system, the boot includes a tracking assembly that permits controlled flexing of the front and rear cuffs of the boot by applying forward and lateral pressure to the front cuff.

Abstract: A binding system for and on skis or snowboards having slider elements that are insertable into a guiderail arrangement and may be secured for front and rear sole holder units by multi-section retaining element. The retaining element is arranged on the skis or on the guiderail arrangement longitudinally between the slider elements.

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 device, which is preferably designed in the manner of a standing plate for a ski binding or the like, having abutments between which there is a damper unit, preferably hydraulic, which can be uncoupled from an abutment so that it is possible to switch to a state with effective damping and a state without effective damping.

Abstract: Ski equipment that provides, preferably in combination, a toe release system for reducing the risk of knee injuries and a steering system for increasing turn performance. In the toe release system, the binding has a toe binding portion secured with a securing element at a forward position relative to a rear binding portion of the binding, and a release element that communicates with the securing element for releasing the toe binding portion in response to the application of pressure to the rear cuff of a boot secured with the binding, permitting movement of the toe binding portion away from the rear binding portion and thereby releasing a toe of the boot. In the steering system, the boot includes a tracking assembly that permits controlled flexing of the front and rear cuffs of the boot by applying forward and lateral pressure to the front cuff.

Abstract: In the binding system according to the invention, slider elements that are insertable into a guiderail arrangement may be secured for front and rear sole holder units by means of a preferably multi-section retaining element, which is arranged on the ski or on the guiderail arrangement longitudinally between the slider elements.

Abstract: A binding assembly is provided for an elongate ski. The binding assembly receives a boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The assembly comprises a toe piece mountable to the ski for receiving at least a portion of the toe portion of the boot. A heel piece is spaced from the toe piece with the heel piece for receiving at least a portion of the heel portion of the boot. A spring mechanism connects the heel piece to the toe piece. A cam member is rotatably mounted to the heel piece and contactable with the heel portion of the boot with the cam member releasably retaining the boot within the heel piece wherein upon the heel portion contacting and rotating the cam member, the spring mechanism releasably secures the heel portion within the heel piece.

Abstract: A ski binding includes a stop (3) and a heel piece (5). An elastic means opposes the release of the stop and the heel piece. The elastic means includes a blade (6) working in buckling mode between two slides (2, 4) which correspond to the stop and the heel piece, respectively. Conventional springs for releasing the stop and the heel piece are therefore replaced by this longitudinally arranged blade.

Abstract: A binding for snowboards and the including binding base plates (1a, 1b) which are attached on the snowboard, two binding carrier plates (2a, 2b) which are provided with fastening apparatuses in order to be fastened to one shoe of the rider of the snowboard, with holding elements (3a, 3b) being provided on the binding base plates (1a, 1b) which are designed to hold the binding carrier plates (2a, 2b), but to release the same at a predetermined releasing force, and with a connecting element being provided in order to forcibly release the other binding carrier plate (2a, 2b) from the binding base plate (1a, 1b) during the release of one binding carrier plate (2a, 2b). A secure release is achieved in such a way that guide elements (8a, 8b, 13a, 13b) are provided on the binding base plates (1a, 1b) which allow the release of the binding carrier plate (2a, 2b) only in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard.

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 method of controlling a vehicle active tilt control system is provided for increasing the operating efficiency and improving operator/passenger comfort associated with the operation of a motor vehicle having an active tilt control system. The tilt control system includes a stabilizer bar adjustable by a hydraulic actuator which is movable in first and second opposing directions for adjusting vehicle body roll resistance provided by the stabilizer bar, and having a pressure control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure to the actuators.

Abstract: The snowboard binding with a pivoting heel element and a movable instep element has, in the area stepped on by the sole of the snowboard boot, a movable tread element that is coupled both to the instep element and to the heel element such that, when the tread element is pressed down in the direction of the snowboard surface, the instep element and the heel element are simultaneously and synchronously forcibly moved into their closed position.

Abstract: The binding for a sports apparatus, particularly for a snowboard, ski, monoski, or snowshoe, with rotary closure, has a hub (34) fixed to the sports apparatus, about which hub a binding support plate (19) is rotatingly disposed. The binding support plate (19) is fixable in relation to a hub in the running position, and two binding bodies having holding means for a boot are secured thereto. Connected to the hub fixed to the sports apparatus is at least one element (36) receiving pulling and/or pushing forces, one end of which engages the hub (34, 35), and the other end of which is coupled to a holding device. Upon rotation of the binding support plate (19), the holding device fixes a boot in the binding or releases it as a function of the position relative to the hub through co-operation with the element (36) receiving pulling and/or pushing forces.

Abstract: A snowboard boot that is provided with a downwardly projecting ratchet bar (30) at its rear. A boot binding (18) on a snowboard (10) includes a toe strap (50) for receiving the toe region of the boot (28). The snowboard rider steps into the boot holder (18) by inserting the toe region of his/her boot (28) through the toe strap (50) when it is a loosened condition. Then the rider steps down to move the ratchet bar (30) into and through a receptor (38) that is secured to a heel region member (24) of the boot holder (18). Downward movement of the ratchet bar (30) moves ratchet teeth (22) relatively past a tooth engaging portion of a catch (36). When the boot has bottomed out, the tooth engaging portion of the catch (36) engages a tooth (32) of the ratchet bar (30) and secures the heel region of the boot (28) to the snowboard (10). Then, the rider reaches down and tightens the toe strap (50).