Abstract: A device is disclosed that traverses terrain. The device includes a removable axle where the device is configured to traverse terrain, a groove connected with a boot for receiving the axle, the groove is configured to enable the boot to pivot about the axle and securely couple the boot with the axle. The groove may be formed in a boot and configured to receive the axle, or the groove may be formed in a mounting plate removably attachable with the boot and configured to receive the axle.

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: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus, such as a binding for a snowboard. The device includes a base plate associated with a rear support element/highback. The rear support element is movably mounted with respect to the base plate. A linkage is connected to the base plate and to the rear support element in order to limit the rearward movement thereof. The position of the rear support element with respect to the base plate is longitudinally adjustable.

Abstract: Snowboard binding (1), comprising a base (2) on which a foot-gripping strap (10) is mounted, and in which strap (10) is capable of moving around a transversal axis (8) to enable strap (10) to be folded towards base (2), and in which at least part of strap (10) is capable of pivoting relative to the base to enable the said section of strap (10) to move outwards when shoes are put on, characterized in that the said section of the strap is connected to the base via a mechanism (20) which is hinged relative to the base around an axis (7) which is more or less parallel to the longitudinal middle plane of the binding, such that it enables this section of strap (10) to move outwards, said mechanism (20) also comprising a pivot hinge (8) with the said section of the strap to enable this section of the strap to pivot in a folding movement towards base (2).

Abstract: A device for binding a boot to a gilding board including a front retaining element, a rear retaining element, an element for connecting the front retaining element to the rear retaining element, and a return spring exerting a force urging the front retaining element toward the rear retaining element, the connecting element and the return element being aligned, and the connecting element including an articulation with respect to the front retaining element and/or the rear retaining element.

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: 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: There is disclosed a snowboard binding which is equipped with a single strap which acts as a collar for the boot and which is hinged at one side on the base of the binding and at the opposite side it is fastened to a triangularly-shaped fastening system which, in turn, is secured to the base of the binding.

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 invention relates to a coupling device (1) between a sports shoe (2) and sports device (3), with a toe piece (5) and a heel piece (6) and a brake device (7) mounted between the latter for the sports device (3), with a longitudinal guide (9, 10) mounted on the surface (8) of the sports device (3) for the heel piece (6), in which the heel piece (6) is guided laterally and vertically in dimensions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The brake device (7) is provided with guiding elements (14, 15) that can engage in the guiding track (12, 13) of the longitudinal guide (9, 10) and between the brake device (7) and the heel piece (6), a longitudinal coupling device (19) is arranged for mobile connection with the heel piece (6) and the brake device (7) is guided in a play-free manner exclusively by the guiding track (12, 13) in all dimensions running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guiding track (12, 13).

Abstract: An article that includes a strap for retaining or tightening a foot or a boot, the strap including a section for covering the foot or the boot, the covering section including a frame and a comfort element. The comfort element includes a synthetic material molded over the frame. In a particular embodiment, the article is a retaining device for a sports apparatus, such as a snowboard binding for a snowboard.

Abstract: The snowboard binding comprises a base plate that can be fastened at a spacing from the surface of the snowboard, a pin plate arranged between the surface of the snowboard and the base plate, from which pin plate several pins project, each of which extends through a recess of the base plate. In addition, it comprises a mounting plate with a central opening and comprises a retention plate comprising openings associated with the pins, which retention plate overlaps the opening of the mounting plate. Each of the pins has an annular groove. A tensioning plate has oblong holes formed as circular ring segments, associated with the pins and whose at least one lateral wall has an oblique run-up surface that engages into the particular annular groove.

Abstract: Cross-country or telemark binding (10) which is mounted on the top face of a ski, especially on a mounting plate (12) mounted thereon, so as to be longitudinally displaceable (arrow 13) and which is lockable in a plurality of sliding positions by means of a locking device (14). The locking device is subdivided into a first locking unit (23), which is active only in the forward direction, and a second locking unit (24), which is active only in the rearward direction, so that on unlocking of that locking unit (23) which is active only in the forward direction the binding is displaceable only in the forward direction (arrow 25) and on unlocking of that locking unit (24) which is active only in the rearward direction the binding is displaceable only in the rearward direction (arrow 26).

Abstract: Toe-piece for attaching a boot to a sliding board, comprising a body (2) and at least one jaw (3) which is rotationally movable about an substantially horizontal axis (5) in accordance with a first bearing on the body (2) for release in the event of a backward fall and rotationally movable about an substantially vertical axis (6) in accordance with a second bearing on the body (2) for release in the event of torsion, wherein the bearing surface between the jaw (3) and the body (2) on the jaw (3) and/or the body (2) has an inclined part (7, 7?) to represent a specific setting of the release threshold of the binding for certain particular falls.

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 binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

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 boot-binding for board sports such as snowboarding is provided that is both automatically closing and compatible with any style of boot or shoe. A molded plastic shell which is fixedly attached to the board's upper surface provides a substantially boot-shaped receiving space and an automatic closing gate clamps down tightly across the boot's upper surface to bind the foot tightly. In operation, the rider simply steps into the binding thereby actuating a release mechanism which allows the gate to swing closed. Gate receptors mounted to the exterior of the plastic shell opposite the hinge accept and latch the gate firmly across boot's upper surface. Several cushioning elements, some of which may be inflatable, may be included and manual adjustments may be made without special tools to adjust the fit and feel of the binding.

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: The invention relates to a snowboard binding for soft boots. The fixing straps can be pivoted by means of a joint from a closed position to an open position close to the opening for entry. The straps are kept in an open position by means of a holding device. The holding power of the holding device stems from the resistance of the joint.

Abstract: A device for retaining a foot or boot on an apparatus, such as a binding for a snowboard. The device has a lateral portion and a medial portion demarcating a receiving zone, a rear support element, and a linkage. The linkage includes a front part and a rear part. The front part is located nearer a support surface of the rear support element and the rear part is located nearer a free surface of the rear support element.

Abstract: A step-in binding for receiving a ski boot and preferably for telemark skiing. The binding includes a base constructed and arranged to be secured to the ski and a pair of boot support members pivotally supported from a front side of the base, and disposed laterally on either side of the base. The lateral side members may be tapered inwardly toward the front so as to receive and guide the ski boot as it is to be engaged. The pair of boot support members are biased to a boot receiving position and further having a locked position that is assumed once the boot is received, engages the pair of boot support members, and is cantilevered downwardly into the locked position.

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: A binding for a sports boot on a gliding board, comprising a base intended to be fixed on a gliding board, means for binding the boot and a rear stop or spoiler, wherein, on each lateral part of the base (1), the spoiler (3) is on the one hand mounted so as to move about a pin (4) mounted so as to move relative to the base (1) and on the other hand connected to the base (1) by a second means for guiding its movement relative to the base (1).

Abstract: A downhill ski binding (2) that operates to allow the skier to select a number of skates or a time interval, after which a lock means (30) locks the rearward end (28) of a ski boot plate (4) to a ski plate/lift (14) and/or a ski (22) until reset. Until the pre-selected number of skates or time interval is reached, the rearward end of the ski boot plate is freely moveable with respect to the ski plate/lift and/or ski, thereby allowing the skier to freely skate. A variety of configurations and mechanical, electromechanical and electromagnetic dynamic locking means are described, several with remote input means (104) and a logic unit (102).

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 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 having a mounting plate for attachment to a snowboard in spaced-apart relation thereto, a clamping plate arranged between the snowboard and the mounting plate, a peg that projects from the clamping plate and extends through an opening in the mounting plate, a base plate that has an opening over which a hold-down plate extends, and a hold-down plate coupled to the clamping plate by means of a central opening via the peg. The mounting plate opening is substantially larger than the dimension of the peg of the clamping plate in two shift directions (x, y) extending perpendicular to each other, so that the clamping plate and the hold-down plate coupled with it can move, together with the base plate, relative to the mounting plate in the two shift directions. There is a positive-fit connection of the mounting plate to the clamping plate and/or the hold-down plate.

Abstract: A freely rotatable binding base assembly for use on a board used in single-board sports such as snowboarding and slalom water skiing. A binding assembly mounted on and movably secured to the board, and is adapted to receive a conventional boot as worn by a rider. Additional features include a locking means for selectably blocking rotation, and a clutch for braking rotation by applying side loading to the board.

Abstract: A boot-binding for board sports such as snowboarding is provided that is both automatically closing and compatible with any style of boot or shoe. A molded plastic shell which is fixedly attached to the board's upper surface provides a substantially boot-shaped receiving space and an automatic closing gate clamps down tightly across the boot's upper surface to bind the foot tightly. In operation, the rider simply steps into the binding thereby actuating a release mechanism which allows the gate to swing closed. Gate receptors mounted to the exterior of the plastic shell opposite the hinge accept and latch the gate firmly across boot's upper surface. Several cushioning elements, some of which may be inflatable, may be included and manual adjustments may be made without special tools to adjust the fit and feel of the binding.

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

Abstract: A snowboard binding is provided having a base to accommodate the boot of the user and keep it in a fixed position on the base; and a highback. The highback is adapted to allow the leg of a user to articulate through a range of motion. Attached to the highback is a system of springs or elastic members for returning the leg of the user to a neutral position relative to the board in the absence of an applied counterforce. For example, the highback can be attached to the base in such a manner as to allow the highback to articulate in a range extending from a forward position to a neutral position, and optionally to a rearward position, the neutral position being disposed between the forward position and any rearward position. In this binding, a tensioning member is affixed to the highback in such a manner as to resist articulation of the highback to the forward or the rearward position, and to apply a force to the highback to return it to the neutral position in the absence of an applied counterforce.

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 a binding for a snowboard according to the invention, one band having one end mounted on the one-side rising portion of a base plate is connected to the other end of the other band having one end mounted on the other-side rising using a connecting member. A means for mounting the bands onto the rising portion is composed of a hole formed in the bands, a plurality of holes each having a hook groove respectively formed in the rising portion, a pin including a projection to be inserted into the hook groove, a lever disposed on the pin for rotating the pin, and an arc-shaped groove formed in a desired depth portion of each of the plurality of holes with a hook groove coaxially with the same hole and in communication with the hook groove.

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

Abstract: A step-in binding for receiving a ski boot and preferably for telemark skiing. The binding includes a base constructed and arranged to be secured to the ski and a pair of boot support members pivotally supported from a front side of the base, and disposed laterally on either side of the base. The lateral side members may be tapered inwardly toward the front so as to receive and guide the ski boot as it is to be engaged. The pair of boot support members are biased to a boot receiving position and further having a locked position that is assumed once the boot is received, engages the pair of boot support members, and is cantilevered downwardly into the locked position.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding for soft boots. The fixing straps can be pivoted by means of a joint from a closed position to an open position close to the opening for entry. The straps are kept in an open position by means of a holding device. The holding power of the holding device stems from the resistance of the joint.

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

Abstract: Device for adjusting the relative position between a first part, for example a ski binding heel-piece, equipped with a toothed strip (8) and a second part, for example a slide (2), equipped with two opposed sets of teeth (16, 17) collaborating with the sets of teeth (10, 11) of the strip. The sets of teeth of one of the parts are offset by a half-tooth and the teeth of the sets of teeth are truncated. The sets of teeth of the two parts come into mesh alternately on one side and the other, making it possible to have a pitch for adjustment equal to a half-tooth rather than a full tooth. The fineness of the adjustment is thus improved.

Abstract: A freely rotatable binding base assembly for use on a board used in single-board sports such as snowboarding and slalom water skiing. A binding assembly mounted on and movably secured to the board, and is adapted to receive a conventional boot as worn by a rider. Additional features include a locking means for selectably blocking rotation, and a clutch for braking rotation by applying side loading to the board.

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 snowboard binding is provided having a base to accommodate the boot of the user and keep it in a fixed position on the base; and a highback. The highback is adapted to allow the leg of a user to articulate through a range of motion. Attached to the highback is a system of springs or elastic members for returning the leg of the user to a neutral position relative to the board in the absence of an applied counterforce. For example, the highback can be attached to the base in such a manner as to allow the highback to articulate in a range extending from a forward position to a neutral position, and optionally to a rearward position, the neutral position being disposed between the forward position and any rearward position. In this binding, a tensioning member is affixed to the highback in such a manner as to resist articulation of the highback to the forward or the rearward position, and to apply a force to the highback to return it to the neutral position in the absence of an applied counterforce.

Abstract: A binding for a snowboard has: a base plate; a heal cup; a coupling tool for coupling the base plate and the heal cup through a member for hardness adjustment; a boot fixing band with one end attached to the one side of the heal cup; and a belt attached to the other side of the heal cup so as to be coupled with the band, wherein the member for hardness adjustment is replaceable by another member with different hardness.