Abstract: A snowboard binding including a baseplate, a bearing highback rotatable relative to the baseplate, a pedal to operate the bearing highback at clip-in between an opening position and a closing position and a locking element to lock the rotation of the bearing highback relative to the baseplate in closing position against the elastic return of a lever. The locking element includes two ratchet notches with the lever. The snowboard binding includes a lug that is received into a fork of the locking element with notches or of the lever to rotate the locking element with notches or the lever by unlocking the lever from one of the notches and by locking it with the other notch at clip-in.

Abstract: A platen and hoop configured to securely hold a garment in place on a platen. The platen and hoop can be used for automated printing of graphics, such as by direct to garment printing (DTG). The hoop has downward extending hoop sidewalls that can surround the platen structure when the hoop is fitted onto the platen. The platen has platen sidewalls that are hinged to a base of the platen, and which rotate upward to hold a fabric workpiece against the hoop sidewalls to securely hold the fabric workpiece during printing. The platen sidewalls can be formed with inward protruding tabs or feet located at their base, and which cause the platen sidewalls to rotate upward when engaged by the hoop sidewalls.

Abstract: Some aspects include a ski binding system using controllable electromagnets, alone or in combination with permanent magnets, as means of attaching or releasing a ski boot to a ski during use. Some aspects include a ski binding system using a controllable solenoid. In some aspects, microprocessor-based control releases binding electronically based on input from sensors located in binding, ski and/or boot, as well as in other equipment or clothing connected to them or to skier, or binding releases when a mechanical threshold is overcome. In some aspects, sensor data are recorded for analysis of system performance and for adjustment and improvement of system parameters based on data analytics.

Abstract: Some aspects include a ski binding system using controllable electromagnets, alone or in combination with permanent magnets, as means of attaching or releasing a ski boot to a ski during use. Some aspects include a ski binding system using a controllable solenoid. In some aspects, microprocessor-based control releases binding electronically based on input from sensors located in binding, ski and/or boot, as well as in other equipment or clothing connected to them or to skier, or binding releases when a mechanical threshold is overcome. In some aspects, sensor data are recorded for analysis of system performance and for adjustment and improvement of system parameters based on data analytics.

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgery method for ankle ligament reconstruction of this embodiment is removed using an ultrasonic treatment tool, blowing away a synovial membrane, and secures the view for a remnant ligament. Then, bone holes are produced to a fibula, a talus and a calcaneus using the ultrasonic treatment tool.

Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.

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: 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: A convenience-type tool-less manual quick release binding system is provided for directly mounting accessories and equipment, such as a video kit, thermos, storage container, first aid kit, portable radio or audio device, or other accessory, onto a snowboard via the snowboard binding. When binded, the accessory is secure from unwanted release caused by rigorous use but detachable with ease when desired providing fast on and off action. In one embodiment, ladder straps are attached to the snowboard binding, and the accessories attached to the ladder straps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel unit 10 for a touring binding of a sliding board, comprising a binding body 14 on which two coupling projections 16 for connection to a heel portion of a touring boot are movably held, wherein the movable retainer of the coupling projections 16 is configured such that the coupling projections 16 move away from a sliding board plane.

Abstract: A binding comprising a baseplate that is adapted to attach to a gliding board such as a snowboard, the gliding board having lateral and medial sidewalls and a heel loop, and a pivotably highback pivotably mounted to the baseplate. The heel loop includes at least one forwardly disposed tooth, and the highback includes a plurality of rearwardly disposed teeth. The maximum forward lean angle is established by the engagement of the heel loop and highback teeth. In one embodiment the highback adjustably attaches to the baseplate with hardware extending through arcuate slots, such that the maximum forward lean angle is determined by the position of the hardware in the slots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.

Abstract: The forward leaning suspension boot/binding is an extreme idea aimed directly at the alpine ski market, where current ski boot technology only provides equipment for alpine skiers. The forward leaning suspension technology allows a suspended amount of forward lean for skiers seeking a more aggressive stance for skiing. The suspension is derived by a spring-hinged reverse cantilevered upper boot/binding to the lower portion of the boot/binding.

Abstract: A snowboard binding comprises two assemblies that are capable of being mated or docked with each other and locked together while the snowboard is in use. One of the assemblies may be affixed to the deck of the snowboard. In an embodiment of the invention, the other assembly may be secured, e.g., to the user's boot, and in an embodiment of the invention, the features of the other assembly that support docking and locking of the assemblies may be incorporated into a boot. Either or both assemblies may comprise one or more permanent magnets configured to assist docking by attracting the assemblies to one another in a manner that encourages them to dock in a proper configuration. In embodiments of the invention, locking the docked assemblies together may be achieved without use of the hands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a gliding board binding, such as a snowboard binding. The binding may include an adjustment indicator that allows for determination of a longitudinal position of the base relative to a gliding board, heel-to-toe position of the base relative to a gliding board and/or an angular position of the base relative to a gliding board when the base is secured to the gliding board. The adjustment indicator may be included with a footbed that is removable from a binding base, e.g., that includes a foot engagement member to secure a rider's foot to the binding and board. A removable footbed may include a toe portion that is adjustable in position relative to a heel portion of the footbed. A gliding board may include a channel for mounting a binding that is arranged in the board core so that no portion of the board core is located on top or bottom sides of the channel, and instead so the top and bottom reinforcement layers are located above and below the channel.

Abstract: A binding device for retaining footwear securely to a snowshoe, ski, snowboard, and other apparatuses for traversing mainly over snow and ice covered terrain. The mounting plate includes multiple direct locking features on the mounting plate surface which interact with mating interfaces on a ski device. At least one strap coupled to the mounting plate is disclosed for securing a boot to the mounting plate foot bed. A positional releasable axle pivot pin that may selectively articulate the mounting plate and selectively aid in a locked heel mode directly on the mounting plate is disclosed. A first position wherein the binding may articulate in a walking motion on the axle pivot pin when connected to a ski device and a second position wherein the axle pivot pin and secondary locking feature in the mounting plate may be engaged wherein articulation and the walking motion of the mounting plate is prevented.

Abstract: A boot-retaining unit of a ski binding secures one end, in particular the toe end, of a ski boot using two boot sole holders pivotable about vertical axes, which engage an end region of the sole periphery or ski boot from the side, front and/or top and interact with a spring arrangement, which biases the boot/sole holder against the boot/sole periphery and allows the ski boot to be disengaged counter to a disengaging resistance. The sole holders are double-armed levers, with the lever arms of the sole holders distal from the sole interacting with pistons which are displaceable in a direction transverse to the ski binding's axis and, by a spring which is clamped between and engages the pistons, are forced against the lever arms which are remote from the sole.

Abstract: A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.

Abstract: A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.

Abstract: A binding comprising a baseplate that is adapted to attach to a gliding board such as a snowboard, the gliding board having lateral and medial sidewalls and a heel loop, and a pivotably highback pivotably mounted to the baseplate. The heel loop includes at least one forwardly disposed tooth, and the highback includes a plurality of rearwardly disposed teeth. The maximum forward lean angle is established by the engagement of the heel loop and highback teeth. In one embodiment the highback adjustably attaches to the baseplate with hardware extending through arcuate slots, such that the maximum forward lean angle is determined by the position of the hardware in the slots.

Abstract: A rear hoop (3) for a snowboard boot binding, having an overall shape in the form of a U and comprising a central connecting part (12) arranged between two arms (11) suitable for forming a movable connection with a snowboard boot binding, the hoop (3) comprising at least one zone where it consists of an extruded hollow body.

Abstract: A device for retaining a foot or a boot on a sports apparatus. The base of the device, having the general shape of a plate, includes a zone for anchoring to the apparatus, as well as at least one zone for fastening a foot or boot retaining mechanism, the fastening zone being apart from the anchoring zone. Stiffening ribs extend between the anchoring zone and the fastening zone. Two adjacent stiffening ribs converge toward the fastening zone, between the anchoring zone and the fastening zone.

Abstract: A stroller includes a wheel frame and a handle frame. The handle frame includes a grip member and two swing rods. The swing rods are spaced apart from each other in a left-to-right direction, and are connected pivotally to the wheel frame. The grip member has two extension rod portions that are connected respectively and pivotally to the swing rods so as to allow the grip member to be folded on the swing rods. Two slide sleeves are sleeved respectively and movably on the extension rod portions. Two rod-retaining seats are disposed respectively on the slide sleeves, and engage respectively and automatically retaining grooves in the swing rods so as to prevent the grip member from pivoting upwardly away from the swing rods when the grip member is folded on the swing rods.

Abstract: A multi-function binding system configured for use on a sliding board comprising: (a) a binding operable with a boot assembly, the binding comprising a support surface and toe and heel pieces; (b) a base assembly rotatably and removably secured to a deck of a sliding board and to releasably couple the binding, the base assembly comprising: (i) a support disc removably coupled to the deck of the sliding board and to secure the base assembly to the sliding board; (ii) a deck plate rotatable about the support disc and configured to be positioned adjacent the deck; (iii) a bonnet also rotatable about the support disc and configured to receive and engage the binding; (iv) an adjustment mechanism for rotational adjustment of the bonnet and the deck plate about the support disc with respect to the sliding board; (v) a coupler mechanism configured to releasably couple the binding to the base assembly, and therefore the boot system to the sliding board, thereby securing a user thereto; and (vi) a release for actuating

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: A snowboard binding having a base element that can be fastened to the top of a snowboard. At least one instep element extends over part of a snowboard boot fastened to the base element. The instep element is movable along at least one arc-like path to improve mobility of the boot in the binding.

Abstract: A universal binding apparatus for detachably securing footwear to an article is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate and a foot plate. The base plate attaches to the article while the foot plate attaches to the footwear. The base plate includes a toe latch, a heel latch, and a first release. The toe latch is disposed at a front portion of the base plate while the heel latch is disposed at a rear portion of the base plate such that the first release is also disposed between the toe latch and the heel latch. The first release enables either the toe latch or the heel latch to be disengaged from the foot plate. The foot plate includes a toe support and a heel support. The toe support is disposed at a front portion of the shoe plate similar to the front portion of the base plate and while the heel support is disposed at a rear portion of the shoe plate. The shoe plate removably attaches to the base plate with the toe support engaged with the toe latch and the heel support engaged with the heel latch.

Abstract: A binding which is used to keep a boot connected to a snowboard, comprising a seat which is fixed to a board, a strap which is attached to the seat in order to receive a front part of the boot, a rear bearing shell for receiving a rear part of the boot and a mechanism for tightening the rear bearing shell in relation to the seat. The rear bearing shell is divided into two side panels which can pivot laterally in relation to the seat by virtue of mechanical pivots or by deformation of said side panels, and a center panel which can pivot from the front to the back in relation to the seat in order to enable the center panel to tilt towards the rear and from the back to the front in a closed position, wherein the two side panels are superposed in relation to the center panel and tightened by the tightening mechanism which acts in such a way that it prevents the center panel from tilting towards the rear in relation to the base.

Abstract: A ski binding, in particular for cross-country skiing, having a sliding element displaceable in the running direction, as well as at least two spring-loaded latching pins movable transversely to the running direction for latching engagement in corresponding fittings in the tip region of the ski boot. Each of the two latching pins is carried by a spring-loaded molded part, the molded parts being oppositely arranged relative to one another and guided in links of the sliding element.

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

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

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

Abstract: A raising platform for a binding for a board for gliding over snow, including a planar central zone capable of receiving the front stop and the heel piece of the binding, and two lateral portions of which the lower edge is intended for interacting with the board for gliding, wherein the lower edge of the lateral portions has, in a longitudinal plane, a certain gradient relative to the plane of the central zone.

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: Automatic snowboard binding holding the boot via its sides and having an automatic locking mechanism (11, 14), retention mechanism (6), and a boot-release lever (16) whose operation results in unlocking of the retention mechanism. The boot-release lever is kinematically independent of the locking mechanism (11, 14) in such a manner that it remains stationary when the boot is clipped into the binding.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A universal binding apparatus for detachably securing footwear to an article is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate and a foot plate. The base plate attaches to the article while the foot plate attaches to the footwear. The base plate includes a toe latch, a heel latch, and a first release. The toe latch is disposed at a front portion of the base plate while the heel latch is disposed at a rear portion of the base plate such that the first release is also disposed between the toe latch and the heel latch. The first release enables either the toe latch or the heel latch to be disengaged from the foot plate. The foot plate includes a toe support and a heel support. The toe support is disposed at a front portion of the shoe plate similar to the front portion of the base plate and while the heel support is disposed at a rear portion of the shoe plate. The shoe plate removably attaches to the base plate with the toe support engaged with the toe latch and the heel support engaged with the heel latch.

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

Abstract: Step-in snowboard binding designed to hold a boot by its sides. The binding comprises at least one jaw (2) secured to a driving arm (9) intended to be driven by the boot. The jaw has a cam-shaped part (9) collaborating with a locking element (12) which can move in a guide (13) in such a way that the jaw is locked for various positions of the jaw. The jaw (2) is equipped with a return spring which tends to keep it in the open position, and the jaw and the locking element cooperate to keep the locking element away from its locking position when the jaw is raised. In this way, the jaw cannot be closed inadvertently and the locking element does not hamper the closure movement.

Abstract: A touring, telemark, or cross-country ski binding, comprising a supporting portion to offer support in forward, upward and side directions to the front part of an associated shoe, especially a front sole portion of the same, on a ski or similar piece of sports equipment, further comprising a retaining portion to hold the shoe in the supporting portion such that the heel of the shoe can be lifted freely. The retaining portion includes a clamping portion, especially in the form of a tensioning cable, strap or clamping plate, connected to the ski or binding in the area of the metatarsal zone and engaging the front sole of the shoe behind the metatarsal zone.

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

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

Abstract: An interface element (10) used on a gliding board, said element being inserted between the sole (20) of the user's boot and the top side of the board (8) so as to take the thrust exerted toward the board by the user at least at the front end of the sole, and which comprises at least one zone (11, 12, 15) made of a thermoformable material capable, after exposure to heat, of matching the imprint of at least the front end (21) of the sole (20) of the boot so as to fill the volume between the top side (8) of the board and the sole of the boot (20).

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

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