Abstract: Provided herein are various embodiments for a boot for releasable engagement with a binding having a downwardly facing ledge and a toe strap. The boot preferably contains a sole, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The boot preferably also contains a heel retaining device extending rearwardly from the heel portion of the boot and having an upwardly facing engagement surface at the top of the device which engages with the downwardly facing ledge of the binding to prevent vertical movement of the boot relative to the binding while allowing forward horizontal movement of the boot relative to the binding.

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: The invention relates to an emergency release system for one or more pieces of winter sports equipment, such as skis, ski poles, snowboards, bindings and/or boots for skis or snowboards. It is equipped with a connection mechanism for detachably connecting at least two elements of one or more pieces of winter sports equipment, wherein the connection mechanism is supported substantially radially in or on one of the two elements, and a drive mechanism, which can be activated from outside and is suited for cancelling the radial support of the connection mechanism, accordingly causing the two elements to separate. The invention also relates to a release method and a manufacturing process for such an emergency release system.

Abstract: A heel piece for an alpine ski attachment comprises a base element (1), fastenable to a ski (S), an upper element (2), coupled to the base element (1), and a pair of rotatable arms for hooking to a shaped portion exhibited in a rear part of an alpine ski boot. A pair of pins (32) borne by the arms (31) project from the upper element (2). An elastic element (4) maintains the pins (32) at a predetermined reciprocal distance. The elastic element is stressed by a separation of the pair of pins (32), determined by a lowering of the ski boot onto the ski and by insertion between the pins (32) of the shaped portion. The pins (32), following complete insertion of the shaped portion between the pins, lock against an upper part of the shaped portion to hook the ski boot.

Abstract: A heel piece of a safety binding for a ski boot that is able to occupy at least two positions, an open position and a closed position in which it is able to hold a ski boot securely for skiing, the heel piece comprising a body (11) that occupies the same position in each of these two positions of the heel piece, the body (11) comprising a release mechanism to allow the boot to be released in the closed position of the heel piece if a force exceeds a predetermined level, the heel piece further comprising a lever (12) comprising jaws (14) in its anterior part, these being able to collaborate with the heel of a ski boot, the lever (12) being mounted so that it can rotate relative to the body (11) about a pivot (13) so as to occupy two different positions corresponding to the two, open and closed, positions of the heel piece, wherein at least one end of the pivot (13) is held near the body (11) of the heel piece.

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 snowboard binding is provided for releasably connecting a boot to a snowboard. One embodiment of the invention includes inner and outer main bodies to receive a two-piece cleat. A second embodiment includes inner and outer hooks for hooking, and a latch for securing, a one-piece cleat. A third embodiment includes a front main body and a spring-loaded latch in a rear main body for engaging a one-piece cleat. A fourth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with inwardly beveled, semi-circular inner and outer main bodies. A fifth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with a front main body and a latch, fixedly mounted upon an axle, within a rear main body. The latch is biased toward the engaged position by a spring. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a one-piece cleat is engaged with a front main body and two rear spring biased latches. In a seventh embodiment, among other things, the cleat is formed in two pieces.

Abstract: A snowboard binding is provided for releasably connecting a boot to a snowboard. One embodiment of the invention includes inner and outer main bodies to receive a two-piece cleat. A second embodiment includes inner and outer hooks for hooking, and a latch for securing, a one-piece cleat. A third embodiment includes a front main body and a spring-loaded latch in a rear main body for engaging a one-piece cleat. A fourth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with inwardly beveled, semi-circular inner and outer main bodies. A fifth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with a front main body and a latch, fixedly mounted upon an axle, within a rear main body. The latch is biased toward the engaged position by a spring. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a one-piece cleat is engaged with a front main body and two rear spring biased latches. In a seventh embodiment, among other things, the cleat is formed in two pieces.

Abstract: A binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snowboard, designed in a manner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat its operation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales in the form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles, and a pair of bindings attached to the snowboard. Each binding has a base including elongated, slotted holes located on the circumference of a circle through which bolts are placed to secure the base to the snowboard with a friction washer therebetween. The elongated holes allow for rotational adjustment of the binding. A hook-shaped structure extends from one side of the base with the hook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a camming structure with a downward and outwardly sloping surface ending in a bale-receiving notch.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system includes a binding and a boot configured to be releasably coupled together. The snowboard binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement, and a front binding arrangement. The snowboard boot includes an upper portion, a sole portion, at least one rear catch and a front catch. The sole portion has a toe section, a mid section and a heel section. The rear catch is located at the heel section of the sole portion. The front catch is coupled to the toe section and has a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from the toe section of the sole portion, and a tongue portion extending laterally between the leg portions. The toe section has a pair of front catch guide surfaces located forwardly and laterally of the front catch to guide the front catch toward the front binding arrangement.

Abstract: A retaining device is disclosed for retaining the front end of an associated boot (50) on an associated ski (3). A movable jaw (4) pivots on a base (6) around a vertical axis (7) against the action of an elastic return means (8). The elastic return means (8) includes two actuating arms (10a, 10b), acted upon by an elastic system (11). Each of the actuating arms (10a, 10b) pivots independent of the jaw (4) around a pivot axis (15a, 16b). The jaw (4) cooperates with the actuating arms (10a, 10b) via a driving element (9). The elastic return means (8) is arranged below the front end of the associated boot (50) in back of the transverse plane (T) which passes through the pivot axis (7) of the jaw (4).

Abstract: A binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snowboard, designed in a manner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat its operation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales in the form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles, and a pair of bindings attached to the snowboard. Each binding has a base including elongated, slotted holes located on the circumference of a circle through which bolts are placed to secure the base to the snowboard with a friction washer therebetween. The elongated holes allow for rotational adjustment of the binding. A hook-shaped structure extends from one side of the base with the hook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a camming structure with a downward and outwardly sloping surface ending in a bale-receiving notch.

Abstract: A binding for a snowboard or the like and a boot sole for cooperating with the binding, the sole having side engagement members, and the binding having a stationary boot-retaining member and a movable boot-retaining member having a latched condition for engaging the side engagement members, and a release condition for not engaging the side engagement members. The movable boot-retaining member can be automatically or voluntarily placed in the latched condition.

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

Abstract: A binding assembly includes a boot having a plate, and a binding plate secured to a snowboard. The boot plate includes at least one set of opposing, horizontally-projecting, binding tabs positioned along the sides of the boot. The binding plate includes at least one set of binding elements that correspond, respectively, to the binding tabs. The assembly further including a mechanism operatively associated with at least one binding element and the binding plate to maintain at least one binding element in a closed position after engagement of the binding tabs with the binding elements unless manually released by the user. In operation, the binding tabs on the boot are maneuvered to engage the binding elements on the binding plate to mount the boot to the snowboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a snowboard shoe on a board which includes a first anchoring device for the sole of the shoe; a second anchoring device affixed to the sole; a base affixed to the board and on which are mounted an arrangement for rotationally guiding and vertically retaining the first anchoring device and a mechanism for latching the second anchoring device, the mechanism including a jaw member having a housing for receiving the second anchoring device, and a latch journalled on the jaw member. The latching mechanism includes an elastic return device biased during the displacement of one portion at least of the latching mechanism which is driven by the thrust exerted by the second anchoring device moving vertically, substantially along an arc whose radius is equivalent to the distance separating the two anchoring devices during the tilting of the shoe about the axis of rotation of the first anchoring device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a step-in, strapless snowboard binding. The snowboard binding is particularly useful for soft-shelled boots. The snowboard binding includes a receiving member and a locking member which move relative to one another to lock or unlock the boot relative to the binding. The receiving member has a motion control surface corresponding to each of a plurality of boot binding positions. The locking member engages a selected one of the control surfaces to lock the heel of the boot near a surface of the snowboard if snow is between the bottom of the heel and the surface. The locking member engages a different one of the control surfaces to lock the heel on the surface if there is no snow between the bottom and the surface.

Abstract: A step-in, strapless snowboard binding. The snowboard binding is particularly useful for soft-shelled boots. The snowboard binding includes a receiving member and a locking member which rotate relative to one another to lock or unlock the boot relative to the binding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding having two retaining brackets (6, 106) which are pivotably mounted on a base plate (2) or on parts (5, 105) displaceable longitudinally on the base plate (2), and which, when the binding is performing a retaining function, engage over the front and the rear sole borders of a boot (102), the binding being closed automatically when the boot (102) is inserted. The aim of the invention is to keep the friction between the boot (102) and the binding, and therefore the boot-insertion force to be applied, relatively low and, by means of an advantageous configuration of a locking system (10), to ensure a high securing force.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a step-in, strapless snowboard binding. The snowboard binding is particularly useful for soft-shelled boots. The snowboard binding includes a receiving member and a locking member which rotate relative to one another to lock or unlock the boot relative to the binding.

Abstract: A safety ski binding in which the bottom of the ski boot is held out of contact with the top of the ski to eliminate the influence of frictional forces on the safety release and in which the anti-friction roller of the toe support structure is mounted on the ski in such a manner that its vertical axis of rotation remains substantially constant during engagement and disengagement.

Abstract: Binding for holding the front of a ski boot (3) in position on a cross-country ski (2), comprising a binding body (8), a locking piece which fastens to the ski an element (5) unitary with the front of the boot, a control device (10) for the locking piece, spring-force means (35) which, in the absence of any external force exerted on the control device (10), draw this control device into the locked position, there being associated with this control device (10) an element (36) connecting with the locking piece and a guide (64) for this control device (10) during its displacement. The position maintenance of the control device (10) on the binding body (8) is achieved by the element (36) connecting with the locking piece and the guide (64, 49) of this control device (10).

Abstract: A binding for keeping the front of a boot (3) positioned on a cross-country ski, comprising a locking slide (6) mounted so as to move longitudinally, when acted upon by a control device, in a slide channel (9) fastened to the upper surface of the ski, the locking slide having a hook (7) at one end extending transversely and unitary with a stem (8) inserted so as to slide in the longitudinal slide channel (9), and a frontal stop (12) extending transversely opposite the hook (7). A portion of the locking slide fits into a corresponding portion of the slide channel (9) or into an element unitary with this slide channel when the binding is locked into position.

Abstract: A step-in binding for snowboards secures a rider's foot such that it can only be manually released. Ridge-entrapping members on the snowboard define opposed pockets. The pockets receive oppositely extending longitudinal ridges that are a part of a boot or harness apparatus which attaches to the rider's foot. A spring-loaded latch, operable by a camming mechanism as a rider is stepping in, engages and secures one of the ridges.

Abstract: A ski binding mechanism for retaining a ski boot in fixed position on a ski and providing for release of the binding at any angle and for precisely controlling the required forces at various release angles. A plurality of retaining points each consisting of a spring plunger mechanism with a spherical tip which is fitted to a contoured retaining socket or groove in the boot sole plate, and the socket or groove is milled away at it's periphery are varying angles. In one embodiment, a plunger is mounted on a rocker arm to counter balance ski brake forces and to facilitate removal by altering release force levels.

Abstract: A ski binding mechanism for retaining a ski boot in fixed position on a ski and providing for release of the binding at any angle and for precisely controlling the required forces at various release angles. A plurality of retaining points each consisting of a spring plunger mechanism with a spherical tip which is fitted to a contoured retaining socket or groove in the boot sole plate, and the socket or groove is milled away at its periphery are varying angles. In one embodiment, a plunger is mounted on a rocker arm to counter balance ski brake forces and to facilitate removal by altering release force levels.

Abstract: A ski attachment device having a safty feature that allows disengagement of the boot from the ski in the case of lateral or front falls of the skier. The device comprises a rear unit adapted to be attached to the ski and including a spring for applying a longitudinal forward thrust to the rear of the boot. A front unit includes a plate having a "V" shaped seat to be engaged by a grooved rotatable roller housed in a cavity in a sole of the boot.

Abstract: A cross country ski rear fastening includes a body fixed on the ski, a resiliently biased fork member movable on the body for locking the footwear heel, and a lever system operable by the skier and connected with and acting on the fork member to cause engagement of the latter with the heel on overcoming a dead center position of the lever system and the biasing force on the fork member.

Abstract: A ski boot heel lock having a base secured to a ski and a lever secured to the base and having two extensions such that when one extension is moved towards the base, a bearing surface holds a ski boot heel against the ski and when the other extension is moved towards the base, the bearing surface releases the heel from the ski.

Abstract: This invention relates to a safety ski-binding of the kind comprising a heel binding and a front binding including sole-clamps to hold down the toe portion of the sole of a ski-boot. According to the invention, the sole-clamps are mounted to tilt about a pivot shaft which is arranged to extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski, when mounted, below the plane of the bottom of the sole of the ski-boot, and they are capable of pivoting to a position in which they point forwards towards the point of the ski and are situated below the plane of the bottom of the sole of the boot. Moreover, each of the sole clamps has an abutment which retains the boot sole in the longitudinal direction of the ski, and a lug which retains the sole of the boot in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sole, and furthermore the sole clamps are connected to a locking arrangement which permits them to perform their pivoting movement when a pressure threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A safety ski binding comprising a detachable, pivotally-mounted plate for clamping the ski boot at the toe and heel ends thereof, and toe-end and heel-end devices for releasably holding said plate to the ski. The heel-end device essentially comprises a lock-bolt pivotally mounted to a case pivoting in turn about a pivot member rigid with, and perpendicular to, the top ski surface. The pivot axis of this lock bolt is perpendicular to said pivot member and parallel to the top ski surface, and extends across the longitudinal axis of the ski. This arrangement further comprises resilient means enclosed in said case and adapted to retain both said lock bolt in relation to said pivoting case and said pivoting case in relation to its pivot member in their normal operative position.