Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic front unit for a ski binding, in particular a touring ski binding, wherein the automatic front unit comprises a first retaining means and a second retaining means for retaining a ski boot in the toe region of the ski boot. This automatic front unit has a first retaining configuration, in which the two retaining means are in a retaining position, in which the two retaining means are at a first distance from one another, wherein the two retaining means can cooperate with the ski boot in the retaining position such that the ski boot is retained at the automatic front unit so as to be pivotable about an axis oriented horizontally in a transverse direction of the ski.

Abstract: A toe piece (10) of a binding for shoes includes a support base (11) provided with a pair of jaws (13) arranged on opposite sides of the support base (11) and provided with respective pins (15), which extend transversely inwards and are adapted to engage respective seats (21) of metal material arranged in the toe of a footwear item (SB). The support base is further provided with an actuating system (17) operable for actuating the jaws to close or open for respectively locking or releasing the toe of the footwear item (SB). At least one of the pins has at least one portion of magnetized material, configured so that, when the toe of the footwear item (SB) is brought close to the jaws (13) in an open position, at least one of the jaws is urged by magnetic attraction of the respective pin (15) towards the respective seat (21) on the footwear item (SB), without operation of the actuating system (17).

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: 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 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: Telemark ski bindings may incorporate a rotational decoupler as disclosed. When exposed to subthreshold torques during normal use, the ski boot will remain rotationally coupled to (i.e, cannot rotate relative to) the ski. When exposed to threshold- or suprathreshold torques, such as when a skier loses control, the ski boot will become rotationally decoupled from (i.e., can rotate relative to) the ski, thereby protecting the skier's legs from the excessive torque and resulting leg injury. Also disclosed are tracked/railed alpine touring and telemark bindings, as well as methods for interchanging such bindings on railed/tracked skis.

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: One embodiment of a foot or boot mounting for a sportboard such as a snowboard, wakeboard, mountainboard, surfboard, kiteboard, or similar article, having a tilted base plate (72) with a bearing raceway (73B) or other means providing an axis of rotation that is inclined by a predetermined angular amount (?), pivotably guiding a tilted rotating plate (86) that has a top surface (87T) tilted with respect to its axis of rotation by a predetermined angular amount (?). Top surface (87T) provides direct or indirect support for the bottom surface of a rider's foot. The tilt of top surface (87T) is aligned relative to its axis of rotation such that the upward tilted portion is generally aligned toward the inside of a rider's foot. Thus, a rider's feet and body members are aligned more naturally while the rider is free to continually rotate his or her feet and change posture more comfortably.

Abstract: The task of the present invention is to provide an improved automatic release device for a binding of a touring ski; in particular, providing a lighter touring ski binding which is very sturdy and can be economically manufactured and which ensures safe release in the event of a fall.

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: 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 snowboard mounting system includes a first member attached to a snowboard and a second member attached to a snowboard binding and the two members may be selectively engageable and rotatable with one another. In one embodiment, the first member includes a lip portion arranged with a body portion to form a channel. The lip portion includes a slot that extends into the channel. The slot is configured to receive a toe portion of the second member as a heel portion of the second member is moved into the channel. Because the second member is attached to the snowboard binding, the rider may secure the binding to the snowboard by rotating the binding relative to the snowboard, which moves the toe portion away from the slot and into the channel. In a riding position, the snowboard binding is coupled to the snowboard, yet remains rotationally free with respect the snowboard.

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 binding system is provided that is effective for use on recreational device, such as a snowboard, and that is adapted to mate to, or that includes, a boot or other footwear worn by the user. In general, the binding system includes a base plate for support a rider's foot, and a connecting element for mating the base plate to an elongate board, e.g., a snowboard. The connecting element is effective to mate the base plate to a snowboard about a fixed central axis and to allow pivotal movement of the base plate about the central axis with respect to the snowboard. The binding system can also include at least one compression member mated to the base plate and/or to a snowboard. The compression member(s) are effective to compress between the base plate and the snowboard in response to a force applied to at least one of the base plate and the snowboard.

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 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: A binding unit for a snowboard that permits an individual adjustment of angular position relative to the snowboard, includes, for fixing it to the snowboard, a substantially circular retaining disc, as seen in plan view, for a base plate of relatively large surface area. Coupling parts are mounted directly or indirectly on the base plate to provide a connection to a snowboard shoe which is releasable from the snowboard when the coupling parts are inactive or deactivated. At least one slide element on the retaining disc is displaceable between an extracted position, in which the at least one slide element at least partially covers the base plate, a portion of the slide element or elements projecting from a circular circumferential region of the retaining disc in the extracted position, and an inserted position, in which the at least one slide element does not at least partially cover the base plate.

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: Ski binding heel unit includes lateral release cams and a vector decoupler mechanism that provide lateral shear release of the heel of a ski boot from a ski. The ski binding heel unit includes an independent vertical heel release mechanism, independent lateral release mechanism and a forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams have laterally outwardly flaring contact points. The vector decoupler mechanism restricts heel unit lateral rotation and translation to a control path. The shape of the lateral release cams dictates the control path. The vector decoupler mechanism redirects the non-lateral forces without effecting the vertical heel release, lateral heel release or forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams and vector decoupler mechanism avert non-lateral, benign loads from the lateral heel release, and avert non-vertical, benign loads from the vertical heel release thereby reducing the incidence of inadvertent pre-release of a boot from a ski.

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 Angular Adjustment Mechanism for Snowboard Bindings positioned between the snowboard and boot bindings allows angular adjustment between the snowboard rider's boot bindings and the snowboard without the need for any tools or levers. The user can make adjustments at any time by weighting the board with either foot and lifting and rotating the opposite foot. A lifting action releases the mechanism allowing for the adjustment of angular orientation. Removal of the lifting force engages the locking mechanism preventing further angular movement.

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 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: The present invention relates to a safety ski binding for a ski or a ski board, which has central attaching means, and is capable of reacting to the friction between the boot and the binding. This is achieved by providing a pair of plates which are moveable one in relation to the other. A portion of the front and rear boot holding cups being moveably attached to each plate.

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 mounting assembly in accordance with the invention provides rotational adjustment of a board binding, such as a binding of a snowboard, wakeboard, or the like, without the use of external tools. A spacer plate which enables the mounting of the binding in a position above the board is combined with a mechanism which can change its thickness on demand, thereby locking or unlocking the binding from a freely rotatable position.

Abstract: For the purpose of fixing a binding unit (1) to a snowboard (4), this binding unit (1) is provided with a retaining disc (12), which is substantially circular as seen in plan view, for a base plate (11) of relatively large surface area. Mounted on this base plate (11), either directly or indirectly, are coupling parts to provide a connection to a snowboard shoe. Teeth (49, 51) are provided between the base plate (11) and the retaining disc (12) inserted therein through a central orifice (15). The teeth (49, 51) securely fix selectively adjustable and fixable angular positions between the retaining disc (12) and the base plate (11). At least one slide element (24, 25) is provided on the retaining disc (12) and is displaceable between an extracted position (26), in which it spans or overlaps a transition region (28) between the retaining disc (12) and the base plate (11), and an inserted position, in which the slide element (24, 25) does not span or overlap this transition region (28).

Abstract: Safety binding for a ski boot, which has a jaw having two arms (3, 4) which are independent so as to open in an opposite manner to one another when the boot is put on and are capable of retaining the boot vertically via its projecting sole (10) the jaw being able to pivot laterally counter to the action of a return spring. The arms (3, 4) bear on the upper (11) of the boot, while the sole (10) bears on front-bearing means (12, 13) which are located either on the arms or on the base (1). This binding adapts automatically to the boot.

Abstract: The front binding (1) comprises two jaws (5a, 5b) holding a boot vertically and laterally by means of their actions on the sole of the boot and articulated on a carriage (4) that is movable in translation between two extreme positions in which the action of the carriage (4) on release means gives rise to the release of the boot by rocking of one or other of the jaws (5a, 5b). The carriage (4) is returned to an intermediate position by an elastic means. The binding is noteworthy in that the rocking pins of the jaws (5a, 5b) are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the binding. The binding makes it possible to hold a boot having a sole that makes it easier for the user to walk.

Abstract: Non-Seperating Ski/Blade/Board Safety Binding for Limiting Torque on the Lower Leg and Having Multi-positional Capabilities with a 360 degree cam surface allowing full rotation of the ski, board or blade relative to the boot, at least one cam follower with spring and tensioner to regulate the ski-ability or injury torque threshold, the cam is shaped to provide stable positions where desired for normal skiing, the cam is shaped to provide torque rotation properties to provide for control of the ski, board or blade, and the cam is shaped to allow rotation below the desired threshold for injury or ski-ability.

Abstract: A binding structure, particularly for the interconnection of a sports shoe to a ski, comprising a toe unit, which is provided with at least a swivel jaw, a heel unit and a plate, which, at a first end, is attached pivotally connected to the ski, the plate, at a second end, being provided with means of sliding interconnection with said swivel jaw; the swivel jaw and the plate being able to rotate along opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ski.

Abstract: A support device on a ski for the front part of the sole of a ski boot is held by a releasable binding holding the front of the boot, including a support in which a support plate is slideably mounted transversely to the ski. A limiting arrangement limits the displacement of the support plate in the support and includes stops on both the support plate and the support. A transverse helical spring is engaged partially in the support plate and partially in the support and works in compression between the support and the support plate upon displacement of the support plate. A support device using a helical return spring is thereby produced in which the support plate travels substantially farther than in the prior art, while being perfectly guided and held in the support.

Abstract: A snowboard rotatable binding conversion apparatus that is inserted between and attaches to a snowboard and a boot binding to render the boot binding rotatable in relation to the snowboard. The snowboard rotatable binding conversion apparatus includes a base, an engaging plate which sandwiches the base between he engaging plate and a snowboard, a top plate which sandwiches the engaging plate between the top plate and the base, an engaging element which engages an engaging slot in an engaging plate, an engaging bar which movably secures the engaging element to the base, a tension bar that provides tension to the engaging element, a tether attachable to the engaging element, and a plurality of screws and screw-receiving holes to attach the engaging bar to the base, the engaging plate to the snowboard, and the top plate to the base.

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 device which connects a rider's boot or boot binding to a snowboard or other gliding board while allowing free rotation of the boot relative to the board during use. The base of the device is rigidly affixed to the board and a mounting disk is secured to the base preventing relative translation in all directions between the base and mounting disk, but allowing rotation of the mounting disk relative to the base about an axis perpendicular to the base. During relative rotation, the base and mounting disk remain in parallel planes. The mounting disk includes provisions to attach the rider's boot or boot binding to the mounting disk. The device employs load-bearing balls, load-bearing rollers and/or load-bearing surfaces. One or more springs or elastomeric materials can be installed, at the option of the rider, between the base and mounting disk to cause the mounting disk to return to a predetermined angular position relative to the base.

Abstract: Safety binding for a ski boot, comprising a jaw having two arms (3, 4) which are independent so as to open in an opposite manner to one another when the boot is put on and are capable of retaining the boot vertically via its projecting sole (10), the jaw being able to pivot laterally counter to the action of a return spring. The arms (3, 4) bear on the upper (11) of the boot, while the sole (10) bears on front-bearing means (12, 13) which are located either on the arms or on the base (1).

Abstract: Binding apparatus for use with an item of sports equipment such as a skate board, the binding apparatus including a first part adapted for attachment to an article of footwear and a second part adapted for attachment to the item of sports equipment. One of the first and second parts includes a protuberance and the other of the first and second parts includes a recess adapted to receive the protuberance therein. The first and second parts also have complementary securing parts for releasably securing the protuberance in the recess. The securing parts are adapted to secure the protuberance in the recess upon the protuberance reaching therein a predetermined engagement. The release of the first part from the second part is allowed exclusively upon application of an upwardly directed breakaway force.

Abstract: A rear binding (6) releasably clamps a heel (5) of a boot (1) to a ski (2). A front binding (4) which engages a toe (3) of the boot releases under lateral force towards the left or right side of the ski. A support assembly (8) engages a sole (7) of the ski boot to reduce frictional forces between the ski boot and ski which might impair the release of the front binding. The support device includes a stationary support (9) which is mounted to the ski and which defines a lateral groove (13) having a generally inverted T-shaped cross section. A movable element (10) which is slidably received in the groove has an upper surface that supports the boot sole. A friction reducing element (20), such as a layer of low coefficient of friction plastic is disposed between the movable element and the stationary support such that the movable element and the toe of the boot can move laterally with minimum frictional resistance.

Abstract: An elastic return device for a safety ski binding comprising a coil spring (10) and having a stiffness which varies as a function of the stress rate. A deformable plastic (11) is interposed between the turns of the spring, so that the stiffness of the spring increases with the rate at which it is compressed. This elastic element makes it possible to avoid premature release of the binding.

Abstract: The heel piece of a safety binding for a ski boot, comprising a tubular binding body which is linked to a sole grip (1a) and is articulated about a transverse cam forming part of a stirrup piece linked to a pivoting plate mounted on a rail, along which rail this plate can be positioned by rear-operated positioning means. The body contains at least one spring which works in compression between a piston bearing on the cam and a stop linked to or consisting of a setting screw. The cam is formed in a cylindrical part which serves as a rotation pin for the body and has a flat extending parallel to the axis of said cylindrical part, with the piston bearing on this flat when the heel piece is closed. The cam has a second flat or a stop limiting the tilting of the binding body when the heel piece is being opened.

Abstract: Jaw-type binding consisting of two arms (5, 6) which are mounted in order to pivot independently and forming a lever acting on the end of a rod (12), the other end of which is connected to a stop (14) which is secured to the rod and is retained by a spring (16) whose preload can be adjusted by moving the stop, on which there is an index (15) cooperating with a graduation (22) on a plate (20). The front end of this plate bears elastically (24, 25) against the body (3) of the binding, so as to follow movement of the rod when the boot is engaged, in such a way that the display of the preload of the spring is not modified by the engagement of the boot.

Abstract: A toe piece for a ski safety binding includes a jaw having two lateral arms. The lateral arms pivot about a pin. The return and holding forces during the elastic travel are proportional to the triggering threshold. The useful elastic travel is independent of the triggering threshold. A lateral arm of a jaw exerts a moment on a lever which pivots. The lever is connected at one end to a spring. The triggering threshold is adjusted by altering the ratio of the distances between, on the one hand, the pivot of the lever and the point of contact between the spring and the lever and, on the other hand, the pivot of the lever and the point of contact between the jaw and the lever. The jaw acts on the lever through a movable part which is moved to adjust the triggering threshold.

Abstract: A retention element of a boot on a gliding board, particularly an alpine ski including a body, a base, a jaw for retaining the boot, likewise including a compensation mechanism to lower the return force that the spring exerts on the jaw. The support plate is movable to rock laterally around a longitudinal rocking axis, the support plate being supported on each side of the rocking axis on movable linkage assembly with the compensation mechanism, the rocking axis of the plate being movable along a vertical direction over a limited amplitude, and an elastic return device elastically returns the plate to the raised position.

Abstract: An assembly of a boot and a binding for a gliding board, such as a ski, as well as the boot and binding themselves. The binding has a movable mechanical mechanism for enabling a modification of the release threshold of the binding at will. The boot has a local reference which differs according to whether the boot is for the right or left side. The binding has movable sensors and a linkage to affect the release threshold of the binding. The reference of the boot determines the side of the jaw for which the release threshold is modified.

Abstract: The invention is related to a binding element for alpine skis including the following components: a base, a body, a jaw for retaining the boot and an energy spring housed in the body. The binding element includes the following features: the support plate is movable in a rocking motion and the linking means, sensitive to the rocking motions of the support plate, connect the support plate to at least one of the movable members of the binding element, to reduce the resistance force that the boot must overcome to be laterally released by the jaw, and then generate the free tilting of the jaw beyond a rocking motion with a predetermined amplitude obtained by the support plate.

Abstract: A front jaw which includes a housing adapted to be fastened to a ski. A release spring is housed in the housing. A spring extends through a pull rod loaded by the release spring. The pull rod acts through a release plate onto the shorter lever arms of two toggle levers pivotally arranged about vertical axes on a bearing part, and the longer lever arms of which are constructed as sole holders for a ski shoe. The bearing part has a through opening for the pull rod and a front facing support surface which rests at least partially on a rear facing crosswall of the housing. The crosswall is contiguous with an approximately horizontally rearwardly extending section, with the front support surface of the bearing part having two sections adjoining one another in elevational direction, the lower section of which defines an obtuse angle (.alpha.

Abstract: Front ski binding designed to hold the end of a boot supported on a ski. The binding comprises a base (3) and a body (8) which moves in relation to the base (3) and parallel to a vertical median longitudinal plane of the ski. The body carries, moreover, a mechanism (15) for position retention of the front end of the boot. The front parts of the body (8) and the base (3) are connected, so as to allow the body (8) to pivot in relation to the base and parallel to the vertical, median longitudinal plane of the ski. An elastic return mechanism (30), distinct from the elastic return device (26) which returns the wings (21) of the position-retention mechanism, connects the body (8) to the base (3) and elastically returns the rear part of the body (8) toward the base (3).

Abstract: A ski binding for a longitudinally extending ski including a forked toe clamp including two fork prongs for holding a front part of the ski boot. The forked toe clamp is rotatable around an axis. The ski binding also includes a forked heel clamp for holding a rear part of a ski boot. A tension screw spring and a slot are provided. The forked heel clamp is guided in the longitudinal direction by the slot and is biased toward the toe clamp by the tension screw spring. A centering apparatus formed as two flexible spring devices and are located on the two clamps between the two fork prongs. The force of the spring devices is approximately equal to the force of the tension screw spring so that, when the forked toe clamp is rotated, the spring devices prevent the ski boot from moving in the longitudinal direction toward the axis.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system having a binding plate, the bottom of which is supported on a snowboard. The plate includes a circular opening in its center which receives a disk shaped hold-down plate. The hold-down plate may be secured to the board in several different positions on the board with the binding plate assuming any rotational position with respect to the hold-down plate. Additionally, a highback support attached at the rear of the binding plate may be rotated along an axis generally normal to the binding plate (and therefore the board) and secured in its rotated position, to enable a rider to transmit forces to the snowboard from a variety of stance positions.

Abstract: A safety ski binding release and reset mechanism having a housing, a releasable jaw mechanism mounted on the housing and having at least one sole holding member movable between a ski boot holding position and a ski boot releasing position and for releasably engaging a ski boot when in the ski boot holding position. A first spring is provided on the housing, the sole holding member being retained in the ski boot holding position by a two-part holding device. A first part of the two-part holding device is movable against an urging of a first spring supported on the housing and determining a holding force for holding the ski boot in the ski boot holding position. A second part of the two-part holding device engages the sole holding member. The first and second parts are releasably connected with one another by a rotatable coupling mechanism.