Abstract: An improved highback adjustment system for a splitboard boot binding. A captive strut is mounted on the spine of the highback, the strut having a forward lean adjustor block such that rotation or sliding of the block lengthens or shortens the strut. The combination provides a broadly adjustable range of forward lean bias in small increments and the block is readily disengaged and stowed on the highback when not needed. Advantageously, the mechanism that can be operated and adjusted without tools, even with gloved hands, a significant benefit in winter conditions, and does not jam with snow. Methods of use of the improved forward lean adjustor and highback are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sport boot that allows for a reduced resistance plantar extension coupled with a controlled, resistive plantar flexion motion. The preferred embodiments provide a one-piece boot made of a flexible material, such as leather. A triangular portion of the boot material, from a point just posterior to the ankle opening to a larger area anterior of the ankle on both sides of the boot, is cut out. One or more piston assemblies are attached to the boot material on both sides of the cut away portion of the boot. The piston assemblies provide resistance to compression during flexion of the boot but offer no resistance to extension during plantar extension.

Abstract: Ski boot comprising a shell (1; 21; 41; 61) surrounding the foot and an upper cuff (2; 22; 42; 62) articulated to the shell, comprising a device for fastening and unfastening the upper cuff relative to the shell, this device being connected to a fastening and unfastening member by a cable (10; 30; 50; 70), this fastening and unfastening device being in a first, fastened, configuration when the fastening and unfastening member is in a first position in which the upper cuff is kept in a predefined inclined position relative to the shell, and in a second, unfastened, configuration when the fastening and unfastening member is in a second position in which the upper cuff is able to move relative to the shell so that it can be stood up straight, wherein the connection between the cable (10; 30; 50; 70) and the boot fastening and unfastening member is such that moving the fastening and unfastening member from the first to the second position introduces tension into the cable, this cable being directly connected to a

Abstract: A retention and release mechanism and ski boot for mitigating injury to a skier when the rearward loads, potentially injurious to the user, are imparted to the boot. The mechanism includes a first linkage having an end coupled to a first rigid boot portion, and a second linkage coupled to the first linkage through a pin disposed in a slot in the first linkage. The mechanism provides stable orientation of the first portion to the second portion in a “ski” position, and allows rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a “release” position, the “release” position being established upon imposition of a predetermined level of rearward force on the boot.

Abstract: The boot comprises a cuff (4) articulated to a shell (1) and a leaf (6) for retaining the cuff which counteract its rearward tilting but give way when the force tending to tilt the cuff exceeds a specific value. These leaf consist of a part (6) which works in compression and gives way by buckling. Such a boot is intended to prevent tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

Abstract: A three point step-in snowboard binding includes medial and lateral binding pin engagers that interact with corresponding pins in a boot. The binding latches the boot after the snowboarder steps into the binding, and remains latched until a release control is actuated.