US20030164605A1 - Active engagement system for engaging a snowboard boot to a binding - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment is directed to a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard. The system comprises a snowboard boot; a snowboard binding; a first engagement member; and a second engagement member; wherein one of the first and second engagement members is mounted to the sole of the snowboard boot forward of the arch area and the other is mounted to the binding. The first engagement is adapted to mate with the second engagement member to releasably engage the snowboard boot to the binding. The first engagement member is an active engagement that is automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping out of the binding, from a closed position to an open position. Another embodiment is directed to a snowboard boot for use with a binding including a pair of spaced apart engagement members. The snowboard boot includes a cleat adapted to be releasably engaged by the pair of spaced apart engagement members. At least one of side of the cleat tapers inwardly from a wider base-end portion to a narrower free-end portion so that the cleat separates the pair of spaced apart engagement members when the snowboard boot steps into the binding. The engagement system can be reversed so that the pair of spaced members are on the boot and the cleat is on the binding.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a continuation of provisional applications serial Nos. 60/044,715 and 60/044,716 filed Apr. 18, 1997, of provisional application serial No. 60/051,703 filed Jul. 3, 1997, and of regular application Ser. No. 08/887,530, filed Jul. 3, 1997.[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed generally to the filed boots and bindings for gliding sports, and more particularly, to the field of snowboard boots and bindings.[0002]
• Description of the Related Art[0003]
• Specially configured boards for gliding along a terrain are known, such as snowboards, snow skis, water skis, wake boards, surf boards and the like. For purposes of this patent, “gliding board” will refer generally to any of the foregoing boards as well as to other board-type devices which allow a rider to traverse a surface. For ease of understanding, however, and without limiting the scope of the invention, the inventive boot, binding and interface systems for a gliding board to which this patent is addressed is discussed below particularly in connection with a snowboard. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that the aspects of the present invention described below can be used in association with other types of gliding boards.[0004]
• Conventional snowboard binding systems used with soft snowboard boots are one of two general types. A first type, known as a tray binding, typically includes a rigid high-back piece against which the heel of the boot is placed, and one or more straps that secure the boot to the binding. Such bindings can be somewhat inconvenient to use because after each run, the rider must unbuckle each strap of the rear binding to release the boot when getting on the chairlift, and must re-buckle each strap before the next run. To address those convenience concerns, a second type of binding known as a step-in binding has been developed that typically does not employ straps, but rather includes one or more strapless engagement members into which the rider can step to lock the boot into the binding. Some of these systems include a handle or lever that must be actuated to move one of the engagement members into and out of engagement with the snowboard boot, and therefore, are not automatically actuated by the rider stepping into the binding. Furthermore, most step-in systems include a metal engagement member on the binding and a corresponding metal engagement member on the boot, such that when the boot is engaged with the binding, it is held rigidly into the binding by the metal-to-metal engagement interface.[0005]
• Many riders are unhappy with conventional step-in bindings for two reasons. First, most step-in bindings do not have the feel of a conventional tray binding when riding. In particular, the straps in conventional tray bindings allow the rider's foot to roll laterally when riding, which is a characteristic desired by many riders. In contrast, the rigid metal-to-metal interface employed in most step-in systems between the boot and binding does not allow for any foot roll, which results in a ride having a feel that many riders find to be unacceptable. A second problem with most step-in systems is that the boot includes a rigid sole, making the boot very uncomfortable to walk in. In addition, many step-in systems include a relatively large metal plate attached to the sole of the boot for interfacing with the binding, which further reduces the comfort of the boot when walking.[0006]
• In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved system for engaging a snowboard boot to a snowboard.[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• One embodiment of the invention is directed to a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard. The system comprises a snowboard boot to receive a foot of the rider, the snowboard boot including an outer sole having a heel area, an arch area and a toe area; a snowboard binding to be mounted to the snowboard; and an interface having at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding, the interface further including at least one strap adapted to mount the interface to the snowboard boot. The outer sole of the snowboard boot includes a recess rearward of the arch area that is adapted to receive the interface so that the interface does not protrude below the outer sole when the interface is mounted to the snowboard boot.[0008]
• Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an interface for use in a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard, the system comprising a snowboard binding to be mounted to the snowboard, a snowboard boot, and the interface. The interface comprises a body having at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding, the body further including a base that is adapted to pass under the sole of the snowboard boot, the base having a non-planar contoured upper surface that is adapted to fit within a recess in a sole of the snowboard boot; and at least one strap, supported by the body, adapted to mount the interface to the snowboard boot.[0009]
• A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard. The system comprises a snowboard boot to receive a foot of the rider; a snowboard binding to be mounted to the snowboard; and an interface having at least one strap adapted to mount the interface to the snowboard boot, the interface further including at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding, the at least one mating feature including at least one engagement pin that extends outwardly from medial and lateral sides of the interface and is circular in cross-section.[0010]
• A further embodiment of the invention is directed to an interface for engaging a snowboard boot to a snowboard binding. The interface comprises a body having at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding, the at least one mating feature including at least one engagement pin that extends outwardly from medial and lateral sides of the interface and is circular in cross-section; and at least one strap, supported by the body, adapted to mount the interface to the snowboard boot.[0011]
• Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard. The system comprises a snowboard boot to receive a foot of the rider, the snowboard boot including a sole having a recess; a snowboard binding to be mounted to the snowboard; and an interface. The interface has a body including a base that is adapted to pass under the sole of the snowboard boot, the base having a non-planar contoured upper surface that is adapted to fit within the recess in the sole of the snowboard boot; at least one mating feature that is supported by the body and is adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding; and at least one strap that is supported by the body and is adapted to mount the interface to the snowboard boot.[0012]
• A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a snowboard binding to mount a snowboard boot to a snowboard, the snowboard binding comprising a base having a toe end and a heel end; and a guide, supported by the base, that is adapted to guide the snowboard boot back toward the heel end of the base when the snowboard boot is stepped into the binding.[0013]
• Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a snowboard binding comprising a baseplate; a heel hoop mounted to the baseplate, the heel hoop being hinged for rotation relative to the baseplate about a first axis; and a high-back supported by the heel hoop.[0014]
• A further embodiment of the invention 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 of the base for rotation between a closed position to engage the at least one pin and an open position to release the at least one pin; at least one lever that is adapted 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.[0015]
• A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard. The system comprises a snowboard boot having a sole including a heel area, an arch area and a toe area; a snowboard binding; a first engagement member; and a second engagement member; wherein one of the first and second engagement members is mounted to the sole of the snowboard boot forward of the arch area and the other of the first and second engagement members is mounted to the binding; wherein the first engagement is adapted to mate with the second engagement member to releasably engage the snowboard boot to the binding; and wherein the first engagement member is an active engagement member that is movable between a first state wherein the first engagement member does not engage the second engagement member and a second state wherein the first engagement member engages the second engagement member to inhibit lifting of the toe area of the boot from the binding during riding, and wherein the active engagement member is automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping out of the binding, from the second state to the first state.[0016]
• Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a snowboard boot adapted for use with a binding to mount the snowboard boot to a snowboard, the binding including a pair of spaced apart engagement members. The snowboard boot comprises a sole; and a cleat having a base that is supported by the sole, the cleat being adapted to be releasably engaged by the pair of spaced apart engagement members, the cleat including medial and lateral sides, wherein at least one of the medial and lateral sides tapers inwardly from a wider base-end portion of the cleat adjacent the base to a narrower free-end portion of the cleat away from the base, the at least one of the medial and lateral sides being adapted to separate the pair of spaced apart engagement members when the snowboard boot steps into the binding.[0017]
• Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a snowboard boot adapted for use with a binding to mount the snowboard boot to a snowboard, the binding including a first engagement member. The snowboard boot comprises a sole; and a second engagement member supported by the sole, the second engagement member including engagement means for releasably engaging the first engagement member, the engagement means including means for automatically disengaging from the first engagement member in response to the snowboard boot stepping out of engagement with the binding.[0018]
• A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a snowboard binding to mount a snowboard boot to a snowboard, the snowboard boot including a first engagement member. The snowboard binding comprises a base; and a second engagement member, mounted to the base, that is adapted to mate with the first engagement member to releasably engage the snowboard boot to the binding, the second engagement member being an active engagement member that is movable between a first state wherein the second engagement member does not engage the first engagement member and a second state wherein the second engagement member engages the first engagement member to inhibit lifting of the boot from the binding during riding, and wherein the active engagement member is automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping out of the binding, from the second state to the first state.[0019]
• Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of interfacing a first engagement member on a snowboard boot with a second engagement member on a snowboard binding that is engageable with the first engagement member to mount the snowboard boot to a snowboard, wherein at least one of the first and second engagement members is an active engagement member that is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The method comprises a step of stepping the snowboard boot out of the snowboard binding so that the active engagement member automatically moves from the closed position to the open position without operating a lever on the snowboard boot or the snowboard binding, so that the first engagement member is disengaged from the second engagement member.[0020]
• A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a snowboard boot for use in a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard, the system comprising a snowboard binding to be mounted to the snowboard and an interface having at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding, the interface including at least one strap adapted to releasably mount the interface to the snowboard boot. The snowboard boot comprises a boot upper; and a sole including a heel area, an arch area and a toe area, the sole further including a recess, disposed rearwardly of the arch area, that is adapted to receive the interface so that the interface does not protrude below the sole when the interface is mounted to the snowboard boot.[0021]
• A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a snowboard boot for use in a system for mounting a rider to a snowboard, the system comprising a snowboard binding to be mounted to the snowboard and an interface including at least one mating feature adapted to be releasably engaged by the snowboard binding, the interface further including a base that is adapted to pass under the sole of the snowboard boot, the base having a non-planar contoured upper surface, the interface further including at least one strap that is adapted to releasably mount the interface to the snowboard boot. The snowboard boot comprises a boot upper; and a sole including a recess periphery that defines a recess adapted to receive the interface, the recess periphery including at least one bottom-facing non-planar contoured surface that is adapted to mate with the non-planar contoured upper surface of the interface.[0022]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of an interface for engaging a snowboard boot to a binding;[0023]
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the interface of FIG. 1 and a binding compatible therewith;[0024]
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an interface according to the present invention, as well as one illustrative embodiment of a binding in accordance with the present invention;[0025]
• FIG. 4 is a top view of the binding of FIG. 3;[0026]
• FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view, taking along line[0027]5-5 of FIG. 4, of the binding of FIG. 4 engaging the interface of FIG. 3;
• FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken along line[0028]6-6 of FIG. 5, of the binding and interface of FIG. 3;
• FIG. 7 is a detailed side view, taken along line[0029]7-7 of FIG. 6, showing the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 3;
• FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view, taken along line[0030]8-8 of FIG. 7, of the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 3;
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of the interface and the binding of FIG. 3;[0031]
• FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 3 with the interface stepping into the binding;[0032]
• FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 3 with the interface stepping further into but not yet locked by the rear locking mechanism of the binding;[0033]
• FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 3 with the interface engaged thereby, but not yet fully seated therein;[0034]
• FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 3 with the interface substantially fully seated therein;[0035]
• FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 3 in the release position;[0036]
• FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an interface, binding and boot according to the present invention;[0037]
• FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the lateral side of the boot of FIG. 15 with the interface attached thereto;[0038]
• FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view, taken along line[0039]17-17 of FIG. 16, illustrating the engagement between the interface and boot sole of FIG. 15.
• FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional detailed view, taken along line[0040]18-18 in FIG. 17, of the alignment between the interface and the boot of FIG. 15;
• FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional detailed view of the engagement between the interface and boot taken along line[0041]19-19 of FIG. 17;
• FIG. 20 is a partial side elevational view of the rear locking mechanism of the binding of FIG. 15 taken along line[0042]20-20 of FIG. 15;
• FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional plan view of the rear locking mechanism taken along line[0043]21-21 of FIG. 20;
• FIG. 22 is a partially broken away side view of the rear locking mechanism taken along line[0044]22-22 of FIG. 21;
• FIG. 23 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 22, but showing the open position of the locking mechanism in solid lines and a partially open position in phantom lines;[0045]
• FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective detailed view of the forward engagement mechanisms on the boot and binding of FIG. 15;[0046]
• FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines[0047]25-25 of FIG. 24, showing the toe hook mechanism of the boot and binding of FIG. 15;
• FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 25, but with the toe-hook on the boot fully engaged with the engagement mechanism on the binding;[0048]
• FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional plan view of the forward engagement mechanism taken along line[0049]27-27 of FIG. 26;
• FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of the forward engagement mechanism taken along line[0050]28-28 of FIG. 26;
• FIG. 29 is a schematic side view of the toe hook of FIG. 15 releasing from the toe hook mechanism;[0051]
• FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of the toe hook releasing from the latching mechanism;[0052]
• FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the toe hook mechanism of FIG. 15;[0053]
• FIG. 32 is a side schematic representation of an alternate embodiment of an active toe hook locking mechanism;[0054]
• FIG. 33 is a side schematic representation of the boot stepping into the toe hook locking mechanism of FIG. 32;[0055]
• FIG. 34 is a bottom schematic representation of a boot including an engagement member for a toe hook locking mechanism;[0056]
• FIG. 35 is cross-sectional view, taken along line[0057]35-35 of FIG. 34;
• FIG. 36 is a bottom schematic representation of an alternate boot with an engagement member for engaging with a toe hook locking mechanism;[0058]
• FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along line[0059]37-37 of FIG. 36;
• FIG. 38 is a partially broken away perspective representation of a binding including a sculpted toe hook;[0060]
• FIG. 39 is a bottom schematic representation of a boot including an engagement feature for mating with the sculpted toe hook of FIG. 38;[0061]
• FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along line[0062]40-40 of FIG. 39;
• FIG. 41 is a bottom schematic representation of a boot including an engagement member for engaging with a toe hook locking mechanism, and a plug covering the engagement member;[0063]
• FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing a snowboard boot with a patch covering a recess in which an engagement member for a toe hook latching mechanism can be installed;[0064]
• FIG. 43 is a schematic representation of an alternate implementation of an engagement member compatible with a sculpted toe hook such as the one shown in FIG. 38;[0065]
• FIG. 44 is a bottom perspective view of the engagement member of FIG. 43 mounted to the sole of a snowboard boot;[0066]
• FIG. 45 is a side schematic representation of an alternate embodiment of an active toe hook in the open position; and[0067]
• FIG. 46 is a side schematic representation of the active locking mechanism of FIG. 45 in the closed position.[0068]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• One aspect of the present invention is directed to an improved step-in binding. Another aspect of the invention is directed to an interface system for interfacing a snowboard boot to a binding. Although these two aspects of the present invention are advantageously employed together in accordance with several illustrative embodiments of the invention, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as each of these aspects of the present invention can also be employed separately. For example, the binding aspect of the present invention can be employed to directly engage a snowboard boot, rather than engaging a snowboard boot through the use of a separate interface. Similarly, the interface aspects of the present invention can be employed with numerous types of bindings, and are not limited to use with the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein.[0069]
• One illustrative embodiment of an[0070]interface1 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.1-2. Theinterface1 includes abody3 and at least onestrap5 that is arranged to be disposed about the ankle area of thesnowboard boot7, which is shown schematically in FIGS.1-2. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-2, thestrap5 includes a ratchet-type buckle9 to enable adjustment of the strap. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the use of any particular type of strap, as numerous other strap arrangements can be employed. As will be appreciated from the description below, the strap performs the function of attaching theinterface1 to thesnowboard boot7 in a manner that enables the sole of thesnowboard boot7 to roll relative to the interface during riding. Thus, as used herein, the term strap is intended to indicate any structure that passes over the boot upper and performs this attachment function, including web-like structures, bails, etc.
• The[0071]body3 of the interface will typically include one or more mating features adapted to engage with a corresponding strapless engagement member on a step-in binding. As stated above, the interface aspect of the present invention is not limited to use with any particular binding, and therefore, is not limited to the use of any particular engagement features for engaging with a binding. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.1-2, theinterface3 is provided with a pair ofrecesses11 formed on each lateral side of the binding in accordance with the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/584,053, which is incorporated herein by reference. It should be appreciated that alternate arrangements are possible to accomplish engagement between theinterface3 and the binding, such as with a single recess provided on one side of the interface with a pair on the other, or with a single recess provided on each side of the binding. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, theinterface body3 is formed of molded plastic, such that engagement between the interface and the binding does not involve metal-to-metal contact, resulting in a more forgiving engagement between the interface and the binding. However, as is discussed in more detail below, the flexibility of the engagement between theinterface body3 and the binding is less significant that in a conventional step-in binding system, because theinterface body3 is not rigidly attached to theboot7. Rather, the boot is locked into engagement with the interface primarily via theankle strap5. The attachment through theankle strap5 allows the rider's foot (e.g., the sole of the boot7) to roll when riding, providing a feel similar to conventional tray bindings that many riders find to be desirable.
• When the rider desires to disengage the back boot from the binding when advancing along the slope or in the lift line, the rider can simply pop the[0072]interface1 out of engagement with the binding. When used in conjunction with a step-in binding, this disengagement is extremely convenient. When it is desired to re-engage the back boot, the rider can simply step into the step-in binding, which thereafter engages theinterface1, thereby securing the rider'sboot7 to the snowboard. In this manner, the interface aspect of the present invention provides the rider with the convenience of a step-in system, while simultaneously providing the riding characteristics of a conventional tray binding. In addition, if the rider desires to disengage from the bindings for a more prolonged period of time, for example to have lunch, the rider can simply undo the ankle straps5 to release the boots while leaving theinterfaces1 engaged with the binding. In this respect, the rider can walk around unencumbered by the interface. In addition, because theboot7 itself does not include any rigid metal members for direct engagement with the binding, the sole of theboot7 can be flexible, providing the comfort of a conventional soft boot.
• It should be appreciated that it is significantly more convenient for the rider to pop the back boot out of the binding with the[0073]interface1 attached thereto than with some known systems wherein the entire binding can be popped off of the board. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,088 discloses a rear binding that can be popped of the board to allow the rider to advance the board along the snow to negotiate a lift line. However, using that system, the rider has the entire binding attached to the back boot which is much less convenient than theinterface1. For example, the binding in the known system has a high-back attached thereto, resulting in the boot having a structure attached thereto that is not nearly as low profile as theinterface1 according to one illustrative embodiment of the invention. In addition, in the known system, the structure attached to the rider's boot includes complete toe and heel attachment mechanisms for binding the rider's foot to the board. In contrast, theinterface1 of the present invention does not extend forward of the ball area of the foot, again resulting in a more low profile structure attached to the rider's boot.
• The present invention contemplates a number of alternative ways in which the interface can engage with the sole[0074]13 of the boot. In one embodiment of the invention not shown, thebody3 of the interface has a flat surface adapted to engage with the sole13 of the boot, so that theinterface1 can be used with any snowboard boot. This feature of the present invention is advantageous in that through the use of such auniversal interface1, anyboot7 can be made compatible with a step-in binding, simply by employing aninterface1 that is compatible with the step-in binding. In this manner, a rider can use a boot alone with a tray binding, or the same boot can be used with any of a plurality of different step-in bindings by simply employing an interface compatible with the desired step-in binding.
• In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.[0075]1-2, thebody3 of the interface includes atoe hook15 that is adapted to engage with a recess (not shown) in the sole13 of the boot. The recess can be implemented in any of a number of ways. For example, one possible implementation is shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/887,530, which is incorporated herein by reference, and is directed to an opening in the sole that is defined by a hollowed out cavity including a rear-facing mouth that is adapted to receive thetoe hook15. A support member or shank can be provided to prevent the sole from sinking in the area above the cavity, and to reinforce the lower wall of the cavity that engages with the bottom surface of thetoe hook15. It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any particular toe hook arrangement, as numerous other implementations are possible to inhibit lifting of the toe portion of theboot7 from theinterface1, and consequently from the surface of the snowboard.
• As discussed in more detail below, in other embodiments of the present invention, a toe hook or other mating feature can be provided directly on the base of the binding for engaging with the[0076]boot7, rather than being provided on theinterface1. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the arrangement of the toe hook and a corresponding cavity or engagement member can be reversed, such that the hook can be on thesnowboard boot7, with its mating feature on theinterface1 or the base of the binding. Finally, it should further be appreciated that it is not entirely necessary to prevent lifting of the toe of the boot, such that a snowboard boot, binding and interface system can be provided with no engagement between theboot7 and the snowboard other than thestrap5 of the interface.
• As discussed above, the aspect of the present invention directed to the[0077]interface1 is not limited to any particular step-in binding. However, an illustrative example of a binding suitable for use with the particular implementation of the interface shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The binding includes abaseplate17 and a hold-down disc19 that is adapted to mount the baseplate to asnowboard21. The hold-down disc includes holes for receiving a plurality ofscrews23 to mount the hold-down disc to the snowboard. Mounted to thebaseplate17 is a pair ofmoveable engagement members24, each including a pair of spaced apartengagement lobes26 that are adapted to mate with therecesses11 in theinterface1. Each moveable engagement member further includes atrigger28 that is adapted to be stepped upon by theinterface1 to cause theengagement lobes26 to move into engagement with therecesses11. Theinterface1 can optionally include a pair oflower recesses31 adapted to receive thetriggers28. Themoveable engagement members24 each is further coupled to ahandle33 that can be used to move the engagement member from its closed to an open position.
• The binding shown in FIG. 2 further includes a high-[0078]back35 that is mounted to a pair oflateral sidewalls37 of thebaseplate17. In the implementation shown in the drawings, the attachment of the high-back to the sidewalls is accomplished via ascrew39 and nut41, each of which is received in a slot43 formed in the correspondingsidewalls37, to enable rotational adjustment of the high-back about an axis substantially normal to thebaseplate17.
• The particular binding shown in FIG. 2 is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/780,721, which is incorporated herein by reference. An alternate binding that can be employed with the[0079]particular interface1 shown in FIG. 1 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/655,021, which is also incorporated herein by reference.
• As discussed above, the present invention is not limited to any particular binding or mating features on the[0080]interface1 for engagement therewith. In addition, another aspect of the present invention is directed to a unique step-in binding. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the unique step-in binding is used in conjunction with a corresponding interface to form a system for mounting a snowboard boot to a snowboard.
• An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.[0081]3-6. This embodiment of the present invention includes an alternate implementation of aninterface51 for interfacing thesnowboard boot7 to a binding, as well as a binding53 compatible therewith. As with the embodiment of the interface shown in FIG. 1, theinterface51 includes abody55 and a singleadjustable ankle strap57. Theankle strap57 can be implemented in any of a number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation.
• In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS.[0082]1-2, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.3-6 does not include any feature mounted on theinterface51 for holding down the toe of theboot7 during riding. Rather, in this embodiment of the invention, corresponding strapless mating features are provided on the boot and the binding53 for inhibiting toe lift during riding. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS.3-6, the toe-end engagement between theboot7 and the binding is accomplished via apin59 that is embedded in the sole of the boot and aforward engagement member61 mounted on the binding. As is discussed in more detail below, these engagement and mating features can be reversed between the boot and the binding, and the toe-end engagement between the boot and the binding can be accomplished in any number of other ways. The present invention is not limited to the particular arrangement shown in FIGS.3-6.
• It should be appreciated that when the[0083]interface51 is engaged within the binding53 during riding, a principle force generated on theinterface51 will be a lifting force generated by theboot7 on thestrap57, which force will be transmitted to thebody55 of the interface through the components of thestrap57 attached thereto. To inhibit rotation of theinterface51 relative to the sole of theboot7, theinterface51 is provided with aheel counter63. In the particular embodiment shown in the drawings, theinterface51 is formed from a substantially rigid material (e.g., aluminum, glass-filled nylon, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane), and theheel counter63 is formed from a relatively flexible material (e.g., leather, nylon, canvas, surlyn or a flexible plastic). However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that theheel counter63 and thebody55 of the interface can be formed (e.g., by injection molding) as a single integral piece from the same material, with either the same or varying degrees of stiffness.
• In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, the particular dimensions and configuration of the[0084]interface51 are selected to optimize performance. As discussed above, one of the advantages of using theinterface51 is that the engagement of theboot7 via thestrap57 enables lateral roll of the sole of theboot7 relative to theinterface51. Thus, theupstanding sidewalls65 of the interface are preferably provided to have a height (e.g., not to exceed approximately three inches) that is sufficiently low to terminate below the ankle bone, so that theupstanding sidewalls65 do not inhibit bending of the rider's ankle from side-to-side. It should be appreciated that the sidewalls of theinterface1 of FIG. 1, as well as other alternate embodiments of the present invention, can be sized to achieve the same result. Second, theheel counter63 is preferably provided to be relatively thin and to have a low profile so as to fit comfortably between the heel of theboot7 and the high-back67 on the binding53. Third, theheel counter63 is arranged to form an angle A (FIG. 3) relative to thesidewalls65 of theinterface51 so that the lifting force on thestrap57 can be resisted by theheel counter63 without requiring that theheel counter63 be relatively stiff or strong. In one embodiment of the present invention, the angle A is preferably less than ninety degrees.
• In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.[0085]3-6, theinterface51 is arranged to fit on any snowboard boot, and is not integrated into any particular geometry in the sole of the snowboard boot. As discussed below, in alternate embodiments of the invention, the snowboard boot and the interface have particular mating geometries so that the interface is integrated into the sole of the boot.
• A number of soft snowboard boots for use with step-in bindings include a heel strap mounted directly thereto to inhibit lifting of the rider's foot inside the boot. However, the holding down of the rider's foot with a strap (e.g.,[0086]5 in FIG. 1 or57 in FIG. 3) mounted to the boot via the interface provides a number of advantages over mounting a strap directly to the soft snowboard boot. In this respect, when an ankle strap is mounted directly to the boot and is tightened down by the rider, the strap provides tension across the entire width of the foot between the two areas wherein the strap is attached. This is in contrast to the ankle straps used in a conventional tray binding, wherein the straps are attached to the sidewalls of the binding, and only engage the rider's boot from substantially above the ankle area. Thus, as compared to a strap mounted directly to the boot, an ankle strap in a tray binding applies force substantially only in the downward direction to inhibit heel lift, but yet does not wrap around the foot, and therefore does not inhibit foot roll. As discussed above, as tray bindings have been the performance standard for years for use with soft snowboard boots, it is desirable to provide a step-in system that maintains the feel of a tray binding. Thus, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, thesidewalls65 of the interface51 (as well as the sidewalls of theinterface1 in FIG. 1) are provided from a substantially rigid material so that they do not collapse around the rider's foot when thestrap57 is tightened down. When the sidewalls of the interface are substantially rigid, theankle strap57 does not collapse around the entire width of theboot7, but rather applies substantially only downward pressure to the top of the heel area, while still enabling foot roll in much the same manner as the ankle strap in a tray binding. Also, by not collapsing around the side of theboot7, thesidewalls65 enable some space for the slidingportion69 of the strap to advance over the top surface of theboot7 when thestrap57 is tightened. As discussed below, in one embodiment of the invention, a truss can be provided between thebottom surface71 of the interface and each of thesidewalls65 to provide the additional rigidity desired to resist collapsing.
• In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.[0087]3-6, theinterface51 includes anengagement pin73 that projects from each lateral side of the interface for engagement with a locking mechanism on the binding53. Although a single engagement pin is shown in the drawings, it should be appreciated that separate pins can be used for the medial and lateral sides of the binding. As discussed above, the present invention is not limited to any particular mating features for engaging theinterface51 to the binding53. However, the use of theengagement pin73 that is circular in cross-section is advantageous in that it provides a relatively small surface area on theinterface51 for engaging with the binding, which facilitates minimizing the overall size of theinterface51. Minimizing the size of theinterface51 is advantageous because, as discussed above, there are times when the rider will pop at least the back boot out of the binding53 with the interface attached thereto, so that it is desirable to minimize the structure attached to the sole of theboot7 in those circumstances. Thus, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.3-6, aninterface51 is provided that advantageously has a small overall size, and that has a forward edge that terminates rearwardly of a midline of the snowboard boot, so that the interface does not underlie any portion of the snowboard boot forward of the boot's midline.
• It should be appreciated that the[0088]engagement pin73 will be subjected to significant lifting forces during riding. Thus, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment, theengagement pin73 is formed from a relatively strong material (e.g., stainless steel, hardened steel, hardened aluminum, etc.) to withstand the significant lifting forces.
• The illustrative binding[0089]53 shown in FIGS.3-14 has a number of advantageous features that will become apparent from the description below. However, the aspect of the present invention relating to the interface for interfacing a snowboard boot to a binding is not limited to use with this or any other particular binding arrangement. Furthermore, the aspect of the present invention relating to the binding shown in FIGS.3-14 is not limited to use with aninterface51, as theboot7 can be provided with anengagement pin73 mounted directly thereto for mating with the binding53.
• The illustrative implementation of the binding[0090]53 includes abaseplate75 and a hold-down disc77 for mounting the baseplate to thesnowboard21 in a plurality of rotational positions. Thebaseplate75 includes aheel hoop79 to which the high-back67 is mounted via a pair ofscrews81. Although not shown in the drawings, thescrews81 can be passed through a pair of elongated slots in theheel hoop79 to enable the high-back67 to be rotated about an axis substantially normal to thesnowboard21 in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,170. Although the provision of a rotatable high-back and a separate hold-down disc for mounting thebaseplate75 to the snowboard are advantageous, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to a binding that includes these features.
• The illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.[0091]3-14 includes a straplessforward engagement member61 for engaging a forward section of the rider's boot to prevent it from lifting from the baseplate when riding. As discussed above, the strapless forward engagement member can be implemented in any of a number of ways and the present invention is not limited to the particular implementations shown in the drawings, which are provided merely for illustrative purposes.
• In the embodiment shown in FIGS.[0092]3-5, the straplessforward engagement member61 includes ahook83 for engaging a mating feature (e.g., the pin59) that is disposed in the sole of the boot in any of a number of ways as described below. The straplessforward engagement member61 can be formed from hardened steel, aluminum, or some other rigid material such as glass filled nylon, or possibly even a non-reinforced plastic such as rubber or polyurethane. When formed from metal, the engagement member can be formed by casting or bending the metal piece to form thehook83, leaving sufficient room for the bar or other mating feature in the boot sole to be disposed under thehook83. When formed from a plastic material, themember61 can be molded using any of a variety of suitable techniques such as injection molding. Theforward engagement member61 can be attached to thebase plate75 via a set ofscrews85 and T-nuts87, or any other technique that would provide a sufficiently strong engagement to resist the lifting forces applied to the forward engagement member when riding. Alternatively, theforward engagement member61 can be molded integrally with thebase plate75. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, thehook83 defines an opening that faces toward the front of the binding, such that the rider draws the forward portion of the boot backward when stepping into the binding to engage with theforward engagement member61. As discussed below, in other embodiments of the invention, the hook can alternatively be disposed facing rearwardly.
• In one embodiment of the invention, the[0093]base plate75 is provided with a plurality ofholes89 that are adapted to receive thescrews85 for mounting theforward engagement member61 in a number of different positions along the length of the base plate to accommodate different boot sizes. The mating member on the boot can be fixed thereto so that it is not adjustable by the rider, thereby reducing the possibility of misalignment when thestrapless engagement member61 is set in the appropriate set ofholes89 for the corresponding boot size. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, the mating member on the boot can be releasably attached thereto to enable the rider to adjust the position of the mating member on the sole.
• The optimal positioning of the strapless[0094]forward engagement member61 along the length of thebase plate75 is impacted by a number of factors. First, theengagement member61 should be positioned on the base plate so that it will engage and lock down the corresponding mating member on the boot when the rider's heel is securely inserted in the back of the binding. In general, the further forward the mating member (e.g., bar59 in FIG. 3) is disposed on the boot, the easier it is for the rider to engage it with theforward engagement member61 when stepping into the binding. In view of the fact that the toe of the boot may overhang the toe edge of the binding, it is desirable to mount the mating member on the boot such that it does not extend beyond the length of the boot in the toe area. The mating member can be disposed on the boot as close as one cm from the most forward edge of the rubber outer sole of the boot using mounting techniques such as those described below. However, in one embodiment of the invention, the placement of the mating member on the boot is measured forward from the heel end of the boot, so that boots of at least two different sizes can have the mating member disposed in the same location relative to the binding. Thus, in at least one of its adjustment positions provided by the plurality ofholes89 in thebase plate75, the straplessforward engagement member61 can be used to receive boots of at least two different sizes. Theforward engagement member61 can be disposed as far rearwardly as the center line that marks the midway point between the toe and heel along the length of the boot, while effectively holding the toe end of the boot, and in one embodiment of the invention for a size nine boot, is disposed approximately four cms from the forward toe edge of the boot's outer sole.
• As mentioned above, the position of the[0095]forward engagement member61 along the length of thebase plate75 can be adjusted using the plurality ofholes89 to accommodate boots of different sizes. The toe of the boot will typically extend some distance beyond theforward edge91 of the base plate for some boot sizes. Thus, theforward engagement member61 can be positioned all the way up to theforward edge91 of the base plate, and may even overhang and extend beyond theedge91, without extending beyond the toe edge of the boot. In addition, theholes89 can extend rearwardly as far as is desired to accommodate positioning of theengagement member61 so that it will underlie the boot mating member (e.g.,59 in FIG. 3), which may be disposed as far back as the midway point along the length of the boot. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the plurality ofholes89 extends only as far back as theopening95 in the base plate that is adapted to accommodate the hold-down disc77, because as discussed briefly above, the rotational orientation of thebase plate75 can be adjusted with respect to the hold-down disc77, which would result in an offsetting of any of the plurality ofholes89 extending across the hold-down disc77.
• The positioning of the strapless[0096]forward engagement member61 across the width of thebase plate75, as well as the positioning of the corresponding mating member across the width of the boot sole, impacts the performance of the system. In particular, when these elements are respectively disposed along the center line midway across the width of the binding and boot, foot roll (defined herein as a rolling of the boot sole relative to the base plate75) will be achieved in both the medial and lateral directions. Offsetting the mating member in the boot and the portion (e.g., hook83) of the strapless engagement member that is adapted to engage it toward the lateral side of the boot will reduce foot roll toward the medial side of the boot. Conversely, offsetting these members toward the medial side of the boot will reduce foot roll toward the lateral side of the boot. Thus, the position of theforward engagement member61 and the corresponding mating member on the boot can be adjusted to control and achieve the desired direction of foot roll. In addition, in one illustrative embodiment of the invention (not shown), two separate strapless engagement members are employed across the width of the base plate12, to separately control the amount of foot roll in the medial and lateral directions.
• In one embodiment of the invention, the opening of the strapless[0097]forward engagement member61 is arranged to be in-line with the direction of motion of the boot sole mating member as the rider steps into the binding, to thereby facilitate engagement between the boot and binding. In this embodiment of the invention, theforward engagement member61 is mounted in an asymmetric fashion, such that the opening defined by the engagement member is offset slightly from the central axis along the length of the boot, with the hook opening facing slightly toward the medial side of the binding.
• As discussed above, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.[0098]3-5, thehook83 of the straplessforward engagement member61 faces the front of the binding. However, in an alternate embodiment of the invention, the open portion of the engagement member faces the rear of the binding. Different advantages can be achieved with each of these alternate embodiments.
• In the rear-facing embodiment, the rider's boot is securely locked between the rear portion of the binding, including the high-[0099]back67, and the straplessforward engagement member61. As the rider steps into the binding, pressure exerted on the boot by the high-back67 and the engagement between the mating feature on the boot sole and theforward engagement member61 causes the boot to be tightly seated therebetween. Thus, when the rider steps into the binding, it is clear when the boot engages the forward engagement member and is secured to the binding thereby. In addition, the heel of the boot is advantageously seated firmly against the rear portion of the binding.
• In contrast to the rear-facing embodiment, when the[0100]forward engagement member61 faces the front of the binding as shown in FIGS.3-5, the binding is relatively easier to step into and out of than in the above-described rear-facing embodiment, because the boot is not wedged between the high-back67 and theforward engagement member61. However, the front-facing embodiment does not provide the same wedging action wherein the boot is positively locked between the high-back67 and theforward engagement member61, and does not provide the same confirmation that the boot is engaged by the straplessforward engagement member61.
• As should be appreciated from the foregoing, the present invention is not limited to either a forward or rear-facing strapless engagement member, and contemplates the use of both embodiments, each of which provides particular advantages.[0101]
• As discussed above, the direction of foot roll achieved with the binding of the present invention can be controlled by varying the placement of the strapless[0102]forward engagement member61 relative to the central axis of the binding. Another characteristic of the system that affects the amount of foot roll is the width of the hook portion83 (FIG. 4) of the strapless engagement member. In particular, a relativelywide hook portion83 can be used to control and limit the amount of foot roll experienced with the binding, whereas a relativelynarrow hook portion83 will have less impact on restricting the amount of foot roll. A range of acceptable widths for thehook portion83 of the forward engagement member in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention is from five mm to three cm, with one particular embodiment employing a width of 1.5 cm.
• It should be appreciated that the width of the[0103]hook portion83 of the forward engagement member also impacts the ease of insertion of the corresponding mating member (e.g., bar59 in FIG. 3) in the boot sole. In particular, the narrower thehook portion83, the easier it is to insert the boot sole mating member. Thus, to facilitate insertion of the boot sole mating member in the strapless engagement member, in one embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.3-5, thehook portion83 narrows as it extends outwardly to a point93 (FIG. 4). Thus, at the thinnestoutward point93 that defines the mouth of the opening, it is relatively easy to slip the mating feature on the boot sole under thehook portion83. As the boot sole member is drawn into further engagement with thehook portion83, the engagement tightens up as more of the boot sole mating feature is engaged by the wideninghook portion83. In one embodiment of the invention, thehook portion83 has a width of approximately five mm at theoutward portion93, and widens to approximately three cm at its widest point.
• Ease of insertion of the boot sole mating member into the strapless engagement member is also facilitated in one embodiment of the invention by providing some lift to the[0104]entrance portion93 of the hook, as shown in FIGS.3-5. Thus, the opening formed by thehook portion83 is largest at the mouth of the opening to facilitate insertion of the boot sole mating member, and then tapers to a smaller opening size.
• The other relevant dimension of the forward engagement member is the depth D (FIG. 4) of the[0105]hook portion83. The shallower thehook portion83, the easier it is for the rider to fully engage the boot with the forward engagement member. However, thehook portion83 should have sufficient depth to engage the corresponding mating member on the boot sole through a range of positions that accounts for all possible positions and forward lean adjustments for the high-back67. In one embodiment of the invention, thehook portion83 has a depth D within a range of 1-5 cm, and in one particular embodiment the depth is equal to approximately two cm.
• In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, the binding[0106]53 further includes a pair ofpads96 that are mounted to thebaseplate75 on both sides of theforward engagement member61. Thepads96 perform several functions. First, the pads distribute any downward compression force generated by the toe end of the boot on the binding to minimize the likelihood of a pressure point being created by theforward engagement member61. This is advantageous because it is desirable to prevent the rider from feeling theforward engagement member61 underlying the sole of the boot. Second, by varying the stiffness of thepads96 on one or both sides of the binding, an additional control can be provided over the amount and direction of foot roll that theboot7 will experience in the binding. It should be appreciated that thepads96 can alternatively be provided on the boot rather than the binding. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that although thepads96 provide the above-described advantages, they are not necessary and can be eliminated from other embodiments of the present invention.
• One illustrative embodiment of a rear locking mechanism for releasably engaging the[0107]engagement pin73 will now be described making reference to FIGS.3-14. Although the illustrative locking arrangement provides a number of advantages as discussed below, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that numerous other locking arrangements for engaging with theengagement pin73 are possible.
• The rear locking mechanism includes a pair of[0108]biased engagement cams97, one each disposed on the medial and lateral sides of the binding53, rotatably mounted to thesidewalls101 of thebaseplate75. Thecams97 are biased viasprings99 for rotation toward the forward edge91 (FIG. 3) of thebaseplate75. Thus, from the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 5, thecam97 is biased for rotation in the counterclockwise direction. Mounted to thebaseplate sidewall101 on each side of the binding is also aguide103 that is adapted to guide theengagement pin73 into engagement with the correspondingengagement cam97. Theguide103 includes a rearward-facing ramp surface105 (FIGS.9-10) that is inclined rearwardly toward the heel end of the binding, and that facilitates engagement between the pin73 (FIG. 3) and theengagement cam97 as the rider steps into the binding53 as shown in FIGS.9-13. As the rider steps into the binding, theguide203 draws thepin73 back along a rearwardly extending path toward the heel end of the binding.
• As shown in FIG. 9, the rider can simply step into the binding by aligning the strapless[0109]forward engagement member61 with the corresponding mating feature (e.g., bar59) in the boot and stepping downward so that theengagement pin73 is guided by theramp105 into contact with theengagement cam97. To receive theengagement pin73, the rear engagement mechanism can simply be in its closed or at rest position, and need not be cocked into an open position, because when in the closed position, thecam97 intersects the rearwardly extending path along which thepin73 travels. As the rider steps into the binding, engagement between thepin73 and atrigger surface98 of thecam97 causes the cam to rotate in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 10, thereby enabling theengagement pin73 to continue to move down the rearward-facingramp surface105. As shown in FIGS.11-12, as theengagement pin73 reaches the bottom107 of the rearward-facingramp surface105, theengagement pin73 clears theforward edge118 of thecam97, enabling the biased cam to rotate in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 13 to capture theengagement pin73 under theengagement cam97.
• It should be appreciated that the rearwardly-extending[0110]ramp surface105 is advantageous because movement of theengagement pin73 along the ramp causes the rider's boot to be drawn rearwardly into the binding as the rider steps in, thereby causing the rear portion of the boot to advantageously be seated firmly against theheel hoop79 and high-back67, thereby increasing the force transmission between the highback and the boot. Although the feature of the illustrative embodiment relating to the drawing backward of the boot is advantageous, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that other geometries for the rear surface of theguide103 are possible for guiding theengagement pin73 into the locked position shown in FIG. 13.
• In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the[0111]engagement cam97 includes ascalloped surface109 that engages with theengagement pin73 when the binding is in the locked position shown in FIG. 13. The purpose of thescalloped surface109 is to provide frictional engagement between theengagement cam97 and theengagement pin73 when the binding is locked. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to this particular surface geometry, as the cam can be provided with a smooth engaging surface that does not include any feature to increase the frictional engagement with the locking pin, or alternatively, can employ a different surface configuration to achieve the same purpose as thescalloped surface109.
• As shown in the drawings, the[0112]baseplate75 includes a raisedlip111 that, together with the rear facing surface of theguide103, forms arecess113 for receiving theengagement pin73 when the binding is in the locked position. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, theengagement cam97 is configured so that therecess113 gets progressively smaller as the cam rotates in the clockwise direction of FIGS.9-13, i.e., the radius of theengagement cam97 increases when moving along thescalloped surface109 in the clockwise direction in FIGS.10-13. Thus, the binding can accommodate an accumulation of snow on the surface of thebaseplate75 or within therecess113 by providing various locking positions that provide differing amounts of clearance between thecam97 and thebottom115 of therecess113.
• In the embodiment shown in the drawings, each of the[0113]engagement cams97 has an associatedlever117 that can be manipulated to place the rear locking mechanism into a release position as shown in FIG. 14 to release theengagement pin73. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.3-14, thelever117 is mounted to thecam97 in a direct drive fashion, so that rotation of thelever117 causes a corresponding and identical amount of rotation of thecam97. The rider can release theengagement pin73 from the rear locking mechanism by rotating the levers117 (and consequently the cam97) clockwise to the open position shown in FIG. 14, lifting the heel of the boot upwardly so that theengagement pin73 clears theforward edge118 of thecam97, and then releasing thelevers117. Although the embodiments shown in FIGS.3-14 includes two separate levers, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that a linkage mechanism can be provided so that the twocams97 can be manipulated via a single lever. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the cam includes alip119 that blocks the exit passage of theengagement pin73 when thelever117 is rotated to the release position shown in FIG. 14. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism can be provided to retain thelever117 andcam97 in the open position of FIG. 14. When such a mechanism is employed, the levers can initially be cocked to the open position, and then can be released prior to the rider stepping out of the binding. As the rider steps out of the binding, engagement between theengagement pin73 and thelip119 causes a disengagement with the cocking mechanism, thereby enabling thecam97 andlever117 to rotate to the closed position of FIG. 9. This is advantageous because the locking mechanism automatically returns to a state wherein the rider can simply step into the binding to cause theengagement pin73 to be engaged by theengagement cam97, without requiring any further manipulation of thelever117. The cocking mechanism can implemented in any of a number of ways, one illustrative example of which is described below in connection with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• It should be appreciated that the nature of the locking mechanism of FIGS.[0114]3-14, particularly when provided with a cocking mechanism, provides a number of advantages. First, the rider need not hold thelever117 in the release position (FIG. 14) while stepping out of the binding. Thus, the rider can first manipulate the lever to the release position, and can thereafter stand up to a more comfortable position prior to stepping theengagement pin73 out of engagement with the rear locking mechanism. This feature enables the locking mechanism to be moved from a closed or armed position to an open or disarmed position without requiring any movement from theengagement pin73 or the rider's boot. Thus, the rider can simply maintain theengagement pin73 within the rear locking mechanism in the position shown in FIG. 14. Thereafter, the rider can choose to step out of the binding at his or her convenience, or can choose to re-arm the locking mechanism by rotating the lever117 (counterclockwise in FIG. 14) and consequently theengagement cam97 back into the locked position.
• As discussed above, in one illustrative embodiment of the invention, each[0115]engagement cam97 is directly driven by alever117, and is biased into the closed position of FIG. 9. The manner in which theengagement cam97 is mounted to thelever117 and is biased to the closed position can be implemented in any of a number of ways, with the present invention not being limited to any particular implementation. One illustrative arrangement is shown in FIGS.6-8. Thelever117 andcam97 each is mounted to a shaft121 (FIG. 8) that passes through abushing122 fixed in thesidewall101 of the baseplate. Thelever117 is mounted to theshaft121 viaset screw123, and theengagement cam97 is mounted via ascrew124. A biasingspring99 is wrapped around theshaft121 at125, is fixed at oneend127 within thelever117 and is fixed at the other end to thewall101 of the baseplate via ananchor129.
• It should be appreciated that some mechanism should be provided for limiting the rotation of the[0116]engagement cam97 andlever117 once in the fully closed position. This can be accomplished in any number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation. For example, a stop can be provided on the outside of thebinding sidewall101 to limit the rotation of thelever117, on the inside of thesidewall101 to limit the rotation of theengagement cam97, or a stop can be provided to directly limit the rotation of theshaft121.
• An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in connection with FIGS.[0117]15-31. This embodiment of the present invention is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown in FIGS.3-14. However, a number of modifications are made including modifications to all three system components, i.e., theboot217, theinterface201 and the binding301.
• As shown in FIGS.[0118]15-19, in this embodiment, aninterface201 is provided that is similar in many respects to theinterface51 described in connection with FIGS.3-5. As with that embodiment described above, theinterface201 includes anengagement rod203 for engaging with the binding, and anadjustable strap57 for attaching the interface to asnowboard boot217. Unlike the embodiment described above in connection with FIGS.3-5, theheel counter205 and thebody207 of the interface are formed (e.g., by injection molding) as a single integral piece of rigid material, such as glass-filled nylon, polycarbonate, aluminum, TPU or some other appropriate material. Each side of the interface is provided with aslot209 for receiving the end of thestrap57 attached thereto, and includes a plurality ofholes211 adapted to receive afastener212 to mount the strap thereto.
• As discussed above, it is desirable to provide the[0119]interface201 to be sufficiently rigid such that the sidewalls of the interface do not collapse about the boot when thestrap57 is tightened down over the top of the boot, and when the interface is subjected to forces exerted thereon by the boot during riding. To provide additional rigidity, the embodiment of theinterface201 shown in FIGS.15-17 includes a pair oftrusses213 provided at the intersections between thesidewalls214 and thebase215 of the interface. Although thetrusses213 are advantageous in that they increase the rigidity of the interface, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that the trusses need not be provided in other embodiments of the present invention.
• In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.[0120]15-19, theboot217 is provided with a number of features to enable theinterface201 to be integrated into the boot in a manner that minimizes the profile of the boot and interface combination. First, the rear heel section of theboot217 includes a recess orledge219 that is adapted to accommodate theheel counter205. As discussed above, this is advantageous to minimize the profile of the heel counter when the boot and interface combination steps into a binding having a heel hoop (e.g.,303 in FIG. 15) and/or a high-back. Second, theboot217 also includes asole recess221 that is adapted to receive thebase portion215 of the interface. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention, therecess221 is constructed and arranged so that when theinterface201 is engaged with the boot and thestrap57 is tightened, theinterface201 is pulled upward into therecess221 so that it is not disposed below thebottom surface223 of the boot outer sole225, such that the engagement with theinterface201 does not alter the feel of the boot sole when walking.
• In the embodiment shown in FIGS.[0121]15-19, thesole recess221 is disposed under the heel area of theboot217 and extends fully across the sole of theboot217 from the medial to the lateral side. Therecess221 has a substantially half-cylindrical shape to receive thebase215 of theinterface201, and is free of any engagement member that is adapted to be directly engaged by the binding301. Rather, therecess221 is adapted to receive theinterface201, and theinterface201 is in turn adapted to be directly engaged by the binding301. It should be appreciated that the aspect of the present invention directed to the use of a sole recess to receive the interface is not limited to any particular configuration or location for the sole recess. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, thesole recess221 is disposed rearwardly of the arch area of the boot. This is advantageous in that placement of theinterface201 near the heel of theboot217 facilitates minimizing the size of theinterface201, because the interface can resist the lifting force on thestrap57 with aheel counter205 that is less stiff and strong than would be required if the interface were attached to a more forward location along the sole of theboot217.
• As discussed above, the sole of the[0122]snowboard boot217 may roll laterally relative to theinterface201 during riding. In addition, forces generated on the boot during riding may tend to shift theboot217 both laterally and in the heel-to-toe direction relative to theinterface201. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, thebase215 of theinterface201 and therecess221 are provided with a pair of complimentary mating features that are adapted to automatically maintain a desired alignment between theinterface201 and therecess221 during riding. This alignment can be accomplished in any of a number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation.
• In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.[0123]15-19, automatic alignment between theinterface201 and thesole recess221 is achieved by providing the upper surface of thebase215 of the interface with a non-planar contoured surface, and therecess221 with a corresponding bottom-facing non-planar contoured surface adapted to mate therewith. The contoured surfaces enable the sole of theboot217 to roll laterally relative to theinterface201, but automatically maintain alignment in the heel-to-toe direction between theinterface201 and therecess221 during riding. In addition, the medial and lateral sides of therecess211 are flared upwardly at239 to accommodate thetrusses213 in the interface. Engagement between thetrusses213 and the flaredsidewalls239 helps to automatically register alignment between the interface and the boot, preventing shifting of the interface from side to side, as well as rotation of the interface within therecess221.
• The[0124]recess221 can be provided in theboot217 in any of a number of ways and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation, including the illustrative implementation shown in the drawings. In the illustrative embodiment shown in the drawings, the boot is provided with ashank227 that is embedded in the sole220 of theboot217. The shank can be formed from a number of materials (e.g., nylon, surlyn, TPU) and should be sufficiently flexible so as to not noticeably stiffen the sole of theboot217. In this respect, traditional soft snowboard boots have a flexible sole that riders have become accustomed to and that provide significantly greater comfort when walking than a stiff-soled boot.
• The[0125]shank227 shown in the illustrative embodiment represented in the drawings performs two functions. First, it assists in the formation of therecess221. Second, theshank227 also forms a platform for mounting a strapless engagement member under the toe area of the boot for engagement with the binding in a manner discussed in greater detail below. Theshank227 can be incorporated into theboot217 in any of a number of ways. For example, many soft snowboard boots include a two-layered sole220, with an inner or mid sole229 (FIG. 17) formed from a cushioning material (e.g., EVA) and an outer sole235 formed from rubber. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, theshank227 is disposed between these two sole layers. TheEVA layer229 can be provided with a recess that is adapted to conform to the upper shank portion233 (FIG. 15) that defines therecess221. The shank can be glued to both theEVA layer229 and the rubber outer sole225 and thissole assembly220 can be attached to a leather boot upper234. As shown in FIG. 16, the rubber outer sole225 includes a forwardsole section235 and a heelsole section237 that are separated via theportion233 of the shank that defines therecess221. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the outer sole includes a web piece231 (FIG. 17) that extends between the front and heelsole sections235 and237, and extends through therecess221 defined by theshank227. Theweb piece231 provides a number of advantages. First, it enables the outer sole225 to be formed from a single piece, rather than separate front andheel sections235 and237. Second, by controlling the thickness and stiffness of theweb231, the friction and stiffness between theinterface201 and theboot217 can be controlled. Finally, theweb231 also covers the surface of theshank227 that defines therecess221 to increase the durability of the shank.
• As discussed below, it is desirable to integrate the[0126]interface201 into the sole220 of theboot217 to minimize the profile of the boot and interface combination, and to minimize the impact on the rider when walking. In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, therecess221 and interface are arranged so that the bottom surface238 (FIG. 17) of the interface does not extend below the bottom surface of either the front orheel sections235,237 of the outer sole225. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, thebottom surface238 is provided with a tread or rubber sole that sits flush with the lower portion of the boot outer sole225 so that theinterface201 cannot be felt by the rider when walking.
• As discussed above, in the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the[0127]shank227 is provided with a pair of upwardly extending flaredsidewalls239 in the area that defines the sidewalls of therecess221. As mentioned previously, the purpose of the upwardly flaredsidewalls239 is to accommodate thetrusses213 in the interface, and to help register alignment between the interface and the boot.
• As discussed above, the present invention is not limited to providing a customized geometry for engaging the interface with the boot, as other embodiments are directed to the use of an interface with any boot, requiring no customized geometry on the boot for receiving the interface.[0128]
• Although not shown in the figures, the binding[0129]301 can include a high-back mounted to theheel hoop303. Theheel hoop303 can include a pair of slots or spaced holes to enable rotation of the high-back in the same manner as described in connection with the high-back35 in the embodiment of FIG. 2. The feature of a highback rotatable relative to an axis substantially normal to the baseplate of the binding is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,170. The high-back disclosed in that patent includes a pair of arms that extend downwardly from the heel hoop substantially parallel to the sidewalls of the baseplate. Thus, the slots to which the high-back are pivotally mounted extend substantially parallel to one another, facilitating the folding down of the high-back toward the baseplate to minimize the profile of the binding for transportation or storage. In contrast, the binding301 disclosed in FIG. 15, like the binding53 in FIG. 3, includes an engagement mechanism that extends along the lateral sides of the binding, making it more difficult to mount a high-back to the baseplate with arms extending along the lateral sides of the binding. Thus, the high-back67 (FIG. 3) and a high-back (not shown) for the binding of FIG. 15 are mounted higher on the heel hoop (e.g.,heel hoop303 in FIG. 15) than the highback in the '170 patent, and are mounted for rotation about slots that may not extend parallel to one another along the sides of the baseplate.
• It should be appreciated that when the slots to which the high-back is mounted do not extend parallel to one another along the lateral sides of the binding, difficulty is encountered in folding the high-back down to reduce the profile of the binding for storage or transportation. Thus, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 15, the binding[0130]301 is provided with a hingedheel hoop303 that is mounted to thesidewalls307 of the baseplate for rotation about pivot points309. In this manner, rotation of the high-back about an axis substantially normal to thebaseplate309 can be accomplished via movement of the high-back within slots or spaced holes in theheel hoop303, while rotation of the high-back forwardly into a non-use position can be accomplished by rotating theentire heel hoop303 forwardly about the pivot points309 (which define an axis of rotation that is different than the axis about which the high-back rotates relative to the heel hoop). It should be appreciated that although rotating the high-back down into a non-use position relative to theheel hoop303 is difficult when using non-parallel slots in the heel hoop, a smaller range of rotation of the high-back forward can be achieved with little difficulty, thereby enabling the forward lean of the high-back to be adjusted relative to theheel hoop303. It should also be appreciated that the high-back and theheel hoop303 can be provided with substantially the same radius of curvature to facilitate rotation of the high-back within theheel hoop303 about an axis substantially normal to thebaseplate305.
• It should be appreciated that in contrast to the binding disclosed in the '170 patent, the mounting of the high-back in the binding of FIG. 15 without the use of the relatively long arms employed in the '170 patent results in a greater moment being generated on the portion on the binding (i.e., the heel hoop[0131]303) to which the highback is attached. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the binding301 is formed of relatively strong material (e.g., aluminum) to resist this greater moment.
• Although described in connection with the particular bindings of FIGS. 3 and 15, it should be appreciated that the hinged heel hoop aspect of the present invention can also be employed in connection with other binding designs. Furthermore, although this feature provides the advantages described above, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that alternate binding designs are contemplated that do not employ a hinged heel hoop.[0132]
• The rear locking mechanism in the binding of FIG. 15 is similar in many respects to that disclosed in the embodiment of FIGS.[0133]3-14, but with additional features, e.g., asingle lever311 and a mechanism for maintaining the rear locking mechanism in a cocked open position. The binding301 includes aguide313 that includes a rearwardly extendingramp surface315 that is similar to the ramped surface105 (FIG. 9) in the embodiment of the invention described above in connection with FIGS.3-14. As with the rampedsurface105, the rampedsurface315 provides the advantageous feature of drawing the rider's heel into engagement with theheel hoop303 of the binding when the rider steps into the binding301. Furthermore, the binding301 also includes a pair ofengagement cams317 that are adapted to releasably engage theengagement pin203 on theinterface201 to lock the heel of the rider'sboot217 into the binding. As with thecam97 in the embodiment of FIGS.3-14, thecam317 can include ascalloped surface319 to facilitate engagement with theengagement pin203, although the scalloped surface is not necessary to practice the present invention.
• Like the embodiment of FIGS.[0134]3-14, theengagement cam317 is biased via a spring321 (FIG. 20) for rotation (counterclockwise in FIG. 20) into the locked position for engaging with theengagement pin203. However, unlike the spring99 (FIG. 7) in the embodiment described above, thespring321 is arranged to minimize the width of the binding. In this respect, as shown in FIG. 21, thespring321 is disposed between the inner andouter walls307aand307bof thebaseplate sidewalls307. It should be appreciated that it is desirable to minimize the width of the binding301. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, thespring321 is wound in a manner that increases the vertical distance over which the spring extends, but not the width across the binding. The spring can obviously be fixed at its ends in any of a number of ways. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, afirst end323 of the spring is attached about a D-shapedshaft325 to which theengagement cam317 is mounted in a manner described below. Asecond end327 of the spring is wrapped about aball plunger329 that is also further described below.
• As discussed above, in one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism is provided to maintain the[0135]cam317 in the cocked or release position shown in FIG. 23, so that the rider can initially manipulate the lever in the direction shown by the arrow R in FIG. 23 to place the heel locking mechanism in the open position, can release thelever311, and can thereafter step out of the heel engaging mechanism whenever convenient. This type of cocking mechanism can obviously be implemented in a number of different ways, and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation. However, one illustrative implementation is shown in FIGS.20-23, and includes aball plunger329 mounted in thebaseplate housing307. A corresponding detent331 (FIGS. 20 and 22) is provided on theengagement cam317 and is adapted to mate with theball plunger329 when the cam is moved, vialever311 and a linking mechanism described below, into the cocked release position shown in FIG. 23. When thelever311 is moved into this release position, the corresponding rotation of theengagement cam317 brings thedetent331 into alignment with theball plunger329, thereby automatically engaging thecam317 with theplunger329. Thus, when thelever311 is released, theengagement cam317 stays in the cocked position shown in FIG. 23. Theengagement cam317 further includes a lip333 (FIG. 23) that is adapted to cover anopening335 between the cam and the rearward-facingramp surface315 when thecam317 is in the cocked release position, so that thelip333 intersects the path long which theengagement pin203 will pass when stepping out of the binding. Thus, when the rider lifts the heel of the boot out of engagement with the rear latching mechanism, theengagement pin203 will contact thelip333, causing the cam to rotate in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 23, and thereby disengaging thedetent331 from theball plunger329. This feature of the illustrative embodiment is advantageous in that when the rider exits from the binding, the rear locking mechanism is automatically returned to the position shown in FIG. 22 and is ready to be stepped into again. If no mechanism was provided for automatically disengaging thedetent331 and theball plunger329 upon exit of theengagement pin203 from the rear locking mechanism, the rider would need to manually manipulate thelever311 to reset the binding into the locked position.
• Although the cocking and release mechanism described above is advantageous, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular illustrative implementation shown in the drawings, or even to the use of a cocking and release mechanism.[0136]
• As mentioned above, in one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a linkage assembly is provided that links together the[0137]engagement cams317 on both the medial and lateral sides of the binding, so that asingle lever311 can be employed to manipulate both cams. This can be accomplished in any of a number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation. However, the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS.20-23 takes into account a number of design considerations, and provides a particularly advantageous implementation. A first design consideration is to develop a low profile linkage assembly that does not cause a substantial increase in the thickness of thebaseplate305. In this regard, it should be appreciated that in view of the fact that each of theengagement cams317 is pivotally mounted to the baseplate about ashaft325 that is mounted at a height above thetop surface337 of the baseplate, a direct drive linkage assembly cannot be employed because the rider's boot will be disposed in the area about which a direct shaft would extend between the twocams317. Thus, it is desirable to provide a linkage assembly that bridges the gap between the twoengagement cams317 in a manner that does not substantially increase the profile of the binding301.
• A second design consideration for the linkage assembly relates to the degree of rotation that each of the[0138]engagement cams317 undergoes when moving from the locked position of FIG. 20 to the open or release position of FIG. 23. In this respect, each cam undergoes a range of rotation through approximately 115°. It is desirable to provide a linkage mechanism that does not require that the rider rotate thelever311 through as great a degree range to move the heel locking mechanism into the released position. A related consideration is that there are some segments of the range of movement for theengagement cam317 wherein greater torque is desired to be imparted to thecam317, e.g., when initially moving the cam from the locked position of FIG. 20 wherein it engages thepin203 and when seating theball plunger329 into thedetent331.
• One illustrative implementation of a linkage assembly that balances these design considerations in an advantageous manner is shown in FIGS.[0139]20-23. The linkage assembly includes a substantially U-shaped connecting rod341 having an elongated section341athat passes underneath theupper surface337 of thebaseplate305 andupstanding sections341bdisposed on both the medial and lateral sides of the binding. At least one of theupstanding sections341bis attached on one side of the binding to thelever311, for example via aset screw343. It should be appreciated that the binding301 can be provided with a pair oflevers311, one on each side of the binding, although manipulation of only one of the two levers is necessary in view of the linkage assembly. Alternatively, thehandle311 can be replaced on one side of the binding via a link that couples the connecting rod341 with the remainder of the linkage assembly discussed below.
• The remainder of the linkage assembly on each side of the binding includes two additional components, i.e., an L-shaped[0140]link345 and an apostrophe-shapedcam347. The apostrophe-shapedcam347 is directly mounted to thesame shaft325 as theengagement cam317 that is adapted to engage theengagement pin203 on the interface. Thus, rotation of the apostrophe-shapedcam347 causes direct corresponding rotation of theengagement cam317. Theshaft325 is received through abushing326 mounted in theouter housing wall307a.
• The[0141]lever311, or a corresponding link that replaces it on one side of the binding, pivots about a pivot axis defined by the elongated section341aof the connection rod. The L-shaped link is attached to thelever311 via apin351, which can be attached to the lever in any number of ways, for example via the use of a socket353 (FIG. 21). The remainder of the L-shapedlink345 is free floating, and is not rigidly fixed to any other component of the linkage assembly. However, the L-shaped cam does include anub355 that is adapted to be received in atrack357 within theouter housing wall307b, or acover plate367 described below. Engagement between thetrack357 and thenub355 merely maintains the L-shaped cam in the proper orientation for bearing on the apostrophe-shapedcam347 through the entire pivoting range for thelever311. It should be appreciated that the orientation of the L-shapedcam345 can be maintained in numerous other ways, and that the present invention is not limited to the particular implementation shown in the drawings.
• The manner in which the engagement between the L-shaped[0142]link345 and the apostrophe-shapedcam347 achieves the above-described goals of varying the amount of torque and rotation imparted to theengagement cam317 will now be described. When the heel locking mechanism is in the locked position shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, thecam317 is in engagement with theengagement pin203 of the interface. Thus, to open the latching mechanism, a relatively high moment arm is initially desired to overcome the frictional engagement between thecam317 and theengagement pin203. The illustrative embodiment of the linkage assembly accomplishes this result because when the latching mechanism is in this closed position, rotation of thelever311 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 22 is translated to a pushing force F (FIG. 22) generated by theheel end361 of the L-shapedlink345 on thetip363 of the apostrophe-shapedcam347. Since thetip363 of the apostrophe-shapedcam347 is disposed a relatively large distance from theshaft325 about which thecams347 and317 rotate, a relatively high moment arm is generated through actuation of thelever311, thereby assisting in initially disengaging thecam317 from theengagement pin203.
• As discussed above, after the engagement between the[0143]cam317 and theengagement pin203 is initially broken, it is desirable to reduce the moment arm generated on theshaft325 to achieve a higher rate of rotation for each increment of rotation of thelever311. The manner in which this is achieved in the illustrative implementation of the linkage mechanism is shown in FIG. 23. In FIG. 23, thelever311 and L-shapedlink345 are shown in phantom at a transition point, wherein engagement between the L-shaped link and the apostrophe-shaped cam is switching from theheel end361 of the L-shaped link to the toe end adjacent thenub355. As shown in FIG. 23, this switching of the engagement corresponds to a significantly smaller moment arm about theshaft325 as the toe end of the L-shaped link that takes over the action of pushing the apostrophe-shaped cam acts on a portion of the apostrophe-shapedcam347 that is closer to itspivot axis325. Thus, less rotation of thelever311 is required to achieve the desired greater rotation of the apostrophe-shapedcam347 and theengagement cam317 directly driven thereby.
• As discussed above, it is desirable to increase the moment generated on the apostrophe-shaped[0144]cam347 as it nears its fully open position of FIG. 23 to assist in setting thespring ball329 in thedetent331. This is achieved in the illustrative embodiment of the linkage assembly via the arrangement of thelever311 and the L-shapedlink345, and through the use of toggle joint principles. It should be appreciated that two line segments can be drawn from the point wherein thepin351 attaches the L-shapedlink345 to thelever311. A first segment passes through the pivot point of the lever defined by the elongated section341aof the connection rod, and a second passes through thenub355 at the toe end of the L-shaped link. It should be appreciated that according to toggle joint principles, as these two line segments begin to straighten out such that the angle between them approaches zero, the amount of torque generated on the apostrophe-shapedcam347 through its engagement at the toe edge of the L-shapedlink345 greatly increases, becoming a multiple of the torque exerted by thelever311. Thus, although the distance from therotation axis325 does not increase for the point at which the torque is applied to the apostrophe-shapedcam347, the moment generated on the apostrophe-shapedcam347 greatly increases with the applied torque. This increase in torque begins when the angle between the two line segments approaches approximately 7°, achieves a significant multiple when the angle approaches 3°.
• In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention described in connection with FIGS.[0145]20-23, both sides of the heel locking mechanism are substantially identical, such that each side is provided with aspring321 that biases itscorresponding engagement cam317 into the closed position, and each side includes thespring ball329 anddetent331 arrangement for maintaining the locking mechanism in the open position. It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that these components of the locking mechanism can be provided on only one side of the binding, along with a linkage assembly that constrains both cams to have the same rotational orientation, such that rotation of one of theengagement cams317 necessarily causes an identical amount of rotation for theother cam317. However, the aspect of the present invention wherein theengagement cams317 are independently biased is advantageous. In particular, theengagement cams317, like thecams97 discussed above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS.3-14, have a geometry that provides the locking mechanism with a self-tightening feature in the event that an accumulation of snow develops under the sole of the boot or theengagement pin203. By employing independentlyactive engagement cams317, the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.15-21 enables both sides of the binding to be locked independently, even if an accumulation of snow is present on one side of the binding and not the other. If theengagement cams317 were directly mounted to one another and constrained to have the same rate of rotation, if an accumulation of snow developed under theengagement pin203 on only one side of the binding, bothengagement cams317 would not rotate to their fully closed position, resulting in an undesirable loose connection on the side of the binding without the accumulation of snow. In contrast, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings advantageously securely engages theengagement pin203 on both sides of the binding, even if doing so requires independent positioning of theengagement cams317.
• In the illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings, the baseplate sidewalls[0146]307 include a slot366 (FIG. 15) that enables the pin351 (FIG. 21) that interconnects thelever311 and the L-shapedlink345 to move through the required range of motion as thelever311 is moved between the closed and open positions. As discussed above, a similar slot or opening357 (FIG. 21) can also be provided in thesidewall307 to accommodate thenub355 at the toe end of the L-shapedlink345. In the illustrative embodiment shown, acover plate367 is provided and includes theslot357 on its interior surface. Thesidewall307 of the baseplate can simply be cut away in this area to enable access between thenub355 and theslot357. However, it should be appreciated that this aspect of the locking mechanism can be implemented in numerous other ways. For example, thelever311 can simply be provided in an opening between the inner andouter sidewalls307aand307bof the baseplate, such that theslot366 in theouter sidewall307bwould not be necessary. In addition, theslot357 for receiving thenub355 can be provided directly in thesidewall307 of the baseplate. A cover can optionally be provided to overlie the slot, or the slot can be left exposed to the side of the binding. The present invention is not limited to any particular implementation in this regard.
• As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, the[0147]engagement pin203 is constrained in the locked position not only by theengagement cam317, but also by therear surface371 of theguide313, and arear retaining tab373 extending upwardly from thebottom surface337 of the baseplate. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 22, when in the fully locked position, aspace375 is provided between the bottom of theengagement pin203 and the bottom of the channel that receives it. This space is advantageous in that if the rider lands a jump or a compression force is otherwise applied in the heel area of the boot, theengagement pin203 can be forced deeper into thechannel375 as the sole of the boot compresses. Therefore, theengagement pin203 will not dig into the heel of the rider and create an uncomfortable pressure point. Thescalloped surface319 of thecam317 is arranged to rotate further in the clockwise direction of FIG. 20 if theengagement pin203 drops into thechannel375, but will not further tighten down the engagement of theengagement pin203.
• As with the embodiment of FIGS.[0148]3-14 described above, it should be appreciated that some mechanism should be provided for limiting the rotation of theengagement cams317 and thelever311 once the binding is in fully closed position. This can be accomplished in any number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation. For example, a stop can be provided on the outside of thebinding housing307ato limit the rotation of thelever311, on the inside of thehousing307bto limit the rotation of theengagement cams317 or the apostrophe-shapedcams347, or a stop can be provided to directly limit the rotation of theshaft325. In one embodiment of the invention, the rotation stop is provided by engagement between the shaft of thespring ball plunger329 and theslot348 in the apostrophe shapedcam347 that receives theplunger329.
• The illustrative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 15 also includes an alternate strapless forward engagement system for holding down the toe-end of the boot. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the strapless forward engagement system is disposed forward of the arch area of the[0149]boot217, and underlies a toe area of theboot217. As shown in FIG. 15, theshank227 includes aforward section401 that is reinforced by a plurality ofribs403 to receive ahook405 for engagement with acorresponding engagement mechanism407 mounted on thebaseplate305. Thehook405 can be mounted to theshank227 in any of a number of ways, including through the use of a pair ofscrews409 andnuts410 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 25.
• The illustrative toe hook and active locking mechanism of FIG. 15 is shown in greater detail in FIGS.[0150]24-31. This arrangement achieves the primary design objectives of being easy to step into and out of. As is described in greater detail below, the toe engagement mechanism can be stepped into by simply stepping the toe portion of the boot straight down into the engagement mechanism on the binding. This stepping in automatically (i.e., without requiring that the rider manipulate a lever or take any action other than stepping the boot into the binding) causes the active locking mechanism to move between an open position and a closed position wherein the active locking mechanism automatically engages the toe hook. After the mechanism is engaged, no amount of lifting force generated on the toe end of the boot will result in disengagement. However, when the rider desires to step out of the binding, all that is required is that the rider first lift the heel of the boot out of engagement with the rear engagement mechanism, and then simply roll the boot forward and lift the toe end out of engagement with the locking mechanism. This stepping out action automatically (i.e., without requiring that the rider manipulate a lever or take any action other than stepping the boot out of the binding) causes the active locking mechanism to move from the closed position to the open position wherein the active locking mechanism automatically disengages the toe hook. Thus, this toe locking mechanism is advantageous in that it is easy to get into and out of and does not require that a lever or any actuation mechanism be manipulated to lock or release the mechanism.
• As shown in FIG. 25, the outer sole[0151]225 of the boot is provided with arecess411 to expose thetoe hook405. It should be appreciated that the recess can be any shape. Therecess411 can be confined solely to the area of the boot surrounding thetoe hook405, and need not extend to the outer surface of the outer sole225 either on the lateral sides of the boot or toward the front of the boot. However, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as therecess411 can have any geometry that exposes thetoe hook405. The toe hook forms a cleat that extends downwardly from a base421 (FIG. 24) mounted to the sole of the boot. As used herein, the reference to a base is intended to merely indicate a portion of the cleat that is mounted to the sole of the boot (or the binding if the locking mechanism is reversed as discussed below), and is not limited to any particular mounting structure. The cleat portion of thetoe hook405 is wedge-shaped and includes a pair ofcamming sections413 that taper along the medial and lateral sides of the cleat from a wider base-end (i.e., top in FIG. 30)portion418 to a narrower free-end (i.e., bottom in FIG. 30)portion415.
• The locking mechanism on the[0152]baseplate305 includes a pair of spaced apartloops417, biased for movement toward each other, that are respectively adapted to engage with the two lateral sides of thetoe hook405. As shown in FIG. 25, thetoe hook405 is engaged with thelocking mechanism407 by the rider simply stepping down into the binding with thetoe hook405 aligned with thelocking mechanism407. The wider base-end portion418 of the cleat portion of thetoe hook405 is wider than the spacing between thebiased loops417, while the narrower free-end portion415 is narrower than this spacing. Thus, as thetoe hook405 is brought down into engagement with the locking mechanism, the cammed surfaces413 automatically spread thebiased loops417 apart in the direction shown by the arrows B in FIG. 25. As shown in FIG. 25, thetoe hook405 includes a pair of upwardly facing shelves or hookportions419 on each lateral side thereof. Once the toe hook is advanced sufficiently down into engagement with the locking mechanism so that biased loops clear the top of thehooks419, the biased loops move inwardly to capture thehook portions419 as shown in FIG. 26, thereby locking the toe portion of the boot to thebaseplate305. In this respect, as shown in FIG. 25,hook portions419 are curved toward the base421 (upwardly in FIG. 30) at the outer side edges. Therefore, a lifting force generated on thetoe hook405 actually acts to seat thebiased loops417 deeper into thehook portions419, rather than acting to cause a release of the locking mechanism.
• The[0153]toe hook405 is provided with a geometry that facilitates disengagement with thelocking mechanism407 by the rider simply lifting the heel of the boot away from the surface of thebaseplate305. This geometry is shown in FIGS.28-31. The toe hook extends downwardly from a base421 (FIG. 24) to alowest tip415. A cleat portion of thetoe hook405 tapers from itstoe edge425 to thebottom tip415. The cleat further tapers from itsheel edge427 to thetip415, giving the cleat a wedge or V-shaped appearance in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 28. Finally, the cleat also tapers from a greatest width at itstoe edge425 to a thinnest width at itsheel edge427 as best shown in FIG. 31.
• As a result of the tapering in the width of the cleat from its[0154]front425 to its rear427, disengagement of thetoe hook405 from the locking mechanism is easily achieved by the rider simply lifting the heel edge of the boot and rolling the foot forward in the direction of arrow C as shown in FIG. 29. Therear edge427 of the cleat has a width that is less than the spacing between thebiased loops417 when they are in the locked position shown in FIG. 26, whereas thefront edge425 of the cleat has a greater width than the biased loops when in this locked position. Thus, when the heel of the boot is lifted as shown in FIG. 29, the rearward portion of the tapered side edges429 of the cleat wedge between thebiased loops417. As the heel of the boot is continually lifted and rolled forward, the taperedsides429 of the cleat wedge thebiased loops417 apart, enabling the hook portions419 (FIG. 26) of the toe hook to be disengaged from the biased loops as shown in FIG. 30.
• Three characteristics of the[0155]toe hook405 andlatching mechanism407 contribute to the mechanism resisting release as a result of lifting forces generated on the toe section of the boot during riding, while facilitating easy release by lifting the heel of the boot. First, the above-described geometry of thehook portions419 that act to seat thebiased loops417 deeper in response to a lifting force. Second, as shown in FIG. 31, the cleat portion of thetoe hook405 is wedged facing the back of the boot, but not the front, so that the above-described wedging action would not take place in response to a lifting force generated at the toe end of the boot. Third, thefront edge425 of the cleat terminates at the widest point of the wedging surfaces429, thereby facilitating full release of thehook portions419 from thebiased loops417 that have been spread apart by the wedged surfaces429. Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, since the heel end of the boot will be locked into engagement with the rear latching mechanism of the binding while riding, it will not be possible for the boot sole to achieve anything approaching the angle shown in FIG. 29 while pivoting back on the heel end of the boot. Therefore, although not desirable, the cleat could potentially be provided with a taper also extending to the forward section of the boot and still resist release upon a lifting force at the toe end. In this respect, although some wedging action might begin in response to a lifting force at the toe, the sole of the boot should not be able to attain the angle necessary to cause separation of thebiased loops417 and a release of the toe hook mechanism.
• It should be appreciated that the[0156]toe hook405 and thebiased loops417 will be used to resist lifting forces generated on the toe end of the boot during riding and should be formed from materials that are sufficiently strong to withstand these forces. These components can be formed from any of a number of different materials, such as stainless steel or hardened steel. Alternatively, thetoe hook405 could be molded from a suitable material (e.g., glass-filled nylon, polycarbonate, TPU, etc.).
• It should further be appreciated that it is desirable for the[0157]toe hook405 to not provide any pressure point or area of discomfort for the rider when walking. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, thetoe hook405 is sized so that it does not protrude below the outer boot sole.
• Although the particular geometry of the illustrative embodiment shown in the figures provides the advantages described above, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that other implementations are possible.[0158]
• The biased[0159]loops417 can be implemented in any of a number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation, including the one shown in the drawings which is provided merely for illustrative purposes. Eachbiased loop417 in the illustrative embodiment shown in the drawings is implemented via a spring coiled atfront431 and rear433 sections of the engagement mechanism in407, and each extends in the heel-to-toe direction along the binding301(FIG. 15). The springs can be provided in ahousing435 including top andbottom sections435tand435battached by a plurality ofscrews437. The entire housing can then be attached to thebaseplate305 via an additional set ofscrews439. To provide increased resistance to lifting forces, thehousing435 can be formed from a strong material, such as aluminum, stainless steel or hardened steel. Alternatively, the components of theengagement mechanism407 can be attached directly to thebaseplate305, without the use of thehousing435.
• It should be appreciated that during riding, lateral forces may be exerted on the[0160]snowboard boot217 that may cause the toe end to shift laterally from side-to-side. To inhibit such lateral migration from causing an inadvertent disengagement of thetoe hook405 from theengagement mechanism407, in one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement mechanism is provided with a pair ofblocks451, one disposed outside and adjacent each of thebiased loops417. Theblocks451 are formed of substantially rigid material and are sufficiently strong to resist lateral movement of thetoe hook405 after it is engaged with thebiased loops417. Theblocks451 are spaced sufficiently far apart to enable the widest surface425 (FIG. 31) of the toe hook to be disposed therebetween, but are sufficiently close so as to prevent enough lateral migration of thetoe hook405 to cause either of the hook portions419 (FIG. 26) to become disengaged from its correspondingbiased loop417. In addition, as shown in FIG. 25, theblocks451 are sized and arranged so that thebiased loops417 can flex over and around them when spread apart by the toe hook cleat entering or exiting theengagement mechanism407. For example, theblocks451 have a length in the heel-to-toe direction that is less than a length of thebiased loops417.
• It should be appreciated that the[0161]latching mechanism407 is not limited to using the pair ofblocks451, as the same function can be accomplished in other ways. For example, only onebiased loop417 and accompanying block451 could be provided, along with a rigid loop on the opposing side. Furthermore, the arrangements of thetoe hook405 on the boot and theengagement mechanism407 on the binding can obviously be reversed, such that thebaseplate305 of the binding can be provided with a toe hook such as405, and the snowboard boot can be provided an engagement mechanism such as407.
• As discussed above, the present invention is not limited to any particular engagement mechanism for engaging the toe-end of the binding. A number of alternate strapless engagement members will now be discussed below.[0162]
• An alternate embodiment of the strapless engagement member is disclosed in FIG. 32. In this embodiment of the invention, the[0163]forward engagement member501 includes ahook portion502 that is similar in many respects to thehook61 discussed in the embodiment of FIG. 3, but is oriented so that it faces the heel section of the binding. As discussed above, this embodiment provides the advantageous feature that the boot is firmly seated between the high-back (e.g.,67 in FIG. 3) and theengagement member501. However, it should be understood that in view of the heel hoop and high-back disposed at the heel of the binding, it may be difficult for the rider to place the heel of the boot down flush against thebase plate17, and then slide the boot forward so that the mating feature disposed on the sole can engage with theengagement member501. In fact, when the boot is seated back against the high-back67, the mating feature in the boot sole should be fully engaged with thehook502, without having to be moved forward, as this corresponds to the position of the boot in the binding when riding. Thus, the embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIG. 32 provides a rear-facingengagement member501 that is biased to facilitate engagement with the boot.
• As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 32, the[0164]biased engagement member501 is mounted to thebase plate17 via ahinge pin503 that is embedded in thebase plate17 in any of a number of ways, examples of which are discussed below.
• The binding includes a[0165]spring505 that biases theengagement member501 for rotation upwardly about the axis defined byhinge pin503. Thus, when stepping into the binding, the rider angles the boot in the manner shown in FIG. 33, such that the toe portion is lower than the heel portion. The biasingspring505 causes theengagement member501 to be angled upwardly in a position that facilitates entry of themating feature507 on the boot sole (which can be implemented in any number of ways as discussed below) under thehook503. The rider can then bring the boot heel down into engagement with the rear portion of the binding, overcoming the force of thespring505. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 32, thebase plate17 may include a recessedportion509 underlying the bottom portion of theengagement member501, such that when the rider has stepped into the binding, atop surface501T of the engagement member disposed below thehook502 lies flush with atop surface17T of the base plate. In addition, theengagement member501 may include astop511 that is adapted to engage withbase plate17 to limit rotation of theengagement member501.
• As mentioned above, the[0166]biased engagement member501 can be mounted to the base plate for rotation in any of a number of ways. The present invention is not limited to any particular implementation. For example, thehinge pin503 can be implemented with a rivet that is embedded in the base plate. Alternatively, thehinge pin503 can be molded into thebase plate17, and theengagement member501 can be provided with a slot for allowing it to be snapped onto thehinge pin503.
• Several illustrative implementations of the mating member on the boot for engaging with the strapless forward engagement member on the binding will now be described. It should be understood that the mating member can have any of a number of configurations and can be attached to the boot in numerous ways. The present invention is not limited to the particular implementations discussed below, which are provided merely for illustrative purposes.[0167]
• A first illustrative embodiment for the mating feature on the boot is shown in FIGS.[0168]34-35. FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a boot sole513 that includes amating member515 that is disposed in an opening orrecess517 in the sole. In this embodiment of the invention, themating member515 is a steel bar that is circular in cross-section. Thebar515 can be embedded in the outer sole525 of the boot (which may be rubber or any other suitable material) by disposing thebar515 in a mold and then injecting the material for the outer sole525 into the mold around thebar515. In one embodiment of the invention, therecess517 is sized to have a width that is approximately equal to that of the forward engagement member61 (FIG. 3) with which it is designed to mate, with some slight clearance provided for an accumulation of snow. Thus, engagement between thefront engagement member61 andsidewalls519 of the boot recess advantageously prevents the front of the boot from shifting from side-to-side when riding.
• FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line[0169]35-35 of FIG. 34. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 35, a support member orshank521 is disposed in the sole of the boot above therecess517. Thesupport member521 stiffens the sole in the area above the recess, so that the sole does not sink down into therecess517 under the rider's weight. Theshank521 can be in the form of an insole extending across the entire sole of the boot from the heel to toe. The shank can for example, be formed from nylon at a thickness of approximately 2 mm, which is not sufficiently stiff to impact the ability of the rider to walk in the boot, but which achieves the desired goal of preventing the sole in the area above the recess from sinking. Alternatively, the shank can extend across the full boot sole and have a reduced thickness in areas other than that above therecess517, or can just be provided in that area.
• Although the[0170]support member521 provides the advantage discussed above, it is not necessary to practice the invention. Other techniques for ensuring that the sole does not sink down into therecess517 can also be employed. For example, as is discussed more fully below, the strapless forward engagement member can be provided with a geometry that matches that of therecess517, such that the upper portion of the forward engagement member can sit flush against the top of therecess517, thereby supporting the boot sole in the area above the recess and preventing it from sinking into the recess when riding. The provision of a strapless engagement member having a geometry matching that of therecess517 obviously provides no support for therecess517 when the rider is not engaged in the binding and is walking about. However, support is much less critical at this time, because the forces generated on therecess517 when walking are not nearly as great as those experienced when riding. Thus, the rigidity of the thinned out outersole region523 in the area above the recess should be sufficient to prevent the sole from sinking into the recess when walking. In this respect, the outer sole can be thinned in theregion523 to approximately one mm, whereas the remainder of the outer sole525 will have a more normal thickness ranging anywhere from 2-16 mm.
• An alternate embodiment of the mating feature in the boot sole is shown in FIGS.[0171]36-37, wherein aflat bar527 is attached to the sole of the boot in therecess517. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 37 (taken along line37-37 of FIG. 36), this embodiment of the invention also employs ashank521 in the sole of the boot to provide the stiffening feature discussed above. However, unlike the embodiment of FIGS.34-35, the bar that forms themating member527 is not embedded in the sole, but rather, is attached to theshank521 via a pair of screws and T-nuts529. As should be appreciated from the two embodiments described above, the mating feature attached to the sole of the boot need not have any particular shape. It can be a bar that is round in cross-section, a flat strip, or any other shape that enables the mating feature to engage with a corresponding strapless engagement member on the binding to hold down the forward portion of the boot when riding. For example, the mating feature need not be in the shape of a single bar, and can include two or more hooks for engaging with a corresponding strapless engagement member on the binding. Alternatively, the arrangement can be reversed so that the strapless engagement member on the binding can be a bar, and the mating feature on the boot can be in the form of a rear or forward facing hook. The present invention is not limited to any specific implementation.
• As seen from the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 35 and 37, in one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the mating feature attached to the sole of the boot does not extend below the outer boot sole[0172]525, and therefore does not impact the feel of the boot when the rider walks. It should be appreciated that in general, the lower the mating member extends, the easier it is for the rider to engage with the strapless engagement member on the binding. Thus, for the embodiments of the present invention wherein the mating member is implemented as a metal piece, it is desired to have the mating member extend just slightly above the bottom of the outer sole525, such that the metal piece does not touch the ground when the rider walks. However, as discussed below, the mating member need not be formed from a metal piece, and can alternatively be formed from any of the materials discussed above as being suitable for use in forming the strapless forward engagement member, e.g., glass filled nylon, rubber or polyurethane. When formed from a non-metallic material, the mating feature on the boot sole can extend down to the point where it is flush with the bottom surface of the outer sole, such that it extends as low as possible to facilitate engagement with the binding without being noticeable to the rider when walking.
• An alternate arrangement of a strapless engagement member for mounting to the binding and a corresponding mating feature in the boot sole is described making reference to FIGS.[0173]38-40. FIG. 38 is a partial schematic view of thebase plate17 showing astrapless engagement member531 that is in the form of a sculpted toe hook. Thetoe hook531 can be formed integrally with thebase plate17 in a single injection molding process and positioned in the same manner as the strapless members discussed above. Alternatively, thetoe hook531 can be formed separately from thebase plate17 to enable adjustment in the position of thetoe hook531 along the length of the binding, in much the same manner as the other embodiments discussed above.
• FIGS.[0174]39-40 illustrate a boot sole513 that includes amating feature533 that is adapted to engage with thesculpted toe hook531 of FIG. 38. In this embodiment of the invention, asupport member535 is disposed within the outer boot sole525 (as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 40, which is taken along line40-40 of FIG. 39) and is not exposed by a recess in theouter boot sole525. Rather, themating feature533 includes an opening in the sole defined by a hollowed outcavity537, including a rear-facingmouth539, that is adapted to receive thesculpted toe hook531. Thesupport member535 is disposed below thecavity537 and is adapted to support the outer sole525 below the area wherein it is engaged by thesculpted toe hook531. In addition, the boot sole may include a support member orshank521 to prevent the sole from sinking in the area above thecavity537 in much the same manner as the embodiments described above.
• It should be understood that the[0175]support member535 can be disposed within the outer boot sole525 in the same manner as that described above in connection with thebar515 in FIGS.34-35. For example, thesupport member535 can be disposed in a mold for forming the outer boot sole525 and be embedded therein when the outersole material525 is injected into the mold about thesupport member535.
• In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the[0176]cavity537 are selected to match those of thesculpted toe hook531, such that when the toe hook is inserted into the cavity, the toe hook substantially fills the cavity, allowing some slight clearance for an accumulation of snow. In this manner, when the rider steps onto the binding and engages thetoe hook531 within thecavity537, the toe hook supports the upper surface of the cavity to prevent it from sinking under the weight of the rider. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, theshank521 can optionally be eliminated.
• FIGS.[0177]43-44 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a bootsole mating feature541 for engagement with a toe hook such ashook531 shown in FIG. 38. Themating feature541 is disposed within arecess543 disposed in theboot sole513, so that themating feature541 does not extend below the bottom of theboot sole513, and therefore, does not impact the feel of the boot when the rider walks. Themating feature541 is attached to the bottom of the boot sole via a fastener, such as ascrew545 that passes through anopening546 in the mating feature and is received in a T-nut (not shown) in the boot sole. Themating feature541 also includes a pair oftabs547 that are adapted to be received in recessed portions (not shown) in the bootsole recess543. Thetabs547 serve to prevent themating feature541 from rotating about thescrew545 during riding.
• The[0178]mating feature541 has a recessedtop surface549 that, when themating feature541 is attached to the bootsole recess543, defines a cavity between the recessedsurface549 and a portion of the sole that defines the bootsole recess543. The cavity has anopening551 and is configured to receive a toe hook (such as thehook531 shown in FIG. 38) in much the same manner as the cavity537 (FIGS.39-40) described above.
• The[0179]mating feature541 shown in FIGS.43-44 is advantageous in that it is detachable from theboot sole513. Although attached to the boot sole via asingle screw545 in the embodiment shown in the figures, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in this respect. Thedetachable mating feature541 can alternatively be attached to the boot sole with multiple screws, or with any of a number of other types of fasteners.
• It should be understood that in addition to holding down the front portion of the boot, the toe strap in conventional strap bindings also provides downward pressure on the toes of the rider, providing a feel that many riders have become accustomed to. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, some mechanism is provided for providing comparable toe pressure in conjunction with the bindings of the present invention, which eliminate the use of the toe strap. This mechanism can, for example, include a boot that employs a dual lace system, with one set of laces controlling the manner in which the boot is tightened above the toe area, and the other set of laces controlling the tightening of the remainder of the boot. In this manner, the rider can tighten down the lacing in the toe area more than the remainder of the boot, to provide the desired toe pressure. Alternatively, a buckle and strap can be provided along the boot overlying the toe area, and can be used to tighten down the boot over the toes, thereby providing the desired toe pressure. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to either of these particular implementations, or even to the providing of some mechanism to increase toe pressure.[0180]
• As should be appreciated from the foregoing, the various illustrative embodiments of the boot in accordance with the present invention do not employ a large metal plate that is attached to the boot sole as in many conventional strapless bindings, and are as comfortable to walk in as traditional boots employed with strap bindings. In this respect, the above-described boots in accordance with the present invention can be used not only with a binding having a strapless forward engagement member or engagement interface in accordance with the present invention, but can also be used in conjunction with a conventional strap binding.[0181]
• In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 41, the boot includes a[0182]plug553 that covers the boot recess and binding mating feature (e.g.,recess517 androd515 in the embodiment of FIGS.34-35), so that those features of the boot are not exposed to snow, dirt, and the like when the boot is to be employed with a strap binding. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 41, theplug553 is shown in connection with a boot of the type shown in FIGS.34-35, with therod515 being shown in phantom as it is covered by theplug553. It should be understood that any of the other embodiments of a boot in accordance with the present invention can also include a plug such as553.
• The[0183]plug553 can be formed from the same material (e.g., rubber) as the outer sole of the boot, and can be formed integrally therewith. Theborder555 of theplug553 can be provided with a reduced thickness, thereby facilitating removal of the plug when the rider desires to expose the mating member (e.g., therod515 in FIG. 34) for use with a binding having a strapless engagement member in accordance with the present invention. Theborder555 is provided with a thickness (e.g., 0.5-1 mm) that is relatively thin in comparison to the portion of the outer sole525 that surrounds the border and the remainder of thepatch553. Thus, theborder555 will tear relatively easily so that the rider can remove thepatch553 by simply grasping it with a pair of pliers and pulling to separate the patch along theborder555, or by carefully using a knife or other sharp instrument to cut the patch at the border. Thepatch553 can be provided with a visual indicator identifying theborder555 to facilitate removal of the patch.
• In contrast with the embodiment of FIG. 41, wherein the boot is provided with the mating feature (e.g.,[0184]515) underlying the patch, in another illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 42, the mating feature is not disposed under thepatch553. Rather, removal of thepatch553 reveals a mounting feature that is adapted to mount the mating feature within the boot recess. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 42, the mounting feature includes a pair of T-nuts529 as discussed above in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 37. Thus, when theplug553 is removed, the rider can insert the mating member (e.g., thebar527 in the embodiment of FIGS.36-37) into the boot recess, and attach the mating member to the exposed mounting feature. For example, thebar527 can be attached to the T-nuts529 with a pair of screws in the manner described above in connection with FIGS.36-37. Thus, when the boot shown in FIG. 42 is used in connection with a strap binding, the boot advantageously does not have the mating member attached thereto. Rather, it is only after the rider decides to employ the boot with a binding including a strapless engagement member that thepatch553 is removed, and the mating member is attached to the boot sole.
• It should be understood that the particular mounting features[0185]529 shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 42 are provided merely for illustrative purposes. Other arrangements are possible. For example a single T-nut529 can be employed, as well as any other mounting feature compatible with a similar or different type of mating feature. In this respect, the rider can use a single pair of boots to adapt with a strap binding and with multiple types of bindings having different strapless engagement members by switching between different mating features to be compatible with the different types of strapless engagement members.
• In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 42, the mounting features[0186]529 are arranged to accommodate the mounting of the mating feature in a single position. However, it should be appreciated that the boot can be provided with multiple mounting features that are arranged to mount the mating feature in two or more spaced locations, thereby providing the rider with some control over the precise positioning of the mating feature.
• In the embodiments described above, it is contemplated that the[0187]patch553 would be disposable, and not reattachable to the boot sole, such that once the rider decides to switch from a boot having a conventional sole for operation with a strap binding to one that is adapted to mate with a binding including a strapless engagement member, the patch would not be reattached. However, in another embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated that thepatch553 be reattachable to the boot sole after its removal. This can be done in any number of ways. For example, the patch can include a pair of screw holes adapted to receive screws for engagement into the mounting feature in the sole that receives the binding engagement member (e.g., T-nuts529 shown in FIG. 42) to releasably engage the patch to the boot sole. Alternatively, the inner surface of the patch can include a pair of protrusions that are sized to fit within the T-nuts529, such that the patch can be press-fitted into engagement therewith. In addition, the boot sole can be provided with a dedicated mounting feature, separate from that employed to mount the binding mating feature, to mount the reattachable patch to the sole. Thus, a reattachable patch can be used to cover not only the opening in the sole of the boot, but also the binding mating feature mounted therein. These particular implementations are provided merely for illustrative purposes, and it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these or any other particular implementation of a reattachable patch.
• An alternate embodiment of the strapless engagement member is disclosed in FIGS.[0188]45-46. In this embodiment of the invention, thestrapless engagement member571 includes ahook portion573 that is similar in many respects to the hook embodiments of the invention discussed above. However, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.45-46, theengagement member571 is active (i.e., has a movable portion), so that theopening575 between thehook portion573 and atop surface17T of thebase plate17 can be altered from a larger opening size when the strapless engagement member is in the open position shown in FIG. 45, to a smaller size when theengagement member571 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 46. Thus, thestrapless engagement member571 has an open position wherein it is relatively easy for the rider to engage and disengage, and a closed position wherein thehook portion573 snugly engages the boot mating feature576 (which can be implemented in any of a number of ways as discussed above) to tightly hold down the boot when riding.
• The active[0189]strapless engagement member571 can be implemented in any of a number of ways, and the present invention is not limited to the particular implementation shown in FIGS.45-46, which is provided merely for illustrative purposes. In the particular implementation shown in the figures, thestrapless engagement member571 is biased upwardly via a biasing element (e.g., a spring)577. Acam579 is mounted to thebaseplate17 for rotation about a pivot axis defined by arod581 extending across thebaseplate17. Alever583 is attached to one end of therod581 and can be used by the rider to rotate theshaft581, and consequently thecam579 attached thereto. When the lever is rotated downwardly from the open position shown in FIG. 45 to the closed position shown in FIG. 46, the engagement between thecam579 and theengagement member571 causes thehook portion573 to be pulled downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 46, wherein theboot mating feature576 is tightly held between thehook portion573 and thetop surface17T of the baseplate. To open the strapless engagement member at the end of a ride, thelever583 is simply rotated in the reverse direction to the position shown in FIG. 45.
• As mentioned above, the concept of the present invention related to the active strapless engagement member for actively engaging the boot mating feature is not limited to the particular implementation shown in the figures, as numerous other implementations are possible. All that is necessary is that some portion of the strapless engagement member be moveable between an open position that facilitates engagement with the boot mating feature, and a closed position wherein the boot mating feature is firmly held down.[0190]
• Although the particular mating features of the boot and the patch disclosed for use therewith have been described above for use in connection with the types of bindings disclosed in this application, it should be understood that these aspects of the present invention are also not so limited, and that these features of the present invention can be employed with other types of bindings.[0191]
• As mentioned above, the strapless forward engagement member in accordance with the present invention can be implemented in any number of ways. Although the illustrative embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings each employs a strapless engagement member in the form of a hook, the present invention is not limited to these or any other particular implementations. Any arrangement that enables the boot to be held down while still experiencing lateral foot roll can be employed, including arrangements that do not employ a hook on either the boot or binding.[0192]
• As discussed above, some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a binding system including a rear engagement mechanism for holding down the heel of the snowboard boot, and an active forward engagement mechanism for holding down the toe end of the boot. Each of the rear and forward engagement mechanisms may include a lever to move the engagement mechanism between its open and closed positions. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a binding is provided with active rear and forward engagement mechanisms that are linked to a single lever for manipulating both engagement mechanisms.[0193]
• The above-described aspects of the present invention relating to step-in snowboard bindings are advantageous because they provide for convenient entry into and exit from the binding. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, any of the above-described step-in bindings can also be provided with apertures (e.g., in the sidewalls of the baseplate) similar to those provided in conventional tray bindings to enable one or more straps to be mounted to the binding so that the binding can be used in the same manner as a tray binding. For example, the binding[0194]301 of FIG. 15 can be employed without theinterface201, such that the rear latching mechanism would not be employed to hold down the heel of the boot. Rather, an ankle strap could be mounted to thesidewall307 to serve this purpose. Similar,engagement mechanism407 could be replaced by a toe strap. This feature of the present invention provides the rider with the option of converting the binding301 into a tray binding. It should be appreciated that this aspect of the present invention is not limited to use with the bindings described herein, and can be employed with any step-in or other binding that does not employ straps to engage the boot to the binding.
• It should be appreciated that different aspects of the present invention are directed to all aspects of a snowboard boot and binding system, including aspects directed to a unique step-in binding, unique boot configurations, a unique interface system for interfacing a snowboard boot to a binding, aspects relating to a rear binding latching mechanism, and aspects relating to numerous strapless forward engagement systems for engaging a snowboard boot to a binding or interface. Although numerous of these aspects of the present invention are advantageously employed together in accordance with the illustrative embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as each of these aspects of the present invention can also be employed separately. For example, the binding aspects of the present invention can be employed to directly engage a snowboard boot, rather than engaging a snowboard boot through the use of a separate interface, and can be employed separately. For example, any of the rear latching aspects of the present invention can be employed with any of the forward latching aspects of the invention, or any other forward latching mechanism. Likewise, any of the forward latching aspects of the invention can be employed with any type of rear latching mechansim, including some not disclosed herein. Similarly, the interface aspects of the present invention can be employed with numerous types of bindings, and are not limited to use with the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein.[0195]
• Having just described several illustrative embodiments of the invention, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be in the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalence thereto.[0196]

Claims (77)

1. A system for mounting a rider to a snowboard, the system comprising:

a snowboard boot having a sole including a heel area, an arch area and a toe area;

a snowboard binding;

a first engagement member; and

a second engagement member;

wherein one of the first and second engagement members is mounted to the sole of the snowboard boot forward of the arch area and the other of the first and second engagement members is mounted to the binding;

wherein the first engagement is adapted to mate with the second engagement member to releasably engage the snowboard boot to the binding; and

wherein the first engagement member is an active engagement member that is movable between a first state wherein the first engagement member does not engage the second engagement member and a second state wherein the first engagement member engages the second engagement member to inhibit lifting of the toe area of the boot from the binding during riding, and wherein the active engagement member is automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping out of the binding, from the second state to the first state.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the active engagement member is further automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping into the binding, from the first state to the second state, wherein the second engagement member is a cleat having a base mounted to one of the snowboard boot and the binding, wherein the cleat further includes medial and lateral sides, and wherein at least one of the medial and lateral sides tapers inwardly from a wider base-end portion of the cleat adjacent the base to a narrower free-end portion of the cleat away from the base.

3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the first engagement member includes a pair of spaced apart engagement members, and wherein the cleat further includes medial and lateral shelves disposed adjacent the wider base-end portion of the cleat, each of the shelves being adapted to receive one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the at least one of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread apart the pair of spaced apart engagement members as the snowboard boot steps into engagement with the binding.

5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the at least one of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread apart the pair of spaced apart engagement members as one of the cleat and the pair of spaced apart engagement members is brought straight down on top of the other.

6. The system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the medial and lateral shelves includes an outer base-facing lip that is adapted to retain the corresponding one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members on the shelf.

7. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the second engagement member includes means for automatically spreading the pair of spaced apart engagement members apart to release the cleat in response to the snowboard boot stepping out of engagement with the binding.

8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein each of the first and second engagement members is adapted to underlie a toe area of the snowboard boot, and wherein the second engagement member includes means for resisting release from the pair of spaced apart engagement members in response to a lifting force generated at the toe area of the snowboard boot.

9. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the active engagement member is further automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping into the binding, from the first state to the second state, wherein the second engagement member is a wedge-shaped cleat having a base mounted to one of the snowboard boot and the binding, and wherein the wedge-shaped cleat has medial and lateral sides that each tapers inwardly from a wider base-end portion of the cleat adjacent the base to a narrower free-end portion of the cleat away from the base.

10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the first engagement member includes a pair of spaced apart engagement members, and wherein the cleat further includes medial and lateral shelves disposed adjacent the wider base-end portion of the cleat, each of the shelves being adapted to receive one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein each of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread the pair of spaced apart engagement members apart as the snowboard boot steps into engagement with the binding.

12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein each of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread apart the pair of spaced apart engagement members as one of the cleat and the pair of spaced apart engagement members is brought straight down on top of the other.

13. The system ofclaim 11, wherein at least one of the medial and lateral shelves includes an outer base-facing lip that is adapted to retain the corresponding one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members on the shelf.

14. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the medial and lateral sides of the wedge-shaped cleat each further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat.

15. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first engagement member is mounted to the binding and the second engagement member is mounted to the snowboard boot.

16. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the at least one of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread apart the pair of spaced apart engagement members as the snowboard boot is stepped into engagement with the binding.

17. The system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is biased for movement toward the other.

18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is loop-shaped.

19. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the first engagement member further includes at least one stop adapted to inhibit migration of the second engagement member when engaged with the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

20. The system ofclaim 19, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is loop-shaped, and wherein the at least one stop has a height that is less than a height of at least one of the pair of spaced apart loop-shaped engagement members, so that the one of the pair of loop-shaped engagement members can flex over a top of the stop.

21. The system ofclaim 20, wherein each of the loop-shaped engagement members includes a loop having a length extending in a heel-to-toe direction, and wherein the at least one stop has a dimension extending in the heel-to-toe direction that is less than the length of the loop, so that the loop can flex about the stop.

22. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is spaced apart by a distance, wherein the wider base-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance, and wherein the narrower free-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

23. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the medial and lateral sides of the wedge-shaped cleat each further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat, and wherein the wider toe-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance and the narrower heel-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

24. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the medial and lateral sides of the wedge-shaped cleat each further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat.

25. The system ofclaim 18, wherein at least one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is biased for movement toward the other.

26. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the medial and lateral sides of the wedge-shaped cleat each further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat.

27. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is spaced apart by a distance, wherein the wider base-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance, and wherein the narrower free-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

28. The system ofclaim 27, wherein the medial and lateral sides of the wedge-shaped cleat each further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat, and wherein the wider toe-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance and the narrower heel-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

29. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the medial and lateral sides of the wedge-shaped cleat each further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat, and wherein the wider toe-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance and the narrower heel-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

30. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the second engagement member includes means for automatically moving the active engagement member from its first state to its second state in response to the rider stepping into the binding.

31. The system ofclaim 30, wherein the first engagement member includes a pair of spaced apart engagement members, and wherein the second engagement member includes means for automatically spreading the pair of spaced apart engagement members apart to release the second engagement member in response to the snowboard boot being stepped out of engagement with the binding.

32. The system ofclaim 31, wherein the first and second engagement members each is adapted to underlie the toe area of the snowboard boot, and wherein the second engagement member includes means for resisting release from the pair of spaced apart engagement members in response to a lifting force generated at the toe area of the snowboard boot.

33. A snowboard boot adapted for use with a binding to mount the snowboard boot to a snowboard, the binding including a pair of spaced apart engagement members, the snowboard boot comprising:

a sole; and

a cleat having a base that is supported by the sole, the cleat being adapted to be releasably engaged by the pair of spaced apart engagement members, the cleat including medial and lateral sides, wherein at least one of the medial and lateral sides tapers inwardly from a wider base-end portion of the cleat adjacent the base to a narrower free-end portion of the cleat away from the base, the at least one of the medial and lateral sides being adapted to separate the pair of spaced apart engagement members when the snowboard boot steps into the binding.

34. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the cleat further includes medial and lateral shelves disposed adjacent the wider base-end portion of the cleat, each of the shelves being adapted to receive one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

35. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the sole includes a heel area, an arch area and a toe area, and wherein the cleat is mounted to the sole of the snowboard boot forward of the arch area.

36. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the at least one of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread apart the pair of spaced apart engagement members as the cleat is brought straight down on top of the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

37. The snowboard boot ofclaim 34, wherein at least one of the medial and lateral shelves includes an outer base-facing lip that is adapted to retain the corresponding one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members on the shelf.

38. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the cleat includes means for automatically spreading the pair of spaced apart engagement members apart to release the cleat in response to the snowboard boot stepping out of engagement with the binding.

39. The snowboard boot ofclaim 38, wherein the cleat underlies a toe area of the snowboard boot, and wherein the cleat further includes means for resisting release from the pair of spaced apart engagement members in response to a lifting force generated at the toe area of the snowboard boot.

40. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the cleat is wedge-shaped, and wherein the wedge-shaped cleat has medial and lateral sides that each tapers inwardly from the wider base-end portion of the cleat to the narrower free-end portion of the cleat.

41. The snowboard boot ofclaim 40, wherein each of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread the pair of spaced apart engagement members apart as the snowboard boot steps into the binding.

42. The snowboard boot ofclaim 41, wherein each of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat is adapted to spread apart the pair of spaced apart engagement members as the cleat is brought straight down on top of the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

43. The snowboard boot ofclaim 40, wherein the cleat further includes medial and lateral shelves disposed adjacent the wider base-end portion of the cleat, each of the shelves being adapted to receive one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members, and wherein at least one of the medial and lateral shelves includes an outer base-facing lip that is adapted to retain the corresponding one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members on the shelf.

44. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the at least one of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat.

45. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is spaced apart by a distance, and wherein the wider base-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance, and wherein the narrower free-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

46. The snowboard boot ofclaim 45, wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is spaced apart by a distance, wherein the cleat further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat, and wherein the wider toe-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance and the narrower heel-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

47. The snowboard boot ofclaim 35, wherein the cleat underlies a toe area of the snowboard boot.

48. The snowboard boot ofclaim 33, wherein the cleat further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat, and wherein the wider toe-end portion of the cleat is wider than the distance and the narrower heel-end portion of the cleat is narrower than the distance.

49. The snowboard boot ofclaim 34, wherein the cleat further includes medial and lateral shelves disposed adjacent the wider base-end portion of the cleat, each of the shelves being adapted to receive one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

50. The snowboard boot ofclaim 40, wherein the medial and lateral sides of the cleat each further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat.

51. A snowboard boot adapted for use with a binding to mount the snowboard boot to a snowboard, the binding including a first engagement member, the snowboard boot comprising:

a sole; and

a second engagement member supported by the sole, the second engagement member including engagement means for releasably engaging the first engagement member, the engagement means including means for automatically disengaging from the first engagement member in response to the snowboard boot stepping out of engagement with the binding.

52. The snowboard boot ofclaim 51, wherein the second engagement member further includes means for automatically engaging the first engagement member in response to the snowboard boot stepping into the binding, and wherein the second engagement member underlies a toe area of the snowboard boot.

53. The snowboard boot ofclaim 52, wherein the engagement means further includes means for resisting release from the first engagement member in response to a lifting force generated at the toe area of the snowboard boot.

54. A snowboard binding to mount a snowboard boot to a snowboard, the snowboard boot including a first engagement member, the snowboard binding comprising:

a base; and

a second engagement member, mounted to the base, that is adapted to mate with the first engagement member to releasably engage the snowboard boot to the binding, the second engagement member being an active engagement member that is movable between a first state wherein the second engagement member does not engage the first engagement member and a second state wherein the second engagement member engages the first engagement member to inhibit lifting of the boot from the binding during riding, and wherein the active engagement member is automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping out of the binding, from the second state to the first state.

55. The snowboard binding ofclaim 54, wherein the active engagement member is further automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping into the binding, from the first state to the second state, wherein the first engagement member includes a cleat having a base mounted to a sole of the snowboard boot and medial and lateral sides, and wherein the second engagement member includes a pair of spaced apart engagement members each adapted to engage one of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat.

56. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is adapted to be spread apart as the snowboard boot steps into engagement with the binding.

57. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members extends in a substantially heel-to-toe direction along a length of the binding.

58. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein the second engagement member is adapted to underlie a toe area of the snowboard boot, and wherein the second engagement member includes means for resisting release of the cleat from the pair of spaced apart engagement members in response to a lifting force generated at the toe area of the snowboard boot.

59. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein at least one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is biased for movement toward the other.

60. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is loop-shaped.

61. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein the second engagement member further includes at least one stop adapted to inhibit migration of the cleat when engaged with the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

62. The snowboard binding ofclaim 61, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is loop-shaped, and wherein the at least one stop has a height that is less than a height of at least one of the pair of spaced apart loop-shaped engagement members, so that the one of the pair of loop-shaped engagement members can flex over a top of the stop.

63. The snowboard binding ofclaim 62, wherein each of the loop-shaped engagement members includes a loop having a length extending in a heel-to-toe direction, and wherein the at least one stop has a dimension extending in the heel-to-toe direction that is less than the length of the loop, so that the loop can flex about the stop.

64. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein the cleat has a wider base-end portion and a narrower free-end portion, and wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is spaced apart by a distance that is greater than the narrower free-end portion of the cleat and smaller than the wider base-end portion of the cleat.

65. The snowboard binding ofclaim 64, wherein each of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat further tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat, and wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is spaced apart by a distance that is greater than the narrower heel-end portion of the cleat and smaller than the wider toe-end portion of the cleat.

66. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is biased for movement toward the other.

67. The snowboard binding ofclaim 66, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is loop-shaped.

68. The snowboard binding ofclaim 54, wherein the first engagement member is disposed to underlie a toe area of the snowboard boot.

69. The snowboard binding ofclaim 64, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is loop-shaped.

70. The snowboard binding ofclaim 69, wherein at least one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is biased for movement toward the other.

71. The snowboard binding ofclaim 65, wherein each of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is loop-shaped.

72. The snowboard binding ofclaim 71, wherein at least one of the pair of spaced apart engagement members is biased for movement toward the other.

73. The snowboard binding ofclaim 55, wherein each of the medial and lateral sides of the cleat tapers along a length of the cleat from a wider toe-end portion of the cleat to a narrower heel-end portion of the cleat, and wherein the pair of spaced apart engagement members is spaced apart by a distance that is greater than the narrower heel-end portion of the cleat and smaller than the wider toe-end portion of the cleat.

74. A method of interfacing a first engagement member on a snowboard boot with a second engagement member on a snowboard binding that is engageable with the first engagement member to mount the snowboard boot to a snowboard, wherein at least one of the first and second engagement members is an active engagement member that is moveable between an open position and a closed position, the method comprising a step of:

(A) stepping the snowboard boot out of the snowboard binding so that the active engagement member automatically moves from the closed position to the open position without operating a lever on the snowboard boot or the snowboard binding, so that the first engagement member is disengaged from the second engagement member.

75. The method ofclaim 74, further comprising a step of:

(B) stepping the snowboard boot into the snowboard binding so that the active engagement member automatically moves between the open and closed positions without operating a lever on the snowboard boot or the snowboard binding, so that the first engagement member engages with the second engagement member.

76. The method ofclaim 74, wherein the step (B) includes a step of stepping the snowboard boot into the snowboard binding so that the first engagement member is brought substantially straight down on top of the second engagement member.

77. The method ofclaim 74, wherein the snowboard boot includes a sole having a heel area, an arch area and a toe area, wherein the first engagement member is mounted on the toe area of the sole, and wherein the step (A) includes a step of stepping the snowboard boot out of the snowboard binding by first lifting the heel area of the sole away from the snowboard binding and pivoting the snowboard boot forward about the toe area of the sole.

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