Patent ID: 6293577
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: A63C

Abstract:
A binding for securing a boot to a snowboard, said binding comprising:a base portion adapted to be secured to the snowboard;a heel support portion carried by said base portion;an ankle and toe securement assembly pivotally mounted with respect to said base portion and movable between an open position wherein a boot can be readily inserted into and removed from said binding and a closed position wherein said assembly bears against portions of a boot inserted into said binding and cooperates with said base and heel support portions to encase the boot within the binding, said closed position including a plurality of selected pivotal positions of said securement assembly relative to said base portion, said securement assembly including at least one flexible strap element secured thereto; anda pair of locking assemblies, each of said locking assemblies comprising a first portion and a second portion, said first portions being carried by laterally opposed portions of said securement assembly and said second portions being carried by laterally opposed portions of said base portion, said first and second portions of each of said locking assemblies cooperating to maintain said securement assembly in said closed position upon said securement assembly being pivoted to said closed position, thereby securing and supporting the boot within the binding, and a release mechanism operable to interrupt the cooperation of said first and second portions such that said securement assembly can be pivoted to said open position.