Patent ID: 6343809
Filing Date: 2002-02-05
Classification: A43B,A63C

Abstract:
A snowboard boot suitable for use with a step-in binding system, said system comprising:a base adapted to receive the snowboard boot; at least one movable engagement member that is mounted to the base for movement between an open position and a closed position in which the engagement member is adapted to secure the boot in the binding; a lever mechanically coupled to the engagement member and adapted to move the engagement member from the closed position to the open position, the lever being movable between a first position corresponding to the engagement member being in the closed position and a second position corresponding to the engagement member being in the open position; and an engagement indicator which indicates to a snowboarder that the boot is secured to said binding in a properly secured arrangement, an indication of the properly secured arrangement by the engagement indicator being one of: (i) the appearance of a colored surface which moves to indicate that the engagement member is in the closed position; (ii) the disappearance of a colored surface which moves to indicate that the engagement member is in the closed position; (iii) the movement of a member operatively associated with said binding to reveal or conceal a colored surface in order to indicate that the engagement member is in the closed position; or (iv) an audible signal indicating that the engagement member is in the closed position, said signal being generated by an audible signal producing mechanism operatively associated with said at least one movable engagement member said snowboard boot having at least one engageable portion for engagement with said at least one engagement member when said engagement member is in said closed position.