Patent ID: 6543159
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: A43B,A43C

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a snowboard boot having an upper at least partially made of relatively soft material; a strap including a first end, a second end, and an adjustable fastener that is engageable with the second end to allow selective tightening and loosening of the strap; and attachment means for removably attaching the strap to the snowboard boot, the attachment means including means for enabling the first end of the strap to be attached, removed and reattached at a first attachment location of the snowboard boot, and means for enabling the adjustable fastener to be attached, removed and reattached at a second attachment location of the snowboard boot; wherein when the first end and the adjustable fastener are attached to the snowboard boot and the second end is engaged with the adjustable fastener, the strap extends across a portion of the snowboard boot, to inhibit a portion of a rider's foot from lifting in the snowboard boot; wherein the boot includes an instep area corresponding to an in step bone of a rider and the strap includes a first portion that extends above the instep area of the boot and a second portion that extends below the instep area, the first and second portions being separated by a gap defined therebetween, the gap being arranged to overlie the instep area of the boot so that the first and second portions of the strap avoid creation of a pressure point on the instep area of the boot.