Patent Publication Number: US-6705634-B2

Title: Snowboard boot and binding apparatus

Description:
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/935,729, filed on Aug. 23, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,248, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/667,429, filed on Sep. 21, 2000 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,578, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/399,633 filed on Sep. 20, 1999, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/244,271 filed on Feb. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,422, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/489,167 filed on Jun. 9, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,730, which is in turn a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/292,485 filed Aug. 18, 1994 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,406. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to boot binding assemblies, and more particularly to a binding assembly for securing boots to a snow board, including bale elements for attachment to the boots, the elements in turn engageable with a pair of bindings for attachment to the snow board, and the bindings being designed with structural elements that avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Since the advent of the snowboard, numerous types of bindings have been invented in order to properly secure a rider&#39;s boots, but as will be described in the following, these devices leave some problems unsolved. The snowboard is an elongated structure with upturns at one or both ends. It is normally shorter and wider than the more typical snow ski conventionally used in pairs. Instead of having the feet bound on separate skis and pointing forward, they are both bound to a single snow board and usually face generally towards the sides, although some adjustment of their position is a useful feature. At first glance, the use of the board appears similar to a small surfboard. A significant different is that the rider&#39;s feet are simply placed on a surfboard whereas the snow board system requires the rider&#39;s feet to be bound to the board for maximum maneuverability. Current snow board bindings are of two major categories, for use with soft boots or hard boots. The choice of boot type depends on the riding style, with the soft boot used for freestyle and free riding, and hard boots for alpine and racing. One type of soft board binding uses two or three straps attached to a plate mounted to the snow board. The straps are wrapped over the instep of the boot, around the ankle and then fastened together with ratcheting buckles. This kind of binding causes severe difficulties for a number of reasons, including the fact that at least one boot must be removed from its binding whenever the skier needs propulsion on level or uphill conditions, such as when making one&#39;s way to a ski lift. In order to emphasize this particular problem, consider a typical scenario. First the rider secures the front foot to the board. In order to do so, one sits in the snow, reaches down to clear snow that has collected in the binding or on the bottom of the boot, and then opens the now loose series of straps and puts the boot in the binding. With gloved hands, one has to engage a series of ratcheting mechanical buckles to secure the front boot. Once the front boot is secured the rider is ready to enter the ski lift to the top of the mountain. Arriving at the top, the rear boot must be mounted to the board in a similar fashion. When the skier reaches the bottom of the hill, the rear boot is released from the binding and the process is repeated, over and over again for every run, which can amount to an average of 40 to 50 times in a day. 
     The problem of exiting from the bindings is not only a nuisance compounded by the cold and clumsiness of gloved hands, but it is also dangerous. During the 1992-1993 season it was reported in the Tahoe area that two snowboarders died from suffocation in the heavy powder. In many such emergency situations it is extremely important to be able to quickly exit from the board in order to gain maneuverability. An additional problem with the strap type of bindings is that pressure from the straps is transferred to the users foot, particularly while riding the lift. This pressure over the day causes muscle fatigue and pain. 
     Attempts have been made to design “step-in” snow board bindings, examples of which will be described in the following discussion. A problem with these attempts is that they consist of complex mechanical apparatus containing pockets and crevices which accumulate ice and snow in a way that causes operational failure or difficulties. 
     The need for ease of entry and quick exit for safety reasons was discussed above. In addition, one might wonder about a possible need for automatic release from a snow board such as is generally incorporated in the more conventional two ski apparatus. The answer to this is that with conventional snow skis, the users feet are bound to separate skis of lengthy dimensions. In a fall, the possibilities for entanglement and various leverages to the limbs is great. In contrast, both feet are bound to a single relatively short board in the snow board application, a condition that does not contain nearly as much probability of applying damaging leverage to a skiers limbs. Also, one might wonder if the principles used in conventional snow skies would be applied to snow board bindings. The answer again, is that the two applications are significantly different. For example, the conventional snow ski is used alone with rigid boots, requiring a different type of binding than that required for use with the soft snow ski boot. Also, the release mechanisms in conventional snow skis dominate their design and are not useful with snow boards because the boots on a snow board are mounted generally transverse to the board length, a condition that can not generate the leverage required to release such a binding. 
     From the above discussion, it is clear that one of the design factors in a successful snow board binding is ease of entry and exit. Other factors include simplicity, low cost and reliability. One example of a binding design that addresses the problem of ease of entry and exit is the disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,118 by Pozzobon et al. describing a binding that can be entered with a downward thrust of the foot. The bottom of the boot has cavities to match upwardly protruding captivating extensions attached to the board, one of which is slidably mounted and spring loaded to allow the binding protrusions to snap in place in the boot. One disadvantage of this approach is the presence of the cavity in the bottom of the boot which must be kept free of snow and ice buildup in order to function properly. The binding also has numerous springs and slidable parts which, if not carefully designed and manufactured could be susceptible to moisture penetration and jamming due to ice formation. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,443 by Kincheloe there is disclosed a binding composed of a plate mounted to a board having upturned captivating edges forming a socket. A matching mating plate is attached to the bottom of the boot which the user must then align with the socket and slidably make engagement. The locking mechanism in the socket has concealed crevices potentially allowing penetration of moisture which could freeze and render the release mechanism inoperable, as well as the joints between the sliding plate and socket during operation. 
     Glaser, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,823 discloses a binding having a plate mounted to the board with a fixed position longitudinally oriented socket on one side and an oppositely disposed spring loaded slidable socket on the other side. A plate is attached to the boot in a manner similar to Kincheloe with one edge protruding longitudinally from one side of the boot, and an opposing edge from the other side of the boot. In operation, the user places one edge of the plate in the first socket, and forces the opposing edge downward upon the slidable socket which has a tapered edge so that when the user forces the edge of the plate down against the tapered edge, the socket moves away until the opposing edge snaps into the socket. The disadvantage of this design is that snow and ice can form inside the sockets of the binding plate, making full engagement either impossible or difficult. Also, the slidable spring loaded socket has a multitude of springs and interconnecting parts, which again raise the probability of moisture penetration which could freeze and render the mechanism inoperable. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,073 by Raines, a binding is disclosed which is similar to the Glaser invention in that a plate is again attached to the boot with protruding edges on either side. The binding portion attached to the board consists of a separate socket on one side. On the other side, a socket is formed from a spring loaded hinged cap member that snaps into position over the protruding edge of the boot plate when the user forces the boot plate down into position. A disadvantage of this design is that snow buildup can occur in the socket, particularly the hinged portion, and defeat proper operation. In the event that less than full locking is obtained, the device may appear to be secure but could work loose with upward boot pressure causing unwanted ejection. 
     There is clearly a need for a simple binding mechanism involving few parts that resists the detrimental build up of snow and ice and in which the user can be certain that upon entry, the binding is secure. 
     Another problem with snowboard binding systems is the need for adjustable support of the riders foot as indicated by the above mentioned use of either soft or hard boots. No current method or boot system exists that will allow a skier to adjust the degree of support to his foot and ankle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved binding for use with snow boards that provides “step-in” easy entry and retains the user on the board until manually disengaged. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a snow board binding that allows for rapid exit. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a binding that has few moving parts and is cost effective to manufacture. 
     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a binding that is not susceptible to malfunction due to accumulation of ice and snow. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a snow board binding that will not release accidently. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a binding that results in a more uniform distribution of pressure on a users foot. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus allowing a skier to adjust the amount and angle of support to his feet. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a secure binding latching mechanism that compensates for binding wear and ice and snow buildup under the boots. 
     Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a binding assembly for attaching a boot to a snow board, designed in a manner to avoid cavities that can accumulate ice and snow and defeat its operation. The system includes first and second boot mounted bales in the form of rigid loops that extend from each side of the boot soles, and a pair of bindings attached to the snow board. Each binding has a base including elongated, slotted holes for rotatably adjustable mounting to a snow board with a friction washer therebetween. A loop-shaped hooked structure extends from one side of the base faith the hook facing outward. On the opposite side of the base is a loop-shaped structure with upright ends having a downward and outwardly sloping camming surface ending in a bale-receiving notch. A spring loaded latch is pivotally mounted outboard from and above the notch, and includes a lever with a generally outwardly protruding handle on one side of the lever pivot axis, and a bale latching portion on the other side of the pivot. By placing the first bale over the hook and then thrusting the second bale downward against the latching portion and into engagement with the camming structure, the first bale is drawn into engagement with the hook as the second bale is guided by the sloping surface into the notch where it is retained by the latch. The bale latching portion has a cam shaped surface providing secure latching in spite of ice or snow buildup or wear. In order to release the binding, the user simply rotates the latch handle upward, freeing the bales. 
     For adjustable support to the skiers foot, the boot and binding apparatus includes an adjustable boot insert, and a plate or shank on the bottom inside of the boot, the plate interconnected preferably with the bale element. The combination of the plate, and the adjustable boot insert formed around the users foot, gives the skier control over the angle and amount of foot and an ankle support. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to enter wit only a downward movement of the boot, and to exit with a single motion of a lever fully under user control. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that due to the loop shaped structures, there are no cavities to accumulate snow and ice to defeat the proper operation of the binding. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is its simplicity of structure allowing for economical manufacture. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it results in a more uniformly distributed pressure on the users foot, both during use and in unweighting conditions such as when riding a chair lift, by eliminating the straps of a conventional binding. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is the provision of a latch that adjusts for wear and ice and snow buildup under the boots. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates the use of a preferred embodiment of the present invention for binding a pair of boots to a snow board; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the boot bale and binding illustrated in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the base and latch subassembly illustrated in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a first view of a series of transverse cross-sectional views illustrating various positions of the bale relative to the binding during the engagement process; 
     FIG. 5 is a second view of a series of transverse cross-sectional views illustrating various positions of the bale relative to the binding during the engagement process; 
     FIG. 6 is a third view of a series of transverse cross-sectional views illustrating various positions of the bale relative to the binding during the engagement process; 
     FIG. 7 is a fourth view of a series of transverse cross-sectional views illustrating various positions of the bale relative to the binding during the engagement process; 
     FIG. 7 a  is a simplified view of the view shown in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 8 gives detail of the shape of the latch bale engagement surface; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention including a latch with a spring loaded rod assembly; 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B show an alternate embodiment of the latch including a pivoted block and handle assembly faith the bale positioned for engagement in FIG.  10 A and at full locking engagement in FIG. 10B; 
     FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate another embodiment of the latch including a notched wheel with a recess for receiving the bale; and 
     FIG. 12 is an illustration of a latch including a handle attached to the base by a spring. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a boot equipped with an adjustable foot support and bale element; 
     FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a boot with an insert of fixed configuration, mounted with a shank and bale element; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the insert of FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an adjustable, removable foot support; 
     FIGS. 17A,  17 B and  17 C are side views of the adjustable foot support of FIG. 16 adjusted at various angles; 
     FIG. 18 is an alternate embodiment of a binding assembly having inwardly directed hooked shaped members; 
     FIGS. 19A,  19 B and  19 C illustrate various stages of engaging a bale element with an alternate embodiment of a latch having a frontal recess, as part of a binding having outwardly directed hooked members; 
     FIGS. 20A,  20 B,  20 C,  20 D and  20 E illustrate various stages of engaging a bale element with an alternate embodiment of a latch having a frontal recess, as part of a binding having inwardly directed hooked members; 
     FIG. 21 illustrates an alternate bale and boot sole support apparatus; and 
     FIGS. 22A,  22 B,  22 C and  22 D illustrate a wheel and prong latch with an inwardly directed hooked member. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in use in FIG. 1 wherein boots  10  and  12  are mounted to snow board  14  by way of binding assemblies  16  and  18 . The board  14  as shown has an upturned front end  15  and a tail end  17  that optionally may also by turned upward. The boots  10  and  12  are illustrated in the usual transverse position to the length of the board. A skier can quickly and easily release the boots from the bindings by simply pulling upward on the levers  76 ,  77 . Entering the bindings is done by positioning the boot over the binding and stepping downward, causing it to latch into place, a feature fully described in the following detailed description. As will be explained in the following, provision is also provided for adjusting the angle “A” of the boots on the board with toe inward or outward from the strict transverse position shown. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the details of a preferred embodiment as incorporated in boot  12  and binding assembly  18 . Boot  10  and assembly  16  are simply mirror images of the apparatus of FIG.  2  and need not be separately shown. The binding assembly  18  includes a bale assembly  20  and a binding  44 . The bale assembly  20  is of approximately rectangular or trapezoidal shape with a front side segment  22  shown somewhat longer than the rear side segment  24 , the front and rear segments being interconnected by first and second opposing bale end segments  26  and  28 . The length of the front segment  22  relative to the rear segment  24  causes bale segments  26  and  28  to angle out from each other somewhat, the purpose being to orient the segments  26  and  28  substantially parallel to the sides of the boot sole  30 . This orientation is preferred for space conserving purposes because any additional protrusions from the boot can be a nuisance when walking. Other orientations are also functional, such as segments  26  and  28  lying parallel to each other, and are included in the spirit of the invention. The bale assembly  20  as shown is bolted to the sole  30  of the boot  12  by a retaining plate  32  secured with bolts  34 . The bale assembly  20  is illustrated in position on the boot  12  by the dashed outline on either side of the boot  12  at positions  36  and  38 . Of particular note are the substantially rectangular left and right side bale openings  40  and  42 . In the preferred embodiment, the bale assemblies  20  are constructed with the segments  26  and  28  having a cylindrical cross section which ensures maximum contact with the binding  44 , as will become evident in the following detailed description. The rod structure is an efficient shape, structurally allowing a maximum strength to material gauge ratio. The round cross section is preferred because it is required to make contact with a camming surface and a latch at various angles as it is thrust into the binding, a fact that still be fully illustrated in the figures of the drawing. The bale side segments  22  and  24  perform two important functions, including the creation of a rigid and constant space between the two bale end segments  26  and  28 , and providing hold down support for the boot. Other methods of fabricating a retaining plate, bale, and attachment to the sole  30  will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and are included in the spirit of this invention. One alternative would be an integral molded/cast bale and retaining plate-captivated within a molded boot sole. 
     The binding  44  has a base  46  including a frame  48  elevated in the figure to show a gasket  49  providing a friction interface between the frame  48  and board  14  when bolted together by bolts  104  through holes  100  and into tapped holes  102  in the board  14 . The frame  48  is shown to have front and rear upward and outwardly arcing hook-shaped members  52  and  54  provided on a first side  36  of base  46  and joined at their tops by a cross bar  58 . The hooked members  52  and  54  are configured so as to form bale-receiving recesses  60  and  62 . The loop shaped structures formed by the members  52 ,  54  and cross bar  58  allow for passage of ice and snow through the opening  59 . The surfaces of recesses  60  and  62  are designed to be narrow so as to create sufficient pressure against an engaging bale element surface to dislodge any ice or snow deposited thereon. In the preferred embodiment of segments  26 ,  28 , their cross section is circular, resulting in a minimal contact area between each segment  26 ,  28  and the surfaces  62 ,  72 , a condition resulting in high pressure, causing the segment to efficiently wipe away any ice and snow on the surfaces. On a second side  64  of base  46 , approximately opposite the first side  56 , the frame  48  is shown bent upwardly and forming a pair of saddle-shaped side members  63 ,  65 , each including an inner upright  66  and an outer upright  68 . The inner uprights  66  are joined together at their tops by a cross bar  70  while the outer uprights  68  are joined at their tops by a pivot shaft or pin  69 . The outer edges of uprights  66  slope outwardly to form camming surfaces  72  leading into the bale-receiving notches  74 . Disposed between uprights  68  and pivotally affixed thereto by pin  69  is a latch  76 . 
     The uprights  66 ,  68 , cross bar  70  and shaft  69  form loop structures similar to the members  52 ,  54  and cross bar  58 , to provide a structure absent of any cavities that can accumulate ice and snow, and the narrow camming surfaces  72  provide a high pressure in contact with the bale element  28  to dislodge any ice or snow therefrom. 
     The holes  100  are shown in the form of four arcuately shaped slots, positioned along a circumference coaxial with a rotational axis “B”, through which bolts  104  are inserted to secure the frame  48  to the board  14 . With the bolts  104  loosened, the frame  48  can be rotated to adjust the orientation angle “A” of the boots  10 ,  12  as was briefly described in reference to FIG.  1 . Although the elongated holes as shown are preferred, the holes  100  could be of any number and of various shapes including numerous bolt clearance holes in the frame  48  along a circumference coaxial with axis “B”, which would provide for incremental adjustments. 
     The embodiment of the present invention described in the various figures presents the preferred construction. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications could be made which retain the spirit of the invention, which is predominantly the loop shaped structures avoiding cavities that could accumulate ice and snow, and the novel cam latch. These modifications are included in the spirit of the invention. For example, although two upright members  66  and hooked shaped members  52  and  54  are shown, a quantity of one or more could be used to serve the purpose of guiding the bale segments into notched recesses, and these variations should be considered as part of the present invention. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the latch  76 , pin  69  and a spring  88  are shown more clearly in an exploded view. The uprights  68  are joined near their tops by the pin  69 . The latch  76  and spring  88  are mounted on the pin  69 , the spring  88  pretensioned during assembly, functioning to urge the latch  76  into a position resting on the bale element when engaged in the notch  74 , as well be fully explained in the following description. When the bale elements are removed from the binding, as in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cross bar  70  conveniently acts as a stop for the latch  76  resting thereon as shown in FIG.  2 . This is an optional feature of the present invention. The spring  88  has hooked ends  90  retained in spring retaining slots  92 , and a lever portion  94  bearing against the bottom  96  of the latch  76  in groove  98  when assembled. 
     FIG. 3 also shows the loop shaped structure of cross bar  70  and uprights  66  more clearly, which provide the novel feature of an absence of snow collecting cavities, allowing ice and snow to move freely through the opening  99  under the cross bar  70 , and axle  69  and latch  76 . 
     The figure additionally shows the frame  48  bolted to the board  14  with the friction washer  49  sandwiched therebetween. 
     FIGS. 4-7 give further detail of the latch  76  and its operation in securing the boot in the binding  44 . In general, FIGS. 4-7 illustrate the functional importance of the surfaces  72  in guiding the bale segment  28  downward and outward, guiding its lateral motion so as to allow the bale segment  26  to first rest on surface  122  laterally outside of the hook  52  and cross bar  58 , and as the bale segment  28  is forced downward, it is guided first by surface  110  of the latch  76  and then by surface edges  72  laterally outward in a controlled manner, pulling the segment  26  into the hook  52 . In further detail now, FIG. 4 show that the latch  76  has an extension  108  with a trough shaped upper surface  110  and a bale-engaging or latching surface  112 . The surface  112  has a compound curvature with a first portion  114  dimensioned at a radius R1 from the rotational axis  116  of the latch  76  defined by the center of the pin  69 . The distance R2 to the cross bar is dimensioned somewhat greater than the radius R1 from the axis  116 , allowing the extension  108  to move upward and partially past the cross bar  70 . The surface  112  has a second portion  118  having a radius R3 from axis  116 , R3 being greater than R1. The dimensioning of R2 is further defined so that as the extension  108  is rotated upward, the surface of the lower portion  118  interferes with and rests upon the surface of the cross bar  70 , stopping rotation of latch  76  under influence of spring  88 . This feature of stopping the latch rotation on the bar  70  is a convenience feature, functioning when the bale segment  28  is removed as shown in FIG.  4 . The critical function of the novel dimensioning of the camming surface  112 , including the selection of R1 and R3, is for locking the bale segment  28  in the notch  74 , as will be explained more fully in the following descriptions. The bale-receiving notch  74  is dimensioned relative to the axis  116  so that when the bale segment  28  is lodged in the notch  74 , the second portion  118  of surface  112  is in engagement with the segment  28 , locking it in place. Due to the progressively increasing radius of the surface  112  from the axis  116  from R1 to R3, the surface  112  will wedge against the element  28  even if the bale segment  28  is displaced in the notch as a result of ice or snow under the boot or in the notch  74 , or in the event of dimensional variations caused by manufacturing tolerances or wear. This important feature still be more fully shown in the following figures of the drawing. As illustrated, the latch  76  also has a handle or lever extension  120  by which a user may rotate the latch counter-clockwise as depicted in FIGS. 4-7 to release the bale segment  28  from the notch  74 . 
     FIGS. 4,  5 ,  6  and  7  illustrate in sequence how the first and second end segments  26  and  28  are engaged and retained by the binding  44 . For reference, the bale-shaped dashed lines in each of FIGS. 5-7 are included as indications of the position of the bale position displayed in each preceding figure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the end segment  26  is first placed over the cross bar  58  connected to hook member  52  through opening  42 , and lowered into engagement with the surface  122  as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, moving from a first portion as indicated by dashed lines at  117  to a second portion at  119 . The boot  12  and bale segment  28  are then rotated in the clockwise direction so that the segment  28  engages surface  110  of latch  76 , rotating it counter-clockwise from a position indicated by dashed lines at  121  to a second portion at  123 , and to engage cam surface  72 . Surface  110  is trough-shaped in the preferred embodiment, which configuration lends to temporarily guide the bale segment  28 , keeping it from slipping off to the left of bar  70 , and also aiding in transferring the downward thrust of the bale segment  28  to rotational movement of the latch  76 . 
     As segment  28  moves downward and outward as shown in FIG. 6 from a position  125  indicated by the dashed lines to a position  127 , the cam surface  72  causes the bale to be drawn rightwardly as indicated by arrow  132 , so that segment  26  is pulled from position  134  to position  136  into hooked engagement with hook members  52 ,  54 . Note that as segment  28  moves down the surface  72 , it also moves past the tip  138  of latch  76  as the latch is rotated out of the way from a first position at  131  to a second position at  133 . 
     In FIG. 7, end segment  28  has slipped by the latch tip  138  from position  135  indicated by dashed lines to position  137 , and end segments  26  and  28  are shown fully engaged with the binding  44 . In this position segment  28  rests fully in the notch  74 , and segment  26  is pulled fully into the hooked recess  60 . Note that when segment  28  passes the tip  138 , the latch moves from position  139  to  141 , rotated by spring  88  into its latching position with surface  118  engaging the top of end segment  28 . In this position the bale is fully captivated in the binding  44 . Any tendency toward upward motion of the segment  26  is resisted by the hooked members  52 ,  54 , and any tendency toward upward motion of the segment  28  is resisted by the latch  76 . The location of the axis  116  above and slightly outward from the notch  74  is an important design parameter in securing the segment  28 . In this position at  141 , any upward force on the second segment  28  will exert a force component against the surface  112  primarily towards the axis  116  which does not tend to rotate the latch  76 . Due to the axis being slightly outward from the notch  74 , a minor component of force is also exerted tangentially to the surface  112  tending to rotate the latch clockwise, but due to the progressive increase in the distance of the camming surface  112  from the axis  116  as above described, such motion causes the segment to be more firmly compressed between the surface  112  and notch  74  due to the portion of surface  112  with increased radius being forced into contact with the segment  28 . Also, the shape of the opening  143  between the surface  112  and surface  72  resists movement of the segment  28 . FIG. 7 also shows that if the latch is held in position  139 , there is a gap  123  between the segment  28  and surface  112  when the segment is fully engaged in the notch  74 . This again is a result of the camming shape of surface  112 , and makes it possible for the latch  76  to adjust for variations in the resting portion of the segment  28  in its notch, allowing it to firmly secure the segment  28  even if there is snow or ice under the boot such as at  125  holding it up from the frame  48 , or ice in the notch  74  holding the segment up. If the ice or snow compresses after initial latching, the latch will automatically rotate clockwise due to spring  88  forcing the surface  112  to maintain contact with the segment  28 . This feature is perhaps more clearly shown in FIG. 7 a  which shows the binding in a position with a slight gap  127  between the segment  28  and the bottom of the notch  74 . 
     FIG. 8 gives a more detailed description of a preferred contour of the cam latch surface  112  showing the upper surface  114  having a much longer radius of curvature than the lower surface  118 . Each of the multiplicity of line lengths  147  represents the radius of the surface  112  at the point intersected by the line. It should be noted that this information on the surface  112  curvature is in addition to the description above in relation to FIG. 4 which details the surface  112  position relative to the axis  116 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 9 of the drawing, there is shown an alternate form of latch apparatus  140  for captivating the end segment  28  (not shown) within the notch  74 . This embodiment includes a block  142  shown in cross-section with bore or other passageway  144  passing therethrough. The block has a bracket  146  extending outward therefrom upon which a lever  148  is hinged and urged by a spring  150  to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow  152 . The lever  148  has a first end  154  serving as a handle to enable the user to release the latch, and a second end  156  hinged to a latching pin or bar  158  having a tapered end  160  upon which end segment  28  (not shown) may bear against during the process of engaging the bale with the binding as the end segment  28  moves in a downward direction as indicated by arrow  162 , urging the pin  158  rightwardly against the force of the spring  150 , and camming along the surface  130  to the rest position  164  in the notch  165 . This embodiment may also include the addition of an optional bale-guiding member  166  which would serve to assist in the initial registration of the bale with the binding  44 . Other latch configurations for capturing the bale within the notch  165  will no doubt also be apparent to those who are skilled in the art, after having read this disclosure, and are included as within the spirit of the present invention. 
     Other alternate embodiments of latching mechanisms are shown in FIGS. 10-12. FIGS. 10A and 10B show a binding with an outwardly hooked member  170  for receiving the bale end segment  26 . Opposite the hooked member  170  there is a saddle shaped extension  172  extending upward from a base plate  174 . The general structure of the hooked member  170 , base plate  174  and member  172  is similar to that of FIGS. 2-7, the hooked member  170  and saddle shaped extension  172  each being one of a pair mounted on or formed from the base or frame  174  and joined together by cross bars  176  and  178 . For simplicity of depiction, only a planar side view is shown. In a similar manner to the apparatus of FIGS. 2-7, there is a downward and outwardly sloping surface  180  to guide segment  28  and cause segment  26  once contacting surface  204  to be pulled into the hooked recess  182  of hook  170 . 
     The latching mechanism includes a captivation block  184  pivotably mounted on pin  186  to a support plate  187 , with a semicircular recess  188 . A handle  190  is pivotably mounted on pin  192  at a first end to one side of block  184  at a distance from the pin  186 . The handle is also pivotably joined to the plate  187  by a doubly pivoted member  194  having a first end  196  joined to the handle  190  by pin  198  and a second end  200  pivotably joined to the plate  187  by pin  202 . Once the segment is in the latched position as shown in FIG. 10B, the handle  190  is restrained by spring  203  from moving up to the release position of FIG.  10 A. 
     FIG. 10A shows the block  184  rotated by handle  190 , placing recess  188  upward in a position to accept segment  28  therein. A downward movement of the segment  26  places it in contact with surface  204 , and a similar downward thrust of segment  28  causes it to be guided by surface  206  into recess  188 , causing the rotation of block  184  counter clockwise as viewed in FIG. 10, which rotation moves handle  190  and member  194  into the position as shown in FIG. 10B, being locked into position in that an upward thrust on segment  28  is resisted by the orientation of the handle  190  and member  194 . 
     The apparatus of FIGS. 11A,  11 B, and  11 C illustrates another latching mechanism. As in FIG. 10, there is a pair of hooked members  170  extending from a base plate  174  joined by a cross bar  176 , and opposing saddle shaped extensions  210  joined by a cross bar  178 , the extensions  210  having downward and outwardly extending surfaces  212  for guiding the second bale segment  28 . The latch consists of a circular member  214  mounted on axle  216  to a support plate extending from the base  174  but not shown. The circular member has a semicircular cut out  218  for engaging the segment  28 , and has a number of locking indents  220  which cause the member  214  to be captivated from moving in a clockwise direction when the prong  222  of a pivotably mounted handle  224  is lodged therein. The handle is pivotably mounted to support  226  by pin  228 . A spring  229 , similar to spring  88  of FIG. 3 is mounted to handle  224  and axle  228  to urge the prong  222  into the recesses  220 . FIGS. 11B and 11C show the bale segments  26 ,  28  and circular member  214  in an intermediate position and a final locked-in position respectively. 
     FIG. 12 shows a latching mechanism, again working with a saddle shaped member  230  extending up from a base  234  and having a downward and outwardly sloping surface  232 . The base  234  has a stop extension  236  for restricting the movement of a resilient, primary spring member  238  upwardly curving from the base  234 . A handle  240  is bolted to the member  238  and has an upward and outwardly lying surface  242  forming a wedge shaped opening  244  between the surface  242  and surface  232  for capturing and guiding segment  28  down along the surface  232  until it reaches the bottom  246  of the handle  240 , at which point the resilient primary spring  233  snaps back over the segment  78  capturing it in position in semi-circular groove  248 . The segment rests on a secondary spring  250  attached to the base and configured for urging the segment upward against the groove  248 . 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a boot  12  equipped with an adjustable insert  266 , and a shank plate  260  positioned on the inside so as to give rigidity to the sole  30 . 
     The plate  260  has tapped holes  262 , or alternately tapped lugs attached (not shown), into which bolts  34  are secured, passing through clearance holes  264  in retaining plate  32  and corresponding holes (not shown) in the boot sole  30 , for rigidly compressing the bale  28 , plate  32  and plate  260  to the sole  30 . 
     The adjustable insert  266 , includes an insert body  268  and insert riser  270 , held together by means not shoots in FIG. 13, but which will be fully described in the following figures of the drawing. 
     With a skier&#39;s foot secured in the boot  17  by boot buckles or laces, etc. (not shown), the insert  266 , plate  260  and boot  12  combine to give rigid support to the skier&#39;s foot and ankle. The benefit is that when the skier leans forward, pressure is applied to the toe end  272  in a downward direction  274 , and the heel end  276  tends to rise (direction  278 ). Similarly, when leaning backward, the toe rises and heel is pressured downward. Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be seen that these motions would apply pressure to one or the other of the edges of the snowboard. The advantage of the rigid support to the foot and ankle is that the skier does not have to use his leg and foot muscles to hold the ankle rigid relative to the toes in order to shift the pressure effectively from toe to heel. The removable insert  266  further allows the snowboard skier the choice of hard boot or softboot performance, simply by removing or installing the insert  266 . Alternatively, if the sole  30  is already fairly rigid, the system will function as above described without the plate  260 , i.e., with the boot and binding assembly of FIG. 2 with the insert  266 . 
     The angle between the bottom of a skier&#39;s foot and lea or ankle is another variable that the skier has a need to adjust according to his or her preference. This feature is provided by the two piece insert  266 , the riser part  270  positionable relative to the body  268 . The riser  270  is attached to the body  268  by any of various means well known to those skilled in the art of securing plates or fabrics together. The preferred embodiment uses semi-permanent, detachable adhesive tape materials such as the product VELCRO, the position of which will be fully described in the following figures of the drawing. 
     FIG. 14 gives further detail of the interconnection of plate  260  to plate  32 . Tapped lugs  280  are shown attached to the plate  260 , for receiving bolts  34  through holes  282  in the sole  30 . Although bolts  34  and tapped lugs  280  are shown, there are many other ways of securing the plate  260  and bale assembly to the sole and/or to each other known to those skilled in the art, and these are to be included in the spirit of the invention. The interconnection can be either permanent or non-permanent. A permanent assembly of plate  260  to sole  30  would apply most appropriately with the use of the adjustable insert  266  or a non-adjustable insert place on top of the plate  260 . A non-permanent assembly as specifically detailed in FIG. 14 would be most useful with an insert as shown, the bottom of which is sandwiched between the plate  260  and sole  30 . 
     The alternate embodiment with the insert  284  sandwiched between the plate  260  and sole  30  gives a greater rigidity to the system, at the expense of ease of user modification of the insert support structure. The invention includes both the easily removable insert  266 , and the less easily removable or permanent type of insert  284 . 
     The non-adjustable insert  284  is shown in perspective view in FIG.  15 . The dashed lines  286  indicate that the shape of the insert can be of various forms. A skier could purchase a number of different inserts which he could select from and install according to his particular requirement. 
     FIG. 16 shows a more detailed view of the adjustable insert  266 . The body portion  268  has first and second sides  271  and  273 , and a back portion  275 . Two adhesive elements  290  and  292  are shown, one attached to each of the two sides of the body  268 . The insert riser  270  is shown to have corresponding pads  294  and  296  located on the two opposing inside surfaces. The dotted lines  298  indicate the insert riser  270  attached to the body  268  with pads  296  and  294  in adhesive contact with pads  290  and  292 . 
     The body  268  has an optional cutout  297 , allowing for more flexibility in the positioning of the riser insert  270 , and allowing a skier&#39;s heel to project through. 
     Various positions of the adjustable insert are illustrated in FIGS. 17A,  17 B, and  17 C, showing a nearly upright position at an angle of 85° between the plane of the boot sole and the axis of the skier&#39;s leg in FIG. 17A to a substantial forward lean at 70° in FIG.  17 C. The invention, of course, is not limited to this range of adjustment. The adhesive pads  290 ,  292 ,  294  and  296  shown in FIG. 16 are symbolically represented by the single rectangle  300 . In practice the pads  290  and  292  will not usually be in complete alignment with the pads  294  and  296 , the position being dependent on the location of the riser insert  270  relative to the body  268 , indicated by the distance “A” between the top of the body  268  to the top of the riser  270 . 
     FIG. 18 shows a binding  30 l illustrating alternate latch  302  and frame  304  embodiments. The latch  302  is not limited in application to the frame  304  of FIG. 18, but can also be used instead of latch  76  on the binding  44  of FIG.  2 . There is a latching surface  306  on latch  302 , similar to the surface  112  of latch  76  illustrated in FIG.  4 . Latch  302  also has a handle  308 , and a trough shaped upper surface  310 , but differs functionally from latch  76  in having a trough shaped recess  312  in an upper first portion  314  of the latching surface  306 . A lower second portion  316  has a shape similar to the second portion  118  of latch  76  described in detail in FIG.  8 . The purpose of the recess  312  is to provide a more secure bale element captivation in the event of a large amount of snow or ice buildup on the frame. This will be fully explained in the description of the following figures of the drafting. 
     The latch  302  is shown mounted on cross bar  318  attached to two upright members  322 , located on one side of the frame  304  for supporting the latch  302  above platform  324  of frame  304 . Springs  320  interconnect the latch  302  to the upright members  322  to urge the latch  302  in a clockwise direction. 
     On an opposite side of the frame  304 , there are shown two inwardly directed hook shaped members  326  forming inwardly directed bale receiving recesses  328 . A narrow edge  329  adds support to the frame  304  and serves as a high pressure bearing surface for the bale segments. 
     The frame  304  can be mounted to a snowboard by various means. FIG. 18 illustrates one such method. There is a large circular opening  330  in the frame  304 . A cap plate  331  is configured to fit over the hole  330  and clamp the edge  333  of the frame with edge  335  of the cap plate  331 , when bolts (not shown) are inserted through holes  337  and into a snow board. The edge  339  is drawn to illustrate a circular protrusion of the cap plate  331  dimensioned for a close fit in hole  330  to provide lateral captivation of the frame  304 . As in FIG. 2, a friction layer similar to item  49  made of rubber of other appropriate material can be placed and clamped between the frame  304  and snow board. 
     The operation of the binding  301  and latch  302  will be fully explained in the description of FIGS. 20A,  20 B,  20 C,  20 D, and  20 E. 
     The latch  76  of FIG. 2 would be functionally the same as latch  302  if a recess similar to recess  312  were included. This configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 19A,  19 B, and  19 C which display the same components as in FIGS. 4,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  7 A, except for an alternate latch  338  having a recess  332  in the first portion  334  of surface  336 . FIG. 19A shows the second bale-end segment  28  in a position where it has already depressed the latch  338  somewhat, and is about to pass by the tip  340 . FIG. 19B shows the segment  28 , having passed by the tip  340 , allowing the latch  338  to rotate somewhat counter-clockwise to the point where the segment  28  is positioned in the recess  332 . This is a secure position for the segment  28 , and leaves allowance for a large amount of ice or snow build-up at  340 . Any upward thrust of segment  28  will rotate the latch  338  clockwise, and cause the lower portion  342  of the recess  332  and/or a second, lower portion  343  of surface  336  to jam against the segment  28 , forcing it against the camming surface  72  and resisting upward motion. As the ice and snow at  340  is compressed and forced out by the high pressure caused by the skier&#39;s weight and the narrow camming surface  72 , the segment  28  will move downward into the bale-receiving notch  74  as shown in FIG.  19 C. At the same time as the bale segment  28  moves downward, the latch will be allowed to rotate further counter-clockwise, resulting in the second portion  343  moving over the segment  28 . At this point the forces on the bale segment  28  are the same as those described in relation to FIGS. 7 and 7A. The contour of the second portion  343  is operationally similar to that of the second portion  118  of FIG.  8 . 
     FIGS. 20A,  20 B,  20 C,  20 D, and  20 E shown how a bale assembly  350  is engaged with the binding  301 . As the skier&#39;s foot (not shown) forces the bale assembly  350  downward, the first end segment  352  is placed on and guided inward by an inwardly sloping edge  354  of the hooked extension  326 . The second end segment  356  is placed on the trough-shaped upper surface  310  of the latch  302 . 
     In FIG. 20B, the first end segment  352  is shown lying on the rim  329  of the frame  304 , in position for moving into the bale-receiving recess  328 . 
     FIG. 20C shows the first end segment  352  in the recess  328 , the force of the skier&#39;s weight having pressed the second end segment  356  against the surface  310  rotating the latch  302  counter-clockwise and the segment  356  downward. 
     In FIG. 20D, the second segment  356  has moved past the tip  360  and is lodged in the recess  312 . At this point, the segment  356  is restrained from moving back upward because such motion tends to rotate the latch clockwise, which causes the surface  316  or lower portion  362  of the recess  312  to move forcefully against the segment  356 , forcing the first segment  352  against the hooked member  326 , restraining movement in that direction. The surfaces of recess  312  and portion  316  are designed for contact with segment  356  to occur above the axis or center of the segment  356 , therefore resisting upward movement. The recess  312  and rim  329  are preferably dimensioned so as to allow a gap  364  for a significant amount of ice or snow build-up. The skier&#39;s weight in combination with the narrow rim  329  then causes high pressure between the segments  352 ,  356  and the rim  329 , crushing the ice and snow, causing segment  356  to move down further, the latch  302  finally being urged by spring  320  to move clockwise, positioning the surface  316  against the segment  356 . This is shown in FIG.  20 E. The principles of retainment at this stage are similar to those as discussed fully in relation to the latch  76 . The forces of retainment in FIG. 20E differ from those explained in the description of FIGS. 7,  7 A and  19 C in that the retaining pressure from the latch to segment  356  is transferred to the hooked member  326  in the embodiment of FIG. 20E, whereas in FIGS. 7,  7 A and  19 C the pressure is transferred to the camming surface  72 . 
     Although the latch  302  and frame  304  binding combination was described in detail above, the invention also includes the use of the other latches described in this specification with a frame having inwardly directed hooked members  326  as well as outwardly directed hooked members. Specifically, the latches include latch  76  of FIGS. 2 through 8, and the latches described in FIGS. 9,  10 A,  10 B,  11 A,  11 B,  11 C, and  12 . In addition, the invention includes other latch mechanisms in combination with the inwardly or outwardly directed hooked members. Other modifications in structure are also included, such as a cross bar added for support between the hooked members  326 . Similarly, the binding as described in FIGS. 2 through 7A would be functional without the cross bars  58  and  70 , and this modification is included in the spirit of the invention. Also, any number of hooked members, upright members and camming surfaces, such as items  54 ,  66 , and  68  can be used. The objective of providing a binding with a lack of cavities to collect ice and snow, and to provide high pressure bearing surfaces, as described in this specification can be achieved with such modifications, and they are included in the spirit of the invention. 
     FIG. 21 shows an alternative construction of the present invention including a contoured, closed loop bar  370  that serves the function of both the bale assembly  20  of FIG. 2, and the shank plate  260  of FIGS. 13 and 14. The bar  370  stiffens the boot  372  sole  374 , and has segments  376  and  378 , which perform the function as explained with regard to end segments  26  and  28  of FIG.  2 . 
     Front and rear sections  380  and  382  extend within the sole  376  toward the boot toe end  386  and heel end  388 . The boot as shown in FIG. 21 uses side extensions  390  of the sole  374  to define the openings  392  and  394 . Alternatively, the sections  396  and  398  of the loop  370 , extending into the boot could be relied upon to give end definition to the openings  392  and  394 , in a similar manner to the bale assembly of FIG.  2 . The sole  374  and bar  370  assembly of FIG. 21 can be fabricated using molding techniques well known in the art. The boot assembly of FIG. 21 is usable with all of the bindings and inserts described above. The embodiment shown in FIG. 21 is by way of example to show an integrated sole stiffener and bale assembly. Other methods of manufacture are also included in the spirit of the invention. For example, the stiffener portions of the loop  370  could be replaced by a plate molded into the sole, or it could be a grid of bars or a perforated plate, in each case integrally joined with extensions that connect with the end segments. 
     FIGS. 22A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D show an alternate embodiment using an inwardly directed hooked member  400  with a latch  402  similar to the latch shown in FIGS. 11A,  11 B and  11 C. In FIG. 22A, the first end segment is placed on a ledge  404  and the second end segment is placed in the recess  406 . Downward pressure on the bale assembly  350  causes the second end segment to rotate the wheel  408  counter clockwise, also moving the second bale element down and toward the hooked member  400 . The motion of second end segment  56  is transferred to first end segment  357 , moving it into the recess  410 . The motion progresses as displayed in FIGS. 2B and 2C until the second end segment moves fully downward, limited by a rail (not shown) on the base  412 . In this position, as show n in FIG. 22D, the first end segment is fully captivated by the recess  410 , and the second end segment by recess  406 . Upward motion is restrained by the locking indents  414  in engagement with a prong  416  of spring loaded lever  418 . To release the bale assembly, it is merely necessary to push down on the handle  420 , releasing the prong  416  from the indents  414 . 
     Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it will be appreciated that certain alterations and modifications thereof still be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.