Patent Publication Number: US-9415846-B2

Title: Wakeboard bindings, wakeboards including such bindings, and related methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Patent Application PCT/US2012/052152, filed Aug. 23, 2012, designating the United States of America and published in English as International Patent Publication WO 2013/028918 A1 on Feb. 28, 2013, which claims the benefit under Article 8 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/526,332, filed Aug. 23, 2011, and titled “WAKEBOARD BINDINGS, WAKEBOARDS INCLUDING SUCH BINDINGS, AND RELATED METHODS.” 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to wakeboard bindings, wakeboards including such bindings, and methods of making and using such bindings. More specifically, disclosed embodiments relate to wakeboard bindings to which foot restraints (e.g., a boot or slip-on sock binding) may be releasably connected and which enable selective angular repositioning of the foot restraints while they are releasably connected to the wakeboard bindings. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A rider of a wakeboard is conventionally connected to the wakeboard by bindings that secure the feet of the rider within a padded underlay supported by an overlay. The overlay conventionally includes straps that wrap behind and in front of the foot to support the ankle of a rider. The straps are also conventionally secured to a base plate that is connected to the wakeboard. To ensure that a rider is not inadvertently ejected from the wakeboard bindings, the overlay is usually secured rather tightly. Thus, significant exertion is usually required to force the rider&#39;s feet into the bindings, often requiring uncomfortable contortions, application of lubricant, and significant force, generally while the rider is in the water with the wakeboard. This maneuvering can be especially difficult for new and inexperienced riders. Some bindings include releasable closures for the overlay straps, such as buckles, laces, or ties. While generally enabling a rider to enter the bindings with less exertion, the rider must still perform the fine motor movements required to secure the releasable closures, which may be difficult while in the water and may be particularly difficult in cold water. In addition, riders may inadvertently secure the releasable closures in a way that is looser than intended or recommended, which may cause injury to the rider due to loss of connection with and control of the wakeboard. Conversely, riders may inadvertently secure the releasable closure in a way that is tighter than intended or recommended, which may cause considerable discomfort while riding, even to the point of rendering the ride unsafe. The risk of unintentionally placing the bindings on a rider&#39;s feet in a way that is uncomfortable or dangerous may be particularly high in the case of new and inexperienced riders, due to their unfamiliarity with the bindings, inexperience with safe and desirable degrees of tightness, and discomfort in the water. 
     To accommodate riders that employ differing stances on the wakeboard comfortably, the base plate is conventionally formed of at least two pieces: a first piece that is fixedly secured to the wakeboard and another piece that is adjustably rotatable through various angular positions with respect to the first piece. This angular adjustment is conventionally performed when attaching the bindings to the wakeboard, a process that conventionally involves selecting a desired angular position for the binding and screwing or bolting the first piece to the wakeboard to fixedly secure the other piece in that angular position. Thus, a rider who wishes to adjust the angular positioning of conventional bindings to accommodate a different stance must remove his or her feet from the bindings, remove the bindings from the wakeboard, rotate the pieces of the bindings relative to one another, re-secure the bindings to the wakeboard, replace his or her feet in the bindings, and resume riding. 
     DISCLOSURE 
     In some embodiments, wakeboard bindings may comprise a first member configured for connection to a wakeboard. A selective retaining device comprising at least one retaining member biased toward a rotation-precluding position and movable to a rotation-permitting position may be connected to the first member and disposed at a periphery of the first member. A second member may be rotatable with respect to the first member and may comprise at least one engagement member adjacent the selective retaining device. The at least one retaining member may be engaged with the at least one engagement member to preclude rotation of the second member in the rotation-precluding position and the at least one retaining member may be disengaged from the at least one engagement member to permit rotation of the second member in the rotation-permitting position. A releasable step-in connection device comprising a first connection member and a second connection member biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position may be connected to the second member and configured to releasably connect to a foot restraint. 
     In other embodiments, wakeboard assemblies may comprise a wakeboard and at least one wakeboard binding attached to the wakeboard. The at least one wakeboard binding may comprise a first member connected to the wakeboard. A selective retaining device comprising at least one retaining member biased toward a rotation-precluding position and movable to a rotation-permitting position may be connected to the first member and disposed at a periphery of the first member. A second member may be rotatable with respect to the first member and may comprise at least one engagement member adjacent the selective retaining device. The at least one retaining member may be engaged with the at least one engagement member to preclude rotation of the second member in the rotation-precluding position and the at least one retaining member may be disengaged from the at least one engagement member to permit rotation of the second member in the rotation-permitting position. A releasable step-in connection device comprising a first connection member and a second connection member biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position may be connected to the second member and configured to releasably connect to a foot restraint. 
     In still other embodiments, methods of positioning a foot restraint on a wakeboard binding may comprise releasably connecting a foot restraint to a releasable step-in connection device and adjusting an angular orientation of the foot restraint while the foot restraint is releasably connected to the releasable step-in connection device. Adjusting the angular orientation of the foot restraint while the foot restraint is releasably connected to the releasable step-in connection device may comprise disengaging at least one retaining member from at least one engagement member located laterally adjacent the foot restraint. The foot restraint may be rotated. The at least one retaining member may be engaged with the at least one engagement member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the disclosure concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming embodiments within the scope of the disclosure, various features and advantages of embodiments encompassed by the disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wakeboard assembly including a wakeboard, wakeboard bindings, and foot restraints removably connected to the wakeboard bindings, according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the wakeboard assembly of  FIG. 1  with the foot restraints removed, according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one of the wakeboard bindings of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the wakeboard binding of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the wakeboard binding of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a wakeboard binding, according to the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one of the foot restraints shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a foot restraint that may be used in connection with the wakeboard bindings of  FIGS. 3 through 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a foot restraint that may be used in connection with the wakeboard bindings of  FIGS. 3 through 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the wakeboard binding of  FIG. 3  engaged with connection portions of the foot restraints shown in  FIGS. 7 through 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wakeboard binding; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional end view of the wakeboard binding of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foot restraint configured for use with the wakeboard binding of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a unitary mating member of the foot restraint of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a wakeboard binding; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional top view of the wakeboard binding of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a foot restraint configured for use with the wakeboard binding of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of a unitary mating member of the foot restraint of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular wakeboard assembly, wakeboard binding, or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same or similar numerical designation. 
     Directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” “upward,” “downward,” etc., as used herein, refer to directions relative to the device when it is used during normal operation. Accordingly, such teems are not meant to be limiting, but are merely employed for convenience in describing spatial relationships. 
     Disclosed embodiments relate generally to wakeboard bindings to which foot restraints (e.g., a boot or slip-on sock binding) may be releasably connected and which enable selective angular repositioning of the foot restraints while they are releasably connected to the wakeboard bindings. More specifically, disclosed are wakeboard bindings that may more easily enable a user to put on and remove foot restraints, to more easily connect the foot restraints to and disconnect the foot restrains from a wakeboard, and to more easily adjust angular orientation of the foot restraints. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a wakeboard assembly  10  including a wakeboard  12 , wakeboard bindings  14 , and foot restraints  16  removably connected to the wakeboard bindings  14  is shown. The wakeboard  12  comprises a leading end  18  and a trailing end  20  located opposite the leading end  18 . The leading end  18  may generally be located in front of the rider with respect to the intended direction of travel, and the trailing end  20  may generally be located behind the rider with respect to the intended direction of travel. The orientation of the leading and trailing ends  18  and  20  may be reversed, however, as some riders may also ride in a “switch” or “fakie” position. The wakeboard  12  may include a plurality of fins (not shown) extending downwardly from a bottom surface  22  of the wakeboard  12 . The wakeboard  12  may also exhibit a curved longitudinal profile, with the leading and trailing ends  18  and  20  being curved upward as compared to a central portion  24  of the wakeboard  12 , a feature commonly referred to as the “rocker.” Binding attachment hardware  26  conventionally comprise threaded inserts embedded into the top surface  28  of the wakeboard  12 , the tops of the binding attachment hardware  26  generally being flush with the top surface  28 . In conventional practice, the binding attachment hardware  26  is disposed in a standard pattern, enabling a variety of different bindings to be attached to the wakeboard  12 , and redundant binding attachment hardware  26  may be provided, enabling bindings to be located at different positions along a longitudinal axis L extending from the trailing end  20  to the leading end  18  in the intended direction of travel. The wakeboard  12  may comprise a buoyant material (i.e., a material that floats in water) and may specifically comprise a lightweight core (e.g., a foam or wood core) located within a relatively stronger and stiffer shell (e.g., a fiberglass or carbon fiber shell). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the wakeboard assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  with the foot restraints  16  removed is shown. The wakeboard bindings  14  are attached to the wakeboard  12 . Specifically, the wakeboard bindings  14  are attached to the wakeboard  12  using binding attachment hardware  26 , which may comprise screws or bolts that are inserted through holes in the wakeboard bindings  14  and are threadedly engaged with the threaded inserts discussed previously. Returning to  FIG. 1 , the foot restraints  16  are removably attached to the wakeboard bindings  14 . The foot restraints  16  are configured to contain the feet of a rider such that the rider may effectively control operation of the wakeboard assembly  10 . The foot restraints  16  are also configured to be removed from the wakeboard bindings  14 , enabling a rider to place the foot restraints  16  on his or her feet away from the wakeboard  12  and wakeboard bindings  14  and to more easily and quickly attach to and detach from the wakeboard bindings  14 . In addition, the wakeboard bindings  14  are configured to selectively adjust the angular position of the foot restraints  16  without removing the wakeboard bindings  14  from the wakeboard  12  and even while foot restraints  16  are removably attached to the wakeboard bindings  14 , with or without a rider&#39;s feet secured within the foot restraints  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of one of the wakeboard bindings  14  of  FIG. 1  is shown. The wakeboard binding  14  may include a first member  30  configured for connection to a wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The first member  30  may comprise, for example, a base plate including holes (not shown) therethrough. More specifically, the first member  30  may comprise a generally circular sheet of material (e.g., a generally disc-shaped member). The holes (not shown) may be sized and positioned to enable binding attachment hardware  26  (e.g., screws or bolts and corresponding threaded inserts as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to attach the first member  30  to the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). For example, the holes (not shown) may be located in radially extending tabs  32  located at opposing ends of a periphery of the first member  30 . In addition, the holes (not shown) may conform to a standard placement for binding attachment hardware  26  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), which may enable the wakeboard bindings  14  to be used with any conventional wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Thus, the first member  30  may be fixedly attached to the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in such a way that it is not intended to be removed from the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) during normal use (i.e., while a rider is in the water with the wakeboard  12  during or between rides). 
     The wakeboard binding  14  may further comprise at least one selective retaining device  34  connected to the first member  30 . Selective retaining devices  34  may be disposed, for example, at opposing ends of the periphery of the first member  30 . For example, the selective retaining devices  34  may extend upwardly from the radially extending tabs  32  located at the periphery of the first member  30 . Thus, the selective retaining devices  34  may be located above the first member  30 . The selective retaining devices  34  may comprise at least one retaining member  36  biased toward a rotation-precluding position and movable to a rotation-permitting position. Retaining members  36  may comprise pins configured for insertion into corresponding holes in another device or structure in some embodiments. In other embodiments, retaining members  36  may comprise, for example, interlocking teeth configured to engage interlocking teeth in the other device or structure, friction pads configured to abut against the other device or structure, members having holes therein into which protrusions from the other device or structure may extend, or other members that interact with the other device or structure to preclude relative rotation in one position and permit relative rotation in another position. At least a portion of the selective retaining devices  34  may be formed integrally with the first member  30  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the selective retaining devices  34  may comprise separately formed structures that are attached to the first member  30 . 
     The wakeboard binding  14  may also comprise a second member  38  rotatable with respect to the first member  30 . For example, the second member  38  may comprise a generally circular sheet of material (e.g., a generally disc-shaped member) that may be selectively rotated with respect to the first member  30 . The second member  38  may comprise at least one engagement member  40  radially adjacent the selective retaining device  34 . Engagement members  40  may be located at opposing ends (e.g., on opposing sides) of a periphery of the second member  38 . The engagement members  40  may comprise, for example, upwardly extending members that extend at least partially around a circumference of the second member  38 . The engagement members  40  may comprise a single, integrally formed unit with the second member  38  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the engagement members  40  may comprise separate units that are attached to the second member  38 . Retaining holes  42  may be formed in the engagement members  40  in some embodiments. For example, retaining holes  42  may be formed incrementally at differing angular positions along the circumferentially extending engagement members  40 . In other embodiments, the engagement members  40  may include interlocking teeth, friction surfaces, radially extending protrusions, or other members that may interact with the retaining members  36  to selectively preclude and permit rotation of the second member  38  with respect to the first member  30 . Thus, the retaining members  36  may be engaged with (e.g., inserted into or received within) the engagement members  40  to preclude rotation of the second member  38  in the rotation-precluding position. Further, the retaining members  36  may be disengaged from (e.g., withdrawn from within or retracted from over) the engagement members  40  to permit rotation of the second member  38  in the rotation-permitting position. In this way, the angular orientation of the second member  38  and, therefore, of the foot restraint  16 , may be modified without disconnecting the wakeboard binding  14  from the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
     The wakeboard binding  14  may comprise a releasable step-in connection device  44  configured to releasably connect to a foot restraint  16  (see  FIG. 1 ) during normal operation of the wakeboard binding  14  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be permanently connected to (e.g., integrally formed with) a portion of the wakeboard binding  14  (e.g., permanently connected to the second member  38 ) or may be attached to the portion of the wakeboard binding  14  (e.g., attached to the second member  38 ) in a way that is not intended to be released during normal operation of the wakeboard binding  14 . The releasable step-in connection device  44  may be connected to the second member  38  in such a way as to transmit rotation of the second member  38  to a foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), which may be releasably connected to the releasable step-in connection device  44 . The releasable step-in connection device  44  may comprise a generally circular plate (e.g., a generally disc-shaped member) disposed on and attached to the second member  38  in some embodiments. The releasable step-in connection device  44  may be generally centrally located on the wakeboard binding  14 , and thus may be flanked by the selective retaining devices  34 . 
     The releasable step-in connection device  44  may comprise at least two points of attachment to which the foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be attached. For example, the releasable step-in connection device  44  may comprise a first connection member  46  and a second connection member  48  biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position. The first connection member  46  may comprise a ledge defining a space between the ledge and a surface beneath the ledge (e.g., the generally circular plate or the second member  38 ) under which a protrusion attached to a foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be inserted in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the first connection member  46  may comprise a protrusion, which may be inserted under a ledge attached to the foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The second connection member  48  may comprise a latch configured to engage with and longitudinally secure a surface defining a recess at a heel portion of a foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in a connection position and to disengage from the recess at the heel portion of the foot restraint in a release position in some embodiments. The second connection member  48  may be biased toward the connection position. For example, a spring may rotationally bias the latch of the second connection member  48  toward the connection position. In other embodiments, the second connection member  48  may comprise, for example, a spring-loaded pin. The second connection member  48  may be movable from the connection position to the release position by a rider using, for example, a lever connected to the latch of the second connection member  48 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a plan view of the wakeboard binding  14  of  FIG. 3  is shown. The engagement members  40  may extend only partially around the circumference of the second member  38 . Thus, the degree to which the second member  38  may rotate may be limited by the extent to which the second member  38  extends around the circumference of the second member  38 . For example, the degree to which the second member  38  may rotate may comprise an included rotation angle θ. The included rotation angle θ may be about 60°. For example, the included rotation angle θ may be between about 75° and about 45°. More specifically, the included rotation angle θ may be between about 68° and about 53°. Thus, the second member  38  may be rotatable with respect to the first member  30  over a range of about 60°. In this way, a rider may alter his or her stance (i.e., alter the angular orientation of the second member  38  and, therefore, of the foot restraint  16 ) over a range of about 60°. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a cross-sectional view of the wakeboard binding  14  of  FIG. 3  is shown. A longitudinal securing member  50  may be used to preclude longitudinal separation of the second member  38  from the first member  30 . The longitudinal securing member  50  may be connected to the second member  38 , and may rotate with the second member  38  relative to the first member  30 . For example, the longitudinal securing member  50  may be screwed, bolted, riveted, welded, adhered, or otherwise attached to the second member  38  in such a way that rotation of the second member  38  is transmitted to the longitudinal securing member  50 . Mechanical interference between the longitudinal securing member  50  and the first member  30  may preclude longitudinal separation of the second member  38  from the first member  30 . For example, the longitudinal securing member  50  may comprise a disc having a lower annular extension  52  at a lower portion thereof. The longitudinal securing member  50  may be connected to the second member  38  through a hole formed in the first member  30 . An upper annular extension  54  may extend from the first member over the lower annular extension  52  of the longitudinal securing member  50 . Abutting surfaces of the lower and upper annular extensions  52  and  54  may preclude longitudinal separation of the second member  38  from the first member  30 . 
     The wakeboard binding  14  may include a first selective retaining device  34 A having a first retaining member  36 A and a second selective retaining device  34 B having a second retaining member  36 B. The second selective retaining device  34 B is shown in the rotation-precluding position. In the rotation-precluding position, the second retaining member  36 B extends radially inwardly from the second selective retaining device  34 B, which is disposed on a radially extending tab  32  at the periphery of the first member  30 , and is inserted into a retaining hole  42  of the adjacent engagement member  40 . Thus, mechanical interference between the engagement member  40  and the second retaining member  36 B prevents the second member  38  from rotating relative to the first member  30  in the rotation-precluding position. The first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B are biased toward the rotation-precluding position. For example, a biasing member  56  may push the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B toward the rotation-precluding position. The biasing member  56  may comprise, for example, a spring, a pneumatic piston, a compressible polymer or other elastomer, or another member that may exert a force to bias the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B toward the rotation-precluding position. The first selective retaining device  34 A is shown in the rotation-permitting position. In the rotation-permitting position, the first retaining member  36 A is withdrawn into the first selective retaining device  34 A, which is disposed on a radially extending tab  32  at the periphery of the first member  30 , and is retracted from a retaining hole  42  of the adjacent engagement member  40 . Once the first retaining member  36 A is removed from within the retaining hole  42 , the second member  38  is free to rotate relative to the first member  30  in the rotation-permitting position. 
     A rider wishing to adjust the angular positioning of the second member  38  relative to the first member  30  and, therefore, the angular positioning of a foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) that may be releasably connected to the second member  38  using, for example, a releasable step-in connection device  44 , may pull on the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B, compressing the biasing members  56  and withdrawing the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B from within the retaining holes  42 . In other words, the rider may move the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B from the rotation-precluding position into the rotation-permitting position. The rider may then rotate the second member  38  relative to the first member  30  by, for example, twisting a foot located within a foot restraint  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) that is releasably attached to the releasable step-in connection device  44 . Once the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B are aligned with other retaining holes  42  in the engagement members  40 , the rider may release the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B, and the biasing members  56  may cause the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B to insert themselves into the other retaining holes  42  with which the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B are aligned. In other words, the first and second retaining members  36 A and  36 B may automatically return to the rotation-precluding position after being released by the rider. Thus, the first and second selective retaining devices  34 A and  34 B may default to the rotation-precluding position, which may act as a fail-safe for the wakeboard binding  14 . 
     A distance d between a bottom surface  58  of the wakeboard binding  14  and an uppermost portion  60  of the wake board binding  14  may be about 1 inch (2.54 cm). For example, the distance d between the bottom surface  58  of the first member  30  and the uppermost portion  60  of the first connection member  46  of the releasable step-in connection device  44  may be about 1 inch (2.54 cm). More specifically, the distance d between the bottom surface  58  of the first member  30  and the uppermost portion  60  of the first connection member  46  of the releasable step-in connection device  44  may be between about 0.75 inch (1.91 cm) and about 2 inches (5.08 cm). Thus, the wakeboard binding  14  may have a lower vertical height above the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) than other, prior wakeboard bindings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a wakeboard binding  14 ′ is shown. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second member  38  may be located in the same horizontal plane as at least a portion of the first member  30 . For example, the first member  30  may comprise a generally annularly shaped portion positioned concentrically around and in the same horizontal plane as a generally disc-shaped portion of the second member  38 . Mechanical interference between the first member  30  and the second member  38  may preclude longitudinal separation of the first member  30  from the second member  38 . The first member  30  may comprise at least one radially extending protrusion  62  (e.g., an annular protrusion or a series of tooth-like protrusions) extending radially inwardly toward the generally disc-shaped portion of the second member  38 . The second member  38  may comprise an annular groove  64  around an outer circumference of the generally disc-shaped portion thereof in which the radially extending protrusion  62  is disposed. Mechanical interference between the radially extending protrusion  62  and surface of the annular groove  64  may preclude longitudinal separation of the second member  38  from the first member  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the first connection member  46  and the second connection member  48  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of the releasable step-in connection device  44  may be connected directly to and extend directly upwardly from the second member  38 . Thus, there may be no intermediate generally circular plate interposed between the first and second connection members  46  and  48  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and the second member  38 . In such embodiments, the first and second connection members  46  and  48  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) may be separately formed and subsequently attached to or integrally formed with the second member  38 . 
     The wakeboard binding  14  may be formed from materials generally suitable for prolonged exposure to the water and for retaining structural integrity against forces generally encountered during wakeboarding. For example, the wakeboard binding  14  may comprise a metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum) or a polymer (e.g., a thermoplastic). Different components of the wakeboard bindings  14  may be formed from different materials in some embodiments. For example, the first and second members  30  and  38  may be at least substantially composed of (i.e., entirely composed of with the exception of naturally occurring contaminants) a thermoplastic, while the retaining members  36  and the biasing members  56  may be at least substantially composed of aluminum. In other embodiments, each component of the wakeboard bindings  14  may be formed from the same material. The wakeboard bindings  14  may be formed using processes generally known in the art, such as, for example, injection molding and machining. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of one of the foot restraints  16  of  FIG. 1  is shown. The foot restraint  16  is configured to releasably connect to a releasable step-in connection device  44  (see  FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 ) using at least two points of attachment. For example, a first mating member  66  configured to be secured by the first connection member  46  of a releasable step-in connection device  44  (see  FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 ) may be disposed proximate a toe portion of the foot restraint  16 . The first mating member  66  may comprise a protrusion which may be inserted underneath and longitudinally secured by a ledge of the first connection member  46  of a releasable step-in connection device  44  (see  FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 ) in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the first mating member  66  may comprise a ledge, under which a protrusion of a first connection member  46  of a releasable step-in connection device  44  may be inserted. A second mating member  68  may comprise a recess including a surface at a heel portion of the foot restraint  16  with which a latch of a second connection member  48  (see  FIG. 3 ) may be configured to engage and longitudinally secure in a connection position and from which a latch of a second connection member  48  (see  FIGS. 2 through 4 ) may be configured to disengage in a release position in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the second connection member  48  (see  FIGS. 2 through 4 ) may comprise, for example, a hole into which a spring-loaded pin of a second connection member  48  (see  FIGS. 2 through 4 ) may extend. 
     In some embodiments, the foot restraint  16  may further comprise a padded underlay  70  supported by an overlay  72 . The overlay  72  may include adjustable straps  74  that wrap behind and in front of the foot to support the ankle of a rider. The adjustable straps  74  may be adjusted in length to accommodate riders having feet of differing sizes using, for example, latches, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, or laces. The adjustable straps  74  may also be secured to a base plate  76  to which the first and second mating members  66  and  68  are connected (e.g., by being separately formed and subsequently connected or by being integrally formed together) and from which the first and second mating members  66  and  68  downwardly extend. Thus, the foot restraint  16  may comprise a conventional wakeboard binding to which the first and second mating members  66  and  68  have been attached. In this way, existing wakeboard assemblies  10  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be retrofitted by attaching the wakeboard bindings  14 ,  14 ′ (see  FIGS. 1 through 6 ) discussed previously to the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and by attaching the first and second mating members  66  and  68  to the wakeboard bindings previously attached to the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to form the foot restraint  16 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a foot restraint  16 ′ that may be used in connection with the wakeboard bindings  14 ,  14 ′ of  FIGS. 1 through 6 . The foot restraint  16 ′ generally comprises the first and second mating members  66  and  68  as discussed previously in connection with  FIG. 7 . The first and second mating members  66  and  68  may be connected to a sole  78  (e.g., by being separately formed and subsequently connected or by being integrally formed together) and extend downwardly from the sole  78 . A boot upper  80  may extend upwardly from the sole  78  and be configured to contain a foot of a rider. The boot upper  80  may include drainage portions that may enable water that would otherwise be trapped within an enclosed boot structure to drain from the boot upper  80 . Adjustable straps  74  that may be adjusted in length to securely retain the foot of a rider may be adjusted using, for example, latches, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, or laces. Thus, the foot restraint  16 ′ may comprise a boot configured for use with a wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) that may accommodate a smaller range of sizes of feet and may provide a custom fit for a given rider. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a foot restraint  16 ″ that may be used in connection with the wakeboard bindings  14 ,  14 ′ of  FIGS. 1 through 6 . The foot restraint  16 ″ generally comprises the first and second mating members  66  and  68  as discussed previously in connection with  FIG. 7 . The first and second mating members  66  and  68  may be connected to a skeleton structure  82  that may be attached to conventional footwear  84 , such as, for example, a sneaker, water sock, or hiking boot. The skeleton structure  82  may include, for example, adjustable straps  74  for longitudinally securing the conventional footwear  84  to the skeleton structure  82 , may include upwardly extending stops  86  that may secure the conventional footwear  84  in a heel-toe direction, and may be adjustable in length to accommodate conventional footwear  84  of different sizes. In this way, the skeleton structure  82  may enable riders to foot the foot restraint  16 ″ using their own conventional footwear  84  with which they are comfortable and may enable riders with vastly differently sized feet to use the same wakeboard bindings  14 ,  14 ′ (see  FIGS. 1 through 6 ). 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the wakeboard binding  14  of  FIGS. 1 through 5  engaged with first and second mating members  66  and  68  of the foot restraints  16  shown in  FIGS. 7 through 9 . A rider may position the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) on the wakeboard binding  14 . The rider may releasably connect the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) to the releasable step-in connection device  44 . More specifically, the rider may engage the first mating member  66  at the toe portion of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) with the first connection member  46  of the releasable step-in connection device  44 . For example, the rider may insert a protrusion extending in a heel-to-toe direction of the first mating member  66  located on a bottom surface (e.g., on the base plate  76 , on the sole  78 , or on the skeleton structure  82 ) of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) under a ledge of the first connection member  46  to longitudinally secure the toe portion of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) to the releasable step-in connection device  44 . 
     The rider may lower a heel portion of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) toward the releasable step-in connection device  44 . As the heel portion of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) is lowered toward the releasable step-in connection device  44 , complementary surfaces of the second connection member  48  and the second mating member  68  may cause the second connection member  48  to move from the connection position to the release position. For example, a sloped surface on the second mating member  68  may engage a sloped surface on the latch of the second connection member  48 , causing the latch to rotate from the connection position to the release position. As the heel portion of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) is lowered farther toward the releasable step-in connection device  44 , the second mating member  68  may engage with the second connection member  48  due to the bias of the second connection member  48  toward the connection position. For example, the latch of the second connection member  48  may extend upwardly into a recess defined by the second mating member  68 , and the bias of the second connection member  48  may cause it to rotate into the connection position and engage with a surface defining the recess. 
     Should the rider wish to remove the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) from the releasable step-in connection device  44 , the rider may move the second connection member  48  from the connection position to the release position and detach the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) from the releasable step-in connection device  44 . For example, the rider may rotate a lever connected to the latch of the second connection member  48 , causing the second connection member  48  to rotate and disengage from the surface of the recess of the second mating member  68 . The rider may then raise the heel portion of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ 0  (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) and withdraw the protrusion of the first mating member  66  from under the ledge of the first connection member  46 . In this way, riders, and particularly new and inexperienced riders, may perform whatever difficult, laborious, or awkward maneuvering may be required to secure the riders&#39; feet within the foot restraints  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) while out of the water, and may more easily attach and detach the foot restraints  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) from the wakeboard bindings  14 . 
     In further positioning the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) on the wakeboard binding  14 , a rider may adjust an angular orientation of the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) while the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) is releasably connected to the releasable step-in connection device  44 . For example, the rider may disengage the retaining members  36  of the selective retaining device  34  from the engagement members  40  located laterally adjacent (e.g., flanking) the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ). More specifically, the rider may pull radially outwardly on the retaining members  36 , causing the biasing members  56  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to compress and causing the pins of the retaining members  36  to withdraw from within the retaining holes  42  of the engagement members  40 . Thus, the retaining members  36  may be moved from the rotation-precluding position to the rotation-permitting position. The rider may then rotate the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) to another, different angular position, which may cause the second member  38  to which the foot restraint  16 ,  16 ′,  16 ″ (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) is connected to rotate correspondingly relative to the first member  30 . The rider may then engage the retaining members  36  with the engagement members  40  by releasing the retaining members  36  and allowing the biasing members  56  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) to return the retaining members  36  to the rotation-precluding position. Thus, a rider may more easily adjust his or her stance without disconnecting the wakeboard bindings  14  from the wakeboard  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and even without removing his or her feet from the foot restraints  16  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of another embodiment of a wakeboard binding  114  is shown. For the sake of simplicity, a first member of the wakeboard binding  114  to which a second member  138  may be rotatably connected is not shown, though such a first member may be at least substantially similar to that described in connection with  FIGS. 3 through 6 . The wakeboard binding  114  may include a releasable step-in connection device  144 . The releasable step-in connection device  144  may comprise a first connection member  146  and a second connection member  148  configured to cooperatively retain a foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) secured to the second member  138  of the wakeboard binding  114 . The releasable step-in connection device  144  may define a single location of attachment for the foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) to the wakeboard binding  114  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the releasable step-in connection device  144  may comprise another connection member, similar to the first connection member  46  described previously in connection with  FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 10 , to define another location of attachment for the foot restraint  116 . The releasable step-in connection device  144  may be movable between a release state (not shown) and a connection state, as shown in  FIG. 11 . In a connection position of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  (corresponding to the connection state of the releasable step-in connection device  144 ), the first and second connection members  146  and  148  may be relatively near one another to constrain movement of at least one mating member (e.g., a unitary mating member  190  (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 )) and impede (e.g., prevent) separation of a foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) from the wakeboard binding  114 . When the first and second connection members  146  and  148  are in a release position (corresponding to the release state of the releasable step-in connection device  144 ), the first and second connection members  146  and  148  may be relatively distanced from one another to permit movement of at least one mating member and enable separation of a foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) from the wakeboard binding  114 . 
     At least one of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  may be movable with respect to the other of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  to assume the connection and release positions. For example, the second connection member  148  may be movable, and the first connection member  146  may be fixed. To move the second connection member  148  from the connection position to the release position, a user may grasp a release member  192  connected to the second connection member  148  and exert a force on the release member  192  directed away from the first connection member  146  from the perspective of the second connection member  148 . For example, a user may grasp a release member  192  comprising a lever and pull it laterally away from the first connection member  146  to move the second connection member  148  (e.g., along a track  198  with which the second connection member  148  is engaged and by which the second connection member  148  is connected to the second member  138 ) into the release position. The second connection member  148  may be biased toward the connection position, for example, by a spring. Accordingly, the second connection member  148  may return to the connection position by freeing the release member  192  and allowing the second connection member  148  to return to the connection position. In other embodiments, the first connection member  146  may be movable and the second connection member  148  may be fixed, or the first and second connection members  146  and  148  may both be movable to assume the release and connection positions. In some embodiments, movement of the first connection member  146 , the second connection member  148 , or both may be in directions other than lateral, such as, for example, front to back, back to front, or diagonal. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second connection members  146  and  148  may be releasably locked into the connection and release positions. For example, the release member  192  may be disposed in a connection groove  194  to impede (e.g., prevent) the second connection member  148  from unintentionally moving from the connection position to the release position. The release member  192  may be disposed in a release groove  196  to impede (e.g., prevent) the second connection member  148  from unintentionally moving from the release position to the connection position. For example, the release member  192  may be biased toward the connection and release grooves  194  and  196  (e.g., by a spring) such that freeing the release member  192  from the user&#39;s grasp causes the release member  192  to enter a respective groove  194  or  196  with which it is aligned. Such a configuration may enable a user to more easily ensure that the foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) does not become detached from the wakeboard binding  114  when the user desires to remain connected to the wakeboard binding  114  (e.g., while wakeboarding) and to impede (e.g., prevent) the second connection member  148  from returning to the connection position before the user has detached the foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) from the wakeboard binding  114 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a cross-sectional end view of the wakeboard binding  114  of  FIG. 11  is shown. The first and second connection members  146  and  148  may cooperatively define a retaining cavity  200  in which at least a portion of at least one mating member (e.g., a unitary mating member  190  (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 )) may be disposed when a foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) is attached to the wakeboard binding  114 . For example, each of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  may comprise an overhanging ledge  202  with which a mating member  190  (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) may engage and which may limit (e.g., prevent) separation movement between a foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) and the wakeboard binding  114 . An opening  224  of the retaining cavity  200 , through which a mating member  190  (see  FIGS. 13  and  14 ) may extend, may define a generally circular shape in some embodiments. Each overhanging ledge  202  may comprise a sloped surface  206 , which may enable movement of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  to the release position during insertion of a mating member  190  (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) into the retaining cavity  200  and may enable easier alignment of the mating member  190  (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) with the retaining cavity  200 . Each of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  may further comprise at least one sidewall  204  with which a mating member  190  (see  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) or a foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) may engage and which may limit (e.g., prevent) rotational movement between the foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) and the wakeboard binding  114 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a perspective view of an embodiment of a foot restraint  116  configured for use with the wakeboard binding  114  of  FIG. 11  is shown. The foot restraint  116  may include at least one mating member configured to selectively engage with and disengage from the first and second connection members  146  and  148  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) to attach the foot restraint  116  to and detach the foot restraint  116  from the wakeboard binding  114  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). For example, the foot restraint  116  may comprise a single, unitary mating member  190 , which may be configured to engage with and disengage from the first and second connection members  146  and  148  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The mating member  190  may be located at a heel portion of the foot restraint  116 . A sole member  208  of the foot restraint  116  may define a mating cavity  210 , which may comprise a generally cuboid, rectangular prism, or box shape in some embodiments, in which the unitary mating member  190  may be disposed. Mating sidewalls  212  defining the mating cavity  210  may abut against sidewalls  204  of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) to limit (e.g., prevent) relative rotational movement between the foot restraint  116  and the wakeboard binding  114  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a side view of the unitary mating member  190  of the foot restraint  116  of  FIG. 13  is shown. The unitary mating member  190  may comprise a mating ledge  214  which may engage with the overhanging ledges  202  of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) to limit (e.g., prevent) relative separation movement between the foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) and the wakeboard binding  114  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The mating ledge  214  may be defined, for example, by an enlarged head  216  at an end of a cylindrical protrusion  218  extending from a base plate  220  of the unitary mating member  190 . The enlarged head  216  may comprise a chamfered surface  222  that may be configured to cooperatively slide along the sloped surfaces  206  of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) as the foot restraint  116  (see  FIG. 13 ) is brought into connection with the wakeboard binding  114  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The base plate  220  may be configured for attachment to the sole member  208  of a foot restraint  116  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ), for example, using screws, bolts, pins, etc. 
     A user wishing to use the wakeboard binding  114  and foot restraint  116  shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 11 through 14  may be enabled to perform the sometimes difficult maneuvering required to put the foot restraint  116  on in a boat or otherwise before entering the water because the foot restraint  116  is configured to disconnect from the wakeboard binding  114 . After donning the foot restraint  116 , the user may simply align the heel portion of the foot restraint  116  with the first and second connection members  146  and  148  of the wakeboard binding  114  and step in to connect the foot restraint  116  to the wakeboard binding  114 . As the user steps in, the chamfered surface  222  of the unitary mating member  190  may contact the sloped surfaces  206  of the first and second connection members  146  and  148 , which may aid the user in aligning the unitary mating member  190  with the retaining cavity  200  defined by the first and second connection members  146  and  148 , and which may cause the first connection member  146 , the second connection member  148 , or both to move from the connection position toward the release position. Moving toward the release position may cause the opening  224  to the retaining cavity  200  to increase in size to receive at least the enlarged head  216  of the unitary mating member  190  into the retaining cavity  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the user may be required to move the release member  192  out of the connection groove  194  to enable the first connection member  146 , the second connection member  148 , or both to move from the connection position toward the release position. In other embodiments, the first connection member  146 , the second connection member  148 , or both may move from the connection position toward the release position in response to forces generated from forcing the chamfered surface  222  against the sloped surface  206  even if the release member  192  is in the connection groove  194 , which may enable easier, hands-free operation of the wakeboard binding  114 . 
     Once the enlarged head  216  of the unitary mating member  190  is fully disposed in the retaining cavity  200 , the first connection member  146 , the second connection member  148 , or both may return to the connection position in response to a bias force (e.g., exerted by a spring) directed toward the connection position. Moving toward the connection position may cause the opening  224  to the retaining cavity  200  to decrease in size to close around the enlarged head  216  of the unitary mating member  190  and secure it within the retaining cavity  200 . Separation of the foot restraint  116  from the wakeboard binding  114  may be limited (e.g., prevented) by mechanical interference between the overhanging ledges  202  of the first and second connection members  146  and  148  and the mating ledge  214  of the unitary mating member  190 . In this way, the overhanging ledges  202  may longitudinally secure the mating ledge  214  to impede (e.g., prevent) unintentional longitudinal separation between the foot restraint  116  and the wakeboard binding  114 . 
     To detach the foot restraint  116  from the wakeboard binding  114 , the user may displace the release member  192  from the connection groove  194 , move the first connection member  146 , the second connection member  148 , or both to the release position responsive to movement of the release member  192  away from the connection groove  194  toward the release groove  196 , and lock the first and second connection members  146  and  148  in the release position by disposing the release member  192  in the release groove  196 . The overhanging ledge  202  may disengage from the mating ledge  214 , and the unitary mating member  190  may be extracted from the retaining cavity  200  as the foot restraint  116  is separated from the wakeboard binding  114 . In this way, a user wearing the foot restraint  116  may easily and safely step into and out of the wakeboard binding  114 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a wakeboard binding  114 ′ is shown. For the sake of simplicity, a first member of the wakeboard binding  114 ′ to which a second member  138 ′ may be rotatably connected is not shown, though such a first member may be at least substantially similar to that described in connection with  FIGS. 3 through 6 . The wakeboard binding  114 ′ may include a releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ configured to selectively retain a foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) secured to the second member  138 ′ of the wakeboard binding  114 ′, which may define a single location of attachment for the foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) to the wakeboard binding  114 ′ in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the wakeboard binding  114 ′ may comprise another connection member, similar to the first connection member  46  described previously in connection with  FIGS. 4 through 6 and 10 , to define another location of attachment for the foot restraint  116 ′. The releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ may be movable between a release state, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , and a connection state (not shown), which are described more particularly in connection with  FIG. 16 . 
     The releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ may comprise a first connection member  146 ′ defining a retaining cavity  200 ′ in which at least a portion of at least one mating member (e.g., a unitary mating member  190 ′ (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 )) may be disposed when a foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) is attached to the wakeboard binding  114 ′. For example, the first connection member  146 ′ may comprise an overhanging ledge  202 ′ with which a mating member  190 ′ (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 ) may engage and which may limit (e.g., prevent) separation movement between a foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) and the wakeboard binding  114 ′. A slot  228  defined by the first connection member  146 ′, through which a mating member  190 ′ (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 ) may extend into the retaining cavity  200 ′, may define a generally rectangular shape in some embodiments. The overhanging ledge  202 ′ may comprise a sloped surface  206 ′ partially defining the slot  228 , which may enable easier alignment of the mating member  190 ′ (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 ) with the slot  228  and retaining cavity  200 ′. The first connection member  146 ′ may further comprise at least one sidewall  204 ′ with which a mating member  190 ′ (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 ) or a foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) may engage and which may limit (e.g., prevent) rotational movement between the foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) and the wakeboard binding  114 ′. 
     In some embodiments, the releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ may be releasably locked into the connection and release states. For example, a release member  192  may be disposed in a connection groove  194  to impede (e.g., prevent) the releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ from unintentionally moving from the connection state to the release state. The release member  192  may be disposed in a release groove  196  to impede (e.g., prevent) the releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ from unintentionally moving from the release state to the connection state. For example, the release member  192  may be biased toward the connection and release grooves  194  and  196  (e.g., by a spring) such that freeing the release member  192  from the user&#39;s grasp causes the release member  192  to enter a respective groove  194  or  196  with which it is aligned. Such a configuration may enable a user to more easily ensure that the foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) does not become detached from the wakeboard binding  114 ′ when the user desires to remain connected to the wakeboard binding  114 ′ (e.g., while wakeboarding) and to impede (e.g., prevent) the releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ from returning to the connection state before the user has detached the foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) from the wakeboard binding  114 ′. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a cross-sectional top view of the wakeboard binding  114 ′ of  FIG. 15  is shown. The releasable step-in connection device  144 ′ may comprise a second connection member  148 ′ configured to selectively retain and release a foot restraint  116 ′. In a connection position of the second connection member  148 ′ (corresponding to a connection state of the releasable step-in connection device  144 ′), the second connection member  148 ′ may extend into the retaining cavity  200 ′ to constrain movement of at least one mating member (e.g., a unitary mating member  190 ′ (see  FIGS. 17 and 18 )) and impede (e.g., prevent) separation of a foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) from the wakeboard binding  114 ′. When in the release position of the second connection member  148 ′ (corresponding to the release state of the releasable step-in connection device  144 ′), the second connection member  148 ′ may be moved out of the retaining cavity  200 ′ to permit movement of at least one mating member and enable separation of a foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) from the wakeboard binding  114 ′. 
     The second connection member  148 ′ may be movable with respect to the retaining cavity  200 ′ to assume the connection and release positions. For example, the second connection member  148 ′ may pivot about an axis  232  to dispose a distal end  234  of the second connection member  148 ′ into the retaining cavity  200 ′ and to remove the distal end  234  of the second connection member  148 ′ from the retaining cavity  200 ′. To move the second connection member  148 ′ from the connection position to the release position, a user may grasp a release member  192  connected to the second connection member  148 ′ and exert a force on the release member  192  directed away from the retaining cavity  200 ′ from the perspective of the second connection member  148 ′. For example, a user may grasp a release member  192  comprising a lever and pull it laterally away from the second connection member  148 ′ to move the second connection member  148 ′ (e.g., within a space  236  defined by the first connection member  146 ′ in which the connection member  236  is disposed) into the release position. The second connection member  148 ′ may be biased toward the connection position, for example, by a spring  238 . Accordingly, the second connection member  148 ′ may return to the connection position by freeing the release member  192  and allowing the second connection member  148 ′ to return to the connection position. In other embodiments, the second connection member  148 ′ may be linearly displaced to assume the release and connection positions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , a perspective view of an embodiment of a foot restraint  116 ′ configured for use with the wakeboard binding  114 ′ of  FIG. 15  is shown. The foot restraint  116 ′ may include at least one mating member configured to selectively engage with and disengage from the first and second connection members  146 ′ and  148 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) to attach the foot restraint  116 ′ to and detach the foot restraint  116 ′ from the wakeboard binding  114 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). For example, the foot restraint  116 ′ may comprise a single, unitary mating member  190 ′, which may be configured to engage with and disengage from the first and second connection members  146 ′ and  148 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). The mating member  190 ′ may be located at a heel portion of the foot restraint  116 ′. A sole member  208 ′ of the foot restraint  116 ′ may define a mating cavity  210 ′, which may comprise a three-sided generally cuboid, rectangular prism, or box shape in some embodiments, in which the unitary mating member  190 ′ may be disposed. Mating sidewalls  212 ′ defining the mating cavity  210 ′ may abut against sidewalls  204 ′ of the first connection member  146 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) to limit (e.g., prevent) relative rotational movement between the foot restraint  116 ′ and the wakeboard binding  114 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , a top view of a unitary mating member  190 ′ of the foot restraint  116 ′ of  FIG. 17  is shown. The unitary mating member  190 ′ may comprise a mating ledge  214 ′ which may engage with the overhanging ledges  202 ′ of the first connection member  146 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ) to limit (e.g., prevent) relative separation movement between the foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) and the wakeboard binding  114 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). The mating ledge  214 ′ may be defined, for example, by an enlarged head  216 ′ at an end of a generally cuboid protrusion  218 ′ extending from a base plate  220 ′ of the unitary mating member  190 ′. The enlarged head  216 ′ may comprise an angled surface  240  which may be configured to cooperatively engage with (e.g., contact or abut against) the distal end  234  of the second connection member  148 ′ (see  FIG. 16 ) as the foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ) is brought into connection with the wakeboard binding  114 ′ (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). The base plate  220 ′ may be configured for attachment to the sole member  208 ′ of a foot restraint  116 ′ (see  FIG. 17 ), for example, using screws, bolts, pins, etc. 
     A user wishing to use the wakeboard binding  114 ′ and foot restraint  116 ′ shown and described in connection with  FIGS. 15 through 18  may be enabled to perform the sometimes difficult maneuvering required to put the foot restraint  116 ′ on in a boat or otherwise before entering the water because the foot restraint  116 ′ is configured to disconnect from the wakeboard binding  114 ′. After donning the foot restraint  116 ′, the user may simply align the heel portion of the foot restraint  116 ′ with the first connection member  146 ′ of the wakeboard binding  114 ′ and slide the foot restraint forward (i.e., in a direction from heel to toe) to connect the foot restraint  116 ′ to the wakeboard binding  114 ′. As the user slides the foot restraint  116 ′ forward, the protrusion  218 ′ of the unitary mating member  190 ′ may contact the sloped surfaces  206 ′ of the first connection member  146 ′, which may aid the user in aligning the unitary mating member  190 ′ with the retaining cavity  200 ′ defined by the first connection member  146 ′. The enlarged head  216 ′ of the unitary mating member  190 ′ may contact the distal end  234  of the second connection member  148 ′, which may cause the second connection member  148 ′ to pivot from the connection position toward the release position. 
     In some embodiments, the user may be required to move the release member  192  out of the connection groove  194  to enable the second connection member  148 ′ to pivot from the connection position toward the release position. In other embodiments, the second connection member  148 ′ may pivot from the connection position toward the release position in response to forces generated from forcing the enlarged head  216 ′ against the distal end  234  of the second connection member  148 ′ even if the release member  192  is in the connection groove  194 , which may enable easier, hands-free operation of the wakeboard binding  114 ′. 
     Once the enlarged head  216 ′ of the unitary mating member  190 ′ is fully inserted into the retaining cavity  200 ′, the second connection member  148 ′ may return to the connection position in response to a bias force (e.g., exerted by the spring  238 ) directed toward the connection position. Separation of the foot restraint  116 ′ from the wakeboard binding  114 ′ may be limited (e.g., prevented) by mechanical interference between the overhanging ledges  202 ′ of the first connection member  146 ′, the distal end  234  of the second connection member  148 ′ and the mating ledge  214 ′ of the unitary mating member  190 ′. In this way, the overhanging ledge  202 ′ is configured to longitudinally secure the mating ledge  214 ′ of the enlarged head  216 ′, and the distal end  234  is configured to secure the enlarged head  216 ′ within the retaining cavity  200 ′. To detach the foot restraint  116 ′ from the wakeboard binding  114 ′, the user may displace the release member  192  from the connection groove  194 , move the second connection member  148 ′ to the release position responsive to movement of the release member  192  away from the connection groove  194  toward the release groove  196 , and lock the second connection member  148 ′ in the release position by disposing the release member  192  in the release groove  196 . The enlarged head  216  may disengage from the distal end  234  of the second connection member  148 ′, and the unitary mating member  190 ′ may be extracted from the retaining cavity  200 ′ as the foot restraint  116 ′ is slid backward (i.e., in a direction from toe to heel) away from the wakeboard binding  114 ′. In this way, a user wearing the foot restraint  116 ′ may easily and safely slide into and out of the wakeboard binding  114 ′. 
     Additional, non-limiting embodiments within the scope of the disclosure include: 
     Embodiment 1 
     A wakeboard binding may comprise a first member configured for connection to a wakeboard; at least one selective retaining device comprising at least one retaining member biased toward a rotation-precluding position and movable to a rotation-permitting position connected to the first member and disposed at a periphery of the first member; a second member rotatable with respect to the first member comprising at least one engagement member adjacent the selective retaining device, wherein the at least one retaining member is engaged with the at least one engagement member to preclude rotation of the second member in the rotation-precluding position and the at least one retaining member is disengaged from the at least one engagement member to permit rotation of the second member in the rotation-permitting position; and a releasable step-in connection device comprising a first connection member and a second connection member biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position connected to the second member and configured to releasably connect to a foot restraint. 
     Embodiment 2 
     The wakeboard binding of Embodiment 1, wherein the at least one selective retaining device comprises at least two selective retaining devices disposed on opposing sides of the periphery of the first member and flanking the releasable step-in connection device. 
     Embodiment 3 
     The wakeboard binding of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the at least one engagement member comprises a plurality of retaining holes, each retaining hole corresponding to an angular position of the second member with respect to the first member, and the at least one retaining member comprises at least one pin biased toward insertion into at least one retaining hole of the plurality of retaining holes in the rotation-precluding position and withdrawn from the at least one retaining hole of the plurality of retaining holes in the rotation-permitting position. 
     Embodiment 4 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 3, wherein the first connection member of the releasable step-in connection device comprises a ledge configured to longitudinally secure a protrusion at a toe portion of the foot restraint and the second connection member comprises a latch configured to engage with a surface defining a recess at a heel portion of the foot restraint in the connection position and to disengage from the recess at the heel portion of the foot restraint in the release position. 
     Embodiment 5 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 3, wherein each of the first connection member and the second connection member of the releasable step-in connection device comprises an overhanging ledge configured to longitudinally secure a mating ledge of an oversized head of a unitary mating member at a heel portion of the foot restraint, wherein the first connection member and the second connection member cooperatively define a retaining cavity in which the oversized head is configured to be received and wherein the first connection member, the second connection member, or both is configured to move to increase a size of an opening to the retaining cavity in the release position and to decrease the size of the opening to the retaining cavity in the connection position. 
     Embodiment 6 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 3, wherein the first connection member comprises an overhanging ledge defining a slot configured to slidably receive a unitary mating member at a heel portion of the foot restraint and the second connection member comprises a distal end configured to secure an enlarged head of the unitary mating member, wherein the overhanging ledge is configured to longitudinally secure a mating ledge of the enlarged head, and wherein the second connection member is configured to pivot into a retaining cavity defined by the first connection member in the connection position and to pivot out of the retaining cavity in the release position. 
     Embodiment 7 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 6, wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the wakeboard binding and an uppermost portion of the wakeboard binding is about 1 inch (2.54 cm). 
     Embodiment 8 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 7, wherein the second member and the at least one engagement member comprise a single, integrally formed unit. 
     Embodiment 9 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 8, wherein mechanical interference between the first member and the second member precludes longitudinal separation of the second member from the first member. 
     Embodiment 10 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 9, wherein at least a portion of the second member is located in the same horizontal plane as at least a portion of the first member. 
     Embodiment 11 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 10, wherein the second member is rotatable with respect to the first member over an included rotation angle of about 60°. 
     Embodiment 12 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 1 through 11, wherein the first member and the second member are at least substantially composed of at least one of a polymer material, a metal material, and a metal alloy material. 
     Embodiment 13 
     A wakeboard assembly, comprising: a wakeboard; and at least one wakeboard binding attached to the wakeboard comprising: a first member connected to the wakeboard; a selective retaining device comprising at least one retaining member biased toward a rotation-precluding position and movable to a rotation-permitting position connected to the first member and disposed at a periphery of the first member; a second member rotatable with respect to the first member comprising at least one engagement member adjacent the selective retaining device, wherein the at least one retaining member is engaged with the at least one engagement member to preclude rotation of the second member in the rotation-precluding position and the at least one retaining member is disengaged from the at least one engagement member to permit rotation of the second member in the rotation-permitting position; and a releasable step-in connection device comprising a first connection member and a second connection member biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position connected to the second member and configured to releasably connect to a foot restraint. 
     Embodiment 14 
     The wakeboard assembly of Embodiment 13, further comprising a foot restraint releasably connected to the releasable step-in connection device. 
     Embodiment 15 
     The wakeboard assembly of Embodiment 14, wherein the foot restraint comprises a first mating member configured to be longitudinally secured by the first connection member and a second mating member configured to be releasably longitudinally secured by the second connection member and comprises one of a conventional wakeboard binding, a boot, and a skeleton structure attached to conventional footwear. 
     Embodiment 16 
     The wakeboard assembly of Embodiment 14, wherein the foot restraint includes a unitary mating member configured to be cooperatively longitudinally secured by the first connection member and the second connection member, wherein the foot restraint comprises one of a conventional wakeboard binding, a boot, and a skeleton structure attached to conventional footwear. 
     Embodiment 17 
     The wakeboard assembly of Embodiment 14 or Embodiment 15, wherein the selective retaining device comprises a plurality of retaining members disposed on opposing sides of the periphery of the first member and flanking the foot restraint. 
     Embodiment 18 
     The wakeboard assembly of any one of Embodiments 13 through 17, wherein the at least one engagement member comprises a plurality of holes, each hole corresponding to an angular position of the second member with respect to the first member, and the at least one retaining member comprises at least one pin biased toward insertion into at least one hole of the plurality of holes in the rotation-precluding position and removed from the at least one hole of the plurality of holes in the rotation-permitting position. 
     Embodiment 19 
     The wakeboard assembly of any one of Embodiments 13 through 18, wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the at least one wakeboard binding and an uppermost portion of the at least one wakeboard binding is about 1 inch (2.54 cm). 
     Embodiment 20 
     The wakeboard binding of any one of Embodiments 13 through 19, wherein the second member is rotatable with respect to the first member over an included rotation angle of about 45°. 
     Embodiment 21 
     A method of positioning a foot restraint on a wakeboard binding, comprising: releasably connecting a foot restraint to a releasable step-in connection device; and adjusting an angular orientation of the foot restraint while the foot restraint is releasably connected to the releasable step-in connection device, comprising: disengaging at least one retaining member from at least one engagement member located laterally adjacent the foot restraint; rotating the foot restraint; and engaging the at least one retaining member with the at least one engagement member. 
     Embodiment 22 
     The method of Embodiment 21, wherein releasably connecting the foot restraint to the releasable step-in connection device comprises: engaging a first mating member at a toe portion of the foot restraint with a first connection member of the releasable step-in connection device; lowering a heel portion of the foot restraint toward the releasable step-in connection device; and engaging a second mating member at a heel portion of the foot restraint with a second connection member biased toward a connection position and movable to a release position. 
     Embodiment 23 
     The method of Embodiment 21, wherein releasably connecting the foot restraint to the releasable step-in connection device comprises: contacting a unitary mating member at a heel portion of the foot restraint against a first connection member and a second connection member of the releasable step-in connection device to increase a size of an opening to a retaining cavity cooperatively defined by the first connection member and the second connection member by moving the second connection member from a connection position toward a release position; lowering the heel portion of the foot restraint toward the retaining cavity to insert an enlarged head of the unitary mating member into the retaining cavity; and decreasing the size of the opening to the retaining cavity to engage a mating ledge defined by the enlarged head with an overhanging ledge of each of the first connection member and the second connection member by moving the second connection member from the release position toward the connection position. 
     Embodiment 24 
     The method of Embodiment 23, wherein moving the second connection member from the release position toward the connection position comprises moving the second connection member from the release position toward the connection position responsive to a bias force biasing the second connection member toward the connection position. 
     Embodiment 25 
     The method of Embodiment 21, wherein releasably connecting the foot restraint to the releasable step-in connection device comprises contacting a unitary mating member at a heel portion of the foot restraint against a first connection member comprising an overhanging ledge defining a retaining cavity; sliding an enlarged head of the unitary mating member under the overhanging ledge toward the retaining cavity to insert the enlarged head into the retaining cavity and engage a mating ledge defined by the enlarged head with the overhanging ledge; pivoting a second connection member from a connection position toward a release position responsive to insertion of the enlarged head into the retaining cavity; and pivoting the second connection member from the release position toward the connection position to engage a distal end of the second connection member with the enlarged head to secure the enlarged head within the retaining cavity. 
     Embodiment 26 
     The method of Embodiment 25, wherein pivoting the second connection member from the release position toward the connection position comprises pivoting the second connection member from the release position toward the connection position responsive to a bias force biasing the second connection member toward the connection position. 
     Embodiment 27 
     The method of any one of Embodiments 21 through 26, wherein disengaging the at least one retaining member from the at least one engagement member located adjacent the foot restraint comprises retracting at least one pin biased toward insertion into at least one hole in the at least one engagement member from the at least one hole in the at least one engagement member and wherein engaging the at least one retaining member with the at least one engagement member comprises inserting the at least one pin into at least another hole in the at least one engagement member. 
     Embodiment 28 
     The method of any one of Embodiments 21 through 27, wherein releasably connecting the foot restraint to the releasable step-in connection device comprises releasably connecting one of a conventional wakeboard binding, a boot, and a skeleton structure attached to conventional footwear to the releasable step-in connection device. 
     While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in connection with the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that embodiments encompassed by the disclosure are not limited to those embodiments explicitly shown and described herein. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope of embodiments encompassed by the disclosure, such as those hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents. In addition, features from one disclosed embodiment may be combined with features of another disclosed embodiment while still being within the scope of the disclosure, as contemplated by the inventors.