Patent Publication Number: US-7210252-B2

Title: Step-in snowboard binding and boot therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/761,340, filed Jan. 16, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,255 which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/998,863, filed Dec. 29, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,913 which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/068,089, filed Dec. 18, 1997. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to snowboarding, and more particularly to an improved snowboard boot and an improved snowboard binding system for securing the snowboard rider to the snowboard. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The sport of snowboarding is an increasingly popular wintertime activity wherein a snowboarding enthusiast (hereinafter “snowboarder”) maneuvers the board down a snow-covered slope while standing thereon. To facilitate snowboard maneuvers, the snowboarder requires intimate association with the board and therefore bindings are used for securing the snowboarder&#39;s boots to the board. 
     Boots for snowboarding are characterized as either soft or hard. Soft boots employ a flexible shell to permit foot/ankle flexing. Hard boots have similar insulating features, but have a hardened outer shell more particularly suited for specific applications such as downhill skiing. The standard downhill ski boot is worn by a skier for obtaining a rigid association between the skier&#39;s feet and lower legs and the downhill ski. In snowboarding, on the other hand, the snowboarder usually desires tight coupling to the snowboard for assisting board manipulation, but at the same time desires a greater degree of freedom for foot/ankle flexing. Unlike downhill skiing, wherein the boots attach to left and right skis with the toes pointed along the respective longitudinal axes, the boots for snowboarding are mounted to the snowboard so that the snowboarder stands over the board with the toes pointed primarily perpendicular to the longitudinal axis with the feet spaced apart from one another beyond shoulder width. With such foot placement, the methods used for manipulating the snowboard generally require that the snowboarder be permitted a great degree of freedom for foot/ankle flexing. 
     At least two different types of bindings are available for securing boots to a snowboard depending upon the type of boot worn, i.e., hard and soft. Known hard boot bindings use a two engagement point system, with separate toe and heel pieces which bolt to the snowboard via a mounting plate. The toe piece has an engagement clamp for seating a specifically molded toe projection of the hard boot while the heel piece has a clamping bracket, an engagement lever, and a release lever. The clamping bracket releasably engages a molded heel protrusion of the hard boot when the boot is inserted into the binding, the heel of the boot depressing the engagement lever. In order to release the boot from the binding, the release lever is actuated for releasing the heel bracket so that the skier or snowboarder may step out of the hard boot binding. Other hard boot bindings may be one piece and may engage the heel of the boot only, for example. Such one or two point bindings do not always provide a highly stable base for engagement with the board, for a two point binding may tend to allow excessive flexing to either side of a line defined between the two points. 
     The elements of a soft boot binding include an optional cant, a seating frame including toe and ankle straps and a calf support, known as a highback. The cant supports the frame and comprises a rectangular block which has a flat upper surface sloped relative to its flat bottom surface. The seating frame includes a plate, a heel bracket, and a toe strap mounting bracket. The plate has a pattern of holes for passing bolts used in mounting the plate to the snowboard, or alternatively to the optional cant. Another popular binding style uses a mounting plate with a relatively large hole in the center, with a corresponding disk, which engages the mounting plate hole. The disk is bolted to the snowboard and thus secures the mounting plate to the board. The boot is held to the board by interaction with the binding plate. 
     The toe and ankle straps of the soft boot binding have essentially identical elements and functionality except that the length of the ankle strap is generally longer than that of the toe strap. Each strap cooperates with the seating frame for strapping over respective toe and ankle portions of a boot for securing the boot to the frame. The strap system requires, however, that the snowboarder place the boot in the binding and then manually tighten each of the straps in order to secure the boot to the binding. 
     The known binding systems, however, are somewhat constraining in that they employ a fixed stance and a fixed flexibility for leaning and side-to-side movements. As a rider becomes more skilled at snowboarding, it is often desired to be able to adjust the action of the binding such that the angle of the rider&#39;s leg with respect to the horizontal plane, is adjusted. Further, the rider may often wish to change the stance orientation with respect to the board, the stance width, the rotation of the rider&#39;s feet or the relative centering of the boot with respect to the board, such that different maneuvers are possible. For example, the rider may wish a differing amount of freedom for medial leans, i.e., inwardly toward the center of the rider&#39;s body, versus lateral leaning, i.e., away from the center of the rider&#39;s body. It is also desirable that the medial and lateral lean directions be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. Heretofore, such lean direction adjustment or lean tension with respect to the board has been fixed and would require replacement of the binding or adjustment of the highback to a different location along an adjustment slot to enable a different degree of freedom in any particular motion or direction. Similarly, the amount of lean has been somewhat fixed as well as the amount of force applied to pull the board upwardly when the rider leans. 
     Other binding types also result in a rigid boot, for example as shown by Raines et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,073. Raines et al employ an elongate binding ridge which extends along the central portion of the boot, laterally away from the sole of the boot. The ridge is engaged by a corresponding receiving member on the snowboard. However, the elongate nature of the binding ridge adds stiffness to the boot, making walking with the boot while not attached to the snowboard uncomfortable or unnatural feeling. 
     Further, heretofore, boot highbacks have been fixed in relation to the boot, so it was not possible for a rider to change the pivot angle of the highback relative to the boot, without completely switching to another boot. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, a step-in three point binding is provided that includes first and second binding pin engagers on a first side of the binding and a third binding pin engager on a second side of the binding. At least one of the binding pin engagers moves from an unlocked to a locked position when the snowboarder steps onto the binding with a boot, securing the boot to the binding. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved three point binding system with improved side to side and front to back stability. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved step-in binding for a snowboard. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved snowboard boot with adjustable forward lean. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved binding that is easily adaptable for receiving a left or a right foot at a given binding location. 
     The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a lateral side view of a snowboarding boot according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the engaging pin region of the boot of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 — 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a medial side view of the boot of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the boot of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3  with the interior frame member illustrated in phantom; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a binding apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, with a portion of a snowboard also shown; 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of the binding and snowboard of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a boot and binding system according to the present invention, with the boot illustrated in phantom to show the interaction with the internal boot frame and the binding apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is an end view from the front of the system of  FIG. 7 , with the boot again in phantom; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial sectional illustration of the latching portion of the binding system taken from the top thereof showing in greater detail the interaction of the internal boot frame with the binding; 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the engaged boot and binding, taken along line  10 — 10  in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top partial cut away view of the binding of  FIG. 9 , illustrating the released position; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the binding system of  FIG. 11  taken along line  12 — 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view of the boot forward lean adjustment mechanism according to the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the forward lean system of  FIG. 1  at line  14 — 14  illustrating the position of the cable member; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear view of the boot forward lean adjustment system with the cable in an alternative position; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial side view of the forward lean adjustment system in the released position; 
         FIG. 17  is a medial side view of an alternative engaging system for a binding system according to the invention; 
         FIG. 18  is an end view of the engaging system of  FIG. 17  with the engager in an open position; 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the mechanism of  FIG. 18  just prior to engagement with the corresponding boot frame; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of the mechanism of  FIG. 18  after engagement and locking of the boot frame member; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of an embodiment of a snowboard boot illustrating adjustability aspects of the highback; 
         FIG. 22  is a partially phantom rear view of the boot of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is an alternative structural frame member having less rigidity or stiffness; 
         FIG. 24  is another alternative structural frame member having greater rigidity; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial rear view of the shell of  FIG. 36  taken along line  25 — 25  of  FIG. 36 , illustrating the connection of the upper shell to the lower shell; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial rear view of an alternative embodiment of the connection of the upper and lower shells; 
         FIG. 27  is an alternative embodiment of the forward lean adjustment system of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 28  is another embodiment of the forward lean adjustment system of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a top diagrammatic view of the spacing of the binding pins in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a side diagrammatic view of a single binding pin as installed in a boot; 
         FIG. 31  is yet another alternative structural frame member having less rigidity or stiffness; 
         FIG. 32  is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the boot engaging portion of the binding system in a disengaged state; 
         FIG. 33  is a sectional view of an engaged boot and binding with a preferred embodiment of the boot engaging mechanism; 
         FIG. 34  is a top partially cut-away view of the binding system&#39;s boot engaging portion of  FIGS. 32 and 33 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a lateral side view of interior elements of a snowboard boot illustrating the attachment of forward lean control aspects of the invention, with some external straps also shown; 
         FIG. 35A  is a lateral side view of interior and exterior elements of a snowboard boot illustrating the attachment of forward lean control aspects of the invention, with the boot upper cut away at a top section to illustrate the inner shell; 
         FIG. 36  is a medial side view of the interior boot elements and some external straps of  FIG. 35 ; and 
         FIG. 37  is yet another alternative embodiment of the buckle for adjusting the forward lean of the boot. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a lateral side view of a snowboard boot in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the boot  22  includes a lateral binding engaging pin  24 , located approximately centrally with respect to the front and rear ends of the boot, slightly forward toward the toes. Pin  24  is oriented substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the boot (which in use positions the pin parallel to the surface of a snowboard) and is set in slightly from the outer edges of the boot, both horizontally and vertically. In a particular embodiment, the exposed length of the pin is approximately one inch. The secured ends of the pin enter into the body of the boot, but the exposed portion is substantially free from engagement by the boot, and is surrounded by a semispherical void  26 .  FIG. 2 , a sectional view of the pin  24  and semispherical void  26  taken along line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 , illustrates the relative spacing of the pin to the center of the void. Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  together, the semispherical void is defined into the sole  30  of the boot, and may comprise a material  28  that is substantially more abrasion resistant than the rest of the sole of the boot, which is intended more for traction or grip. The increased abrasion resistance ensures longer wear of this portion  28  of the boot, as it is continuously engaging and disengaging with portions of the binding system as will be discussed hereinbelow. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a view of the medial side of the snowboard boot, the boot has a forward binding engaging pin  32  disposed forwardly of the front-to-rear center line of the boot on the boot&#39;s medial side, and a rearward binding engaging pin  34  positioned on the rear side of the front-to-rear center line of the boot, toward the heel region. Pins  32  and  34  are contained within respective concave semispherical regions  36  and  38 , where regions  36  and  38  have corresponding cross sectional shapes to the shape of portion  28  of the lateral side (although this is not a requirement), wherein the semispheres are suitably defined within harder shells  40  and  42 . 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the boot of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , further showing construction detail thereof. The bottom of sole  30  may carry a tread pattern  44  thereon, to provide increased traction for walking and for standing on the snowboard. Substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom of the sole and located within the interior of the boot body, is a structural frame member  46 , shown in phantom in  FIG. 4 , wherein the lateral engaging pin  24  and the medial engaging pins  32  and  34  are spatially positioned relative to one another by the structural frame member. The pins  24 ,  32 ,  34  may either be connected to the structural member, or may be formed as an integral portion thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the pins and structural frame member are constructed from aluminum. The frame member is suitably formed within a portion of an insole within the boot interior, wherein the insole is made of plastic, for example, and roughly conforms to the shape of a wearer&#39;s foot. The relative stiffness of the boot is at least partially determined by the frame member. Therefore, it is possible to construct a boot with a modified frame member, such that the frame member is stiffer or less stiff. Referring to  FIG. 23 , a less stiff structural frame member  46 ′ is shown. Frame member  46 ′ interconnects pin  24  with pin  32 , and pin  24  with pin  34 , but, unlike structural frame member  46  of  FIG. 4 , frame  46 ′ does not directly interconnect pins  32  and  34 . Therefore more independent movement or flexing of the pins relative to each other can occur.  FIG. 24  illustrates a stiffer frame member  46 ″, wherein the frame defines a more rectangular region. This frame member will be substantially more rigid than the frame of  FIG. 22 . A further removable tab  48  is illustrated in phantom. This removable tab, if left in place, makes an even more rigid frame. Also, the rigidity can be altered by employing different thicknesses of material in the frame member. For example, with the frame member of  FIG. 24 , when constructed of metal, may suitably employ a relatively thick region near the heel region  45 , to provide greater stiffness. However, the area near region  48  can be relatively thin, to allow more flexing. The riding performance characteristics of the boot and binding are changed depending on the stiffness characteristics of the frame, so boots with different responses can be provided to suit a snowboarder&#39;s particular riding style or tastes, by using a boot with a different frame member therein. 
     For a boot having different characteristics, a further embodiment of the frame  46  is illustrated in  FIG. 31 , wherein each of the medial binding pins  32  and  34  are connected to lateral binding pin  24  via members  286  which are relatively flexible as compared with metal. Such a binding frame will result in a boot that is able to flex much more than those boots employing a rigid frame. Members  286  may comprise, for example, glass filled plastic or nylon members. 
     Yet another alternative frame extends all the way to the heel region of the boot and up around the sides of the foot. A still further embodiment employs a beam member connecting 2 of the pins (e.g. pins  32 ,  34 ) and a second beam member connecting the third pin to the first beam member. 
     In order to use the boot, a corresponding binding member is employed on a snowboard, to secure the boot to the board during riding. Referring to  FIG. 5 , a top view of a binding apparatus in accordance with the invention, with a portion of a snowboard also shown, together with  FIG. 6 , an end view of the binding and snowboard of  FIG. 5 , the binding system  50  is attached to the surface of a snowboard  52  via any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, a relatively planar binding base member  54  includes a central circular opening  56  therein, which may suitably have a series of teeth or serrations about the inner circumference thereof. A binding disk  58  is circular and of a diameter to fit within the opening  56 . A series of mating teeth or serrations are provided on the underside of the disk to mesh with the corresponding teeth in the base member. Disk  58  preferably is of slightly larger diameter than the opening in the base member, so that its perimeter overhangs the upper surface of the base plate, or a shallow perimeter trough is defined in the base member to correspond to the overhang of the disk. A series of slots  60  are provided in the disk for receiving fasteners therein. The fasteners mate with corresponding members defined in the surface of the snowboard, whereupon tightening of the fasteners as positioned in the slots  60  will pull the disk down towards the surface of the snowboard, thereby pulling the binding base member into tight engagement with the snowboard surface. 
     Secured to the base member at the medial edge thereof are front and rear medial binding pin engaging dogs  62  and  64 , spaced apart from each other a distance corresponding to the distance between front and rear boot medial binding pins  32  and  34 . Dogs  62  and  64  have a mushroom like shape, with a narrower base region  68  and an overhanging upper region  70 , at least as considered in the area toward the lateral side of the binding. The top surface of the upper region  70  is substantially convex-spherical in shape. The overhang defines an upward stop  72 , which provides a flat surface region that is horizontally oriented and substantially parallel to the surface of the snowboard and that is advantageous for engaging and preventing movement of boot binding pins  32  and  34  as will be described hereinbelow. A vertically aligned medial stop  74  is provided by the inner vertical wall of the dogs, preventing movement beyond a stop position in the medial direction  76 . Dogs  62  and  64  are suitably fixed to the binding plate  54  and do not move relative thereto. 
     At the lateral edge of the binding base plate is the binding latch mechanism  78 . The basic pieces of the mechanism  78  are the lateral binding pin receiver  80 , which comprises a semicircular disk with a binding pin receiving channel about the perimeter thereof, a hollow housing member  82  which contains the operative components of the latch mechanism therewithin, and a binding latch release control  84 . In  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the binding pin receiver  80  is in the open position, ready to receive the boot lateral binding pin  24  therein. Underneath the binding plate  54 , an elastomeric spacer  83  may be provided to ensure a tight engagement between the board and the binding, at least at the lateral side thereof. 
     Now, referring to  FIG. 7 , a top view of a boot and binding system according to the present invention, with a boot engaged therein and illustrated in phantom to show the interaction with the internal boot frame and the binding apparatus, and to  FIG. 8 , a front end view of the system of  FIG. 7 , to secure the boot within the binding, a snowboarder first positions the boot above the binding slightly more to the lateral side of the binding and with the medial edge of the boot tilted downwardly relative toward the horizontal. Then, moving the boot in a medial direction, the binding pins  32  and  34  move into engagement with the medial dogs  62  and  64 . The binding pins  32  and  34  are thus trapped by dogs  62  and  64  against further medial movement as well as against upward movement. Now, the snowboarder pivots the lateral side of the boot down, which causes lateral binding pin  24  to meet lateral pin receiver  80 . As a result of the configuration of the latching mechanism described hereinbelow, the latching mechanism pivots downwardly with the downward movement of the boot, and locks in the position shown in  FIG. 8 , effectively trapping the lateral binding pin against escaping from the receiving channel in the receiver  80 . The cooperation of the binding pins, the dogs and the latch mechanism result in the boot being secured to the binding, and therefore the rider is now secured to the snowboard (at least with respect to this first foot). If the rider&#39;s second foot is to be secured to the board, a second binding system and boot are suitably provided. In  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , it may be observed that receiver  80  is convex-spherical in shape along a top portion thereof. This spherical portion is pivotally retracted within housing  82  when the receiver is in the unlatched position of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 7 , the structural frame member  46  may be observed with its relationship to the binding pins. Trapping the binding pins thereby anchors the structural frame, and as the frame is secured within the boot, a stable engagement between the rider and board is provided. 
     Considering  FIGS. 1–8  together, the convex semispherical upper portions of dogs  62  and  64  suitably are received within the respective concave semispherical regions  36  and  38  at the boot&#39;s medial side, and the convex semispherical portion of receiver  80  mates with the corresponding concave semispherical void  26  of the lateral side of the boot. Therefore, even if the boot is not precisely aligned as it is moved in toward the binding, the shapes of the dogs and voids will assist in guiding the boot and binding together. 
     As alluded to hereinabove, once the snowboarder steps into the binding, receiver  80  moves to a latched position.  FIG. 9  is a partial sectional illustration of the latching portion of the binding system viewed from the top with housing cover  82  removed, showing in greater detail the interaction of the internal boot frame with the binding. The engaging pin  24 , as secured to frame  46  is held in position by receiver  80 , in a slot  86  which has a first portion aligned along axis  87  and a second portion aligned along axis  85 . Referring also to  FIG. 10 , a sectional view of the engaged boot and binding, taken along line  10 — 10  in  FIG. 9 , receiver  80  includes an arm portion  88  defining a shelf, at the side of the receiver distal from the slot  86 . Receiver  80  is pivotally mounted on a shaft  90  to allow rotation along the arc  92  shown in  FIG. 10 . A pair of springs  94  are fitted on the shaft  90 , and suitably bias receiver  80  into the open or unlatched position (as in  FIG. 6 , for example). Shaft  90  is supported at its ends by first and second shaft supports  96 . The shaft supports include a laterally extending leg portion  98 , which supports a shaft  100  in spaced relation to and parallel with shaft  90 . The leg portions define a space between each other. In the illustrated embodiment, shaft  100  is of lesser diameter than shaft  90 . A catch member  102  is slidingly mounted to shaft  100 , and is suitably translatable along the direction of arrow  104 , to slide back and forth between the two legs  98 . Catch member  102  defines an inverted L shape. A biasing member  106 , suitably a spring, is positioned around the shaft  100 , and is partially received within a bore at the base end of the inverted L shaped catch member. The opposing end of the biasing member pushes against one of the legs  98 , suitably urging the catch member  102  in the direction of arrow  108 , away from the one leg member  98 . It will be noted that as a result of the positioning of the catch member  102  and arm portion  88  of receiver  80 , the biasing member causes the L leg of the catch member to slide underneath the flat shelf portion of arm  88 . Accordingly, receiver  80  is prevented from rotating to the open position about shaft  90 , since the catch member acts as a block by its position underneath arm  88 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , a release cable  110  passes through an opening in one of legs  98 , and is attached to the distal end of the L portion of catch member  102 . Cable  110  then loops around, along the lateral side of the binding, and is connected to the other one of the legs  98 . A covering  112  is provided, to increase the diameter of the cable and provide a gripping member for ease of grasping by the snowboarder. 
     Accordingly, while biasing member  106  urges the catch  102  in the direction of arrow  104 , causing the L shaped leg of the catch to be positioned underneath the arm  88  of the receiver member, which keeps the receiver positioned in its closed position, suitably keeping the binding pin  24  trapped within the slot  86 . Rotation of the receiver  80  results in the slot or channel  86  rotating to surround the pin  24  above, below and to the lateral side thereof. The pin is thus prevented from moving upwardly, downwardly or laterally. Medial movement in the direction of arrow  113 , is prevented because the medial binding pins  32  and  34  are trapped against medial, upward or downward movement by the dogs  62  and  64 , and the three binding pins  24 ,  32  and  34  are all maintained in their spatial configuration relative to one another by the structural frame. The pins, structural frame and therefore the boot, are thereby secured within the binding. 
       FIG. 11  is a top partial cut away view of the binding of  FIG. 9 , illustrating the released position thereof, while  FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the binding in its state of  FIG. 11 , taken along line  12 — 12 . In  FIG. 11 , cable  110  has been pulled in the direction of arrow  114 , which pulls catch member  102  in the same direction and compresses the spring biasing member  106 . As the catch member is pulled a sufficient distance in the direction of arrow  114 , the L leg of the catch member is pulled beyond the edge of arm  88 , and as it is no longer underneath the shelf defined by the arm, receiving member  80  is now free to rotate in the direction of arc  116  ( FIG. 12 ). So, the snowboarder can now lift up the lateral edge of the boot, which will cause rotation of the receiver along arc  116  about the shaft  90 . The spring biasing members  94  ( FIG. 9 ) will assist in urging the receiver to remain in its upper, open orientation until such time as the snowboarder again inserts the binding pin  24  into slot  86 . Then, as the receiver  80  pivots downwardly, arm  88  will eventually move to a position where it no longer blocks catch member  102  from moving, and the bias of spring  106  will then urge the catch member away from the spring, to move it into the blocking position of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , to secure the binding in the close position. Therefore, in accordance with the invention, a step-in style binding that allows quick, hands-free engagement of the boot and binding is provided, with a three point engagement system. The binding will maintain the boot therein until such time as the snowboarder pulls on the release cable, to free the catch and arm mechanisms. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , a further advantage of the binding system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated by dashed lines  85  and  87  (also shown in  FIG. 9 ). Lines  85  and  87  represent the angle of engagement of the binding pin of the boot when the left and right feet are being employed. Assuming the illustrated binding is the forwardmost binding on the snowboard, if the rider prefers to have the left foot forward on the board, then the binding base plate  54  might be in the illustrated configuration, and the lateral binding pin  24  of the boot will engage receiver  80  somewhat along the angle of line  85 . However, if the rider prefers the other boot to be in this binding, then the disk  58  is loosened, and the base  54  is rotated approximately 14.5 degrees or so, to move the lateral latch portion. Now, the other foot&#39;s boot binding pin  24  will mate with receiver  80  approximately along line  87 . If a simple straight receiver portion were employed, the angle of the receiving member would now be wrong, and the angle of the receiver would not now match the angle of the binding pin in the boot. With the multi-angled channel  86  of the receiver (first and second angled portions on axes  85  and  87 ), a wide range of angles of orientation is accommodated, without having to replace the binding with a different orientation binding. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , together with  FIGS. 13–15 , which are a rear view of the boot tensioning adjustment mechanism according to the invention, a side view of the tensioning system of  FIG. 13  illustrating the position of the cable member, and a rear view of the boot tensioning system with the cable in an alternative position, respectively, a shaft  118  is secured on an arm  120  at an upper rear portion of the boot  22 . Pivotally mounted to the shaft is an engagement member  122 , which is able to rotate about the shaft along arc  124  ( FIG. 3 ). A tension cable  126  passes through the engagement member via apertures at either side thereof. The apertures and cable are suitably sized so that the cable may be freely fed and moved through the apertures. The engagement member extends away from the end thereof receiving the shaft, and includes first and second shelf dogs  128  and  130  in spaced relation to each other, dog  128  being positioned closer to shaft  120  than dog  130 . The space between the dogs is sufficient to allow the cable  126  to easily be placed therebetween. As can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , cable  126  extends around from the back of the boot and the engagement member, up over a medial guide  134  and a lateral guide  132 , where the guides are positioned at least partially around the sides of the boot. The guides are suitably hidden from view by the external covering of the boot, and the cable passes through the boot&#39;s covering to reach the guide. The cable continues over the guide around the medial side of the boot to an attachment point  136  at the front of the boot, at a position on the top of the boot forward of the ankle region. On the lateral side of the boot, the cable continues down from guide  132  to a second guide  140 . 
     The cooperation of the aforementioned elements enable tension adjustment of the boot, whereby the snowboarder can alter the forward lean of the boot or can completely release the tension to facilitate walking in the boots when not riding on the snowboard. In  FIG. 16 , the engagement member  122  has been flipped up in the direction of arc  142 , releasing the tension on the cable. Now, the snowboarder selects the desired amount of forward lean, by positioning the cable so it passes over a selected one of the dogs  128  or  130 . Dog  128  provides a relatively lesser tension or less forward lean, while dog  130  provides an increased forward lean. After the desired amount of lean is selected, engagement member  122  is flipped back down in the direction of arc  144 , which will put the cable in to tension, thereby tightening up the boot system to its desired degree of forward lean.  FIG. 15  illustrates the cable passing over dog  130 , in a more stiff configuration, while  FIG. 13  shows the configuration with the cable passing over dog  128 .  FIG. 14  is a partial phantom side view of the engagement member in the configuration of  FIG. 13 , taken along line  14 — 14 , illustrating the position of the cable relative to the dogs. It will be appreciated that more dogs can be provided, with different relative spacings, to enable further options to select for the boot forward lean. Enabling different degrees of lean allows the snowboarder to adjust the responsiveness of the boot binding system for riding style or conditions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , an alternative engagement member  122 ′ includes plural pairs of slots  272  in spaced relation to each other along the length of member  122 ′. Cable  126 ′ is cut at the end to provide  2  separate ends thereto. Near each end of the cable, a cylindrical keeper  274  is fused thereto, where the keepers are sized so as to be received in any one of slots  272 . A sufficient length of the cable extends beyond the keepers to allow grasping by the snowboarder. To adjust the amount of forward lean, the user flips up member  122 ′ (to a configuration as in  FIG. 16 ) and places the keepers of each side of the cable in a selected pair of slots  272 , pushing the keepers down into the slots to be firmly engaged therein. Then, member  122 ′ is flipped down in the direction of arrow  273 , which puts the cable in tension and pulls the highback portion (upper shell) of the boot forwardly to the degree dictated by which set of slots  272  have the keepers therein. In the illustrated configuration, the keepers are positioned to provide the maximum amount of forward lean. To obtain the least amount of forward lean, the keepers would be moved to the slots  272  at the opposite end of member  122 ′. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the boot can lean even further forward than the amount of lean dictated by the setting of the lean adjustment, but the lean adjustment defines a stop point of the rearward extent of the lean angle. 
       FIG. 28  is another embodiment of a forward lean adjustment member  12 ″. This embodiment carries a threaded shaft  276  that extends substantially the length of member  122 ″. The two ends of cable  126 ′ are secured to a stud  278  that is in threaded engagement with shaft  276 . A handle  280  mounts to one end of the shaft to enable the shaft to be rotated ( 282 ) about its central axis. Stud  278  moves upwardly and downwardly along axis  284  as handle  280  is rotated, altering the position of the cable ends. Then, when member  122 ″ is flipped down, the cable is put into tension with the desired amount of forward lean being provided. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 35 , which is a lateral side view of a preferred embodiment of some of the interior elements of a snowboard boot (in this case, the right boot) illustrating the attachment of forward lean control aspects of the invention, the boot includes a resilient inner shell  220 , which in a preferred embodiment consists of an upper portion  222  that is adapted to partially encircle a user&#39;s lower calf, and a lower portion  224  that receives the foot therewithin. At the rear of the upper portion  222  is an attachment shaft or post  120 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, post  120 ′ is positioned on the lateral side of a centerline of the boot, rather then being centered relative to the lateral and medial sides. The forward lean engagement member  122  attaches to the shaft (or post)  120 ′ in a manner corresponding to that described herein in conjunction with  FIGS. 13–15 . Cable  126  passes through member  122  and then through a rearward aperture  226  in the upper shell portion  222  to the interior side of the shell. Continuing forwardly a short distance, suitably one-half inch, the cable then passes through a forward aperture  228 , extending downwardly and crossing over the top of shell portion  224 , to the other side of the boot. Referring now to  FIG. 36 , which is a view of the other side of the boot shell, the cable then passes through a loop back member  230  that redirects the cable direction to pass up toward the upper shell portion, passing through upper shell apertures  232  and  234 , finally passing back down to the engagement member  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, loop back member  230  comprises a first semicircular channel  236  and a second semicircular channel  238 . These channels allow the cable to move while changing the direction of orientation thereof. The loop back is fixed in this particular embodiment, but in alternative embodiments, the loop back member can be moved forwardly or backwardly along the boot shell, to alter the attachment point there, and may comprise, for example, a pulley member that slides along and then fixedly engages a slot  240  (illustrated in phantom) in the shell. Slot  240  suitably can extend from the medial to the lateral side of the boot to allow a wide variation in the attachment position. 
     The bottom portion of the shell is suitably discontinuous over a central portion of the instep region  242 , such that the top edges of the medial and lateral portions are separated from each other by approximately two inches. Also, the lower shell portion is open at the toe region. In use, the outer of the boot covers these components so that they are not visible to the user. It will also be observed that the binding engaging pins protrude from the lower shell portion and the voids  26 ,  36  and  38  are formed as a portion of the lower shell. Suitably, the lower shell is formed around the structural frame member, which carries the binding pins thereon. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , a partial rear view of the shell of  FIG. 36  taken along line  25 — 25  of  FIG. 36 , the upper and lower shell portions are suitably formed as discrete portions, and are secured to each other by an elongate and relatively stiff member  244 , suitably an aluminum bar. The bar is attached to the upper portion by rivets, for example, and attaches to the lower portion via a hinge  246  that enables rotational motion of the two shells relative to each other along arc  248 . Thus, the upper shell can flex medially and laterally with the user&#39;s calf, while the wearer is shifting about during snowboarding. 
       FIG. 26  is an alternative embodiment of the attachment of the upper and lower shells. In this embodiment, hinge  246 ′ is received in a lateral slot  247  in member  224 , whereby member  244  is adapted to move leftwardly or rightwardly along arrows  249  and  251  and to be fixed at a desired position, to allow adjustment of the flex point towards the lateral or medial side of the boot center line. 
     Also provided on the lower shell portion on both the medial and lateral sides are medial mounting aperture  250  and lateral mounting aperture  252 . Medial aperture  250  mounts a strap  254  thereto, strap  254  extending out to a buckle  256  with which the strap is fixedly engaged. Strap  254  has a rear loop portion  255 , adapted to go around the back side of a user&#39;s foot. Buckle  256  receives a second strap  258  therethrough, where a first end of strap  258  is secured to lateral aperture  252  on the interior of the shell. A second end of strap  258  attaches to a ratchet slide  260 , which is engaged by ratchet strap  262 . The ratchet strap is secured to the external of the shell at aperture  252  (and suitably externally of the boot outer in an assembled boot) and is free to rotate about the aperture along arc  264 . These various straps cooperate to comfortably secure the user&#39;s foot to the boot. Further provided on the strap  254  on the medial and lateral sides of the boot are lace loops  261 ,  263 , which enable the user to pass the boot laces therethrough, to provide further securement between the boot and the user. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 36 , the inner shell (and therefore the boot when completely assembled) can flex forwardly (illustrated by dash line  268 ) and rearwardly (illustrated by dash line  270 ) at the area indicated by arrow  266 . Accordingly, as the user adjusts the amount of forward lean by altering the adjustment member  122 , the boot will lean more or less forwardly, depending on the individual user&#39;s riding style. Further, when the adjustment member  122  is flipped upwardly to release the tension on cord  126 , the boot can flex forwardly and backwardly as the user walks, for a more comfortable and less awkward stride when off of the snowboard. 
     An advantage over the prior art is provided by the present invention wherein the medial and lateral side cords  126  attach to the front or instep region of the shell at one general position. In accordance with the prior art, any forward lean adjusting straps connected to the respective side of the boot at which the strap originated. Therefore a medial side strap connected to the forward portion of the boot at the medial side and a lateral side strap connected to the forward portion of the boot at the lateral side. The invention&#39;s improved connection brings both the medial and lateral side cords to a single connection point or region on one side of the boot. In the illustrated embodiment, this side is the medial side. Therefore, the boot has improved flexing properties when riding. 
     The portion  224  of the boot shell is preferably split along the length of the foot receiving area, at an area above the top of the user&#39;s foot, to allow the shell to flex for tightening and untightening of the laces. 
       FIG. 37  is a view of the components of yet another alternative engagement member. This member employs a rotatable threaded shaft  276 ′, with a pulley  277  threadably mounted thereon. A knob  280 ′ mounts to one end of shaft  276 ′ to enable turning of the shaft. Cable ends  126 ′ are fixed in position to a plate  279 , and extend over the pulley and back up over guides  281 , ultimately extending out of the body of the engagement member. In use, as knob  280 ′ is turned, the pulley travels up and down the extent of the shaft, altering the effective length of the cables. 
     An alternative embodiment of the step-in binding system is illustrated in  FIGS. 17–20 . Referring to  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 18 , a medial side view and an end view respectively of an alternative engaging system for a binding system according to the invention, the apparatus for engaging the lateral binding pin  24  comprises a housing  150  which supports a binding pin receiver  152 , pivotally mounted to a shaft  154  whereby the receiver  152  can pivot along the arc  156 , from the open and ready to receive the pin position of  FIG. 18 , to the closed or locked position ( FIG. 20 ). A release control shaft  158  mounts centrally of a bracket  160 , which is biased downwardly in the direction of arrow  162  by a pair of springs  164 . The springs are mounted on support shafts  166  that pass through an opening (not show) in left and right end flanges of the bracket  160 . The lower ends of the springs rest against the flanges, while the upper ends press against an overhanging portion of the housing  150 . Release control shaft has a release strap or cable  168  secured thereto, so a snowboarder can grasp the strap and pull to operate the release control. A wedge member  170  is carried by the central portion of bracket  160 , and is oriented and extends downwardly. The center portion of the housing is substantially hollow, and provides a space in which the bracket can move upwardly and downwardly. Binding pin receiver  152  is removed from  FIG. 17  to assist in viewing the internal components of the binding. Referring now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , together with  FIGS. 19 and 20 , which are sectional views of the binding and housing interior, mounted within the housing are a second shaft  172  which is attached to a rear leg of the receiving member  152  and a third shaft  174 , supported in fixed engagement with the housing. A first pair of connecting arms  176  are mounted on distal ends of and are pivotal about shaft  174  along arc  175 , all within the interior of the housing. A fourth shaft  178  extends between the two arms  176 , and also has a second pair of arms  180  mounted thereon at the distal ends of the shaft  178 . Shaft  178  defines the “elbow” of the left and right compound arms defined by arms  176  and  180 . Arms  180  also pivotally mount to shaft  172  on receiver  152 . 
     In operation, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , as the snowboarder moves the boot in the direction of arrow  181  to bring the binding pin  24  into engagement with receiver  152 , arm  176  is oriented substantially vertically, and is maintained in that position by the springs  164  exerting downward bias to cause the wedge  170  to press against the top of arm  176  and shaft  178 . As the boot and binding pin move are moved down (arrow  182 ), receiver  152  will pivot along arc  184 , pulling arm  180  forwardly, which also pulls pin  178  and arm  176  forwardly. Wedge  170  can move only downwardly at this point, and will travel down in the direction of arrow  186  as a result of the bias from the springs  164 , moving the wedge behind pin  178 . Since the wedge is now behind pin  178 , receiver  152  is locked in place, since it cannot pivot up, as it is interconnected via the shafts and arms to pin  178 . The wedge essentially blocks the pin which prevents backward movement thereof and thereby prevents upward pivoting of the receiver. The binding pin  24  is therefore secured against movement, locking the boot to the binding. To release the binding, the snowboarder pulls upwardly on control strap  168  with sufficient force to overcome the bias of the springs  164 , which moves the bracket  160  and wedge  170  up away from pin  172 . Pin  172  then no longer blocked from rearward movement, so receiver  152  can now pivot upwardly and the snowboarder is able to step out of the binding. Illustrated in phantom in  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20  is an alternative handle member  171  that is up when the binding is disengaged, and down when the binding is engaged. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22 , an additional aspect of a boot in accordance with the present invention comprises a calf plate  198  is positioned at the rear of the boot and may carry a series of vertically oriented stiffening ribs  206  thereon. The upper end of the plate extends out of the boot, while the lower end is fastened to the top plate  200  of the boot&#39;s internal highback. Top highback plate  200  is pivotal about hinge  202  relative to the lower highback plate  204  to allow flexing of the boot, and suitably is secured within the boot. Fasteners  208  received within slots  210  enable the highback to be loosened and shifted either more to the lateral side of the boot or more to the medial side. In a corresponding manner, calf plate  198  is secured by fasteners  208  in slots  212 , and may also be shifted medially or laterally of the boot&#39;s center line by loosening the fasteners, sliding the calf plate to a new position, and retightening the fasteners. Therefore, the rider can move the highback so it is in a position and flexes in a manner preferred by that rider. 
     Referring to  FIG. 29 , a schematic diagram of the position of the medial and lateral binding pins, two preferred spacings thereof will be described. For a first size boot and binding, forward medial binding pin  32  and rearward medial binding pin  34  have their centers spaced at 4.620 inches from each other (distance  288 ). Distance  289  in the illustration is 2.310 inches, half of distance  288 . Each medial binding pin suitably has 1.190 inches of pin exposed (distance  290 ) to the exterior when formed in a boot. Lateral binding pin  24  has its outer center positioned 4.242 inches from a line tangent to the outer edges of pins  32  and  34  (distance  292 ), the center of pin  24  being 0.101 inches forward of the center line between the medial pins (distance  294 ). Rather than being parallel to the medial pins, lateral binding pin  24  is tilted at an angle □(17 degrees in the preferred embodiment) off the center line. Suitably, medial pin  24  has 1.045 inches of pin exposed at the outer edge when the boot is assembled (distance  296 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 30 , a side view of one binding pin as positioned within a boot, the top of the medial and lateral binding pins and the bottom of the boot are 0.436 inches apart (distance  298 ). The diameter of the pins is 0.250 inches (distance  300 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 33 , a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the boot engaging portion and  FIG. 34 , a top view thereof, a receiver  80 ′ has a rearwardly extending arm portion  88 ′ that is flat at the bottom surface thereof. An upper stop  89  is positioned at approximately 45 degrees between the horizontal and vertical planes. A laterally translatable catch  304  slides underneath the arm portion, to block rotation of the receiver  80 ′ about its shaft  90 ′. Receiver  80  is urged to rotate in the direction of arc  315  by springs  91 , positioned to either side of receiver  80 ′ on shaft  90 ′, but is prevented from doing so by the interaction of arm  88 ′ and catch  304 . Catch  304  is adapted to translate along axis  302 , and is urged toward receiver  80 ′ by biasing spring  306 . A cover  82 ′ is provided (shown in phantom). Catch  304  further includes a finger member  308  that extends away from rear portion of catch  304 . The distal end of finger  308  stops at the edge of the cover  82 ′. An opening is provided in the cover to enable the finger to slide outwardly of the cover as the catch  304  moves away from the receiver along axis  302 . An arm  310  is horizontally aligned and mounts to pivot axle  312 , carrying a downwardly extending leg  314  that abuts against a front face of catch  304 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 32 , which illustrates the receiver in the open or released position, as arm  310  is moved upwardly in the direction of arrow  316 , leg  314  pushes catch  304  rearwardly (against the bias of spring  306 ). Springs  91  cause the receiver to move up along arc  315 , with the rearward limit of movement defined by the engagement of upper stop  89  and an upper portion of catch  304 . Finger  308  extends outwardly of the cover  82 ′, providing a visual indicator that the binding is disengaged. Arm  308  is preferably colored in a bright or contrasting color relative to the cover, to be highly visible when extended. 
     Therefore, in accordance with the invention, an improved binding system with a three point engagement is provided, enabling a more stable interaction between the boot and the binding. The binding is easily engaged, merely by stepping into it without requiring manual tightening of straps. Also, a boot with a releasable and adjustable tension system is provided. Further, the flexing characteristics of the boot may be individualized or varied to match different rider&#39;s skills or tastes, or to accommodate varying tastes of a single rider. The boot may also include a calf plate that extends above the rear of the boot, to provide additional adjustable support. 
     While a plural embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.