Patent Publication Number: US-11040267-B2

Title: Processor-controlled sport boot binding

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/921,068, titled “Processor-controlled Snow Sport Boot Binding,” filed on Mar. 14, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/471,230, titled “Electromagnetic Ski Binding System With Microprocessor Control,” filed on Mar. 14, 2017, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/559,174, titled “Electromagnetic Ski Binding System With Microprocessor Control,” filed on Sep. 15, 2017, and further claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/810,051, titled “Sport Boot Binding and Controls,” filed on Feb. 25, 2019, each and all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to sport boot binding systems and methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Ski binding systems are used to attach a boot to a ski. Ideally, the binding system keeps boot securely attached to the ski during normal use but releases the boot from the ski during a fall or other mishap in order to prevent the ski from exerting undue torque, tension or force on the skier&#39;s leg and thereby causing injury. Present day ski binding systems in mass production use mechanical means, e.g. spring-loaded clamps, to affix the boot to the ski during use and release the boot. Such mechanical means are affixed permanently to the top of the ski and are designed to mechanically couple with the boots with which they are used. However, existing ski binding systems do not always release when appropriate to prevent injury, and sometimes release at inappropriate times, in particular when the ski flexes during use. Thus, there is a need for improved binding systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some aspects and/or embodiments thereof disclosed herein are directed to a system, apparatus and/or method that use a controllable solenoid in releasably retaining a boot to a ski. The present disclosure can also be applied to other sports and activities, even though skiing and snowboarding are presented in particular embodiments by way of example. But water skiing, wakeboarding and other sports coupling a user&#39;s foot to a sports platform (e.g., a ski or board) are also comprehended by these embodiments and claims. 
     Some aspects and/or embodiments thereof are shown and/or otherwise described herein in the context of alpine skiing, but the aspects and/or embodiments thereof can also be used for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or any similar activity in which a boot or shoe worn by the user is affixed to a ski, board or other similar implement. 
     One or more embodiments are directed to an electromechanical binding assembly comprising a lock apparatus comprising a linear actuator having an extended state and a retracted state; a binding apparatus comprising a locking plate in mechanical communication with the linear actuator, the locking plate moving towards the linear actuator when the linear actuator is in the extended state, the locking plate moving away from the linear actuator when the linear actuator is in the retracted state; first and second clamps having an open state and a closed state, the first and second clamps in mechanical communication with the locking plate, wherein the first and second clamps transition to the closed state when the locking plate moves towards the linear actuator and the first and second clamps transition to the open state when the locking plate moves away from the linear actuator. 
     Embodiments are also directed to a processor-controlled binding coupling a sport boot and a sport ski or board is disclosed. The present system and method sense and acquire data, process and store or share said data, and determine metrics and settings or thresholds for actuating a release of the binding. Intelligent and networked features allow for advanced development and improvements that result in improved knowledge of sports activities and injury prevention. 
     This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings. 
     The aspects and embodiments described above, as well as additional aspects and embodiments, are described further below. These aspects and/or embodiments may be used individually, all together, or in any combination of two or more, as the technology described herein is not limited in this respect. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system that includes a binding system, in a first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system, in a second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system, in a disassembled state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of the system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of the binding system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged top view of the binding system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the binding system, in the second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged top view of the binding system, in the second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the binding system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged bottom view of the binding system, in the first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged bottom view of the binding system in the second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a system that includes a binding system, in a first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the system illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in a second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  is another enlarged side view of the portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 17 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of a step-in closure of the portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 17 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the step-in closure illustrated in  FIG. 19 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an exemplary binding embodying the invention disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  are top and side views of the binding illustrated in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIGS. 24 and 25  are perspective and top views, respectively, of a ski to which is affixed an exemplary binding embodying the invention disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 26  is a detail view of the ski and binding illustrated in perspective view in  FIG. 24 , also showing, separately from the binding, an exemplary boot plate used as part of the binding system disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the binding and the part of the ski to which it is attached of  FIG. 26 , along with the boot plate of  FIG. 26 , with the boot plate positioned as it would be during use; 
         FIG. 28  is a close-up perspective view of one end of the binding and boot plate, positioned as it would be during use, of  FIGS. 26-27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of the boot plate of  FIGS. 26-28 , positioned in place on the binding; 
         FIGS. 30-31  are side and perspective views, respectively, of a ski boot connected to a ski using a binding system in accordance with some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 32  is a close-up view, viewed from one end of the boot, of the boot and ski and binding system illustrated in  FIGS. 30-31 ; 
         FIGS. 33-34  are bottom and perspective views, respectively, of a ski boot to which a boot plate has been affixed, in in accordance with some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 35-36  are two photographs of a prototype binding and boot plate embodying the technology disclosed herein; 
         FIGS. 37-54  illustrate yet other embodiments and features of some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 55A  is a schematic block diagram of a control system, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 55B  is a schematic block diagram of an architecture, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 55C  is a flowchart of a method, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 56  is a perspective view of another system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 57  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 58  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 59  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 60  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 61  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 62  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in a first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 63  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in a second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
         FIG. 64  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 65  is an enlarged end view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 66  is an enlarged end view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 67  is an enlarged bottom view of ta portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in the first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 68  is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the system of  FIG. 56 , in the second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 69  is a schematic representation of a sensor system, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIG. 70  is a schematic representation of clothing that may be worn by a skier and portions of a control system that may be integrated into or otherwise mounted thereon, in accordance with at least some embodiments; 
         FIGS. 71 and 72  are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of an electromechanical binding assembly in a locked state according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIGS. 73 and 74  are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of an electromechanical binding assembly in an electromechanically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 75  is a perspective view of a lock apparatus and a locking plate in the electromagnetically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 76  is a cross section of the lock apparatus, of  FIG. 75 , in the locked state according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 77  is a cross section of the lock apparatus of  FIG. 75 , in the electromechanically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 78  is a side view of the electromechanical binding assembly in a mechanically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments; and 
         FIG. 79  is a side view of the electromechanical binding assembly in a manually unlocked state according to one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description and drawings set forth certain illustrative implementations of the disclosure in detail, which are indicative of several exemplary ways in which the various principles of the disclosure may be carried out. The illustrative examples, however, are not exhaustive of the many possible embodiments of the disclosure. 
     Some aspects disclosed herein are directed to a binding system that includes a solenoid to initiate release of a boot from a ski. The binding system may further include a control system having an electrical power source in electrical communication with the solenoid. In at least some embodiments, the binding system is intended to be used in lieu of a conventional ski binding system. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system  100  that includes a solenoid to initiate release of a boot from a ski, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the system  100 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system  100 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the system  100  includes a ski  102 , a binding system  104 , a boot plate  106  ( FIG. 3 ), a boot  108 , and a toe plate  109  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     Unless stated otherwise, the term “ski” is used herein to mean a ski for any type of skiing, a board for snowboarding and/or a ski or other type of board for any other activity in which a boot or shoe worn (or to be worn) by a user is to be releasably affixed to the ski or other type of board. 
     The binding system  104  may be mounted (directly and/or indirectly) to an upper and/or other surface of the ski  102 . The boot plate  106  may be attached (directly and/or indirectly) to a sole and/or other portion of the boot  108  (e.g., using screws (or other fasteners (threaded or otherwise)), claws and/or any other type of fasteners (not shown)). The boot plate  106  may also be releasably attached to the binding system  104 , (thereby releasably attaching the boot  108  to the binding system  104 ), sometimes referred to herein as a first (or releasably attached) state. 
     The system  100  may have a longitudinal axis  110  ( FIG. 1 ) and/or may extend in longitudinal directions  112  ( FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the system  100  with the boot  108  released from the binding system  104 , sometimes referred to herein as a second (or released or detached) state. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system  100 , without the ski  102  and in a disassembled state. 
     Referring also now to  FIGS. 4-5 , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the binding system  104  may include a binding plate  120  and one or more clamps, e.g., two clamps  122 ,  124 . The binding plate  120  may be mounted (directly or indirectly) to the upper or other surface of the ski  102  ( FIGS. 1-4 ). The two clamps  122 ,  124  may be pivotably or otherwise rotatably coupled (directly and/or indirectly) to the binding plate  120 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of the system  100 , without the boot  108 , showing a relative positioning of the boot plate  106 , the binding plate  120  and the clamps  122 ,  124 , with the binding system  104  in the first (or releasably attached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view showing a relative positioning of the boot plate  106 , the binding plate  120  and the clamps  122 ,  124 , with the binding system  104  in the first (or releasably attached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     The binding system  104  and/or binding plate  120  may have a longitudinal axis  126  ( FIG. 7 ) and/or may extend in longitudinal directions  128  ( FIG. 7 ). In at least some embodiments, the longitudinal axis  126  of the binding system  104  and/or binding plate  120  may be co-extensive with the longitudinal axis  110  of the system  100 . The clamps  122 ,  124  may be disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis  110  and/or the longitudinal axis  126 . 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged top view showing a relative positioning of the boot plate  106 , the binding plate  120  and the clamps  122 ,  124 , with the binding system  104  in the first (or releasably attached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view showing a relative positioning of the boot plate  106 , the binding plate  120  and the clamps  122 ,  124 , with the binding system  104  in the second (or released or detached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged top view showing a relative positioning of the boot plate  106 , the binding plate  120  and the clamps  122 ,  124 , with the binding system  104  in the second (or released or detached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged perspective bottom view of the binding plate  120  and portions of the binding system  104  coupled thereto, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged bottom view of the binding plate  120  and portions of the binding system  104  coupled thereto, with the binding system  104  in the first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged bottom view of the binding plate  120  and portions of the binding system  104  coupled thereto, with the binding system in the second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     Referring also now to  FIGS. 9-13 , the binding plate  120  may include a top  130 , a side  132  (sometimes referred to herein as rear side  132 ), a side  134 , a side  136  (sometimes referred to herein as front side  136 ) and a side  138 . A bottom of the binding plate  120  may be open at least in part and thereby define an opening  139  ( FIG. 11 ). The top may have an upper surface  140  ( FIG. 9 ) and a lower surface  141  ( FIG. 11 ). 
     The two clamps  122 ,  124  may each comprise an arm and a jaw coupled to the arm. In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the clamp  122  may comprise an arm  142  and a jaw  146  coupled to the arm  142 . The clamp  124  may comprise an arm  152  and a jaw  156  coupled to the arm  152 . 
     The arms  142 ,  152  may be elongated and laterally spaced from one another, and may be pivotably coupled to the binding plate  120  by bolts  148 ,  158  ( FIGS. 11-13 ), respectively, or other type(s) of pivots. 
     In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the arms  142 ,  152  are disposed on opposite sides of and/or spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis  110  and/or the longitudinal axis  126 , and may pivot towards (to become closer to) and away from (to become further from) the longitudinal axis  110  and/or the longitudinal axis  126 . 
     The arms  142 ,  152  may have a first position (e.g.,  FIGS. 6-8 and 12 ) in which the jaws, e.g., jaws  146 ,  156 , have a first lateral spacing and releasably retain the boot plate  106  to the binding plate. The arms  142 ,  152  may also have a second position (e.g.,  FIGS. 9-10 and 13 ) in which the jaws  146 ,  156  have a second lateral spacing greater than the first lateral spacing and are spaced apart from the boot plate  106 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the first position of the arms  142 ,  152  may be a position of the arms  142 ,  152  that is most (pivotably) laterally inward. In at least some embodiments, with the arms  142 ,  152  in their first position, the jaws  146 ,  156  contact the boot plate  106  and force the boot plate  106  against the binding plate  120  or otherwise trap the boot plate  106  relative to the binding plate  120 , to thereby releasably attach the boot plate  106  (and a boot, e.g., boot  108 , to which the boot plate  106  is attached) to the binding plate  120 , and in doing so, prevent or otherwise limit movement of the boot plate  106  relative to the binding plate  120 . In at least some embodiments, movement may be prevented or otherwise limited in three dimensions (e.g., longitudinal, lateral and vertical). 
     In at least some embodiments, the second position of the arms  142 ,  152  may be a position of the arms that is most (pivotably) laterally outward. In at least some embodiments, with arms  142 ,  152  in their second position, the jaws  146 ,  156  may be in their position that is most spaced apart from the boot plate  106  such that the boot plate  106  (and a boot, e.g., boot  108 , to which the boot plate  106  is attached) is most easily removed from the binding plate  120 . 
     The binding system  104  may further include a processor controlled latch and release system  160  ( FIGS. 12-13 ). The latch and release system  160  may include a processor based control system  162 , a slide  164 , a solenoid  168 , a plunger  170 , a lever  174 , a spring  176  (or other bias element(s)) and a link  178 . 
     The control system  162  may be coupled to the solenoid  168  and configured to receive one or more signals, from one or more sensors or otherwise, indicative of one or more conditions of the system, and to determine, based at least in part thereon, whether (and/or when) to power the solenoid  168  to initiate release of the boot plate  106  (and boot  108  to which the boot plate  106  is mounted). 
     As stated above, ideally, a binding system keeps the boot plate (and thus the boot attached thereto) securely attached to the ski during normal use, and releases the boot plate (and thus the boot attached thereto) from the ski during a fall or other mishap in order to prevent the ski from exerting undue torque, tension or force on the skier&#39;s leg and thereby causing injury. 
     The control system  162  may have a centralized or distributed architecture. In at least some embodiments, one or more portions of the control system  162  may be disposed on or otherwise coupled to the binding plate  120 . In some at least some embodiments, one or more portions of the control system  162  may be disposed on or otherwise coupled to the skier and/or an article (e.g., clothing or otherwise) worn by the skier. 
     The slide  164  may be disposed at least in part between arms  142 ,  152  of clamps  122 ,  124 , respectively, and may be slidably coupled to the binding plate  120  so as to be slidable in longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 . In at least some embodiments, the slide has a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) and a second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ) that is forward of the first position. 
     As used herein, the term “forward of” means “closer to a front of the binding plate than is”. 
     As used herein, the term “rearward of” means “closer to a rear of the binding plate than is”. 
     In at least some embodiments, the slide  164  may be centered about or otherwise disposed on the longitudinal axis  110  and/or the longitudinal axis  126 . 
     The slide  164  may include a body  182  and a head  184  or other abutment coupled thereto. The body  182  may extend in (or at least substantially in) longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 . The head  184  or other abutment may be elongated in a lateral direction and may have a lateral width greater than that of the body  182  with portions, on laterally opposite sides of the head  184  or other abutment, that extend laterally beyond the sides of the body  182 . 
     The head  184  or other abutment may define abutment surfaces  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 . Abutment surfaces  190 ,  192  may be disposed on a rear side and/or rear surfaces of the head  184  or other abutment. Abutment surfaces  194 ,  196  may be disposed on a front side and/or front surfaces of the head  184  or other abutment. 
     The abutment surfaces  190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196  may be configured to contact abutment surfaces  200 ,  202 ,  204 ,  206 , respectively, of clamps  122 ,  124 . In at least some embodiments, the clamps  122 ,  124  define channels  208  ( FIG. 13 ),  210  ( FIG. 13 ), respectively, and the abutment surfaces  200   202 ,  204 ,  206  are disposed within the channels  208 ,  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, the abutment surfaces  200 ,  202  are defined by rear surfaces of the channels  208 ,  210 , respectively. The abutment surfaces  204 ,  206  are defined by front surfaces of the channels  208 ,  210 , respectively. 
     In at least some embodiments, the abutment surfaces  190 ,  192  of the slide  164  define a catch to force the arms laterally inward (and/or toward their first position) and/or to trap the arms in their laterally inward position. To facilitate such, the abutment surfaces  190 ,  200  may be angled and/or complementary. The abutment surfaces  192 ,  202  may be angled and/or complementary. 
     In at least some embodiments, the abutment surfaces  194 ,  196  of the slide  164  define a wedge to force the arms laterally outward and/or toward their second position. The abutment surfaces  194 ,  204  may be angled and complementary to one another to facilitate sliding contact therebetween. The abutment surfaces  196 ,  206  may be angled and complementary to one another to facilitate sliding contact therebetween. 
     The slide  164  may define a slot  220  or other channel, which may be elongated and may extend in (or at least substantially in) longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 . 
     As used herein, the term “at least substantially in” means “in, +/−5 degrees,”. 
     The slot  220  or other channel may receive a rail  222  or other raised portion that extends from or is otherwise coupled to the binding plate  120  to guide at least in part sliding movement of the slide  164  relative to the binding plate  120 . In some other embodiments, the binding plate  120  may define the slot  220  or other channel and the slide  164  may define the rail  222  or other raised portion. 
     The solenoid  168  may have a first state (e.g., unpowered,  FIG. 12 ) and a second state (e.g., powered,  FIG. 13 ) and may define a channel  226  configured to receive the plunger  170 . The channel  226  may be elongated and may extend in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  112  and/or the longitudinal directions  128 . 
     The plunger  170 , which may also be elongated and may extend in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  112  and/or the longitudinal directions  128 , may include a first (or proximal) end  228  ( FIG. 12 ) and a second (or distal) end  230 . The first end  228  may be slidingly received within the channel  226  defined by the solenoid  168 . The second end  230  may be biased away from the solenoid  168  by a spring  232  (or other bias element(s)), which may be disposed circumferentially about the plunger  170 . 
     The plunger  170  may have a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) associated with the first state of the solenoid  168  and a second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ) associated with the second state of the solenoid  168 . 
     The lever  174 , the spring  176  (or other bias element(s)) and the link  178 , may collectively define a mechanical amplifier that is disposed at least in part between the plunger  170  and the slide  164 . 
     The lever  174  may be pivotably coupled to the binding plate  120  by a shaft  240  or other type of pivot. Thus, the lever  174  may have a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) and a second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ) that is pivotably offset from the first position. The spring  176  or other bias element may bias the lever  174  toward the second position. 
     The lever  174  may be elongated and may have first and second ends  241 ,  242 . The shaft  240  (or other pivot) may be disposed at, proximal to or otherwise toward the first end  241 . The lever  174  may define a bend having a centerline  243  ( FIG. 12 ) and the shaft  240  or other pivot may be disposed at least in part on the centerline  243 . The bend may be a sharp bend (with a sharp corner) or a more gradual bend (with a radius). The spring  176  or other bias element may attach to the lever  174  at or proximal to or otherwise toward the second end  242 . 
     As used herein, the term “toward the second end” means closer to the second end than to the first end. 
     The lever  174  further includes an abutment surface  244 . In at least some embodiments, the abutment surface  244  may be disposed at or otherwise proximal to the first end  241 . 
     In the first position (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ), the lever  174  may extend in (or at least substantially in) longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 . 
     In the second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ), the lever  174  may extend in (or at least substantially in) a lateral direction. 
     In at least some embodiments, lateral direction(s) is/are perpendicular to longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 . 
     In at least some embodiments, with the lever  174  in the second position, the lever  174  may extend in a direction that is pivotally offset from the first position by 90 degrees or substantially 90 degrees. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially 90 degrees” means 90 degrees +/−10%. 
     In at least some embodiments, with the lever  174  in the second position, the lever  174  may extend in a direction that is pivotally offset from the first position by an angle in the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees. 
     In at least some embodiment, with the lever  174  in its first position and the solenoid  168  in its first state ( FIG. 12 ), the second end of the plunger  170  is biased, by the spring  232  or other bias element, into contact with the abutment surface  244  of the lever  174 , which prevents or otherwise limit pivoting movement of the lever  174  from its first position to its second position. In at least some embodiments, the contact between the plunger  170  and the lever  174  is provided by a rear facing surface of the second end  230  of the plunger  170 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the contact is provided by only a portion of the rear facing surface of the second end  230  of the plunger  170 . In at least some embodiments, a lateral width  260  of such portion of the rear facing surface is no greater than one half a lateral width  262  of the rear facing surface. In at least some embodiments, this may reduce the possibility of undesired interference between the plunger and the lever and/or speed release of the boot plate  106  when it is desired to release the boot plate  106 . 
     The lever  174  further includes a portion  245  that is displaced forwardly if the lever  174  pivots from the first position to the second position. 
     As used herein, the term “displaced forwardly” means “displaced so as to be closer to a front of the binding plate,” and does not preclude additional displacements in other dimensions, e.g., laterally in addition to forwardly. (In the illustrated embodiment, the portion  245  is also displaced laterally.) 
     In at least some embodiments, the lever  174  is rigid and/or has a fixed shape. 
     The spring  176  or other bias element(s) may have first and second ends  270 ,  272  ( FIG. 12 ). A first end  270  of the spring  176  or other bias element(s) may attach to the lever  174  at, proximate to or otherwise toward the second end  242  of the lever  174 . 
     A second end  272  of the spring  176  or other bias element(s) may be coupled to the binding plate  120 . In at least some embodiments, the second end  272  of the spring  176  or other bias element(s) may attach to a location of the binding plate  120  that is laterally offset from the first shaft  240  or other pivot. In at least some embodiments, the location may have the same longitudinal position as the first shaft  240 . In at least some other embodiments, the location may be forward of or rearward of the first shaft  240 . 
     The link  178  is coupled (directly and/or indirectly) between the slide  164  and the lever  174 . Thus, the link  178  may also have a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) and a second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ). 
     In at least some embodiments, the link  178  is pivotably coupled to the lever  174  by a shaft  246  (or other pivot) and pivotably coupled to the slide  164  by a shaft  248  (or other pivot). 
     The link  178  may be elongated and may have first and second ends  250 ,  252 . One shaft  246  (or other pivot) may be disposed at, proximate to or otherwise toward the first end  250 . The other shaft  248  (or other pivot) may be disposed at, proximate to or otherwise toward the second end  252 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the link  178  has a rigid and/or a fixed shape. In at least some embodiments, the link comprises only one link stage. In at least some embodiments, the link comprises one link stage that includes a plurality of parallel link portions  256 ,  258  (e.g.,  FIG. 11 ). 
     In at least some embodiments, the link  178  attaches to the lever at a portion  245  of the lever  174  that is displaced forward if the lever  174  pivots from its first position to its second position so as to cause the slide to be pulled forward if the lever pivots from the first lever position to the second lever position. In at least some embodiments, the link  178  attaches to the lever  174  at, proximal to or otherwise toward the second end  242  of the lever  174 . In at least some embodiments, this may increase forward displacement of the slide  164  in the second state, which may speed or otherwise assist in release of the boot plate  106 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the link  178  attaches at a portion of the lever  174  that is displaced forwardly by an amount that is at least 50% of the amount that the second end  242  of the lever  174  is displaced forwardly. 
     In its second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ), the link  178  may extend in (or at least substantially in) a direction that is pivotally offset from its first position by 45 degrees or substantially 45 degrees. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially 45 degrees” means 45 degrees +/−10%. 
     In some embodiments, in its second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ), the link  178  may extend in a direction that is pivotally offset from its first position by an angle in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. 
     The location of the three shafts  240 ,  246 ,  248  or other types of pivots may be chosen such that with the lever  174  in its first position, the link  178  may also extend in (or at least substantially in) longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 , and may be aligned with the lever  174 . In some embodiments, the above may include arranging the three shafts  240 ,  246 ,  248  or other type pivots so as to be at least in part on a same line  254 . In at least some embodiments, with the lever  174  in its second position, two of the shafts  240 ,  248  or other type pivots may remain disposed at least in part on the line  254 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the binding system  104  has a latch state (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) and a release state (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ). In at least some embodiments, the latch state operates as follows. The arms  142 ,  152 , of the clamps  122 ,  124  are in a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) in which the jaws have a first lateral spacing and releasably retain the boot plate  106  to the binding plate  120 , and the slide  164  is in a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ). The solenoid  168  is in a first state (e.g., unpowered,  FIG. 12 ) and the second end  230  of the plunger  170  is biased, by the spring  232  or other bias element, into contact with the abutment surface  244  of the lever  174 . This prevent or otherwise limits pivoting movement of the lever  174  from the first position to the second position and may position the lever  174  so as to extend in (or at least substantially in) longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 . The link  178  may also be positioned so as to extend in (or at least substantially in) longitudinal directions  112  and/or longitudinal directions  128 . Such positioning of the lever  174  and/or the link  178  may force the slide  164  rearward, which may cause the abutment surfaces  190 ,  192  of the slide  164  to apply force to the abutment surfaces  200 ,  202 , respectively, of the clamps  122 ,  124 , respectively, to retain the arms  142 ,  152 , respectively, of the clamps  122 ,  124  laterally inward and/or toward their first position. 
     In at least some embodiments, the release state operates as follows. The solenoid  168  is powered (energized) and the resulting magnetic field results in a force that counters the bias of the spring  232  or other bias element and pulls the plunger  170  out of contact with the lever  174 , thereby allowing the lever  174  to pivot from its first position to its second position, in response to bias from the spring  176  or other bias element. As the lever  174  pivots, the portion  245  is displaced forwardly. The forward displacement causes the slide  164  coupled to the second end  252  of the link  178  to move toward a second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ) that is forward of the first position and in which the slide  164  applies force to the arms to force the arms  142 ,  152  toward their second position in which the jaws  146 ,  156  have a second lateral spacing greater than the first lateral spacing and in which the jaws  146 ,  156  are spaced apart from the boot plate. In at least some embodiments, the abutment surfaces  194 ,  196  of the slide  164  apply force to the abutment surfaces  204 ,  206 , respectively, of the clamps  122 ,  124 , respectively, which causes the arms  142 ,  152 , respectively, of the clamps  122 ,  124  to pivot or otherwise move (laterally outward at least in part) toward their second position (e.g.,  FIG. 13 ). 
     In at least some embodiments, the binding system  104  may further include one or more additional solenoid, e.g., solenoids  280 ,  282  (which may be controlled by the control system  162 ) and/or one or more other bias element that is coupled to one or more portions of the binding system  104  to provide one or more additional force, e.g., force  284 ,  286 , respectively, or other bias to supplement one or more force or other bias provided by the lever  174 , spring  176  and/or link  178  to speed or otherwise assist in release of the boot plate  106  (and boot  108  attached thereto). 
     In at least some embodiments, the binding system  104  further includes a step-in closure. 
     In at least some embodiments, the binding system  104  may have a step-in closure as described above with respect to  FIGS. 14-20 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a system  1400  that includes a binding system  104  having a step-in closure  1402 , in a first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 15  is a side view of the system  1400  illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 17  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in a second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 18  is another enlarged side view of the portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 17 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged perspective view of a heel retainer of the portion of the system illustrated in  FIG. 17 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 20  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heel lock illustrated in  FIG. 19 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14-20 , in accordance with at least some embodiments, a step-in closure  1402  is provided. The step-in closure may include an optional heel lock. The step-in closure generally may use the weight (downward force) of the skier to mechanically activate the illustrated set of linkages and seer assemblies (e.g.,  1604 ,  1606 ,  1608 ,  1610 ) so as to retract a slidable fore-aft linkage  164  as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 13 . The result is that the side-locking jaws  142 ,  152  will then close upon the ski boot plate to secure the same in place (i.e., going from the open configuration of  FIG. 13  to the closed configuration of  FIG. 12 ). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these exemplary embodiments can be modified to suit other configurations without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     In an aspect, a servo motor can be used to retract the slide  164  of  FIGS. 12 and 13  instead of the mechanical step-in means described above. For example, a sensor or pressure switch or other actuator can determine a skier&#39;s proper step into the apparatus, which would electrically cause the retraction of slide  164  so as to engage and close the binding about the boot. 
     Some of the following embodiments are directed to a type of ski binding system, for affixing a skier&#39;s boot to a ski during use, that primarily uses controllable electromagnets and/or permanent magnets to hold the boot in place and negating electromagnets (operating counter to the permanent magnet&#39;s force) to release when appropriate. In a typical embodiment, the system consists of a binding, or one or more binding plates, that is/are mounted on the top of a ski, and a metal boot plate or plates that is/are mounted on the bottom of a ski boot. In an embodiment, the binding comprises a piece of somewhat stiff rubber or other similar material with a plurality of permanent electromagnets embedded therein. The permanent magnets turn off or turn on depending on whether a current is passed through them. The binding also comprises an electrical power source and microprocessor that are in electrical communication with the electromagnets, and that allow the electromagnets to be enabled or disabled. The binding system is intended to be used in lieu of conventional, mechanical ski binding systems, but in some embodiments may be used in conjunction with such systems. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates, in perspective view, another binding  2104  according to at least some embodiments, with top and side views of the binding  2104  being shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , respectively. Note that drawings herein are for the purpose of illustrating the features of the technology disclosed herein, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Twelve round electromagnets  2108  are visible on the top surface of the binding  2104 . There are raised portions  2112  of the top surface at each end of the binding  2104  and at the center of the binding  2104 . These surfaces (raised portions  2112 ) fit into equivalent negative surfaces, or indentations, on a metal plate ( FIG. 26 ) that is attached to the bottom of a ski boot (e.g.,  FIG. 30 ) so as to locate the boot on the binding  2104  (and a ski (e.g.,  FIG. 24 ) on which the binding  2104  may be mounted) in a fore/aft direction, and prevent the boot from rotating on the binding  2104  (and a ski (e.g.,  FIG. 24 ) on which the binding  2104  may be mounted). These surfaces also combine with the tensile/attractive forces of the magnets to provide shear strength between the boot and the ski, allowing the skier to operate and steer the ski. 
     Although twelve round electromagnets  2108  are shown, in at least some embodiments, other quantities, shapes and/or sizes of electromagnets may be used. Additionally, although the electromagnets  2108  are shown in an array (2×6), in at least some embodiments, other arrangements of electromagnets may be used. 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate, in perspective and top views, respectively, a system  2400  that includes the exemplary binding  2104  of  FIGS. 21-23  mounted in place on a ski  2402 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. The binding  2104  can be mounted on the ski  2402  by screws or other permanent or non-permanent means of attachment.  FIG. 26  shows an exploded view of a close-up of the mounted binding  2104  of  FIG. 24  along with an exemplary boot plate  2606 , to be attached to a ski boot (e.g.,  FIG. 30 ), in accordance with at least some embodiments. One can see the indentations  2612  at the ends of the boot plate  2606  and at the center of the boot plate  2606  which mate with the raised surfaces  2112  of the binding  2104 . 
       FIG. 27  shows a side view of the binding  2104  and boot plate  2606  of  FIG. 26 , with the boot plate  2606  in place as it would be during use, in accordance with at least some embodiments.  FIG. 28  shows in perspective view a close-up of one end of the binding  2104  and boot plate  2606  of  FIG. 27 , in which the raised surface and indentation at this end can be seen more clearly.  FIG. 29  shows a top view of the binding and boot plate of  FIG. 27 . 
     The boot plate  2606  can be constructed of any ferromagnetic material of sufficient strength, preferably stamped steel. The boot plate  2602  can be attached to the bottom of a ski boot (e.g.,  FIG. 30 ) by screws or other similar means. The multiple magnets  2108  and raised surfaces  2112  are designed in such a way as to locate and hold the boot plate  2602  (and thus a ski boot attached thereto) in place during significant bending and unbending of the ski  2402  during use. 
       FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate, in side and perspective views, respectively, an exemplary binding  2104  and boot plate  2606  according to at least some embodiments of the invention, with the boot plate  2606  mounted to the bottom of a ski boot  3008 , with the boot  3008  and boot plate  2606  mounted on the binding  2104 , and with the binding  2104  affixed to a ski, e.g., the ski  2402 .  FIG. 32  shows a close-up perspective view of the boot  3008 , the boot plate  2606 , the binding  2104  and the ski  2402  (shown in cutaway view) of  FIGS. 30-31 , viewed from the rear.  FIGS. 33 and 34  illustrate, in bottom and perspective views respectively, a ski boot  3008  with an exemplary boot plate  2606 , according to at least some embodiments of the invention, mounted to the bottom of the boot  3008 . 
       FIGS. 35-38 , in perspective, top, side and sectional views, respectively, show a system  3500  that includes another exemplary binding  3504  mounted on a ski  3502  according to at least some further embodiments of the invention. As indicated in  FIG. 35 , the binding  3504  consists of two parts, a toe plate  3510  and a heel plate  3512  (each, a type of binding plate), each of which is attached to the ski  3502  via a rigid mounting bracket  3514 ,  3516 , respectively, and a mounting bolt  3518 ,  3520  that passes through the binding plate. The toe plate  3510  contains a controllable electromagnet  3528 , and the heel plate  3512  contains two controllable electromagnets  3528 ; in some embodiments, the electromagnets  3528  may be permanent electromagnets; in some embodiments, the electromagnets may be accompanied by permanent magnets. 
     Although three round electromagnets  3528  are shown and described, in at least some embodiments, other quantities, shapes and/or sizes of electromagnets may be used. Additionally, although the electromagnets  3528  are shown in an array (1×3), in at least some embodiments, other arrangements of electromagnets may be used. 
     Only one sided of the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  can be seen in  FIG. 35 , but the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  and their mounting hardware are essentially symmetric with respect to the center plane of the skis. Each binding plate  3510 ,  3512  is mounted to its mounting bracket  3514 ,  3516 , respectively, so as to leave a space  3710 ,  3712  ( FIG. 37 ) between the plate  3510 ,  3512  and the bracket  3514 ,  3516 , respectively, allowing the binding plate  3510 ,  3512  to pivot about its mounting bolt  3518 ,  3520 , respectively, within the range of motion permitted by the distance between the bottom of the binding plate  3510 ,  3512  and its mounting bracket  3514 ,  3516 , respectively. The toe plate&#39;s  3510  mounting bolt  3518  extends through circular holes (not shown) on either side of its mounting bracket  3514 , while the heel plate&#39;s  3512  mounting bolt  3520  extends through oblong slots  3530  on either side of its mounting bracket  3516 , allowing the heel plate  3512 , along with its mounting bolt  3520 , to translate forward and backward within the range of motion permitted by the length of the slots  3530 , in addition to pivoting about the mounting bolt  3520 . 
     The ability of the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  to pivot and translate permits the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  to maintain good contact with a ski boot while the ski  3502  flexes during use. Such flexing changes the distance between the mounting brackets  3516 ,  3518  for the toe plate  3510  and the heel plate  3512 , as well as the angle between them. A conventional, mechanical ski binding system typically has a forward pressure spring that keeps the toe of the boot pressed forward into front toe latch. Since the toe and heel mechanisms in such systems are rigidly attached to the ski, the ski&#39;s flexing during use pushes these mechanisms together and pulls them apart, which can result in premature release, particularly during conditions of high flexing, such as bumpy terrain, or racing conditions, and so forth. In the present ski binding system  3504 , by allowing the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  to pivot and the heel plate  3512  to translate, the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  can maintain full contact with the underside of the boot (which is much more rigid than the ski) at all times while the ski  3502  flexes. 
     The top surfaces of the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  depicted in  FIGS. 35-38  have raised portions  3532  in the center, which mate with similarly-sized cutouts or indentations (e.g., indentations similar in one or more respects to indentations  5422  ( FIG. 54 )), in metal boot plates  3910 ,  3912  ( FIG. 39 ), respectfully, that are mounted to the underside of the ski boot  3908  ( FIG. 39 ). Each binding plate  3510 ,  3512  has mounted to it two spring attachment points  3540 , on each of the front and rear surfaces, and the top surface of the ski also has spring attachment points  3542  mounted thereto, fore and aft of each of the binding plates  3510 ,  3512 . 
       FIGS. 39 and 40  illustrate, in perspective and side views, respectively, the binding system of  FIGS. 35-38 , along with a ski boot  3908  positioned above the binding system  3504 , as it would be positioned just before engaging with or just after disengaging with the binding system  3504 . As indicated in  FIGS. 39-40 , attached to the bottom of the boot  3908 , in front and in back, are metal boot plates  3910 ,  3912  that are designed to engage with the top surfaces of the toe plate  3510  and heel plate  3512 , respectively, of the binding system.  FIGS. 41 and 42  illustrate, in side and perspective views, respectively, the boot and binder system of  FIGS. 39-40  with the boot  3908  engaged with the binding  3504  as it would be during use. 
     In  FIGS. 43-44  the boot and binding system of  FIGS. 39-40  is illustrated, in side and perspective views, respectively, in which each binding plate has a coil spring  4340  attached to each of its front and rear sides, with the other end of the spring  4340  attached to the top surface of the ski  3502 , using the spring attachments points  3540 ,  3542  on the binding plates and the skis  3502 , respectively. These springs  4340  can also be seen in  FIGS. 47 and 48 , which illustrate the boot and binding system, with the boot  3908  engaged with the binding  3504 , in perspective and side views, respectively, of  FIGS. 41-42 , with the coil springs  4340  shown attached to the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  and to the top surface of the ski  3502  as in  FIGS. 43-44 .  FIGS. 45 and 46  illustrate in more detail, in side view, the toe plate  3510  and the heel plate,  3512  respectively, mounted to the ski  3502 , with coil springs  4340  attached to the top surface of the ski  3502  and to the front and rear of each binding plate  3510 ,  3512 . These coil springs  4340  are attached so as to be under tension, i.e. they are stretched between the binding plate  3510 ,  3512  and the ski surface  3502 , and are designed to facilitate a skier&#39;s mounting his/her boots  3908  into binding  3504  by holding the pivoting binding plates  3510 ,  3512  in a horizontal position, parallel to the ski  3902  surface. The springs  4340  are designed and configured so that they are in an equilibrium position, i.e. with the springs  4340  exerting equal and opposite torques on the binding plate  3510 ,  3512  about the mounting bolt, when the binding plate  3510 ,  3512  is parallel to the ski  3502  surface. In the case of the heel plate  3512 , the springs  4340  are also designed and configured so that in the equilibrium position the heel plate  3512 , which can translate in the fore and aft directions, is in the proper fore-aft position for mounting a boot  3908  into the binding, i.e. the heel plate  3512  is positioned at a distance from the toe plate  3510  corresponding to the distance between the corresponding boot plates  3910 ,  3912  that are attached to the bottom of the boot  3908 . In some embodiments the binding plates  3510 ,  3512  are equipped with adjusting screws or other means to adjust and optimize the equilibrium position of the binding plates  3510 ,  3512 . 
       FIGS. 49 and 50  are photographs of a prototype  4900  of an embodiment of the binding, e.g., binding  2104 , and boot plate, e.g., boot plate  2606 , that are part of one or more of the systems disclosed herein. The prototype binding  4904  includes 4 large electromagnets  4908  embedded in a rubber body, which comprise holes  4950  to allow mounting the prototype binding  4904  to a ski, e.g., ski  2402 . The prototype boot plate  4906  includes prototype boot plates  4910 ,  4912 . 
       FIGS. 51-54  are photographs of a further prototype  5100  of an embodiment of the binding plates, e.g., binding plates  3510 ,  3512 , and boot plates, e.g., boot plates  3910 ,  3912 , that are part of one or more of the binding systems disclosed herein. The prototype binding system  5100  includes a prototype toe plate  5110  and a prototype heel plate  5112 , each mounted to the top surface of a ski  5102  by means of a mounting bracket  5114 ,  5116 , respectively, and mounting bolt  5118 ,  5120 , respectively, around which each of the binding plates is allowed to pivot, and with the mounting bolt  5120  for the heel plate  5112  permitted to translate fore-and-aft in its slot in the mounting bracket  5116 . Prototypes of coil springs  4340  are not shown in these photographs.  FIG. 51  shows the binding system attached to a ski  5102 , with a boot  5108  mounted to it.  FIGS. 52 and 53  show, from different views, the binding system attached to a ski  5102 , without a boot shown.  FIG. 54  shows, alongside the binding system attached to a ski  5102 , the underside of a boot  5108 , to which prototype front and rear boot plates  5410 ,  5412  (e.g., prototypes of front and rear boot plates  3910 ,  3912 , respectively), have been attached; in the boot plates  5410 ,  5412  can been seen circular indentations  5422 , corresponding with the raised portions  5432  (e.g., prototypes of raised portions  3532 ), of the prototype toe plate and heel plate  5110 ,  5112  of the binding with which they engage. 
     The electrical power source and microprocessor (not shown in the illustrations) allow the magnets, e.g., magnets  2108  and/or magnets  3528 , to be switched on and off as appropriate, such as when a user is putting on or taking off his/her skis, e.g., ski  2402  and/or ski  3502 , or when a release is appropriate to prevent injury to the user. The power source can comprise a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, and/or a capacitor. The capacitor may in some embodiments comprise part of the laminate of the ski, e.g., ski  2402  and/or ski  3502 . In some embodiments, the invention comprises piezoelectric transducers that harvest energy from vibrations of the ski, e.g., ski  2402  and/or ski  3502 , during use and use such energy to recharge the battery and/or capacitor that is used to power the magnets, e.g., magnets  2108  and/or magnets  3528 , in the binder, e.g., binding  2104  and/or binding  3504  and/or the processor and/or the solenoid. 
     The microprocessor is in electrical communication, by either wired or wireless means, with one or more strain gauges, pressure transducers, accelerometers and/or other mechanical sensors (collectively, sensors). Such sensors can be attached to the ski  3502 , the boot  3908  and/or the skier and/or other equipment or clothing worn by him/her. In some embodiments sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, are located inside the boot  3908 , such as between the plastic shell and the soft liner of the boot  3908 . The microprocessor continuously receives signals from these sensors and determines, based on such signals, when to transmit a signal to disable the magnets  3528 , or enable magnets that will counteract other magnets in the binding, and thereby release boot from the binding. In some embodiments the boot plates are held to the binding plates by permanent magnets, which are active in the absence of any electrical current or signal, embedded in the binding plates, and the boot plates are released from the binding plates by means of electromagnets embedded in the binding plates, activated by the microprocessor, that create a magnetic field in the opposite direction from that created by the permanent magnets, such that the magnetic fields superpose and largely cancel each other, to a degree sufficient to weaken the resulting magnetic force holding the boot plates and binding plates together, and thus release them from each other. In some embodiments, the electromagnets may be configured so that they reinforce the magnetic fields created by permanent magnets during use, thus providing a strong magnetic attractive force between the boots and the bindings, and so that the electromagnets reverse polarity in the case of a release event, allowing them to create a magnetic field that will offset the field created by the permanent magnets. 
     In some embodiments, the binding system operates by creating magnetic attractive forces, or “clamping” forces, between binding plates and boot plates, that are designed to be of magnitudes such that the clamping forces will not hold them together if there is sufficient external force pulling or twisting them apart, such as could be experienced during use if the skier loses control. In other words, the bindings are designed to create a mechanical threshold, whereby the bindings would no longer hold the skier if this threshold is overcome, even in the absence of any signal from the microprocessor to reduce the magnetic force holding the boot plates to the binding plates, thus providing an additional layer of safety. 
     The magnitudes of the clamping forces during use, as well as the parameters used by the microprocessor in determining when to send a release signal, are adjustable, by mechanical means such as adjustment screws and/or electronic means such as commands transmitted to the microprocessor. In this way adjustments can be made to accommodate the mass and height of the skier, the terrain, the intended skiing style, and so forth. 
     Although reference has been made to a microprocessor, the systems disclosed herein are not limited to use of a microprocessor. In at least some embodiments, the systems disclosed herein may include a processor of any type. 
       FIG. 55A  is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the control system  162  ( FIGS. 12-13 ) in the binding system  104  ( FIGS. 1-18 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 55A , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the control system  162  may include a processor  5560 , a plurality of sensors (sometimes referred to herein as a sensor system)  5562  and one or more power circuit  5564 . The processor  5560  may comprise any type(s) of processor(s). The plurality of sensors  5562  may comprise any type(s) of sensors. The one or more power circuit  5564  may comprise any type(s) of power circuit(s). 
     In at least some embodiments, the one or more power circuit  5564  may comprise one or more power supply  5570  and one or more power switch  5572 . The one or more power supply  5570  may comprise one or more battery (rechargeable or otherwise) and/or any other type of power source(s). The one or more power switch  5572  may comprise one or more power semiconductor devices and/or any other type(s) of power switch(es). 
     The control system  162  may further include a plurality of signal lines or other communication links  5566  that couple the processor  5560  to the plurality of sensors  5562  and one or more control line or other communication link(s)  5568  that couple the processor  5560  to the one or more power circuit  5564 . 
     The control system  162  may further comprise one or more power line or other power link(s)  5574  from the one or more power circuit  5564  to the solenoid  168  and/or other portion(s) of the binding system  104 . 
     The control system  162  may further include a plurality of status indicators  5580  and a plurality of signal lines or other communication links  5582  that couple the processor  5560  to the plurality of status indicators  5580 . The plurality of status indicators  5580  may indicate one or more status of the control system  162  and/or the binding system  104 . 
     The control system  162  may further include one or more communication link  5590  to one or more user device  5592 . 
     Unless stated otherwise, a “user device” may comprise a smart phone, a tablet and/or any other type of computing device (mobile or otherwise). 
     In at least some embodiments, one or more of the one or more user device  5592  may comprise a computing device (mobile or otherwise) of a user that is using and/or will use the binding system  104 . 
     In operation, in at least some embodiments, the processor  5560  receives one or more signals, from one or more of the plurality of sensors  5562  or otherwise, indicative of one or more conditions of the skier and/or system  100  (or portion(s) thereof), and determines, based at least in part thereon, whether (and/or when) to power the solenoid  168  to initiate release of the boot plate  106  (and boot  108  to which the boot plate  106  is mounted). In at least some embodiments, if the processor  5560  determines to initiate release, the processor  5560  generates one or more control signal to initiate release, which may be supplied to the one or more power circuit  5564  via the one or more control line or other communication link(s)  5568 . The one or more power circuit  5564  receives the one or more control signal from the processor  5560  and in response at least thereto, provides power to the solenoid  168  and/or other portion(s) of the binding system  104  via one or more of the one or more power line or other power link(s)  5574 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the one or more power supply  5570  may comprise one or more rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, and/or a capacitor. The capacitor may in some embodiments comprise part of the laminate of the ski, e.g., ski  102 . In some embodiments, the system  100  may include piezoelectric transducers that harvest energy from vibrations of the ski, e.g., ski  102 , during use and use such energy to recharge the battery and/or capacitor. 
     In at least some embodiments, the plurality of sensors  5562  may comprise one or more strain gauges, pressure transducers, accelerometers and/or other mechanical sensors (collectively, sensors). Such sensors can be attached to the ski  102 , the boot  108  and/or the skier and/or other equipment or clothing worn by the skier. In some embodiments one or more sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, may be located inside the boot  108 , such as between the plastic shell and the soft liner of the boot  108 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the processor  5560  may continuously receive signals from the plurality of sensors  5562  and determine, based at least in part on such signals, whether (and/or when) to initiate release of the boot plate  106  and/or boot  108 . 
     In at least some embodiments, any of the binding systems disclosed herein may include a control system having one or more portions that are the same as and/or similar to one or more portions of the control system  162  of the binding system  104 . 
       FIG. 55B  is a block diagram of an architecture  5500  according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more of the systems (or portion(s) thereof), apparatus (or portion(s) thereof) and/or devices (or portion(s) thereof) disclosed herein may have an architecture that is the same as and/or similar to one or more portions of the architecture  5500 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the methods (or portion(s) thereof) disclosed herein may be performed by a system, apparatus and/or device having an architecture that is the same as or similar to the architecture  5500  (or portion(s) thereof). The architecture may be implemented as a distributed architecture or a non-distributed architecture. 
     Referring to  FIG. 55B , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the architecture  5500  may include one or more processors  5510  and one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory  5520  and/or one or more non-volatile storage media  5530 ). The processor  5510  may control writing data to and reading data from the memory  5520  and the non-volatile storage device  5530  in any suitable manner. The storage media may store one or more programs and/or other information for operation of the architecture  5500 . In at least some embodiments, the one or more programs include one or more instructions to be executed by the processor  5510  to perform one or more portions of one or more tasks and/or one or more portions of one or more methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the other information may include data for one or more portions of one or more tasks and/or one or more portions of one or more methods disclosed herein. To perform any of the functionality described herein, the processor  5510  may execute one or more processor-executable instructions stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., the memory  5520  and/or one or more non-volatile storage media  5530 ). 
     In at least some embodiments, the architecture  5500  may include one or more communication devices  5540 , which may be used to interconnect the architecture to one or more other devices and/or systems, such as, for example, one or more networks in any suitable form, including a local area network or a wide area network, such as an enterprise network, and intelligent network (IN) or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate according to any suitable protocol and may include wireless networks or wired networks. 
     In at least some embodiments, the architecture  5500  may have one or more input devices  5545  and/or one or more output devices  5550 . These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that may be used to provide a user interface include printers or display screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that may be used for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices, such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, the architecture  5500  may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible formats. 
       FIG. 55C  is a flowchart of a method, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     In at least some embodiments, the method (or one or more portion(s) thereof) may be performed by one or more of the systems or portion(s) thereof, described herein. 
     In at least some embodiments, the method (or one or more portion(s) thereof) may be performed by the processor  5560 . 
     The method is not limited to the order shown, but rather may be performed in any practicable order. For that matter, any method disclosed herein is not limited to any particular order but rather may be performed in any practicable order. 
     One or more portions of the method may be used without one or more other portions of the method. For that matter, one or more portions of any method (or system) disclosed herein may be used without one or more other portions of such method (or system). 
     In at least some embodiments, the method (or one or more portion(s) thereof) may be performed using one or more portions of one or more other methods disclosed herein. For that matter, in at least some embodiments, any method (or one or more portions thereof) disclosed herein may be performed using one or more portions of one or more other methods disclosed herein. 
     In at least some embodiments, the method (or one or more portion(s) thereof) may be performed in performance of one or more portions of one or more other methods disclosed herein. For that matter, in at least some embodiments, any method (or one or more portions thereof) disclosed herein may be performed in performance of one or more portions of one or more other methods disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 55C , at  5552 , the method may include receiving, by a processor, one or more signals from one or more sensors. The one or more signals may have any form(s) and may be received in any manner(s) (directly and/or indirectly). 
     In at least some embodiments, the one or more signals may be indicative of a positioning and/or movement of one or more portions of a skier and/or one or more portions of the system. 
     At  5554 , the method may further include determining, by the processor, whether to initiate release (e.g., of a boot plate and/or boot) based at least in part on the one or more signals. 
     At  5556 , the method may further include, if the processor determines to initiate release, generating, by the processor, at one signal to initiate release. 
     In at least some embodiments, any of the binding systems disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with conventional mechanical ski brake systems, known in the art, by which a ski is preventing from sliding freely on the snow unless a boot pressed onto a spring-loaded plate or other mechanism mounted on the top of the ski surface. Such a mechanism can be disposed over or between binding plates in various embodiments. In some embodiments, a ski brake system could be linked to the processor (e.g., the microprocessor discussed above and/or the processor  5560 , which may be a microprocessor or any other type of processor) and activated by means of an electronic signal when there is a release event, and then reset when a skier mounts his/her boots into the bindings. 
     In some embodiments, any of the systems disclosed herein may comprise storage means, such as a memory card, storage drive, or the like, in electrical communication with the processor (e.g., the microprocessor discussed above and/or the processor  5560 , which may be a microprocessor or any other type of processor), by which settings and data from sensors are recorded and stored. In some embodiments, new sensor data will overwrite older, stored sensor data as the storage means becomes full, so that the most recent sensor data is retained. In some embodiments, the system may be in wireless communication, over the internet or otherwise, with storage means located external to the ski and binding system, including so-called “cloud” storage, by which sensor data are recorded. The stored sensor data can be used to analyze the performance of the system, and to improve the system over time by adjusting programming parameters based on such analysis. Such analysis may aid in understanding where a skier&#39;s leg is applying pressure to the boot, and in creating or improving models and maps of the boot, skis and/or binding to better understand their behavior during use. Such analysis may focus on the performance of the system when an incident occurs, such as a skier crashing due to an unintended release, or a skier being injured resulting from a failure to release. Such analysis and adjustment can be especially valuable when it takes into account a larger data set, such as may be obtained from many different skiers using the system disclosed herein or similar systems. By using data analysis, the system is an intelligent system that is capable of evolving over time as ski equipment changes and knowledge of industry conditions improves. 
       FIG. 56  is a perspective view of another system  5600  that includes a solenoid to initiate release of a boot from a ski, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 57  is a side view of the system  5600 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 58  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the system  5600 , in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 56-58 , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the system  5600  includes a ski  5602 , a binding system  5604 , a boot plate  5606  ( FIG. 61 ), a boot  5608 , and a toe plate  5609  ( FIG. 58 ). 
     The binding system  5604  may be mounted (directly and/or indirectly) to an upper and/or other surface of the ski  5602 . The boot plate  5606  may be attached (directly and/or indirectly) to a sole and/or other portion of the boot  5608  (e.g., using screws (or other fasteners (threaded or otherwise)), claws and/or any other type of fasteners (not shown)). The boot plate  106  may also be releasably attached to the binding system  5604  (thereby releasably attaching the boot  5608  to the binding system  5604 ), sometimes referred to herein as a first (or releasably attached) state. 
     The system  5600  may have a longitudinal axis  5610  and/or may extend in longitudinal directions  5612  ( FIG. 56 ). 
       FIG. 59  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system  5600  with the boot  5608  released from the binding system  5604 , sometimes referred to herein as a second (or released or detached) state. 
       FIG. 60  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the system  5600 , without the ski  5602 . 
     Referring also now to  FIGS. 59-60 , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the binding system  5604  may include a binding plate  5620  and one or more clamps, e.g., two clamps  5622 ,  5624  ( FIG. 61 ). The binding plate  5620  may be mounted (directly or indirectly) to the upper or other surface of the ski  5602 . The two clamps  5622 ,  5624  ( FIG. 61 ) may be pivotably or otherwise rotatably coupled (directly and/or indirectly) to the binding plate  5620 . 
       FIG. 61  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the system  5600 , without the ski  5602  and the boot  5608 , showing a relative positioning of the boot plate  5606 , the binding plate  5620  and the clamps  5622 ,  5624 , with the binding system  5604  in the first (or releasably attached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 62  is an enlarged perspective view of the binding system  5604 , with the binding system  5604  in the first (or releasably attached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     Referring also now to  FIGS. 61-62 , in at least some embodiments, the binding system  5604  and/or binding plate  5620  may have a longitudinal axis  5626  ( FIG. 62 ) and/or may extend in longitudinal directions  5628  ( FIG. 62 ). In at least some embodiments, the longitudinal axis  5626  of the binding system  5604  and/or binding plate  5620  may be co-extensive with the longitudinal axis  5610  of the system  5600 . The clamps  5622 ,  5624  may be disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis  5610  and/or the longitudinal axis  5626 . 
       FIG. 63  is an enlarged perspective view of the binding system  5604 , with the binding system  5604  in the second (or released or detached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 64  is an enlarged side view of the binding system  5604 , with the binding system  5604  in the first (or releasably attached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 65  is an enlarged end view of the binding system  5604 , with the binding system  5604  in the first (or releasably attached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 66  is an enlarged end view of the binding system  5604 , with the binding system  5604  in the second (or released or detached) state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 67  is an enlarged bottom view of the binding plate  5620  and portions of the binding system  5604  disposed therein, with the binding system  5604  in the first state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
       FIG. 68  is an enlarged bottom view of the binding plate  5620  and portions of the binding system  5604  disposed therein, with the binding system in the second state, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     Referring also now to  FIGS. 63-68 , in at least some embodiments, the binding plate  5620  may include a top  5630 , a side  5632  (sometimes referred to herein as rear side  5632 ), a side  5634 , a side  5636  (sometimes referred to herein as front side  5636 ) and a side  5638 . A bottom of the binding plate  5620  may be open at least in part and thereby define an opening  5639  ( FIGS. 61-66 ). The top may have an upper surface  5640  and a lower surface  5641  ( FIGS. 67-68 ). 
     The two clamps  5622 ,  5624  may each comprise an arm and a jaw coupled to the arm. In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the clamp  5622  may comprise an arm  5642  and a jaw  5646  coupled to the arm  5642 . The clamp  5624  may comprise an arm  5652  and a jaw  5656  coupled to the arm  5652 . 
     The arms  5642 ,  5652  may be laterally spaced from one another, and may be pivotably or otherwise rotatably coupled to the binding plate  5620  by shafts  5648 ,  5658  ( FIGS. 67-68 ), respectively, or otherwise (e.g., other pivots). 
     In at least some embodiments, the arms  5642 ,  5652  are disposed on opposite sides of and/or spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis  5610  and/or the longitudinal axis  5626 . 
     The arms  5642 ,  5652  may have a first position (e.g.,  FIGS. 61-62, 65 and 67 ) in which the jaws, e.g., jaws  5646 ,  5656 , have a first lateral spacing and releasably retain the boot plate  5606  to the binding plate. The arms  5642 ,  5652  may also have a second position (e.g.,  FIGS. 63, 66 and 68 ) in which the jaws  5646 ,  5656  have a second lateral spacing greater than the first lateral spacing and are spaced apart from the boot plate  5606 . 
     In at least some embodiments, with the arms  5642 ,  5652  in their first position, the jaws  5646 ,  5656  contact the boot plate  5606  and force the boot plate  5606  against the binding plate  5620  or otherwise trap the boot plate  5606  relative to the binding plate  5620 , to thereby releasably attach the boot plate  5606  (and a boot, e.g., boot  5608 , to which the boot plate  5606  is attached) to the binding plate  5620 , and in doing so, prevent or otherwise limit movement of the boot plate  5606  relative to the binding plate  5620 . In at least some embodiments, movement may be prevented or otherwise limited in three dimensions (e.g., longitudinal, lateral and vertical). 
     In at least some embodiments, with arms  5642 ,  5652  in their second position, the jaws  5646 ,  5656  may be in their position that is most spaced apart from the boot plate  5606  such that the boot plate  5606  (and a boot, e.g., boot  5608 , to which the boot plate  5606  is attached) is most easily removed from the binding plate  5620 . 
     The binding system  5604  may further include a processor controlled latch and release system  5660 . The latch and release system  5660  may include a processor based control system  5662 , a solenoid  5668 , a plunger  5670 , linkage  5672  and a spring  5676  (or other bias element(s)). 
     As stated above, ideally, a binding system keeps the boot plate (and thus the boot attached thereto) securely attached to the ski during normal use, and releases the boot plate (and thus the boot attached thereto) from the ski during a fall or other mishap in order to prevent the ski from exerting undue torque, tension or force on the skier&#39;s leg and thereby causing injury. 
     The control system  5662  may be coupled to the solenoid  5668  and configured to receive one or more signals, from one or more sensors or otherwise, indicative of one or more conditions of the skier and/or system  100 , and determine, based at least in part thereon, whether (and/or when) to power the solenoid  5668  to initiate release of the boot plate  5606  (and boot  5608  to which the boot plate  5606  is mounted). 
     The control system  5662  may have a centralized or distributed architecture. In at least some embodiments, one or more portions of the control system  5662  may be disposed on or otherwise coupled to the binding plate  5620 . In some at least some embodiments, one or more portions of the control system  5662  may be disposed on or otherwise coupled to the skier and/or an article (e.g., clothing or otherwise) worn by the skier. 
     In at least some embodiments, the control system  5662  (or one or more portions thereof) may be the same as and/or similar to one or more portions of one or more embodiments of the control system  162 . 
     The solenoid  5668  may have a first state (e.g., unpowered,  FIG. 67 ) and a second state (e.g., powered,  FIG. 68 ) and may define a channel  5726  configured to receive the plunger  5670 . The channel  5726  may be elongated and may extend in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  5612  and/or the longitudinal directions  5628 . In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the solenoid  5668  and channel  5726  may be disposed on and extend along the longitudinal axis  5610  and/or the longitudinal axis  5626 . 
     The plunger  5670 , which may also be elongated and may extend in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  5612  and/or the longitudinal directions  5628 , may include a first (or proximal) end  5728  and a second (or distal) end  5730 . The first end  5728  may be slidingly received within the channel  5726  defined by the solenoid  5668 . The second end  5730  may be biased away from the solenoid  5668  by a spring  5732  (or other bias element(s)), which may be disposed circumferentially about the plunger  5670 . In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the plunger  5670  may be centered about (or otherwise disposed on) and extend along the longitudinal axis  5610  and/or the longitudinal axis  5626 . 
     The plunger  5670  may have a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) associated with the first state of the solenoid  5668  and a second position (e.g.,  FIG. 68 ), which may be forward of the first position, associated with the second state of the solenoid  5668 . In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the second end  5730  of the plunger  5670  is displaced in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  5612  and/or the longitudinal directions  5628  if the plunger  5670  moves from its first position to its second position. 
     The linkage  5664  may be coupled between the plunger  5670  and the arm  5642  of the first clamp  5622  and between the plunger  5670  and the arm  5652  of the second clamp  5624 . 
     In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the linkage  5664  may include a coupler  5800 , first and second links  5802 ,  5804  and first and second cams  5812 ,  5814  (or other motion converters, e.g., bevel gears). 
     The coupler  5800  may have a forward end and/or other portion slidably or otherwise coupled to the plunger&#39;s second end  5730  (which may comprise a raised portion) or other portion of the plunger  5670 . Thus, the coupler  5800  may have a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) associated with the first position of the plunger  5670  and a second position, which may be forward of the first position of the coupler  5800 , associated with the second position of the plunger  5670 . 
     In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the coupler  5800  may be coupled to a portion of the plunger  5670  that is displaced in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  5612  and/or the longitudinal directions  5628  if the plunger  5670  moves from its first position to its second position, such that the coupler  5800  will be displaced in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  5612  and/or the longitudinal directions  5628  if the plunger  5670  moves from its first position to its second position. 
     The coupler  5800  may define a slot  5820  or other channel, which may be elongated and may extend in (or at least substantially in) longitudinal directions  5612  and/or longitudinal directions  5628 . The slot  5820  or other channel may receive the second end  5730  (which may comprise a raised portion) or other portion of the plunger  5670  to guide at least in part any sliding movement between the plunger  5670  and the coupler  5800 . In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the slot  5820  may be centered about (or otherwise disposed on) and extend along the longitudinal axis  5610  and/or the longitudinal axis  5626 . 
     The coupler  5800  may have a rear end or other portion coupled to a first end  5826  of the spring  5676  (or other bias element), which may have a second end  5828  coupled to the rear side  5632  of the binding plate  5620  to bias the coupler  5800  rearward toward its first position. In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the spring  5676  may be centered about (or otherwise disposed on) and extend along the longitudinal axis  5610  and/or the longitudinal axis  5626 . 
     In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the coupler  5800  may comprise a plate having a diamond or other shaped perimeter (which may be symmetrical about one or more axis). 
     The first and second links  5802 ,  5804  may be disposed on opposite sides of the coupler  5800  and may be coupled between the coupler  5800  and the first and second cams  5812 ,  5814 , respectively (which in turn may be coupled to the arms  5642 ,  5652 , respectively, of the first and second clamps  5622 ,  5624 , respectively). 
     Thus, the first and second links  5802 ,  5804  may have a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) associated with a first position of the coupler  5800  and a second position (e.g.,  FIG. 68 ) associated with a second position of the coupler  5800 . 
     The first link  5802  may have a first end  5830  ( FIG. 67 ), a second end  5832  ( FIG. 67 ) and a shaft  5834  ( FIG. 67 ) extending therebetween. The shaft  5834  may have first and second ends which may be received (movably or fixedly) by the first and second ends  5830 ,  5832 , respectively, of the first link  5802 . One or more of the first and second ends  5830 ,  5832  of the first link  5802  may define a channel (not shown) to slidingly or otherwise movably receive the respective end of the shaft  5834  to allow the first link  5802  to extend and contract. Thus, the first link  5802  may be extendable and may have a first state (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) and a second state (e.g.,  FIG. 68 ) extended compared to its first state. The first link  5802  may include a spring  5836  (or other bias element(s)), which may be disposed circumferentially about its shaft  5834  and which may bias the first link  5802  toward its second state. 
     The first end  5830  or other portion of the first link  5802  may be pivotably coupled to a first side or other portion of the coupler  5800  by a shaft  5838  or otherwise. The second end  5832  or other portion of the first link  5802  may be pivotably coupled to a first end or other portion of the first cam  5812  by a shaft  5839  or otherwise. The first cam  5812  may have a second end pivotably or otherwise rotatably coupled to the arm  5642  of the first clamp  5622 . 
     The second link  5804  may have a first end  5840  ( FIG. 67 ), a second end  5842  ( FIG. 67 ) and a shaft  5844  ( FIG. 67 ) extending therebetween. The shaft  5844  may have first and second ends which may be received (movably or fixedly) by the first and second ends  5840 ,  5842 , respectively, of the second link  5804 . One or more of the first and second ends  5840 ,  5842  of the second link  5804  may define a channel to slidingly or otherwise movably receive the respective end of the shaft  5844  to allow the second link  5804  to extend and contract. Thus, the second link  5804  may be extendable and may have a first state (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) and a second state (e.g.,  FIG. 68 ) extended compared to its first state. The second link  5804  may include a spring  5846  (or other bias element(s)), which may be disposed circumferentially about its shaft  5844  and which may bias the second link  5804  toward its second state. 
     The first end  5840  or other portion of the second link  5804  may be pivotably coupled to a second side or other portion of the coupler  5800  by a shaft  5848  or otherwise. The second end  5842  or other portion of the second link  5804  may be pivotably coupled to a first end or other portion of the second cam  5814  by a shaft  5849  or otherwise. The second cam  5814  may have a second end pivotably or otherwise rotatably coupled to the arm  5652  of the second clamp  5624 . 
     In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the first ends  5830 ,  5840  of the first and second links  5802 ,  5804 , respectively, may be displaced in (or at least substantially in) the longitudinal directions  5612  and/or the longitudinal directions  5628  if the first and second links  5802 ,  5804  move from their first position to their second position. The second ends  5832 ,  5842  of the first and second links  5802 ,  5804 , respectively, may be displaced in (or at least substantially in) lateral directions if the first and second links  5802 ,  5804  move from their first position to their second position. 
     In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, the first and second cams  5812 ,  5814  convert the displacement of the first and second ends  5832 ,  5842  (or other portions) of the first and second links  5802 ,  5804 , respectively, into pivotal or otherwise rotational motion, which causes pivotal or otherwise rotational motion of the first and second clamps  5622 ,  5624 , e.g., from their first position (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) to their second position (e.g.,  FIG. 68 ). 
     In at least some embodiments, the binding system  5604  has a latch state (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) and a release state (e.g.,  FIG. 68 ). In at least some embodiments, the latch state operates as follows. The arms  5642 ,  5652 , of the clamps  5622 ,  5624  are in a first position (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ) in which the jaws have a first lateral spacing and releasably retain the boot plate  5606  to the binding plate  5620 . The solenoid  5668  is in a first state (e.g., unpowered,  FIG. 67 ) and the plunger  5670  is in its first position (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ), thereby allowing the coupler  5800  to be in its first position (e.g.,  FIG. 67 ). Such positioning of the coupler  5800  retains the first and second links  5802 ,  5804  in their first position, which retains the first and second cams  5812 ,  5814  in their first position, which retains the arms  5642 ,  5652 , respectively, of the clamps  5622 ,  5624 , respectively, in their first position to releasably attach the boot plate  5608  to the binding plate  5620 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the release state operates as follows. The solenoid  5668  is powered (e.g., energized,  FIG. 68 ) and the resulting magnetic field results in a force that counters the bias of the spring  5732  or other bias element and pulls the plunger  5670  from its first position forward to its second position, which in turn pulls the coupler  5800  from its first position forward to its second position, which in turn pulls the first and second links  5802 ,  5804  from their first position to their second position. The movement of the first and second links  5802 ,  5804  pulls the first end of the cams  5812 ,  5814  laterally inward, which in turn causes the arms of the clamps to pivot or otherwise rotate (e.g., laterally outward) toward their second position in which the jaws  5646 ,  5656  have a second lateral spacing greater than the first lateral spacing and in which the jaws  5646 ,  5656  are spaced apart from the boot plate  5608  (released state). 
     In at least some embodiments, the binding system  5604  further includes a heel lock. 
     In at least some embodiments, the binding system  5604  may have a heel lock as described above with respect to  FIGS. 14-20 . 
     As stated above, the plurality of sensors  5562  may comprise any type(s) of sensors. 
     In at least some embodiments, one or more of the sensors  5562  may provide one or more of the following types of motion and position sensing for tracking body movements: mechanical, magnetic, optical, acoustic and/or inertial. Mechanical trackers often include linkages with linear and rotary potentiometers to determine relative angle and position between limbs. They are physically mounted to the body by which one sensor measures one degree of freedom the joint. Magnetic sensors utilize AC or DC magnetic fields to determine the position and orientation of a sensor relative to a source transmitter. Optical sensors include both camera and laser-based systems. Cameras utilize a pixel array for 30 Hz-120 Hz frame rates that are processed via a computer to determine position and orientation. Laser based systems, such as LIDAR, typically produce a point cloud designated by distances and angles. Processing of the point cloud reveals body position and orientation. RADAR is similar but relies more heavily on wave functions for higher resolution imaging. Acoustic sensors rely on time-of-flight measurements over an array of sensors to triangulate sensor position relative to the source transmitter. Inertial sensors include accelerometers and gyroscopes to map motions of the bodies that the sensors are mounted to. In at least some embodiments, a model may be used to relate the inertial measurements to the body orientation and position. 
     In some embodiments, it may be desirable to employ a combination of the above different types of sensors so as to provide a hybrid sensor system that may be capable of improving upon any given singular solution by drawing on their unique advantages. 
       FIG. 69  is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the sensor system  5662 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 69 , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the sensor system  5662  may include a plurality of inertial (or other type) sensors positioned on a skier  6902 . The plurality of sensors may include a sensor  6904  positioned on a hip of the skier, a sensor  6906  positioned on a right femur of the skier, a sensor  6908  positioned on a left femur of the skier, a sensor  6910  positioned on a right tibia of the skier and a sensor  6912  positioned on a left tibia of the skier. In at least some embodiments, including but not limited to the illustrated embodiment, an inertial sensor is capable of measuring: (1) three axis acceleration via a three axis accelerometer, (2) three axis rotational velocity via a three axis gyroscope, and (3) absolute heading via a magnetometer. 
     In at least some embodiments, the plurality of sensors, e.g., sensors  6904 - 6912 , may be positioned to capture orientation of the knee and hip joints. To that effect, each sensor may be positioned on the leg such that the difference between relative measurements can be used to calculate knee and hip position and motion. The tibia sensors may be positioned in the center-front of the tibia. The femur sensors may be positioned on the center top of the femur. The hip sensor or sensors may be positioned above the crotch and below the belly button where a belt-buckle might fall, central to the skier&#39;s hip. 
     In at least some embodiments, one or more portions of the control system  162  may be integrated into or otherwise mounted on clothing or other article(s) worn by a skier. 
       FIG. 70  is a schematic representation of clothing that may be worn by a skier, e.g., skier  6902 , and portions of the control system  162  that may be integrated into or otherwise mounted thereon, in accordance with at least some embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 70 , in accordance with at least some embodiments, the clothing that may be worn by a skier, e.g., skier  6902 , may include a belt  7000  and a pair of leggings  7002  (thermal or otherwise) (only one leg is shown), which may be stitched into an inner lining of ski pants worn by the skier, or may be independently provided and worn as such. 
     Sensors to be positioned on the legs of the skier, e.g., sensors  6906 - 6912  ( FIG. 69 ), may be integrated into or otherwise mounted on the leggings  7002 . 
     A wiring harness (or wiring in any other form)  7004  may distribute power to, and communication signals to and/or from, some or all of the sensors positioned on the legs of the skier. In at least some embodiments, the wiring harness may be routed on an interior seam of the leg to help reduce potential damage from falls and general abuse. In at least some embodiments, the wiring may have the form of a power and communication bus, which may connect the sensors. In some embodiments, the power and/or communication bus may run the length of the leggings  7002 . 
     One or more other portions  7006  of the control system  162  may be integrated into or otherwise mounted on the belt  7000 . In at least some embodiments, these other portions may include: (1) a motherboard, (2) a radio for communication to: a smart phone and/or a network (Bluetooth or otherwise) enabled device, (3) a battery, e.g., for powering the control system  162  or portions thereof, (4) battery charging circuitry, (5) a waist sensor and/or (6) one or more visible network status indicators, integrated into or otherwise mounted on the belt  7000 . In at least some embodiments, the motherboard itself includes the: (2) radio for communication to: a smart phone and/or a network (Bluetooth or otherwise) enabled device, (3) battery, (4) battery charging circuitry, (5) waist sensor and/or (6) one or more visible network status indicators, and is integrated into or otherwise mounted on the motherboard. 
     Data from the sensors, e.g., sensors  6904 - 6912 , may be sampled (continuously or otherwise) by the processor  5560 . 
     In at least some embodiments, the processing may include a model of the skier. In at least some embodiments, this model is a physiological model is used to “observe” all sensors. In at least some embodiments, the sensor data is supplied to the model which may generate one or more signals in response at least thereto. Sensor data may be combined via a digital filter that incorporates the model to recursively update the current skier orientation, speed, and heading. Such data may be used to predict if a potential injury will occur. In at least some embodiments, the ski binding safely releases prior to the injury. 
     In at least some embodiments, the processor  5560  may be responsible for updating the skier model, determining the release decision (i.e., a decision as to whether to release the ski boot), recording performance data and/or communicating to an application on a user device and/or a separate computer. 
     In at least some embodiments, the model of the skier may comprise a set of equations relating model inputs and sensor readings. The set of equations may be integrated using a variant of traditional Kalman filtering to output limb and body position, velocity, and muscle activity. 
     In at least some embodiments, the model of the skier is used within a feedback structure as an “observer” whereby the model is used to inform predictions of future body position, but incorrect predictions update the model when necessary. In this way, the algorithm is able to predict danger of ACL damage and skier injury. 
     In at least some embodiments, the control system  162  may include a self-check process that has the purpose of measuring and diagnosing the health of each critical component. In at least some embodiments, the result of the system check is readable via a ski-binding light with pre-programmed sequences (red, yellow, green, blinking red, for example) and/or via a smart phone application which may contain more detailed diagnostics. Each system check result may be tracked via personal profile linked to the binding to alert the skier of component damage of health degradation. 
     In at least some embodiments, the system check isolates key system features including: (1) binding release mechanism via a current and position monitor, (2) sensor response and calibration via a user sequence of actions and/or (3) software and firmware version control. 
     In at least some embodiments, if the system-check determines that the system is not suitable for skiing, the system does not allow the ski binding to close and the user is unable to use the ski binding or it&#39;s features. A log may be stored for individual diagnostic troubleshooting. 
     In at least some embodiments, a wireless controller is installed on the binding or on the ski pole to manually trigger the entry and release of the binding. In at least some embodiments, a system check is performed with each entry of the ski. In at least some embodiments, the user need not access their phone for usage, all controls are ergonomic for glove wearing skier. 
     There have been numerous studies investigating the proper DIN number for ski bindings across gender and age boundaries that typically consider number of false releases compared to number of ankle and knee injuries caused by a lack of release. In at least some embodiments, an extensive profile of the profile should enable data better correlated for physical conditions most relevant to likelihood of an ACL injury. 
     In at least some embodiments, the skier model is an important dataset that is initially calibrated to the skier via an extensive physical evaluation. The model may include: (1) a questionnaire with traditional height, weight, skiing ability, gender, age, (2) a model using the sensors for limb length, form, and musculature, (3) a process to update the model based on skiing performance. For example, the forces and positions of the sensor array can be compared against the expectations from the model and updated accordingly and/or (4) a database keeping track of each model, skiing data, and an event log documenting releases and their conditions to better predict misses, false alarms, or hits. (Miss=did not release when it should have, False Alarm (FA)=a release when it should have not, Hit=a release when it should have). 
     In at least some embodiments, the ski model and data recording may be used by an individual or coach to gauge skier performance for safe and proper ski technique. In at least some embodiments, the system may include software (artificial intelligence software or otherwise) to label where poor or unsafe technique was measured. The software may record the data that would be necessary for visual replay. In at least some embodiments, akin to a race car driver re-driving a race track or course, the user will be able to replay their downhill run via a simulator or other similar device. 
     In at least some embodiments, the system may be used to augment skier performance in real time via auxiliary systems such as: (1) ski stiffeners, (2) muscle/limb enhancements, (3) Ski shape deformation and/or (4) trajectory/terrain mapping. 
     In at least some embodiments, the ski binding system may be a suitable platform for integrating safety features that may be especially useful for off-trail skiing. These may include (1) location tracking, (2) avalanche detection, (3) emergency alert system and/or (4) audible and visual signals. 
     Another embodiment of the ski binding system includes an electromechanical binding assembly that includes a lock apparatus and a binding apparatus. The lock apparatus includes a solenoid that is mechanical communication with the binding apparatus. When the solenoid is in an extended state, the binding apparatus secures the skier&#39;s boots (e.g., via boot plates). When the solenoid is in a retracted state, the binding apparatus releases the skier&#39;s boots. 
     The lock apparatus includes an electromechanical release, a mechanical release, and a manual release. The electromechanical release occurs when the solenoid transitions from the extended state to the retracted state. This transition can occur in response to a command received from a control system, which can receive data from one or more sensors (e.g., disposed on the binding system and/or on the skier). The mechanical release occurs when the skier&#39;s boots apply a force to open the binding apparatus (e.g., a force on clamps that secure the skier&#39;s boots) that is greater than a force, generated by the lock apparatus, to close the binding apparatus. The force to close the binding apparatus can be generated by a spring in some embodiments. The mechanical release can be a failsafe in case the electromechanical release fails. The manual release occurs when the lock apparatus is rotated with respect to the binding apparatus, which causes the binding apparatus (e.g., clamps) to release the skier&#39;s boots. 
       FIGS. 71 and 72  are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of an electromechanical binding assembly  7100  in a locked state according to one or more embodiments. Assembly  7100  is an alternative embodiment of the binding systems described herein (e.g., binding system  5604 ). Thus, assembly  7100  can be included in any of the systems described herein (e.g., in system  100 , system  1400 , and/or  5600 ). 
     Assembly  7100  includes a lock apparatus  7101  and a binding apparatus  7102 . The lock apparatus  7101  is in mechanical communication with the binding apparatus  7102  to place the binding apparatus  7102  in an attached state (as illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 ) or in a released state (e.g., as illustrated in  FIGS. 73 and 74 ). 
     The lock apparatus  7101  includes a solenoid  7110  and a spring  7120 . The spring  7120  is disposed on a housing  7130 . The spring  7120  extends from a moveable body  7140  and a stationary body  7150 . The spring  7120  can be in a compressed state or in an uncompressed state based on the state of the solenoid  7110 . In the compressed state, as illustrated in  FIGS. 71 and 72 , the spring  7120  applies an outward force against the moveable body  7140  and the stationary body  7150 , which pulls the housing  7130  away from (e.g., distal to) the binding apparatus  7102  and towards the solenoid  7110 . When the solenoid  7110  is in an extended state, the spring  7120  is in the compressed state. 
     The position of the moveable body  7140  on the housing  7130  can be adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between the moveable body  7140  and the stationary body  7150 . The moveable body  7140  can include an inner threaded surface that engages a corresponding outer threaded surface on the housing  7130  such that rotating the moveable body  7140  with respect to the housing  7130  causes the moveable body  7140  to translate along the housing  7130 , the direction of translation depending on the direction of rotation of the moveable body  7140  with respect to the housing  7130 . For example, the moveable body  7140  can be a nut, such as a tension nut, or a bolt. Increasing this distance causes the spring  7120  to be less compressed while decreasing the distance causes the spring  7120  to be more compressed. The amount of compression of the spring  7120  (and the properties of the spring  7120 ) corresponds to the magnitude of outward force that the spring  7120  against the moveable body  7140  and the stationary body  7150 , and thus the force on housing  7130 . In some embodiments, the spring  7120  can be a die spring, such as part number 9624K31 from McMaster-Carr Supply Company of Robbinsville, N.J., USA. 
     The binding apparatus  7102  includes a binding plate  7160 , clamps  7162 ,  7164 , and a locking plate  7170 . Clamp  7162  includes an arm  7182  and a jaw  7184  mechanically coupled to the arm  7182 . Similarly, clamp  7164  includes an arm  7186  and a jaw  7188  mechanically coupled to the arm  7186 . 
     The arms  7182 ,  7186  are elongated and laterally spaced from one another on opposite sides of the locking plate  7170  and on opposite sides of central longitudinal axis  7192 . Each arm  7182 ,  7186  is pivotably coupled to the underside of the binding plate  7160  by pivots  7190 , which can be a bolt or other type(s) of pivots. The pivots  7190  allow the arms  7182 ,  1786  to pivot towards or away from the locking plate  7170  (and towards or away from the central longitudinal axis  7192 ). In  FIGS. 71 and 72 , the arms  7182 ,  7186  are pivoted towards the locking plate  7170  in a closed position. When the arms  7182 ,  7186  are pivoted away from the locking plate  7170 , they are in an open position. 
     When the arms  7182 ,  7186  are in the closed position, the jaws  7184 ,  7188  are disposed closer to the binding plate  7160  than when the arms  7182 ,  7186  are in the open position. For example, the lateral distance  7194  between the jaws  7184 ,  7188  is smaller when the arms  7182 ,  7186  are in the closed position than when they are in the open position. In this position, the jaws  7184  engage and secure the boot plate to secure the boot plate (and thus the boot) to the binding apparatus  7102 . For example, the jaws  7182 ,  7186  contact the boot plate  106  and force the boot plate  106  against the binding plate  7160  or otherwise trap the boot plate  106  relative to the binding plate  7160 , to thereby releasably attach or releasably retain the boot plate  106  (and a boot, e.g., boot  108 , to which the boot plate  106  is attached) to the binding plate  7160 , and in doing so, prevent or otherwise limit movement of the boot plate  106  relative to the binding plate  7160 . In at least some embodiments, movement may be prevented or otherwise limited in three dimensions (e.g., longitudinal, lateral and vertical). 
     The locking plate  7170  can be the same as slide  164 . For example, the locking plate  7170  includes a body  7172  and a head  7174  or other abutment coupled thereto. Body  7172  and head  7174  can be the same as or different than body  182  and head  184 , respectively. The head  7174  includes a plurality of abutment surfaces  7200 ,  7202  that are configured and arranged to contact and/or engage corresponding abutment surfaces  7210 ,  7212 , respectively, of clamps  7162 ,  7164 . Thus, the locking plate  7170  and clamps  7162 ,  7164  can function together in the same way as the slide  164  and clamps  122 ,  124 , and the above description of the slide  164  and clamps  122 ,  124  can also apply to like portions of the locking plate  7170  and clamps  7162 ,  7164 . 
     The abutment surfaces  7200  of the locking plate  7170  define a catch to force the arms  7182 ,  7186  laterally inward (and/or toward their closed position) and/or to trap the arms  7182 ,  7186  in their laterally inward position. To facilitate such, the abutment surfaces  7200 ,  7210  may be angled and/or complementary. Since the locking plate  7170  is mechanically coupled to the housing  7130 , the force on the locking plate  7170  (and thus on the catch formed by the abutment surfaces  7200 ) corresponds to the compression of the spring  7120  and the properties of the spring  7120 . 
     In contrast, the abutment surfaces  7202  of the locking plate  7170  define a wedge to force the arms  7182 ,  7186  laterally outward and/or toward their open position. The abutment surfaces  7202 ,  7212  may be angled and complementary to one another to facilitate sliding contact therebetween. 
     The locking plate  7170  defines a slot  7220  or other channel, which may be elongated and may extend (or at least substantially in) parallel to and/or along the central longitudinal axis  7192 . 
     The slot  7220  or other channel may receive a rail  7222  or other raised portion that extends from or is otherwise coupled to the binding plate  7160  to guide at least in part a sliding movement of the locking plate  7170  relative to the binding plate  7160 . In some other embodiments, the binding plate  7170  may define the slot  7220  or other channel and the locking plate  7170  may define the rail  7222  or other raised portion. 
       FIGS. 73 and 74  are a perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of assembly  7100  in an electromechanically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments. To transition to the assembly  7100  to the unlocked state, the solenoid  7110  transitions to a retracted state. The retracted state of the solenoid  7110  causes the housing  7130  to expand (e.g., by causing a slideable portion  7632  of the housing  7130  to slide with respect to a stationary portion  7634  of the housing  7130 , as illustrated in  FIG. 76 ) which allows the spring  7120  to transition to the uncompressed state. In the uncompressed state, the spring  7120  does not apply an outward force against the moveable body  7140  or the stationary body  7150  and, therefore, the spring  7120  does not pull the housing  7130  towards the solenoid  7110 . Since the housing  7130  is mechanically coupled to the locking plate  7170 , the locking plate  7170  is not pulled against the arms  7182 ,  7186  to force them to remain in the closed position. 
     In addition, when the housing  7130  moves towards the binding apparatus  7102 , the locking plate  7170  is displaced laterally away from the solenoid  7110  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 74 ). The lateral movement of the locking plate  7170  causes its abutment surfaces  7202  to press against the abutment surfaces  7212  of clamps  7162 ,  7164  forcing the clamps  7162 ,  7164  open and pivoting the arms  7182 ,  7186  to the open position. The lateral displacement of the locking plate  7170  also provides space for the arms  7182 ,  7186  to pivot to the open position. 
     When the arms  7182 ,  7186  are in the open position, the jaws  7184 ,  7188  are disposed further away from the binding plate  7160  than when the arms  7182 ,  7186  are in the closed position. For example, the lateral distance  7194  between the jaws  7184 ,  7188  is greater when the arms  7182 ,  7186  are in the open position than when they are in the closed position. In this position, the jaws  7184  do not engage or secure the boot plate  106 , allowing the boot plate  106  (and the attached boot) to be removed from the binding apparatus  7102 . 
     The solenoid  7110  can receive one or more control signals (e.g., via a communication port or interface in the solenoid  7110 ) that causes the solenoid  7110  to transition from the extended state to the retracted state. For example, the solenoid  7110  can receive the control signal(s) from a control system, such as control system  162 , which can generate the control signal(s) based, at least in part, on signal data from one or more sensors (e.g., disposed on the apparatus  7100  and/or on the user/skier), which can indicate one or more conditions for opening the clamps  7162 ,  7164 . 
       FIG. 75  is a perspective view of the lock apparatus  7101  and the locking plate  7170  in the electromagnetically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments. The housing  7130  and locking plate  7170  are mechanically coupled via brackets  7500  or other mechanical attachment. A pivot  7510  is optionally included to allow the lock apparatus to pivot vertically with respect to the locking plate  7170 . The pivot  7510  can be formed by a hinge, a bolt, a rivet, or other mechanism. 
       FIG. 76  is a cross section of the lock apparatus  7101 , through line A-A in  FIG. 75 , in the locked state according to one or more embodiments. The solenoid  7110  is mechanically coupled to a locking bar  7600  via a plunger  7610  or other mechanical linkage. The plunger  7610  and/or the locking bar  7600  are mechanically coupled to a slideable portion  7632  of the housing  7130 . The slideable portion  7632  of the housing  7130  is slideable with respect to a fixed portion  7634  of the housing  7130 . 
     The locking bar  7600  is tapered such that a width  7601  of the locking bar  7600  increases from a portion  7604  distal to the solenoid  7110  to a portion  7602  proximal to the solenoid  7110 . When the solenoid  7110  is in the extended state, as illustrated in  FIG. 76 , the portion  7602  of the locking bar  7600  is disposed against ball bearings  7620  to force them into locking recesses  7630  defined in the slideable and fixed portions  7632 ,  7634  of the housing  7130 . The locking recesses  7630  prevent the ball bearings  7620  from rolling along the locking bar  7600  to keep the lock apparatus  7101  in the locked state, for example by preventing the spring  7120  from transitioning to the uncompressed state. In addition, the ball bearings  7620  are disposed between the slideable and fixed portions  7632 ,  7634  of the housing  7130 , which physically prevents the slideable portions  7632  from sliding with respect to the fixed portion  7634 . 
       FIG. 77  is a cross section of the lock apparatus  7101 , through line A-A in  FIG. 75 , in an electromechanically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments. When the solenoid  7110  transitions to the retracted state, as illustrated in  FIG. 77 , the locking bar  7600  slides towards the solenoid  7110  and slides against the ball bearings  7620 . In the retracted state, the ball bearings  7620  are disposed against the portion  7604  of the locking bar  7600 . Since the locking bar  7600  has a narrower width  7601  at portion  7604  than at portion  7602 , the ball bearings  7620  move inwardly towards the locking bar  7600  and away from the locking recesses  7630 . In this inward position, the ball bearings  7620  are not disposed in the locking recesses  7630  defined in the fixed portions  7634  of the housing  7130 . Instead, the ball bearings  7620  are only disposed in the locking recesses  7630  defined in the slideable portions  7632  of the housing  7130 . Thus, the ball bearings  7620  do not physically prevent the slideable portions  7632  from sliding with respect to the fixed portion  7634 . 
     After the ball bearings  7620  move inwardly, the outward force from the spring  7120  on the moveable body  7140  and the stationary body  7150  causes the stationary portion  7632 ,  7634  of the housing  7130  to slide away from each other, which results in the stationary portion  7634  sliding towards the stationary body  7150  (and towards the binding apparatus  7102 ). The movement of the stationary portion  7634  towards the stationary body  7150  causes the locking plate  7170  to move laterally away from the solenoid  7110  (e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 74 ) to open the clamps  7162 ,  7164 . 
     As can be seen, the assembly  7100  can electromechanically release the skier&#39;s boot (e.g., by releasing boot plate  106 ) by activating the solenoid  7110 . 
     In another aspect, the assembly  7100  can include a mechanical release of the skier&#39;s boot. A mechanical release can occur when the skier&#39;s boot plate  106  applies a force greater than or equal to a threshold force against one or both of the clamps  7162 ,  7164  (e.g., against one or both jaws  7184 ,  7188 ). When this occurs, the tensile force applied on the locking plate  7170 , in the direction of the solenoid  7110 , by the spring  7120  is insufficient to keep the clamps  7162 ,  7164  in the closed state. For example, the inward force on the arms  7182 ,  7186  from the locking plate  7170  and the spring  7120  is lower than the outward force on the arms  7182 ,  7186  caused by the skier&#39;s boot plate  106  contacting the jaws  7184 ,  7188 . As a result, the clamps  7162 ,  7164  transition to the open state during mechanical release, for example as illustrated in  FIG. 73 . 
       FIG. 78  is a side view of the electromechanical binding assembly  7100  in a mechanically unlocked state according to one or more embodiments. The side view includes a cross-section, through line A-A in  FIG. 75 , of the lock apparatus  7101 . The cross-sections of the lock apparatus  7101  illustrated in  FIGS. 77 and 78  are the same except that the solenoid  7110  has not been activated to transition to the retracted state. 
     The mechanical release can provide an alternative mechanism to release the skier&#39;s boot. This may be useful when the electromechanical release does not function, such as when the power source (e.g., battery) for the control system and/or solenoid  7110  is depleted, or when the control system does not initiate the electromechanical release (e.g., via solenoid  7110 ) in a situation where the skier&#39;s boot needs to be released (e.g., due to improper programming, failure in one or more sensors, etc.). 
     In another aspect, the assembly  7100  can include a manual release of the skier&#39;s boot. A manual release can occur when the skier wants to release the bindings when he/she is not skiing, such as when he/she wants to take a break or at the end of the day. 
       FIG. 79  is a side view of the electromechanical binding assembly  7100  in a manually unlocked state according to one or more embodiments. The side view includes a cross-section, through line A-A in  FIG. 75 , of the lock apparatus  7101 . The cross-sections of the lock apparatus  7101  illustrated in  FIGS. 77 and 78  are the same except that the solenoid has not been activated to transition to the retracted state. 
     To transition to the manually-unlocked state, the lock apparatus  7101  is rotated  7900  upwards along an angled planar surface  7910  of a housing  7920  of binding apparatus  7102 . In this position, the horizontal force on the locking plate  7170  from the spring  7120  is substantially reduced because the spring  7120  and the locking plate  7170  are not in line with each other (e.g., they are no longer co-planar). For example, in  FIG. 79  the spring  7120  is angled so that it applies a force in substantially the vertical or “z” direction with a small or minimal force in the horizontal or “x” direction. As a result, the locking plate  7170  is pulled against the arms  7182 ,  7184  of the clamps  7162 ,  7164  with little to no force. 
     In addition, the housing  7920  is configured so that the distance  7930  between the angled planar surface  7910  and the pivot  7510  (e.g., when the lock apparatus is in the manually-unlocked state) is smaller than the distance  7940  between the orthogonal planar surface  7920  the pivot  7510  (e.g., when the lock apparatus is in the locked state, such as illustrated in  FIG. 71 ). The reduced distance  7930  in the manually-unlocked state allows the spring  7120  to expand, which causes the slideable and fixed portions  7632 ,  7634  to move with respect to each other and causes the ball bearings  7620  to rotate to portion  7604  of the locking bar  7600 . The force of the boot being removed from the binding provides a force onto the locking arms due to the wedge-shaped arrangement of the locking plate and the mating surfaces on the arms, as those surfaces are moved by the boot, the locking plate will slide forward. 
     When the locking plate is locked, the plate is secured, preventing the locking arms from moving. When the locking plate is unlocked, the plate is free to move, allowing the arms to move and unlock the boot. In some examples, the locking plate moves on its own unless there is a force from the boot during extraction. 
     It is recognized that although the application describes assembly  7100  as including a solenoid, this is merely one embodiment of assembly  7100 . Other types of linear actuators can be used instead a solenoid, for example: an electric motor, a servo motor, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a piezo-electric actuator, or a mechanically or electronically detonated explosive charge (such as a .22 caliber blank used for a Ramset). 
     It should be understood that the features disclosed herein may be used in any combination or configuration. Thus, in at least some embodiments, any one or more of the embodiments (or feature(s) thereof) disclosed herein may be used in association with any other embodiment(s) (or feature(s) thereof) disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, any one or more of the features disclosed herein may be used without any one or more other feature disclosed herein. 
     Also, as described, some aspects may be embodied as one or more methods. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. 
     A processor may comprise a microprocessor and/or any other type of processor. For example, a processor may be programmable or non-programmable, general purpose or special purpose, dedicated or non-dedicated, distributed or non-distributed, shared or not shared, and/or any combination thereof. A processor may include, but is not limited to, hardware, software (e.g., low-level language code, high-level language code, microcode), firmware, and/or any combination thereof. 
     The terms program or software are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that may be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects as described above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present application need not reside on a single computer or processor but may be distributed in a modular fashion among a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present application. 
     Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as for example, but not limited to, program modules, executed by one or more computers or other device(s). 
     A program or software may include, but is not limited to, instructions in a high-level language, low-level language, machine language and/or other type of language or combination thereof. 
     Data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may be shown to have fields that are related through location in the data structure. Such relationships may likewise be achieved by assigning storage for the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium that convey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish a relationship between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other mechanisms that establish relationship between data elements. 
     Further, it should be appreciated that a computer may be embodied in any of a number of forms, such as a rack-mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer, as non-limiting examples. Additionally, a computer may be embedded in a device not generally regarded as a computer but with suitable processing capabilities, including a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone or any other suitable portable or fixed electronic device. 
     A mobile (or portable) computing device includes, but is not limited to, any computing device that may be carried in one or two hands, worn on a body (or portion(s) thereof), affixed to a body (or portion(s) thereof) and/or implanted in a body (or portion(s) thereof). 
     A communication link may comprise any type(s) of communication link(s), for example, but not limited to, wired links (e.g., conductors, fiber optic cables) or wireless links (e.g., acoustic links, radio links, microwave links, satellite links, infrared links or other electromagnetic links) or any combination thereof, each of which may be public and/or private, dedicated and/or shared. In some embodiments, a communication link may employ a protocol or combination of protocols including, for example, but not limited to the Internet Protocol. 
     Information may include data and/or any other type of information. Also, unless stated otherwise, data or other information may have any form(s) and may be received from any source(s) (internal and/or external). 
     A signal (control or otherwise) may have any form, for example, analog and/or digital, and is not limited to a single signal on a single line but rather, for example, may comprise multiple signals on a single line or multiple signals on multiple lines. Also, a signal (control or otherwise) may have any source(s), internal and/or external. 
     Having thus described several aspects and embodiments of the technology of this application, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the technology described in the application. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein.