Abstract:
A boot binding system is shown for use especially on skiboards, having a binding plate, boot supports, bails, a lever, a resilient material, and a size adjustment locking mechanism. Boot supports and binding plate are complimentary shaped for slideable affixation to each, without requiring additional fasteners. A simple fastener locks the relative position of the boot support on the binding plate while also immobilizing any boot support motion. In the locked position, the fastener mates with counterbores in the binding plate&#39;s surface. The binding plate is rectangular in top view and its longitudinal edges have a chamfer, which complements a chamfer on the boot supports. The binding plate has mounting holes in its central region, which are used to affix the binding to a skiboard. Resilient material exists between the binding plate and the skiboard, thereby allowing the skiboard to flex more freely. The boot supports have slots to retain the bails. The lever also has a slot to accept a bail. The binding is simple to manufacture and assemble making it cost competitive for production. An alternate embodiment includes a version that eliminates the need for resilient material. A second alternate embodiment eliminates the central mount and mounts to the skiboard in the region of the boot supports.

Description:
BACKGROUND—CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of US provisional patent application 60/071,340, filed Jan. 14, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to snow sport bindings, and is specifically an improved non-safety release binding, which affixes a boot to a skiboard, snowboard, ski, or snow sports equipment. 
     BACKGROUND—Discussion of Prior Art 
     Early ski bindings provided various mechanisms to affix and detach a boot to a ski. Such bindings would require the user to willfully attach and detach the boot from the ski before and after use and did not employ any type of safety release mechanism. Numerous injuries to skiers&#39; legs forced the development of safety release ski bindings. Many of these injuries are attributable to the long length of the ski. Modern safety release ski bindings employ sophisticated mechanisms to ensure proper safety release of the skiers&#39; boot and minimize the likelihood of injury. 
     The development of the snowboard has evidenced a different scenario in that the reduction of bodily injuries has not been correlated with safety release binding features. Hence, snowboard bindings are similar to early ski bindings in that they attach and detach the boot from the snowboard only when the user desires. Snowboard bindings do not employ a safety release mechanism to release the snowboarders boot while in use. 
     A skiboard is a type of snow ski, which is short, looks like a snowboard, and provides a sensation similar to that of inline skates. Skiboards tend to be less than 1.1 meters in length, and therefore do not present the same potential for injury, as do traditional longer skis. Consequently there is no substantial evidence for the case of employing safety release bindings on skiboards. Like snowboard bindings, skiboard bindings attach and detach the boot from the skiboard only when the user desires and do not employ a safety release mechanism to release the snowboarders boot while in use. 
     Snowboarders use either ‘hard-boots’ or ‘soft-boots’ depending on their preference while the majority of skiboarders use ‘hard-boots’. ‘Hard-boots’ include modem plastic shell ski boots and versions of them slightly modified for skiboard and snowboard specific use. This invention is a binding designed to affix ‘hard—boots’ to a skiboard, snowboard, or other snow sports equipment. 
     Much of the relevant prior art exists in the field of ‘plate’ snowboard bindings and skiboard bindings. Plate snowboard bindings and skiboard bindings attach hard shell boots to the snowboard or skiboard. Traditionally hard shell boots have a means to engage the binding at the boot&#39;s toe and heel. This usually is in the form of two lips, each existing at the boot&#39;s extent. The relative position of the two lips varies with the boot size. Hence the binding must be easily adjustable to engage various boot sizes. Another desirable feature of plate snowboard bindings is their ability to provide a rigid interface between the boot and skiboard or snowboard. A rigid interface provides the user with increased performance. Durability is a third desirable feature, which provides the user with reliable equipment. Skiboard binding and snowboard plate binding manufacturers have succeeded to varying degrees in terms of their implementation the above desirable qualities, namely ease of adjustment, rigidity, and durability. 
     The most popular mechanism used for binding size adjustment is a lead screw. Generally rotating the lead screw changes the position of a boot support relative to a binding plate. A bail is connected to the boot support and hence rotating the lead screw performs size adjustment. This is evidenced in the prior art and is widely employed in the industry. A disadvantage to an adjustment means comprising a lead screw is that the boot support must be affixed to the binding plate in a manner such that it can slide when the lead screw is turned. Hence, the boot support-binding plate connection must have dimensions and tolerances that prevent excessive friction. Such a connection inevitably prevents rigid holding of the boot support, allowing the boot support to move when in use. These movements, especially in the lateral direction, detract from the bindings overall performance because the bindings rigidity is reduced. 
     Another widely used adjustment means affixes the boot support and attached bail to the binding plate by a clamping means. The clamping means often comprises fastener(s), which are threaded into the binding plate, and when tightened, hold the boot support firmly against the binding plate. This type of clamping means must prevent all movement between the boot support and binding plate. 
     There are numerous examples of bindings that use such a clamping means. Many use two screws to affix the boot support to the binding plate, and this has numerous disadvantages. First, size adjustment requires removal of the screws, which lends itself to loss of the fastener. Second, two screws are required to properly prevent the boot support from movement, adding to user complexity and cost. Additionally, to accommodate the size range, the binding plate has many costly threaded holes, each of which contributes to the manufacturing cost. Lastly, the size adjustment increment is limited by the required spacing of the tapped holes. 
     A first skiboard binding once produced by Caron Alpine Technologies, Inc. is similar to the above binding in that it uses two fasteners and threaded holes, but additionally has mating teeth on the binding plate and boot support. While the teeth enable the quantity of threaded holes to be reduced and also simplify adjustment, this binding still shares most of the above disadvantages. 
     A second skiboard binding produced by Caron Alpine Technologies, Inc. has far fewer disadvantages. It replaces the threaded holes by a single fastener, nut, and slot arrangement in combination with mating teeth on the binding plate and boot support. This implementation overcomes all the aforementioned disadvantages. However, a disadvantage of this binding is the cost increase to add the mating teeth to the binding plate and boot support, although this cost does not make the total binding cost unreasonable. 
     As a variation to the aforementioned binding, another binding is similar in that the boot support is attached to the binding plate by a single fastener, nut, and slot arrangement. However, the primary difference is that the mating teeth of the aforementioned binding are replaced by two series of locating holes in the binding plate and two locating pins in the boot support. The cost of this implementation is a disadvantage due to the multiplicity of locating holes and the expense associated with the locating pins. 
     Additional prior art reveals a snowboard binding having boot supports slideably attached to a plate structure for size adjustment. The boot support is locked into a position along the plate by a part which functions like locating pin. The part is shaped such that the user can readily remove and insert the part without the use of tools. This provides the user with a simple adjustment means. This implementation has the same disadvantage evidenced in most lead screw based bindings, specifically that the part dimensions and tolerances needed for the binding plate and boot support to be slideable prevent rigid holding of the boot support. This allows the boot support to move when in use and thereby decreasing the bindings performance. 
     A final binding design affixes the boot support to the binding plate by two fasteners. The binding plate has teeth, which mate with a toothed lever cam attached to the boot support. To adjust the position of the boot support, one disengages the lever cam, slides the boot support to the desired position, and finally re-engages the lever cam. When the lever cam is disengaged, the boot support and fasteners are free to slide along slots in the binding plate. When the lever cam is engaged, the boot support and fasteners are not free to slide along the slots in the binding plate. A disadvantage to this implementation is the product&#39;s complexity and associated cost. Specifically, two fasteners are required per boot support, thereby requiring two slots in the binding plate, which all contribute to the manufacturing cost. Additionally, the lever cam and mating teeth in the binding plate contribute to the cost. Due to the complexity of the lever cam, plastic is the most likely candidate material for this part. This introduces concerns about part wear and durability. 
     Objects and Advantages 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of this invention are ease of use, low cost to manufacture, high performance, reliability and durability. Ease of use is derived by a central mount capability of the binding that affords the user simple installation and removal of the binding from the skiboard. Additionally, the central mount ensures the binding is compatible with a variety of skiboard brands. A single fastener adjustment allows for efficient adjustment to accommodate various boot sizes. In this disclosure adjustment fastener and size adjustment screw  501  are meant to be equivalent and interchangeable. The size adjustment process does not require removal of the fastener. A lever is used in conjunction with bails, which efficiently allows the user to affix or detach a boot. 
     The binding is cost effective to manufacture, thereby making it marketable. A boot support is attached to a binding plate by use of interlocking shapes, thereby eliminating the need for fasteners to perform this function. In this disclosure the terms boot support or bail block, and binding plate or platform are used interchangeably. Only a single fastener pair is required to lock the boot support in a size position, and this fastener pair is available as a standard off the shelf hardware item. The binding plate has only a single row of non-threaded counterbores with which the adjustment fastener engages. Counterbores are less costly to produce than threaded holes. Both the binding plate and boot support can be efficiently manufactured by a combination of aluminum extrusion and machining. Aluminum extrusion is in itself a very cost effective process, and the necessary machining to each part can be performed by a single load into a machining center, thereby further reducing cost. The combination of extrusion and machining can enhance cash flow associated with manufacturing by making small production runs with a short lead-time feasible. The means by which the boot size adjustment is implemented relaxes constraints on manufacturing tolerances. Bails are attached to boot supports by simple machined slots, which are efficient for assembly purposes. Overall, the bindings simplicity make it easy to assemble, which also contributes to cost effectiveness. 
     The binding&#39;s design lends itself well to be manufactured for high performance. A binding plate and boot supports manufactured from aluminum allow for superior structural properties, thereby offering the user increased rigidity, resulting in increased performance. A secondary benefit of a rigid binding plate is its ability to be centrally mounted to the skiboard, which has additional performance advantages. The boot size adjustment means solves the problem of the boot support having undesirable movement relative to the binding plate, especially lateral movement. The spacing of the counterbores used for size adjustment permits a relatively fine boot size adjustment, which provides the user with an improved connection to the skiboard. 
     The binding&#39;s inherent design makes it suitable for manufacture from materials that exhibit superior structural properties. Such materials tend to be reliable, durable, and resistant to wear. 
     Other objects and advantages are related to the flexing of the skiboard. When the skiboard flexes due to turning and terrain, the resilient material compresses, thereby allowing the skiboard to flex more freely than if the binding plate were mounted directly to the skiboard. Furthermore, because the binding plate is substantially rigid, its central mount allows for less restricted flex of the skiboard. The resilient material also dampens some of the unwanted vibrations that would otherwise be transmitted through the binding to the user. Additionally, an alternate binding plate with tapered ends allows the skiboard to flex freely without the use of a resilient material. This has the potential advantage of reduced cost, assuming that production volumes are sufficiently large to justify manufacture of the binding plate. 
     Additional objects and advantages include a unique friction supported heel bail, a cost effective lever and toe bail assembly, a mounting capability that allows the binding to be compatible with skiboards that are designed for ski screw mounting. The boot size adjustment means could also be utilized on snowboard bindings. 
     Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment exploded view of a binding and a skiboard. 
     FIG. 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment platform. 
     FIG. 3 shows a cross section end view along line B—B from FIG. 2 of a first embodiment platform. 
     FIG. 4 shows an end view of a bail block. 
     FIG. 5 shows top view of a bail block. 
     FIG. 6 shows a side view of a bail block. 
     FIG. 7 shows an end view of a platform and bail block in an adjustment state. 
     FIG. 8 shows an end view of a platform and bail block in a locked state. 
     FIG. 9 shows an adjustment screw or fastener and nut. 
     FIG. 10 shows a platform top surface view of size adjustment countersinks. 
     FIG. 11 shows a side view of a boot engaged in the binding. 
     FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of a platform end view and bail block in an adjustment state. 
     FIG. 13 shows a second embodiment of a platform end view and bail block in a locked state. 
     FIG. 14 shows a side view of a third embodiment platform. 
     FIG. 15 shows an end view of a third embodiment platform. 
     FIG. 16 shows a top view of a mounting plate. 
     FIG. 17 shows an end view of a mounting plate. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Overview 
     Embodiments for a binding which retains a boot  601  to a skiboard  3  are given. A first binding embodiment retains a boot  601  to a skiboard  3 . A skiboard  3  is generally a short version of a traditional ski, for use on snow, and usually under 110 cm in length. A typical length for a skiboard is 80-100 cm. The length limitation results from the fact that the binding types used on skiboards are generally not safety release bindings, meaning they do not release during use to reduce the risk of injury. A skiboard  3  is highly maneuverable, lightweight, and provides the user with a sensation analogous to that experienced from in-line skates and skiing. Some modem skiboards have a symmetrical twin tipped design. Skiboarding is a new sport. Recently the number of manufacturers of skiboards has dramatically increased. It should be noted that the binding of this invention can easily be modified for use on a snowboard. 
     In some cases a skiboard has skiboard mounting holes  9   a,b,c,d  which facilitate affixation of a binding to it by use of a machine screw. In other cases a skiboard is custom drilled to accept binding fasteners. Such fasteners are similar to self-tapping ski screws. Similarly a boot  601  generally has a boot sole  615  which facilitates it&#39;s affixation to a binding. 
     This invention is not limited to the embodiments given in this disclosure. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     General 
     FIG. 1 shows a skiboard  3  comprising four skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d . Skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d  often contain 6 mm diameter×1 mm pitch stainless steel threaded inserts of the type commonly used in the snowboard industry. Additional sizes of inserts and fasteners can be utilized. While four skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d  are depicted in FIG.  1  and are the preferred number, fewer or more mounting holes will suffice. 
     As shown in FIG. 1 a platform  201  mounts to skiboard  3 . A resilient material  101  is between to skiboard  3  and platform  201 . A bail block  421   b  is joined to platform  201  in platform region  215   b  and holds secure rotary heel bail  351  which in turn holds secure a boot heel lip  607 , as shown in FIG.  11 . Similarly, a bail block  421   a  is joined to platform  201  in platform adjustment region  215   a  and holds secure a toe bail  331 , as shown in FIG. 11. A lever  451  is also attached to toe bail  331  and is used to secure boot toe lip  609 . 
     A lever  451  is used to clamp boot toe lip  609  and a heel bail, specifically referred to as a rotary heel bail  351 , is used to clamp boot heel lip  607 . It should be noted that with slight modifications lever  451  could be used to clamp boot heel lip  607 . Similarly, with slight modification rotary heel bail  351  could be used to clamp boot toe lip  609 . 
     Resilient Material 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 a resilient material  101  rests between skiboard  3  and platform  201 . Resilient material  101  comprises resilient material screw holes  103   a ,  103   b ,  103   c ,  103   d  positioned to match the position of skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d . Resilient material is sized to the approximate diameter of platform  201 . The extent or length of resilient material  101  is determined by the position of a resilient material end  109   a  and a resilient material end  109   b . FIG. 11 clearly depicts resilient material ends  109   a,b  extending approximately to the platform ends  213   a,b . While the extent of resilient material ends  109   a,b  can vary, in the preferred embodiment they extend from one third to full length of platform  201 . Resilient material  101  exhibits the properties of an elastomer with a durometer in the range from 50 to 90. However, the composition of resilient material  101  is not limited to elastomers. In the preferred embodiment, resilient material  101  has thickness ranging from 3 millimeters to 12 millimeters. The amount of resilience could vary with the position under platform  201 , thereby allowing for varying compressibility in different locations. Resilient material  101  is not limited to the perimeter shape as set forth in FIG. 1, and could take on a different shape dependent upon the desired compression properties along its length. 
     Platform 
     FIG. 2 shows a platform  201  having two platform ends  213   a,b  and a platform central region  217  therebetween. A skiboard longitudinal axis  5  coincides with the platform&#39;s longitudinal axis when platform  201  is mounted to skiboard  3 . Similarly a skiboard transverse axis  7 , perpendicular to skiboard longitudinal axis  5  and in the same plane as the skiboard, coincides with the platform&#39;s transverse axis when platform  201  is mounted to skiboard  3 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a platform size adjustment region  215   a,b  is located near each platform end  213   a,b . Platform  201  has a platform top surface  219  and a platform bottom surface  221 . Platform top surface  219  has platform size adjustment countersink  207   a,b . FIG. 10 shows a platform size adjustment countersink edge  209   a,b  at its intersection with platform top surface  219 . The drill centers in forming adjustment countersink  207   a,b  are usually in the range of 1 to 4 mm apart. Optimally the spacing of the drill centers is in the range of 1.5 mm to 3 mm. The spacing of the centers is less than the diameter of the drill tool, and hence the material removal areas overlap. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 platform  201  has four-platform screw holes  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c ,  203   d  located in platform central region  217 . Each platform screw hole is positioned to align with resilient material screw holes  103   a ,  103   b ,  103   c ,  103   d  and skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d . Each platform screw hole  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c ,  203   d  has a respective platform screw hole counter bore  205   a ,  205   b ,  205   c ,  205   d.    
     Platform screw holes  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c ,  203   d  are located in platform central region  217 . Four platform screw holes  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c ,  203   d  centrally located in platform  201  offer a high performance, durable, and cost effective means to secure platform  201  to skiboard  3 . In the preferred embodiment, platform screw holes  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c ,  203   d  are located at the comers of a rectangle ranging in dimensions from 40 mm×40 mm to 120 mm×60 mm. 
     In the preferred embodiment platform  201  is constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum. This material offers sufficient strength at an acceptable weight and is readily available. In the preferred embodiment the overall dimensions of aluminum platform  201  range from 180 mm long×45 mm wide×6.3 mm thick to 280 mm long×80 mm wide×12.7 mm thick. Optimum platform dimensions for aluminum construction are approximately 260 mm long×55 mm wide×7 mm thick. This size accommodates most boot sizes, provides adequate stiffness in its longitudinal direction, and is lightweight. Other aluminum alloys may be used to fabricate platform  201 . The dimensions of platform  201  are determined in part by the alloy used so that design criterion is met. Processes to shape platform  201  from aluminum include but are not limited to machining, extrusion, molding, casting, or a combination thereof. 
     Alternatively platform  201  may be fabricated from other materials such as thermoplastics, reinforced thermoplastics, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and titanium. If these materials are used the optimum dimensions of platform  201  will vary from those of aluminum. 
     Platform size adjustment countersinks  207   a,b  are located in platform adjustment region  215   a,b  respectively of platform  201 . The extent of platform adjustment region  215   a,b  is determined by the range of boot sizes that must be accommodated. The optimum length of platform adjustment region  215   a,b  has been determined to be from 35 mm to 65 mm long. The depth and angle of platform size adjustment countersink  207   a,b  is determined by the dimensions of a size adjustment screw  501   a  and  501   b.    
     A platform angled edge  211   a,b  extends along platform  201  approximately parallel to it&#39;s longitudinal axis, also approximately parallel to skiboard longitudinal axis  5  when platform  201  is mounted to skiboard  3 . Platform angled edge  211   a,b  is shown in FIG.  3 . FIG. 3 shows a platform edge angle  223  (alpha). Platform angled edge  211   a,b  is measured between platform bottom surface  221  and platform angled edge  211   a,b . A general range for platform edge angle  223  is between 30 and 60 degrees. The actual shape detail of platform angled edge  211   a,b  is not limited to a linear chamfer, but can also include a curve or a combination of curves. By using a variety of shapes the necessary function can be achieved. 
     Toe Bail, Lever, and Lever Screw—Assembly 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 toe bail  331  has a toe bail first axle section  321   a,b  connected to a toe bail radius section  323 . Toe bail radius section  323  joins a toe bail second axle section  325 . A toe bail gap  327  separates two toe bail ends  329 . Alternatively, toe bail gap  327  can be eliminated if toe bail ends  329  are welded. Possible materials to manufacture toe bail  331  include stainless steel, spring hardened stainless steel, titanium, and steel. The material of preference is stainless steel. If stainless steel is used in a non-hardened form, an optimum wire diameter range is approximately 5 mm to 8 mm. Such bails are considered wireforms and are usually made in four-slide machines. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 a lever  451  has a lever bail slot  461 . Toe bail second axle section  325  coexists after assembly in lever bail slot  461 . One end of lever  451  has a lever scallop  463  finished with a lever second rounded end  465 . The opposite end has a lever finger tab  455  finished with a lever first rounded end  457 . A lever adjustment screw hole  453  is located between lever finger tab  455  and lever bail slot  461 . To assemble toe bail  331  to lever  451 , one places toe bail second axle section  325  into lever bail slot  461 . A lever tab cover  459 , having a lever tab cover hole  460 , is positioned over toe bail second axle section  325  and lever bail slot  461 . Lever  451  has a lever tab hole  475  and a lever cover screw  473  is used to affix lever tab cover  459  to lever  451 . Materials to manufacture lever  451  include, but are not limited to, aluminum, thermoplastics, reinforced thermoplastics, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and titanium. The preferred material to manufacture lever tab cover  459  is stainless steel sheet metal. 
     A lever adjustment screw  471  is threaded into a lever adjustment screw hole  453 . The preferred material for lever adjustment screw  471  is stainless steel. A reasonable size is 8 mm by 25 mm. 
     Bail Block 
     A bail block  421   a,b  affixes to platform size adjustment region  215   a,b . Bail block  421   a,b  has a bail block top surface  437 , shown in FIGS. 4,  7  and  8 , which contacts boot  601  when boot  601  is engaged in the binding. Bail block sides  435   a,b  and bail block ends  433   a,b  limit the extent of bail block  421   a,b . A bail block platform cavity  427 , FIG. 4, is approximately sized to mate with platform size adjustment region  215   a,b . Bail block platform cavity  427  generally is formed by a bail block platform cavity edge  428  and a bail block angled edge  425   a,b , FIG.  4 . Bail block platform cavity  427  is slightly larger than a cross section of platform size adjustment region  215   a,b , thereby avoiding an interference fit and allowing for bail block  421   a,b  to slide on platform  201 . A bail block bail cavity  431   a,b , shown in FIG. 6, has a trough like shape and retains rotary heel bail axle section  355   a,b , FIG. 1, or toe bail first axle section  321   a,b , FIG.  1 . Bail block bail cavity  431   a,b , FIG. 6, has a bail block bail cavity wall  439 . A bail block base edge  441   a,b  is opposite bail block top surface  437 . A bail block chamfer edge  443   a,b  connects bail block sides  435   a,b  to bail block base edge  441   a,b . A bail block nut cavity  429  extends from bail block platform cavity edge  428  toward bail block top surface  437 . Bail block nut cavity  429  is sized to accept size adjustment nut  151   a,b . A bail block bore  423  provides a passage from bail block top surface  437  to bail block nut cavity  429 . 
     It should be noted that the details of bail block platform cavity  427  are not limited to the embodiment disclosed. The important feature is that there exists a means to slideably affix bail block  421   a,b  to platform  201 . 
     Additionally, bail block nut cavity  429  could be eliminated if bail block bore  423  was a through hole with internal threads sized to mate with size adjustment screw  501   a,b . Materials to manufacture bail block  421   a,b  include, but are not limited to, aluminum, thermoplastics, reinforced thermoplastics, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and titanium. 
     Rotary Heel Bail 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 a rotary heel bail  351  has a rotary heel bail rounded section  353 . Rotary heel bail rounded section  353  is joined to a rotary heel bail sloped section  357 . Rotary heel bail sloped section  357  is joined to a rotary heel bail axle section  355   a,b . Rotary heel bail axle section  355   a,b  is intentionally left out of alignment by a slight amount so that friction is generated when it is inserted into bail block bail cavity  431   b . The friction normally prevents the bail from falling when a boot is inserted. Rotary heel bail axial section  355  has in its approximate center two rotary heel bail ends  359 . Rotary heel bail ends  359  are separated by a rotary heel bail gap  361 . Possible materials to manufacture rotary heel bail  351  include stainless steel, spring hardened stainless steel, titanium, and steel. The material of preference is stainless steel. If stainless steel is used in a non-hardened form, an optimum wire diameter range is approximately 5 mm to 8 mm. Such bails are considered wireforms and are made in four-slide machines. 
     Other Fasteners 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, a size adjustment screw  501   a,b  has a size adjustment screw thread  503 . Size adjustment screw  501   a,b  has a size adjustment screw tool interface  505  and a size adjustment screw cone point  507 . A size adjustment nut  151   a,b  has a size adjustment nut thread  153  sized to mate with nut  501   a,b . Size adjustment nut  151   a,b  has six side adjustment nut flats  155 . Four mounting screws  251   a,b,c,d  are sized to engage skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d . Stainless steel is the preferred material for these fasteners. 
     Boot 
     As shown in FIG. 11, a boot  601  is comprised of a boot sole  615 . Boot sole  615  is comprised of a boot heel sole  603  and a boot toe sole  605 . Boot heel sole  603  has a boot heel lip  607  and a boot heel support zone  611 . Boot toe sole  605  has a boot toe lip  609  and a boot toe support zone  613 . 
     Overall Assembly 
     To assemble the binding, resilient material  101  is placed onto skiboard  3  so that resilient material screw holes  103   a ,  103   b ,  103   c ,  103   d  are aligned with skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d  as shown in Figure one. Then platform  201  is placed on top of resilient material  101 . Mounting screws  251   a,b,c,d  are used to retain platform  201  and resilient material  101  to skiboard  3  by inserting them through platform screw holes  203   a ,  203   b ,  203   c ,  203   d  and resilient material screw holes  103   a ,  103   b ,  103   c ,  103   d  and securing them into skiboard mounting holes  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  9   d . Size adjustment nut  151   a,b  is then placed into bail block nut cavity  429 . Toe bail first axle section  321   a,b  and rotary heel bail axle section  355   a,b  are then each placed into a respective bail block bail cavity  431   a,b . Bail blocks  421   a,b , in conjunction with size adjustment nut  151   a,b , toe bail  331 , and rotary heel bail  351  are then slid onto platform size adjustment region  215   a,b . Size adjustment screw  501   a,b  then placed through bail block bore  423  and threaded into size adjustment nut  151   a,b.    
     Operation of Preferred Embodiment 
     Adjustment Mechanism Operation 
     FIGS. 7 and 8 show two states of the boot size adjustment mechanism. In FIG. 7 size adjustment screw  501   a,b  is raised slightly, so that an adjustment gap  445   a,b  can be formed and bail block  421   a,b  can slide on platform  201  for boot size adjustment. The ability for adjustment gap  445   a,b  to exist relies on the slightly oversize dimension of bail block platform cavity  427 , FIG. 4, relative to platform  201 . In FIG. 8 size adjustment screw  501   a,b  is lowered into an interference condition with platform size adjustment countersink  207   a,b , thereby creating a locked state. In the locked state adjustment gap  445   a,b  vanishes since platform angled edges  211   a,b  are in contact with bail block angled edge  425   a,b . Alternatively, in the locked state a lock down gap  447  is formed between bail block platform edge  428  and platform top surface  219 . It is worthwhile to note that in the locked state bail block  421   a,b  and platform  201  are attached so that there is minimal possibility for relative motion there between in any direction. Specifically, there is little possibility for bail block  421   a,b  to slide on platform  201  in the longitudinal direction and there is little possibility for bail block  421   a,b  to rotate about the longitudinal axis of platform  201 . 
     Binding Adjustment and Use 
     To adjust and use the binding, size adjustment screw  501   a,b  is first turned to a raised adjustment state, FIG.  7 . Bail blocks  421   a,b  are then slid to a position that clamps the boot  601 , FIG.  11 . Then size adjustment screw  501   a,b  is then turned to a lowered locked state. In a locked state size adjustment screw cone point  507  has an interference fit with platform size adjustment countersink  207   a,b , FIG.  8 . Boot heel lip  607  is then placed in rotary heel bail rounded section  353 . Lever scallop  463  and lever second rounded end  465  are then placed on boot toe lip  607 , and, if adjusted properly to the boot size, lever  451  is pivoted past a dead center position toward boot  601 . Lever adjustment screw  471  is then turned to ensure boot  601  is under sufficient tension. If the boot size adjustment were wrong, one would merely loosen size adjustment screw  501   a,b  and move the appropriate block-bail assembly to a new position, then re-tighten the size adjustment screw  501   a,b . During this operation of boot size adjustment, note that no fasteners are removed from the binding. Rather, this design only requires loosening and tightening of fasteners. Due to this fact, neither toe bail  331  nor rotary heel bail  351  becomes separated from the binding during adjustment. Last, the user wears a boot  601  on each leg. Then, a skiboard and binding are attached to each boot, and the user can slide on snow for recreation, competition, or exercise. 
     Central Mount and Resilient Material 
     Platform  201  is centrally mounted to skiboard  3 . Resilient material  101 , being located between platform  201  and skiboard  3 , in combination with the central mount enables the skiboard to flex with reduced influence of platform  201  and the binding in general. Additionally, resilient material  101  dampens unwanted vibration in skiboard  3  that would otherwise be transmitted to the user. 
     Description and Operation—Alternative Embodiments 
     Rectangular Platform and Rectangular Bail Block Embodiment 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 show a rectangular platform  750  having a rectangular platform bottom  752 , rectangular platform edges  754   a,b , and a rectangular platform top  756 . A rectangular bail block  774  has a rectangular bail block top  772  generally in contact with boot  601 . A rectangular bail block outer edge  770   a,b  limits the extent of rectangular bail block  774 . A rectangular bail block bottom wall thickness  768   a,b  is opposite rectangular bail block top  772 . Rectangular bail block recessed walls  766   a,b  approximately face each other. A rectangular bail block recessed bottom  764   a,b  opposes rectangular platform bottom  752 . A rectangular bail block recessed edge  762   a,b  is adjacent to rectangular platform edges  754   a,b . A rectangular bail block recessed inner  760  is opposite rectangular platform top  756 . As shown in FIG. 13, rectangular platform  750  and rectangular bail block  774  are sized such that a rectangular lock down gap  776  exists when rectangular bail block  774  is in a locked state. The manufacture method and materials could be the same as mentioned for the preferred embodiment. This embodiment is intended to show that various structures are equivalents in terms of the functioning of the boot size adjustment mechanism. Specifically, a multitude of matching shapes could be used to perform the adjustment and lock down function. 
     Alternate Platform 
     FIGS. 14 and 15 show an alternate platform  800 . Alternate platform  800  has an alternate platform first taper  802  and an alternate platform second taper  804 . Alternate platform first taper  802  and alternate platform second taper  804  are generally not in contact with skiboard  3  when skiboard  3  is in a non-flexed rest state. An alternate platform contact zone  806  is adjacent to skiboard  3  and exists between alternate platform first taper  802  and alternate platform second taper  804 . Alternate platform contact zone  806  could extend in the longitudinal direction of alternate platform  800  in the range of twenty to ninety percent of the total length of alternate platform  800 . A typical extent would be twenty-five to fifty percent. An alternate platform first top zone  808  and an alternate platform second top zone  810  are separated by an alternate platform central top zone  812 . Alternate platform central top zone  812  is approximately opposite alternate platform contact zone  806 . Mounting screws  251  attach alternate platform  800  to skiboard  3  in alternate platform contact zone  806 . An alternate platform first angled edge  814  and an alternate platform second angled edge  816  are shown in FIG.  15 . Alternate platform first angled edge  814  and alternate platform second angled edge  816  are intended to perform the function of retaining bail block  421 . This embodiment allows a lesser-inhibited flex of the skiboard under the platform and eliminates the resilient material. This embodiment offers modified performance and more than likely would require a molding or casting process to manufacture. Materials to manufacture alternate platform  800  include, but are not limited to, aluminum, thermoplastics, reinforced thermoplastics, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and titanium. 
     Mounting Plates 
     FIGS. 16 and 17 show a mounting plate  700  having a mounting plate top surface  715  and a mounting plate bottom surface  717 . The longitudinal extent of mounting plate  700  is limited by a mounting plate end  713   a,b . The transverse extent of mounting plate  700  is limited by a mounting plate angled edge  711   a,b . Mounting plate top surface  715  and a mounting plate bottom surface  717  share a mounting plate screw hole  703   a,b,c,d . Mounting plate top surface  715  also has a mounting plate hole counter bore  705   a,b,c,d  and mounting plate adjustment counterbores  707 . In this embodiment mounting plate  700  served the same function as platform  201  with the exception that mounting plate  700  interfaces with a single bail block  421 , is shorter in longitudinal extent than platform  201 , and mounts to skiboard  3  via mounting plate screw holes  703   a,b,c,d . Hence, one binding would use two mounting plates  700 . The manufacture of mounting plate  700  is analogous that of platform  201 . This embodiment offers a means so that the binding can be mounted to a skiboard not designed for central mounting. Additionally, some users may prefer this embodiment. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE OF INVENTION 
     Thus the reader will see that the binding invention is easy to use, has a low manufacture cost, offers high performance to the user, and is durable. The interlocking designs of the binding plate and boot support enable a simple, rigid, and durable adjustment mechanism. The preferred embodiment of the binding plate and boot support shows that can be manufactured by efficient means as already noted. The central mount of the binding plate and resilient material enhance the true flex of the skiboard as well as absorb vibration, providing the user with a high performance product. 
     While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example the shape of the binding plate in FIG. 2 need not be a rectangle. It could widen in the is area of the central mount, and while more costly to manufacture, it would still function. Similarly, while the most cost-effective implementation of the adjustment means is done with a single fastener, a dual or multiple fastener implementation would also function. Additionally, the shape of size adjustment screw  501  was given as a cone point. While this fastener is readily available and sufficient, other shapes may also suffice, such as a half sphere. A half sphere pointed fastener would also require a spherical counterbore in platform  201 . The alternate ramification shown in FIG. 12 and 13 gives another example of an embodiment. There is a multitude of detailed shapes that would interlock to serve the function. As another example, size adjustment nut  151   a,b  could be eliminated and replaced by threads tapped into bail block  421 . While aluminum and stainless steel are given as the preferred the materials for construction, sufficient production volume may show that other materials such as thermoplastics are more cost effective. Another example is the reversal of lever  451  so that it grips the heel of the boot, rather than the toe. Another example is the elimination of one or more of the bails, their replacement being a step in mechanism. 
     Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       3  Skiboard 
       5  Skiboard Longitudinal Axis 
       7  Skiboard Transverse Axis 
       9   a,b,c,d  Skiboard Mounting Holes 
       101  Resilient Material 
       103   a,b,c,d  Resilient Material Screw Holes 
       109   a,b  Resilient Material End 
       151   a,b  Size Adjustment Nut 
       153  Size Adjustment Nut Thread 
       155  Size Adjustment Nut Flats 
       201  Platform 
       203   a,b,c,d  Platform Screw Holes 
       205   a,b,c,d  Platform Screw Hole Counter Bore 
       207   a,b  Platform Size Adjustment Countersink 
       209  Platform Size Adjustment Countersink Edge 
       211   a,b  Platform Angled Edge 
       213   a,b  Platform End 
       215   a,b  Platform Size Adjustment Region 
       217  Platform Central Region 
       219  Plarform Top Surface 
       221  Platform Bottom Surface 
       223  Platform Edge Angle 
       251   a,b,c,d  Mounting Screws 
       331  Toe Bail 
       321   a,b  Toe Bail First Axle Section 
       323  Toe Bail Radius Section 
       325  Toe Bail Second Axle Section 
       327  Toe Bail Gap 
       351  Rotary Heel Bail 
       353  Rotary Heel Bail Rounded Section 
       355   a,b  Rotary Heel Bail Axle Section 
       357  Rotary Heel Bail Sloped Section 
       359  Rotary Heel Bail End 
       361  Rotary Heel Bail Gap 
       421   a,b  Bail Block 
       423  Bail Block Bore 
       425   a,b  Bail Block Angled Edge 
       427  Bail Block Platform Cavity 
       428  Bail Block Platform Cavity Edge 
       429  Bail Block Nut Cavity 
       431   a,b  Bail Block Bail Cavity 
       433   a,b  Bail Block Ends 
       435   a,b  Bail Block Sides 
       437  Bail Block Top Surface 
       439  Bail Block Bail Cavity Wall 
       441   a,b  Bail Block Base Edge 
       443   a,b  Bail Block Chain Edge 
       445   a,b  Adjustment Gap 
       447  Lock Down Gap 
       451  Lever 
       453  Lever Adjustment Screw Hole 
       455  Lever Finger Tab 
       457  Lever First Rounded End 
       459  Lever Tab Cover 
       460  Lever Tab Cover Hole 
       461  Lever Bail Slot 
       463  Lever Scallop 
       465  Lever Second Rounded End 
       471  Lever Adjustment Screw 
       473  Lever Cover Screw 
       475  Lever Tab Hole 
       501   a,b  Size Adjustment Screw 
       503  Size Adjustment Screw Thread 
       505  Size Adjustment Screw Tool Interface 
       507  Size Adjustment Screw Cone Point 
       601  Boot 
       603  Boot Heel Sole 
       605  Boot Toe Sole 
       607  Boot Heel Lip 
       609  Boot Toe Lip 
       611  Boot Heel Support Zone 
       613  Boot Toe Support Zone 
       615  Boot Sole 
       700  Mounting Plate 
       703   a,b,c,d  Mounting Plate Screw Holes 
       705   a,b,c,d  Mounting Plate Hole Counter Bore 
       707  Mounting Plate Adjustment Counterbores 
       711   a,b  Mounting Plate Angled Edge 
       713   a,b  Mounting Plate End 
       715  Mounting Plate Top Surface 
       717  Mounting Plate Top Surface 
       750  Rectangular Platform Cross Section 
       752  Rectangular Platform Cross Section Bottom 
       754   a,b  Rectangular Platform Cross Section Edge 
       756  Rectangular Platform Cross Section Top 
       760  Rectangular Bail Block Recessed Inner 
       762   a,b  Rectangular Bail Block Recessed Edge 
       764   a,b  Rectangular Bail Block Recessed Bottom 
       766   a,b  Rectangular Bail Block Recessed Wall 
       768   a,b  Rectangular Bail Block Bottom Wall Thickness 
       770   a,b  Rectangular Bail Block Outer Edge 
       772  Rectangular Bail Block Top 
       774  Rectangular Bail Block 
       776  Rectangular Lock Down Gap 
       777   a,b  Rectangular Adjustment Gap 
       800  Alternate Platform 
       802  Alternate Platform First Taper 
       804  Alternate Platform Second Taper 
       806  Alternate Platform Contact Zone 
       808  Alternate Platform First Top Zone 
       810  Alternate Platform Second Top Zone 
       812  Alternate Platform Central Top Zone 
       814  Alternate Platform First Angled Edge 
       816  Alternate Platform Second Angled Edge