Patent ID: 8544870

Claim:
A device for retaining a foot or boot on a sports apparatus, the device comprising: a base plate extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end and widthwise from a first side to a second side; a heel support element and a pivot mechanism mounting the heel support element to pivot with respect to the base plate, the pivot mechanism comprising a first pivot support and a second pivot support; an elongated element extending between the base plate and an attachment location on the heel support element to limit rearward pivot movement of the heel support element relative to the base plate, the elongated element having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions of the elongated element being connected to the base by a first and a second lower connection, respectively, the first and second lower connections being located in front of the first and second pivot supports; and at least one intermediate element, each intermediate element: mounted below the heel support element; mounted above a side plate that is connected to one side of the base plate; and adjustable in its location relative to the rear and front ends of the base plate; wherein the attachment location, first pivot support, and first lower connection collectively define a generally triangular shape when viewed from a side of the device when the heel support element is in a closed position around a user's heel.