Method and Apparatus for Reducing Body Stress Typically Experienced by a Snowboarder While on a Chairlift

A binding assembly for coupling a user's boot to the top surface of a snowboard, said assembly comprising:

• a boot retention member for engaging the sole of a user's boot;
• a mounting structure coupling said boot retention member to said snowboard top surface so as to allow said retention member to pivot between a closed position orienting said boot sole substantially parallel to said snowboard top surface and an open position orienting said boot sole substantially perpendicular to Said snowboard top surface;
• a latch mechanism operable to latch said retention member in said closed position;
• and
• a user operable release mechanism for releasing said latch mechanism to allow said boot retention member to pivot to said open position.

In combination with a snowboard having a length, a width, and a top surface, a binding assembly comprising:

• a boot retention member including a boot sole support member defining a substantially planar sole support surface;
• a mounting structure attaching said boot retention member to said snowboard top surface and wherein said mounting structure includes a hinge allowing the plane of said sole support surface to pivot between a first position oriented substantially perpendicular to said snowboard top surface and a second position substantially parallel to said snowboard top surface;
• a latch mechanism responsive to movement of said sole support surface from said first to said second position for latching said sole support member in said second position;
• and
• a user operable actuator for unlatching said sole support member to allow said snowboard and sole support surface to move to said first position.