Runaway binding device for a ski

A runaway binding device for a ski comprising:

• a. strap means for partially surrounding the leg of the user, said strap means having a first end portion and a second end portion;
• b. latch means for securing said first and second end portions of said strap means together, said latch means including a housing having a slot open to the exterior of said housing and a tongue passing into and out of said housing slot along substantially the same path of travel, said tongue having an opening therethrough and being connected to said first end portion of said strap means, said latch means also including an ear pivotally mounted at one edge thereof on said housing and having an accessible portion extending outwardly from said housing, said ear including a catch fitting within said tongue opening to retain said tongue within said housing slot, pivotal movement of said ear outwardly from said housing releasing said catch retaining said tongue, said latch means further including spring means for biasing said pivoting catch into said tongue opening, said catch and said tongue cooperable to permit retaining of said tongue by said catch along said path of travel, said latch means and strap means substantially surrounding the leg of the user;
• and
• c. connecting means for holding said strap means to the ski.