Hard shell boot snowboard bindings and system

Abstract

A binding adapted for use with hard shell boots which allows the rider or shredder to laterally move and axial rotate the boot when connected thereto. The binding is essentially stepin type binding comprising a flexible heel piece, a heel plate, and a semi-rigid toe piece. A strap structure is attached to the flexible heel piece which enables the shredder to adjust the tension thereof. The heel plate is mounted to the inside surface of the flexible heel piece and holds the rear portion of the boot downward in the binding. In addition, the heel plate allows the shredder to laterally move, and if pivotally mounted, allows axial rotation of the boot while connected to the binding. An optional base member may be interposed longitudinally between the semi-rigid toe piece and the flexible heel piece. Each base member embodiment disclosed herein has an upper boot support surface which supports the sole of the boot and either facilitates or limits lateral movement and axial rotation of the boot while connected to the binding. The binding system which allows the shredder to use one snowboard for various riding activities. The binding system comprises two bindings mounted in the front and rear binding locations on the snowboard, and a set of base members containing a plurality of pairs of base members with each pair of base members having an unique upper boot support surface manufactured thereon.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.