# US 6,293,566 B1 · Unitary strap for use in a soft boot snowboard binding > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 6,293,566 B1 - Document ID: US6293566B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 08/780,485 - Filed: 1997-01-08 - Granted: 2001-09-25 - Earliest claimed: 1997-01-08 - Assignees: The Burton Corporation - Inventors: Jake B. Carpenter; Christopher M. Doyle - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6293566B1 ## CPC - A63C 10/06: Straps therefor, e.g. adjustable straps - A63C 10/04: Shoe holders for passing over the shoe - A63C 10/24: Calf or heel supports, e.g. adjustable high back or heel loops - Y10S 24/51: including receiving member having cavity and mating member having insertable projection guided to interlock thereby - Y10T 24/45079: Belt, strap, harness, etc. - Y10T 24/45204: for belt, strap, etc. [e.g., with pivoted gate locking member] - Y10T 24/45225: including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith - A63C: SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE (water skis B63B32/00, B63B34/00) - Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A binding strap for use in a soft boot snowboard binding is provided, the binding strap including a flexible, unitary binding member having an ankle section connected to a toe section by a midsection. The binding strap may be configured and dimensioned to preferably provide a rider with easy entry and exit from the strap. In addition, the shape and flexible nature of the binding makes it comfortable to use, while also allowing it to perform well by securely engaging the rider's boot to the snowboard. The unitary construction allows the binding strap to move in an integrated manner, while the surface area of the binding strap reduces pressure points by distributing pressure exerted by the binding over a relatively large surface area of the boot, and hence foot, of the rider. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An asymmetrical, unitary binding strap member for engaging a snowboarding boot, the snowboarding boot including a central longitudinal axis extending to a shin-to-toe direction, the unitary binding strap member comprising an ankle section, a toe section and a midsection connecting the ankle section to the toe section, each of the ankle section, the toe section and the midsection being configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboarding boot, the toe section and ankle section each having a midpoint in a lateral dimension, wherein the midpoint of the toe section is offset from the midpoint of the ankle section relative to a longitudinal axis of the binding strap member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein the midsection is configured and arranged to extend over a top portion of the snowboarding boot. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein the midsection is flexible. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the ankle section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the toe section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein the binding strap member is included in a snowboard binding. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1 wherein the ankle section includes a curved upper edge. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, further comprising a medial opening disposed between the ankle section and the toe section. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The binding strap member according to claim 8, wherein the medial opening is variable. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The binding strap member according to claim 8, wherein the medial opening is defined by an inner, lower edge of the ankle section, an inner edge of the midsection and an upper edge of the toe section. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, further comprising a sloping, outer edge wherein the sloping outer edge is defined by an outer edge of the ankle section, an outer edge of the midsection and an outer edge of the toe section. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The binding strap member according to claim 11, wherein the outer edge includes a curved contour. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein the binding strap member is pre-shaped. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein the ankle section is inclined with respect to the toe section. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The binding strap member according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the binding strap member has a semi-cylindrical configuration. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The binding member according to claim 1, further comprising a surface adapted to conform to the snowboard boot when the binding member engages the snowboard boot. ### Claim 17 A binding strap for securing a snowboarding boot to a binding, the binding strap comprising: a unitary binding strap member having an ankle section positioned at one end thereof and a toe section positioned at an opposite end thereof, the unitary binding strap member being configured and arranged to engage the snowboarding boot, the unitary binding strap member including a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap therein for securing the unitary binding strap member over the boot, the toe section and ankle section each having a midpoint in a lateral dimension, wherein the midpoint of the toe section is offset from the midpoint of the ankle section relative to a longitudinal axis of the binding strap member such that the unitary bending strap member is asymmetrical. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The binding strap according to claim 17, wherein the unitary binding strap member includes a medial opening disposed between the ankle section and the toe section. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The binding strap according to claim 18, wherein the medial opening has a flexible shape. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The binding strap according to claim 18, wherein the medial opening includes a radius of curvature. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The binding strap according to claim 20, wherein the radius of curvature is variable. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The binding strap according to claim 21, wherein the ankle section and toe section are movable relative to each other by varying the radius of curvature of the medial opening. ### Claim 23 (depends on 17) The binding strap according to claim 17, wherein the binding strap is included in a snowboard binding. ### Claim 24 (depends on 17) The binding strap according to claim 17, wherein the unitary binding strap member includes a midsection connecting the ankle section to the toe section. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The binding strap according to claim 24, wherein the midsection is configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboarding boot. ### Claim 26 (depends on 17) The binding strap according to claim 17, in combination with the mounting strap, the mounting strap engaging the unitary binding strap member and being configured and arranged to secure the unitary binding strap member to the binding. ### Claim 27 A binding strap member for securing a snowboarding boot in a snowboard binding, the binding strap member having an outer periphery, the binding strap member comprising: an ankle section including an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the ankle section having a width extending from the upper edge to the lower edge thereof, a toe section including an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the toe section having a width extending from the upper edge to the lower edge thereof, and a midsection joining the ankle section and the toe section, the midsection being configured and arranged to engage a top portion of the snowboarding boot when secured in the snowboard binding, the midsection including an outer edge on the outer periphery and an inner edge on the outer periphery, the outer and inner edges of the midsection interconnecting the lower edge of the ankle section to the toe section, wherein the midsection has a width extending from the outer edge to the inner edge thereof that is less than the width of one of the ankle section and the toe section. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The binding strap member according to claim 27, wherein the ankle section includes opposing end portions and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween and the toe section includes an end portion, the midsection joining the intermediate portion of the ankle section to the end portion of the toe section. ### Claim 29 (depends on 27) The binding strap member according to claim 27, wherein the binding strap member is asymmetrical. ### Claim 30 (depends on 27) The binding strap member according to claim 27, wherein the lower edge of the ankle section, the inner edge of the midsection and the upper edge of the toe section define a medial opening that is configured and arranged to overlie a portion of the instep of the snowboarding boot. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The binding strap member according to claim 30, wherein the medial opening has a radius of curvature. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The binding strap member according to claim 31, wherein the radius of curvature is variable, thereby allowing the ankle section to move relative to the toe section. ### Claim 33 An asymmetrical binding strap member for securing a snowboarding boot in a snowboard binding, the snowboarding boot including a central longitudinal axis extending in a shin-to-toe direction, the binding strap member having an outer periphery, the binding strap member comprising: an ankle section including an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the ankle section having a width extending from the upper edge to the lower edge thereof; a toe section including an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the toe section having a width extending from the upper edge to the lower edge thereof, the toe section and ankle section each having a midpoint in a lateral dimension, wherein the midpoint of the toe section is offset from the midpoint of the ankle section relative to a longitudinal axis of the binding strap member; and a midsection joining the ankle section and the toe section, the midsection being configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboarding boot when secured in the snowboard binding, the midsection including an outer edge on the outer periphery and an inner edge on the outer periphery, the outer and inner edges of the midsection interconnecting the lower edge of the ankle section to the toe section, wherein the midsection has a width extending from the outer edge to the inner edge thereof that is less than the width of one of the ankle section and the toe section. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The binding strap member according to claim 33, wherein the ankle section includes opposing end portions and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween and the toe section includes an end portion, the midsection joining the intermediate portion of the ankle section to the end portion of the toe section. ### Claim 35 (depends on 33) The binding strap member according to claim 33, wherein the lower edge of the ankle section, the inner edge of the midsection and the upper edge of the toe section define a medial opening that is configured to overlie a portion of the instep of the snowboarding boot. ### Claim 36 (depends on 35) The binding strap member according to claim 35, wherein the medial opening has a radius of curvature. ### Claim 37 (depends on 36) The binding strap member according to claim 36, wherein the radius of curvature is variable, thereby allowing the ankle section to move relative to the toe section. ### Claim 38 (depends on 33) The binding strap member according to claim 33, further comprising a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap therein for securing the binding strap member over the boot. ### Claim 39 A unitary binding strap member for securing a snowboarding boot in a snowboard binding in one of a plurality of secured positions, the binding strap member comprising: an ankle section having upper and lower edges; a toe section having an upper edge; and a midsection joining the ankle section and the toe section, the midsection including an inner edge interconnecting the lower edge of the ankle section to the upper edge of the toe section, thereby defining a medial opening between the ankle and toe sections that is configured to overlie a portion of an instep on a medial side of the snowboarding boot, wherein the midsection is constructed and arranged to provide the medial opening with a variable radius of curvature, thereby allowing the ankle section to move relative to the toe section to accommodate any one of the plurality of secured positions, wherein the midsection further comprises an outer edge interconnecting the lower edge of the ankle section to an outer side of the toe section, thereby defining an outer edge of the binding strap member, with the outer edge of the binding strap member being inwardly sloping from the ankle section to the toe section. ### Claim 40 (depends on 39) The binding strap member according to claim 39, further comprising a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap therein for securing the binding strap member over the boot. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) The binding strap member according to claim 40, in combination with the mounting strap, the mounting strap engaging the binding strap member and being configured and arranged to secure the binding strap member to the binding. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) The combination of claim 41, further comprising means to secure the mounting strap within the pocket. ### Claim 43 (depends on 41) The combination of claim 41, in combination with the binding, the binding having a baseplate defining the plurality of secured positions, the mounting strap being secured to the baseplate at any one of the plurality of secured positions. ### Claim 44 (depends on 39) The binding strap member according to claim 39, wherein the upper edge of the ankle section includes a dimple formed therein, the dimple being configured and arranged to overlie a portion of the large tendon of a foot of a rider. ### Claim 45 (depends on 39) The binding strap member according to claim 39, in combination with the binding, the binding having a baseplate defining the plurality of secured positions, the binding strap member being securable to the baseplate at any one of the plurality of secured positions. ### Claim 46 (depends on 39) The binding strap member according to claim 39, wherein the midsection comprises a single section continuously extending from an inner edge to an outer edge of the binding strap member. ### Claim 47 An asymmetrical, unitary binding strap member comprising: an ankle section having a lateral edge and a medial edge, the ankle section extending in a lateral-medial direction between the lateral edges and the medial edge, the ankle section being configured and arranged to engage a portion of a snowboard boot; a toe section having a lateral edge, a medial edge and a toe section midpoint substantially midway therebetween, the toe section being configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot; and, a midsection having a lateral edge, a medial edge and a midsection midpoint substantially midway therebetween, the midsection connecting the ankle section to the toe section, the midsection being configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot; wherein, in the lateral-medial direction, at least one of the toe section midpoint and the midsection midpoint is located closer to one of the lateral edge and the medial edge of the ankle section. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the midsection is configured and arranged to extend over a top portion of the snowboarding boot. ### Claim 49 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the midsection is flexible. ### Claim 50 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the ankle section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 51 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the toe section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 52 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the binding strap member is included in a snowboard binding. ### Claim 53 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the ankle section includes a curved upper edge. ### Claim 54 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, further comprising a medial opening disposed between the ankle section and the toe section. ### Claim 55 (depends on 54) The binding strap member according to claim 54, wherein the medial opening is variable. ### Claim 56 (depends on 54) The binding strap member according to claim 54, wherein the medial opening is defined by a lower edge of the ankle section, the medial edge of the midsection and an upper edge of the toe section. ### Claim 57 (depends on 54) The binding strap according to claim 54, wherein the medial opening has a flexible shape. ### Claim 58 (depends on 54) The binding strap according to claim 54, wherein the medial opening includes a radius of curvature. ### Claim 59 (depends on 54) The binding strap according to claim 54, wherein the radius of curvature is variable. ### Claim 60 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, further comprising a sloping, outer edge wherein the sloping outer edge is defined by an outer edge of the ankle section, an outer edge of the midsection and an outer edge of the toe section. ### Claim 61 (depends on 60) The binding strap member according to claim 60, wherein the outer edge includes a curved contour. ### Claim 62 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the binding strap member is pre-shaped. ### Claim 63 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the ankle section is inclined with respect to the toe section. ### Claim 64 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein at least a portion of the binding strap member has a semi-cylindrical configuration. ### Claim 65 (depends on 47) A binding strap comprising the binding strap member as recited in claim 47, the binding strap being constructed and arranged to secure the snowboard boot to a snowboard binding. ### Claim 66 (depends on 65) The binding strap according to claim 65, wherein the binding strap member further comprises a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap for securing the snowboard boot to the snowboard binding. ### Claim 67 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, further comprising a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap for securing the snowboard to a snowboard binding. ### Claim 68 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the ankle section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the ankle section having a width extending between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof, and wherein the midsection has a width extending from the lateral edge to the medial edge thereof that is less than the width of the ankle section. ### Claim 69 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the toe section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the toe section having a width extending between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof, and wherein the midsection has a width extending from the lateral edge to the medial edge thereof that is less than the width of the toe section. ### Claim 70 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein the ankle section includes a lateral end portion, a medial end portion and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween and the toe section includes an end portion, the midsection joining the intermediate portion of the ankle section to the end portion of the toe section. ### Claim 71 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the ankle section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, wherein the toe section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, and wherein the lower edge of the ankle section, the medial edge of the midsection and the upper edge of the toe section define a medial opening that is configured to overlie a portion of the instep of the snowboard boot. ### Claim 72 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, wherein, in the lateral-medial direction, each of the toe section midpoint and the midsection midpoint is located closer to one of the lateral edge and the medial edge of the ankle section. ### Claim 73 (depends on 47) The binding strap member according to claim 47, further comprising a surface adapted to conform to the snowboard boot when then binding strap member engages the snowboard boot. ### Claim 74 An asymmetrical, unitary binding strap member for engaging a snowboard boot, the snowboard boot having an imaginary line extending along the front surface thereof in a shin-to-toe direction and being disposed approximately midway between medial and lateral sides of the snowboard boot, the unitary binding strap member comprising: an ankle section having a lateral edge, a medial edge and an ankle section midpoint substantially midway therebetween, the ankle section being configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot; a toe section having a lateral edge, a medial edge and a toe section midpoint substantially midway therebetween, the toe section being configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot; and, a midsection having a lateral edge, a medial edge and a midsection midpoint substantially midway therebetween, the midsection connecting the ankle section to the toe section, the midsection being configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot; wherein, when the binding strap member is tightened about the snowboard boot, a distance separating the imaginary line of the snowboard boot and at least one of the ankle section midpoint, the midsection midpoint and the toe section midpoint is different from a distance separating the imaginary line of the snowboard boot and another of the ankle section midpoint, the midsection midpoint and the toe section midpoint. ### Claim 75 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein distances separating the imaginary line of the snowboard boot and two of the ankle section midpoint, the midsection midpoint and the toe section midpoint are different from the distance separating the imaginary line of the snowboard boot and the other of the ankle section midpoint, the midsection midpoint and the toe section midpoint. ### Claim 76 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the midsection is configured and arranged to extend over a top portion of the snowboard boot. ### Claim 77 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the midsection is flexible. ### Claim 78 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the ankle section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 79 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the toe section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 80 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the binding strap member is included in a snowboard binding. ### Claim 81 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the ankle section includes a curved upper edge. ### Claim 82 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, further comprising a medial opening disposed between the ankle section and the toe section. ### Claim 83 (depends on 82) The binding strap member according to claim 82, wherein the medial opening is variable. ### Claim 84 (depends on 82) The binding strap member according to claim 82, wherein the medial opening is defined by a lower edge of the ankle section, the medial edge of the midsection and an upper edge of the toe section. ### Claim 85 (depends on 82) The binding strap according to claim 82, wherein the medial opening has a flexible shape. ### Claim 86 (depends on 82) The binding strap according to claim 82, wherein the medial opening includes a radius of curvature. ### Claim 87 (depends on 86) The binding strap according to claim 86, wherein the radius of curvature is variable. ### Claim 88 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, further comprising a sloping, outer edge wherein the sloping outer edge is defined by an outer edge of the ankle section, an outer edge of the midsection and an outer edge of the toe section. ### Claim 89 (depends on 88) The binding strap member according to claim 88, wherein the outer edge includes a curved contour. ### Claim 90 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the binding strap member is pre-shaped. ### Claim 91 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the ankle section is inclined with respect to the toe section. ### Claim 92 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein at least a portion of the binding strap member has a semi-cylindrical configuration. ### Claim 93 (depends on 74) A binding strap comprising the binding strap member as recited in claim 74, the binding strap being constructed and arranged to secure the snowboard boot to a snowboard binding. ### Claim 94 (depends on 93) The binding strap according to claim 93, wherein the binding strap member further comprises a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap for securing the snowboard boot to the snowboard binding. ### Claim 95 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, further comprising a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap for securing the snowboard to a snowboard binding. ### Claim 96 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the ankle section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the ankle section having a width extending between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof, and wherein the midsection has a width extending from the lateral edge to the medial edge thereof that is less than the width of the ankle section. ### Claim 97 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the toe section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the toe section having a width extending between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof, and wherein the midsection has a width extending from the lateral edge to the medial edge thereof that is less than the width of the toe section. ### Claim 98 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, wherein the ankle section includes a lateral end portion, a medial end portion and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween and the toe section includes an end portion, the midsection joining the intermediate portion of the ankle section to the end portion of the toe section. ### Claim 99 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the ankle section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, wherein the toe section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, and wherein the lower edge of the ankle section, the medial edge of the midsection and the upper edge of the toe section define a medial opening that is configured to overlie a portion of the instep of the snowboard boot. ### Claim 100 (depends on 74) The binding strap member according to claim 74, further comprising a surface adapted to conform to the snowboard boot when then binding strap member engages the snowboard boot. ### Claim 101 An asymmetrical, unitary binding strap member for engaging a snowboard boot, the snowboard boot adapted to secure a rider's foot therein, the rider's foot having a first metatarsal from which the rider's big toe extends and a third metatarsal from which the rider's third toe extends, the unitary binding strap member comprising: an ankle section disposed at one end of the binding strap member and configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot; a toe section disposed at another end of the binding strap member and configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot, the toe section including a medial side edge that is to be disposed approximately over the rider's first metatarsal and a lateral side edge that is to be disposed approximately over the rider's third metatarsal when the rider's foot is in the snowboard boot and when the unitary binding strap member engages the snowboard boot; and, a midsection connecting the ankle section to the toe section and configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot. ### Claim 102 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the midsection is configured and arranged to extend over a top portion of the snowboarding boot. ### Claim 103 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the midsection is flexible. ### Claim 104 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the ankle section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 105 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the midsection has a width and wherein the toe section has a width greater than the width of the midsection. ### Claim 106 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the binding strap member is included in a snowboard binding. ### Claim 107 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the ankle section includes a curved upper edge. ### Claim 108 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, further comprising a medial opening disposed between the ankle section and the toe section. ### Claim 109 (depends on 108) The binding strap member according to claim 108, wherein the medial opening is variable. ### Claim 110 (depends on 108) The binding strap member according to claim 108, further comprising a midsection connecting the ankle section to the toe section and configured and arranged to engage a portion of the snowboard boot, wherein the medial opening is defined by a lower edge of the ankle section, a medial edge of the midsection and an upper edge of the toe section. ### Claim 111 (depends on 108) The binding strap according to claim 108, wherein the medial opening has a flexible shape. ### Claim 112 (depends on 108) The binding strap according to claim 108, wherein the medial opening includes a radius of curvature. ### Claim 113 (depends on 112) The binding strap according to claim 112, wherein the radius of curvature is variable. ### Claim 114 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, further comprising a sloping, outer edge wherein the sloping outer edge is defined by an outer edge of the ankle section, an outer edge of the midsection and an outer edge of the toe section. ### Claim 115 (depends on 112) The binding strap member according to claim 112, wherein the outer edge includes a curved contour. ### Claim 116 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the binding strap member is pre-shaped. ### Claim 117 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the ankle section is inclined with respect to the toe section. ### Claim 118 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein at least a portion of the binding strap member has a semi-cylindrical configuration. ### Claim 119 (depends on 101) A binding strap comprising the binding strap member as recited in claim 101, the binding strap being constructed and arranged to secure the snowboard boot to a snowboard binding. ### Claim 120 (depends on 119) The binding strap according to claim 119, wherein the binding strap member further comprises a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap for securing the snowboard boot to the snowboard binding. ### Claim 121 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, further comprising a pocket that is adapted to receive a mounting strap for securing the snowboard to a snowboard binding. ### Claim 122 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the ankle section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the ankle section having a width extending between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof, and wherein the midsection has a width extending from the lateral edge to the medial edge thereof that is less than the width of the ankle section. ### Claim 123 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the toe section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, the toe section having a width extending between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof, and wherein the midsection has a width extending from the lateral edge to the medial edge thereof that is less than the width of the toe section. ### Claim 124 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, wherein the ankle section includes a lateral end portion, a medial end portion and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween and the toe section includes an end portion, the midsection joining the intermediate portion of the ankle section to the end portion of the toe section. ### Claim 125 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, further comprising an outer periphery, wherein the ankle section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, wherein the toe section comprises an upper edge on the outer periphery and a lower edge on the outer periphery, and wherein the lower edge of the ankle section, the medial edge of the midsection and the upper edge of the toe section define a medial opening that is configured to overlie a portion of the instep of the snowboard boot. ### Claim 126 (depends on 101) The binding strap member according to claim 101, further comprising a surface adapted to conform to the snowboard boot when then binding strap member engages the snowboard boot.