Snowboard boot with binding interface

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a snowboard boot and a binding interface including an interface feature that is adapted to releasably engage with a snowboard binding. The binding interface is movably mounted to the boot so that the boot can flex in a side-to-side direction through an angle relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility. In one embodiment, the binding interface is mounted to the boot at a pair of laterally spaced attachment points with a pair of strapless fasteners. In another embodiment, the binding interface is mounted to at least one attachment point and a portion of the boot is flexible between the attachment point and a side. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the interface feature does not protrude below the bottom surface of the boot, and the interface feature does not protrude beyond the sides of the boot. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus includes an adjustment member to adjustably restrict the side-to-side flexibility between the boot and the binding interface, and a dampening element that dampens the side-to-side flexibility. The boot may include an arcuate lower surface that extends across the boot with the binding interface mounted to the boot below the arcuate lower surface. A fluid-filled bladder may be provided to control the side-to-side flexibility of the boot. The binding interface may be slidably mounted to the boot using arcuate surfaces, such as convex and concave surfaces, that allow the boot to slide across the binding interface.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to a snowboard boot having a binding interface that facilitates side-to-side movement of the snowboard boot relative to a snowboard.[0003] 2. Description of Related Art[0004] Snowboard riders typically prefer some degree of side-to-side flexibility between their snowboard boots and snowboard. Side-to-side flexibility (also known as foot roll) enhances the rider's ability to more easily shift his or her weight and body position over the board for balance and control. Side-to-side flexibility may also improve the overall ride by allowing bumps to be more readily absorbed than if the boot was rigidly attached to the board without any side-to-side flexibility. Thus, the ability of the boot to roll side-to-side relative to the board provides a performance and feel that many riders find desirable.[0005] A rider's boots are secured to the board via bindings that are typically disposed at an angle relative to the longitudi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Thus, when the snowboard boots are secured to the binding, there is little, if any, side-to-side roll or flexibility between the boot sole and the board.

However, since the ankle joint itself has limited side-to-side flexibility, even soft shell boots may not provide the rider with as much side-to-side flexibility as a rider may desire when used in conjunction with side-grip bindings that rigidly engage the boot sole.

Images