Binding system for recreational board

Abstract

A binding system for retaining a rider's foot atop a recreational board comprises: a baseplate mountable to the board and comprising a generally flattened foot-receiving surface shaped for receiving a rider's foot and an opposing convex board-contacting surface for contacting the recreational board; and a foot-retaining system connected to the baseplate and configurable in an open configuration for receiving and releasing the rider's foot and a locked configuration for retaining the rider's foot. The foot-retaining system retains the rider's foot with the toes of the rider's foot relatively proximate to a toe-side of the board and the heel of the rider's foot relatively proximate to a transversely opposed heel-side of the board. The convex board-contacting surface facilitates motion, about a pivot axis, of the baseplate, the foot-retainer and the rider's foot relative to the recreational board.

Description

BINDING SYSTEM FOR RECREATIONAL BOARDReference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from, and for the purposes of the United States of America the benefit under 35 USC 119 in connection with, United States patent application No. 63 / 745462 filed 15 January 2025 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to the field of recreational sports where an individual stands on a rider-support surface of a board and rides the board through or atop of a medium such as air, snow, sand or water. Particular embodiments provide binding systems which may be used to retain the individual’s feet atop the rider-support surface.Background

[0003] Many recreational sports involve riding a board through or atop of a medium such as air, snow, sand or water. Snowboarding is an example of such a sport. In snowboarding, a rider stands on one surface (the rider-support surface) of an elongated snowboard with his or her feet spaced apart from one another and at various angles oriented generally transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard. The rider rides the board down snow covered inclined slopes in directions generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the board with one foot in front of the other in a manner similar to that of surfing. Because of the transverse orientation of the rider’s feet with respect to the longitudinal axis of the board, depending on whether the rider puts their right foot forward or their left foot forward, the rider's stance defines one edge of the snowboard to be the “heel side” or “heel edge” (i.e. , the edge of the board closest to the rider’s heels) and the transversely opposite edge of the snowboard to be the “toe side” or “toe edge” (i.e., the edge of the board closest to the rider’s toes).

[0004] Snowboards typically incorporate bindings which may increase the rider's control over the board. Bindings typically retain the rider's feet in their generally transverse orientations atop the rider-support surface of the board and assist the rider to transfer his or her weight between the toe and heel edges of the board to thereby assist the riderto turn the board. There are many types of prior art snowboard bindings. Most prior art bindings incorporate a binding baseplate or the like which is located on the rider-support surface of the board and is mounted to the board. The most common type of binding, typically referred to as a “high back” binding, incorporates a back member which projects from the binding baseplate on the rider-support surface, such that the rider may lean toward their heel edge (e.g., against the back member) to apply pressure to the heel edge of the board, and one or more straps which extend overtop of the foot and bind the foot to the binding baseplate, such that the rider may lean toward their toe edge (e.g., against the straps) to apply pressure to the toe side of the board. Another common type of binding, referred to as the “step-in” binding, typically requires that the rider wear a corresponding “step-in” boot which is secured to the binding baseplate without straps, such that the rider can apply pressure to the heel and toe edges of the snowboard by applying corresponding pressure against the interior surfaces of their boots. Step-in bindings use a variety of techniques for securing the boot to the binding baseplate.

[0005] There is a general desire to improve the performance of prior art binding systems and / or to provide binding systems which offer new features over those of the prior art.

[0006] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.Summary

[0007] One aspect of the invention provides a binding system for retaining a rider’s foot atop a recreational board. The binding system comprises: a baseplate mountable to the recreational board, the baseplate comprising a generally flattened foot-receiving surface shaped for receiving a rider’s foot thereupon and an opposing convex board-contacting surface for contacting the recreational board when the binding systems is mounted thereupon; and a foot-retaining system connected to the baseplate, the foot-retaining system configurable in an open configuration for receiving and releasing the rider’s foot and a locked configuration for retaining the rider’s foot in the binding system. The footretaining system is shaped to retain the rider’s foot with the toes of the rider’s foot relatively proximate to a toe-side of the board and the heel of the rider’s foot relatively proximate to a heel-side of the board, the heel-side and toe-side of the boardtransversely opposing one another. The convex board-contacting surface facilitates (e.g. is shaped to facilitate) motion, about a pivot axis, of the baseplate, the foot-retainer and the rider’s foot relative to the recreational board when the baseplate is mounted to the recreational board.

[0008] The motion may be or comprise pivotal motion. The motion may be or comprise rocking motion.

[0009] The pivot axis may be on the board-contacting surface.

[0010] The pivot axis may be non-parallel to (e.g. at an acute angle relative to) a longitudinal axis of the baseplate. The pivot axis may be substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the baseplate. The pivot axis may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

[0011] The convex board-contacting surface and the foot-receiving surface may be integrally formed with a monolithic construction.

[0012] The baseplate may comprise a first baseplate portion comprising the footreceiving surface and a second baseplate portion comprising the convex boardcontacting surface wherein the first portion and the second portion are releasably attachable to one another to allow adjustment of an angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

[0013] The first baseplate portion may comprise one or more recesses and the second baseplate portion may comprise one or more corresponding protrusions. When the one or more corresponding protrusions are received in the one or more recesses, the second baseplate portion may be prevented from rotating relative to the first baseplate portion -e.g. thereby fixing the angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

[0014] The first baseplate portion may comprise one or more protrusions and the second baseplate portion may comprise one or more corresponding recesses. When the one or more protrusions are received in the one or more corresponding recesses, the second baseplate portion may be prevented from rotating relative to the first baseplate portion -e.g. thereby fixing the angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

[0015] The first baseplate portion may comprise a plurality of downwardly and radially extending ridges and the second baseplate portion may comprise a correspondingplurality of upwardly and radially extending ridges. When the plurality of downwardly and radially extending ridges engage the plurality of upwardly and radially extending ridges, the second baseplate portion may be prevented from rotating relative to the first baseplate portion - e.g. thereby fixing the angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

[0016] At least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface may curve about an axis of curvature.

[0017] At least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface may curve with a constant radius of curvature.

[0018] At least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface may curve with a variable radius of curvature.

[0019] At least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface may comprise a first surface segment (e.g. a generally planar first surface segment) and a second surface segment (e.g. a generally planar second surface segment) wherein the first and second surface segments are non-parallel to one another. At least a portion of the first surface segment may be substantially flat or planar. The at least a portion of the first surface segment may be substantially parallel to at least a portion of the foot-receiving surface.

[0020] The at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface may comprise a third surface segment (e.g. a generally planar third surface segment) non-parallel to the first and second surface segments. The first, second and third surface segments may each be substantially flat or planar.

[0021] The binding system may comprise one or more deformable pads attached to the baseplate around at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface such that the one or more deformable pads are sandwiched between the baseplate and the recreational board when the binding system is mounted to the recreational board.

[0022] The binding system may comprise one or more deformable pads removably attached to the baseplate around at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface such that the one or more deformable pads are sandwiched between the baseplate and the recreational board when the binding system is mounted to the recreational board.

[0023] The binding system may comprise one or more deformable pads locatable around at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface such that the one ormore deformable pads are sandwiched between the baseplate and the recreational board when the binding system is mounted to the recreational board.

[0024] The one or more deformable pads may comprise a toe-side deformable pad located toward toe-side portion of the baseplate and a heel-side deformable pad located toward a heel-side portion of the baseplate.

[0025] The baseplate may define a generally circular cutout with a plurality of upwardly and radially extending first ridges protruding from at least a portion of a first ledge which extends around at least a perimeter of the cutout. The binding system may comprise a mounting disc mountable to the recreational board. The mounting disc may comprise a generally cylindrical body with a plurality of downwardly and radially extending second ridges protruding from at least a portion of a second ledge which extends around at least a perimeter of the body. When the plurality of downwardly and radially extending second ridges engage the plurality of upwardly and radially extending first ridges, the baseplate may be prevented from rotating relative to the mounting disc portion.

[0026] First ridges protruding from medial and lateral portions of the first ledge may protrude further from an upwardly facing surface of the first ledge than first ridges protruding from toe-side and heel-side portions of the first ledge.

[0027] Second ridges protruding from medial and lateral portions of the second ledge may protrude further from a downwardly facing surface of the second ledge than second ridges protruding from toe-side and heel-side portions of the second ledge.

[0028] Toe-side and heel-side portions of the first ledge may be smooth and first ridges may protrude from medial and lateral portions of the first ledge.

[0029] Toe-side and heel-side portions of the second ledge may be smooth and second ridges may protrude from medial and lateral portions of the second ledge.

[0030] A medial portion of the first ledge may extend around a medial side of the cutout. A lateral portion of the first ledge may extend around a lateral side of the cutout. The medial and lateral portions of the first ledge may be spaced apart from each other around a perimeter of the cutout by a first toe-side gap extending around a toe-side of the cutout and a first heel-side gap extending around a heel-side of the cutout.

[0031] A medial portion of the second ledge may extend around a medial side of the body. A lateral portion of the second ledge may extend around a lateral side of the body. The medial and lateral portions of the second ledge may be spaced apart from eachother around a perimeter of the body by a second toe-side gap extending around a toeside of the body and a second heel-side gap extending around a heel-side of the body.

[0032] The body may define toe-side and heel-side cutouts.

[0033] Medial and lateral portions of an upwardly facing surface of the first ledge may be raised relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the upwardly facing surface of the first ledge.

[0034] An upwardly facing surface of the first ledge may curve convexly upward such that medial and lateral portions of the upwardly facing surface of the first ledge may be raised relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the upwardly facing surface of the first ledge.

[0035] Medial and lateral portions of a downwardly facing surface of the second ledge may be lower relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the downwardly facing surface of the second ledge.

[0036] A downwardly facing surface of the second ledge may curve convexly downward such that medial and lateral portions of the downwardly facing surface of the second ledge may be lower relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the downwardly facing surface of the second ledge.

[0037] The foot retaining system may comprise: a high-back located on the heel side of the binding. The high-back may comprise a concave surface shaped to accommodate one or more of: a heel of the rider's foot and a calf of the rider's leg. The foot retaining system may comprise: a strapping system adjustable to a first configuration where the rider's foot is retained under the strapping system and against the concave surface of the high back so as to be generally fixed in relation to the baseplate and to a second configuration wherein the rider's foot is insertable into and removable from the footretaining system.

[0038] The foot retaining system may comprise: a high-back located on the heel side of the binding. The high-back may comprise a concave surface shaped to accommodate one or more of: a heel of the rider's foot and a calf of the rider's leg. The high-back may be adjustable between: a first configuration wherein the rider's foot is retained under a strapping system and against the concave surface of the high back so as to be generally fixed in relation to the baseplate; and a second configuration wherein the rider's foot is insertable into and removable from the foot-retaining system.

[0039] The convex board-contacting surface may be flat in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention provides a baseplate for a binding system for retaining a rider’s foot atop a recreational board. The baseplate comprises: a generally flattened foot-receiving surface shaped for receiving a rider’s foot thereupon and an opposing convex board-contacting surface for contacting the recreational board when the binding systems is mounted thereupon. The convex board-contacting surface may facilitate (e.g. may be shaped to facilitate) motion, about a pivot axis, of the baseplate, the foot-retainer and the rider’s foot relative to the recreational board when the baseplate is mounted to the recreational board.

[0041] The baseplate may comprise any of the features or aspects described above.

[0042] Other aspects of the invention provide apparatus comprising any features, combinations of features and / or sub-combinations of features described herein or inferable therefrom.

[0043] Other aspect of the invention provide kits comprising any features, combinations of features and / or sub-combinations of features described herein or inferable therefrom.

[0044] Further aspects and example embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and / or described in the following description.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a recreational board and binding system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a left-foot binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Figure 3A is a schematic side view of the baseplate of the Figure 2 binding. Figure 3B is a schematic bottom view of the baseplate of the Figure 2 binding. Figure 3C is a schematic top view of the baseplate of the Figure 2 binding.

[0049] Figure 4A is a schematic side view of a baseplate of another binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 4B is a schematic bottom view of the baseplate of Figure 4A.

[0050] Figure 5A is a schematic side view of a baseplate of another binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 5B is a schematic bottom view of the baseplate of Figure 5A.

[0051] Figure 6A is a schematic bottom view of a mounting disc for a binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 6B is a schematic top view of the mounting disc of Figure 6A. Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view along A-A of the mounting disc of Figure 6B. Figure 6D is another cross-sectional view along A-A of the mounting disc of Figure 6B. Figure 6E is another cross-sectional view along A-A of the mounting disc of Figure 6B.

[0052] Figure 7A is a schematic side view of the binding of Figure 2 mounted to a recreational board wherein the recreational board is only shown in part. Figure 7B is another schematic side view of the binding of Figure 2 mounted to a recreational board wherein the recreational board is only shown in part.

[0053] Figure 8A is a schematic side view of another left-foot binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 8B is a schematic side view of the baseplate of the Figure 8A binding. Figure 8C is a schematic bottom view of the baseplate of the Figure 8A binding. Figure 8D is another schematic bottom view of the baseplate of the Figure 8A binding.

[0054] Figure 9A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a baseplate of another binding mounted to a recreational board according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the recreational board is only shown in part. Figure 9B is another schematic cross-sectional side view of a baseplate of another binding mounted to a recreational board according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the recreational board is only shown in part.

[0055] Figure 10A is a schematic top plan view of a baseplate of another binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 10B is a schematic top plan view of another baseplate of another binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 10C is a schematic cross-sectional side view of another baseplate of another binding according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 10D is a schematic top plan view of a mounting disc according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 10E is a schematic top plan view of another mounting disc according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 10F is a schematic top plan view of another mounting disc according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 10G is a schematic side view of another mounting disc according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Figure 11 A is a schematic side view of a binding spacer according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 11 B is a schematic top plan view of the binding spacer of Figure 11A. Figure 110 is schematic top plan view of a mounting disc for the binding spacer of Figure 11 B according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0057] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of a traditional binding mounted on the binding spacer of Figure 11 A which is in turn mounted on a recreational board according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the recreational board is only shown in part.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0058] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0059] Aspects of this invention provide binding systems for recreational boards (e.g., snowboards). The binding system is mounted atop a rider-support surface of the board. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the binding system is moveable (e.g., rockable, pivotal, tiltable, etc.) with the rider's foot and with respect to the board. This relative motion may allow the rider to move their foot relative to the board in a manner which directs relatively more of the forces associated with rider's weight and / or other forces exerted by the rider onto one of the heel or toe edge. For example, such forces may be transferred by moving their foot (e.g., pivoting their foot about a pivot axis such that their heel moves relatively closer to the heel edge and / or to the rider-support surface (in comparison to their toes) or such that their toes move relatively closer to the toe edge and / or to the rider-support surface (in comparison to their heel)). Such relativemovement of the rider's foot may in turn allow the rider to have greater control over the application of such forces to the heel and / or toe edges of the board.

[0060] Figure 1 is a top view of a recreational board 5 and a binding system 100 according to a particular embodiment. Recreational board 5 may be a snowboard or some other type of recreational board. Binding system 100 is mounted (or mountable) atop rider-support surface 5A of board 5. Binding system 100 comprises a right-foot binding 102 (i.e., the binding closest to the nose 5B of board 5) and a left-foot binding 104 (i.e., the binding closest to the tail 5C of board 5). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that snowboards and similar recreational boards typically comprise a pair of bindings and that right-foot binding 102 may be generally similar (albeit mirrored) to leftfoot binding 104.

[0061] Board 5 is generally designed to be ridden in directions aligned with its longitudinal axis 7 such that one of the rider's feet (and a corresponding one of the bindings) leads the other foot (and the other binding) in the direction of motion. Bindings 102, 104 are generally located and / or oriented such that when the rider’s feet are placed in the bindings 102, 104 for riding, the rider’s toes (of both feet) are on one transverse side of longitudinal board axis 7 and the rider’s heels (of both feet) are on the opposite transverse side of longitudinal board axis 7. This foot placement is one distinction between the transverse stance of snowboarding from the parallel stance of other sports, like skiing. In the Figure 1 configuration, the rider's right foot is leading their left foot. This configuration is conventionally referred to as “goofy foot”. In some configurations (not shown), the rider's left foot leads their right foot. This configuration is conventionally referred to as “regular foot”. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in regular foot or goofy foot configurations.

[0062] The transverse edge of board 5 closest to the rider’s toes may be referred to as toe edge or toe-side edge 5D of board 5 and the transverse edge of board 5 closest to the rider's heels may be referred to as heel edge or heel-side edge 5E of board 5.

[0063] Right-foot binding 102 has a longitudinally extending axis 111 (which may also be referred to as a foot-extension axis 111 to distinguish from longitudinal board axis 7). For a goofy-foot rider, the angle of axis 111 relative to transverse axis 9 of board 5 (as measured in a clockwise direction in Figure 1) typically ranges between approximately 0° and +45°, depending on user preference and riding style. Likewise, left-foot binding 104 has a longitudinally extending axis 113 (which may also be referred to as a foot-extension axis 113 to distinguish from longitudinal board axis 7). For a goofy-foot rider, the angle of axis 113 relative to transverse axis 9 of board 5 (as measured in a clockwise direction in Figure 1) typically ranges between approximately -30° and +30°, depending on user preference and riding style.

[0064] For convenience, aside from Figure 1 and the related description, illustration and description of right-foot binding 102 is omitted. Left-foot binding 104 is therefore referred to herein as “binding 104”. It should be understood that right-foot binding 102 may be substantially similar to left-foot binding 104 except in that right-foot binding 102 may optionally be mirrored as compared to left-foot binding 104 as is conventional in the art (and as is shown, for example, in Figure 1).

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, binding 104 comprises a baseplate 110 mountable to board 5 atop rider-support surface 5A, a foot-retaining system 120 for retaining a rider’s foot against baseplate 110 and one or more pads 132 sandwichable between baseplate 110 and board 5.

[0066] Baseplate 110 comprises a generally flattened, upwardly facing foot-receiving surface 110A shaped for receiving a rider's foot thereupon. Baseplate 110 (and in particular foot-receiving surface 110A) may have a perimeter shape at least roughly shaped like the bottom of a rider's foot (or footwear)). This is not necessary, however, and baseplate 110 (and foot-receiving surface 110A) may have other suitable perimeter shapes (e.g., generally round, generally oval, generally rectangular or any other suitable shape) capable of providing the functionality described herein.

[0067] In some embodiments, foot-receiving surface 110A extends generally parallel to rider-support surface 5A of board 5 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5, but this is not mandatory. In some embodiments, at least a portion of foot-receiving surface 110A is canted to more comfortably accommodate the angle of the rider’s legs and / or to accommodate the angle of the rider’s legs for enhanced performance and / or control. In other words, a normal axis 115 extending orthogonally from at least a portion of footreceiving surface 110A may extend generally parallel to a normal axis extending orthogonally from rider-support surface 5A or generally non-parallel to the normal axis extending orthogonally from rider-support surface 5A. Where normal axis 115 extends non-parallel to the normal axis extending orthogonally from rider-support surface 5A, normal axis 115 may extend, for example, at least partially inward (e.g., normal axis 115 of left-foot binding 104 may extend at least partially toward right-foot binding 102).Alternatively or additionally, where normal axis 115 extends non-parallel to the normal axis extending orthogonally from rider-support surface 5A, normal axis 115 may extend, for example, at least partially forward (e.g., normal axis 115 may extend toward toe-side edge 5D) or backward (e.g., normal axis 115 may extend toward heel-side edge 5E).

[0068] Baseplate 110 comprises a downwardly facing surface 110B. Downwardly facing surface 110B comprises a board-contacting surface 110C. Where board-contacting surface 110C comprises less than a whole of downwardly facing surface 110B, downwardly facing surface 110B may also comprise a remaining portion 110D. At least a portion of board-contacting surface 110C contacts rider-support surface 5A of board 5 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5. Remaining portion 110D may not contact board 5 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5. One or more deformable pads 132 may be provided between at least a portion of remaining portion 110D and rider-support surface 5A. Pads 132 may comprise a toe pad 132A near a toe-side edge of binding 104 and a heel pad 132B near a heel-side edge of binding 104. In some embodiments, toe pad 132A and heel pad 132B are connected (e.g., integrally formed). In some embodiments, toe pad 132A and heel pad 132B are separate. In some embodiments, toe pad 132A comprises two or more separate pads and / or heel pad 132B comprises two or more separate pads.

[0069] Board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitable curved) to allow baseplate 110 to pivot or rock about a pivot axis 140 (see, for example, Figures 2, 3B and 3C) and relative to rider-support surface 5A of board 5 when baseplate 110 is mounted to board 5. In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is flat across a transverse width of board-contacting surface 110C. In this way, movement (e.g., rocking or pivoting) of baseplate 110 about axes other than pivot axis 140 may be mitigated or prevented.

[0070] In some embodiments, pivot axis 140 is on or at board-contacting surface 110C and / or on or at rider support surface 5A. In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) such that pivot axis 140 is substantially orthogonal to longitudinal axis 113 of baseplate 110, as shown in Figures 3B and 3C. This is not mandatory. In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) such that pivot axis 140 is substantially parallel to longitudinal board axis 7 of board 5 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5. Of course, since binding 104 may be mounted at different stance angles relative to board 5 and longitudinal board axis 7, this may involve fabricatingeach binding 104 for a specific stance angle or providing binding 104 with adjustability to allow a user to select an orientation of pivot axis 140, as discussed further herein.

[0071] In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitable curved) such that a distal portion 110E (e.g., a portion of boardcontacting surface 110C furthest from foot-receiving surface 110A) is spaced apart from a proximal portion 110F (e.g., a portion of board-contacting surface 110C closest to footreceiving surface 110A) by between approximately 1mm and 10mm in a direction orthogonal to rider support surface 5A and / or parallel to normal axis 115. In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) such that a distal portion 110E of board-contacting surface 110C is spaced apart from a proximal portion 110F of board-contacting surface 110C by between approximately 3mm and 5mm. In other words, a depth 110G (e.g., depth of curvature) of the convexity of board-contacting surface 110C, as shown in Figure 3A, may be between 1mm and 10mm or between 3mm and 5mm.

[0072] In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) such that pivot axis 140 is substantially orthogonal to normal axis 115, as shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C. In this way, where foot receiving surface 110A is canted (e.g., inward and / or forward or backward), pivot axis 140 may be non-orthogonal to the normal axis extending orthogonally from rider-support surface 5A. This is not mandatory. For example, in some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) such that pivot axis 140 is substantially orthogonal to the normal axis extending orthogonally from rider-support surface 5A when binding 104 is mounted to board 5.

[0073] In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) with a convex curve extending away from baseplate 110 (i.e. having a center of curvature or axis of curvature 150 located above boardcontacting surface 110C), such as is as shown in Figure 3A. Board-contacting surface 110C may be curved about an axis of curvature 150. Axis of curvature 150 may be substantially parallel to pivot axis 140. Axis of curvature 150 is spaced apart upwardly from pivot axis 140. In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C has a constant radius of curvature. In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C has a variable radius of curvature (e.g., a first portion of board contacting surface 110C is curved about axis of curvature 150 while one or more other portions of board contactingsurface 110C are curved about one or more other axes of curvature spaced apart from axis of curvature 150).

[0074] In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) to smoothly curve (e.g., about one or more axes of curvature). This is not mandatory.

[0075] In some embodiments, board-contacting surface 110C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) in a segmented manner and may comprise two or more distinct segments. For example, Figures 4A and 4B depict a baseplate 210 substantially similar to baseplate 110 except in that board-contacting surface 210C of baseplate 210 is segmented into first segment 210C-1, second segment 210C-2 and third segment 210C-3. First segment 210C-1 curves about an axis of curvature 250 similar to how board-contacting surface 110C curves around axis of curvature 150. Second segment 210C-2 is flat and angled up toward the heel-side edge of baseplate 210. Third segment 210C-3 is flat and angled up toward the toe-side edge of baseplate 210. In some embodiments, baseplate 110 of binding 104 is replaced by baseplate 210. As another example, Figures 5A and 5B depict a baseplate 310 substantially similar to baseplate 210 except in that first segment 310C-1, second segment 310C-2 and third segment 310C-3 of baseplate 310 are each flat. In some embodiments, first segment 310C-1 is substantially parallel to a foot-receiving surface 310A of baseplate 310, but this is not mandatory. Like second segment 210C-2, second segment 310C-2 is flat and angled up toward the heel-side edge of baseplate 210. Like third segment 210C-3, third segment 310C-3 is flat and angled up toward the toe-side edge of baseplate 210. In some embodiments, baseplate 110 of binding 104 is replaced by baseplate 310. In some exemplary embodiments (not expressly shown), baseplates may be shaped such that their board-contacting surface have multiple (e.g. three or a different number of) segments and each of these segments may be curved about a different axis of curvature.

[0076] Returning to baseplate 110, in the illustrated embodiment (as seen best in Figure 3C), baseplate 110 comprises a generally circular cut-out 112 with upwardly and radially extending ridges 112A protruding from at least a portion of a ledge 112B which extends around at least a portion of a perimeter of cut-out 112. Cut-out 112, ridges 112A and ledge 112B together permit baseplate 110 to be mounted atop rider-support surface 5A of board 5 using a mounting disc 114 having corresponding ridges 114A extending downwardly and radially from a ledge 114B which extends around at least a portion of aperimeter of a generally cylindrical body 114C of disc 114 (see, for example, Figures 6A, 6B and 6C). The use of mounting disc 114 to mount baseplate 110 atop recreational board 5 may be similar to well-known prior art techniques of using a mounting disc to mount a binding baseplate to a snowboard. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting disc 114 defines a plurality of fastener receiving apertures 116 and is sized to have a radius slightly larger than cut-out 112. Mounting disc 114 may be placed atop cut-out 112 in a desired location on board 5 and suitable fastener components 118 (e.g., screws, bolts or the like) may be inserted through apertures 116 (as shown in Figures 6C, 6D and 6E), through cut-out 112 and into corresponding fastener components (e.g., threaded receptacles) in board 5. Tightening the fastener components 118 causes mounting disc 114 to exert pressure against at least a portion of ledge 112B of baseplate 110 to thereby sandwich baseplate 110 between disc 114 and rider-support surface 5A of board 5 and to maintain baseplate 110 (and binding 104) at a particular translational position and orientation (except as otherwise described herein) relative to board 5.

[0077] Mounting disc 114 may comprise a plurality of downwardly and radially extending ridges 114A extending from ledge 114B which extends around a perimeter of disc 114. Such ridges 114A may interact with corresponding radially and upwardly extending ridges 112A protruding from ledge 112B extending around the perimeter of cut-out 112 when fastener components 118 are tightened to prevent (or at least mitigate against) rotational movement of baseplate 110 about an axis orthogonal to rider support surface 5A of board 5 under the occasionally high torques associated with riding a recreational board. In contrast, when fastener components 118 are loose or removed, pivotal adjustment of baseplate 110 about an axis orthogonal to rider support surface 5A of board 5 is permitted. As such, the angle of longitudinal axis 113 of binding 104 relative to transverse axis 9 board 5 may be adjusted by decoupling or at least loosening fastener components 118 that project through apertures 116 from the fastener components in board 5, rotating baseplate 110 relative to board 5 and relative to mounting disc 114 and re-tightening fastener components 118.

[0078] The longitudinal location of baseplate 110 atop rider-support surface 5A of board 5 may be adjusted, for example, by decoupling fastener components 118 that project through apertures 116 from the fastener components in board 5, moving baseplate 110 and mounting disc 114 to a new longitudinal location atop board 5 and re-coupling fastener components 118 that project through apertures 116 into a new set of fastenercomponents in board 5. Board 5 may be provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart sets of fastener components to facilitate such longitudinal adjustment.

[0079] In some embodiments, rocking or pivoting of binding 104 about pivot axis 140 may involve baseplate 110 moving relative to disc 114. For example, in some embodiments, disc 114 is securely fastened to board 5 by fastener components 118 such that disc 114 is held in a fixed orientation relative to board 5 while baseplate 110 is allowed to pivot or rock about pivot axis 140 relative to disc 114 and board 5, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B. In some embodiments, ridges 112A, ledge 112B, ridges 114A and / or ledge 114B may be shaped to create a toe-side gap between a toe-side portion of disc 114 and baseplate 110 and / or a heel-side gap between a heel-side portion of disc 114 and baseplate 110 to facilitate rocking or pivoting of baseplate 110 relative to disc 114. Such a toe-side gap may reduce interference between disc 114 and baseplate 110 when baseplate 110 rocks or pivots in the angular direction represented by arrow 30 (see Figure 9A). Likewise, such a heel-side gap may reduce interference between disc 113 and baseplate 110 when baseplate rocks or pivots in the angular direction represented by arrow 40 (see Figure 9B).

[0080] In some embodiments, ridges 112A extend around only a portion of ledge 112B. For example, Figure 10A depicts a baseplate 510 substantially similar to baseplate 110 except as follows. Baseplate 510 may replace baseplate 110 of binding 104. Baseplate 510 differs from baseplate 110 in that ridges 512A (which are otherwise substantially similar to ridges 112A) only extend along the medial and lateral portions 512B-3, 512B-4 of ledge 512B (which is otherwise substantially similar to ledge 512B), as shown in Figure 10A, thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 114 and ledge 512B of baseplate 510 and a toe-side gap between disc 114 and ledge 512B of baseplate 510 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5. In other words, ridges 512A may extend from medial portion 512B-3 and lateral portion 512B-4 of ledge 512B while toe-side portion 512B-1 and heel-side portion 512B-2 of ledge 512B are smooth. Each portion 512B-1, 512B-2, 512B-3 and 512B-4 may be approximately equal in size (e.g., each portion may have or span an arc having an angle of approximately 90°) but this is not mandatory. For example, in some embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 512B-3, 512B-4 are larger than the toe-side and heel-side portions 512B-1 , 5112B-2 (e.g., the medial and lateral portions 512B-3, 512B-4 have arcs having an angle of greater than 90° but less than 150°) or, in other embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 512B-3, 512B-4 are smaller than the toe-side and heel-side portions 512B-1, 512B-2 (e.g., the medial andlateral portions 512B-3, 512B-4 have arcs having an angle of less than 90° but greater than 30°).

[0081] In some embodiments, ridges 512A protrude from ledge 512B to a lower height along a portion of ledge 512B. For example, in some embodiments, ridges 512A protruding from ledge 512B along the toe-side and heel-side portions 512B-1, 512B-2 of ledge 512A extend to a lower height than ridges 512A which extend from the medial and lateral portions 512B-3, 512B-4 of ledge 512A thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 114 and ledge 512B of baseplate 510 and a toe-side gap between disc 114 and ledge 512B of baseplate 510 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5.

[0082] In some embodiments, ledge 112B and ridges 112A extend around only a portion of the perimeter of cutout 112. For example, Figure 10B depicts a baseplate 610 substantially similar to baseplate 110 except as follows. Baseplate 610 may replace baseplate 110 of binding 104. Baseplate 610 differs from baseplate 110 in that, ledge 612B (which is otherwise substantially similar to ledge 112B) and ridges 612A (which are otherwise substantially similar to ridges 112A) extend around only the medial and lateral portions of cutout 612 (which is otherwise substantially similar to cutout 112) thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 114 and baseplate 610 and a toe-side gap between disc 114 and baseplate 610 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5. In other words, ledge 612B comprises a medial portion 612B-3 and lateral portion 612B-4 spaced apart from each other around the perimeter of cutout 612 by a toe-side gap 613-1 and a heel-side gap 613-2. Each portion 612B-3, 612B-4 and each gap 613-1 , 613-2 may be approximately equal in size (e.g., each may have or span an arc having an angle of approximately 90°) but this is not mandatory. For example, in some embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 612B-3, 612B-4 are larger than the toeside and heel-side gaps 613-1, 613-2 (e.g., the medial and lateral portions 612B-3, 612B-4 have arcs having an angle of greater than 90° but less than 150°) or, in other embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 612B-3, 612B-4 are smaller than the toeside and heel-side gaps 613-1, 613-2 (e.g., the medial and lateral portions 612B-3, 612B-4 have arcs having an angle of less than 90° but greater than 30°).

[0083] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upward facing surface of medial and lateral portions of ledge 112B extends further upwardly (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1mm) relative to at least a portion of the upward facing surface of toe-side and heel-side portions of ledge 112B. In some embodiments, the upward facing surface of ledge 112B curves upward with a convexcurve such that at least a portion of the upward facing surface of medial and lateral portions of ledge 112B extends further upwardly (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1 mm) relative to at least a portion of the upward facing surface of toe-side and heel-side portions of ledge 112B. For example, Figure 10C depicts a baseplate 710 substantially similar to baseplate 110 except as follows.Baseplate 710 may replace baseplate 110 of binding 104. Baseplate 710 may differ from baseplate 110 in that the upward facing surface of ledge 712B (which is otherwise substantially similar to ledge 112B) curves upward with a convex curve such that at least a portion of the upward facing surface of medial and lateral portions 712B-3, 712B-4 of ledge 712B is higher (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1 mm) relative to at least a portion of the upward facing surface of toe-side and heel-side portions 712B-1, 712B-2. In this way, ridges 712A (which are otherwise substantially similar to ridges 112A) of the medial and lateral portions 712B-3, 712B-4 are higher (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1mm) relative to ridges 712A of the toe-side and heel-side portions 712B-1 , 712B-2 thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 114 and baseplate 710 and a toe-side gap between disc 114 and baseplate 710 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5.

[0084] In some embodiments, ridges 114A extend around only a portion of ledge 114B of disc 114. For example, Figure 10D depicts a mounting disc 814 substantially similar to mounting disc 114 except as described herein. Mounting disc 814 may replace mounting disc 114. Mounting disc 814 differs from mounting disc 114 in that, ridges 814A (which are otherwise substantially similar to ridges 114A) only extend along the medial and lateral portions 814B-3, 814B-4 of ledge 814B (which is otherwise substantially similar to ledge 114B) thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 814 and ledge 112B of baseplate 110 and a toe-side gap between disc 814 and ledge 112B of baseplate 110 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5 with mounting disc 814. In other words, ridges 814A may extend from medial portion 814B-3 and lateral portion 814B-4 of ledge 814B while toe-side portion 814B-1 and heel-side portion 814B-2 of ledge 814B are smooth. Each portion 814B-1 , 814B-2, 814B-3 and 814B-4 may be approximately equal in size (e.g., each portion may have or span an arc having an angle of approximately 90°) but this is not mandatory. For example, in some embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 814B-3, 814B-4 are larger than the toe-side and heel-side portions 814B-1, 814B-2 (e.g., the medial and lateral portions 814B-3, 814B-4 have arcs having an angle of greater than 90° but less than 150°) or, in other embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 814B-3, 814B-4 are smaller than the toe-side and heel-side portions 814B-1,814B-2 (e.g., the medial and lateral portions 814B-3, 814B-4 have arcs having an angle of less than 90° but greater than 30°).

[0085] In some embodiments, ridges 814A protrude from ledge 814B to a lower height along a portion of ledge 814B. For example, in some embodiments, ridges 814A protruding from ledge 814B along the toe-side and heel-side portions 814B-1, 814B-2 of ledge 814A extend to a lower height than ridges 814A which extend from the medial and lateral portions 814B-3, 814B-4 of ledge 814A thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 814 and ledge 112B of baseplate 110 and a toe-side gap between disc 814 and ledge 112B of baseplate 110 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5 with mounting disc 814.

[0086] In some embodiments, ledge 114B and ridges 114A extend around only a portion of the perimeter of body 114C of disc 114. For example, Figure 10E depicts a mounting disc 914 substantially similar to mounting disc 114 except as follows. Mounting disc 914 may replace mounting disc 114. Mounting disc 914 differs from mounting disc 114 in that, ledge 914B (which is otherwise substantially similar to ledge 114B) and ridges 914A (which are otherwise substantially similar to ridges 114A) extend around only the medial and lateral portions of body 914C (which is otherwise substantially similar to body 114C) thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 914 and baseplate 110 and a toeside gap between disc 914 and baseplate 110 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5 with mounting disc 914. In other words, ledge 914B comprises a medial portion 914B-3 and lateral portion 914B-4 spaced apart from each other around the perimeter of body 914C by a toe-side gap 915-1 and a heel-side gap 915-2. Each portion 914B-3, 914B-4 and each gap 915-1, 915-2 may be approximately equal in size (e.g., each may have or span an arc having an angle of approximately 90°) but this is not mandatory. For example, in some embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 914B-3, 914B-4 are larger than the toe-side and heel-side gaps 915-1, 915-2 (e.g., the medial and lateral portions 914B-3, 914B-4 have arcs having an angle of greater than 90° but less than 150°) or, in other embodiments, the medial and lateral portions 914B-3, 914B-4 are smaller than the toe-side and heel-side gaps 915-1, 915-2 (e.g., the medial and lateral portions 914B-3, 914B-4 have arcs having an angle of less than 90° but greater than 30°).

[0087] In some embodiments, ledge 112B and ridges 112A extend along only the medial and lateral portions of body 114C of disc 114 and toe-side and heel-side portions of body 114C are cut away. For example, Figure 10F depicts a mounting disc 1014substantially similar to mounting disc 914 except in that body 1014C (which is otherwise substantially similar to body 914C) defines toe-side and heel-side cutouts thereby increasing the size of the heel-side gap between disc 1014 and baseplate 110 and the toe-side gap between disc 1014 and baseplate 110 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5 with mounting disc 1014.

[0088] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the downward facing surface of medial and lateral portions 114B-3, 114B-4 of ledge 114B extends further downwardly (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1 mm) relative to at least a portion of the downward facing surface of toe-side and heel-side portions 114B-1 , 114B-2. In some embodiments, the downward facing surface of ledge 114B curves downward with a convex curve such that at least a portion of the downward facing surface of medial and lateral portions 114B-3, 114B-4 of ledge 114B extends further downwardly (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1mm) relative to at least a portion of the downward facing surface of toeside and heel-side portions 114B-1 , 114B-2. For example, Figure 10G depicts a mounting disc 1114 substantially similar to mounting disc 114 except in that the downward facing surface of ledge 1114B (which is otherwise substantially similar to ledge 114B) curves downward with a convex curve such that at least a portion of the downward facing surface of medial and lateral portions 1114B-3, 1114B-4 of ledge 1114B are lower (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1 mm) relative to at least a portion of the downward facing surface of toe-side and heelside portions 1114B-1 , 1114B-2. In this way, ridges 1114A (which are otherwise substantially similar to ridges 114A) of the medial and lateral portions 1114B-3, 1114B-4 are lower (e.g., by between approximately 0.5mm and 2mm or by approximately 1mm) relative to ridges 1114A of the toe-side and heel-side portions 1114B-1 , 1114B-2 thereby defining a heel-side gap between disc 1114 and baseplate 110 and a toe-side gap between disc 1114 and baseplate 110 when binding 104 is mounted to board 5.

[0089] In some embodiments, rocking or pivoting of binding 104 about pivot axis 140 may involve disc 114 moving relative to one or more of fastener components 118. To reduce or prevent friction between fastener components 118 and an inside surface of apertures 116, apertures 116 may be oversized as compared to the threaded portion 118A of fastener components 118 (e.g., as shown in Figure 6C), threaded portion 118A of fastener 118 may be spaced apart from the head 118B of fastener 118 by a smooth portion 118C (e.g., as shown in Figure 6D) and / or one or more bushings 119, bearings,spacers or the like may be provided between threaded portions 118A of fasteners 118 and apertures 116 (e.g., as shown in Figure 6E).

[0090] The above-described systems using cut-out 112 and mounting disc 114 represent non-limiting embodiments for mounting baseplate 110 atop rider-support surface 5A of board 5 and permitting adjustment of the position and / or orientation of baseplate 110 relative to board 5. In other embodiments, other systems and / or modified versions of the above-described system may be used to mount baseplate 110 atop ridersupport surface 5A of board 5 and / or to permit adjustment of the position and / or orientation of baseplate 110 relative to board 5. For example, baseplate 110 may be mounted to board 5 using a channel provided in board 5 and corresponding fasteners similar to those marketed by Burton Snowboards (The Burton Corporation™) under the product line EST™.

[0091] In some embodiments, rocking or pivoting of baseplate 110 (or other baseplates described herein) is enhanced by or caused at least in part by deformation (e.g., elastic deformation) of baseplate 110. For example, in some embodiments, as baseplate is pivoted in a direction indicated by arrow 40, a toe-side portion of baseplate 110 may deform downwardly as baseplate 110 and / or a heel-side portion of baseplate 110 may deform upwardly. Likewise, as baseplate is pivoted in a direction indicated by arrow 30, a toe-side portion of baseplate 110 may deform upwardly and / or a heel-side portion of baseplate 110 may deform downwardly.

[0092] Foot-retaining system 120 is configured to fix the rider's foot in a generally fixed relation to baseplate 110 such that the rider's foot (or footwear) is retained atop footreceiving surface 110A with the rider's toes retained on one transverse side of longitudinal axis 7 of board 5 and the rider's heel retained on the opposing transverse side of longitudinal axis 7.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, foot-retaining system 120 comprises: a heel retainer 122 which receives the rider's heel; lateral rails 124A, 124B and astrapping system 126 which includes one or more straps which retain the rider's foot atop foot-receiving surface 110A and against heel retainer 122.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, heel retainer 122 comprises a highback 122A and a heel cup 122B. Heel cup 122B may be integrally formed with baseplate 110 and / or lateral rails 124A, 124B (e.g., as shown in the illustrated embodiment) but this is not mandatory. Likewise, lateral rails 124A, 124B may be integrally formed with baseplate110 (e.g., as shown in the illustrated embodiment), but this is also not mandatory.Highback 122A and heel cup 122B may be similar in many respects to the high backs and heel cups used in prior art snowboard bindings. Highback 122A and heel cup 122B may have concave surfaces that open toward toe edge 5D to accommodate the convex surfaces of the heel portion of a rider's foot / footwear.

[0095] Highback 122A may extend upwardly (e.g., away from rider-support surface 5A of board 5) towards the rider's calf, such that the rider may apply force against highback 122A and heel edge 5E using their calf. Highback 122A may be mounted to heel cup 122B or lateral rails 124A, 124B. Highback 122A may be pivotally mounted to heel cup 122B or lateral rails 124A, 124B. Embodiments where highback 122A is pivotally mounted to heel cup 122B or lateral rails 124A, 124B, may comprise a mechanism (e.g., a pivot stop mechanism 122C) for limiting the pivotal movement of highback 122A away from toe edge 5D and rider-support surface 5A and thereby limiting the angular orientation of highback 122A relative to lateral rails 124A, 124B. For example, pivot stop mechanism 122C may comprise a protrusion from highback 122A toward heel edge 5E which limits the pivotal movement of highback 122A. Pivot stop mechanism 122C may be rider-adjustable to permit the rider to control the angular orientation of highback 122A relative to lateral rails 124A, 124B.

[0096] Strapping system 126 may be mounted to one or more of the other parts of footretaining system 120 (e.g., to heel retainer 122 and / or to lateral rails 124A, 124B).Strapping system 126 comprises one or more straps which may extend over top of a rider's foot for retaining the rider's foot between lateral rails 124A, 124B and / or against foot-receiving surface 110A. Strapping system 126 may also help to retain the rider's foot against heel retainer 122.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, strapping system 126 comprises a pairof straps 128-1 , 128-2 (collectively, straps 128) which may be similar in many respects to the straps used in prior art snowboard bindings. Straps 128 of the illustrated embodiment are adjustable to an open configuration (shown in Figure 2) wherein the rider may insert their foot into, or remove their foot from, binding 102 and adjustable to a variety of rider-adjustable closed configurations (e.g., as shown in Figures 7A and 7B) wherein the rider's foot is retained between lateral rails 124A, 124B and / or against footreceiving surface 110A. In the illustrated embodiment, straps 128 may also retain the rider's foot against heel retainer 122 when straps 128 are in their closed configurations.11

[0098] Strap 128-1 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a first strap portion 128-1 A, a second strap portion 128-1 B and a lock / adjustment mechanism 130-1. Likewise, strap 128-2 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a first strap portion 128-2A, a second strap portion 128-2B and a lock / adjustment mechanism 130-2. Lock / adjustment mechanism 130-1 may be mounted on first strap portion 128-1 A and may interact with second strap portion 128-1 B to connect first strap portion 128-1 A to second strap portion 128-1 B. Likewise, lock / adjustment mechanism 130-2 may be mounted on first strap portion 128-2A and may interact with second strap portion 128-2B to connect first strap portion 128-2A to second strap portion 128-2B. In the illustrated embodiment, second strap portions 128-1 B, 128-2B may comprise ridges which extend transversely thereacross and which may be engaged by a corresponding pawl (not shown) in lock / adjustment mechanisms 130-1, 130-2. Second strap portions 128-1 B, 128-2B having such ridges are commonly referred to as ladder straps. In some embodiments, lock / adjustment mechanisms 130-1, 130-2 may comprise a ratcheting mechanism (not shown) for tightening second strap portions 128-1 B, 128-2B and a release mechanism (not shown) for releasing second strap portions 128-1 B, 128-2B. In other embodiments, other techniques may be used to facilitate the interaction between lock mechanisms 130-1 , 130-2 and second strap portions 128-1 B, 128-2B. Non-limiting examples of such other techniques comprises pivoting buckles and / or the like.

[0099] First strap portions 128-1 A, 128-2A may comprise pads which may distribute some of the pressure that may be applied to the top of the rider's foot. Such pads are not necessary.

[0100] Strapping system 126 shown in Figures 1 and 2 represents one non-limiting embodiment of a strapping system 126 which may extend over top of a rider's foot to retain a rider's foot between lateral rails 124A, 124B in binding 104. In other embodiments, strapping system 126 may accommodate a wide variety of modifications, additions or alternatives, such as, by way of non-limiting example:• strapping system 126 may comprise a different number of straps;• strapping system 126 may comprise deformable straps (e.g., that stretch or otherwise deform to allow a rider to insert their foot into binding 12;• strapping system 126 may comprise a different mechanism which allows strapping system 126 to adjust to an open configuration (such that the rider caninsert their foot into binding 12) and which allows strapping system 126 to adjust to one or more closed configurations wherein the rider's foot is retained;• strapping system 126 may comprise straps 128 with different shapes — e.g., toe strap 128B may be provided with a toe cup which extends downwardly on the toe side of the user's toes;• strapping system 126 may comprise a system similar to those marketed by Flow Snowboarding (USA) and UVEX TOKO Canada Ltd. under their Flow™ binding system;• strapping system 126 may be replaced by a step-in system such as, for example, the Step On™ system from Burton Snowboards, the Clicker™ system from K2 Snowboarding; and / or• the like.

[0101] The operation of binding 104 is illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B which each show a portion of board 5 on which is mounted binding 104 with a rider's foot 20 (or footwear) retained therein. The rider's foot 20 is retained atop foot-receiving surface 110A with the rider's toes on one side of longitudinal axis 7 of board 5 and the rider's heel on the opposing side of longitudinal axis 7. As discussed above, the rider's foot 20 is retained by foot-retaining system 120 such that when the rider applies force to foot-retaining system 120 (e.g., using their foot 20 and / or leg), baseplate 110 pivots or rocks about pivot axis 140 with respect to board 5 (e.g., about pivot axis 140 in angular directions such that: heel-side of baseplate 110 moves relatively closer to heel edge 5E and / or rider support surface 5A and toe-side of baseplate 110 moves relatively further from toe edge 5D and / or rider support surface 5A); or such that heel-side of baseplate 110 moves relatively further from heel edge 5E and / or rider support surface 5A and toe-side of baseplate 110 moves relatively closer to toe edge 5D and / or rider support surface 5A). The motion (e.g., rocking or pivotal motion) of baseplate 110 and the corresponding motion (e.g., rocking or pivotal motion) of the rider's foot with respect to board 5 may allow the rider to move their foot relative to board 5 in a manner which directs relatively more of the forces associated with rider's weight and / or other forces exerted by the rider onto one of heel edge 5E and / or toe edge 5D (e.g., by moving (e.g., rocking or pivoting) their foot such that their heel is relatively close to the heel edge 5E and / or to ridersupport surface 5A (in comparison to their toes) and / or such that their toes are relatively close to the toe edge 5D and / or to rider support surface 5A (in comparison to theirheel)). Such relative movement of the rider's foot may in turn allow the rider greater control over the transfer of weight of the rider to heel edge 5E and / or to toe edge 5D of board 5.

[0102] In Figure 7A, a rider is applying force to their foot 20 (and / or other parts of their body) which would tend to increase the force on heel edge 5E of board 5. In such a configuration, foot 20 (and / or other parts of the rider's body) apply force to foot-retaining system 120 (e.g., against heel retainer 122 and / or strapping system 126) and these forces tend to move (e.g., rock or pivot) baseplate 110 about pivot axis 140 in an angular direction toward heel edge 5E (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, to rock or pivot baseplate 110 and / or board 5 in the counter-clockwise angular direction indicated by arrow 30). Movement about pivot axis 140 in this angular direction 30 may be associated with: movement of the rider’s heel (and / or the heel-side of baseplate 110) closer to heel edge 5E and / or rider support surface 5A; and movement of the rider’s toes (and / or the toe-side of baseplate 110) further from toe-edge 5D and / or rider support surface 5A. When baseplate 110 rocks or pivots in this manner, it tends to compress heel pad 132B and, in some embodiments, may permit toe pad 132A to expand. The motion of baseplate 110 (relative to board 5) in the angular direction indicated by arrow 30 allows the rider greater control over the transfer of weight to heel edge 5E.

[0103] In Figure 7B, the rider is applying force to their foot 20 (and / or other parts of their body) which would tend to increase the force on toe edge 5D of board 5. In such a configuration, foot 20 (and / or other parts of the rider's body) apply force to foot-retaining system 120 (e.g., against strapping system 126) and these forces tend to move (e.g., rock or pivot) baseplate 110 about pivot axis 140 in an angular direction toward toe-edge 5D (e.g., in the case of the illustrated embodiment, to rock or pivot baseplate 110 and / or board 5 in the clockwise angular direction indicated by arrow 40). Movement about pivot axis 140 in this angular direction 40 may be associated with: movement of the rider’s heel (and / or the heel-side of baseplate 110) further from to heel edge 5E and / or rider support surface 5A; and movement of the rider’s toes (and / or the toe-side of baseplate 110) closer to toe-edge 5D and / or rider support surface 5A. When baseplate 110 pivots in this manner, it tends to compress toe pad 132A and, in some embodiments, may permit heel pad 132B to expand. The motion of baseplate 110 (relative to board 5) in the angular direction indicated by arrow 40 allows the rider greater control over the transfer of weight to toe edge 5D.

[0104] Pads 132 may be adhesively bonded or otherwise fastened (by suitable fasteners or suitable fastening mechanisms) atop rider-support surface 5A of board 5. Pads 132 may additionally or alternatively be adhesively bonded or otherwise fastened (by suitable fasteners or suitable fastening mechanisms) to remaining portion 110D of downward facing surface 110B of baseplate 110. Pads 132 are preferably elastically deformable under the forces normally associated with the pivotal motion described above and shown in Figures 7A and 7B. Depending on the materials from which pads 132 are fabricated, pads 132 may become fatigued with extensive use or over time. Such fatigue may reduce the forces associated with deforming (i.e., compressing) pads 132 and may reduce the restorative forces that tend to cause pads 132 to restore themselves to their original size and shape. In such embodiments, it may be desirable to replace pads 132 from time to time. In such embodiments, it may be desirable to mount pads 132 atop rider-support surface of board 5 or to remaining portion 110D of downward facing surface 110B of baseplate 110 using a removable adhesive and / or a removable fastening system. In some embodiments, binding 104 may be provided with a variety of rider-selectable pads 132 having various thickness or various deformation characteristics (e.g., densities, Young’s moduli, stress-strain profiles and / or the like), such that a rider may select between pads 132 having suitable characteristics for their particular riding style and / or for their particular body characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, binding 104 may be provided with a plurality of interchangeable pads 132 having a plurality of discrete thicknesses in a range between 2 mm-10 mm. In some embodiments, this range may be between 3 mm-5 mm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the size and / or restorative forces associated with the deformation of pads 132 may be such that contact is either maintained between pads 132 and remaining portion 110D of downward facing surface 110B of baseplate 110 and / or between pads 132 and rider-support surface 5A of board 5 or there is minimal space between pads 132 and remaining portion 110D of downward facing surface 110B of baseplate 110 and / or between pads 132 and rider-support surface 5A of board 5 for most of the torques and / or range of pivoting about axis 140 associated with conventional riding. Maintaining contact between remaining portion 110D of downward facing surface 110B of baseplate 110 and pads 132 is not necessary. In some embodiments, it may be possible to pivot baseplate 110 sufficiently far in the angular direction indicated by arrow 30 (Figure 7A) that remaining portion 110D of downward facing surface 110B of baseplate 110 separates from toe pads 132A or toe pad 132A separates from ridersupport surface 5A of board 5 and / or sufficiently far in the angular direction indicated byarrow 40 (Figure 7B) that remaining portion 110D of downward facing surface 110B of baseplate 110 separates from heel pad 132B or heel pad 132B separates from ridersupport surface 5A of board 5.

[0106] Pads 132 may be fabricated from any suitable resilient material which may be elastically deformed (e.g., compressed) under the forces associated with the operational movement of binding 104 as described above. Pads 132 may be fabricated from a material which tends to elastically restore itself (e.g., to expand) to its original shape and size when such forces are removed or reduced. Suitable materials for pads 132 include various types of elastomeric materials, foam, rubber, suitable plastics, suitable polymeric materials and / or the like. It will be appreciated that resiliently (e.g., elastically) deformable pads 132 may act as springs in allowing compression and providing restorative forces which tend to restore pads 132 to their uncompressed states.

[0107] In some embodiments, pads 132 may comprise springs such as compression springs or wave springs. The use of springs may allow for increased restorative forces when the forces associated with the operation of binding 104 are reduced or removed. For example, wave springs are designed to provide relatively large restorative forces and deformable range for a given spring height (e.g., as compared to foam, rubber, elastomer or the like). Relatively high restorative forces provided by springs may make it easier for a rider to move out of a heel-side turn into a toe-side and vice versa by way of the restorative force. This relatively high restorative force may reduce the force needed to be applied by the rider to the board when exiting a turn, thus reducing the stress on the rider. The stiffness, diameter, deflection, etc. of the springs may be configured as desired to provide more or less deflection and more or less restorative force. It will be appreciated that other types of springs may be used in appropriate circumstances such as coil springs, air springs, urethane springs or the like. In other respects, springs may be similar to and function similar to pads 132 described herein.

[0108] Figure 8A depicts a left-foot binding 404 (referred to herein simply as “binding 404”) according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Binding 404 is substantially similar to binding 104 except as described herein. Like binding 104, binding 404 may be part of a binding system which also comprises a right-foot binding (not shown) substantially similar to binding 404 (albeit optionally mirrored as compared to binding 404 as is common in the art).

[0109] Binding 404 differs from binding 104 in that baseplate 410 is separable into two releasably connectable portions, namely a first portion 410-1 and a second portion 410-2. In the illustrated embodiment, first portion 410-1 comprises foot-receiving surface 41 OA of baseplate 410 (substantially similar to foot-receiving surface 110A of baseplate 110) and second portion 410-2 comprises board-contacting surface 410C of baseplate 410 (substantially similar to board-contacting surface 110C of baseplate 110, boardcontacting surface 210C of baseplate 210 or board-contacting surface 310C of baseplate 310).

[0110] In some embodiments, a connection interface 460 is provided for connecting first portion 410-1 to second portion 410-2. In some embodiments, connection interface 460 prevents rotation of second portion 410-2 about an axis 417 relative to first portion 410-1 when first portion 410-1 is connected to second portion 410-2 (as shown in Figures 8A and 8B). The connections of connection interface 460, in conjunction with the sandwiching of baseplate 410 between a mounting disc (e.g., like mounting disc 114) and rider-support surface 5A of board 5, may prevent relative translational movement between first portion 410-1 and second portion 410-2. In some embodiments, axis 417 is parallel to axis 415 (which is normal to foot-receiving surface 410A), but this is not mandatory.

[0111] In some embodiments, connection interface 460 allows for a connection of first portion 410-1 to second portion 410-2 at a plurality of different orientations of second portion 410-2 about axis 417 relative to first portion 410-1. As such, second portion 410-2 may be connected to first portion 410-1 in at least a first orientation (e.g., where the pivot axis 440 of binding 404 (which is analogous to pivot axis 140 of binding 104 described elsewhere herein) is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis 413 of binding 404 as shown in Figure 8C) or a second orientation (e.g., where pivot axis 440 is non-orthogonal to axis 413 of binding 404, as shown in Figure 8D). In this way, a rider may adjust the orientation of pivot axis 440 (e.g., by pivoting second portion 410-2 relative to first portion 410-1 about axis 417) to achieve a desired relationship between pivot axis 440 and transverse axis 9 (or longitudinal axis 7) of board 5 and / or a desired relationship between pivot axis 440 and longitudinal axis 413 of binding 404. For example, if desired, a rider may rotate second portion 410-2 relative to first portion 410-1 to achieve a pivot axis 440 substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 7 of board 5 (e.g., irrespective of the angle between longitudinal axis 413 of binding 404 and transverse axis 9 of board 5). In some embodiments, it may be desirable to align portion 410-2relative to first portion 410-1 (by relative pivotal movement about axis 417) such that pivot axis 440 is aligned with (e.g. parallel to) longitudinal axis 413 of binding 404 and / or aligned with (e.g. parallel to) transverse axis 9 of board 5 (see Figure 1).

[0112] Connection interface 460 may comprise any suitable type of connection interface that permits the lockable and adjustable relative orientations of first portion 410-1 and second portion 410-2 about axis 417. For example, connection interface 460 may comprise one or more protrusions which protrude from first portion 410-1 and are receivable in one or more complementary-shaped recesses of second portion 410-2 (or vice versa) such that when the protrusions are withdrawn from the recesses, second portion 410-2 may be rotated about axis 417 relative to first portion 410-1 and when the protrusions are inserted into one or more other recesses, the interaction of the protrusions and recesses prevents rotation of second portion 410-2 about axis 417 relative to first portion 410-1. Additionally or alternatively, connection interface 460 may comprise features substantially similar to connection interface 460 of baseplates 110 and its corresponding mounting disc (e.g., mounting disc 114). Additionally or alternatively, connection interface 460 may employ adhesive, screws, or other types of fasteners.

[0113] In some embodiments, second portion 410-2 is provided separately from first portion 410-1 such that second portion 410-2 can be retrofitted to pre-existing traditional bindings to allow such bindings to rock and or pivot similar to binding 104 described herein. In some embodiments, second portion 410-2 is provided along with pads (e.g., pads 132), extra-long fasteners 118 (e.g., to accommodate the increased thickness of the pre-existing binding) and / or mounting discs 114 as described herein. As pre-existing bindings may not be designed to attach to second portion 410-2, second portion 410-2 may be attached to such pre-existing bindings by, for example, adhesive, screws (e.g., self-tapping screws) or the like. In some embodiments, second portion 410-2 may merely be sandwiched between the pre-existing binding and rider-support surface 5A when the pre-existing binding is mounted to board 5 such that friction holds second portion 410-2 in place.

[0114] Another aspect of the invention provides a binding spacer for raising a traditional binding 1300 (referred to herein simply as binding 1300) off of rider-support surface 5A and allowing binding 1300 to rock or pivot in a manner similar to binding 104 described herein. Figures 11 A, 11 B and 11 C depict an exemplary binding spacer 1200 for raising abinding 1300 off of rider-support surface 5A and allowing binding 1300 to rock or pivot similar to binding 104 described herein.

[0115] Binding spacer 1200 comprises a body 1210. Body 1210 comprises an upwardly facing surface 1210A. Upwardly facing surface 1210A may be generally flat for receiving a binding. Body 1210 may define a cutout 1212, ridges 1212A and a ledge 1212B substantially similar to cutout 112, ridges 112A and ledge 112B described herein (or those of any other baseplate described herein). A mounting disc 1214 may be provided to attach spacer 1200 to board 5 in a similar manner to how disc 114 may be employed to attach binding 104 to board 5. Mounting disc 1214 may be substantially similar to mounting disc 114 (or any other mounting disc described herein) except in that mounting disc 1214 defines secondary fastener receiving slots 1214D accessible from an upwardly facing surface of mounting disc 1214. Fastener receiving slots 1214D may receive fasteners of binding 1300 to thereby attach binding 1300 to spacer 1200.Fastener receiving slots 1214D may be threaded to receive traditional binding fasteners. Binding receiving slots 1214D may receive nuts (e.g. T-nuts) wherein the nuts are threaded to receive traditional fasteners.

[0116] Body 1210 of binding spacer 1200 comprises a downwardly facing surface 1210B. Downwardly facing surface 1210B comprises a board-contacting surface 1210C. Board contacting surface 1210C may be substantially similar to board contacting surface 110C described herein. Like board-contacting surface 110C, board-contacting surface 1210C is shaped (e.g., rockered or otherwise suitably curved) to allow spacer 1200 to pivot or rock about a pivot axis and relative to rider-support surface 5A of board 5 when spacer 1200 is mounted to board 5. Where board-contacting surface 1210C comprises less than a whole of downwardly facing surface 1210B, then downwardly facing surface 1210B may also comprise a remaining portion 1210D. Remaining portion 1210D may be substantially similar to remaining portion 110D described herein. At least a portion of board-contacting surface 1210C contacts rider-support surface 5A of board 5 when spacer 1200 is mounted to board 5. Remaining portion 1210D may not contact board 5 when spacer 1200 is mounted to board 5. One or more deformable pads 1232 may be provided between remaining portion 1210D and rider-support surface 5A. Pads 1232 may be substantially similar to pads 132 described herein.

[0117] In practice, binding spacer 1200 is first mounted to board 5 in a similar manner to how binding 104 is mounted to board 5. Then, binding 1300 is mounted to spacer 1200, as shown in Figure 12, by attaching the fasteners of binding 1300 to the fastenerreceiving slots of mounting disc 1214. In this way, by rocking or pivoting binding spacer 1210 relative to board, binding 1300 may effectively rock or pivot in a manner similar to how binding 104 rocks or pivots.

[0118] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example:• The binding systems described herein incorporate a number of features which are similar to those of particular prior art snowboard bindings. There are a wide variety of snowboard bindings. Suitable modifications to the bindings described herein may be made to accommodate components of other types of snowboard binding systems.• While particularly suited for snowboard bindings, the binding systems described herein are not limited to the particular application where the recreational board is a snowboard and the bindings are snowboard bindings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the innovative binding systems of the present invention may be used in a variety of other sports or activities where a rider's feet are retained by bindings to a rider-support surface of a recreational board in such a manner that the toes of a rider's foot are retained on one side of the longitudinal axis of the board and the heel of the rider's foot is retained on the opposing side of the longitudinal axis. By way of non-limiting example, the binding systems of the present invention may be used to provide bindings for surfboards, windsurf boards, wakeboards, sky surfing boards, kitesurfing boards, foil boards or the like. Suitable modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein to provide binding systems for other recreational boards.• In some embodiments, lateral rails 124A, 124B may be asymmetrical. Lateral rails 124A, 124B may be shaped (e.g., contoured) to fit more closely to the rider's feet. In some embodiments, lateral rails 124A, 124B may have different lengths. The length of each of lateral rails 124A, 124B may depend on the stance angle of rider (i.e., the angle of axes 111, 113 with respect to transverse axis 9 of board 5).• In some of the embodiments described herein, the heel cup is described as being integrally formed with other parts of the bindings (e.g., baseplate 110 or lateral rails 124A, 124B). This is not necessary. In any of the embodiments describedherein which include heel cups, such heel cups may be connected to other parts of the bindings (e.g., the rails) using suitable fasteners.Interpretation of Terms

[0119] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:• “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;• “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;• “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;• “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;• the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms. These terms (“a”, “an”, and “the”) mean one or more unless stated otherwise;• “and / or” is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A and / or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B);• where a feature is described as being “optional” or “optionally” present or described as being present “in some embodiments” it is intended that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where that feature is present and other embodiments where that feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of features is described in this application this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology such as “solely,” “only” andthe like in relation to the combination of features as well as the use of "negative" limitation(s)” to exclude the presence of other features; and• “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of indicated technical features.

[0120] Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0121] Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded. Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the invention.

[0122] Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by “about” or “approximately”. In this context, “about” or “approximately” provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value ±10%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in “about” or “approximately” a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of “about 10” is to be interpreted as: the set of statements:• in some embodiments the numerical value is 10;in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.0 to 11.0;and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that values within a certain range are substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range would be understood to provide substantially the same result as the value 10 then “about 10” also includes:• in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to D where C and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a substantial equivalent to the value 10.

[0123] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and / or acts with equivalent features, elements and / or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and / or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and / or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and / or acts of other technology; and / or omitting combining features, elements and / or acts from described embodiments.

[0124] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0125] Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

[0126] Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, simultaneously or at different times.

[0127] Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments.Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and / or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). This is the case even if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and / or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.

[0128] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

Claims1. A binding system for retaining a rider’s foot atop a recreational board, the binding system comprising:a baseplate mountable to the recreational board, the baseplate comprising a generally flattened foot-receiving surface shaped for receiving a rider’s foot thereupon and an opposing convex board-contacting surface for contacting the recreational board when the binding systems is mounted thereupon; anda foot-retaining system connected to the baseplate, the foot-retaining system configurable in an open configuration for receiving and releasing the rider’s foot and a locked configuration for retaining the rider’s foot in the binding system;wherein the foot-retaining system is shaped to retain the rider’s foot with the toes of the rider’s foot relatively proximate to a toe-side of the board and the heel of the rider’s foot relatively proximate to a heel-side of the board, the heelside and toe-side of the board transversely opposing one another; and wherein the convex board-contacting surface facilitates (e.g. is shaped to facilitate) motion, about a pivot axis, of the baseplate, the foot-retainer and the rider’s foot relative to the recreational board when the baseplate is mounted to the recreational board.

2. The binding system of claim 1 or any other claim herein wherein the motion is pivotal motion.

3. The binding system of claim 1 or any other claim herein wherein the motion is rocking motion.

4. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 3 or any other claim herein wherein the pivot axis is on the board-contacting surface.

5. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 4 or any other claim herein wherein the pivot axis is non-parallel to (e.g. at an acute angle relative to) a longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

6. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 4 or any other claim herein wherein the pivot axis is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

7. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 4 or any other claim herein wherein the pivot axis is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

8. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 7 or any other claim herein wherein the convex board-contacting surface and the foot-receiving surface are integrally formed with a monolithic construction.

9. The binding system of any one of claims 4 to 7 or any other claim herein wherein the baseplate comprises a first baseplate portion comprising the foot-receiving surface and a second baseplate portion comprising the convex board-contacting surface wherein the first portion and the second portion are releasably attachable to one another to allow adjustment of an angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate.

10. The binding system of claim 9 or any other claim herein wherein the first baseplate portion comprises one or more recesses and the second baseplate portion comprises one or more corresponding protrusions and wherein when the one or more corresponding protrusions are received in the one or more recesses, the second baseplate portion is prevented from rotating relative to the first baseplate portion (e.g. thereby fixing the angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate).

11. The binding system of claim 9 or any other claim herein wherein the first baseplate portion comprises one or more protrusions and the second baseplate portion comprises one or more corresponding recesses and wherein when the one or more protrusions are received in the one or more corresponding recesses, the second baseplate portion is prevented from rotating relative to the first baseplate portion (e.g. thereby fixing the angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate).

12. The binding system of claim 9 or any other claim herein wherein the first baseplate portion comprises a plurality of downwardly and radially extendingridges and the second baseplate portion comprises a corresponding plurality of upwardly and radially extending ridges and wherein when the plurality of downwardly and radially extending ridges engage the plurality of upwardly and radially extending ridges, the second baseplate portion is prevented from rotating relative to the first baseplate portion (e.g. thereby fixing the angle of the pivot axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the baseplate).

13. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 12 or any other claim herein wherein at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface curves about an axis of curvature.

14. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 13 or any other claim herein wherein at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface curves with a constant radius of curvature.

15. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 13 or any other claim herein wherein at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface curves with a variable radius of curvature.

16. The binding system of any one of claims 1 to 12 or any other claim herein wherein at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface comprises a first surface segment (e.g. a generally planar first surface segment) and a second surface segment (e.g. a generally planar second surface segment) wherein the first and second surface segments are non-parallel to one another.

17. The binding system of claim 16 or any other claim herein wherein at least a portion of the first surface segment is substantially flat or planar.

18. The binding system of any one of claims 16 to 17 or any other claim herein wherein the at least a portion of the first segment is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the foot-receiving surface.

19. The binding system of any one of claims 16 to 18 or any other claim herein wherein the at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface comprises athird surface segment (e.g. a generally planar third surface segment) non-parallel to the first and second surface segments.

20. The binding system of claim 19 or any other claim herein wherein the first, second and third surface segments are each substantially flat or planar.

21. The binding system according to any one of claims 1 to 20 or any other claim herein comprising one or more deformable pads attached to the baseplate around at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface such that the one or more deformable pads are sandwiched between the baseplate and the recreational board when the binding system is mounted to the recreational board.

22. The binding system according to any one of claims 1 to 20 or any other claim herein comprising one or more deformable pads removably attached to the baseplate around at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface such that the one or more deformable pads are sandwiched between the baseplate and the recreational board when the binding system is mounted to the recreational board.

23. The binding system according to any one of claims 1 to 20 or any other claim herein comprising one or more deformable pads locatable around at least a portion of the convex board-contacting surface such that the one or more deformable pads are sandwiched between the baseplate and the recreational board when the binding system is mounted to the recreational board.

24. The binding system according to any one of claims 21 to 23 or any other claim herein wherein the one or more deformable pads comprise a toe-side deformable pad located toward toe-side portion of the baseplate and a heel-side deformable pad located toward a heel-side portion of the baseplate.

25. The binding system according to any one of claims 1 to 24 or any other claim herein wherein:the baseplate defines a generally circular cutout with a plurality of upwardly and radially extending first ridges protruding from at least a portion of a first ledge which extends around at least a perimeter of the cutout; andthe binding system comprises a mounting disc mountable to the recreational board, the mounting disc comprising a generally cylindrical body with a plurality of downwardly and radially extending second ridges protruding from at least a portion of a second ledge which extends around at least a perimeter of the body;wherein when the plurality of downwardly and radially extending second ridges engage the plurality of upwardly and radially extending first ridges, the baseplate is prevented from rotating relative to the mounting disc portion.

26. The binding system according to claim 25 or any other claim herein wherein first ridges protruding from medial and lateral portions of the first ledge protrude further from an upwardly facing surface of the first ledge than first ridges protruding from toe-side and heel-side portions of the first ledge.

27. The binding system according to any one of claims 25 to 26 or any other claim herein wherein second ridges protruding from medial and lateral portions of the second ledge protrude further from a downwardly facing surface of the second ledge than second ridges protruding from toe-side and heel-side portions of the second ledge.

28. The binding system according to claim 25 or any other claim herein wherein toeside and heel-side portions of the first ledge are smooth and first ridges protrude from medial and lateral portions of the first ledge.

29. The binding system according to any one of claims 25 and 28 or any other claim herein wherein toe-side and heel-side portions of the second ledge are smooth and second ridges protrude from medial and lateral portions of the second ledge.

30. The binding system of claim 25 or any other claim herein wherein a medial portion of the first ledge extends around a medial side of the cutout and wherein a lateral portion of the first ledge extends around a lateral side of the cutout and the medial and lateral portions of the first ledge are spaced apart from each other around a perimeter of the cutout by a first toe-side gap extending around a toeside of the cutout and a first heel-side gap extending around a heel-side of the cutout.

31. The binding system of any one of claims 25 and 30 or any other claim herein wherein a medial portion of the second ledge extends around a medial side of the body and wherein a lateral portion of the second ledge extends around a lateral side of the body and the medial and lateral portions of the second ledge are spaced apart from each other around a perimeter of the body by a second toeside gap extending around a toe-side of the body and a second heel-side gap extending around a heel-side of the body.

32. The binding system of claim 31 or any other claim herein wherein the body defines toe-side and heel-side cutouts.

33. The binding system of any one of claims 25 to 32 or any other claim herein wherein medial and lateral portions of an upwardly facing surface of the first ledge are raised relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the upwardly facing surface of the first ledge.

34. The binding system of any one of claims 25 to 32 or any other claim herein wherein an upwardly facing surface of the first ledge curves convexly upward such that medial and lateral portions of the upwardly facing surface of the first ledge are raised relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the upwardly facing surface of the first ledge.

35. The binding system of any one of claims 25 to 34 or any other claim herein wherein medial and lateral portions of a downwardly facing surface of the second ledge are lower relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the downwardly facing surface of the second ledge.

36. The binding system of any one of claims 25 to 35 or any other claim herein wherein a downwardly facing surface of the second ledge curves convexly downward such that medial and lateral portions of the downwardly facing surface of the second ledge are lower relative to toe-side and heel-side portions of the downwardly facing surface of the second ledge.

37. The binding system according to any one of claims 1 to 36 or any other claim herein wherein the foot retaining system comprises:a high-back located on the heel side of the binding, the high-back comprising a concave surface shaped to accommodate one or more of: a heel of the rider's foot and a calf of the rider's leg; anda strapping system adjustable to a first configuration where the rider's foot is retained under the strapping system and against the concave surface of the high back to be generally fixed in relation to the baseplate and to a second configuration wherein the rider's foot is insertable into and removable from the foot-retaining system.

37. The binding system according to any one of claims 1 to 36 or any other claim herein wherein the foot retaining system comprises:a high-back located on the heel side of the binding, the high-back comprising a concave surface shaped to accommodate one or more of: a heel of the rider's foot and a calf of the rider's leg;wherein the high-back is adjustable between:a first configuration wherein the rider's foot is retained under a strapping system and against the concave surface of the high back to be generally fixed in relation to the baseplate; anda second configuration wherein the rider's foot is insertable into and removable from the foot-retaining system.

39. The binding according to any one of claims 1 to 38 or any other claim herein wherein the convex board-contacting surface is flat in a direction parallel to the pivot axis.

40. A baseplate for a binding system for retaining a rider’s foot atop a recreational board, the baseplate comprising:a generally flattened foot-receiving surface shaped for receiving a rider’s foot thereupon and an opposing convex board-contacting surface for contacting the recreational board when the binding systems is mounted thereupon; and wherein the convex board-contacting surface facilitates (e.g. is shaped to facilitate) motion, about a pivot axis, of the baseplate, the foot-retainer and therider’s foot relative to the recreational board when the baseplate is mounted to the recreational board.

41. The baseplate according to claim 40 or any other claim herein comprising any of the features of any one of claims 1 to 39 or any other claim herein.

42. Apparatus comprising any features, combinations of features and / or subcombinations of features described herein or inferable therefrom.

43. Kits comprising any features, combinations of features and / or sub-combinations of features described herein or inferable therefrom.

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