A compact ratcheting buckle mechanism which enables significant mechanical advantage can be used in a multitude of devices. The compact ratcheting buckle mechanism comprises a base plate which holds a ratchet tab and release tab, which are spring-loaded and held in place by pivot pins which pass through slots in the base plate. The ratchet and release tabs are then able to articulate. The ratchet tab teeth engage with a compatible ratchet ladder strap, which passes through the compact ratcheting buckle mechanism linearly when the ratchet tab is articulated. The release tab holds applied tension in the compact ratcheting buckle mechanism, and is substantially covered by the ratchet tab to ensure for a compact design and low chance of accidental release. The compact ratcheting buckle mechanism can be released through a defined pincer motion, disengaging both the ratchet tab and release tab teeth from the compatible ratchet ladder strap.

Sports shoe (4) having a strap (28) able to pass over the top of a foot or able to pass over an instep, and at least one securing means (30), the strap including a first free end (29A) connected to the at least one securing means (30) and a second free end (29B) connected to the at least one securing means (30), the at least one securing means (30) being able to collaborate with a binding device (3) attached to a sliding board (2) so as to transmit a force at least downwards onto the first free end (29A) and onto the second free end (29B) of the strap (28).

Sports shoe (4) having a strap (28) able to pass over the top of a foot or able to pass over an instep, and at least one securing means (30), the strap including a first free end (29A) connected to the at least one securing means (30) and a second free end (29B) connected to the at least one securing means (30), the at least one securing means (30) being able to collaborate with a binding device (3) attached to a sliding board (2) so as to transmit a force at least downwards onto the first free end (29A) and onto the second free end (29B) of the strap (28).

A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

The invention allows riders to quickly and effortlessly strap in and out of their bindings with only one hand, with embodiments for top-entry bindings, rear-entry bindings and hybrid-bindings. The invention can be integrated into bindings or delivered as after-market add-on products that re-use and adapt the riders existing binding.

The invention allows riders to quickly and effortlessly strap in and out of their bindings with only one hand, with embodiments for top-entry bindings, rear-entry bindings and hybrid-bindings. The invention can be integrated into bindings or delivered as after-market add-on products that re-use and adapt the riders existing binding.

An apparatus for automatically adjusting tension on retention member to hold multiple objects together. Examples include using retention apparatus to obtain optimal fit and use of a human wearable item such as article of footwear. Sensors may be used to sense changes in movement of the article of footwear, of the person wearing it, or of a third object such as a vehicle carrying the person. A retention member may surround at least a portion of the objects, and an actuator may be included that automatically rotates a rotating member such as a gear or pulley that may be coupled to the retention member. The rotating member may be configured to automatically adjust tension on the retention member many times per second based on control signals from control logic responsive to the sensors.

An apparatus for automatically adjusting tension on retention member to hold multiple objects together. Examples include using retention apparatus to obtain optimal fit and use of a human wearable item such as article of footwear. Sensors may be used to sense changes in movement of the article of footwear, of the person wearing it, or of a third object such as a vehicle carrying the person. A retention member may surround at least a portion of the objects, and an actuator may be included that automatically rotates a rotating member such as a gear or pulley that may be coupled to the retention member. The rotating member may be configured to automatically adjust tension on the retention member many times per second based on control signals from control logic responsive to the sensors.

The fastening device (3) for fastening a boot (4) to a sliding board (2) includes a base (10) intended to be fastened to a sliding board and to surround, at least partially, a sole and lateral sides of a boot, at least one lever (201, 301) that can move relative to the base and can interact with a retention element (44A, 44B) connected to a boot, the lever (201, 301) being able to move between a first retention position (P1) and a second clamping position (P2), the lever being able to retain the boot in the base when it is in its first position, the lever being able to transmit a downward force on the retention element when it is in its second position.