(12) United States Patent
`Carpenter et al.
`
`USOO6543159B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,543,159 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`(54) SNOWBOARD BOOT AND BINDING STRAP
`
`(75) Inventors: Jake Burton Carpenter, Stowe, VT
`(US); Paul T. Maravetz, Grand Isle,
`VT (US); Thomas McGann, Jerico
`Center, VT (US); David J. Dodge,
`Williston, VT (US); John Gerndt,
`Burlington, VT (US); Stefan Reuss,
`Innsbruck (AT)
`(73) Assignee: The Burton Corporation, Burlington,
`VT (US)
`-
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1120 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 08/619,358
`(22) Filed:
`Mar 21, 1996
`7
`(51) Int. Cl.' .................................................. A43B 5/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ......................... 36/115; 36/117.1; 35
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 36/50.1, 50.5,
`36/88, 92, 115, 116, 117.1, 117.9
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`3.241,153 A 3/1966 Brewer
`3,516,180 A 6/1970 Thurston
`3,545,103 A 12/1970 Bloomfield et al.
`3.657,827 A 4f1972 Rieker
`3,747.239 A 7/1973 Green
`3,751.832 A
`8/1973 Baryluk
`4,030,215 A * 6/1977 Vogel ........................ 36/117.9
`4,080,745 A * 3/1978 Torrance ....
`so
`4,282,657 A 8/1981 Antonious .................. 36/50.1
`(List continued on next page.)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CH
`CH
`CH
`CH
`DE
`
`3/1940
`21.4531
`8/1945
`244825
`6/1948
`264893
`502 828 A 2/1971
`916696
`7/1954
`
`
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`NO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`2/1997
`9113 766 U
`196 O3 FOO. A 4/1997
`196 42887 A1
`4/1997
`O 217 750
`: 4/1987
`0646334
`4/1995
`O 705 544 A1
`4/1996
`O 705 625 A1
`4/1996
`O 753 267 A1
`1/1997
`O 77O 413 A1
`5/1997
`O 774 217 A2
`5/1997
`3004.426
`11/1994
`7-1710O2
`7/1995
`8-266307
`10/1996
`6O109
`9/1937
`WO 94/21149
`9/1994
`WO95/09035
`4/1995
`WO 96/O1575
`1/1996
`WO 97/17860
`5/1997
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Pages from a DNR Sportsystem Ltd. Catalog.
`Pages from a Flow Catalog.
`International Search Report dated Oct. 24, 1997.
`Utilitv Model Technologv AS
`t Jan. 12, 1998.
`1.Illy Model lecnnology ASSeSSment Jan. 12,
`Primary Examiner M. D. Patterson
`Sp Attorney, Agent, or Firm Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks,
`--
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`One aspect of the invention is a removable Strap for a
`Snowboard boot to preventing the rider's foot from lifting in
`the boot. The ankle strap enables a soft boot to be used with
`both a Strap-leSS Step-in binding System, and a strap binding
`-
`System. Another aspect is a Snowboard binding including a
`t
`dapted t
`1
`b
`th
`board boot and
`Strap adapted to releasably secure Ine Snowboard Dool an
`constructed and arranged to avoid creation of a preSSure
`point at an instep bone of the rider. A further aspect is an
`apparatus comprising a Snowboard boot and a strap attached
`thereto. The Strap is arranged to prevent the rider's heel from
`lifting in the Snowboard boot, and is constructed and
`arranged to avoid creation of a pressure point at an instep
`bone of the rider
`
`57 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 1
`
`

`

`US 6,543,159 B1
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,296,558 A * 10/1981 Antonious .................. 36/50.1
`4,387,517 A 6/1983 Annovi
`4,662,082 A 5/1987 ShabaZZ
`4,669.202 A 6/1987 Ottieri
`4,741,550 A
`5/1988 Dennis ....................... 280/618
`4,979,760 A 12/1990 Derrah
`5,044,654. A * 9/1991 Meyer ........................ 280/613
`5,172,924. A 12/1992 Barci
`5,234,230 A 8/1993 Crane et al.
`5,312.258 A 5/1994 Giorgio
`5,368,320 A 11/1994 Teeter et al.
`
`1/1995 Paris ......................... 36/117.9
`5,381,612 A
`5,409.244. A 4/1995 Young
`5,416.952 A 5/1995 Dodge
`5,435,080 A 7/1995 Meiselman
`5,459,949 A 10/1995 MacPhail
`5,474,322. A 12/1995 Perkins et al.
`5,480,176. A 1/1996 Sims
`5,493.793 A 2/1996 PozZobon et al.
`5,499.461. A
`3/1996 Danezin et al. ............ 36/117.1
`5,505.477 A
`4/1996 Turner et al.
`5,570,522 A 11/1996 Olson et al. .................. 36/115
`* cited by examiner
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`O £7
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 4 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`FIG. 3b
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet S of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 7 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`S
`
`S
`
`O)
`S -
`
`S.
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr.8, 2003
`
`Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`130
`
`132
`
`128
`
`124
` 126
`4
`120
`saCSRWER
`
`
`CITCEVAZA
`
`
`125
`
`44
`
`127
`
`“126
`
`FIG 7a
`
`FIG. 7b
`
`210
`
`202
`
`208
`
`206
`
`204
`
`216
`
`214
`
`FIG. 8a
`
`FIG. 8b
`
`
`
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 11
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`
`
`f76
`
`fS6
`
`FIG. 9b
`
`
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 8, 2003
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`222
`
`222
`
`22O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`C SSS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`224
`
`44
`
`FIG. If
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 13
`
`

`

`1
`SNOWBOARD BOOT AND BINDING STRAP
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a removable Strap for a
`Snowboard boot to prevent the rider's foot from lifting in the
`boot, and an ankle Strap for use in a Snowboard boot or
`binding.
`2. Description of Related Art
`Snowboarding has become increasingly popular as a
`recreational Sport. A Snowboard typically includes bindings
`that attach the rider's feet to the board. Three main types of
`bindings have been developed.
`A first type of binding is adapted to be used with a hard
`boot, which is similar to an alpine Ski boot. Typically, the
`boot includes a hard plastic molded shell, and is Securely
`mounted on the board via a plate binding that includes rear
`and forward bails that engage the boot. Hard boots provide
`support for the rider's foot, in that a properly sized boot will
`not allow the rider's foot to move therein, and will typically
`prevent the heel from lifting from the bottom of the boot.
`A Second type of binding is adapted for use with a Soft
`boot, which, as the name Suggests, is at least partially made
`of a Softer material than hard boots. The typical binding used
`for Soft boots has a rigid high back piece into which the heel
`of the boot is placed, and one or more Straps that Secure the
`boot to the binding. Such bindings can be Somewhat incon
`Venient to use because after each run, the rider must
`unbuckle each Strap to release the boot when getting on the
`chair lift, and must re-buckle each Strap before the next run.
`A third type of binding that has recently been developed
`for use with a Soft boot eliminates the need for binding Straps
`and provides the convenience of a step-in System. An
`example of Such a binding System is disclosed in currently
`pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/584,053,
`entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERFAC
`ING ASNOWBOARD BOOT TO A BINDING, filed Jan. 8,
`1996 and assigned to Burton Snowboards. Soft bootstep-in
`bindings are more convenient than conventional Strap
`bindings, making it easier to engage and disengage the
`rider's boots from the board.
`The development of Soft bootstep-in binding Systems has
`presented a problem not previously encountered. In
`particular, tremendous lifting forces are generated at the feet
`of a snowboard rider. It is desirable to prevent the rider's
`foot, particularly the heel, from lifting from the bottom of
`the boot to maximize control. In a hard boot plate binding
`System, the boot is generally Sufficiently rigid to hold the
`rider's foot down and prevent lift. Similarly, in a conven
`tional Soft boot Strap binding System, the Straps are tightened
`down over the boot and hold the rider's foot down to prevent
`lift. However, with a Strap-leSS Soft boot Step-in binding,
`only the laces of the boot are available to resist lifting, which
`is often insufficient. Accordingly, it is an object of the
`present invention to prevent lifting of the rider's foot in a
`Strap-leSS Soft boot Step-in binding System.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,080 (Meiselman) discloses a strap
`System for preventing lift in a Snowboard boot that is a
`hybrid of a hard and soft boot. The Meiselman boot has a
`hard lower portion that is adapted to engage a plate binding
`and a Soft upper portion. In one embodiment the Meiselman
`boot has a heel strap fixed thereto to prevent heel lift. In
`another, heel and toe Straps are fixed to the boot.
`Although the Meiselman straps are said to be effective in
`preventing lift, they are not used in connection with a Soft
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`boot and would Suffer a significant disadvantage if they
`were. In particular, it is desirable for soft boots to be usable
`with not only the more recently developed Step-in binding
`Systems, but also with the more conventional Strap bindings.
`The Meiselman boot is not suited for use with a strap
`binding System, because the Straps fixed thereto would
`overlap and interfere with the binding Straps. Accordingly, it
`is a further object of the present invention to provide a
`Snowboard boot that prevents lifting of the rider's foot when
`used in conjunction with a Strap-leSS binding System, but is
`also compatible with a Strap binding.
`Straps, whether on a boot or binding, can create uncom
`fortable pressure points on the rider's foot when tightened.
`Additionally, if a Strap is too wide, it may not conform to the
`contour of a rider's foot, which can cause the foot to become
`cramped or pinched in various locations. Accordingly, it is
`another object of the present invention is to provide a strap
`that Securely fits over a Snowboard boot while not creating
`uncomfortable pressure points.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention,
`an apparatus is provided that comprises a Snowboard boot
`and a strap that is removably attached thereto and arranged
`to prevent a rider's foot from lifting in the Snowboard boot.
`In one aspect of this embodiment, the Strap is arranged to
`prevent the rider's heel from lifting in the boot. In another
`aspect of this embodiment, the Snowboard boot has a lateral
`Side and a medial Side, and the Strap is removably attached
`at a first location at a first location on the lateral Side and a
`Second location on the medial side of the Snowboard boot.
`A buckle may be attached to the Strap to adjust the tension
`in the Strap. In another aspect of the invention, the Strap may
`be attached to the boot at first, Second and third attachment
`locations. The first and Second attachment locations may be
`disposed on the medial side of the boot and the third
`attachment location may be disposed on the lateral Side of
`the boot. Further, the strap may be constructed so that the
`Strap does not apply pressure to the instep bone of the rider.
`The present invention also provides a Snowboard binding
`for releasably Securing a Snowboard boot that includes a
`Strap which is adapted to releasably Secure the Snowboard
`boot, the Strap being constructed and arranged to avoid the
`creation of a preSSure point at an instep bone of a rider. The
`Strap further may be arranged to prevent a heel of a Snow
`board boot from lifting from the binding. Additionally, the
`boot may include a base having a lateral Side and a medial
`Side and the Strap may be attached at a first location at the
`lateral side and a Second location at the medial side. The
`Strap may have an opening that is positioned to be disposed
`above the instep bone of the rider. In another aspect of the
`invention, the Strap may be attached to the base at a first,
`Second and third attachment locations, wherein the first and
`Second attachment locations are disposed on the medial side
`of the binding, and the third attachment location is disposed
`on the lateral Side of the binding. Additionally, the Strap
`attached at three attachment locations may have a Y-shape.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
`invention will be appreciated more fully from the descrip
`tion below and the following drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is an illustration of a boot and ankle strap of the
`present invention used with a Snowboard;
`FIG. 2a is a medial side view of a boot having straps in
`accordance with the present invention for Securing the
`rider's foot in the boot;
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 14
`
`

`

`3
`FIG. 2b is an illustration of a boot showing a Zone of
`potential attachment locations for a Strap according to the
`present invention;
`FIG.3a is a perspective sectional view of the strap shown
`in FIG. 2 taken along line 3a-3a in FIG. 2;
`FIG. 3b illustrates a strap according to the present inven
`tion attached to a boot (Schematically shown in phantom)
`and shows an adjustable feature of the Strap;
`FIG. 4 is a lateral Side view of an ankle Strap according
`to the present invention and illustrates a Strap locking
`mechanism attached to the boot;
`FIG. 5a illustrates an alternate embodiment of the ankle
`Strap of the present invention, having a Y shape, attached to
`a boot;
`FIG. 5b illustrates the Y-shaped strap of FIG. 5a,
`FIG. 6 illustrates a Strap binding employing a Y-shaped
`Strap in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a Screw and
`a T-nut that is used for attaching the Strap to the boot in one
`embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG.7b is a top view of the T-nut of FIG. 7a,
`FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c each illustrates an alternate mecha
`nism for connecting the Strap and the boot;
`FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c illustrate a further embodiment of a
`mechanism for connecting the Strap to the boot;
`FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a mechanism
`of connection between the boot and the Strap wherein a
`one-piece Strap is fed through a passageway in the boot,
`FIG. 11 illustrates still another mechanism for connecting
`the Strap and the boot wherein a Snap-type fastener is used.
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`25
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE
`EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
`In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a
`Strap is provided to hold a rider's heel against the bottom of
`a snowboard boot. FIG. 1 illustrates one application for this
`embodiment of the invention, i.e., a soft Snowboard boot
`used with a Strap-leSS Step-in binding System. In FIG. 1, the
`ankle strap 30 is attached to a snowboard boot 32, which is
`in turn mounted to a Snowboard 34 by a binding Suggested
`at 36. AS discussed above, the Strap is advantageous because
`it keeps the rider's heel from lifting in the boot, thereby
`maximizing the rider's maneuverability and control. The
`Strap is constructed to keep the heel Seated in the boot even
`during hard turns and aggressive high-performance maneu
`WCS.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the Strap is remov
`ably attached to the boot in any number of ways as described
`below. Thus, the strap 30 can be attached when used with a
`Strap-leSS binding to hold down the rider's foot, and can be
`removed to enable the boot to be used with a strap binding.
`FIG.2a illustrates an exemplary boot 32 with a two-point
`connection strap 30 (only the medial side is shown)in
`accordance with the present invention attached at location
`38 on the boot. Although the strap 30 shown in FIG. 2a has
`two attachment points, it should be understood that the
`invention is not So limited, and that a plurality of attachment
`points can be provided on each side of the boot. The boot 32
`shown in FIG. 2a includes an interface 44, as disclosed in
`application Serial no. 08/584,053, for engaging a step-in
`binding. However, it should be understood that this inven
`tion is not limited to the illustrative construction, and that
`other arrangements for cooperating with a step-in binding
`may be employed on the boot.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`4
`The boot shown in FIG.2a has a rubber sole 40 to provide
`traction. The portions 42 of the binding interface at the
`medial and lateral portions of the Sole (only the medial side
`is shown in FIG. 2a) allow the boot to be securely engaged
`by the binding. The boot shown also includes a high-back
`Support 46 that provides leverage in assisting the rider in
`getting on his or her heel edge. The upper portion of the boot
`48 is formed from a soft material (e.g. leather or synthetic
`material), and is laced up the front in a conventional manner
`by laces 52.
`In the embodiment shown in FIG.2a, the strap is attached
`to the boot at the molded interface 44. This is advantageous
`because the interface is Sufficiently strong to Secure the
`Strap. However, as described below, the Strap can alterna
`tively be attached to other portions of the boot, including the
`Soft upper Section, and is not limited to use with a boot
`including a molded interface.
`The ankle strap 30 of FIG. 2a need not be as strong as a
`Strap used in a conventional Soft boot Strap binding because
`the boot is Secured to the board by the engagement between
`the Step-in binding and the binding interface 42, not the Strap
`30. The ankle strap only prevents the heel from lifting in the
`boot. Thus, a relatively thin strap 30 can be used which
`provides the advantage of having a low-profile and non
`bulky appearance that is integrated with the boot.
`FIG.3a illustrates a sectional view of the strap 30 of FIG.
`2a. The Strap may have a load bearing component made
`from a suitable non-stretch material that will not stretch
`Significantly even when wet. Examples of Such materials
`include a Kevlar or fiberglass band encased in a plastic
`coating Such as Surlyn (available from DuPont), a non
`Stretch plastic Strap formed by injection or compression
`molding, and a laminated non-Stretch fabric die-cut to a
`desired shape. In the embodiment shown, the strap 30
`includes a non-load bearing component. For example, the
`strap 30 may include a cushion material 54 (e.g., EVA foam
`material) to increase comfort. The cushion material may be
`covered with a polypropylene Skin So that it does not absorb
`moisture, and may be disposed entirely around the Strap. It
`should be understood that although the cushion material
`increases comfort, it is not required.
`A Second non-load bearing component Such as Strap piece
`56 may be overlaid and attached to the outer Surface of the
`Strap 30 for decorative purposes. The Second piece may be
`made from leather So that the Strap looks integrated with the
`boot. Additionally, a Shaggy leather piece 58 may be
`attached to the Strap piece 56, and the Strap may be provided
`with a debOSsed insignia as illustrated.
`It should be understood that snowboard boots are pro
`Vided in many different sizes. AS mentioned above, it is
`desirable to integrate the Strap of the present invention with
`the boot. However, it is also preferable to avoid the necessity
`of providing a differently sized Strap customized for each
`boot size. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention,
`the Strap is adjustable So that the Strap can be used with
`several boots of different sizes.
`An example of an adjustable strap 30 is illustrated in FIG.
`3b. The location 43 on the strap 30 that is attached to the
`boot 32 (Schematically shown in phantom) can be adjusted.
`AS described in more detail below with reference to FIGS.
`7a and 7b, the strap can be attached to the boot with a screw
`130 that is fastened to the boot through a hole in the strap.
`Several holes 45 may be provided so that the most desirable
`fit for the Strap can be selected. After the Strap is adjusted to
`the desired fit, an exceSS amount of the Strap 30, as Suggested
`by dotted line 31, may be removed so that it does not extend
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 15
`
`

`

`S
`over the end of the board. The adjustable feature of the
`present invention enables each Strap to be used with multiple
`boot sizes So that the number strap sizes (e.g., four or five)
`can be less than the full line of boot sizes (e.g., ranging from
`sizes 3-13).
`As shown in FIG. 2a, the heel strap 30 is connected at
`attachment locations 38 (only one is shown in FIG. 2a) on
`the boot. The placement of the attachment locations 38 can
`impact the performance of the Strap in holding down the
`heel, and the rider's comfort. The placement that will
`maximize performance and comfort will vary depending on
`the rider's personal preference. The height of the attachment
`point above the heel and the distance forward from the heel
`will both impact the comfort and performance of the Strap.
`In general, the lower and further back the attachment loca
`tions are for the Strap of FIG. 2a, the greater the holding
`force.
`FIG.2b illustrates a Zone of possible attachment points for
`the strap, represented by solid line 41. The area bounded by
`line 41 is approximately a quarter circle having a center
`disposed 2 cm up from the bottom of the sole and forward
`of the heel at approximately 10% of the length of the boot.
`The radius of the quarter circle is approximately 12 cm,
`although this will vary with the size of the boot. While not
`intended to be exclusive, it is believed that attachment points
`within this Zone will provide Satisfactory performance for
`the strap of the present invention. As shown in FIG.2b, the
`attachment Zone has a lower boundary that is approximately
`2 cm from the bottom of the sole. The lower boundary is
`Selected So that the attachment location does not interfere
`with the interface between the boot and the binding.
`FIG. 2b also illustrates a preferred attachment Zone,
`illustrated by shaded region 39. The preferred Zone also has
`a lower boundary that is 2 cm from the sole bottom, and an
`upper boundary that is 10 cm from the sole bottom. The
`upper boundary is Selected So that Sufficient forces may be
`applied to hold the heel in the boot. The distance of the strap
`attachment point forward from the heel also affects perfor
`mance. AS shown in FIG.2b, the preferred attachment Zone
`39 extends forward from the heel by approximately 10-35%
`of the total boot length. Although the attachment Zones
`shown in FIG. 2b are believed to provide satisfactory
`performance, it should be understood that the present inven
`tion is not limited to attachment points within these Zones.
`Furthermore, the configuration and width of the strap will
`also affect the location of the most comfortable attachment
`point.
`Various prototypes of the strap of FIG. 2a have been
`constructed and tested. The table below lists several trial
`configurations used with a size 9.5 boot.
`
`ATTACHMENT LOCATIONS
`
`LATERAL SIDE
`
`MEDIAL SIZE
`
`SAMPLE
`
`HEIGHT
`(cm)
`
`%
`FROM HEEL
`
`HEIGHT
`(cm)
`
`%
`FROM HEEL
`
`A.
`B
`C
`D
`E
`F
`G
`
`5.5
`3.5
`6.5
`3
`3
`3
`3.5
`
`13%
`25%
`26%
`23%
`28%
`25%
`28%
`
`5
`5
`6.O
`5
`4.5
`5
`5.5
`
`15%
`26%
`25%
`26%
`26%
`26%
`25%
`
`In one embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2a, a
`Second Strap 66 is located in a region forward of the
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`6
`metatarsus. The strap 66 holds the forward part of the foot
`in the boot so that when the rider's weight shifts toward the
`heel, the toes do not pull upward away from the boot bottom.
`As with the strap 30, strap 66 may be attached to the
`interface 44 or to any other portion of the boot. The strap 66
`can be constructed in the same manner as Strap 30, and is
`removable in the same manner. Although the use of the two
`Straps 30 and 66 provides the advantages discussed above,
`it should be understood that the invention does not require
`the use of two Straps.
`The Strap of the present invention may include a buckle or
`other adjustable fastening mechanism for allowing Selective
`tightening and loosening of the Strap. The Strap may include
`a first Strap portion disposed on one side of the foot and a
`Second portion on the other, with a buckle or Some other type
`of mating mechanism adapted to releasably Secure the two
`Strap portions. FIG. 4 shows an illustrative example of Such
`a strap 70. The strap includes a first portion 71 that includes
`a plurality of transverse protrusions or teeth 74 extending
`upwardly therefrom. The Strap further includes a Second
`portion attached on the opposite Side of the boot and
`including a buckle 72 adapted to releasably engage the teeth
`72 of the strap portion 71. The buckle pivots relative to the
`second strap portion about a pin 73. To tighten the strap 70,
`the buckle is pivoted to an open position and the Strap
`portion 71 is fed into the buckle until the desired tooth 74 is
`engaged there with. The buckle is then rotated in the direc
`tion of arrow A (FIG. 4) to tighten down the strap.
`The above-described buckle arrangement provides Sev
`eral advantages. First, the plurality of teeth 74 provides a
`level of adjustability that enables each strap to be used with
`boots of different sizes, which is advantageous for reasons
`discussed above. Second, the buckle provides a convenient
`mechanism for adjusting the tension on the Strap. For
`example, when it is desired to temporarily release the
`tension of the Strap on the rider's foot (e.g., when riding up
`on the lift), the buckle can be rotated to the open position
`without having to alter the fine positional adjustment estab
`lished by the selection of a particular one of the teeth 74 for
`engaging the buckle.
`In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the mecha
`nism for tightening and loosening the Strap is a Slap-ratchet
`as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,952, assigned to Burton
`Snowboards, which is incorporated herein by reference. In
`this embodiment, the strap 70 also has the plurality of teeth
`74 that engage corresponding ratchet teeth in the Slap ratchet
`to Secure the Strap at the desired tension.
`FIG. 5a illustrates another aspect of the present invention
`wherein an ankle strap 90 is provided that secures the heel
`of the rider and includes means for avoiding the creation of
`a pressure point on the rider's instep bones (the internal
`cuneiform bone being the most prominent). This is achieved
`in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5a with
`a Y-shaped strap 90 that includes two branches 92 and 94
`connected on the in-step side of the boot. The branches 92
`and 94 merge at a branch 96 (shown in phantom as
`unsecured) that is attached on the other side (not shown) of
`the boot. Thus, the Strap can be formed from a Single piece
`of any of the materials discussed above as being appropriate
`for forming the Strap of FIG. 2a, and can also include the
`cushioning and decorative features discussed above. The
`branch 96 includes a plurality of teeth 98 that are similar to
`the teeth 74 (FIG. 4) discussed above, and can be used to
`Secure the Strap to a buckle or Slap rachet in the same manner
`as the strap 70 (FIG. 4).
`In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5a, the Y-shaped strap
`90 holds the rider's heel in the boot while spreading the
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`MacNeil Exhibit 2160
`Yita v. MacNeil IP, IPR2020-01139, Page 16
`
`

`

`7
`force applied to the rider's foot. Thus, the Strap does not
`create a preSSure point at the instep bones of the rider. The
`location of the branches and the Space created between them
`impacts the comfort of the Strap. In the embodiment shown,
`the Y-shaped Strap has one branch higher on the foot than the
`tarsal-metatarsal junction (proximate the location where the
`ankle bends), and the other branch lower on the metatarsal
`region. This configuration is advantageous because it avoids
`creating a pressure point on the instep bones. However, it
`should be understood that the present invention is not
`limited to the arrangement shown in the drawings, and that
`other arrangements are possible. For example, the Strap can
`have two attachment points on both Sides of the boot, or can
`have a single attachment point on each side with a cut-out
`region above the instep bones. Also, the fixation mecha
`nisms (e.g., the buckle and mating teeth) can be reversed
`between branches 92 and 94 and branch 96.
`The locations where the branches 92, 94 and 96 are
`attached to the boot can impact the comfort and performance
`of the strap 90. One example of a set of attachment locations
`is as follows: the strap branch 92 can be connected at a
`location 112 that is 7.5 cm from the heel and 3.7 cm from the
`bottom of the sole; the strap branch 94 can be connected at
`a location 114 that is 15.7 cm from the heel and 2.5 cm from
`the bottom of the sole; and the strap branch 96 can be
`connected at a location that is 4.5 cm from the heel and 4.5
`cm from the bottom of the Sole.
`FIG. 5b illustrates another embodiment of a Y-shaped
`Strap 102 according to the present invention. In this
`embodiment, branches 104 and 106 are formed from a single
`piece of non-Stretchable material. The branches form a
`teardrop-shaped opening therebetween that accommodates
`the top of the riders foot. A strip 110 connects the strap on
`the other side of the boot. The materials used may be any of
`those discussed above in connection with the strap of FIG.
`2a.
`The pressure relieving Strap of the present invention has
`Several applications. The Strap can be attached to a Snow
`board boot as described above to hold down the rider's heel.
`In this respect, the Strap can be removably attached to
`provide the advantages described above. However, the pres
`Sure relieving Strap can alternatively be permanently fixed to
`the boot and would still provide advantages in terms of
`comfort over a prior art System Such as disclosed in Meisel
`man. Furthermore, the pressure relieving Strap can be used
`in any application wherein a Strap is used to engage a boot
`or foot, Such as on a Soft boot Strap binding.
`FIG. 6 illustrates a soft boot binding 116 that employs a
`Y-shaped strap 117 according to the present invention. The
`strap 117 has two connection points 118 on the medial side
`of the binding, and a single connection point 119 on the
`lateral side. A buckle or Slap ratchet arrangement (not
`shown) may be used on the Strap, and can be attached on the
`lateral Side.
`AS discussed above, in one embodiment of the invention,
`a Strap is removably attached to a Snowboard boot So that the
`boot can be used either with a Soft bootstep-in binding or a
`more conventional Strap binding. Many different types of
`Strap and boot junctions can be used to make the Strap
`removable, and that the present invention is not limited to
`any particular one. However, Solely for the purpose of
`illustration, FIGS. 7-11 depict a number of different junc
`tions for detachably connecting the Strap to the boot.
`FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view of a first arrangement for
`attaching the Strap to a boot. This arrangement includes a
`Screw 124 that passes through the Strap and is received by a
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,543,159 B1
`
`8
`T-nut 126 (shown in a top view in FIG.7b) mounted through
`the boot to secure the strap 120 thereto. The T-nut may be
`mounted through the interface 44 (FIG. 2a), the upper boot
`48, or any other portion of the boot that has sufficient
`“pull-though” strength to prevent the T-nut from being
`pulled through the boot when the strap is tensioned. The
`T-nut has internal threads 127 disposed along a central
`opening to receive external threads 128 on the Screw, and
`can be anchored to the boot (e.g., by Sharp protrusions 125
`that engage the boot, by heat welding, or by glue) So that it
`does not rotate when the Screw is tightened or loosened. The
`Strap is Secured to the boot by placing the Screw 124 through
`a hole in one end of the Strap, and tightening the Screw into
`the T-nut to tightly Secure the Strap. The Strap can be
`removed simply by lo