CA2913330C - Convertible ski boot attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a boot attachment for attaching a boot to a ski. The boot has an ankle portion and a foot portion. The boot attachment has a base having a toe binding and a heel binding, a boot receiver with a lower portion and an upper portion, a pivot connecting the boot receiver to the base, and a pivot lock that selectively locks the pivot. In use the lower portion retains the foot potion of the boot, and the upper portion retains the ankle portion of the boot, and movement of the receiver about the pivot causes the upper portion of the boot receiver to move away from the base.

Description

CONVERTIBLE SKI BOOT ATTACHMENT
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This relates to a ski boot attachment for attaching a ski, snowboard, or other boot to a ski or snowboard that can be converted between modes of use.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Ski boots are generally uncomfortable whereas snowboard boots provide more long lasting comfort for the wearer. The outer shell of ski boots is comprised of hard plastic and is thus makes the boot difficult to maneuver in when not latched into skis. The flexible leather that comprises the synthetic shell of a snowboard boot provides more comfort and mobility. The thick hard soles of ski boots can be ruined once worn off of the snow and restrict cushioning on the feet. The soles of snowboarding boots are similar to those of athletic shoes, allowing them to be more versatile as well as provides more cushioning for the feet. Many skiers have switched to snowboarding due to the more comfortable boot.
[0002a] Typical ski bindings include toe binding attachments and heel binding attachments that releas ably attach to the toe and heel of a ski boot. The releasable toe and heel connections cooperate to secure the boot on the ski under normal use. Ski bindings are designed to release the ski boot when a potentially dangerous force is applied between the boot and the ski, such as in the event of a crash, or when a user applies a force to a catch. Some example of known ski bindings that include releasable toe and heel connections are described in: U.S. patent no. 3,727,933 (Allsop) entitled "Ski Binding";
U.S. patent no. 4,522,422 (Jaeger) entitled "Ski Binding"; U.S. patent no.
5,056,808 (Holzl et al.) entitled "Ski Binding"; and U.S. patent no. 5,211,417 (Holzl et al.) entitled "Ski Binding".
SUMMARY

[0003] According to an aspect, there is provided a boot attachment for attaching a boot to a ski, the boot having an ankle portion and a foot portion, the boot attachment comprising a base having a toe binding and a heel binding, a boot receiver having a lower Date recue/Date Received 2020-09-22 la portion and an upper portion, wherein, in use the lower portion retains the foot potion of the boot, and the upper portion retains the ankle portion of the boot, a pivot connecting the boot receiver to the base, such that movement of the receiver about the pivot causes the upper portion of the boot receiver to move away from the base, and a pivot lock that selectively locks the pivot.

[0004] According to another aspect, the pivot lock may comprise a first locking state in which the boot receiver is adjacent to the base and a second locking state in which the boot receiver is pivoted about the pivot relative to the base.

[0005] According to another aspect, the pivot may connect the rigid boot receiver to the base toward the toe binding of the boot attachment.

[0006] According to another aspect, selectively locking the pivot may change a state of Date recue/Date Received 2020-09-22 the boot receiver between a locked state and a movable state.

[0007] According to another aspect, the boot attachment may further comprise selectively deployable traction enhancing devices.

[0008] According to another aspect, the boot attachment may further comprise a rotatable attachment having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to an upper face of the ski when the boot attachment is mounted to the ski, and the rotatable attachment may permit selective rotational movement of the boot attachment relative to the ski.

[0009] According to another aspect, the rotatable attachment may be connected toward the toe binding or toward the heel binding.

[0010] According to another aspect, at least a portion of the boot receiver may be rigid.

[0011] According to another aspect, the pivot may have an axis that is parallel to an upper face of the ski when the boot attachment is mounted to the ski.

[0012] According to another aspect, the toe binding and the heel binding may be configured to mount the boot attachment to the ski.

[0013] According to another aspect, the base may comprise two substantially parallel bars.

[0014] According to another aspect, the boot receiver may comprise one or more curved bars and one or more straps connected at either end to the one or more curved bars.

[0015] According to an aspect, there is provided a boot attachment for attaching a boot to a ski. The boot attachment comprises a base that comprises a toe binding and a heel binding and a boot receiver that comprises at least one side support and an ankle support. The boot receiver is carried by the base. There is at least one strap configured to secure a boot to the boot receiver. A rotatable attachment rotatably mounts the boot receiver above an upper surface of a ski, the rotatable attachment having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the upper face of the ski when the boot attachment is mounted to the ski. The rotatable attachment permits selective rotational movement of the boot receiver relative to the ski.

[0016] According to another aspect, the rotatable attachment may permit rotation of the boot receiver relative to the base and the base is stationary relative to the upper surface of the ski.

[0017] According to another aspect, the rotatable attachment may permit rotation of the base relative to the upper surface of the ski and the boot receiver moves with the base.

[0018] According to another aspect, the rotatable attachment may be connected toward the toe binding or toward the heel binding.

[0019] According to another aspect, the toe binding and the heel binding may be configured to attach the boot frame to a binding on a ski.

[0020] According to another aspect, the ankle support may comprise at least one curved bar connected at both ends to the base.

[0021] According to another aspect, the boot attainment may comprise a toe strap, an ankle strap, and a calf trap.

[0022] According to another aspect, the rotatable attachment may be mounted to a track that permits movement of the rotatable attachment along a length of the ski.

[0023] According to another aspect, the track may be part of the base and extends between the toe binding and the heel binding.

[0024] In other aspects, the features described above may be combined together in any reasonable combination as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a ski boot attachment.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a ski boot attachment.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a ski boot attachment with detachable components.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a ski boot frame having adjustable side supports.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a heel binding.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a heel binding.
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a convertible embodiment of a ski boot attachment.
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a convertible embodiment of a ski boot attachment in a lowered position.
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a convertible embodiment of a ski boot attachment in a raised position.
FIG. 10 is a detailed side elevation view of a selectively deployable traction enhancing device in a storage position.
FIG. 11 is a detailed side elevation view of a selectively deployable traction enhancing device in a deployed position.
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a ski boot attachment having a rotatable attachment shown in a first position.
FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a ski boot attachment having a rotatable attachment shown in a second position.
FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a ski boot attachment that permits lateral and pivotal movement of the ski boot.
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a pair of bindings on tracks and rotatable attachments in a snowboarding configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] A boot attachment generally identified by reference numeral 100, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 through 14.
5 [0027] Disclosed herein are devices for the support of snowboard boots to be used with skis as ski boots. Embodiments of the devices may also permit the same boots and bindings to be used in different configurations, such as in a telemark configuration, a snowboard configuration, and a touring or climbing configuration.
[0028] Throughout this disclosure, "front" refers to the area where the toe section of a boot would tit in the disclosed device, and "rear" refers to the area where the heel section of a boot would fit in the disclosed device. FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of one embodiment of devices disclosed herein. The devices are described with reference to FIG.
1, but those of skill in the art recognize that variations, including those described herein, arc still within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, disclosed herein is a boot frame 100. The frame 100 comprises a base 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 has two substantially parallel bars. In some embodiments the bars are present in various quantities and positions. For example, in some embodiments the bars are not parallel. In other embodiments, the bars intersect. In some embodiments, the base 102 is a solid piece, whereas in other embodiments it is a perforated piece. Some embodiments are comprised of a single bar and other embodiments are comprised of multiple, e.g. more than two, bars.
[0030] In some embodiments, the base 102 has an adjustable length. In these embodiments the base 102 comprises two interconnected pieces, a front piece and a rear piece. When the length of the base 102 is adjusted, the front of the base 102 moves closer to, or further away, from the rear of the base 102. The adjustable length allows the user to adjust the frame 100 to fa the user's boot size.
[0031] In other embodiments, the base 102 has a fixed length. In these embodiments, frames 100 of various lengths are manufactured and the users use a frame 100 that fits the user's boot size.
[0032] In some embodiments base 102 is made of a metal. Examples of metals include those that are strong enough to hold the boot to skis and not bend under pressure. These examples include, but are not limited to, iron, steel, titanium, and composite metals. In certain embodiments, base 102 is made of wood. In other embodiments, base 102 is made of a synthetic material, such as, hut not limited to, plastics, carbon fibre, fibre glass, and the like.
[0033] The base 102 comprises a toe binding 104 at the front end of the frame 100. The toe binding 104 is configured to secure the -frame 100 into a ski binding the way a typical ski boot would latch in. As shown in FIG. 1 the toe binding 104 comprises a small piece of hard material in the shape of a trapezoid. In some embodiments the toe binding 104 is present in different shapes, including but riot limited to, a square, oval, or rectangular shape. The shape of the toe binding 104 is dependent on the type of ski binding used on skis, i.e., the toe binding 104 is shaped to match the binding of the skis. In some embodiments, the toe binding 104 comprises metal. In certain embodiments the toe binding is made of one or more material including, but not limited, to iron, steel, titanium, composite metals, wood, a synthetic material, such as, but not limited to, plastics, carbon fibre, fibre glass, and the like, hard plastic or rubber.
[0034] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the top surface of toe binding 104 is higher than the base 102 of the frame 100. In these embodiments, the raised toe binding 104 provides a snug fit for a boot when the boot is placed in the frame 100. In other embodiments, a boot has a corresponding binding at the toe area and the boot binding latches into the toe binding 104.
[0035] The base 102 comprises a heel binding 106 at the rear end of the frame 100. The heel binding 106 is configured to secure the frame 100 into a ski binding the way a typical ski boot would latch in. In some embodiments, the heel binding 106 comprises metal. In certain embodiments the heel binding 106 is made of' one or more material including, but not limited, to iron, steel, titanium, composite metals, wood, a synthetic material, such as, but not limited to, plastics, carbon fibre, fibre glass, and the like, hard plastic or rubber.
In some embodiments, the heel binding 106 is located at the far rear of the base 102.
In other embodiments, the base 102 extends farther to the rear than where the heel binding 106 is located.
[0036] In some embodiments, the boot is held in place on the frame 100 by at least two side supports 108. In some embodiments, the boot side supports 108 are connected near the front of the frame 100. In some embodiments they are located towards the rear of the frame 100 or in the middle of the frame 100. In some embodiments the side supports 108 are comprised of solid metal and in some embodiments they are comprised of perforated metal. In certain embodiments the side supports 108 is made of one or more material including, but not limited, to iron, steel, titanium, composite metals, wood, a synthetic material, such as, but not limited to, plastics, carbon fibre, fibre glass, and the like, hard plastic or rubber. In some embodiments the side supports curve around the shape of the boot and in other embodiments the side supports have various shapes including but not limited to vertical and parallel bars.
Some embodiments comprise one set of parallel side supports 108. Other embodiments comprise more than one set of parallel side supports 108 for example two or three sets. Some embodiments, for example the one shown in FIG. 3, do not have any side support 108.
[0037] In some embodiments, for example that shown in FIG. 4, the side supports 408 are adjustable. In these embodiments, the user can move the side supports 408 towards the centre of the base 102 or away from the base 102. In some embodiments, the two side supports 408 move together and in the same direction when they are adjusted.
In other embodiments, the two side supports 408 move together but in the opposite direction when they are adjusted. In still other embodiments, each side support 108 moves independently.
[0038] Often times, when a person stands, the natural inclination of the feet is to either turn in, i.e., with toes facing toward each other and inward, or turn out, i.e., with toes tending away from each other and outward. Regular ski boots force everyone's feet to line up parallel with the skis. This unnatural positioning of the feet puts great pressure on the skier's knees and causes knee and hip injuries over time. By adjusting the side supports 408, a skier can allow for the boot to line up at an angle to the base 102, which angle is the natural angle of the skier's feet when the skier stands. This way, the base 102 lines up with the skis and the skier's feet rest at their natural and comfortable angle, thereby reducing the pressure on knees and hips.
[0039] The boot is held in place at the rear of the frame 100 by an ankle support 110. In some embodiments the ankle support I 10 comprises a curved bar that is connected to either side of the base 102. In other embodiments the ankle support 110 comprises various bars are connected to either side of the base 102, for example, two bars intersecting each other, multiple bars attached vertically from the base of the base 102, or multiple curved bars attached starting from the heel leading up to the ankle. In some embodiments the ankle support 110 comprises metal for example a solid or perforated metal. In certain embodiments the ankle support 110 is made of one or more material including, but not limited, to iron, steel, titanium, composite metals, wood, a synthetic material, such as, but not limited to, plastics, carbon fibre, fibre glass, and the like, hard plastic or rubber.
[0040] In some embodiments a calf support 112 is connected to the ankle support 110.
The calf support 112 can be attached anywhere from the front to the rear of the ankle support 110. In some embodiments the calf support 112 comprises a curved metal bar attaching to either side of the ankle support 110. In other embodiments the calf support 112 comprises various bars attaching to either side of the ankle support 110, for example, two or more bars intersecting each other, multiple bars attached vertically from the base of the frame 102 or base of the ankle support 110, or multiple curved bars attached starting from the top of the ankle leading up to the calf. In some embodiments the calf support 112 comprises metal for example a solid or perforated metal. In certain embodiments the calf support 112 is made of one or more material including, but not limited, to iron, steel, titanium, composite metals, wood, a synthetic material, such as, but not limited to, plastics, carbon fibre, fibre glass, and the like, hard plastic or rubber.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, to keep the boot attached to the frame 100, some embodiments include boot straps located at, for example, but not limited to, the toe 302, ankle 304, and calf 306. In some embodiments, each of the straps 302, 304, 306 independently comprises various materials including but not limited to plastic, cloth, rubber, Kevlat. , or a combination thereof [0042] In some embodiments the toe strap 302 connects on either side of the frame 102 near the front. In some embodiments, the ankle strap 304 connects to either side of the ankle support 110 near the rear. In other embodiments the ankle strap 304 is located in various locations, for example, connected to either side of the metal frame 102 near the rear. In some embodiments the calf strap 306 is connected to opposite sides of the calf support 1 12 near the top. In other embodiments the calf strap 306 is attached in various locations, for example, either side of the calf support 112 near the middle or bottom.
[0043] In some embodiments, each of the straps 302, 304, 306 independently is connected to the frame 100 at one end and is loose at the other end. In these embodiments, after the boot is inserted into the frame 100, the loose end of the strap 302, 304, 306 is then attached to the frame 100 to hold the boot in place.
[0044] In other embodiments, both ends of each of the straps 302, 304, independently are connected to the frame 100. In these embodiments, after the boot is inserted into the frame 100 the straps 302, 304, 306 are tightened to secure the boot in place.
[0045] In some embodiments, the height of the heel binding 106 is adjustable. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the heel binding 106 comprises one or more plates 506. The user can add additional plates 506 in the location of the heel binding 106 thereby raising the height of the heel binding 106. In these embodiments, the plates 506 are secured in place using screws 504, which screw into holes 502. In some embodiments, for example the one shown in FIG. 5, two screws 504 secure the plates 506 in place. In other embodiments, additional screws are used. It is preferable to have at least two screws 504, because a single screw may result in the rotation of the plate 506 in place. FIG. 6 shows a side view of a heel binding 106 having four plates 506 held in place by screws 504.

[0046] In other embodiments (not shown), the user can turn a dial that cranks the heel binding 106 up or down and adjusts it to the desired height. By changing the height of the heel binding 106 the user raises or lowers the height of the boot heel, which results in a more 5 comfortable stance on the skis and provides greater control while skiing.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the boot attachment 100 will be described. Base 102 has a toe binding 104 and a heel binding 106 as previously described.
The boot attachment 100 has a boot receiver 114, with the lower portion retaining the foot I 0 portion of a boot (not shown), and the upper portion, including the ankle support 110 and the calf support 112, retaining the ankle portion of a boot. In this embodiment boot attachment 100 has a pivot 116 that connects boot receiver 114 to base 102. Pivot 116 allows movement of the boot receiver 114 about pivot 116, allowing the upper portion 118 of boot receiver 114 to move away from base 102. Pivot 116 preferably has an axis that is parallel to an upper face of the ski when boot attachment 100 is mounted to the ski. Pivot 116 is provided with a pivot lock 120 that allows pivot 116 to be selectively locked. Referring to FIG. 8, pivot lock 120 may have a first locking state where boot receiver 114 is adjacent to base 102, as shown, and referring to FIG. 9, pivot lock 120 may have a second locking state in which boot receiver 114 is pivoted about pivot 116 relative to base 102, as shown. Pivot lock 120, may, for example, be two separate locking mechanisms as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 or may be a single locking mechanism as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10. Separate locking mechanisms may be used when more than one locking position is desired, or when a more secure lock may be desired.
[0048] Pivot lock 120 may take various forms, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. For example, pivot lock 120 may be a pin connection or other releasable connection that is spaced from pivot 116 and connects boot receiver 114 to base 102 such that boot receiver 114 is prevented from being rotated away from base 102. Pivot lock 120 may also be positioned at pivot 116, and may be incorporated into pivot 116. In addition, pivot lock 120 .. may have multiple locking positions in addition to the position shown in FIG. 8. For example, pivot lock 120 may have one or more positions that lock boot receiver 114 at an angle relative to base 102, which may be useful in some back-country applications. In this case, pivot lock 120 may have multiple components, such as a locking arm (not shown) that folds down from boot receiver 114 to hold it at an angle. Alternatively, if pivot lock 120 is located at pivot 116, pivot lock 120 may engage pivot 116 to secure it in one or more positions.
[0049] Pivot 116 is preferably placed towards toe binding 104 of boot attachment 100.
The location of pivot 116 may be varied depending on the type of boot that is to be received by boot attachment 100, the preferences of the user, or the intended use.
Pivot 116, may, for example, be placed at the end of the foot portion, and may cooperate with toe binding 104.
Pivot 116 may also be placed under the metatarsal region of the foot, allowing for the toe region to bend, raising the heel of the boot. For example, pivot 116 may be designed to allow the user to mimic a telemark style, in which case pivot 116 should be positioned to enhance this option. In another example, pivot 116 may be positioned immediately adjacent to the toe binding, such that the toes are not required to bend.
[0050] In use, pivot 116, in cooperation with pivot lock 120, allows boot attachment 100 to be used with different boots and different skis for different types of skiing. For example, a user may choose to use downhill, or alpine skis, with snowboarding boots, and by releasing pivot lock 120, may be able to engage in telemark style skiing, with movement of boot receiver 114 relative to base 102. Pivot lock 120 may also lock boot receiver 114 away from base 102, for example, to allow a user to engage in touring style skiing.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, boot attachment 100 may have selectively deployable traction enhancing devices 122. Selectively deployable traction enhancing devices 122 may take various forms, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
For example, selectively deployable traction enhancing devices 122 may be a gripping surface, an ice pick, a crampon, or other devices known for increasing traction on snow and ice.
Selectively deployable traction enhancing devices 122 may allow a user to safely travel over an icy region while skiing, or may be used for hiking or other activities while wearing skis. In one example, traction devices 122 may be deployed with pivot lock 120 holding boot receiver 114 1.7 in an angled position, to assist a user in scaling an inclined surface.
100521 Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, boot attachment 100 may have a rotatable attachment 124 that has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to an upper face of the ski when boot attachment 100 is mounted to the ski. Rotatable attachment 124 permits selective rotational movement of boot attachment 100 relative to the ski. As shown, rotatable attachment 124 allows boot receiver 114 to rotate relative to base 102.
However, it will be understood that rotatable attachment 124 may also allow base 102 to rotate relative to the ski.
Rotatable attachment 124 may also allow for horizontal movement of boot receiver 114 along base 102, allowing boot receiver 114 to move closer to either toe binding 104 or heel binding 106. As discussed above, for many users, a position having feet and knees directly parallel to the skis can be uncomfortable and cause joint strain or other injury.
Rotatable attachment 124 may be selectively rotated to allow a user to place their feet in a more natural and comfortable position.
[0053] Rotatable attachment 124 may also be used to allow different types of snow activities, as discussed above. For example, it may be possible to attach two skis to mimic the shape of d snowboard, or to provide a detachable snowboard that allows a snowboard to mimic skis. In this case, rotatable attachment 124 may be used to assist in the conversion.
Referring to FIG. 14 and 15, this may be enhanced by designing base 102 to have a track 126 that allows boot receiver 114 to travel along the length of the ski/snowboard, such that, when converting to a snowboard position, one foot may be moved forward and the other foot moved back prior to pivoting boot receiver 114 to ensure the feet are properly spaced in the snowboard position. In this case, the pivot may be placed at the toe of one boot receiver and the heel of the other boot receiver in a pair of bindings, such that the bindings are able to remain immediately above the ski or the snowboard, depending on the pivotal position.
Alternatively, rotatable attachment 124 may also permit boot receiver 114 to shift the length of boot receiver 114. It will be understood that, while track 126 is shown as part of base 102, an alternate design may have base 102 or the bindings to which base 102 is attached mounted on a track. Similarly, rotatable attachment 124 may be designed to permit rotation between boot receiver 114 and base 102, or may be designed to permit rotation between base 102 and the top surface of the ski.
[0054] It will be understood that the features described above may be used individually, or in cooperation, depending on the desires of a user. For example, boot attachment 100 may have only a pivot 116 and a pivot lock 120 that allow a user to use boot attachment 100 as either a downhill ski when pivot lock 120 is locked, or as a telemark ski when pivot lock 120 is released. Alternatively, boot attachment 100 may have a pivot lock which locks in both a position adjacent to base 102 and a position pivoted relative to base 102, and may have selectively deployable traction enhancing devices 122. As another example, boot attachment 100 may have a rotatable attachment 124 that allows for adjustment of the angle of the feet and knees, in conjunction with pivot 116 allowing for movement of the boot receiver 114 relative to base 102.
[0055] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article ''a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
[0056] The scope of the following claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples above and in the drawings, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims (11)

What is Claimed is:

1. A boot attachment for attaching a boot to a ski, the ski having a toe binding and a heel binding that are adapted to engage a ski boot bottom, the boot having an ankle portion and a foot portion, the boot attachment comprising:
a base having a toe binding engagement profile and a heel binding engagement profile;
wherein, in use, the toe binding engagement profile releasably engages the toe binding of the ski and the heel binding engagement profile releasably engages the heel binding of the ski such that the base is releas ably mounted to the ski;
a boot receiver comprising:
a lower portion that extends between the toe binding engagement profile and the heel binding engagement profile, the lower portion being adapted to receive and retain a foot portion of the boot; and an upper portion positioned above the lower portion, the upper portion being adapted to receive and retain an ankle portion of the boot that extends above the foot portion of the boot;
a pivot connecting the boot receiver to the base, such that movement of the boot receiver about the pivot causes the upper portion of the boot receiver to move away from the base; and a pivot lock that selectively locks the pivot.

2. The boot attachment of claim 1, wherein the pivot lock comprises a first locking state in which the boot receiver is adjacent to the base and a second locking state in which the boot receiver is pivoted about the pivot relative to the base.

3. The boot attachment of claim 1, wherein the pivot connects the boot receiver to the base toward the toe binding engagement profile of the boot attachment.

4. The boot attachment of claim 1, wherein selectively locking the pivot changes a state of the boot receiver between a locked state and a movable state.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-14

5. The boot attachment of claim 1, further comprising selectively deployable traction enhancing devices.

6. The boot attachment of claim 1, further comprising a rotatable attachment having an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to an upper face of the ski when the boot attachment is mounted to the ski, the rotatable attachment permitting selective rotational movement of the boot attachment relative to the ski.

7. The boot attachment of claim 6, wherein the rotatable attachment is connected toward the toe binding engagement profile or toward the heel binding engagement profile.

8. The boot attachment of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the boot receiver is rigid.

9. The boot attachment of claim 1, wherein the pivot has an axis that is configured to be parallel to an upper face of the ski when the boot attachment is mounted to the ski.

10. The boot attachment of claim 1, wherein the base comprises two substantially parallel bars.

11. The boot attachment of claim 1, wherein the boot receiver comprises one or more curved bars and one or more straps connected at either end to the one or more curved bars.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-14