U.S. patent application number 09/801690 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-02 for interface device between a ski and the elements for retaining a boot on the ski, and the ski therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.. Invention is credited to Arduin, Joel, Huyghe, Christian, Phelipon, Axel, Szafranski, Pierre.
Application Number | 20010010420 09/801690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9523831 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010010420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arduin, Joel ; et
al. |
August 2, 2001 |
Interface device between a ski and the elements for retaining a
boot on the ski, and the ski therefor
Abstract
A ski equipped with an interface device having a plate that is
kept raised above the upper surface of the ski with a front
portion, a rear portion, and a non-extensible linkage. The ski has
in its middle sliding skid zone a zone where its two lateral side
edges are substantially parallel, each of the portions of the plate
being connected to the ski via two lower wings that extend beneath
the plate, both wings being pressed against the lateral side edges
of the ski, and each wing being fixed to the ski via a single
binding journal element. The invention also is directed to an
interface device and a ski considered separately.
Inventors: |
Arduin, Joel; (Metz-Tessy,
FR) ; Huyghe, Christian; (Gruffy, FR) ;
Phelipon, Axel; (Duingt, FR) ; Szafranski,
Pierre; (Metz-Tessy, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN
1941 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
|
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
9523831 |
Appl. No.: |
09/801690 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09801690 |
Mar 9, 2001 |
|
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09258157 |
Feb 26, 1999 |
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6227558 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/611 ;
280/11.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/00 20130101; A63C
9/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/611 ;
280/11.14 |
International
Class: |
A63C 001/24; A63C
009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 1998 |
FR |
98 02868 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A ski comprising: a middle sliding zone; opposite lateral sides
extending in said middle sliding zone; at least one recess
positioned in each of said lateral sides, at least said recesses on
said opposite lateral sides defining substantially parallel
upwardly extending bottom surfaces; at least two openings in each
of said lateral sides extending through at least one of said bottom
surfaces for respective binding journal elements, said two openings
in each of said lateral sides being spaced apart by a distance to
set back said two openings from ends of a boot to be supported on
the ski.
2. A ski according to claim 1, wherein: said at least two openings
comprises two series of openings in each of said lateral sides, all
of said openings of said two series of openings in each of said
lateral sides being spaced apart less than the length of the boot
to be affixed to the ski.
3. A ski according to claim 1, wherein: the ski further comprises
at least one upper surface; said openings in said lateral sides of
the ski are made during manufacture of the ski, said openings being
positioned for connection to a device for mounting the boot to the
ski, no connection openings extending through any of said at least
one upper surface of the ski.
4. A ski according to claim 1, wherein: each of said opposite
lateral sides has a determinate height in said middle sliding zone
of the ski; each of said bottom surfaces of said recesses has a
height extending along more than a majority of said determinate
height of said opposite lateral sides of the ski.
5. A ski according to claim 1, wherein: the ski further comprises a
neutral plane; said openings are centered in the vicinity of or
along said neutral plane of the ski.
6. A ski according to claim 1, further comprising: inserts
positioned in respective ones of said at least two openings in each
of said lateral sides to receive respective binding journal
elements therein, respective pairs of said openings on opposite
lateral sides being aligned.
7. A ski according to claim 1, further comprising: a single insert
extending transversely through the ski, from one of said openings
in one of said opposite lateral sides of the ski to a second of
said openings in a second of said opposite lateral sides of the
ski.
8. A ski according to claim 1, further comprising: a first insert
extending transversely through one of said openings in one of said
opposite lateral sides of the ski; a second insert extending
transversely through a second of said openings in a second of said
opposite lateral sides of the ski; said first and second inserts
being in alignment to define horizontal and transverse journal
axis.
9. A ski according to claim 6, further comprising: at least one
upper ski reinforcement layer having a lower surface; wherein said
inserts are flush with said lower surface of said at least one
reinforcement layer.
10. A ski according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one
lower ski reinforcement layer; a localized reinforcement in said
middle sliding zone of the ski, said localized reinforcement being
integrated into the structure of said ski supported on said lower
ski reinforcement layer, said localized reinforcement being
provided to receive a binding journal element.
11. A ski according to claim 1, wherein: two clamps are attached
and affixed onto the ski, said clamps having lateral sides
extending down along said lateral sides of the ski, and being
provided to receive binding journal elements.
12. A ski according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of said
openings is oblong.
13. A ski according to claim 1, having two lateral side edges,
wherein the lateral side edges have two lateral recesses and
wherein the openings open out on the base of these recesses.
14. A ski comprising: a middle sliding zone having opposite lateral
sides, at least in said middle sliding zone said ski comprising a
gliding sole, a lower reinforcement above said gliding sole,
running edges on opposite lower sides of the ski, an outer top
shell extending between said running edges, at least one upper
reinforcement beneath said shell, and a core structure positioned
between said upper reinforcement and said lower reinforcement; at
least one recess positioned in each of said lateral sides, at least
said recesses on said opposite lateral sides defining upwardly
extending bottom surfaces; at least two openings in each of said
lateral sides extending through at least one of said bottom
surfaces for respective binding journal elements; transversely
extending inserts positioned in respective ones of said at least
two openings to receive respective binding journal elements, said
inserts positioned beneath and bearing directly on said at least
one upper reinforcement.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/258,157, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated-by-reference thereto in its entirety
and the priority of which is claimed under 35 USC 120.
[0002] This application is also based upon French Application No.
98 02868, filed on Feb. 27, 1998, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety and priority of
which is claimed under 35 USC 119.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to an interface device between
a ski and the elements for retaining a boot on the ski.
[0005] The invention also relates to an assembly for retaining a
boot on a ski having the interface device, as well as to a ski
having the interface device.
[0006] 2. Description of Background and Relevant Information
[0007] International Patent Publication No. WO 96/35488 discloses
an interface device having an elongated plate on which the two
retaining elements are mounted. The plate is raised with respect to
the ski. It is connected to the ski in its middle part via two
projections whose distance can be adjusted. In addition, a shock
absorbing element is wedged between each end of the plate and the
ski.
[0008] Such a device generates greater concentrations of pressure
in the middle zone of the ski. In addition, since both retaining
elements are mounted on the same plate that is separate from the
beam of the ski, the ski is freed of the stresses generated by the
boot retaining elements.
[0009] This interface device provides satisfactory results because
it allows the ski to bend naturally and, in a turn, the ski follows
its trajectory along a normal curve. However, at high speeds, the
ski is subject to a certain amount of floating because the plate is
retained on the ski only over a short length. Furthermore, towards
the front and rear, the ski is freed over a greater length than a
traditional ski, this being due, in fact, to the manner by which
the plate is connected. As a result, this makes the ski more
sensitive to the vibrations caused by the surface contour of the
terrain, and the plate acts like an insulating device between the
boot and the ski.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the invention is to provide an interface device
of the aforementioned type that improves the conditions by which
the boot steers the ski, particularly providing a more fluid
steering of the ski when there are alternately large and small
curves to be taken, as well as the ski to which such interface
device is to be affixed.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an interface
device, and a ski therefor, that enables the ski to be freed
further in the area of its sliding surface.
[0012] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent in the course of the following description.
[0013] The interface device according to the invention has a plate
including a front portion with a mounting zone provided for a front
retaining element, a rear portion with a mounting zone provided for
a rear retaining element, and a non-extensible linkage between the
two front and rear portions. For each portion and on each side, it
has a lower wing that is set back with respect to the end of the
plate portion, the wing being designed to be pressed against a
lateral side edge of the ski, and for each wing a single journal
element for binding the wings to the ski.
[0014] In its middle sliding surface zone, the ski according to the
invention has a zone where its lateral side surfaces are
substantially parallel and, in such zone, each of the lateral side
edges of the ski has two openings or two series of openings
provided for a journal binding element.
[0015] The ski equipped with the interface device according to the
invention has a plate that is spaced above the upper surface of the
ski, including a front portion with a mounting zone provided for a
front retaining element, a rear portion with a mounting zone
provided for a rear retaining element, and a non-extensible linkage
between the two front and rear portions. In its central sliding
surface zone, the ski has a zone where both its lateral side edges
are substantially parallel; each of the plate portions is connected
to the ski via two lower wings that extend beneath the plate, and
is set back with respect to the end of the plate portion; the two
wings are pressed against the lateral side edges of the ski; and
each wing is fixed to the ski via a single binding journal
element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will be better understood with reference to
the following description and to the annexed drawings that form an
integral part thereof, whereby:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
interface device according to the invention, mounted on the middle
zone of a ski;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the elements of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the assembly
of FIG. 1 in the area of the rear linkage axis;
[0020] FIGS. 4 and 5 are constructional variations of the ski;
[0021] FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically show other constructional
variations of the ski;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment variation of the supports;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an exploded view relative to another embodiment of
the invention;
[0024] FIGS. 10 through 12 represent additional embodiments of the
invention; and
[0025] FIG. 13 represents a constructional variation of the
ski.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 represents the median part of a ski 1 that supports
an interface device 2 constructed according to a first embodiment
of the invention.
[0027] The device has an elongated plate 3, or plate assembly, that
extends above the ski, along the longitudinal direction defined by
the ski. The plate length is provided such that the plate supports
the boot and both of the bindings, or the retaining elements, for
the boot on the ski.
[0028] The plate 3 has a stiff front portion 4 which has on its
upper surface a mounting zone 5 provided for a front retaining
element. This element is adapted to retain the front end of a boot;
it is of a known type and is not described in greater detail
herein. Preferably, as can be seen from FIG. 1, the mounting zone 5
has two series of openings 6 and 7 that are provided for the
assembly screws of the front retaining element. These openings
allow the front element to be mounted in a variety of longitudinal
positions that depend on the length of the boot. In a variation,
the mounting zone 5 can also be a rail system provided to receive
the front retaining element along with a longitudinal latching
device. Any other equivalent construction would also suffice.
[0029] The plate 3 also has a stiff rear portion 8, with a mounting
zone 9 provided for a rear retaining element. This element is also
of a known type and is not detailed herein.
[0030] Both plate portions can be obtained from any appropriate
material, for example, plastic, reinforced or non-reinforced with
fibers.
[0031] The two plate portions 4 and 8 are connected via a
non-extensible connection 10. For example, as represented in FIG.
1, this linkage can be formed by a tongue having a reduced width,
originating from the first portion and assembled to the other
portion via a screw 11 or any other appropriate means. Preferably,
the end of the tongue is slidably housed in a groove 12 that
enables the total distance of the plate to be adjusted. That is,
the linkage opposes extension movement between the two plate
portions 4 and 8, but allows a contractive movement therebetween,
i.e., the linkage can be said to comprise a contractive,
non-extensible linkage or connection.
[0032] This is not restrictive. The linkage may equally well
disallow such an adjustment. It can also be formed by a cable or a
median portion that continuously connects the two front and rear
portions of the plate. It can also be formed by an attached blade,
each of whose ends is fixed to a portion of the plate.
[0033] The non-extensible nature of the linkage is important. It is
believed that in a vertical and longitudinal plane, stiffness in
bending is optional. In other words, the linkage could be flexible
and non-extensible.
[0034] Both plate portions are kept raised above the ski. Firstly,
the front and rear plate portions each rest on an elastic pad. The
pads are visible in FIG. 2, where they are referenced by numerals
14 and 15. These could be, for example, small plates made of an
elastomer. They are preferably located in the support plate zone of
the retaining elements, i.e., at the front and rear of the front
and rear plate portions, respectively. In addition to the elevation
of the plate portions, they create a filtering effect between the
plate portions and the ski.
[0035] Furthermore, the plate portions are each supported by two
lateral wings that are provided to extend down along the ski edges,
i.e., along the side surfaces of the ski. The wings are set back
with respect to the plate ends, i.e., their overall length is less
than the length of the plate along a longitudinal direction. In
this manner, the wings concentrate the forces transmitted between
the plate and the ski along the median part of the middle zone of
the ski.
[0036] Thus, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion of
the plate is supported by two lateral wings 17 and 18, and
likewise, the rear portion 9 is supported by the wings 19 and 20.
The wings are preferably located at the height of the front and
rear support plates of the boot retaining elements along a
longitudinal direction, i.e., in the front and rear zones of the
front and rear plate portions, respectively.
[0037] As shown in the drawings, the wings are the lower attached
support elements 21, 22, 23, 24 that are affixed two by two to the
front and rear portions 4 and 8. The supports can be made of any
appropriate material, especially metal, aluminum alloy or other, or
a plastic material, non-reinforced or reinforced with fibers. Any
appropriate means could suffice to affix the supports to the plate
portions. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the supports have
tabs that are engaged beneath the plate portions, with openings
provided for the binding screws. For the front portion, FIG. 2 also
represents a sort of projecting lateral ear 25 that is provided to
be engaged in an opening 26 of the support, whose shape and
dimensions are adjusted. For the rear portion, FIG. 2 shows
supports whose upper portion closes above the rear portion, the
rear portion having a recumbent "C" shaped section, open upwardly
and provided to receive the slide of the rear retaining element.
Other means to affix the supports to the plate portions could also
suffice; for example, the supports could be assembled via an
adhesive or welding onto the plate portions.
[0038] This constructional embodiment is not restrictive either,
and the wings could also be made in one piece with the front and
rear plate portions.
[0039] Like the pads, the wings preferably extend along the rear
part of the front portion, and along the front part of the rear
portion so as to realign the linkage zone between the plate and the
ski, and to leave the two ends of the ski raised and without any
linkage that would maintain it rigidly to the ski. However, one can
envision wedging an elastically compressible elastomer block
between one and/or the other of the two ends and the ski, so as to
control movements with a large amplitude of the ends of the ski, or
to prevent the ski from violently striking the rear of the rear
part or the front of the front part when there is substantial
bending.
[0040] The wings are provided to extend down along the lateral side
edges of the ski. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 2, towards
the center of its middle part, the ski has two recesses, or
recessed portions, 28 and 29, one in the area of each lateral side
surface. These recesses are provided to receive the wings 17, 18,
19, 20. One could also have four recesses, one for each wing. This
type of construction allows avoiding projecting elements along the
edges of the ski, which would reduce its edge gliding and behavior
of the ski in turns.
[0041] In the area of the running edges, the recesses create a
flange just above the running edge. Only the flange 30 can be seen
in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, the wings do not take support against
these flanges and stop a little above them so as avoid direct
contact with the running edges.
[0042] The wings are provided to be pressed against the lateral
walls of the ski formed by the upwardly extending bottom surfaces
of the recesses. The wings and the walls are substantially
vertical, i.e., perpendicular to the gliding surface of the ski.
This is not restrictive, and these surfaces could also be slightly
inclined in a converging manner towards the top of the ski, so as
to fit conically in the linkage between the wings and the walls of
the ski.
[0043] According to the invention, the wings are connected to the
ski structure via binding journal elements. That is to say, instead
of a fixed linkage of the plate or the supports to the ski, the
linkage between the plate and the ski is obtained here by a journal
that connects each wing to the ski structure. This journal allows a
relative rotation between the ski and the supports about the
transverse linkage axis that it defines. The filtering pads do not
resist this relative rotation; on the contrary, they contribute to
the freedom of the ski. The recesses 28 and 29 and their flanges
are also provided to allow such a movement. Preferably, this
journal element is located in the vicinity of the neutral plane of
the ski. Thus, the plate is raised with respect to the ski, it has
no fixed linkage with the upper surface of the ski, and it is
connected to the ski along two transverse linkage axes that extend
through the ski structure towards its neutral plane. Along a
longitudinal direction, the linkage axes are located in the area of
the wings, i.e., at the height of the pads 14 and 15, and the
support plates of the retaining elements. The ski is thus free
along a greater length. As can be seen, the openings would be
spaced apart a distance less than the length of a boot that would
be supported on the support plate 3. The longitudinal position of
the linkage axes with respect to the support plates is not
restrictive. Depending on the degree to which the pressure is
recentered towards the middle of the ski, or conversely, the degree
to which it is spread out, the axes can be located more towards the
interior, or conversely, towards the exterior with respect to the
support plates. It is also freed from the recovery torque of the
bindings when the ski bends. Moreover, since the linkage axes are
located beneath the upper surface of the ski, they are closer to
the neutral plane, and as a result, the relative movements between
the wings and the ski are of a very small amplitude.
[0044] A first embodiment is seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, FIG. 3
being a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the rear supports
to the ski. In a known manner, the ski has a gliding sole 34 topped
with a lower reinforcement layer 35 between the two lower running
edges 32 and 33. On top, the ski has an outer shell 36 that extends
down laterally to the running edges, and an upper reinforcement 37,
located beneath the shell and also extending down to the running
edges. Between the lower and upper reinforcement layers 35 and 37,
the ski structure has a core 38, which is of any appropriate type.
Other ski structures could also suffice. There could especially be
several lower and/or upper reinforcement layers.
[0045] FIG. 3 also shows the two lateral recesses 28 and 29 in
which the wings of the two rear supports 19 and 20 are housed; it
also shows the filtering pad 15, and the rear portion 8 of the
plate.
[0046] A traversing insert 40 extends through the ski structure
from side to side, opening out on each ski edge at the level of the
lateral surfaces of the recesses 28 and 29. In this way, the insert
extends through the two lateral side edges of the upper
reinforcement layer 37.
[0047] Preferably, the traversing insert is also flush with the
lower surface of the upper reinforcement layer 37, i.e., vertically
upwardly, it bears directly on the upper layer 37.
[0048] The traversing insert 40 is threaded at each of its
ends.
[0049] A second traversing insert 39, of the same type as the
insert 40, also extends through the ski in the area of the front
supports. The inserts are of any suitable material, for example,
aluminum alloy, steel or plastic material. For their assembly into
the ski, the ski is first bored with two openings 41, 42, and then
the traversing inserts are attached into the openings 41, 42. The
inserts can also be placed in the mold when the ski is
manufactured.
[0050] Across from the insert openings, each of the wings has an
opening 43, 44, 45, 46. Screws 47, 48, 49, 50 are screwed into the
inserts and ensure the connection of the supports to the ski.
[0051] Preferably, the openings 43 through 47 are countersunk at
their openings, and the screws 47 through 50 have countersunk
heads. The vertical position of the openings 43 through 46 is
moreover provided in such a way that the axes of the openings are
slightly raised with respect to the axes of the inserts when the
plate and the supports are merely placed on the ski with the
intermediate pads. In this way, by taking position in their
housings, the countersunk heads of the screws 47 through 50 force
the supports to come down, thus causing a slight compressive
pre-tension and a pinching of the pads 14 and 15. This promotes a
good linkage between the retaining elements and the ski for the
transmission of lateral supports. Any other appropriate means to
establish this pinching could also suffice. Additionally,
pre-tensing is preferred but not indispensable.
[0052] Each insert with its two binding screws defines a linkage
axis of the plate to the ski. The screws are the journal assembly
elements insofar as they allow a relative rotation of the wings and
the ski about the linkage axis.
[0053] Good results were obtained on an experimental basis with the
type of construction shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, by using
transversing inserts having a 6 mm diameter and threaded internally
for 5 mm screws.
[0054] FIG. 4 represents a variation where the traversing insert is
substituted via two simple inserts 52 and 53 that are embedded in
the core, and that open out on the side of each side edge of the
ski.
[0055] FIG. 5 relates to another variation. A clamp 55 made of
aluminum or another equivalent material is affixed to the upper
surface of the ski in the zone of the wings, for example, via
screws. The clamp has two lateral side edges that extend down along
the edges of the ski. The sides have threaded openings 56 and 57
that are made via any suitable means, especially via a flow
drilling technique or another equivalent technique, that achieves
the boring by forming a chimney-like portion, which is then
threaded.
[0056] According to FIG. 5, a lateral cut-out is provided for the
clamp edges, but it is not deep enough to house the wings. In this
regard, the depth of the cut-outs is not restrictive.
[0057] The other linkage axis is obtained with a clamp that is
similar to clamp 55. Both clamps are independent of each other, or
they can be connected by a linkage tongue or in another manner. In
this case, the linkage is preferably flexible so as not to hinder
the bending of the ski.
[0058] According to an alternative embodiment, instead of being
assembled via screws, the clamp is assembled via welding, i.e., it
is made from a material that is melted with the outer coating of
the ski, or it is coated with such a material. The clamp is welded
to the ski, for example, according to a vibration welding
technique, such as disclosed in the commonly owned French Patent
Publication 2 659 865.
[0059] Instead of having borings, the clamp could have projecting
threaded end pieces, or any other appropriate affixing means.
[0060] According to the constructional variation of FIG. 6, a
reinforcement 58, either metallic or made of a plastic material, is
inserted during the ski construction towards the center of its
middle zone. This reinforcement has a "U" shaped cross-section,
whose base takes support against the lower layer 59 of the
reinforcement, and the two wings 60, 61 extend along the ski edges.
Preferably, the upper parts of the wings are flush with the upper
reinforcement layer 62, at least locally in the zones of the
linkage axes.
[0061] Such a ski is equipped with inserts like the inserts 39, 40.
One could avoid the inserts altogether by using self-threading
screws, and by boring the ski at a diameter less than the screw
diameter, as for a traditional assembly of a retaining element on a
ski.
[0062] FIG. 7 relates to another variation according to which a
reinforcement 64 is also introduced into the ski structure when it
is manufactured. The reinforcement has a plate 65 that rests
against the lower reinforcement layer 66 and, in the area of the
two linkage axes, a transverse projection 67, 68. Each of the
projections is bored with a transverse opening 69, 70. Towards the
top, the projections preferably bear against the upper
reinforcement layer 71. In addition, the projections extend
transversely along the entire width of the ski, or only along two
segments located against each of the edges. The openings 69 and 70
can be threaded at the outset, or threaded by the binding screw
during the screwing process, as with the previous inserts.
[0063] According to FIG. 13, the ski is made with two transverse
reinforcements 105 and 106, that bulge on top and are located
beneath the upper reinforcement layer 109. These reinforcements are
made of aluminum, or a fiber-reinforced plastic material, for
example. They are each bored with an opening 107, 108 provided for
the journal, for example, screws. The screws can be assembled with
an insert, or they can be directly screwed into the reinforcements.
Such a construction allows ensuring a good retention of the screws,
and a good distribution of the forces along the upper reinforcement
layer in case of traction on the bindings. Additionally, these
reinforcements can be used for skis with small thicknesses.
[0064] Other variations could also be used. For example, instead of
being pressed against the edges of the ski, the wings could be
engaged in the longitudinal grooves obtained in the ski structure,
from the top.
[0065] FIG. 8 relates to a variation for the supports. According to
this variation, the supports 72 and 73 have a return 74, 75
provided to rest against the upper surface of the ski, in the
direction of the other pair of supports. These supports have a
stabilizing effect and block the rotation of the supports in the
direction in which they take support against the ski.
[0066] In a variation, the returns could be substituted by support
elements that originate from the rear portion of the plate.
[0067] Another variation is shown schematically in FIG. 9. Each
wing 77, 78, 79, 80 is bored with a series of assembly openings 81,
82, 83, 84 distributed along the longitudinal direction. The ski is
also bored with two series of openings 85, 86, each of them being
equipped, as necessary, with an insert or other appropriate
means.
[0068] A screw or other appropriate equivalent is used to assemble
each wing to the ski. The series of holes allows the wings to be
mounted in different longitudinal positions, depending on the
length of the boot and, if necessary, by also adjusting the
variable length of the linkage between the two plate portions. They
also allow selecting the position of the linkage axes on the ski,
through which the forces between the ski and the boot are
transmitted. In other words, it is possible to more or less bring
the two linkage axes closer to one another, and to offset them
towards the front or the rear. This characterizes the ski in wide
or tight turns. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the
invention provides for only one screw or other journal per
wing.
[0069] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of the invention. The
plate 88 is connected to the ski by the wings 89 and 91 of the
supports 90 and 92. One of the linkage axes of the wings to the ski
is embodied as a journal binding element 93, for example, a screw.
The other linkage axis is floating. Thus, according to the figure,
the rear journal 94 extends through the rear wings in the area of a
slot 95. The slot could also be placed at the front.
[0070] FIG. 11 embodies a variation where it is the ski that has a
slot 96 towards the rear for the rear journal 97. In this figure,
the supports have been removed to show the rear slot. The free
space between the rear journal 97 and the ends of the slot 96 could
be filled with blocks of shock-absorbing material.
[0071] According to the embodiment represented in FIG. 12, the
front wings 98 and the rear wings 99 are the front and rear parts
of a continuous frame 100. The front support forms one piece with
the rear support.
[0072] As was the case in FIG. 10, the front linkage axis is
embodied as a journal 101, and the rear connecting axis is
floating. FIG. 12 shows a free journal 102 in a slot 103 of the
wings. The slot could also be located in the ski as has been shown
in FIG. 11.
[0073] The instant description has only been provided by way of
example, and other embodiments of the invention could be envisioned
without leaving the scope thereof.
[0074] In particular, it is not essential for the linkage axes to
be precisely transverse, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the ski. The position of both the journal located on
both sides of the ski could be offset longitudinally, so that the
linkage axis becomes oblique with respect to the longitudinal
direction of the ski. This angular offset could be carried over,
but in an inverse manner on the other ski. It could create an
elastic return effect for the front and rear parts of the ski when
the ski bends, and promote the lateral deformation of the ski
during edge setting. In this way, it becomes possible to promote
the ski's curve grip in a turn by concentrating the supports more
on one side than the other of the ski.
[0075] Other variations are also contemplated according to the
invention with regard to the journal bindings. As has already been
stated, their longitudinal position on the ski could be different
from what has been described, i.e., instead of being located
towards one end of the front and rear plate portions, the wings
could be located more towards the center of the plate.
[0076] It is also contemplated that filtering spacers could be
provided between the linkage axes or screws and the wings.
[0077] For example, one could bore the wings at a diameter that is
greater than the diameter of the axis or the screw, and insert a
spacer or a stepped washer between the axis or the screw and the
wing. This washer could be made of suitable material and would form
a filtering spacer between the body, the axis or the screw, and the
inside of the wing hole, and possibly between the screw head and
the outer wall of the wing.
[0078] Finally, the invention could find an application in all
types of skis, including skis that have wasp-waisted side cuts,
wide skis, and short skis whose length is comprised between 0.50
and 1.50 meters.
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