U.S. patent application number 11/254376 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for releasable heel riser for ski binding.
Invention is credited to Peter Coles, Jim Engle.
Application Number | 20060087088 11/254376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36205508 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060087088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coles; Peter ; et
al. |
April 27, 2006 |
Releasable heel riser for ski binding
Abstract
The present invention relates to ski bindings. One embodiment of
the present invention relates to a releasable heel retention
system, which includes a base, a climbing bar, a climbing bar
interface member, and a heel throw. The base is coupled to a ski or
snow sport device in a fixed manner. The climbing bar is rotatably
coupled to the base to provide an extended and retracted position.
The climbing bar interface member is configured to bear against the
climbing bar in some manner when the heel is retained. In one
embodiment, the climbing bar interface member is rotatably coupled
to the climbing bar. Alternatively, the climbing bar interface
member may be shaped to selectively hook under the climbing bar
when the heel is retained. The heel throw is a lever type
releasable coupler for coupling to the heel region of a boot. The
heel throw is directly coupled to the climbing bar interface
member. In one embodiment, the heel throw and climbing bar
interface member are rotatably coupled to the climbing bar.
Alternatively, the heel throw and climbing bar interface member may
be coupled to a cable. The releasable heel retention system of the
present invention may be completely independent of any of binding
systems or used in conjunction with an existing binding system to
provide an improved multi-use binding.
Inventors: |
Coles; Peter; (Salt Lake,
UT) ; Engle; Jim; (Sandy, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER ASSOCIATES PLLC
470 EAST NINTH AVENUE
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84103
US
|
Family ID: |
36205508 |
Appl. No.: |
11/254376 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60621254 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/11.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 2201/06 20130101;
A63C 9/02 20130101; A63C 9/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/011.31 |
International
Class: |
A63C 1/04 20060101
A63C001/04 |
Claims
1. A releasable heel retention system for use with a ski binding,
comprising: a base fixeably coupled to a ski surface; a climbing
bar rotatably coupled to the base and configured to pivot between
an extended and retracted position with respect to the base; a heel
throw shaped to releasably couple to a heel portion of a boot; and
a climbing bar interface member coupled to the heel throw to
selectively bind against the climbing bar thereby binding the heel
portion of the boot to the ski surface.
2. The releasable heel retention system of claim 1, wherein the
climbing bar interface member is rotatably coupled to the climbing
bar.
3. The releasable heel retention system of claim 1, wherein the
releasable heel retention system is operationally independent of a
toe retention system.
4. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the heel throw is
coupled to a cable which extends from a toe region of the boot.
5. The releasable ski system of claim 4, wherein the cable is part
of a Telemark ski binding.
6. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the climbing bar
is shaped to bear on a heel portion of the boot when the heel throw
is coupled to the heel portion and the climbing bar interface
member is in contact with the climbing bar.
7. The releasable ski system of claim 6, wherein the climbing bar
is shaped to bear on an upper substantially flat surface of the
heel region of the boot when the heel throw is coupled to a lower
substantially flat surface of the heel region of the boot and the
climbing bar interface member is in contact with the climbing
bar.
8. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the climbing bar
is shaped to include a spring mechanism.
9. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the climbing bar
is shaped in a substantially rectangular shape.
10. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the heel throw is
configured to lever against a substantially flat lower cable groove
on the heel region of a boot.
11. A releasable heel retention system for use with a ski binding,
comprising: a base fixably coupled to a ski surface; a climbing bar
rotatably coupled to the base and configured to pivot between an
extended and retracted position with respect to the base; a heel
throw shaped to releasably couple to a heel portion of a boot; and
a climbing bar interface member rotatably coupled to the climbing
bar interface member.
12. A releasable heel retention system for use with a ski binding,
comprising: a base fixably coupled to a ski surface; a climbing bar
rotatably coupled to the base and configured to pivot between an
extended and retracted position with respect to the base; a heel
throw shaped to releasably couple to a heel portion of a boot,
wherein the heel throw is coupled to a cable which extends from a
toe region of the boot; and a climbing bar interface member coupled
to the heel throw to selectively hook under a portion of the
climbing bar thereby binding the heel portion of the boot to the
ski surface.
13. A method for releasably securing a heel region of a boot to a
ski, comprising the acts of: providing a heel retention system
which includes a base, a climbing bar, a heel throw, and a climbing
bar interface member; rotating the climbing bar to a position that
allows the heel region of the boot to contact the base; positioning
the heel region of the boot on top of the base; releasably securing
the heel throw to the heel region of the boot and the climbing bar
via the climbing bar interface member.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the act of releasably securing
the heel throw to the heel region of the boot and the climbing bar
via the climbing bar interface member further includes: hooking the
heel throw over a lower surface of the boot; and levering the heel
throw against the lower surface of the boot such that the heel
throw clasps against the boot.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the heel throw is rotatably
coupled to a cable which extends from a toe region of the boot, and
wherein the heel throw is coupled to the climbing bar interface
member.
16. The method of claim 15 further includes hooking the climbing
bar interface member under the climbing bar.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the heel throw is rotatably
coupled to the climbing bar via the climbing bar interface
member.
18. The method of claim 13 further includes hooking a portion of
the climbing bar over a surface of the boot.
19. The method of claim 14 further includes hooking a portion of
the climbing bar over an upper surface of the boot.
20. The method of claim 13 wherein the climbing bar includes a
spring mechanism.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/621,254 filed Oct. 22, 2004.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to ski bindings. In
particular, the present invention relates to a releasable heel
retention system.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Numerous snow sports involve binding a participant's lower
extremity to a surface to allow for gliding or riding over snow
covered surfaces. The exact binding configuration and surface
dimensions are different among the different snow sports. For
example, in alpine skiing and snowboarding, a participant's foot
and ankle region are bound to a ski or snowboard at both the toe
and heel at all times. Therefore, all foot movements are
transferred to the device/surface including pivoting, leaning,
rotating, etc. Whereas, in Telemark and cross-country skiing, a
participant's heel is never bound to a ski. A participant's foot is
thereby free to pivot independent of the ski. In Randonee or Alpine
Touring (AT) skiing, participant's switch between binding and
releasing their whole foot with respect to the ski to accommodate
going up or down. AT bindings usually include some form of rigid
plate or member, which extends between the toe and heel regions.
When the heel is released from the ski, the toe region is also
released to allow the entire foot to freely pivot with respect to
the ski. Likewise, when the heel is secured to the ski, the toe
region is also secured to the ski. Therefore, conventional bindings
either bind both the heel and toe regions to the ski at the same
time or bind only the toe region to the ski.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved
releasable heel retention system that is capable of independently
releasably binding the heel region of boot to a ski or
snowboard.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention relates to ski bindings. One
embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable heel
retention system, which includes a base, a climbing bar, a climbing
bar interface member, and a heel throw. The base is coupled to a
ski or snow sport device in a fixed manner. The climbing bar is
rotatably coupled to the base to provide an extended and retracted
position. The climbing bar interface member is configured to bear
against the climbing bar in some manner when the heel is retained.
In one embodiment, the climbing bar interface member is rotatably
coupled to the climbing bar. Alternatively, the climbing bar
interface member may be shaped to selectively hook under the
climbing bar when the heel is retained. The heel throw is a lever
type releasable coupler for coupling to the heel region of a boot.
The heel throw is directly coupled to the climbing bar interface
member. In one embodiment, the heel throw and climbing bar
interface member are rotatably coupled to the climbing bar.
Alternatively, the heel throw and climbing bar interface member may
be coupled to a cable. The releasable heel retention system of the
present invention may be completely independent of any of binding
systems or used in conjunction with an existing binding system to
provide an improved multi-use binding. These and other features and
advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will
become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in
the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized
and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the
features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the
practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description,
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention
will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
releasable heel retention system in a raised climbing
configuration;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
releasable heel retention system in which the climbing bar is
rotated out of the extended configuration to allow the boot to
contact the base in transition from the raised climbing
configuration to either the lowered or locked configuration;
[0011] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
releasable heel retention system in a lowered configuration;
[0012] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
releasable heel retention system in a locked or retained
configuration in which the heel portion of the boot is retained
with respect to the ski;
[0013] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a releasable heel retention system in a raised climbing
configuration;
[0014] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a releasable heel retention system in which the climbing bar is
rotated out of the extended configuration to allow the boot to
contact the base, and wherein the climbing bar interface member is
hooked under the climbing bar in transition from the raised
climbing configuration to the locked configuration;
[0015] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a releasable heel retention system in a lowered configuration;
and
[0016] FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a releasable heel retention system in a locked or retained
configuration in which the heel portion of the boot is retained
with respect to the ski;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present invention relates to ski bindings. One
embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable heel
retention system, which includes a base, a climbing bar, a climbing
bar interface member, and a heel throw. The base is coupled to a
ski or snow sport device in a fixed manner. The climbing bar is
rotatably coupled to the base to provide an extended and retracted
position. The climbing bar interface member is configured to bear
against the climbing bar in some manner when the heel is retained.
In one embodiment, the climbing bar interface member is rotatably
coupled to the climbing bar. Alternatively, the climbing bar
interface member may be shaped to selectively hook under the
climbing bar when the heel is retained. The heel throw is a lever
type releasable coupler for coupling to the heel region of a boot.
The heel throw is directly coupled to the climbing bar interface
member. In one embodiment, the heel throw and climbing bar
interface member are rotatably coupled to the climbing bar.
Alternatively, the heel throw and climbing bar interface member may
be coupled to a cable. The releasable heel retention system of the
present invention may be completely independent of any of binding
systems or used in conjunction with an existing binding system to
provide an improved multi-use binding. Also, while embodiments of
the present invention are directed towards a releasable heel
retention system, the teachings of the present invention are also
applicable to other areas.
[0018] The following terms are defined:
[0019] Ski--any type of snow sport platform device including but
not limited to an alpine ski, a cross country ski, a snowboard, a
powder ski, etc.
[0020] Boot--any lower extremity covering apparatus including but
not limited to a ski boot, a snowboard boot, a hiking boot, a shoe,
etc.
[0021] Toe retention system--a binding system that releasably binds
the toe region of a boot to a ski.
[0022] Heel retention system--a binding system that releasably
binds the heel region of a boot to a ski.
[0023] Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1A-D, which illustrate
one embodiment of a releasable heel retention system, designated
generally at 100. The system 100 includes a boot 120, a toe binding
105, and a releasable heel binding 140. The illustrated releasable
heel binding 140 is configured to operate independently of the toe
binding 105. The illustrated toe binding 105 is configured to
releasably secure the toe portion 122 of the boot 120 to the ski
(not shown for illustration purposes). The boot 120 further
includes an ankle region 124, an upper surface 126, and a lower
surface 128. The upper and lower surfaces 126, 128 are disposed on
the lower heel region of the boot. The upper and lower surfaces
126, 128 are substantially flat surfaces that are substantially
parallel to the bottom surface of the boot 120.
[0024] The releasable heel retention system 140 is configured to
releasably secure the heel portion of the boot 120 to a ski for
particular skiing configurations including but not limited to
alpine, Randonee, snowboarding, etc. The releasable heel retention
system 140 includes a base 144, a climbing bar 146, a heel throw
142, and a climbing bar interface member 148. The base 144 is a
substantially rigid platform that is generally coupled directly to
the ski. The base 144 provides a platform on top of which the heel
portion of the boot 120 can make contact. It is preferable for the
height of the base 144 to be approximately equal to the height of
the toe binding system 105 such that the boot 120 can be extended
substantially parallel to the ski.
[0025] The climbing bar 146 is rotatably coupled to the base 144 to
allow the climbing bar 146 to rotate in the manner shown in FIGS.
1A-1D. In particular, the climbing bar 146 can be positioned in an
extended climbing position shown in FIG. 1A or a lowered position
shown in FIG. 1C. Conventional climbing bars 146 are used
selectively to provide leverage when ascending a snow-covered
slope. In the illustrated extended configuration, the heel region
of the boot 120 is supported at a particular elevated height. In
accordance with the present invention, the climbing bar 146 can
also be selectively utilized to releasably bind the heel region of
the boot 120 directly to the base 144, as shown in FIG. 1D.
Therefore, the climbing bar 146 provides multiple functions without
significantly increasing the overall weight. The illustrated
climbing bar 146 is shaped to include a spring biasing mechanism.
The spring biasing mechanism expands the range of boots 120 which
can be releasably retained. Alternatively, the climbing bar 146
could be shaped in a conventional rectangular shape and remain
consistent with the present invention. For example, a conventional
climbing bar could be modified to include a heel throw and climbing
bar interface member, and remain consistent with the present
invention.
[0026] The heel throw 142 is a lever coupling mechanism that
releasably couples to the heel region of the boot 120. In the
illustrated embodiment, the heel throw 142 is rotatably coupled to
the climbing bar 146 via the climbing bar interface member 148. The
heel throw 142 is shaped to initially hook onto and lever against
the lower surface 128 of the heel portion of the boot, as shown in
FIGS. 1B and 1D. The heel throw 142 includes lower hooking portion,
a medial connection portion, and an upper lever portion. The shape
of the illustrated climbing bar 146 has the additional benefit of
displacing the heel throw 142 in the climbing configuration shown
in FIG. 1A. This displacement may be useful to prevent interference
between the boot 120 and the climbing bar 146 during ascent.
[0027] The climbing bar interface member 148 is coupled directly to
the heel throw 142 and rotatably coupled to the climbing bar 146.
Alternatively, the climbing bar interface member 148 could be
integrated with the heel throw 142 as a single member. The climbing
bar interface member 148 interfaces the heel throw 142 with the
climbing bar 142. This interface is particularly significant
because the heel throw 142 is configured to releasably couple with
the heel region of the boot and the climbing bar 146 is coupled to
the base 144. Therefore, if the climbing bar 142 is interfaced with
the heel throw 142, the heel region of the boot 120 is effectively
bound to the base 144. Various climbing bar interface member
configurations may be used and remain consistent with the present
invention.
[0028] In operation, the climbing bar 146 is positioned or rotated
into a raised configuration to facilitate efficient snow ascension,
as illustrated in FIG. 1A. The heel of the boot 120 is elevated
providing additional leverage during ascent. In addition, the shape
of the climbing bar 146 displaces the heel throw 142 below the
contact between the boot 120 and the climbing bar 146 in the raised
configuration. The climbing bar 146 may also be configured to lock
into the raised configuration to prevent inadvertent rotation
during ascension. The climbing bar 146 may then be rotated out of
the raised configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1B
illustrates a transitional position in which the climbing bar 146
is rotated away from the boot 120 a particular distance to allow
the boot to extend down to the base 144. From the transitional
position illustrated in FIG. 1B, a user can either transition to
the lowered configuration illustrated in FIG. 1C or the locked
configuration illustrated in FIG. 1D. The lowered configuration
illustrated in FIG. 1C involves rotating the climbing bar 146
completely away from the boot 120 to prevent interference. The
climbing bar 146 may also be configured to lock in this lowered
configuration to prevent inadvertently rotating up and causing
undesired interference between the boot 120 and the base 144.
[0029] The locked configuration illustrated in FIG. 1D facilitates
releasably binding the boot 120 to the base 144. The locked
configuration is accomplished by levering the heel throw 142
against the lower surface 128 of the boot 120 thereby releasably
coupling to the boot. The heel throw 142 exerts a binding force
upon the lower surface 128 of the boot 120. In addition, the
climbing bar 146, which is coupled to the base 144, opposes any
separational forces via the climbing bar interface member 148
coupled to the heel throw 142. The illustrated climbing bar 146 is
also shaped to hook onto an upper surface 126 of the boot to
further oppose separational forces between the boot 120 and the
base 144. The locked configuration is released or disengaged by
releasing or pivoting the heel throw 142 away from boot 120. In
addition, the climbing bar 146, climbing bar interface member 148,
and heel throw 142 can be configured to automatically release if
the boot 120 exerts a particular rotational or lateral force.
[0030] Reference is next made to FIGS. 2A-D, which illustrate an
alternative embodiment of a releasable heel retention system,
designated generally at 200. The alternative releasable heel
retention system 200 includes a boot 220, a releasable heel binding
240, and a cable 207. In this embodiment, the heel binding 240 is
not independent of other systems because of the necessity of the
cable 207. However, this system illustrates that an existing toe
binding system such as Telemark binding could be modified to
incorporate an optional heel binding system. The boot 220 includes
an ankle region 224, an upper surface 226, and a lower surface 228
analogous to the boot illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0031] The base 244 and climbing bar 246 are shaped and configured
in substantially the same manner as the corresponding components
described in reference to FIGS. 1A-1D. However, The heel throw 242
is rotatably coupled to the cable 207 as illustrated. The
illustrated cable 207 is part of an existing toe binding system
such as a Telemark binding. This configuration is particularly
useful for modifying an existing binding system to incorporate a
selective heel retention system in accordance with the present
invention. In addition, the climbing bar interface member 248 is
coupled directly to the heel throw 242 and not the climbing bar
246. The climbing bar interface member 248 is shaped to include a
hooked region such that it can be selectively hooked under the
climbing bar 246 when retaining the heel of the boot 220 to the
base 244 in the locked mode, illustrated in FIG. 2D.
[0032] In operation, the climbing bar 246 is positioned or rotated
into a raised configuration to facilitate efficient snow ascension,
as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The heel of the boot 220 is elevated
providing additional leverage during ascent. The climbing bar 246
may also be configured to lock into the raised configuration to
prevent inadvertent rotation during ascension. The climbing bar 246
may then be rotated out of the raised configuration, as illustrated
in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2B illustrates a transitional position in which
the climbing bar 146 is rotated away from the boot 220 a particular
distance to allow the boot to extend down to the base 244. The
climbing bar interface member 248 is hooked under the climbing bar
246 to initiate the transition to the locked configuration. From
the transitional position illustrated in FIG. 2B, a user can
transition to the locked configuration illustrated in FIG. 2D by
levering the heel throw 242 against the lower surface 228 towards
the ankle region 224 of the boot 220. Alternatively, a user could
disengage the heel throw 242 and rotate the climbing bar 246 to
transition into the lowered configuration illustrated in FIG. 2C.
The climbing bar 246 may also be configured to lock in the lowered
configuration to prevent inadvertently rotating up and causing
undesired interference between the boot 220 and the base 244.
[0033] Thus, as discussed herein, the present invention relates to
ski bindings. In particular, the present invention relates to a
releasable heel retention system. The present invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit
or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
[0034] What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent
is:
* * * * *