U.S. patent application number 11/497120 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for device for connecting a sports shoe to a sports device, comprisisng a locking device.
Invention is credited to Johann Schaidreiter.
Application Number | 20070102899 11/497120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37402689 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070102899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schaidreiter; Johann |
May 10, 2007 |
Device for connecting a sports shoe to a sports device, comprisisng
a locking device
Abstract
The invention describes a device (1) for connecting a sports
shoe (2) with a sports device (3), in particular a shoe with a
snowboard or a ski, or for braking a sports device (3), consisting
of least one of the device parts (4), such as a toe piece (7), a
heel piece (6), a binding plate (8), a brake device (5) and a
locking mechanism (9) allocated to at least one of said device
parts (4), which is arranged in one of said device parts (4) and
comprises a locking bar (14), which can be displaced relative to a
base part (11) of the device parts (4) and can be secured and
locked at least in one of its end positions by a locking device
(10). The locking bar (14) can be displaced from a position of rest
(15) lying outside the user-defined movement space between the base
part (11) and an adjusting element (46) of the device parts (4) or
between at least one of the latter and the shoe, into a locked
position (16) projecting in this movement space over at least one
of the device parts (4) or its base or adjusting element (11, 46)
and can be secured at least in the locked position by the locking
device (10).
Inventors: |
Schaidreiter; Johann;
(Kleinarl, AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM COLLARD;COLLARD & ROE, P.C.
1077 NORTHERN BOULEVARD
ROSLYN
NY
11576
US
|
Family ID: |
37402689 |
Appl. No.: |
11/497120 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/617 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 7/1013 20130101;
A63C 9/08 20130101; A63C 10/28 20130101; A63C 11/005 20130101; A63C
9/08507 20130101; A63C 9/085 20130101; A63C 9/0842 20130101; A63C
9/0844 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/617 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/00 20060101
A63C009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 2, 2005 |
AT |
A1300/2005 |
Claims
1. Device (1) for connecting a sports shoe (2) with a sports device
(3), in particular a shoe with a snowboard or a ski, or for braking
a sports device (3), consisting of at least one of the device parts
(4), such as a toe piece (7), a heel piece (6), a binding plate
(3), a brake device (5) and a locking mechanism (9) allocated to at
least one of said device parts (4), which is arranged in one of
said device parts (4) and comprises a locking bar (14), which can
be displaced relative to a base part (11) of the device parts (4)
and can be secured and locked at least in one of its end positions
by a locking device (10), wherein the locking bar (14) can be
displaced from a position of rest (15) lying outside the
user-defined movement space between the base part (11) and an
adjusting element (54) of the device parts (4) or between at least
one of the latter and the shoe, into a locked position (16) in this
movement space projecting over at least one of the device parts (4)
or its base or adjusting element (11, 54) and can be secured at
least in the locked position by the locking device (10).
2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14) in
the locked position (16) is arranged in a free space (53)
accessible from the outside between the device parts (4) or the
parts of the device parts (4) that are adjustable relative to one
another, such as the base part (11), the adjusting part (54) or the
like.
3. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14)
secures the adjusting element (54) of the device parts (4) in one
of its end positions
4. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14) of
the locking mechanism (9) in its locked position (16) secures the
adjusting element (54) of the brake device (5) in its brake
position (13).
5. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14) of
the locking mechanism (9) in its locked position (16) projects via
the binding plate (3) into the movement area required for inserting
a ski shoe (2) between the toe and heel pieces (7, 6).
6. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14) of
the locking mechanism (9) in its locked position (16) projects over
the device parts (4) into the movement area required for inserting
the shoe and is secured.
7. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14)
with the locking device (10) can be designed to be adjustable
between its position of rest and locked position (15, 16).
8. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14) is
secured at least in its locked position (16) to a locking element
(23) of the locking device (10).
9. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking element
(23) partly overlaps the locking bar (14).
10. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) consists of a lock element (22), the locking elements (23) with
a locking device (10) and is arranged in one of the device parts
(4).
11. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock element (22)
of the locking device (10) is arranged in one of the device parts
(4), and its locking element (23) projects over the latter up to
the locking bar (14).
12. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) and/or the locking device (10) or at least its lock element
(22) or locking elements (23) is allocated a heating element
(25).
13. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a heating element (25)
is allocated to the locking bar (14).
14. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a switch in the form
of a push button or a screw is allocated to the heating element
(25).
15. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least the locking
element (23) or the locking bar (14) is made from a material with
low adhesive strength for snow and/or ice.
16. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14)
is arranged between the brake pedal (12) and the base part (11) of
the brake device (5).
17. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device
(10) for the locking bar (14) is incorporated into the brake pedal
(12).
18. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device
(10) is arranged for arresting and locking the locking bar (14), at
least in the base part (11) of the brake device (5).
19. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) with its locking device (10) is arranged in the holding part
(30).
20. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) with its locking device (10) in the holding part (30) is
provided with a recess (32) that is freely accessible from the
outside.
21. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) comprises several locking bars (14).
22. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar (14)
is arranged in a groove-shaped depression (35).
23. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) with its locking device (10) consists of an external lock
element (22) with its locking elements (23) and its key (13).
24. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a position in a
locking mechanism (9) is determined for the external lock element
(22) by a bore (41) and said lock element (22) is inserted into the
latter for locking.
25. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) with its locking device (10) and its lock element (22) is
arranged in either the heel piece (6) and/or the toe piece (7).
26. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) with its locking device (10) and its lock element (22) is
arranged in one of the sections between the heel piece (6) and the
toe piece (7).
27. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking device
(10) can be mounted onto one of the device parts (4).
28. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
(9) can be pivoted, adjusted, fixed and locked by the device (1)
onto one of the holding elements (49, 50) for a sports shoe (2) on
a base plate (55).
29. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock element (22)
of the locking mechanism (9) in its locked position projects
through a calf support (51) hinged pivotably on a base plate (55)
of the device (1) and turned towards the latter into a bore (41) in
the binding plate.
30. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base plate (55) in
the front region of the device (1) for a sports shoe (2) is
allocated a holding stirrup (52), which is pivotably mounted about
a pivot axis (33), and the latter is prevented from opening by
means of a locking mechanism (9) in the front lateral web of the
device (1).
31. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein preferably an
adjustable cover is allocated to the locking mechanisms (9).
32. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the external lock
element (22), that can be inserted if necessary into one of the
device parts (4), is locked when the locking bar (14) in the device
part (4) is in the locked position (16).
33. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lock element (22)
with the locking bar (14) in the position of rest (15) can be
removed from the device part (4).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a device, as described in the
preamble of claim 1.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] A ski binding with a lock and a locking mechanism for
securing a winter sports device is already known--WO 01/95985 A--,
in which the locking mechanism is fixed onto a winter sports device
in the form of a ski, ski binding, ski stick, snowboard or the
like, and the locking mechanism is accommodated on or in a cavity
of a component belonging to a winter sports device and operates
independently of fixed structures (ski-holders, guard rails or the
like). The disadvantage of this embodiment is that the locking
mechanism is arranged in a cavity of the binding parts of a ski
binding, and therefore neither the locking mechanism nor the
locking bar are accessible from the outside. If after use or whilst
the ski is locked liquid collects or freezes in the locking
mechanism or between the locking bar and the individual binding
parts it is very difficult even for a legitimate user to use the
winter sports device again.
[0005] Further embodiments known from the prior art which comprise
a locking mechanism for securing a winter sports device are found
for example in DE 101 28 556 A1 or DE 103 30 429 A1 or DE 103 39
132 A1.
OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The objective of the invention is to install a securing
device in a device for connecting a sports shoe to a sports device,
in particular a shoe to a snowboard or a ski to avoid theft, which
permits reliable operation in all operating conditions.
[0007] This objective of the invention is achieved by means of the
features described in the characterising part of claim 1. It is an
advantage in this case that the lock element is displaced in its
locked position in a position projecting beyond the device part, so
that a visual control of the lock is possible in a simple manner,
in particular it is not possible to climb in or out of the binding,
and also by securing the locking bar its mobility can be restored
again by a rapid accessibility.
[0008] According to a development in claim 2 it is an advantage
that the lock element is pivoted in a free space between the
moveable locking part and the fixed base part and is thereby
accessible to the user via this free space. If after locking the
locking device freezing occurs between the locking bar and the
adjacent device part or the sports device, the latter is easily
accessible and the frozen parts can be quickly eliminated by
mechanical means or by the direct application of heat or suitable
de-icing fluids.
[0009] The embodiment variant according to claim 3 also ensures
that the locking part secures the adjusting part of the device
parts in one of its end positions and thereby makes it impossible
to climb into the usable movement area. Because the locking bar
lies or bears in its end position on the base part there is no
possibility of entering the usable movement area by force.
Furthermore, due to the lifted brake element there is sufficient
free space, which is easily accessible from all sides and thus can
be easily released if stuck. In this instance it is possible to
proceed using mechanical as well as releasing means.
[0010] The additional embodiment according to claim 4 has the
advantage that the sports device is held by its device and its
brake device in a brake position, whereby it is impossible to move
away with the sports device, as in order to use the sports device
the brake device would need to be in drive position.
[0011] Furthermore, the arrangement in the region of the brake has
the advantage of being a simple additional arrangement, in that the
housing of the complex structured device parts, such as the toe
piece and the heel piece, is not needed for installation and its
complicated structure is not made even more complex.
[0012] The external locking device also has the advantage that in
the case of damage or vandalism it can be very easily replaced. The
internal arrangement of the locking device has the advantage that
suitable lubrication means and the like can be provided, which
prevent the freezing and sticking of the locking device even at
extreme temperatures.
[0013] The additional design according to claim 5 has the advantage
that the locking bar in its locked position projects over the
binding plate into the one for inserting the ski shoe or the usable
movement area between the toe and heel piece, and thus makes it
impossible to climb into the required movement area. The locking
bar can in this case be arranged on the entire device, which does
not permit the insertion of the shoe. This is also achieved by
means of the features according to claim 6.
[0014] The design according to claim 7 has the advantage that the
locking mechanism with its locking device is designed to be
adjustable between a position of rest and a locked position, i.e.
by swivelling the locking bar into a locked position it is not
possible to enter in the locked state, but in the position of rest
it is possible to climb into and use the device without any
difficulty.
[0015] The design according to claim 8 is also advantageous. In
this case locking elements are allocated to the locking bar with
its locking device which permit additional securing at least in its
locked position. In this way the locking mechanism becomes even
more secure.
[0016] In the design according to claim 9 it is an advantage that
the locking bar is overlapped by locking elements and in this way
additional security is provided when locking and against unwanted
removal.
[0017] In an embodiment according to claim 10, it is an advantage
that the installation of the locking device into the device parts
can be performed easily, the latter being highly secure in a locked
state against attempted removal or attempted theft.
[0018] The embodiment according to claim 11 has the advantage that
the lock element can be kept very small if the locking elements
stick out or protrude.
[0019] A further embodiment according to claim 12 provides a
heating element which can be activated in case of emergency and can
easily be activated if the binding has become frozen or stuck and
the locking mechanism can be released despite the ice.
[0020] An additional advantageous embodiment is achieved by the
features in claim 13 as here a heating element is allocated to the
locking bar which permits the correct use of the winter sports
device.
[0021] In the embodiment according to claim 14 the simple operation
of the heating element by means of a push button or a screw is
advantageous.
[0022] In a development according to claim 15 it is advantageous
that by means of the material used any sticking of the locking
device or freezing of the parts of the device is prevented.
Furthermore, by means of special lubricants which are brought into
contact with said parts the adhesion of snow and ice is reduced and
thereby freezing is prevented at very low temperatures.
[0023] The development according to claim 16 and claim 17 has the
advantage that the arrangement of the locking device in the brake
pedal has sufficient space and is easily accessible from all sides,
and therefore the installation can be made easier without great
effort and greater accessibility can also be achieved.
[0024] The embodiment according to claim 18 is advantageous, since
as the locking bar of the locking mechanism sits on the base part
of the brake device in a locked state, the brake device cannot be
moved into the desired drive position. As the brake device is held
in a locked state in brake position, operation as well as entry
into this device is made impossible. Of course, the lock element
can also be arranged on the base part, so that the locking bar acts
on the brake pedal, whereby the same effect is achieved.
[0025] The embodiments according to claim 19 and 20 have the
advantage that here a freely accessible locking mechanism is
created, which is accessible through several free spaces and
therefore operability can be restored at any time in cases of
freezing or sticking and in case of damage it can be easily removed
and replaced by a new locking mechanism.
[0026] The embodiment according to claim 21 is advantageous, as by
providing several locking bars security against forced opening is
considerably increased.
[0027] The embodiment according to claim 22 has the advantage that
the locking bar is arranged in its groove-shaped depression with a
relatively large spacing on all sides. The free space obtained in
this way means that the locking mechanism is easily accessible and
in the case of sticking can easily be released both mechanically
and by de-icing means. Furthermore, this embodiment can be very
small and space-saving in all areas of the device.
[0028] By means of the embodiment according to claim 23 the design
of the locking mechanism can be made secure and stable, so that it
can also not detached even by the effect of extreme force.
[0029] It is advantageous according to claim 24 that the locking
mechanism or the external lock element is only used for locking
into the device, whereby during the use of the sports device the
device is reduced by the weight of the lock part.
[0030] As the external lock element is carried on the body or in a
trouser pocket, the latter is exposed to the body temperature of a
person, which can be useful in itself for releasing the locking
device to start with. Also when the locking mechanism is in a
locked position the key can be heated by means of a lighter or the
like to release the lock.
[0031] The embodiment variants according to claims 25 and 26 make
it possible for the lock element to be arranged in the whole
binding area. The position of locking mechanism can be selected as
desired by the inventor. It is important that it is easy to operate
and if necessary is easily accessible.
[0032] The embodiment according to claim 27 permits a further
advantageous design of the locking mechanism, as due to the
possible mounting the mechanism parts do not have a more complex
structure and this is avoided.
[0033] An embodiment according to claim 28 is advantageous. Here
entry into the device or setting and/or adjusting the holding
elements is prevented. In this way the latter in the locked state
cannot be fitted onto the foot of a user or with too short a
distance it is not possible to climb into the device.
[0034] In a further embodiment according to claim 29 it is an
advantage that by pushing the lock element through the hole of the
pivoted calf support into the bore of the binding plate after
locking, the pivoting of the calf support is made impossible.
[0035] The embodiment according to claim 30 makes it possible for
the holding stirrup on the toe piece in a locked position to
prevent unauthorised persons from entering into the binding.
[0036] An additional advantage is achieved according to claim 31 in
that the locking mechanisms are allocated covers in order to
prevent the penetration of snow and ice, even melted snow from the
outset.
[0037] The developments according to claim 32 or 33 are
advantageous, as thereby the lock element can be kept in a frost
free environment when not in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0038] The invention is explained in more detail in the following
with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the
drawings. These show:
[0039] FIG. 1 a device according to the invention on a sports
device, forming a ski binding, with a locking mechanism arranged in
the brake device, in side view and in a much simplified
representation;
[0040] FIG. 2 a part of the ski binding according to FIG. 1, in a
position of rest, in side view and in a simplified
representation;
[0041] FIG. 3 a part of the ski binding according to FIGS. 1 and 2,
in locked position, in side view, in a much simplified and slightly
enlarged representation;
[0042] FIG. 4 the sports device with the device according to the
invention in side view, in cross section along the lines IV-IV of
FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 5 a ski binding mounted on the sports device with a
different embodiment of a device according to the invention, in a
position of rest, side view and in a much simplified, schematic
representation;
[0044] FIG. 6 a partial area of the sports device according to FIG.
5 in locked position, in side view and in a much simplified
schematic representation;
[0045] FIG. 7 the sports device with the device according to the
invention, in a position of rest, in plan view, in cross section
along the lines VII-VII of FIG. 6;
[0046] FIG. 8 a further variant of a device according to the
invention in the front partial area of the sports device in side
view and in a much simplified schematic representation;
[0047] FIG. 9 a device according to the invention with a locking
mechanism in the heel piece or in the toe piece, in side view and
in partial cross section according to FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 10 the locking mechanism according to FIG. 9 in a much
simplified schematic representation;
[0049] FIG. 11 a different variant of the device according to the
invention in which the locking device is arranged in the toe piece,
in side view, in partial cross section and in a much simplified
schematic representation;
[0050] FIG. 12 the device in plan view, in cross section along the
lines XII-XII of FIG. 11;
[0051] FIG. 13 a different kind of device according to the
invention mounted on the sports device like a snowboard binding in
plan view, in a much simplified schematic representation;
[0052] FIG. 14 a different variant of the device according to the
invention, formed by a snowboard binding mounted on the sports
device in side view with a removable lock element, in a simplified
schematic representation;
[0053] FIG. 15 a different embodiment of the device according to
the invention for a snowboard binding in side view and in a much
simplified schematic representation;
[0054] FIG. 16 the snow board binding according to FIG. 15, in
front elevation, in cross section along the lines XVI-XVI in FIG.
15 and in a much simplified schematic representation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] Firstly, it should be noted that in all of the various
described embodiment the same parts are given the same reference
numbers and same component names, whereby the disclosures contained
throughout the description can be applied to the same parts with
the same reference numbers or same component names. Also the
details on position used in the description such as e.g. top,
bottom, side etc. refer to the figure currently being described and
shown at the time and if there is a change in position these should
be changed to relate to the new position. Furthermore, individual
features or combinations of features of the embodiments shown and
described represent in themselves independent, inventive solutions
according to the invention.
[0056] The invention relates to a device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4
for connecting a sports shoe 2 with a sports device 3. Preferably,
the device 1 is used for connecting a sports shoe 2 with a sports
device 3 such as a snowboard or ski. Devices 1 of this kind usually
comprise device parts 4 which can include a brake device 5, a heel
piece 6, a toe piece 7, a binding plate 8 or the like.
[0057] Of course, this can relate also to high backs, base plates,
straps or other parts of such a device 1 for connecting a sports
shoe 2 with a sports device 3, such as a ski binding, cross-country
binding, touring or snowboard binding. A locking mechanism 9 is
allocated to at least one of these device parts 4. Said locking
mechanism 9 or its locking device 10 is in the present embodiment
installed into a pivotable brake pedal 12 mounted on the sports
device 3.
[0058] The locking mechanism 9 is formed by a locking device 10
that can be activated by a key 13 and the like, the locking bar 14
of which can be adjusted by means of the locking device 10, for
example by means of a rotating locking pin 45 activatable by key 13
and the like from a position of rest 15 represented by dashed lines
into the locked position 16 shown by solid lines.
[0059] As can already easily be seen in the illustrated
representation, the brake pedal 12, i.e. the moving adjusting
element 46 of the brake device 5, can no longer be moved up out of
the position of rest shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 2, in
which the brake pedal 12 is lifted from a top side 47, for example
the binding plate 8 or the sports device 3, and the locking bar 14
is in a locked position 16, into the drive position 21 in the
direction of the sports device 3. In this way it is not possible to
pivot the brake arms 17 out of the shown brake position 18--in FIG.
3 in solid lines--into the drive position 21 indicated by dashed
lines--in FIG. 2. This is prevented by the locking bar 14 in its
locking position 16 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0060] In this way the sports device 3, for example board,
snowboard or ski, can no longer be used and therefore removal is
only possible manually. This can attract great attention in ski
areas and can be easily monitored by lift personnel or suitable
control means, and in this way there is a high degree of security
against theft.
[0061] Usually, a locking mechanism 9 of this kind with which the
locking bar 14 is secured and locked in its locked position 16 is
sufficient to prevent the theft of the sports device 3.
[0062] Of course, it is also possible however to provide similar or
other locking mechanisms 9 on other device parts 4 in addition to
or instead of the arrangement with the brake device 5. As can be
shown in detail in FIG. 4, the locking device 10 is installed in
the brake pedal 12.
[0063] Here the lock element 22 is inserted into a recess 32, for
example screwed into an internal thread of the brake pedal 12. The
lock element 22 that can be locked by key 13 has a locking element
23, which in the present embodiment can be pivoted about a pivot
axis 33 on which the locking bar 14 is fixed via the end section 24
projecting over the lock element 22.
[0064] Of course, it is also possible however for the locking
device 10 to use conventional locking cylinders and to install the
latter into recesses 32 of the brake device 5 or other device parts
4. The locking cylinder can here be used at the same time as a
locking bar 14 but it is also possible to assign a separately
activatable locking bar 14 to this locking cam.
[0065] Of course, it is also possible to use other conventional
locking devices which can be secured by adhesion, screws, pressing
or the like into the device parts 4 or the brake device 5.
[0066] It is however also possible to use conventional padlocks,
for example with number codes, which by use in different positions
of the locking bar 14 permit or prevent the use of the device 1 or
can be used to secure device parts 4 in the locked position 16.
[0067] For this the adjustable device part is locked for example by
a padlock in the locked position 16.
[0068] As indicated schematically, the locking device 10 or the
lock element 22 is allocated a heating device formed by a heating
element 25, in particular a heat cartridge 25, which is pushed for
example into a bore 41 of the brake pedal 12 and can be activated
by a power storage element 26, if necessary by screwing in a
holding screw 27 or pushing in a pushbutton.
[0069] By means of this heating element 25 the locking device 10
can be heated briefly in order to permit the release of the brake
pedal 12 even at extremely low outside temperatures by thawing
and/or prevent the icing up of the locking device 10.
[0070] Preferably, it is also possible to arrange the heating
element 25 so that any ice formed between the locking bar 14 and
the base part 11 can be removed.
[0071] It is of course also advantageous, if in particular the
locking bar 14 is made from a material with low adhesive strength
for ice, for example Teflon. This also applies to the surface parts
of the base part 111 facing the locking bar 14. As also seen in
FIG. 4, said base part 111 can be displaced in longitudinal
direction in a C-shaped guide track 28 fixed to the sports device 3
and guided according to the height and side, and if necessary a
connecting element 29 is provided for mounting the toe piece and/or
heel piece 6, 7.
[0072] Because the locking bar 14 with the locking device 10 can be
moved from the position of rest 15 shown by dashed lines in FIG. 2
into the locked position 16 shown by solid lines in FIG. 4, the
movement of the brake pedal 12 in the direction of the base part 11
is prevented--as required for the correct use of the sports device
3. In this way by blocking the movement of the brake pedal 12 the
unauthorised use of the sports device is prevented.
[0073] As the locking bar 14 projects into the space 53 accessible
from the outside between the brake pedal 12 and the base part 11 of
the brake device 5 it is also possible, in the case of icing up or
sticking of the locking bar 14 on the base part 11 due to freezing,
to detach the latter easily by mechanical action or by spraying on
a de-icing means or the like, so that a high degree of operational
reliability can be achieved even in extreme conditions of use, as
is the case with sports devices 3, but in particular with winter
sports equipment.
[0074] In FIGS. 5 to 7 a further embodiment variant of a device 1
for connecting the sports shoe 2 with a sports device 3 is shown. A
ski binding on a ski is used as an example of the device 1, whereby
the individual components and device parts 4 of this device 1
correspond to those according to FIGS. 1 to 4 and are denoted by
the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 1 to 4 accordingly, even if
they are not described in detail.
[0075] One of the device parts 4 of the device 1, in particular the
ski binding shown can be a central holding part 30, by means of a
which a distance 31 can be set and fixed between the toe piece 7
and the heel piece 6, i.e. in principle the length of the shoe sole
of the shoe 2. The holding part 30 is designed, for example also as
an independently acting holding device without adjusting screws, is
known in various different embodiments from the prior art, and
therefore it can be designed as in any of the known
embodiments.
[0076] In the present embodiment the locking mechanism 9 is
arranged inside said holding part 30 or on the latter. For this the
locking device 10 is inserted into a recess 32 in said holding part
30. This can be achieved in that the opening 48 can be formed by a
bore 41 with an internal thread, in which the locking device 10 is
screwed with an external thread. However, any other type of
securing is possible, for example by pressing in or securing with
securing means or by suitable adhesives.
[0077] The locking mechanism 9 comprises as well as the locking
device 10 a locking bar 14, which in its position of rest 15--shown
in a partly dashed lines in FIG. 5--is located within the external
periphery of the holding part 30. If the locking bar 14 is to be
used to prevent the incorrect use of the device 1 the locking bar
14 can be pivoted up about a pivot axis 33 from the position of
rest shown in partly dashed lines in FIG. 5 into the locked
position 16 shown partly by solid lines. In this locked position 16
the locking element 23 of the locking device 10, for example can be
formed by a locking pin displaceable in longitudinal direction of
the locking device 10, which can be advanced into an opening 48 in
a securing tab 34, and thereby the locking bar 14 is secured in its
locked position 16 from pivoting back into the position of rest 15
and is locked by the locking device 10 in this position. After
removing the key 13 shown in FIG. 8, the locking bar 14 is fixed by
the locking element 23 in its locked position 16 and prevents the
incorrect use of the device 1.
[0078] It is also shown in FIG. 7 that the locking bar 14 is
mounted in a groove-shaped depression 35 at a sufficient distance
36 from the side walls of the groove shaped depression 35, so that
it is easily accessible from the outside at any time and any ice
which would prevent the activation of the locking bar 14 can easily
be removed.
[0079] For this purpose the groove shaped depression 35 is also
deeper than the corresponding depth of the locking bar 14, in order
to prevent undesired sticking of the locking bar 14 in the
depression 35 caused by freezing or hard pressed snow.
[0080] Here too, the selection of an ice-repelling material can be
very advantageous.
[0081] As shown schematically in FIG. 8, instead of the embodiment
of the locking mechanism 9 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, in which the
latter is arranged, the holding part 30 can be arranged in the
region of a standing plate 37 in the area of the toe piece 7. The
arrangement of the locking mechanism 9 in a depression 35 formed in
the standing plate 37 is achieved according to the above
embodiments with corresponding play with the locking bar 14 in
order to permit the action according to the invention.
[0082] The locking bar 14 is shown lying in its position of rest 15
indicated by solid lines and in its locked position 16 by dashed
lines.
[0083] In FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 a further embodiment of the locking
mechanism 9 according to the invention is shown by way of a single
device 1 for connecting a sports shoe 2 with a sports device 3, for
example a ski binding. For this both in the toe piece 7 and in the
heel piece 6 a locking mechanism 9 is arranged, whereby it is of
course possible to provide both such locking mechanisms 9 on a
single device 1 or to select one of the two.
[0084] The lock element 22 shown in FIG. 10 and on an enlarged
scale partly in cross section in FIG. 9 comprises at least one
locking element 23, and the lock element 22 is inserted into the
locking mechanism 9 and is removable and by means of a key 13 can
be locked in its position inserted into the device element 4. The
locking bar 14 is mounted displaceably in a guide track 28 formed
by a guiding slot 38 in the longitudinal direction of the device 1
or the sports device 3 on a housing part 39 of the toe piece 7. In
the housing part 39 an external, optionally used locking device 10
of the locking mechanism 9 is installed, the locking element 23 of
which secures for example a pivotable or retractable pin or locking
arm, in the locked position shown in the present FIG. 9 against
movement in the position of rest 15--shown by dashed lines. For
this the housing of the locking device 10 can lock the front side
of the locking bar 14 facing the latter, if it is inserted into a
recess 32 and is locked or secured by activating the key 13 in the
latter.
[0085] After locking the locking element 23 by means of the locking
device 10 by the key 13 and after removing the latter, the device 1
is protected from unauthorised use.
[0086] Here too the parts of the locking bar 14 lie on the top of
the toe piece 7 and in this way simple operation can be
achieved.
[0087] A different embodiment of the device 1 is shown in the
region of the heel piece 6 in FIG. 9. In this case the locking
mechanism 9 consists of a cylindrical, external and if necessary
removable locking device 10 in which a locking element 23 that is
rotatable relative to its housing 40 is arranged. After pushing the
cylindrical housing 40 into a bore 41 of the base part 11 by means
of the key 13 the locking element 23 can be pivoted into a recess
32 inside the base part 11 and locked there. After removing the key
13 the locking device 10 is arranged so that the housing 40 thereof
projects into the area which is normally required for mounting the
ski shoe in the heel piece 6. In this way the device 1 cannot be
used and because the locking device 10 is used firstly immediately
prior to use in the heel piece 6 it is possible to keep the latter
warm in the intervening time, e.g. it can be carried in ski
clothing so that the insertion and locking is possible without any
problems caused by ice or the like.
[0088] In FIGS. 11 and 12 a different embodiment of the device 1
for connecting a sports shoe 2 with a sports device 3, for example
a snowboard binding, is shown in a schematically shown toe piece
7.
[0089] The device 1 is allocated a locking mechanism 9 by means of
which the use of the device 1 can be prevented.
[0090] For this a locking bar 14 pivotable about a pivot axis 43 is
arranged on the toe piece 7. The locking bar 14 is formed by a
pivot arm which is divided by the pivot axis 33 into a longer and
shorter lever part. The longer lever part is provided for pivoting
into the free space required for inserting the shoe 2 into the
device 1--as shown by solid lines in the locked position
16--against which the shorter part of the locking mechanism 9 or
the locking device 10 is allocated. Said locking device 10
comprises a cylindrical rotatable locking pin, which on one of its
longitudinal sides is provided with a flattened part 44 in
partially an eccentric. By pivoting the locking element 23 into the
position shown in solid lines in the locked position 16 the locking
bar 14 is prevented from pivoting back from the locked position 16
shown by solid lines into the position of rest 15 shown by dashed
lines.
[0091] For adjustment the locking element 23 needs to be pivoted so
that the flattened part 44 faces the locking bar 14, after which
the latter can be pivoted into its position of rest 15--shown by
dashed lines. After pivoting back the locking bar 23 into the
original position the locking bar 14 is prevented from pivoting
into the free space for mounting the shoe in the device 1.
[0092] Because the locking bar 14 lies as a whole outside the
housing of the toe or heel piece 7, 6 a perfect actuation and also
an operationally reliable operation is achieved in difficult
environmental conditions such as very low temperatures with the
risk of ice.
[0093] In FIG. 13 a different embodiment of a locking mechanism 9
is shown in the region of the rear holding element 50 of a device 1
designed as a snowboard binding. Said device 1 is composed of the
base plate 55, the housing elements 49, 50 for a sports shoe 2, the
calf support, the locking coupling 56 and other device parts 4.
[0094] The locking mechanism 9 can be arranged on one of the
holding elements 49, 50 in the locking device to fix a sports shoe
2, or in a different area of the holding elements 49, 50.
[0095] These holding elements 49, 50 designed as holding bands are
composed of two mutually telescopic adjustable bands, whereby a
coupling device or the like is allocated to one of the holding
bands 49, 50 and a counter coupling device is allocated to the
opposite band. The locking device shown here is known like many
similar ones from the prior art.
[0096] The holding bands 49, 50 comprise detent couplings 56, which
engage in locking teeth, which is arranged on the opposite holding
band. The holding band with the locking teeth is guided by the
detent coupling 56 of the other holding band and by means of the
latter the sports shoe 2 is fixed into the device 1. By means of
this detent arrangement a fine adjustment can be achieved for each
size of sports shoe 2. The locking mechanism 9 is provided in one
of the detent couplings 56 on the front or rear holding elements
49, 50.
[0097] By arresting the holding bands 49, 50 via the detent
coupling 56 and the subsequent locking of the locking mechanism 9
the latter can no longer be separated from one another. In this way
it is impossible to climb into the device 1 as it can no longer be
fitted to the foot of a user. The unnoticeable theft of the device
1 is therefore made more difficult.
[0098] Here too external lock parts 22, such as attachable locking
mechanisms 9 can be provided, e.g. a padlock, the lock stirrup of
which is guided through bores in the overlying holding elements 49,
50.
[0099] FIG. 14 shows a different embodiment of a device 1, in
particular a soft binding for a snowboard, consisting of a base
plate 55, the holding elements 49, 50, the calf support 51 and
additional device parts 4.
[0100] Here the pivotable calf support is used and provided with a
locking mechanism 9. An external lock element 22 can be inserted
into a bore in the calf support. The lock element passes through
the calf support 51 in the pivoted away position of the highback
and is secured into a bore 41 of the base plate 55. If the locking
mechanism 9 is locked the calf support is prevented from pivoting
and covers the area of use for a sports shoe 2 of the device 1, so
that the latter cannot be used, as shown by solid lines.
[0101] FIGS. 15 and 16 show a further embodiment of a device 1, in
particular a step-in binding or a so-called hard boot binding for
snowboards, as already known from the prior art. With the latter
the front holding stirrup 52 can be adjusted by the pivot axis 33
into a lowered position and locked by means of a locking mechanism
9, from which a retractable pin projects in the locked state--as
shown by solid lines. Thus it is not possible to pivot the holding
stirrup 52 out of its lowered position. Because of the relatively
short distance 26 in the installation of this locking mechanism 9
and due to the easy accessibility from both sides this locking
device 10 can also be easily released if one of the parts becomes
stuck.
[0102] As the installation of this locking mechanism 9 mostly does
not occur in a plastic housing, but in a metal housing, made in
particular of titanium or alloy metals, it is possible, in the case
of freezing or sticking, to heat the latter slightly with a lighter
and the like and thus melt the ice.
[0103] In the individual embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 16 the
locking mechanism 9 can also be welded into, welded onto, adhered
onto, adhered into, screwed or pressed etc. into the device 1.
[0104] Lastly, for form's sake it should be noted that for a better
understanding of the structure of the device 1, the latter and its
components have been shown partially untrue to scale and/or
enlarged and/or reduced in size.
[0105] The embodiments show possible embodiment variants of a
device 1, whereby at this point it should be noted than the
invention is not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments,
but rather diverse combinations of the individual embodiments are
possible and this possibility of variation lies within the ability
of a person skilled in this technical field on the basis of the
teaching on technical procedure. Thus, all conceivable embodiments
which are possible by combining individual details of the shown and
described embodiments are covered by the scope of protection.
[0106] Most of all, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to
16 can form the subject matter of independent solutions according
to the invention. The objectives and solutions according to the
invention can be taken from the detailed descriptions of the
figures.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0107] TABLE-US-00001 1 Device 2 Sports shoe 3 Sports device 4
Device part 5 Brake device 6 Heel piece 7 Toe piece 8 Binding plate
9 Locking mechanism 10 Locking device 11 Base part 12 Brake pedal
13 Key 14 Locking bar 15 Position of rest 16 Locked position 17
Brake arms 18 Brake position 21 Drive position 22 Lock part 23
Locking element 24 End part 25 Heating element/heating cartridge 26
Power storage element 27 Holding screw 28 Guide track 29 Connecting
element 30 Holding part 31 Distance 32 Recess 33 Pivot axis 34
Securing tabs 35 Groove-shaped depression 36 Distance 37 Standing
plate 38 Guiding slot 39 Housing part 40 Housing 41 Bore 42 Base
blade 43 Pivot axis 44 Flattened part 45 Locking pin 46 Adjusting
element 47 Top side 48 Opening 49 Front holding element 50 Rear
holding element 51 Calf support 52 Holding stirrup 53 Free space 54
Adjusting element 55 Base plate 56 Detent coupling
* * * * *