U.S. patent application number 11/624981 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for safety binding for a boot on a ski.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.. Invention is credited to Laurent DAMIANI, Pierre DESARMAUX, Jean-Francois MERINO, Philippe MIETTE.
Application Number | 20070170695 11/624981 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37215981 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170695 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAMIANI; Laurent ; et
al. |
July 26, 2007 |
SAFETY BINDING FOR A BOOT ON A SKI
Abstract
An assembly for binding a boot to a ski including a front
retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which the
front retaining element is subjected are greater than the
pretensioning value of a first spring, a rear retaining element
that is releasable when the forces to which the rear retaining
element is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a
first spring, and an additional release device that is
electronically controllable and includes a mechanically
controllable locking mechanism.
Inventors: |
DAMIANI; Laurent; (Villaz,
FR) ; MIETTE; Philippe; (Annecy Le Vieux, FR)
; MERINO; Jean-Francois; (Epagny, FR) ; DESARMAUX;
Pierre; (Evires, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
37215981 |
Appl. No.: |
11/624981 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/617 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/617 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/00 20060101
A63C009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 20, 2006 |
FR |
06.00522 |
Claims
1. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski comprising: a front
retaining element comprising a first spring adapted to be set at a
pretensioning value, said front retaining element comprising a
first release device releasable in response to an applied force
greater than said pretensioning value of said first spring; a rear
retaining element comprising a second spring adapted to be set at a
pretensioning value, said rear retaining element comprising a
second release device releasable in response to an applied force
greater than said pretensioning value of said second spring; and an
additional release device, said additional release device being
electronically controllable; said additional release device
comprising a mechanically controllable locking mechanism.
2. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1,
further comprising: a slideway, at least one of said front and rear
retaining elements being mounted to slide in said slideway; said
additional release device comprising a bar fastened to said one of
said front and rear retaining elements, said bar being
longitudinally movable between an open position and a closed
position in reaction to actuation of said additional release
device.
3. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 2,
wherein: said mechanically controllable locking mechanism comprises
a drawrail movable between a non-blocking position and a blocking
position; said drawrail not blocking translational movement of said
bar in said non-blocking position; said drawrail preventing said
bar from moving in translation in said blocking position.
4. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 3,
wherein: said bar comprises a projection abutting against said
drawrail when said drawrail is in said blocking position.
5. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 3,
wherein: said locking mechanism comprises an electric switch, said
switch being adapted to switch off said additional release
device.
6. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 4,
wherein: said additional release device comprises a tripper; and
said bar comprises a pin adapted to be retained in the tripper.
7. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 6,
wherein: said additional release device comprises a mechanism to
automatically reset the tripper.
8. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 7,
wherein: said mechanism to automatically reset the tripper
comprises a contactor actuated by said bar when said bar is in the
closed position.
9. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 3,
wherein: said drawrail comprises a handle, said handle adapted to
be actuated from outside the actuation box.
10. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1,
wherein: said mechanically controllable locking mechanism of said
additional release device is mechanically connected to a part
connected for movement with one of said front and rear retaining
elements.
11. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1,
wherein: said mechanically controllable locking mechanism of said
additional release device is mechanically connected to a part
connected for movement with one of said front and rear retaining
elements in a non-released position.
12. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1,
wherein: said additional release device further comprising: a front
sensor positioned for detecting a force applied to said front
retaining element greater than said pretensioning value of said
first spring; a rear sensor positioned for detecting a force
applied to said rear retaining element greater than said
pretensioning value of said second spring; a control box for
generating a command for enabling movement of one of said front and
rear retaining elements to release the boot from the binding
assembly in response to reception of a signal generated by at least
one of said front and rear sensors.
13. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 12,
wherein: said mechanically controllable locking mechanism of said
additional release device is mechanically connected to a part
connected for movement with one of said front and rear retaining
elements.
14. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 12,
wherein: said mechanically controllable locking mechanism comprises
an actuation box containing a tripper movable between a free
position and a blocking position; in response to said reception of
a signal generated by at least one of said front and rear sensors,
said control box generates a command for moving said tripper from
said blocking position to said free position, for enabling said
movement of one of said front and rear retaining elements to
release the boot from the binding assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
of French Patent Application No. 06.00522, filed on Jan. 20, 2006,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an assembly for binding a boot to a
ski, the assembly including a front releasable retaining element
and a rear releasable retaining element, and including an
additional arrangement for supplementing the binding assembly, in
the form of an electronic control.
[0004] 2. Description of Background and Relevant Material
Information
[0005] The patent document EP 0 968 742 A1 discloses an assembly of
the aforementioned type. In this document, the device includes a
releasable front retaining element, a releasable rear retaining
element, and additional opening device. Each of the front and rear
retaining elements is a conventional mechanical binding element,
i.e., either a toe piece or a heel piece, which frees the boot when
it is subjected to a force greater than that of a given threshold.
The threshold force corresponds to the pretensioning value to which
the springs positioned in the toe and heel pieces are
subjected.
[0006] The additional opening device is an electronically
controlled latch, which frees the boot by allowing the free
rotation of the toe piece. The mechanical latch is controlled by an
electromagnet. In such a mechanism, if the electric power feeding
the electronic control circuit is lost, or if the electrical
circuit malfunctions, one runs the risk of an ill-timed release.
Furthermore, during testing of the functioning of the mechanical
release of the binding device, that is, the heel or toe piece, to
verify compliance with standards, such as during long-time storage,
it is not possible to switch off the additional release device,
which can hinder such testing for compliance to standards.
[0007] Other prior binding assemblies provide for electronic
controls which affect boot retention or release, but which do not
include a supplemental release/opening device, or which do not act
on a mechanical actuation device of the toe or heel pieces.
[0008] For example, the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,854
discloses a ski binding having an electro-pyrotechnic release
device. When the electronic circuit of the device detects a
critical condition endangering the skier, one of a plurality of
cartridges contained in a rotary barrel is ignited, thereby causing
a movement of the clamp of the binding, which releases the boot.
After the explosion of the last cartridge of the barrel, a
mechanism of the binding causes the jaw of the binding to be moved
to a locked-open position so that the skier is unable to re-arm the
binding, i.e., to move the binding to a closed position, until a
new barrel is installed.
[0009] No additional opening or release device is provided, nor is
the binding device a traditional mechanical release binding, the
binding providing for a powered release, i.e., a release provided
by means of a pyrotechnic charge.
[0010] The patent document U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,494 discloses a ski
binding having a safety switch, mounted on a ski pole handle, that
can be mechanically activated as part of a powered release system
to enable the skier to eject from his/her skis in an emergency
situation. Provision is made to lock the pole-mounted switch to
prevent an accidental powered release. Although the powered release
system provides an additional release device, the lock mechanism
thereof acts on the switch rather than on the mechanical parts of
the toe and heel pieces of the binding, or on parts connected
thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention provides an assembly for binding a boot to a
ski, including a releasable front retaining element and a
releasable rear retaining element, as well as an additional
assembly for opening an electronically controlled binding, the
functioning of which is more reliable than the prior art, and which
enables the limitations of the prior art to be overcome. More
particularly, the invention provides an assembly for binding a boot
to a ski, which includes an electronically controllable release
that can be switched off.
[0012] To this end, the invention provides an assembly for binding
a boot to a ski, such assembly including a front retaining element
that is releasable when the forces to which it is subjected are
greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring, and a rear
retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which it is
subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a second
spring, and an additional electronically controllable release
device, the additional release device including a mechanically
controllable locking mechanism.
[0013] Advantageously, the additional release device, although
electronically controllable, can be mechanically switched off so as
to allow for checking the functioning of the other retaining
elements, such as the front and rear retaining elements, for
example.
[0014] The mechanically controllable locking mechanism of the
additional release device, in a particular embodiment of the
invention, in a blocked position, locks at least one movable part
of the additional release device which is mechanically connected to
at least one of the front and rear retaining elements.
[0015] More particularly, in such blocked position, the mechanical
locking mechanism of the additional release device allows the front
and rear retaining elements to release mechanically according to
their respective operating conditions under which the binding
assembly does not include such additional release device.
[0016] Further, the invention provides an assembly for binding a
boot to a ski, which assembly includes a front retaining element, a
rear retaining element, and an additional release device, such
release device being electronically controllable. The front
retaining element is releasable when the forces to which it is
subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first
spring, the rear retaining element being releasable when the forces
to which it is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value
of a second spring, at least one or the other of the front and rear
retaining elements being mounted on a slide. The additional release
device includes a bar connected to at least one or the other of the
front and rear retaining elements which is mounted to a slide, the
additional release device including a locking mechanism which is
mechanically controllable and which acts on the bar.
[0017] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the retaining
element, whether front or rear, is mounted on a slide, the
additional release device including a bar connected to the
retaining element, either front or rear, being longitudinally
movable between a so-called "open" position and a so-called
"closed" position in reaction to the actuation of the additional
release device.
[0018] In a particular embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a
drawrail capable of taking a first position, i.e., a "free"
position, in which the drawrail does not block the translation of
the bar, and a second position, i.e., a "blocked" position, in
which the drawrail prevents the translation of the bar.
[0019] Further with regard to the aforementioned particular
embodiment, the additional release device further includes a front
sensor positioned for detecting a force applied to the front
retaining element greater that the pretensioning value of a first
spring, a rear sensor positioned for detecting a force applied to
the rear retaining element greater than the pretensioning value of
the second spring, as well as a control box for generating a
command for enabling release of at least one of the first and
second release devices in response to reception of a signal
generated by at least one of the front and rear sensors.
[0020] Still further, the mechanically controllable locking
mechanism includes an actuation box containing a mechanical switch
movable between a free position and a blocking position. In
response to the reception of a signal generated by at least one of
the front and rear sensors, the control box generates a command for
moving the mechanical switch from the blocking position to the free
position, for enabling the movement of one of the front and rear
retaining elements to release the boot from the binding assembly.
By moving the mechanical switch to the blocked position, the
additional release device, although electronically controllable, is
effectively switched off mechanically to allow the functioning of
the front and rear retaining elements to be tested after long-term
storage or to be tested for compliance with standards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention will be better understood from the description
that follows, with reference to the annexed drawings, and in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the
additional release device when it is in the "closed" position and
the drawrail of the locking mechanism is in the "free"
position;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, when the additional
release device is in the "open" position and the drawrail of the
locking mechanism is in the "free" position;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, when the additional
release device is in the "closed" position and the drawrail of the
locking mechanism is in the "blocked" position;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the
additional release device, taken along line V-V of FIG. 2, when it
is in the "closed" position and the drawrail of the locking
mechanism is in the "free" position;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, when the additional
release device is in the "closed" position and the drawrail of the
locking mechanism is in the "blocked" position;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along
the line VII-VII of FIG. 6 of the additional release device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a gliding apparatus including a ski 1, a front
retaining element 2, a rear retaining element 3, and an additional
release device 4. FIG. 1 depicts only an intermediate lengthwise
section of the ski 1, between the tip and tail of the ski, on which
are mounted the front and rear retaining elements, i.e., the toe
piece 2 and the heel piece 3.
[0030] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the front
retaining element 2 is a conventional toe piece with mechanical
release, which means that the front retaining element 2 is released
when the forces to which it is subjected are greater than the
pretensioning value of a first spring positioned in the front
retaining element 2.
[0031] The rear retaining element 3 is a conventional heel piece
with mechanical release, which means that the rear retaining
element 3 is released when the forces to which it is subjected are
greater than the pretensioning value of a second spring positioned
in the rear retaining element 3.
[0032] The front retaining element 2 and the rear retaining element
3 are mounted on a front interface element 5 and a rear interface
element 6, respectively, which elements 5, 6 are connected to the
ski 1. These interface elements can be omitted in an alternate
embodiment.
[0033] In the conventional arrangement herein shown and described,
when the skier's leg is subjected to forces oriented in the
horizontal plane of the ski, including torsional forces about a
vertical axis, the front retaining element 2 releases and frees the
boot. When the skier's leg is subjected to forces oriented in a
vertical plane, the rear retaining element is released.
[0034] This particular arrangement is non-limiting and any
arrangement for a mechanically releasable retaining element is
possible within the scope of the invention.
[0035] The rear retaining element 3 includes a slideway or
sliderail 7 with respect to which the body of the rear retaining
element 3 can slide.
[0036] The additional release device 4 includes an actuation box 8,
a control box 9, and, positioned respectively at the front and rear
interface elements 5, 6, a front sensor 11 and a rear sensor
12.
[0037] The control box 9 includes an electronic circuit and a
human-machine interface device, i.e., a user-interface device, with
a display.
[0038] The actuation box 8 is connected to the body of the rear
retaining element 3 by a bar 10, longitudinally movable by driving
the body of the rear retaining element 3, which slides in the
sliderail 7.
[0039] When the front sensor 11 or the rear sensor 12 detects a
force that exceeds a certain threshold, the electronic circuit of
the control box 9 generates a command for actuating tripper 14. The
bar 10 is then allowed to move, thereby moving the body of the rear
retaining element 3 away from the front retaining element 2, which
spacing is larger than the length of the boot, thereby releasing
the boot.
[0040] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the actuation box 8 of the actuation
device in the "closed" position and in the "open" position,
respectively, the locking mechanism being in the "free" position in
the open position of the actuation device.
[0041] The locking mechanism includes a unit 13 that receives the
various parts that constitute the actuation box 8. The unit 13
includes a longitudinal housing in which the bar 10 is received.
The well that receives a tripper 14 is located at the end of this
housing of the block 13.
[0042] The tripper 14 is a rotary element. Its upper portion
includes a recess 15 and its lower portion includes a first toothed
wheel 16.
[0043] The additional release device is actuated by a rotary
electric motor 17, the output shaft of which carries a second
toothed wheel 18. The motor is powered by an electric cell/battery
19.
[0044] A cylindrical pin 21 is fastened to the end of the bar 10.
The pin 21 is received within the recess 15 of the tripper 14.
[0045] The bar 10 slides in the housing associated with a drawrail
23, which can be actuated from outside the box by a handle 29. This
drawrail 23 functions as a locking mechanism, or mechanical switch,
as described hereinafter.
[0046] The additional release device is shown in FIG. 2 in the
"closed" position. In this position, the tripper 14 has an angular
position so that the pin 21 cannot escape from the recess 15. With
this arrangement, the ski binding function in a manner similar to
that of a conventional binding, that is, the boot is released when
the forces to which it is subjected exceed the pretensioning values
of the spring of the retaining element 3.
[0047] The front sensor 11 and the rear sensor 12 and the actuation
box 8 are connected to the control box 9. At any time, the front
and rear sensors 11, 12 transmit to the control box 9 the forces to
which they are subjected. The control box 9 processes this
information and determines whether the boot should be released by
opening the additional release device 4.
[0048] As soon as the control box 9 has determined that the
detected information should allow the boot to be released, a
command is transmitted to the motor, which starts rotating. The
rotation of the second toothed wheel 18 drives the rotation of the
first toothed wheel 16, with which it is engaged. The tripper 14
makes a quarter turn and stops in the position shown in FIG. 3,
such that the recess is open in the direction of the rear retaining
element 3. In this position, the pin 21 is no longer retained and
can escape from the recess 15. Consequently, the rear retaining
element 3 is free to slide toward the rear, which spacing allows
the boot to be released.
[0049] To have the boot again retained by the binding assembly, the
skier must reset the additional release device. To this end, skier
must slide the rear retaining element 3 in a direction toward the
front retaining element 2. The bar 10, affixed to the rear
retaining element 3 in the illustrated embodiment, is also moved in
translation in the same direction until the pin 21 is again
received in the recess 15. The moment the pin 21 is in the recess
15, the bar actuates a laterally positioned contactor 22. The
contactor 22 initiates a new command for the electric motor to make
a quarter turn rotation so that the tripper returns to the position
shown in FIG. 2, that is, the "closed" position.
[0050] All of the movements of the bar 10 are possible as long as
the mechanical locking mechanism is in the "free" position. The
"free" position of the locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 5. In
this position, the drawrail 23 of the locking mechanism makes it
possible for the bar 10 to slide freely.
[0051] In the case where the skier wants to switch off the
additional release device, the handle 29 of the locking mechanism
must be manipulated. To this end, the drawrail 23 is transversely
moved. While the drawrail 23 is thusly moved, one of its parts,
i.e., abutment 25, is brought in contact with the projection 24
that extends downwardly from the lower surface of the bar 10. This
arrangement is shown in the transverse cross-sectional view of FIG.
6, as well as in the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG.
7.
[0052] At the same time it blocks the bar 10 from moving, the
drawrail 23 actuates an electric switch 27 for powering down the
electric motor 17 and the additional release device. To this end,
in its lower portion, the drawrail 23 has a fork that straddles the
control member 28 of the switch 27, which manipulates it during the
transverse movements of the drawrail 23.
[0053] The invention is not limited to the only embodiment
hereinabove presented above and illustrated in the drawings as an
example of the invention. The additional release device could, for
example, pivot the rear retaining element instead of moving it in
translation. Alternatively, the additional release device could
pivot or move the front retaining element in translation. Still
further, and alternatively, the additional release device could act
on the front retaining element and the rear retaining element.
Also, mechanical locking mechanisms other than that shown and
described could be provided.
LIST OF ELEMENTS
[0054] 1. ski [0055] 2. front retaining element [0056] 3. rear
retaining element [0057] 4. additional release device [0058] 5.
front interface element [0059] 6. rear interface element [0060] 7.
sliderail [0061] 8. actuation box [0062] 9. control box [0063] 10.
bar [0064] 11. front sensor [0065] 12. rear sensor [0066] 13. unit
[0067] 14. tripper [0068] 15. recess [0069] 16. first toothed wheel
[0070] 17. electric motor [0071] 18. second toothed wheel [0072]
19. electric cell/battery [0073] 21. pin [0074] 22. contactor
[0075] 23. drawrail [0076] 24. projection [0077] 25. abutment
[0078] 27. switch [0079] 28. control member [0080] 29. handle
* * * * *