U.S. patent application number 13/635687 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-10 for binding systems for skis.
This patent application is currently assigned to MARUELLI STEFANO & C. S.A.S.. Invention is credited to Stefano Maruelli.
Application Number | 20130009387 13/635687 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44649676 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130009387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maruelli; Stefano |
January 10, 2013 |
BINDING SYSTEMS FOR SKIS
Abstract
Binding systems for skis are provided which include a support
structure mounted on a ski and bearing at least one binding for a
boot, in which the support structure is adapted to take up a first
operational configuration, in which it is rigidly mounted on the
ski, and a second operational configuration, in which it is
articulated to the ski along a transverse axis of rotation behind
the boot and is capable of oscillating in a longitudinal plane
orthogonal to the ski.
Inventors: |
Maruelli; Stefano; (Montalto
Dora (Torino), IT) |
Assignee: |
MARUELLI STEFANO & C.
S.A.S.
Pont Saint Martin (Aosta)
IT
|
Family ID: |
44649676 |
Appl. No.: |
13/635687 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
March 21, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2011/051170 |
371 Date: |
September 18, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/611 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/02 20130101; A63C
9/0807 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/611 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/00 20060101
A63C009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 19, 2010 |
IT |
TO2010A000211 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
IT |
TO2010A000803 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A binding system for a ski, comprising a support structure
bound to a ski and bearing at least one binding for footwear, which
support structure is adapted to take up a first operational
configuration, in which it is rigidly bound on the ski parallel
thereto, and a second operational configuration, in which it is
articulated to the ski along a transverse axis of rotation behind
the footwear and it is capable of oscillating in a longitudinal
plane orthogonal to the ski, the front end of the support structure
being connected to the ski by a kinematic mechanism forming a
system for guiding the lifting travel of the structure, the binding
system being provided with a locking mechanism adapted to switch
between a first stable operational position in which the kinematic
mechanism is locked, so that the support structure is rigidly bound
to the ski, and a second stable operational position in which the
kinematic mechanism is released, so that the support structure is
capable of oscillating with respect to the ski, and wherein the
support structure comprises at least one longitudinal beam,
articulated at the front end to a pair of arms of the system for
guiding the lifting travel of the structure, so that the support
structure and its associated lifting guide system define at least
one opening for removing the snow.
14. The binding system of claim 13, wherein the kinematic mechanism
comprises a front compass-like articulation which includes a pair
of first arms rotationally articulated to the support structure at
a top end, and at least one second arm at a bottom end, said second
arm being rotationally articulated at the opposite end to a
mounting base anchored to the ski, the lifting travel of the
support structure being limited by the angle of articulation of
said second arm with respect to the ski from a special end
stop.
15. The binding system of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a slidable stop formation, adapted to shift between a
withdrawn position, in which the stop formation interferes with a
shaped bearing surface of the oscillating support structure, and an
advanced position, in which it is disengaged from said bearing
surface.
16. The binding system of claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a slide which is mounted slidably in said mounting base
of the articulated kinematic mechanism and is bound thereto by
means of a first locating pin and a second interference pin, the
ends of which are slidably received in respective shaped guide
paths, said slide being urged in such a way as to make the locating
pin follow the profile of the guide paths so that it is adapted to
engage a first advanced location corresponding to the position of
the interference pin in which the latter is disengaged from the
bearing surface of the support structure, or a second withdrawn
location corresponding to the position of the interference pin in
which the latter interferes with the bearing surface of the support
structure.
17. The binding system of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a rotating fastening formation adapted to engage on a
hinge pin of the top end of said pair of first arms with the
support structure.
18. The binding system of claim 17, wherein the locking mechanism
includes an oscillating assembly comprising a shaped fastener block
having a cavity adapted to engage said hinge pin, said block being
coupled to a balance fastener adapted to assume a first operational
locking position, in which a pair of pawl formations surrounds said
pin, and a second operational unlocking position, in which a stop
pin integral with the balance fastener is in bearing engagement
with said mounting base of the kinematic mechanism.
19. The binding system of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises an elastically deformable shaped plate including a pair
of transversely opposite protruding formations which have an entry
profile facing towards a hinge pin of the top end of said pair of
first arms with the support structure when it is received at the
mounting base of the kinematic mechanism in a position in which the
kinematic mechanism is released, and an abutment profile facing
towards said hinge pin when it is received at the mounting base of
the kinematic mechanism in a position in which the kinematic
mechanism is locked.
20. The binding system of claim 19, wherein the shaped plate
comprises a flexible flat end portion including a seat which can
receive the tip of a pole, which is adapted to bend downward so as
to disengage said hinge pin from the abutment profile.
21. The binding system of claim 14, further comprising a safety
locking system which comprises a transverse peg adapted to engage
the support structure to the mounting base of the kinematic
mechanism.
22. The binding system of claim 13, wherein the support structure
is articulated behind the footwear to a mounting plate integral
with the ski by a transverse hinge or a flexible cross section.
23. The binding system of claim 13, wherein said oscillating
structure comprises a seat for the anchoring of a rear binding
which comprises a movable slide.
24. The binding system of claim 13, comprising at least one
gull-wing plate associated with the support structure, below said
at least one longitudinal beam, forming a wedge facing toward the
surface of the ski or another device adapted to prevent the
accumulation of snow between the support structure and the ski.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to skiing equipment and more
specifically a system for binding a shoe or boot to a ski.
[0002] In particular, the invention relates to equipment for use in
downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ski-mountaineering,
off-piste skiing and roller skiing.
[0003] At present, the known bindings for downhill skiing,
cross-country skiing and ski-mountaineering generally provide for
the tip of the boot to be fixed or hinged to the ski, for example
by means of an extension of the binding or of the boot, so as to
allow the skier to rotate his/her foot forwards during
fastening/unfastening of the downhill skiing boot or to carry out
technical movements when performing cross-country skiing or
ski-mountaineering.
[0004] This design solution does not allow the tip of the boot to
be lifted from the ski, or allows this movement only to a minimal
extent, due exclusively to the staggered position of the hinge axis
with respect to the toe. However, this small lifting movement takes
place only by rotation in the walking direction, which is opposite
that which would be required by normal walking, which provides for
the extension of the leg without a variation in the angle of the
ankle.
[0005] Support plates provided with a front hinge are also known,
these being designed to allow the use of bindings of the known type
and in particular of the fixed type for downhill skiing, which
allow the skier to use fixed bindings for downhill skiing also for
ski-mountaineering, i.e. bindings without a hinge, but these all
revert to the known principle of providing the boot, or the
binding, with a hinge at the tip of the boot, and allow no
movements other than forward rotation.
[0006] At present, the known bindings, both for ski-mountaineering
and for cross-country skiing, allow the skier to rotate his/her
foot so as to drag the ski, but only the heel can lift up from the
ski inasmuch as the shoe or boot are hinged in various ways to the
ski at the tip. The tips of the feet of the skier are therefore
mounted on the ski vertically, and therefore every time the skier
extends his/her leg they are forced to make an unnatural movement
to raise the angle of the ankle so as to move the foot forwards,
the tip of which cannot be lifted upwards owing to the rigidity of
the hinge and of the ski. The only way for the skier to lift the
tip of his/her foot is to lift the entire ski, a movement which is
very uncomfortable, takes up a large amount of energy and is of
little benefit in order to advance. This movement is not
particularly efficient and takes up a large amount of energy above
all when the skier is covering long level stretches, or worse
slight descents which a skier cannot slide down and therefore
require walking by pushing the skis. As a result, all skiers, but
in particular people without great articular and muscular
elasticity, are greatly penalized in level stretches. It is
precisely for these reasons that people who have just undergone
major operations for the blocking of the articulation of the ankle
are prevented from partaking in this sporting activity.
[0007] FR 2 779 659, to Oddoux describes a ski binding system with
double articulation. A supporting plate for the footwear, which
bears at least one tip of a binding, is articulated at the rear
binding so as to allow the tip of the boot to be lifted. A rigid
front rod or a pair of articulated plates form a mechanism for
guiding and limiting the lifting travel of the front end of the
footwear.
[0008] However, Oddoux does not solve the problem of ensuring
efficient movement in every skiing condition with a system which is
both light and rigid. Indeed, after only a few movements the
binding plate as presented in the invention would become blocked by
the snow inevitably moved onto the advancing ski, and--in
conditions of deep snow--the snow easily becomes wedged in and
compacted under the lifting mechanism, until it ices up and thereby
blocks the plate in the lifted position, with the risk that the
strong bending movements caused by the weight of the skier tear the
rear hinge up from the ski.
[0009] In addition, although FR 2 779 659 mentions the possibility
of providing a locking device which can prevent the lifting of the
tip of the footwear, it does not provide any teaching relating to
the practical realization of such a device. The locking device
presented is external to the system and it is at a considerable
distance from the point of application of the torsional forces
arising during the skiing, owing to the weight of the skier who,
when going around a curve, presses on a single edge of the ski, and
the hypothetical mounting. The system is therefore extremely heavy
and not very rigid.
[0010] A further disadvantage is that it is not possible to
mechanically control the lifting excursion by means of a movable
slide on the front lifting guide rod, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
because this would interfere with the rotation of the footwear, in
addition to the fact that the strong thermal expansion as well as
the exposure to snow and ice would quickly impair the
functionality.
[0011] In addition, the solution described does not give the system
sufficient rigidity, because even if the rigid front rod were to
have a rectangular section to ensure a minimal torsional rigidity
(which would involve a difficult execution of the cursor seat,
however), the wear resulting from the frequent sliding movements
would inevitably introduce a high degree of play such as to quickly
impair the stability of the system. In addition, the unavoidable
asymmetrical loads bring about torsional loads on the lifting rod,
i.e. ultimately increase the friction, and this would impair the
object of the invention, which is that of leaving the tip of the
footwear free to lift up from the ski. In order to bring about
further loads on the articulation of the skier's ankle, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 there are elastic return or end-of-travel systems
which render the system nonfunctional and completely
inefficient.
[0012] In addition, said document does not indicate how the system
for locking the shoe or boot on the plate may actually operate,
both when it is in the free position and when it is in the locked
position. Indeed, the invention does not take into account the fact
that the rotational movement of the boot needs further space if the
bindings are external to the plate, as shown, and this is something
that a fixed binding at the tip and at the rear external to the
plate cannot ensure. Therefore, it is not possible to use bindings
of the known type with the device realized in this way.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
satisfactory solution to the problems outlined above.
[0014] In order to provide a device for anchoring a shoe or boot to
a ski which allows the disadvantages of the prior art to be
overcome, the invention relates to a binding system having the
features indicated in claim 1.
[0015] Particular embodiments form the subject of the dependent
claims, the content of which should be regarded as an integral part
of the present description.
[0016] The binding system according to the invention, which has a
considerable toughness and a very low weight, notwithstanding any
other known function typical of a binding for skis, advantageously
allows the tip of the boot, and therefore the tip of the skier's
foot, to be lifted from the ski to a predetermined height, such as
to allow a normal walking or running movement, so that the angle of
the ankle, during the extension and advancing phase of the leg with
the foot raised, remains virtually unchanged with respect to that
which would be present in the case of a natural walking movement
without skis.
[0017] In a free position, the system according to the invention
allows a skier to walk or run easily by dragging the ski under
his/her feet, it being possible for the skier to lift the tips of
the shoes or boots and at the same time also the heel with respect
to the ski for a predefined travel. The aim of the system is to
allow the skier to move skis forward by foot with a natural walking
movement, i.e. by completely lifting the whole foot to different
centimetres with respect to the base of the ski, respectively first
the tip and then the heel of the foot in the phase in which the
front leg moves forward, and the same for the back leg, meaning
that the skier, irrespective of the anthropometric measurements and
the walking style, does not have to lift the ski from the snow and
can have his/her feet almost completely free.2
[0018] Advantageously, in combination with a flexible boot, it is
possible to also make the sole of the foot perform the same bending
movement, "roll" in technical terms, as that performed for example
during walking or running with soft footwear, ultimately reducing
the energy required for the walk and/or the run and making the
movement more efficient, which allows greater speeds even in the
case of athletic performance.
[0019] When it is no longer necessary to carry out the walking or
running movement, it is possible to operate a locking mechanism and
to thereby rigidly bind the tip lifting device on the ski so that
the skis can be used to the best of their ability for very steep
climbs and for descent and in every other circumstance which
requires a rigid mounting of the boot on the skis. This mechanism
can be realized in the manner of an additional plate system, along
with a binding of the known type, or itself can constitute an
integrated dual-function system for lifting the tip and fastening
onto a ski of the known type, for specifically designed flexible
shoes or boots which can ultimately improve the efficiency of the
skier's movement in the running or walking phase with any type of
skis on his/her feet.
[0020] In a currently preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism
is movable and can engage on a shaped support surface of the
support structure, so that it assumes a stable open or closed
position on account of a contrast spring. In a tougher embodiment,
the locking mechanism is rotatable instead of movable and, for
example, engages directly on one of the pins of the articulation of
the tip lifting device.
[0021] To retain the locking mechanism in the open or closed
position, even in the presence of strong stresses on account of
skiing downhill or the banging and knocking during an ascent,
provision is made of a secondary fastening locking mechanism,
driven by a spring, which makes the stable positioning easier in
the open and closed positions.
[0022] In all the configurations, it is possible to add another
safety locking system, realized by means of a transverse peg which
directly engages the oscillating structure to the part integral
with the ski.
[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become
clearer from the following detailed description, provided purely by
way of non-restrictive example and referring to the appended
drawings, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tip lifting binding
system in the configuration for skiing and ski-mountaineering,
provided with systems for removing the snow, in the version with an
integrated tip binding for the boot, with a locking system with a
movable pin moved by the front compass and a retention spring;
[0025] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the tip lifting binding
system in the configuration for cross-country skiing, provided with
systems for removing the snow, in the version with an integrated
tip binding for the shoe, the opening of the system being activated
by the front compass and opposed by retention springs, with a
locking system by means of a movable slide;
[0026] FIGS. 2B and 2C show details of the locking system;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of the boot relative to the advancing
leg, in which it can be seen how the tip thereof can be lifted
owing to the presence of the kinematic mechanism with the tip hinge
binding and that at the rear in a free position;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of the boot relative to the back leg,
which, having just completed the roll on the ski, is lifted in the
rear part of the heel so as to drag the ski forward;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view of a skier running with the skis on
his/her feet;
[0030] FIGS. 6A-6C are two side views and a top view of a locking
mechanism of the binding system according to the invention in an
unlocked state, in which the oscillating support structure can be
seen in a lifted or resting position;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a side view of a locking mechanism of the binding
system according to the invention in a locked state, in which it
can be seen that the front pin, pushed by the front compass into a
lifted position, engages in a double seat realized in a base
integral with the ski and is retained in position by a beak
spring;
[0032] FIGS. 8A-8C are respectively two side views and a top view
of a possible shape of the beak retention spring and of the
development thereof in plan view;
[0033] FIG. 9A is a side view of an alternative version of the
quick-action locking mechanism of the binding system according to
the invention, where FIGS. 9B and 9C show components on an enlarged
scale;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a side view of a version of the quick-action
locking mechanism adapted in particular for use in cross-country
skiing, for example;
[0035] FIG. 11 shows two side views of a version of the
quick-action locking mechanism adapted in particular for use in
cross-country skiing, for example, which highlight the possible
operational positions; and
[0036] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the locking mechanism of the
invention in a condition in which the ski is deformed.
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a dual-movement binding system 1 which has a
front integrated binding 30 or adapted to be used with a front
binding 30 and a heel binding 31 of the known type, and includes a
lifting or tip lifting device. The binding system according to the
invention, which can be used in particular in downhill skiing,
cross-country skiing, ski-touring or in ski-mountaineering, is
indicated as a whole by reference numeral 1. The binding system 1
comprises an oscillating support structure 2 formed by at least one
longitudinal beam and preferably by a pair of parallel longitudinal
beams, which simultaneously allow for connection of the front
mounting system 14 and fixing of a binding of the known type, for
example a binding provided with a front hinge system of the shoe or
boot. The oscillating structure 2 is connected to a mounting plate
3 made integral with the ski 12, bearing a hinge 6, preferably a
dual hinge and transverse with respect to the longitudinal
extension of the ski, or analogously a flexible cross section.
[0038] The rear part of the oscillating structure is provided with
the seats for anchoring the rear binding 31, also of a known type,
which can be mounted in different positions depending on the length
of the skier's boot or, in a version with an integrated rear
binding 31, this is mounted on a horizontally movable slide, driven
for example by an adjusting screw.
[0039] In the front part of the oscillating structure, a gull-wing
plate 18 is arranged between the tip binding and the beams, having
a triple function of a wedge able to expel the snow which has
possibly collected on the ski, a connection between said beams and
protection of the moving parts of the tip binding 30.
[0040] The hinge or flexible section 6 of the beams 2 defines an
articulation of the structure bearing the bindings about a rear
transverse axis of the footwear. The front section is provided with
a kinematic mechanism 14, which forms a system for guiding and
limiting the lifting travel of the beams and is conveniently
provided with a locking mechanism 8, for example with a beak
locking spring or a spring implementable in different versions.
[0041] The kinematic mechanism 14 of the binding system 1 comprises
a front or side compass-like articulation. The embodiment of the
compass-like articulation shown in the figure comprises, for
example, two articulated arms in the form of a V and a central arm,
and on the whole is integral at a first end with the top surface of
the ski, by means of a pin 16 articulated at a base 10, and at the
opposite end with the front section of the oscillating structure 2,
by means of one or more pins 4. The tip lifting device has a system
for guiding and limiting the lifting travel, given by the maximum
opening of the compass which is limited by a ledge and by a
transverse pin 17. In addition, the kinematic mechanism 14 has an
associated locking mechanism 8, adapted to lock the articulation
and mount the oscillating structure on the ski. In a currently
preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 8 comprises, for
example, a beak spring element 5 which, once the compass 14 has
pushed the pin 4 within the seat in the front base 10, prevents
this from coming out. An extremely rigid torsional engagement is
thereby realized for the pin 4 and therefore the beams 2, but the
pin 4 is left free to move horizontally by several millimetres
within the eyelet 19 so that the ski can be elastically deformed
without being stiffened by the binding system 1.
[0042] The realization of the compass-like kinematic mechanism with
a reduced cross section advantageously prevents the formation of
compacted blocks of snow or ice in the articulation structure of
the oscillating structure, so that the system can operate in every
snow condition.
[0043] The beams 2 of suitable height advantageously have a small
plan thickness and therefore avoid the accumulation of snow, and,
even in the case of the accumulation of ice, the pressures that the
skier is able to exert on the profile are such as to prevent the
growth of incrustations which could impair the functionality of the
binding.
[0044] FIGS. 2A-2C show the version adapted particularly for
cross-country skiing, in which the connection beams 2 with the rear
hinge 6, and therefore the mid-opening between these, are realized
in a form and dimensions which are compatible with the grooves
present in the footwear of the known type, and exploit the presence
of this groove so as to have a height which makes them sufficiently
strong and to support the bending moment which can be exerted even
in accidental cases, for example the intrusion of a branch which
blocks the device. The stresses during normal use, however, are
very small because they are only applied by the weight of the
ski.
[0045] Bindings for cross-country skiing of varying nature which
differ by small dimensional details of the locking system of the
front articulation pin of the shoe are known, but the only true
special feature which distinguishes these bindings is in fact the
disengagement of the locking system, which may be operated manually
or by means of the pole.
[0046] The binding system according to the present invention
differs from those known in that, in order to make the assembly as
a whole lighter and more practical, the footwear binding also uses
the movement of the tip lifting kinematic mechanism to fasten or
unfasten the footwear to or from the ski binding, in a particular
position and owing to that explained in more detail below.
[0047] The locking system for the footwear comprises two clamps, a
fixed clamp and a mobile clamp which is supported and moved by the
binding system according to the present invention, therefore
benefitting from the possibility of having an integrated binding
which combines all the features of an oscillating structure system
for lifting the tip of the footwear, locking the oscillating
structure in a lowered position and the fastening of the
footwear.
[0048] An improvement of the invention is formed by a system for
moving the locking clamps for footwear, in which the front end of
the compass-like lifting kinematic mechanism can be activated by
the skier and can be lifted so as to unfasten the footwear from the
binding owing to the fact that the articulated arms of the lifting
kinematic mechanism are not rigidly connected to the oscillating
structure, but to a movable slide urged by a plurality of springs
in turn connected to the mobile clamp, which is adapted to assume a
fastening or unfastening position of the pin of the footwear.
[0049] FIG. 2A shows the currently preferred embodiment of a
multifunctional integrated binding system 101 adapted in particular
for cross-country skiing, comprising a mobile clamp 102 adapted to
move longitudinally so as to release or lock the articulation pin
of the skier's footwear 104 from or to the binding. The mobile
clamp 102 is fastened to a slide system 103, shown in an enlarged
view in FIGS. 2B and 2C, which includes for example two pins
slidable in respective bushes 105 connected rigidly to the
oscillating structure 100. A plurality of contrast springs 107
press the mobile clamp 102 in the locked position (A) against the
pin 104, or, if absent, in a starting position (B) such that, if
the pin 104 of the skier's footwear is pressed onto the V-shaped
top ends of the clamps 102 and 108, the springs and the fact that
the compass-like lifting mechanism is freely movable mean that said
pin will engage in the clamps and be positioned in such a way that
the mobile clamp will automatically return into the position in
which it locks the pin A under pushing by the springs.
[0050] The locking system 8 is described in more detail below in
relation to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12.
[0051] Therefore, the skier will no longer need to act manually on
the binding so as to lock the footwear, but instead only so as to
unlock it.
[0052] The footwear is unlocked by pulling the end 109 of the
compass-like lifting mechanism 14 of the tip lifting system
upwards, and, since it cannot make any other movements, this pushes
the slide 103 connected to the mobile clamp 102 backwards, and the
slide clears the passage for the pin 104 as it moves into a
sufficiently withdrawn position.
[0053] The tip lifting device is adapted to assume a lifted
position which allows the tip of the shoe or boot, also of the
known type, to rise with respect to the ski to the necessary extent
for walking to the maximum extent allowed by the end-of-travel
determined by the kinematic mechanism 14, as shown in FIG. 3 in the
side view. In this first operational position, the shoe or boot is
bound entirely on the oscillating structure of the binding. FIG. 4
shows a second operational position, in which the tip lifting
device assumes a lowered and locked position, in which the
oscillating structure carrying the binding is resting entirely on
the ski and, on account of the known features of the hinge of the
binding, the shoe or boot is dismounted from the binding at the
heel and rotated forwards, for the second part of the walking or
running movement.
[0054] Advantageously, the articulated kinematic mechanism 14
simultaneously constitutes a protection against the intrusion of
snow or ice under the structure in the lifted position, and a
torsional stiffening element, which limits the torsional rotation
of the oscillating structure 2 with respect to the ski.
[0055] FIG. 5 clearly shows a skier making a walking or running
movement with the skis on his/her feet. The dual-movement binding
system 1 according to the invention, in the configuration of
independent binding which can be used with special flexible shoes
or boots, includes a tip lifting device provided with a fastening
system 30 which can be connected to the ski, for example a
cross-country ski. This comprises a base 2 which is flexible or
hinged to the ski or in any case designed so that it can allow the
tip of the shoe or boot to be lifted therefrom, and this base
respectively comprises a front fastening system for the shoe or
boot 23 and, in the case of skis for ski-mountaineering or downhill
skiing, also a mechanism for locking the skier's heel, which can be
used to deal with descents. It can be seen that this permits the
flexible shoe or boot provided with a special fastening system for
the binding in question to rotate, lifting the tip thereof from the
ski, both for the advancing foot and for the withdrawn foot. The
figure shows the posture of the skier, almost identical to that of
a runner, with both feet free to move depending on the most
energetically advantageous movement which is most responsive
ergonomically to the anthropometric features of the skier. The same
configuration with the addition of a suitable heel, which is
lockable if needed, can be used for ski-mountaineering with
flexible boots that can be locked for descents.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 6A-6C, which show two side views and
a plan view of the tip lifting system realized, for example, in
stainless steel or titanium sheet and in the version as a support
with bindings of the known type, a front gull-wing plate 18A and a
rear gull-wing plate 18P coupled to the oscillating structure
perform a multiplicity of tasks, for example: [0057] i) the joining
of the two beams which connect the front hinge and the rear hinge;
[0058] ii) the protection of the binding (tip or heel, both
integrated and of the known type, screwed on) against the intrusion
of snow, which would impair the operation (the removal of the snow
is indicated by the wavy arrows); [0059] iii) an increase in the
pressure exerted by the skier's weight, owing to the wedge-like
design, in order to dispel possible incrustations of snow or ice
which could inevitably form and grow, particularly in the rear
part, until they block the articulation and eradicate the rear
hinge from the ski (the skier's weight 40-100 kg by the length of
the base (30-50 cm) forms a large bending moment as compared to the
small arm of the screws of the plate of the rear hinge (2-3 cm));
[0060] iv) the formation of the largest possible solid support base
owing to the orientation of the front plate, inasmuch as it
contributes considerably to the torsional rigidity of the system as
a whole when the tip lifting device is locked.
[0061] The rear plate 18P ensures that the snow cannot solidify and
turn into ice between the rear binding and the ski. In addition,
the hinge is divided for example in two so as not to represent an
obstacle to the outflow of the snow towards the rear side
(indicated by the wavy arrows), towards which the snow is normally
also pushed by the advancing ski and by the pushing of the snow
plough wedge. If the pin were in one piece, this exit route would
be precluded and it would therefore be impossible to prevent the
accumulation of snow and therefore the blocking of the
articulation.
[0062] The binding system according to the invention, shown in more
detail in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, therefore realizes the triple function
of fastening, tip lifting and hinge for a shoe or boot 23, which
are of the known type and are characterized by the fact that they
are flexible enough to also allow placement of the ball of the foot
and therefore so-called rolling of the foot, which takes place on
the beams 2 instead of on the ground.
[0063] Conveniently, it is possible to also mount on the special
triple-function binding 1 all the known technical devices or
mechanisms, such as crampons for the ice or rear heel lifting
device.
[0064] One embodiment of a locking mechanism 8, which makes it
possible, with a rapid manoeuvre, to lock or unlock the oscillating
support structure 2 of the ski with the tip of the pole by lifting
the ends 109 of the compass 14, is described with reference to
FIGS. 6 to 8 and 11. The locking mechanism can adopt at least two
stable positions, respectively a position in which the lifting
movement of the tip lifting device is allowed, so that possible
stresses arising from banging and knocking on the ski do not make
the latter change position (position A in FIG. 6 and FIG. 11), and
a position in which the lifting movement of the tip lifting device
is inhibited (position B in FIG. 7 and FIG. 11), so that the
stresses resulting from the deformation of the ski do not induce
automatic commutation towards the operational position of
consent.
[0065] FIG. 8 shows two side views and a plan view of an
elastically deformable shaped plate, which forms a beak retention
spring 5 in which it is possible to see a pair of transversely
opposite protruding hooks 65 which can prevent the pin 4 from
coming out when it is in the locking position and the entry
profiles 67 characterized by the fact that they allow the free flat
end 66 of the spring to be lowered when the hooks 65 are lowered,
thereby freeing the entry of the pin 4 into the concave seat in the
front base 10. The free end 66 also has a hole or a concave seat,
into which it is possible to insert the tip of the pole or which
can be pressed by the tip of the pole, which, once the ends 109 of
the kinematic mechanism 14 have been lowered, allows the pin 4 to
leave the seats in the base 10 and therefore the oscillating
structure 2 to be freed again.
[0066] FIG. 9A is a side view, shown merely by way of example, of a
variant of the locking mechanism 8 of the stiffened quick-action
positioning type, for example for ski-mountaineering or
telemarking. The support structure 2 for the bindings is locked by
means of an oscillating system formed by a shaped fastening block
50 (shown in detail in FIG. 9B), the central section of which has a
cavity 51 into which the pin 4 can engage in the operational
locking position and which may be led to a position of
disengagement from the pin in the operational position in which the
lifting of the tip lifting device is allowed. The block 50 is
provided with a balance fastener 52 integral therewith (shown in
detail in FIG. 9C), which has the dual function of retaining the
block 50 in the locking position when the pawl formation 53 engages
in a respective portion of the pin 4 by surrounding it, or in a
free position when a pin 70 integral with the fastener 52 engages
on the protuberance 68 of the mounting base 10 of the kinematic
mechanism 14.
[0067] The shaped fastening block 50, which rotates pivoted by the
pin 59, and the horizontally pivoted fastener 52, which rotates
about the pin 58, are stressed by a spring 56, connected to the pin
57 which has the dual task of ensuring an elastic reaction between
the block 50 and fastener 52 so that these normally adopt the
mutual position shown in FIG. 9A, but if necessary--i.e. if the
mechanism is to be moved into the locking position--the fastener 52
can be rotated with respect to the block 50 such that the pin 70 is
liberated from the protuberance 68, as well as of making it easier
for the mechanism to reach the stable operational locking position,
in which the free ends of the block 50 rotate until they stably
lock the pin 4 within the cavity 51 owing to the fact that the axis
joining the pins 57 and 59 in which the spring is extended to the
maximum possible extent is half way between the two positions of
open and closed, in which the spring is of a reduced length and is
therefore stable. The spring 56 makes it possible to hinder the
possible vertical forces which would tend to lift the tip lifting
device, while the fastener 52 contributes to the closure of the
cavity 51 on the opposite side, which can keep the pin in the
locking position in the case of horizontal stresses arising, for
example, from the different deformation of the ski 12 with respect
to the structure 2.
[0068] In consideration of the forces which are active during
downhill off-piste skiing, in all of the cases presented the
locking mechanism 8 according to the invention can also provide for
the presence of a further pin 60 of the known type, for example a
pin or of the "push-pin" type, which can be inserted into
appropriate seats (holes or eyelets) present at the front end of
the support structure 2 and of the base 10, so as to ensure
complete and irreversible locking of the structure 2 which is free
from significant play, which at most limits the possible torsions
of the structure 2.
[0069] The locking system described advantageously makes it
possible to lock or unlock, as required, the support structure 2 of
the bindings 30 and 31 with a simple motion, with one hand or the
tip of the ski pole, in the latter case without the skier having to
bend down.
[0070] Conveniently, the locking system described can prevent or,
vice versa, allow the vertical lifting of the oscillating support
structure, but advantageously in every operational condition always
allows the relative horizontal sliding movement between the support
structure and the ski owing to the different elastic deformation of
the ski, which is considerably greater than that of the tip lifting
structure thereabove.
[0071] Finally, it is possible to integrate the features of lifting
the tip of the footwear and locking thereof on the binding of the
ski by means of said compass-like articulation kinematic mechanism
of the tip lifting device.
[0072] FIG. 10 shows in a side and a top plan view a light locking
mechanism 8, for example for cross-country skiing or roller skiing,
which is also shown in FIG. 2A. The locking mechanism has a mobile
slide 40 which is mounted slidably in the base 10 by means of two
pins 43 and 44, respectively a first locating pin 43 and a second
interference pin 44, the ends of which are slidably received within
respective shaped guide paths 45 formed on the internal sides of
the base 10. A contrast spring 42 acts on the slide 40 so as to
make the locating pin 43 follow the upper profile of the guide
paths 45 and therefore to make it take up one of two locations A or
B at its end-of-travel, respectively a first advanced location
corresponding to the stable operational position in which the
lifting of the tip lifting device is allowed, and a second
withdrawn location corresponding to the stable operational position
in which the lifting of the tip lifting device is blocked.
[0073] The tip lifting device and therefore the front section of
the beams 2 are locked with respect to the ski by means of the pin
44, or an extension thereof, which engages on a shaped bearing
formation 41 integral with the structure 2 by means of a support
pad 46, for example made of rubber or a similar material with
mechanical and elastic properties which avoid the noise caused by
the impact of the snow plough wedge 47 on the ski 12 and ensure a
sufficient upward and torsional constraint reaction, which
increases the stability of the locking mechanism when the latter is
in the operational locking position. The elasticity of the rubber
pad also makes it possible to recover the possible play caused by
the deterioration owing to wear of the sliding surfaces present on
the structure 2 or on the locking mechanism 8.
[0074] FIG. 11 shows two side views which illustrate the operation
of the locking system 8 in free position A, which allows the beams
2 to oscillate between the lifted position and the position in
which they rest on the ski, and in locked position B in which the
beams 2 are integral with the ski 12.
[0075] With reference also to FIG. 10, the operational position
indicated by A, in which the tip lifting device is completely
lifted, is attainable if the locking mechanism 8 reaches a
configuration in which the slide 40 is moved within the frame in an
advanced position with respect to the longitudinal direction of
advance of the ski, so that the pin 44, or an extension thereof,
does not engage on the shaped formation 41 integral with the
structure 2 and allows the lifting excursion of the front section
of the support structure 2 of the bindings.
[0076] By withdrawing the slide 40 into the operational position
indicated by B, the pin 44, or an extension thereof, engages on the
shaped formation 41 integral with the structure 2 and prevents the
front section of the structure 2 from lifting with respect to the
ski 12.
[0077] FIG. 12 is a side view of the binding system according to
the invention, which shows how possible inflection of the ski 12
can take place without a modification to the operational position
of the locking mechanism, in particular when the latter is in the
locking position B, due to the fact that the surface 41 can slide
horizontally below the pin 44 yet always remains bound
vertically.
[0078] Clearly, without departing from the principle of the
invention, the embodiments and details of construction may differ
considerably from those described and illustrated purely by way of
non-restrictive example, without thereby departing from the scope
of protection of the invention defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *