U.S. patent application number 13/638341 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-31 for binding for the practice of skiing.
This patent application is currently assigned to SALOMON S.A.S.. The applicant listed for this patent is Laurent Marechal, Jean-Francois Merino, Pierre Szafranski. Invention is credited to Laurent Marechal, Jean-Francois Merino, Pierre Szafranski.
Application Number | 20130026736 13/638341 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43063767 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130026736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marechal; Laurent ; et
al. |
January 31, 2013 |
BINDING FOR THE PRACTICE OF SKIING
Abstract
The invention relates to a binding for a boot on a ski,
including a toe-piece, a connection member having a front end
secured to the ski and a rear end, the connection member being
provided with a hook-engagement structure, a rear base adapted to
be attached to the ski and a hooking mechanism associated with the
rear base. The hooking mechanism includes a gripping member which
is movable with respect to the rear base and is capable of moving
into a first position in which it engages the hook-engagement
structure of the connection member so as to limit a vertical
movement of the rear end of the connection member, and a first
return member exerting a force on the gripping member so as to move
the latter toward the toe-piece. The binding also includes a
heel-piece connected to the rear portion of the connection member.
The longitudinal position of the heel-piece in relation to the
connection member is adjustable.
Inventors: |
Marechal; Laurent; (Villaz,
FR) ; Szafranski; Pierre; (Metz-Tessy, FR) ;
Merino; Jean-Francois; (Epagny, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Marechal; Laurent
Szafranski; Pierre
Merino; Jean-Francois |
Villaz
Metz-Tessy
Epagny |
|
FR
FR
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SALOMON S.A.S.
Metz-Tessy
FR
|
Family ID: |
43063767 |
Appl. No.: |
13/638341 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
March 30, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2011/000190 |
371 Date: |
September 28, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/617 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/0807 20130101;
A63C 9/02 20130101; A63C 9/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/617 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/00 20060101
A63C009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2010 |
FR |
10/01339 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A binding for a boot on a ski, the binding comprising: a
toe-piece; a connection member comprising a front end to be secured
to the ski and a rear end, the connection member being provided
with a hook engagement structure; a rear base to be fixed to the
ski; a hooking mechanism associated with the rear base, the hooking
mechanism comprising: a gripping member movable in relation to the
rear base and structured and arranged to be placed in a first
position in cooperation with the hook-engagement structure of the
connection member so as to limit vertical displacement of the rear
end of the connection member; a first return member exerting a
force on the gripping member so as to move the gripping member
toward the first position; a heel-piece connected to a rear portion
of the connection member; a longitudinal position adjustment
mechanism to enable longitudinal position adjustment of the
heel-piece in relation to the connection member.
17. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the longitudinal position-adjustment mechanism comprises an elastic
member located between a body of the heel-piece supporting a
mechanism for retaining the boot and a fastening element
longitudinally affixed to the connection member; the elastic member
exerting a return force on the body of the heel-piece, in a
direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially
longitudinal to the connection member.
18. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, further
comprising: an adjusting device structured and arranged to adjust
the return force of the elastic member.
19. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the first return member exerts a compensating force on the hook
engagement structure of the connection member, in the direction of
the toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the
ski.
20. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 19, further
comprising: an adjusting device structured and arranged to adjust
the compensation force of the first return member.
21. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: a
force on the gripping member moves the first return member toward
the first position.
22. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the toe-piece is structured and arranged to be pivotally mounted
about an axis transverse to the ski.
23. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the toe-piece is structured and arranged to be fixed in relation to
a front base fixed to the ski.
24. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the connection member is structured and arranged to be flexible in
movement about an axis transverse to the ski.
25. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the gripping member is positioned in an area of the heel-piece or
between the heel-piece and the toe-piece.
26. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the gripping member comprises at least two hooks arranged on
respective sides of a median plane of the rear base; the hooks
being structured and arranged to cooperate with at least one
fitting of the connection member, the fitting forming the hook
engagement structure.
27. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the gripping member is mounted to slide longitudinally in relation
to the rear base between first and second positions; the gripping
member fixing the connection member to the rear base in the first
locking position and releasing the connection member relative to
the rear base in the second unlocking position.
28. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein:
the hooking mechanism comprises: a retaining member affixed to the
rear base, the retaining member being movably mounted between first
and second positions relative to the rear base; the retaining
member having an actuation surface structured and arranged to be
manipulated by a user in order to move the retaining member from
the first position to the second position; the first position of
the retaining member freeing passage of the gripping member from
the second position to the first position; the second position of
the retaining member retaining the gripping member in the second
position; a release member having an actuation surface structured
and arranged to be manipulated by the user, the actuation surface
having an axial bias driving the gripping member toward the second
position.
29. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 28, further
comprising: a second return member biasing the retaining member
toward the second position.
30. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 28, further
comprising: a retractable stop retaining the gripping member in the
first position in the absence of bias of the release member, and
freeing the sliding of the gripping member from the first position
to the second position when an axial force is applied to the
actuation surface of the release member.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a binding for a boot on a ski,
intended more particularly for the practice of alpine skiing.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] When skiing downhill, whether in ski touring or downhill
skiing, the ski flexing behavior is paramount. Reference is then
made to the term "flex" to designate all the ski flexing values.
Flex determines the character of the ski, its liveliness, and
aggressiveness. Consequently, a ski must preferably be
characterized by a maximum of flexion about a transverse axis of
the ski.
[0005] Given the rigidity of the boot, and in particular of its
sole, the ski flex is inadequate if the toe-piece and heel-piece
are fixed directly to the ski. Indeed, this construction involves
rigidity that limits the flexing of the ski when the latter is
supported at the front and rear of the ski. The skier's weight
generates stresses on the fastening points of the toe-piece and
heel-piece which can damage the ski and/or the components of the
binding.
[0006] To overcome this drawback, it is known to add an elastic
member between a body of the heel-piece supporting a mechanism for
retaining the boot and a fixing element affixed to the ski. The
elastic member exerts a return force on the body of the heel-piece,
in the direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially
longitudinal to the ski. Conventionally, the elastic member is a
recoil spring that makes it possible to space the heel-piece from
the toe-piece during flexing, as in the case mentioned above. Flex
is improved.
[0007] The position of the fastening element is generally variable
along a longitudinal axis, which enables axial adjustment of the
position of the heel-piece.
[0008] A construction of this type is illustrated, for example, in
the patent documents WO 2008/125363 and FR-A-2 831 455.
[0009] Although this design provides flexibility to the ski, such
flexibility is limited to the displacement of the body of the
heel-piece.
[0010] Patent document EP-A-1 559 455 discloses a binding for the
practice of ski touring, including a toe-piece and a heel-piece
mounted on a plate without the possibility of axial spacing of the
toe-piece in relation to the heel-piece. The heel-piece is affixed
to a support pivotally mounted about a central vertical axis
arranged between the toe-piece and the heel-piece. A boot rests
directly on this pivotable support. This binding assembly is
therefore flexionally rigid about an axis transverse to the ski.
Adaptation of the binding to various boot sizes is therefore not
possible. This structure further includes a thick plate beneath the
boot. The binding system is complex with respect to inserting
and/or removing the boot.
[0011] To provide flexibility in the descent configuration, the end
of the plate is affixed to the ski via a lock pushed by a spring,
the spring pressing on a support fixed on the ski. This elastic
member makes it possible to maintain the lock in constant contact
with the end of the plate during flexing of the ski.
[0012] This construction is also limited to a single axial
compensation means. Therefore, this binding does not permit a
significant longitudinal travel of the end of the plate.
SUMMARY
[0013] The invention provides an improved binding for a boot on a
ski.
[0014] More particularly, the structure of the binding is simple,
lightweight and compact, particularly with respect to thickness
beneath the sole of the boot.
[0015] In addition, the bending flexibility of a ski equipped with
a binding and a boot. The invention makes it possible to obtain a
greater travel of the ski without exerting substantial stress
thereon.
[0016] Further, the invention obtains a nonlinear flexural behavior
of the ski, as a function of change in the bias.
[0017] The invention thus relates to a binding for a boot on a ski
comprising: [0018] a rear end, the connection member being provided
with a hook-engagement structure; [0019] a rear base adapted to be
fixed to the ski, [0020] a hooking mechanism, associated with the
base, including: [0021] a toe-piece; [0022] a connection member
having a front end secured to an upper surface of the ski and a
gripping member movable in relation to the rear base and capable of
being positioned in a first locking position for which it
cooperates with the hook-engagement structure of the connection
member so as to limit vertical movement of the end rear of the
connection member; [0023] a first return member exerting a force on
the gripping member so as to move the latter toward its first
locking position.
[0024] The binding includes a heel-piece connected to the rear
portion of the connection member, the axial position of the
heel-piece in relation to the connection member being
adjustable.
[0025] The axial adjustment makes it possible to adapt the spacing
between the toe-piece and the heel-piece to the size of the boot.
This adjustment creates less stress in the area of the components
of the binding and provides flexibility to the ski.
[0026] The improvement to the flexibility of the ski is also marked
by the addition of a second axial compensation, namely an elastic
member in addition to the return member. Thus, the mechanism
enabling the axial adjustment of the heel-piece includes an elastic
member housed between a body of the heel-piece supporting a
mechanism for retaining the boot and a fastening element affixed to
the connection member, the elastic member exerting a return force
on the body of the heel-piece, in the direction of the toe-piece,
along an axis substantially longitudinal to the connection
member.
[0027] The invention also relates to any technically permissible
combination of the following characteristics: [0028] the return
force is adjustable by a first adjusting device; [0029] the first
return member exerts a compensating force on the hook-engagement
structure of the connection member, in the direction of the
toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the ski;
[0030] the compensating force is adjustable by a second adjusting
device; [0031] the toe-piece is pivotally mounted about an axis
transverse to the ski; [0032] the toe-piece is stationary with
respect to a front base fixed on the ski; [0033] the connection
member is flexible about an axis transverse to the ski; [0034] the
gripping member is located in the area of the heel-piece, or
between the heel-piece and the toe-piece; [0035] the gripping
member includes at least one hook adapted to cooperate with at
least one fitting of the connection member, the fitting forming the
hook-engagement structure; [0036] the gripping member includes at
least two hooks arranged on both sides of a median plane of the
rear base.
[0037] The invention more particularly relates to bindings adapted
for the practice of ski touring.
[0038] A binding of the aforementioned type must permit a rotation
of the boot about an axis transverse to the ski, located at the
front of the boot during the ascent phase, so as to enable spacing
of the heel of the user in relation to the ski in order to exert an
optimum thrust force. Such a binding must also make it possible to
absorb substantial torsional forces between the boot and the ski
during the descent phase.
[0039] An example of a touring ski binding is disclosed in the
patent document EP-A-1 892 020. This safety binding is comprised of
a plate carrying the boot, pivotally mounted on the ski at the
front and provided at the rear with detachable means for connection
to the ski. This binding is adapted to be used with rigid alpine
ski boots which are fixed on the pivotable plate. A toe-piece and a
heel-piece are fixed on the plate to ensure retention of the boot,
or removal of the boot, if necessary. During the ascent position,
the pivotable plate is released from the ski at the rear so as
enable the boot to pivot in relation to the ski. In the descent
position, the pivotable plate is affixed to the ski so as to make
it possible to ski using alpine downhill skiing techniques. The
means for connecting the plate to ski are not described in this
document.
[0040] In practice, a binding of the aforementioned type is
cumbersome and significantly weighs down the ski. Furthermore,
there is a need for means for connecting the plate to ski that are
easy to manipulate when switching between the ascent position and
the descent position. There is also a need for connecting means
optimizing the transmission of forces between the boot and the ski
while allowing flexing of the ski. The binding must be able to
provide a solid connection of the boot to the ski and be strong
enough to withstand the forces generated during practice of ski
touring, while also being sufficiently lightweight.
[0041] The inventionsolves one or more of these technical problems.
Thus, advantageously, the hooking mechanism for alternately
securing and releasing the base and the rear portion of the
connection member further includes: [0042] a retaining member
affixed to the rear base, the retaining member being movably
mounted between first and second positions in relation to the rear
base, the retaining member having an actuation surface adapted to
be manipulated by the user in order to switch it from its first
position to its second position, the first position of the
retaining member freeing the passage of the gripping member from
its second position to its first position, the second position of
the retaining member retaining the gripping member in its second
position; [0043] a release member having an actuation surface
adapted to be manipulated by the user, the axial bias of the
actuation surface driving the gripping member toward the second
position.
[0044] The invention also relates to any technically permissible
combination of the following characteristics: [0045] the safety
binding including a second return member biases the retaining
member toward its second position. [0046] a retractable stop
maintains the gripping member in its first position, in the absence
of bias of the release member, and frees the gripping member to
slide from its first position to its second position when an axial
force is applied on the actuation surface of the release
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the description which follows, given by way of
non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, in
which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a member for
connecting to the ski, and of a rear base for an exemplary binding
according to the invention, in the ascent position;
[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connection member and of a
rear base for an ascent position of the binding;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a member for
connecting to the ski and of a rear base, in the descent
position;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the
rear base of the binding;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a locking member of the rear
base;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an actuating member of a
locking mechanism;
[0054] FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the rear base in the
ascent position;
[0055] FIG. 8 is an axial cross-sectional view of components of the
rear base in the ascent position;
[0056] FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of the rear base in an
intermediate position for switching to the descent position;
[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of the rear base in the
descent position;
[0058] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of components of
the rear base in the descent position;
[0059] FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional side views of the
locking mechanism during various locking phases.
[0060] FIG. 14 is a perspective rear view of a complete binding
according to the first embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 15 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, along the
line AA of FIG. 1, of a ski equipped with the complete binding
according to the first embodiment, in the descent position;
[0062] FIG. 16 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, similar to
FIG. 15, of a ski equipped with a complete binding according to a
second embodiment, without flexing of the ski;
[0063] FIG. 17 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, similar to
FIG. 15, of a ski equipped with the complete binding according to
the second embodiment, with flexing of the ski.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0064] The following referential points, shown in FIG. 1, will be
used in the following description. The X-direction corresponds to
the axial or longitudinal direction of the ski 2 on which the
binding is mounted. The Y-direction corresponds to the transverse
direction of the ski 2, and the Z-direction corresponds to the
vertical direction of the ski 2.
[0065] FIGS. 1-15 illustrate a first embodiment dedicated to the
practice of ski touring. This binding includes a pivotable in
relation to the ski 2. A hooking mechanism 600 makes it possible to
alternatively secure or release the rear portion of the connection
member and a base fixed to the ski 2.
[0066] Thus, a very simple kinematics implemented by the user makes
it possible to switch from the ascent position to the descent
position of the binding. Such a hooking mechanism has a simple and
compact structure, which is easy to develop.
[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main components of a
safety binding 1 for the practice of ski touring. The binding 1
includes a front base 400, a toe-piece 300 (whose internal
mechanism is not shown for reasons of readability), a connection
member 200, a heel-piece 700 (not shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of
readability), and a rear base 100.
[0068] The front 400 and rear 100 bases are adapted to be rigidly
fixed to a ski 2. The connection member 200 is pivotally mounted
with respect to the front base 400 about an axis along the
Y-direction. To this end, the connection member 200 is rotationally
mounted through the toe-piece 300 about an axle 502 extending
between two surfaces of a stirrup of the base 400.
[0069] The toe-piece 300 is fixed to the front end of the
connection member 200. The toe-piece 300 has a support 301 for the
sole of the user's ski boot 3. The heel-piece 700 is fixed on a
plate 205 forming the rear portion of the connection member 200.
The toe-piece 300 and heel-piece 700 are thus axially offset to
allow insertion of the boot 3 of the user. The toe-piece 300 and
heel-piece 700 conventionally make it possible to retain the user's
boot 3 vertically when inserted into the binding. The axial
position of the heel-piece 700 with respect to the connection
member 200 can be adjusted in a known manner. To this end, the
plate 205 of the connection member 200 has a rail 201 enabling the
axial sliding of the heel-piece 700, and an indentation 720 for
immobilizing the axial position of the heel-piece 700 via a
conventional mechanism integrated into the heel-piece 700.
[0070] A conventional heel-piece 700, as mentioned above, is
illustrated with reference to FIG. 14 and the subsequent figures.
The heel-piece 700 includes a body 701 supporting a mechanism for
retaining the boot 3. A portion of this body forms a slide rack 702
cooperating with the rail 201 so as to enable axial translation of
the heel-piece 700. The body 701 of the heel-piece also supports an
adjusting screw 710.
[0071] The axial positioning of the heel-piece 700 is achieved due
to a mechanism comprising the adjusting screw 710, axially affixed
to the body 701 of the heel-piece, in engagement with the
indentation 720 of the connection member 200. Thus, the turning of
the screw 710 causes the screw 710 to be axially displaced along
the indentation 720, and therefore the axial displacement of the
heel-piece 700. For an alpine ski binding, the indentation 720 is
usually affixed directly to the ski.
[0072] Heel-pieces 700 for the practice of downhill skiing are
often equipped with axial compensation to provide more flexibility
to the ski and to cover slight variations in size. This axial
compensation is obtained simply by inserting an elastic member 750
between the body 701 of the heel-piece and the adjusting screw 710.
Thus, the body 701 of the heel-piece can be axially translated
toward the rear until total compression of the elastic member.
[0073] The kinematics of a rearward movement of the heel-piece is
as follows: the body 701 presses on the spring 750 which then
presses on the adjusting screw 710, the latter being axially locked
via the indentation 720. In the other direction, the forward
movement of the heel-piece 700 is limited due to the contact
between a shoulder of the adjusting screw and a stop of the body of
the heel-piece. Consequently, when the heel-piece 700 is not
biased, that is to say, while at rest, the elastic member 750 is
slightly compressed, which makes it possible to obtain the contact
described above.
[0074] The elastic member 750 is generally a spring. The axis of
the elastic member 750, the axis of the adjusting screw 710, and
the axis of the ski are substantially aligned.
[0075] Thus, with this design, the adjustment screw 710 can only
rotate about its axis or move axially (by compressing the elastic
member 750) in relation to the body 701 of the heel-piece 700.
[0076] In the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the binding 1 is in
the ascent position. Thus, the rear end of the connection member
200 is separated from the rear base 100 in order to enable the
user's foot to pivot in relation to the ski.
[0077] A hooking mechanism 600 makes it possible to alternately
secure and release the base 100 from the rear portion of the
connection member 200. The hooking mechanism 600 includes hooks 602
and 603. The hooks 602 and 603 form a gripping member affixed to
the base 100. The hooks 602 and 603 are made integrally with a
connecting rod 601 mounted to slide axially in relation to the base
100. The connecting rod 601 is slidably mounted in relation to the
base 100 by means of an arched member 605 affixed to the base 100
and overhanging the median portion of the connecting rod 601. Via
the connecting rod 601, the hooks 602 and 603 are mounted to slide
axially in relation to the base 100, between first and second
positions.
[0078] In the first position illustrated in FIG. 3, the hooks 602
and 603 are in the advanced position, which corresponds to a
descent position of the binding 1. In the second position shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the hooks 602 and 603 are in the retracted position,
which corresponds to an ascent position of the binding 1.
[0079] Shafts 203 and 204 are fixed transversely on the connection
member 200. The shafts 203 and 204 are arranged so as to be
substantially plumb with the hooks 602 and 603, respectively. The
shafts 203 and 204 form a hooking means, or hook-engagement
structure, affixed to the base 100. The connection member 200 has
openings 624 and 625 arranged so as to be plumb with the hooks 602
and 603. The openings 624 and 625 enable the hooks 602 and 603 to
slide with respect to the connection member 200 when the latter is
pressed against the base 100.
[0080] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the hooks 602 and 603 are in their second,
retracted position. The hooks 602 and 603 are not coupled to the
shafts 203 and 204, so that the rear portion of the connection
member 200 is released from the base 100. The connection member 200
can thus pivot in relation to the front base 400. The binding 1 is
then in the ascent position.
[0081] In FIG. 3, the hooks 602 and 603 are in their first, forward
position. The rear end of the connection member 200 is pressed
against the base 100. The hooks 602 and 603 are then coupled to the
shafts 203 and 204, so that the rear portion of the connection
member is fixed to the base 100. Thus, the rear end of the
connection member 200 is fixed to the rear base 100 in order to
enable the transmission of forces between the heel of the user and
the ski. The foot of the user then cannot pivot in relation to the
ski. The binding 1 is then in the descent position.
[0082] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of connecting rod
601 usable in the context of the invention. The connecting rod 601
includes an elongated body, the hooks 602 and 603 extending upward,
from the median portion of this body. To make it easier to switch
to the descent position, the connecting rod 601 includes a release
member 607 in its rear portion. The release member 607 has an
actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, for
example by means of his ski pole. The actuation surface
advantageously has asperities to improve the adherence of the pole
of the user. The actuation surface projects perpendicular to the
remainder of the connecting rod 601 to facilitate the application
of axial forces by the user. The bias of this actuation surface by
the user with axial force drives the connecting rod 601 from its
first (advanced) position toward its second (retracted) position.
The surface opposite to the actuation surface forms a stop surface.
This stop surface is inclined in relation to the horizontal.
[0083] A recess 606, in the form of an orifice, is provided in the
rear portion of the connecting rod 601, in the vicinity of the
release member 607. A return member 650, such as a helical spring,
biases the connecting rod 601 toward its first position,
corresponding to the advanced descent position of the hooks 602 and
603. The return to the first position automatically ensures the
fixing of the connection member 200 to the base 100 when the user
lowers his foot and the connecting rod 601 is positioned in advance
in its first position. Such a spring can be compressed, for
example, between a tab 609 provided at the front end of the
connecting rod 601 and a wall 105 of the base 100 positioned at the
rear of the tab 609. The return spring can be tightly housed within
the base to limit its deterioration.
[0084] The hooking mechanism 600 also includes a retaining member
640 shown more precisely in FIGS. 4 and 6. The retaining member 640
is in the form of a lever pivotally mounted with respect to the
base 100. The retaining member has guide rings 647 in its front
portion. The guide rings 647 are mounted to pivot about an axle
646. The axle 646 extends transversely and is fixed to a base 630
of a rear base 100. The lever 640 is pivotally mounted between
first and second rotational positions in relation to the base 630.
The first position of the lever 640 is a lower position and the
second position is an upper position. A projection 641 extends
upward, in the median portion of the lever 640. The lever 640
further has actuation surfaces 642 provided axially on both sides
of the projection 641. The actuation surfaces 642 enable the user
to exert force to pivot the lever 640 from its second position to
its first position. Each actuation surface advantageously has a
portion 648 inclined in relation to the vertical, in order to
facilitate its manipulation by the user, for example by means of
his ski pole. The actuation surfaces advantageously have asperities
to improve the adherence of the user's pole.
[0085] The hooking mechanism 600 further has a member for returning
the lever 640 to its second position. In the example illustrated in
FIG. 4, the return member is in the form of a torsion spring 645
surrounding the shaft 646. The spring 645 has an arm 643 supported
against the lower surface of the lever 640, and an arm 644
supported against the ski or a wall of the base 630. The torsion
spring 645 thus makes it possible to stably retain the lever 640 in
its second position, when the actuation surface 642 is not
manipulated by the user.
[0086] The lever 640 makes it possible to stably retain the
connecting rod 601 in its first position, i.e., the retracted
position. As mentioned above, the retention of the connecting rod
601 in the second position, i.e., the forward position, is ensured
by the return spring. However, in the case of failure of the return
spring, it is the lever 640 which stably retains the connecting rod
in the advanced position. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the connecting
rod 601 in its second position and the lever 640 in its second
position. The projection 641 of the lever 640 is then housed in the
opening 606 of the connecting rod 601. The lever 640 thus retains
the connecting rod 601 in its second position. The ascent position
of the binding 1 is thus guaranteed to be stable, by avoiding an
ill-timed switch to the descent position when the user merely
presses the connection member 200 against the base 100.
[0087] When the user wishes to switch the binding 1 in the descent
position, he/she first presses the connection member 200 against
the base 100. The user then exerts pressure on the actuation
surface 642 to pivot the lever 640 toward its first position. The
projection 641 then exits the opening 606. The connecting rod 601
can then freely slide in relation to the base 100. The return
member then drives the connecting rod 601 toward its first
position. FIG. 9 shows the beginning of the switch to the descent
position after a user exerts pressure on the actuation surface
642.
[0088] When the connecting rod 601 reaches its first position, the
hooks 602 and 603 are coupled to the shafts 203 and 204. The spring
645 returns the lever 640 to its second position. FIGS. 10 and 11
illustrate the connecting rod 601 in its first position and the
lever 640 in its second position. The projection 641 then gets
positioned behind the stop surface of the release member 607. The
projection 641 thus forms a retractable stop retaining the
connecting rod 601 in its first position, in the absence of bias of
the release member 607 by the user. The projection 641 then ensures
a stable retention of the connecting rod 601 in its first descent
position, even in the presence of vibrations when skiing. Thus, a
simple pressure on the actuation surface 642 of the lever 640 makes
it possible to switch from the ascent position to the descent
position.
[0089] When axial force is applied to the actuation surface of the
release member 607, the stop surface interferes with the projection
641 in order to pivot the lever 640 toward its first position. As
the user continues to slide the connecting rod 601 toward its
second position, the projection 641 becomes housed again in the
opening 606, under the effect of the recoil spring 645, in order to
maintain the connecting rod 601 in position. Thus, a simple axial
thrust on the release member 607 makes it possible to switch from
the descent position to the ascent position.
[0090] Switching between the ascent and descent positions can be
carried out simply by means of a mechanism 600 having a structure
that is both simple and lightweight.
[0091] The heel-piece 700 is advantageously arranged so as to be
substantially plumb with the shafts 203 and 204. Thus, in the
descent position, the hooks 602, 603 are also arranged
substantially in the area of the heel-piece, that is to say, before
the rear end of the heel-piece. This configuration provides a
better transmission of the forces exerted from the heel-piece to
the ski, because the connection between these elements is more
direct. Possible lever effects, which constitute a source of
stresses on the ski, are eliminated.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the shafts 203 and 204 are
axially offset, and the hooks 602 are axially offset at the front
in relation to the hooks 603. Thus, the transmission of forces from
the heel-piece to the base 100 is improved. Furthermore, the axial
forces exerted by the heel-piece are distributed along the length
of the base 100.
[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the binding 1 includes hooks
602 and 603 on both sides of the axis of the ski or of the median
plane of the base 100. Thus, the binding 1 has a better torsional
stiffness about the axis of the ski in the descent position.
[0094] The hooks 602 and 603 are advantageously housed in the
openings 624 and 625 so as not to project from the upper surface of
the connection member 200. Thus, the hooks 602 and 603 do not
interfere with the sole of a boot retained in the binding 1 in the
descent position.
[0095] FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional side views of an
alternative hook at the beginning and the end, respectively, of its
coupling to a shaft. The hook 602 has a lower guide surface 622 for
guiding the shaft 203 up to an axial stop surface 623. The free end
621 of the contact surface is rounded to facilitate the initiation
of the coupling shown in FIG. 12. Furthermore, the lower guide
surface 622 has an inclination about the axis Y. The lower guide
surface 622 is thus inclined in relation to the plane (X, Y) in
which the sliding axis of the connecting rod 601 and of the hook
602 is located. Thus, during the travel of the hook 602, the
possible clearance between the hook 602 and the shaft 203 is
gradually eliminated, and the shaft 203 is gradually pulled down
until reaching the position in which it is in contact with the stop
surface 623. Because this traction of the shaft 203 creates an
elastic deformation of the binding 1, a constant vertical contact
force is maintained between the hook 602 and the shaft 203, thereby
eliminating the clearance during use of the binding 1 in the decent
phase and thus ensuring a highly precise steering of the ski.
[0096] Furthermore, the hook 602 advantageously has an upper guide
surface 626 for guiding the shaft 203 up to its coupling position,
when the connecting rod 601 is in its first position and the user
has not yet pressed the connection member 200 against the base 100.
The upper guide surface 626 is thus inclined about the axis Y, so
that when the shaft 203 interferes with this surface 626, the hook
602 and slightly pushed back toward its second position until the
shaft 203 reaches the guide surface 622. The return of the
connecting rod 601 to its first position then guarantees the
coupling between the shaft 203 and the hook 602.
[0097] The hooks 603 can have a shape similar to that of the hooks
602, in order to be capable of coupling to the shaft 204 in the
same fashion.
[0098] A raising stop 101 of the base 100 advantageously forms an
arch surrounding the release member 607 in the position shown in
the various figures. The arch of the raising stop 101 makes it
possible to prevent a switch to the ascent position as a result of
the release member 607 being accidentally pressed. The arch also
allows the end of a pole to be guided toward the release member 607
in order to switch to the ascent position. The release member 607
is advantageously inclined in relation to the plane (X, Y), with an
inclination about the axis Y, to enable the user to apply an axial
force for switching to the ascent position.
[0099] The raising stop 101 is used when the binding 1 is in the
ascent position to provide a raised support in relation to the base
100 for the heel of the user. The raising stop is mounted to pivot
via arms 103 about an axis having a Y-direction. The arms 103 are
connected by a stop portion 102, adapted to form the support for
the rear portion of the connection member 200. In the area of each
arm 103, the base has a first boss 104, a first recess 105, a
second boss 106, and a second recess 107. During the pivoting
travel of the raising stop 101, the arms 103 are initially deformed
elastically as they pass over the boss 104. When the arms 103 reach
the recess 105, the stop 101 is stably retained between the bosses
104 and 106 in a first support position substantially perpendicular
to the plane (X, Y). As the pivoting travel of the raising stop 101
continues, the arms are elastically deformed as they pass over the
boss 106. When the arms 103 reach the recess 107, the stop 101 is
stably retained in a position pivoted forward by approximately
135.degree. in relation to the plane (X, Y) to define a second
support position.
[0100] FIG. 15 shows a partial, axial cross-sectional view of a ski
equipped with the complete binding according to the first
embodiment, in the descent position. The partial cross-section is
median in the area of the heel-piece 700. For reasons of clarity,
the partial cross-section follows the line AA of FIG. 1, in the
area of the connection member and of the hooking mechanism 600.
This makes it possible to see the gripping member 602, 603 and the
return member 650.
[0101] FIG. 15 illustrates an object of the invention which is the
double axial compensation, the latter making it possible to obtain
more flexibility in the fitted ski. The dimensions of the elastic
member of each compensation can be optimized to reduce the stresses
exerted thereon. This configuration also enables a finer adjustment
due to the elastic member having less stiffness.
[0102] The first axial compensation is obtained in the area of the
heel-piece 700, via the elastic member 750, as explained above.
This compensation is known per se in downhill ski bindings.
[0103] The second axial compensation is obtained by the return
member 650. Its operation is as follows: the ski forms an arc of a
circle when it bends, whereas the connection member 200, relatively
rigid, forms the chord. This results in a relative axial
displacement of the rear end of the connection member in relation
to the ski. Thus, the hook-engagement structure of the connection
member, namely the shafts 203 and 204, retract with respect to the
ski. This movement causes the axial translation of the connecting
rod 601 because the shafts 203, 204 are in direct contact with the
gripping member, namely the hooks 602, 603 of the connecting rod
601. The connecting rod 601 is axially guided by the rear base 100.
The connecting rod 601 is also in contact with the return member
650 via a tab 609. In the opposite, the return member 650 is in
contact with a wall 105 of the base 100, which is fixed in relation
to the ski 2. As a result, the backward movement of the connecting
rod 601 causes the compression of the return member 650, thereby
obtaining the second axial compensation.
[0104] Both axial compensations are parallel and their effects are
cumulative, more so when the connection member is flexible around a
transverse axis. Thus, the flexing of the ski simultaneously causes
the compression of the elastic member 750 and of the return member
650. This double compensation provides more flexibility during
flexing of the ski without exerting too much stress on the ski in
the area of the hook-engagement structure of the binding. The
dimensions of the compensations could be optimized due to the fact
that compensation is distributed via two mechanisms.
[0105] Advantageously, the stiffness of the elastic member 750 is
different from that of the return member 650. An axial compensation
can thus be preferred in relation to the other, depending upon the
needs and the desired ski behavior. One can thus wish to have a
greater displacement of one element in relation to the other during
flexing of the ski.
[0106] Similarly, the compression travel of the elastic member 750
can be different from that of the return member 650. This makes it
possible to obtain a nonlinear change of the compensation/change in
the nonlinear compensation.
[0107] The articulation of the toe-piece also contributes to the
flexibility of the fitted ski.
[0108] FIGS. 16 to 17 illustrate a second embodiment dedicated more
specifically to alpine skiing.
[0109] In these figures, the elements shared by both embodiments
have the same reference numerals. The elements specific to the
second embodiment have a suffix "b".
[0110] In this design, the toe-piece 300b is fixed in relation to
its front base 400b. The heel-piece 700 is connected to the front
base 400b by a connection member 200b. The connection member 200b
includes a plate 205, on which is fixed the heel-piece 700, and a
connecting blade 206b, flexible in bending about an axis transverse
to the ski, connecting the plate 205 to the front base 400b of the
toe-piece 300b. Thus, in the absence of a hooking mechanism 600b,
the plate 205 is movable in relation to the ski.
[0111] The hooking mechanism 600b is similar to the previous
embodiment, except that the retaining member 640 and the release
member 607 have been omitted as they are not needed for alpine
skiing. Furthermore, the hooking mechanism 600b is also different
in the area of the location of the return member 650. Indeed, it is
more practical and more accessible, particularly for adjusting the
compensating force, to position the return member 650 at the rear
of the heel-piece 700. This arrangement also reduces the thickness
of the connection member 200, and therefore the distance between
the boot sole and the ski.
[0112] The hooking mechanism 600b also incorporates a device 660
for adjusting the compensating force exerted by the return member
650, i.e., a spring in this case. The wall 609 of the connecting
rod 601 is located, in this embodiment, at the rear of the hooks
603 and presses on the spring 650. The spring 650 then presses on
an adjusting screw 660 forming the adjusting device. The adjusting
screw 660 is in engagement with an indentation 670 affixed to the
rear base 100 or directly fixed to the ski 2. The guide screw 660
is supported by a housing of the rear base 100 or is directly fixed
to the ski 2, so as to only allow the rotation and axial
displacement of the adjusting screw 660 in relation to the
housing.
[0113] Thus, turning the screw causes the axial displacement of the
screw 660 along the indentation 670, and therefore the compression
of the spring 650. Indeed, the spring is in contact on one side
with the adjusting screw 660 and, on the other side, with the wall
609 of the connecting rod 601. The connecting rod 601 is axially
guided by the rear base 100, on the one hand, and axially
immobilized due to the hooks 602, 603 in contact with the shafts
203, 204 connected to the fixed front base 400b, on the other hand.
Thus, the axial displacement of the adjusting screw 660 causes the
compression of the spring 650.
[0114] The stiffness of the return member 650 and that of the
elastic member 750 can thus be advantageously adjusted due to an
adjusting device 660, 710.
[0115] The operation of the double axial compensation is similar to
the previous embodiment, except that the cumulative effects are
more pronounced because of the flexibility of the connecting blade
206b.
[0116] FIGS. 16 and 17 visually explain the operation of the axial
compensation. FIG. 16 shows a fitted ski equipped without flexing,
whereas FIG. 17 shows a flexing ski and the consequences on the
axial compensations. During flexing of the ski, the return member
650 and the elastic member 750 are compressed. The length of the
spring 650 changes from a value of L6R at rest to a smaller value
of L6F during flexing. The length of the spring 750 changes from a
value of L7R at rest to a smaller value of L7F during flexing.
[0117] The connection member 200, 200b has a front end secured to
the ski 2, in the sense that the connection between the front end
of the connection member and the front base 400, 400b fixed to the
ski 2 limits certain degrees of freedom, but is not necessarily
embedded. The front end can be mounted to pivot in relation to the
front base 400, as illustrated in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to
15). It can be rigidly mounted (embedded) with respect to the front
base 400b, as illustrated in the second embodiment (FIGS. 16 and
17). The connection between the front end and the front base can
also be of the ball-joint type or permit only one translation along
one axis.
[0118] The return member 650 and the elastic member 750 can be a
spring, rubber, or any other element allowing elastic return.
[0119] The invention is not limited to these two embodiments and
covers other bindings having at least two distinct axial
compensations.
[0120] The toe-piece can be pivotable about an axis transverse to
the ski, with its front base being fixed directly on the ski. The
connection member 205b is then similar to that of the second
embodiment. It is connected to the front base.
[0121] The gripping member is not necessarily located in the area
of the heel-piece 700. It can be located, for example, at the rear
thereof, which facilitates the design and allows manual action
thereon.
[0122] Various gripping members can be envisioned. It can be a
single hook located at the rear of the heel-piece, for example. The
gripping members can include a plurality of hooks, as in the
examples described above.
[0123] The gripping member can also be a simple lock movable
transversely. For example, the hook-engagement structure is simply
comprised of holes of the plate where the heel-piece is fixed (the
rear of the connection member). The axis of these holes is
transverse to the ski. The gripping member is then comprised of a
plurality of shafts capable of penetrating into these holes in
order to affix the plate to the gripping member. The axis of these
shafts is also transverse to the ski. These shafts form locks,
which once locked, do not allow any relative movement between the
plate and the gripping member, in contrast with the previously
described embodiments. The gripping member is also affixed to the
connecting rod which is axially guided by the rear base. The
gripping member can therefore move longitudinally in relation to
the rear base and can also move the plate supporting the
heel-piece. In other words, this construction enables a
longitudinal displacement of the heel-piece. The locks can be
non-removable or retractable by being mounted, for example, on an
elastic member.
[0124] The gripping member can be an elastic clip.
[0125] Other axial compensation systems can also be envisioned, the
systems described being only an illustration of what can be
applied.
* * * * *