U.S. patent application number 14/329279 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for flexor with fastening clip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rottefella AS. Invention is credited to Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen, Even Wollo.
Application Number | 20140319803 14/329279 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42109936 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140319803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wollo; Even ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
FLEXOR WITH FASTENING CLIP
Abstract
A flexor unit for a ski binding, in particular a cross country
or touring ski binding, including a flexor element which is
attached, attachable or integrally formed with a base element for
interaction and attachment with the ski binding in a removable
manner, the flexor element comprising a single piece double section
element with a front flexor portion and a rear flexor portion, the
flexor element further including a pin receiving slot between the
front and rear flexor portions, the pin receiving slot being sized
and shaped to receive a rotation pin of a ski boot.
Inventors: |
Wollo; Even; (Naersnes,
NO) ; Holm; Thomas; (Oslo, NO) ; Svendsen;
Oyvar; (Oslo, NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rottefella AS |
Klokkarstua |
|
NO |
|
|
Family ID: |
42109936 |
Appl. No.: |
14/329279 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13384396 |
Mar 27, 2012 |
8801027 |
|
|
PCT/EP2009/059217 |
Jul 17, 2009 |
|
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14329279 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/02 20130101; A63C
9/20 20130101; A63C 1/28 20130101; A63C 2201/06 20130101; A43B
5/0411 20130101; A63C 9/18 20130101; A43B 5/0413 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/633 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/20 20060101
A63C009/20 |
Claims
1. A flexor unit for a ski binding, in particular a cross country
or touring ski binding, comprising: a flexor element which is
attached, attachable or integrally formed with a base element for
interaction and attachment with the ski binding in a removable
manner, the flexor element comprising a single piece double section
element with a front flexor portion and a rear flexor portion, the
flexor element further comprising a pin receiving slot between the
front and rear flexor portions, the pin receiving slot being sized
and shaped to receive a rotation pin of a ski boot.
2. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the front flexor
portion is arranged to abut with a front underside portion of a ski
boot when the ski boot is attached to the ski binding.
3. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the rear flexor
portion is arranged to abut with an underside portion of the ski
boot behind the rotation pin when the ski boot is attached to the
ski binding.
4. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the base element
is provided with part of a snap-fit connector for attaching the
flexor unit to the ski binding, which is provided with a mating
part of the snap-fit connector.
5. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the base element
further comprises a pin receiving portion which is sized and shaped
to receive at least a part of a rotation pin of a ski boot; wherein
the base element further comprises a boot plate which is
rotationally attached or attachable, or formed as an integral part
of the base element which is rotational with respect to the
remaining parts of the base element, wherein the boot plate is
located such that it will make contact with the underside of a ski
boot when the ski boot is attached to a ski binding comprising the
flexor unit.
6. The flexor unit according to claim 4, wherein the part of the
snap-fit connector comprises a flexible strip which can deform upon
engagement with the ski binding and snaps back into place when the
flexor unit is correctly in place to stop accidental disengagement,
such that the flexor unit can be slidably engaged with the ski
binding; the base portion comprising one or more wing portions
which are located at the other end of the base portion to the
snap-fit connector.
7. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the base portion
further comprises an under-clip located at the underside of the
base portion for providing a further attachment point between the
flexor unit and the ski binding.
8. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the base portion
is made from a material which is cold tolerant and which is still
readily flexible at temperatures as low as -20.degree. C.
9. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the front flexor
portion is provided with a boot contact surface which is located
such that the front underside portion of a ski boot will be in
contact with the boot contact surface when the ski boot is attached
to the ski binding.
10. The flexor unit according to claim 9, wherein the boot contact
surface comprises first and second pre-tensioning surfaces which
are structured to match the contour of the lower surface of the ski
boot when attached to the ski binding such that the lower surface
of the ski boot is in contact with each of the first and second
pre-tensioning surfaces.
11. The flexor unit according to claim 9, wherein the plane of the
first pre-tensioning surface extends generally upward and forward
from the joining point of the first and second pre-tensioning
surfaces, and the second pre-tensioning surface extends generally
downward and backward from this joining point so as to create a
boot surface which has an open L-shape.
12. The flexor unit according to claim 11, wherein the position of
the boot contact surface, and the first and second pre-tensioning
surfaces, with respect to the pin receiving slot, can be chosen to
increase or decrease the amount of deformation of the entire front
flexor portion which is required to allow a ski boot to be attached
to a ski binding containing the flexor unit.
13. The flexor unit according claim 9, wherein the flexor element
comprises a hole through the flexor element to allow the boot plate
to pass through when the flexor element is integrated with the base
element.
14. The flexor unit according to claim 13, wherein a recess is
provided in the boot contact surface to receive the boot plate such
that the boot plate and the boot contact surface provide a uniform
combination surface.
15. The flexor unit according to claim 1, wherein the flexor
element and base element are one of: a) independently fabricated
and stuck together to form the flexor unit; b) double moulded to
form the flexor unit.
16. A ski binding which is structured to accommodate the flexor
unit of claim 1, wherein the ski binding comprises a first slot
which is sized to allow the flexor unit to slide therein, and a
bridge piece in the region of the first slot, wherein the bridge
piece is located so as to interact with and hold the flexor unit in
the ski binding.
17. The ski binding according to claim 16, further comprising one
or more second slots which are sized and shaped to receive wing
portions of the base element, if provided; and an under lock which
is sized and shaped to receive the under clip of the base element,
if provided.
18. The ski binding according to claim 16, wherein the first slot
is positioned such that the flexor unit, when attached to the ski
binding, will be located such that the pin receiving slot and the
pin receiving portion will be aligned with a pin fastener on the
ski binding, the pin fastener being designed to attach the rotation
pin of the ski boot to the ski binding.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/384,396 filed Mar. 27, 2012, which is a
U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No.
PCT/EP2009/059217 filed Jul. 17, 2009, which are all hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Cross-country or touring skiing is a very popular winter
sport enjoyed by many. As is generally well known in the art, the
skier is connected to the ski in a rotatable manner, so as to allow
the heel of the skier to break contact with the upper surface of
the ski. This method of attachment between the skier and the ski is
most commonly provided by means of a specialist ski boot, which has
a pin providing the rotation axis for the skier's foot. The pin of
the ski boot is usually attached to a ski binding, and is held in a
rotatable manner.
[0003] In general, a cross-country ski binding will have a flexor
or a return spring for inducing the ski boot back into the normal
position, where the heel of the ski boot is in contact with the
upper surface of the ski. Flexors can take a variety of different
shapes and designs, and are typically constructed such that they
will rotate or be compressed when the ski boot rotates and its heel
is brought off the upper surface of the ski.
[0004] In order to change the flexor on a ski binding, it is
usually necessary to return the binding to a ski outlet. Further,
spring based flexors, or the like, require specialist tools in
order to change the resistive force which they apply. Indeed, most
flexors are extremely difficult to change, and in some cases form
an integral part of the binding. For those people able to change
the flexors themselves during skiing, a further significant problem
arises as a result of the temperature when skiing. As will be
obvious, the ski is usually used in temperatures around or below
0.degree. C. At such temperatures, traditional compressible flexors
become extremely rigid and inflexible, thus making it extremely
difficult to remove the flexor from the ski binding, as it is very
hard to compress such a flexor by hand. Further, for professional
or semi-professional skiers, the flexor is designed to be extremely
resilient, and even when warm, this can be extremely difficult to
compress and remove from the ski binding.
[0005] In light of the above problems, the present disclosure
relates to a user-oriented flexor which can readily be exchanged in
a ski binding according to the desires of the skier or the snow
conditions. In particular, the flexor can be changed without
requiring additional tools or expertise, and further can even be
changed in the outdoors and at cold temperatures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a flexor unit in accordance
with independent claim 1, as well as a ski binding for this flexor
unit in independent claim 13. Further preferred embodiments are
given in the dependent claims.
[0007] The claimed invention can be better understood in view of
the embodiments of the flexor unit and ski binding described
hereinafter. In general, the described embodiments describe
preferred embodiments of the invention. The attentive reader will
note, however, that some aspects of the described embodiments
extend beyond the scope of the claims. To the respect that the
described embodiments indeed extend beyond the scope of the claims,
the described embodiments are to be considered supplementary
background information and do not constitute definitions of the
invention per se. This also holds for the subsequent "Brief
Description of the Drawings" as well as the "Detailed
Description."
[0008] In particular, the present disclosure relates to a flexor
unit which comprises several elements, wherein the unit is designed
for attaching to a ski binding. In particular, the ski binding will
be a binding for either a cross-country or touring ski. The flexor
unit may comprise both a flexor element and a base element, wherein
the flexor element is either formed as an integral part of the base
portion, or is attached, or attachable, thereto. For example, the
flexor element could be fabricated with the base element, thus
making an integral single unit. Alternatively, it is possible to
fabricate the flexor element separate from the base element and
attach the two elements together to make the flexor unit. Further,
it is possible to make the base element in a first moulding step,
and in a second moulding step to form the flexor element attached
thereto. Clearly, the use of a two-step moulding process or
fabrication process, will allow for the base element and flexor
element to be structured from different materials, each material
having the appropriate and desired properties.
[0009] The base element is designed such that it can removably
interact and attach with a ski binding. In order to achieve this
removable attachment, the base element may be provided with a part
of a snap-fit connector which will interact with an appropriate
point on the ski binding. The snap-fit connector can take many
forms, although one possible example is that of a flexible strip
which upon attachment of the flexor unit to the ski binding is bent
or deformed, until the flexor unit is in its desired resting
position. When the flexor unit is in this resting position, the
flexible portion can snap back into its original un-flexed position
and orientation, and a section of this connector can interact with
the ski binding to stop detachment of the two. Clearly, bending the
flexible strip or snap-fit connector of an attached flexor unit
will thus allow the flexor unit to be brought out of its attached
engagement, and the flexor unit may be readily removed from the ski
binding.
[0010] In order to remove the above flexor unit from the ski
binding, the flexor element is not directly involved. That is, the
base element is what interacts with the ski binding, and it is this
element which must be disengaged from the appropriate section on
the ski binding. The flexor element need not be stressed or
deformed in order to remove the flexor unit from the ski binding,
which obviously greatly improves the ease with which the flexor,
and obviously the flexor unit, can be interchanged. Further, if the
base element is made from a rigid material which is generally cold
resistant, even if the flexor unit is used in a skiing environment,
it will still be relatively straightforward to actuate the snap-fit
connector and remove the flexor unit from the ski binding.
[0011] The base element in the flexor unit may further be
structured with an appropriate pin receiving portion. This pin
receiving portion is ideally shaped and sized so as to receive at
least a portion of the rotation pin of the ski boot, when the ski
boot is attached to the ski binding. This allows for the flexor
unit to appropriately align and interact with the ski boot of the
skier, in order to allow appropriate use of the flexor
elements.
[0012] It is further possible to provide the base element with a
boot plate for providing a surface with which the boot of the skier
interacts. The boot plate may be formed as an integral part of the
base element, or could be an element which is attached to the base
plate in a rotatable manner. Ideally, the boot plate is structured
such that it will make direct contact with the under surface of a
ski boot, when the ski boot is held in the ski binding comprising
the flexor unit. That is, the relative position between the boot
plate and the pin receiving portion may be such that when the
rotation pin of the ski boot is in the pin receiving portion, the
boot plate will be located in contact with the under side of the
ski boot.
[0013] In addition to providing the snap-fit connector, perhaps by
means of the deformable strip, the flexor unit may further comprise
one or more wings in the base portion. In particular, these wing
portions can extend laterally out of the lower side of the base
portion, at an end of the flexor unit opposite that of the snap-fit
connector. By providing the wings to the base portion, the flexor
unit can be slidably engaged with the ski binding, with the wing
portions interacting with flanges or slots provided in the ski
binding. This will avoid the back end of the flexor unit from
rotating along with the rotation of the ski boot. The wing portions
will generally stop the back portion of the flexor unit from moving
out of contact with the ski binding, thus securely holding the ski
binding and flexor unit together.
[0014] As a further mechanism of attachment between the flexor unit
and the ski binding, a clip may be provided on the underside of the
base portion. Such a clip, or under-clip, could interact with an
appropriate flange or bar present in the ski binding, thus
providing a further connection between the flexor unit and ski. In
particular, this under-clip could be useful for stopping accidental
disengagement of the flexor unit when the ski is not in use.
[0015] The flexor element of the flexor unit may preferably be
provided as a single piece unit, which comprises two portions. The
front portion of the flexor may be separated from a rear portion of
the flexor by means of a pin receiving slot. This pin receiving
slot is sized and shaped to receive the rotation pin of the ski
boot, whilst allowing rotation of the ski boot without a great deal
of translational motion or wobble. It would be further advantageous
for the pin receiving slot of the flexor element to align with the
pin receiving portion of the base element, when the flexor element
and base element are attached together to form the flexor unit.
Provision of the pin receiving slot stops the accidental
disengagement of the flexor element from the base element when the
flexor unit is in use, as clearly the flexor element 10 will be
held in place by means of the rotation pin of the ski boot.
Further, when the rear flexor portion is attached to the front
flexor portion, the full flexor element is kept in place by means
of the rotation pin, which greatly reduces the chance of loss when
skiing.
[0016] It is possible to form the front flexor portion as a flexor
appropriate for classic style skiing. That is, the front flexor
portion is structured so as to interact with the toe portion of a
ski boot, and be compressed when the ski boot rotates out of
contact with the upper surface of the ski. It is further possible
to provide the rear flexor portion as an appropriate flexor for a
skating style action with the ski. It is further possible for the
flexor unit to be provided without this skating action flexor, in
which case the rear portion is merely a flat non-protruding section
of the flexor unit. By still providing the rear portion, even if
this is non-protruding, the entire flexor unit is held in place by
means of the pin receiving slot housing the rotation pin of the ski
boot.
[0017] In order to improve the action of the ski binding and flexor
unit, the front flexor portion may further be provided with a boot
surface. This boot surface could be designed such that it will be
in the appropriate position to allow direct contact with the under
surface of the ski boot, when the ski boot is attached to the ski
binding. Most preferably, the boot surface may be provided with
first and second pre-tensioning surfaces, which are located and
designed so as to appropriately match the contour of the lowest
surface of the ski boot. In this way, the lower surface of the ski
boot, when held in the ski binding, will be in direct contact with
these two pre-tensioning surfaces, on both the lower side of the
ski boot sole as well as the toe portion. In particular, it is
preferable that the first and second pre-tensioning surfaces are at
least 80% in contact with the under surface of the ski boot and the
generally upward sloping toe portion of the ski boot, when the boot
is attached to the binding.
[0018] The first and second pre-tensioning surfaces are preferably
formed into an open "L" shape, so as to present a generally stepped
front boot surface of the flexor portion. In particular, the first
pre-tensioning surface could extend in a generally upward and
forward direction, when taking the forward direction as being the
skiing direction. The second pre-tensioning surface would then
generally extend from the lowest point of the first pre-tensioning
surface, or the joining point between the two surfaces, in a
backward and downward direction. Obviously, the angle between these
two pre-tensioning surfaces can be designed and chosen to match
exactly, or approximately, that of the ski boot being used.
[0019] By providing two pre-tensioning surfaces to the flexor
element, the operation of the flexor unit is greatly improved. Many
skiers appreciate a pre-compression of the flexor when attaching
the boot in its rest position to the ski binding; by increasing the
amount of deformation of the flexor at attachment of the ski boot,
the greater will be the immediate resistance to the rotation.
Certain skiers will appreciate a greater resistance to the rotation
of the ski boot for lower rotation angles, which is achieved by
pre-stressing and compressing the flexor element. This compression
can only proceed so far, however, as after a certain amount of
compression the flexor will be virtually completely compressed;
this dramatically restricts the rotation angle of the ski boot, as
the interaction between the toe portion of the ski boot and the
flexor will stop rotation of the ski boot.
[0020] By providing two pre-tensioning surfaces, however, it is
possible to provide a more even compression of the flexor as a
pre-tensioning or pre-stress, as the force acts both on a forward
and downward surface of the flexor. That is, the flexor need not be
completely compressed by a single surface of the ski boot, and thus
the compression in a forward and downward direction by means of the
two pre-tensioning surfaces, allows for less compression of the
flexor to give an appropriate resistive force to the rotation of
the ski boot, which will in turn be felt by the skier. Such a
design allows for an increased level of resistance and return force
acting on the ski boot, whilst also allowing for a greater angle of
rotation of the ski boot with respect to the ski binding.
[0021] The flexor element can advantageously comprise a hole which
would allow a boot plate of the base portion to pass there-through,
in order to allow the boot plate to provide the surface for
interaction with the underside of the ski boot. Obviously, if no
boot plate is provided on the base portion, it is not necessary to
provide a hole through the flexor element. It is further possible
to provide a recess in the boot surface which would appropriately
receive such a boot plate, if present, so that when the boot plate
is within the recess, the outer face of the boot plate matches the
outer surface of the boot surface. This would create and provide a
smooth non-ridged combined surface, for receiving the underside of
the ski boot.
[0022] A ski binding also forms part of the present disclosure, in
particular a ski binding for a cross-country or touring ski. The
ski binding may be structured in order to accommodate the above
described flexor unit, in particular the snap-fit connector
thereof. Advantageously, the ski binding may comprise a slot which
will allow a snap-fit connector region of the flexor unit to slide
therein and thus connect the flexor unit and the ski binding
together. For example, a bridge piece could be provided around or
over the slot such that the snap-fit connector is deformed as it
passes under the bridge, until the flexor unit is in place. When
the flexor unit is in place, the snap-fit connector snaps back to
its original "at rest" orientation, and is held in place by means
of the bridge on the ski binding. As is clear from this, the ski
binding will readily allow for a flexor unit of the present
disclosure to be slotted into engagement with the ski binding.
Further, simple compression of the snap-fit connector of the flexor
unit will allow this to pass underneath the bridge portion, and
thus the flexor unit can be extracted from the ski binding.
[0023] It is additionally possible to provide the ski binding with
one or more secondary slots for interacting with wing portions of
the base elements, should these be provided. Such slots are
obviously located further back in the ski binding than the first
slot described above, and will allow the wing portions to slide
therein when the flexor unit is in complete locking engagement with
the ski binding. As has been described above, the wing portions and
the second slots interact such that when the flexor unit is held
within the ski binding, the one or more wing portions stop rotation
of the flexor unit and help to keep this in place within the ski
binding.
[0024] It is further possible to provide an under lock in the ski
binding which could receive an under-clip from a base element. This
under-lock can take a variety of different forms, from a simple
flange to a separate pin which can be held on to by the under-clip
of the base element. Not only would such a secondary lock increase
the hold between the ski binding and the flexor unit, but this
would also improve the hold between these two elements when the ski
and binding is in transit.
[0025] The ski binding is preferably structured such that when the
flexor unit is held in the ski binding, the pin receiving portion
and pin receiving slot of the base element and flexor element, are
appropriately aligned with the pin fastening means of the ski
binding. That is, the ski binding will be provided with a fastening
means for holding the rotation pin of the ski boot, and thus
designing the ski binding to position all of the relevant pin
receiving portions of the flexor element, base element and ski
binding, will ensure that the ski boot is held in a rotational
manner which will not allow relative lateral movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1: This figure shows perspective and cross-sectional
views of a multi-element flexor unit according to the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2: This figure shows further views of a second possible
option for the multi-element flexor unit of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 3: This shows a variety of views of a base element for
use in one of the flexor units in either FIG. 1 or 2.
[0029] FIG. 4: Further views showing a different design for the
base element for use in the flexor units of FIG. 1 or 2.
[0030] FIG. 5: Two views showing a flexor element which could be
combined with the base element of either FIG. 3 or 4.
[0031] FIG. 6: A second flexor element which could be incorporated
with the base elements of either FIG. 3 or 4.
[0032] FIG. 7: A ski binding for use with the flexor unit of FIGS.
1 to 6, wherein the flexor unit is shown being mounted into the ski
binding.
[0033] FIG. 8: Flexor showing an imaginary positioning of a boot
when engaged with the flexor and ski binding (not shown).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 show two possible designs for a multi-element
flexor unit 1. In particular the most striking difference between
these two multi-element flexor units 1 are the shape of the flexor
element 10. FIG. 1 shows a flexor element 10 which is suitable for
both classic and skating skiing actions, whereas FIG. 2 is a
multi-element flexor unit 1, more suited to only the classic skiing
style. As is well known in the art, for classic skiing the ski boot
of a skier will rotate around the rotation pin provided in the ski
boot, and thus the toe portion of the ski boot will rotate forward.
In order to provide a resistance to this rotation, as well as a
return force acting on the boot to bring it back into contact with
the ski upper surface, a flexor element 10 is typically provided in
front of the ski boot. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexor element 10
comprises a front flexor portion 11 which is designed to meet the
toe portion and underside of the ski boot, and thus resist the
rotation of the ski boot and induce the ski boot to return to its
normal rest position.
[0035] In a skating skiing action, a further flexor portion is
required under the ball of the foot of the skier. FIG. 1 has a rear
flexor portion 12 which is provided protruding generally upwards,
and will thus be positioned underneath the ball of the skier's
foot. As can be seen in FIG. 2, by contrast, the rear flexor
portion 12 is not provided with a flexor protrusion, rather it is a
generally planar element which would not be felt by the skier using
such a flexor element 10. The flexor element 10 shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, can be more clearly seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and will be
described in further detail below.
[0036] The multi-element flexor units 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may
comprise a base element 30 as well as the flexor elements 10. The
multi-element flexor unit 1 may be comprised of these two separate
sections, in order to improve the ease with which the multi-element
flexor units 1 can be incorporated into a ski binding 2. The base
elements 30 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, without
the flexor elements 10 attached thereto.
[0037] As can be seen in FIGS. 1(c) and (d), as well as FIGS. 2(c)
and (d), and further in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base elements 30 may be
provided to connect with the flexor elements 10. It is intended
that the multi-element flexor unit 1 may either be composed of a
separate flexor element 10 and base element 30 which are attached
together (that is the flexor element 10 and base element 30 are
manufactured separately and combined to form the multi-element
flexor unit 1); or they could be double moulded into the
multi-element flexor unit 1. Obviously, it is possible for the
flexor element 10 and base element 30 to be comprised of different
materials, each material being appropriately chosen for its
respective task. Likewise, if so desired, the materials for the
flexor element 10 and base element 30 could be the same.
[0038] As is seen in the figures, the base element 30 can be
provided with part of a snap-fit connector 31; in particular,
either the male or female half of such a connector. In the further
text, the term "snap-fit connector 31" will be used to mean one
half or part of such a connector, in particular as the snap-fit
connector section on the base element 30 could take any form in
order to interact with the matching other half or section on the
ski binding 2, or the like. This snap-fit connector 31 is shown in
the present designs as being a flexible strip 34 of material
forming part of the base element 30. This flexible strip 34 may be
an integral part of the base element 30, or could be a separate
part which is attached to the remaining base element 30 in a
rotatable manner.
[0039] The snap-fit connector 31 is provided so as to allow the
multi-element flexor unit 1 to be connected to a ski binding 2 in a
removable and simple manner. In particular, it will be clear that
the designs shown in the figures would allow the multi-element
flexor unit 1 to be slid into engagement with an appropriate
section on the ski binding 2, wherein the snap-fit connector 31
would appropriately fix the multi-element flexor unit 1 into the
ski binding 2. In the designs shown in the figures, the flexible
strip 34 may be deformed upon engagement of the multi-element
flexor unit 1 with the ski binding 2, until the multi-element
flexor unit 1 is in its fully engaged position. Once the
multi-element flexor unit 1 is its fully engaged position, the
flexible strip 34 snaps back to its original shape, and holds the
multi-element flexor unit 1 within the ski binding 2 by acting
against an appropriate portion of the ski binding 2.
[0040] The snap-fit connector 31 could also be embodied as a rigid
and hard section at the back end of the flexor 1. As will be
appreciated, if a flexible element were to be provided in the ski
binding 2, this could interact and hold the flexor element 10 in
the ski binding 2 by snapping into place and stopping further
motion of the flexor element 10. For example, if the flexor element
10 were to be slid into an appropriate section of the ski binding
2, it would be possible for this to deform a section of the ski
binding 2 acting as part of a snap-fit connector 31. When the
flexor element 10 were in its desired position, the part of the
snap-fit connector 31 on the ski binding 2 would be positioned to
snap back into place, and stop the sliding out of the flexor
element 10. In this way, it would be necessary for the snap-fit
connector 31 on the base element 30 to be resilient and hard to
interact with the ski binding 2, in order that the flexor element
10 then would not deform.
[0041] The snap-fit connector 31 shown in the figures is one of a
variety of designs, and it is the principle of providing the
multi-element flexor unit 1 with the base element 30 and flexor
element 10 that forms the basis for the present disclosure. That
is, the base element 30 can be structured to comprise the snap-fit
connector 31, in whatever form this may take, for holding the
flexor element 10 into the ski binding 2. As is quite clear from
this disclosure, the user of the ski binding 2 can readily swap the
flexor element 10 in the ski binding 1, by simply swapping the
multi-element flexor unit 1.
[0042] As has been discussed above, it is not uncommon for a skier
to wish to change the flexor element 10 whilst on the snow. If the
base element 30 is provided from a material which does not become
unduly rigid in cold temperatures, it is clear that the
multi-element flexor unit 1 can readily be swapped in the ski
binding 2. That is, by actuation of the snap-fit connector 31, the
multi-element flexor unit 1 can be changed, and the skier does not
have to try and deform the flexor element 10. The flexor element 10
will typically be provided by a material which is quite resilient
to the constant skiing action. Such materials are usually greatly
affected by the temperature, and at temperatures associated with
skiing will often become extremely resilient to any deformation.
Attempting to deform and remove a flexor element 10 directly can
prove extremely difficult in cold temperatures, as the flexor
element 10 is extremely difficult to deform and remove from a ski
binding 2.
[0043] It will be noted from FIGS. 3 and 4, that different
mechanisms for attaching the flexor element 10 to the base element
30 are provided. In FIG. 3, for example, a hole is provided in a
region of the base element 30 into which a section of the flexor
element 10 can protrude, thus holding the flexor element 10 and
base element 30 together. This protrusion into the hole can be seen
in the cross-sectional drawing of FIG. 1(d). A further option would
be to provide a series of hooks, and the like, in the upper surface
of the base element 30, as shown in FIG. 4. Again, as seen in FIGS.
2(c) and (d), the flexor element 10 can then grip or be positioned
under and around these hooks and flanges and the like, thus holding
the flexor element 10 and the base element 30 together. It is clear
that these two options are provided as examples only, and indeed
the skilled person will be well aware that a great many techniques
for connecting the flexor element 10 and the base element 30
together are known, and will be equally successful in providing the
multi-element flexor unit 1.
[0044] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base element 30 is
further provided with a boot plate 33. This boot plate 33 can be
positioned very close to a pin receiving portion 32, which is
intended to receive at least a section of the rotation pin of the
ski boot. If the base element 30 is provided with this boot plate
33, the base element 30 can be so structured to locate the pin
receiving portion 32 and the boot plate 33 in order to properly
interact with the underside of the ski boot. Most ski boots are
designed with an underside in which the rotation pin is provided in
a recess near the toe portion of the ski boot. The boot plate 33
can be positioned relative to the pin receiving portion 32, such
that when the rotation pin of the ski boot is within the pin
receiving portion 32, the boot plate 33 is appropriately located to
make good contact with the underside of the ski boot. As will be
further discussed in relation to the flexor elements 10, the boot
plate 33 can be designed so that a portion of this rests on the
underside of the ski boot sole, and a second portion interacts with
the toe portion of the ski boot.
[0045] The boot plate 33 is provided to give a good resilient
surface upon which the ski boot can press during skiing. As will be
clear, if the boot plate 33 is structured to appropriately mate
with the underside of the ski boot, during rotation of the ski boot
the boot plate 33 will merely be bent and would not translationally
move with respect to the underside of the ski boot. This lack of
relative motion between the ski boot and the boot plate 33 is
advantageous, as it avoids any frictional loss and improves the
efficiency of the skiing. As is further clear, the boot plate 33
will appropriately compress the flexor element 10 in order to give
an even compression of the flexor element 10, as well as being
useful for holding the flexor element 10 within the base element 30
to provide the multi-element flexor unit 1.
[0046] As can also be seen in the FIGS. 3 and 4, the base element
30 may be provided with wing portions 35. These wing portions 35
are located most preferably at the back end of the base element 30,
this being defined as the opposite end to that housing the snap-fit
connector 31. When the multi-element flexor unit 1 is held within a
ski binding 2 and in use, rotational forces will be constantly
acting on the multi-element flexor unit 1. By housing the
multi-element flexor unit 1 in the ski binding 2 and holding this
by means of the snap-fit connector 31, this would allow for the
rotation of the ski boot to act to bring the back of the
multi-element flexor unit 1 out of contact with the ski binding 2.
Whilst a rigid material being chosen as the base element 30 will
counteract this rotational lifting of the back of the multi-element
flexor unit 1, it is also possible to provide wing portions 35.
These wing portions 35 would appropriately attach to means provided
in the ski binding 2, such that the back of the base element 30
were also held in good contact and fixed to the ski binding 2.
Obviously, the positioning of the wing portions 35 at the back of
the base element 30 is a preferred location, although the same
advantage could be obtained by providing wing portions 35 along the
entire length of the base element 30, or at least a part
thereof.
[0047] A further method of attaching the base element 30, and also
the multi-element flexor unit 1, to the ski binding 2, is shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4 by means of an under clip 36. The under clip 36, if
present, would provide a further means for attaching the
multi-element flexor unit 1 to the ski binding 2. Clearly, such an
under clip 36 could attach to an appropriate flange, bar, or the
like in the ski binding 1, thus providing a further fixing point of
the multi-element flexor unit 1 to the ski binding 2. If the under
clip 36 is provided aligned with the pin receiving portion 32 of
the base element 30, the rotation point of the boot with respect to
the multi-element flexor unit 1 will also be more firmly held in
the ski binding 2.
[0048] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, the designs for the flexor element
10 are more clearly seen. Whilst it appears that the flexor element
10 shown in FIG. 5 is more appropriate for the base element 30
shown in FIG. 1, this is purely by illustration. Clearly, the
flexor elements 10 shown in either of FIGS. 5 and 6 could be housed
in any of the base elements shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. As is evident
from FIGS. 5 and 6, and as has been discussed above, the flexor
elements 10 may be comprised of a front flexor portion 11 and a
rear flexor portion 12. The directions: front and rear, coincide
with the direction of travel of the ski. Located between the front
11 and rear 12 flexor portions, may be a pin receiving slot 13.
This pin receiving slot 13 is designed to allow the rotation pin of
the ski boot to be positioned therein, and further to allow
appropriate rotation thereof.
[0049] The flexor element 10 can be designed as a single unit,
wherein this single unit comprises the front 11 and rear 12 flexor
portions. The provision of such a flexor element 10 is
advantageous, as the ski boot positioned in the pin receiving slot
13 will tend to keep the flexor element 10 within the ski binding 2
during skiing. It is not uncommon for the use of a flexor in a ski
binding to lead to loss or displacement of the flexor during use.
By fixing the flexor element 10 of the present disclosure into the
ski binding 2, by locating the rotation pin of the ski boot in the
pin receiving slot 13, the flexor element 10 can appropriately be
held in the ski binding 2.
[0050] As is further evident in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flexor elements
10 can be provided with a boot surface 14. As was discussed above
with the boot plate 33 of the base element 30, the boot surface 14
can be a portion of the front flexor portion 11 upon which the boot
of the skier will act during classic skiing. As is well known in
the art, it is typical for the toe portion of the ski boot to
compress a flexor in order to receive a return force moving the ski
appropriately, with respect to the ski boot. In order to improve
the action in the present case, the boot surface 14 may be
structured such that when the ski boot is within the ski binding 2,
the location and shape of the boot surface 14 with respect to the
pin receiving slot 13 will cause the boot surface 14 to rest
against both the underside and toe portion of the ski boot. By
structuring the boot surface 14 of the flexor element 10 in such a
manner, no relative translational motion between the lower surface
and toe portion of the ski boot and the boot surface 14 will occur,
thus improving the efficiency of the skiing action as no frictional
loss will occur.
[0051] The boot surface 14 is advantageously provided with a first
pre-tensioning surface 15 which is structured and located with
respect to the pin receiving slot 13 such that it will rest on the
front surface of the toe portion of the ski boot. A second
pre-tensioning surface 16 may be formed at an angle to the first
pre-tensioning surface 15, and is again structured and located such
that this will make good contact to the underside of the ski boot.
Indeed, the boot surface 14 may be structured such that when the
ski boot is held within the ski binding 2, the first 15 and second
16 pre-tensioning surfaces are in complete contact with the toe
portion and underside of the ski boot respectively. It is
preferable, that the percentage of connection between these two be
80% or more of the surface of each of the first 15 and second 16
pre-tensioning surfaces. In particular, the joining point 17
between the first 15 and second 16 pre-tensioning surfaces of the
boot surface 14, may coincide with the joining point between the
underside of the ski boot and the toe portion of the ski boot.
[0052] A further advantage of structuring a boot surface 14 by
means of first 15 and second 16 pre-tensioning surfaces which match
the underside of the ski boot, is that of pre-tensioning or
compressing of the flexor element 10 by positioning the boot into
the ski binding 2. It is not uncommon for a skier to wish to
increase the resistance with which a flexor acts against the
rotation of a ski boot. Whilst it is possible to change the
material of a flexor, this is an unreliable technique, as changing
the material will also drastically affect the entire force versus
compression curve of the flexor. When skiing, this can lead to a
nearly incompressible flexor, in particular when the skiing
conditions are particularly cold. It is not uncommon for standard
flexors in ski bindings to be structured such that they are
slightly compressed when the ski boot is attached to the ski
binding 2. By positioning the surface of the flexor which is in
direct contact with the toe portion of the ski boot higher and
higher, it is clear that the flexor will be more compressed as the
ski boot is positioned into the binding 2. Unfortunately, this is
only good up until a certain point, as above certain conditions it
is extremely difficult to actually position the ski boot within the
ski binding 2, as the flexor actually blocks the route for the
rotation pin of the ski boot to pass to the fixing mechanism.
Further, if the required initial compression return force is
extremely high, the flexor is almost completely compressed by the
time the boot is in place, thus meaning that the maximum rotation
of the ski boot is greatly reduced.
[0053] In order to address this issue, the boot surface 14 provided
by the first 15 and second 16 pre-tensioning surfaces, allows for
an increase in the pre-tensioning return force, without negatively
impacting on the maximum rotation of the ski boot or drastically
affecting the resistance force for ski boot rotation angle which
can occur by changing the material of the flexor. As can be
appreciated from the above discussion, when a ski boot is placed
within the ski binding 2, the first 15 and second 16 pre-tensioning
surfaces each act on the ski boot. Indeed, by positioning the first
15 and second 16 pre-tensioning surfaces appropriately, the entire
flexor element 10 is compressed when a ski boot is fixed within the
ski binding 2. Rather than only a single surface being compressed
in normal flexor designs, the use of the two pre-tensioning
surfaces 15, 16 means that the entire flexor element 10 is
generally compressed and a greater resistive force can be generated
for resisting the rotation of the ski boot. Further, by means of
the compression of the flexor element 10 in this manner, the
resistance can be increased, without causing the same difficulties
in engaging the ski boot with the ski binding 2.
[0054] As is clear from the figures, the first pre-tensioning
surface 15 may generally be provided extending upward and forward
for interaction with the toe portion of the ski boot. The second
pre-tensioning surface 16 may be provided generally extending
downward and backward for interaction with the underside of the ski
boot. These two pre-tensioning surfaces 15, 16 form an open L
structure around the joining point 17. Changing the opening of the
L for the two pre-tensioning surfaces 15, 16, will also change the
amount of surface interacting with the underside of the ski boot,
and can further change the initial rotation resistance amount and
thus can be tailored for an individual skier.
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a schematic indication of how a ski boot would
interact with the flexor element 10, and in particular the first 15
and second 16 pre-tensioning surfaces thereof. The grey dotted line
indicates a general final resting point of the underside of a ski
boot and the rotation pin thereof. This is not drawn to scale, and
indeed the location of the boot at rest is likely to be less within
the flexor element 10. Indeed, the location has been drawn somewhat
exaggerated, so as to improve clarity. As can be seen from this
figure, the lower surface of the ski boot will generally tend to
cause the upper edge of the first pre-tensioning surface 15 to be
bet round in an anti-clockwise direction. In addition to the
rotation of a part of the flexor element 10, the second
pre-tensioning surface 16 will generally be compressed be the
downward action of the ski boot sole. The result of these two
actions will tend to be a compression of the flexor element
generally along the direction of the arrow shown in the figure.
This general compression is much more controllable than simple
rotation, and also allows for a better resistance to be generated
without excessive amounts of deformation of the flexor element 10
being necessary.
[0056] In order to combine the flexor element 10 with the base
element 30, the flexor element 10 can be provided with an
appropriate extension for fitting in the hole of the base element
30, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. Additionally, clips or recesses
or the like can be provided in the flexor element 10, for
attachment to appropriate clips in the base element 30; this is
shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6. Further, if the base element 30 is
provided with a boot plate 33, the flexor element 10 is
appropriately provided with a hole 18. The hole 18 passes through
the flexor element 10, and would allow the boot plate 33 to pass
there-through. If, however, the multi-element flexor unit 1 is
double moulded, it is clear that the flexor element 10 will be
moulded around the pin receiving portion 32 and boot plate 33 in an
appropriate manner, thus generating hole 18. Further, the flexor
element 10 can have an appropriate recess 19 for housing the boot
plate 33.
[0057] Again, the boot plate 33 could be provided with a variety of
different shapes, and thus the recess 19 is also appropriately
defined. If the flexor element 10 is separately produced, the hole
18 and recess 19 are positioned so as to interact with the pin
receiving portion 32 and boot plate 33 of the base element 30.
Clearly, if the multi-element flexor unit 1 is double moulded, the
flexor element 10 will take on the appropriate shape for the base
element 30, which will then comprise the hole 18 and recess 19.
[0058] As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2, it is advantageous if the
boot surface 14 has the same profile as the boot plate 33. This
combination of the boot surface 14 and boot plate 33 will then
present the combination surface 20, which will be a single surface
comprised of the boot surface 14 and boot plate 33 for interaction
with the ski boot. Again, the boot plate 33 will rotate with
rotation of the ski boot, thus compressing the boot surface 14 and
the flexor element 10.
[0059] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is possible to provide
the flexor element 10 with cut-out portions in the front 11 and/or
rear 12 flexor portions. The use of these cut-outs allow for
tailoring of the compression versus force characteristics of the
flexor element 10, in the multi-element flexor unit 1. By providing
more cut-outs, the flexor element 10 may be more readily
compressed, and likewise fewer cut-outs will lead to a less readily
compressible flexor element 10. The use of such a flexor element 10
allows for a generally linear force versus compression for the
flexor element 10, up until the point that all of the cut-outs are
appropriately compressed. After this point, the material making up
the flexor element 10 must be compressed, and thus a more
exponential curve will be seen for the force versus compression of
the flexor element 10.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 7, we see a ski binding 2 which would be
appropriate for attachment of the multi-element flexor unit 1 as
discussed above. Firstly, the ski binding 2 may be provided with a
first slot 40 into which the multi-element flexor unit 1 could be
slidably engaged. In particular, the snap-fit connector 31 of the
multi-element flexor unit 1 could pass through the first slot 40,
and indeed could interact with bridge piece 41. The design of the
snap-fit connector 31 shown in the above, is that of the flexible
strip 34. As can be seen in the series of figures shown in FIG. 7,
as the multi-element flexor unit 1 is slidably engaged into first
slot 40, the flexible strip 34 is deformed until the multi-element
flexor unit 1 is fully engaged in the ski binding 2. Once past the
bridge piece 41, the flexible strip 34 returns back to its normal
shape in a snap-fit manner, and thus holds the multi-element flexor
unit 1 within the ski binding 2.
[0061] As has been discussed above, this is only one of a variety
of well known snap-fit type connectors, and is shown by means of
example only. For example, the base element 30 could be provided
with two flexible arms either side of the base element 30, which
would interact with two appropriate holes, slots or flanges in the
ski binding 2. Upon sliding the multi-element flexor unit 1 within
the ski binding 2, the two flexible arms would be compressed
slightly until they fully engaged with the slots, at which point
they would snap back into their normal shape and be held within the
ski binding 2. Removal of the multi-element flexor unit 1 would
then simply require stressing the flexible arms, until they could
be passed through the slot in the ski binding 2 and out of the
holes or flanges holding the ski binding 2 and multi-element flexor
unit 1 together.
[0062] It is also possible to provide the ski binding 2 with a
variety of second slots 42. These second slots 42 would be sized
and positioned so as to interact with wing portions 35 on the base
element 30, should these be present. By providing the one or more
second slots 42 in the ski binding 2, the multi-element flexor unit
1 may be held at the front of the multi-element flexor unit 1 by
means of the snap-fit connector 31, and further at the back of the
multi-element flexor unit 1 by means of the wing portions 35
interacting with the one or more second slots 42. Further, should
the base element 30 be provided with an under clip 36, it is
evident that the ski binding 2 would also have an appropriate
structure provided therein to interact therewith. For example, if
the under clip 36 is a simple clip, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the
ski binding 2 may be provided with a flange or fastening bar in the
surface for interacting with the under clip 36.
[0063] By provision of a ski binding 2 in such a manner, it is
clear that the multi-element flexor unit can readily be slidably
engaged and removed from the ski binding 2. It would also be
possible and advantageous to ensure that the first slot 40 of the
ski binding 2 would hold the multi-element flexor unit 1 in such a
location that the pin receiving slot 13 and pin receiving portion
32 would align with pin fastening means 43 in the ski binding 2.
The pin fastening means 43 of the ski binding 2 being an
appropriate attachment means for affixing the rotation pin of the
ski boot to the ski binding 2, in a rotational manner. A variety of
different techniques and systems are known for pin fastenings 43,
and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any of
these.
[0064] Whilst the above disclosure has presented a variety of
features relating to the multi-element flexor unit 1 and ski
binding 2, these are not intended to be specifically limited to the
above described combinations. Indeed, the present disclosure is
intended to provide a variety of different features for each of
these elements, which can be readily combined with other features.
Primarily, the multi-element flexor unit 1 is characterised by
providing a snap-fit connector 31 on a base element, and a single
piece flexor element 10 which is appropriately formed around the
base portion 30 and held in place by means of the rotation pin of
the ski boot. Further, advantageously structuring the boot surface
14 and the boot plate 33 allows for good pre-tensioning and
compression characteristics of the flexor element 10, without
negatively impacting on the characteristics of the flexor in
use.
* * * * *