U.S. patent application number 15/300466 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-22 for ski binding.
The applicant listed for this patent is VIST TECH S.R.L.. Invention is credited to Paolo DAL MASO, Roberto GORZA, Roberto ZAMBELLI.
Application Number | 20170173443 15/300466 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50983034 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170173443 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GORZA; Roberto ; et
al. |
June 22, 2017 |
SKI BINDING
Abstract
Ski binding (1) comprising a toe binding (2) and a heel binding
(3), configured to be operatively associated to a ski (100) at a
upper surface (101) of said ski, and a blocking and adjusting
mechanism (4), reversibly actuatable by the user, by means of an
operation lever, between a blocking position, at which said toe
binding and said heel binding are solidly connected to said ski in
a fixed position, and a release position, at which said toe binding
and said heel binding are free to slide with respect to said
ski.
Inventors: |
GORZA; Roberto; (Pedavena
(BL), IT) ; DAL MASO; Paolo; (Arzignano (VI), IT)
; ZAMBELLI; Roberto; (Roncade (TV), IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VIST TECH S.R.L. |
Caldaro Strada de Vino (BZ) |
|
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
50983034 |
Appl. No.: |
15/300466 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
March 26, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2015/056557 |
371 Date: |
September 29, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 2009/008 20130101;
A63C 9/005 20130101; A63C 9/0805 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/08 20060101
A63C009/08; A63C 9/00 20060101 A63C009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2014 |
IT |
TV2014A000050 |
Claims
1. Ski binding comprising: a toe binding and a heel binding
configured to be operatively connected to a ski at an upper surface
of said ski; a blocking and adjusting mechanism reversibly
actuatable by the user between a blocking position, at which said
toe binding and said heel binding are solidly connected with said
ski in a fixed position, and a release position, at which said toe
binding and said heel binding are free to slide with respect to
said ski; wherein said blocking and adjusting mechanism comprises:
a blocking plate solidly connectable with said ski and comprising
first blocking means; a blocking and adjusting rod having opposite
first and second ends, said blocking and adjusting rod being
solidly connected with said heel binding at said first end and
being slidingly coupled to said blocking plate at a third portion
distally positioned with respect to said first end, said blocking
and adjusting rod comprising second blocking means at said third
portion, wherein said first and second blocking means are arranged
on surfaces of said blocking plate and of said blocking and
adjusting rod, which are substantially parallel to the upper
surface of said ski, when said ski binding is arranged on said ski;
one or more blocking wings elastically deformable by bending, said
blocking wings comprising a third free end and a fourth constrained
end, opposite to said third end and solidly connected to said toe
binding, said blocking wings comprising third blocking means that
are reversibly coupleable with said first and second blocking
means; an operation lever solidly connected to said toe binding and
comprising an actuation surface coupleable with said blocking
wings, said operation lever being reversibly movable between: a
first operation position corresponding to a release position of
said blocking and adjusting mechanism, in which said actuation
surface is decoupled from said blocking wings and said third
blocking means are decoupled from said first and second blocking
means; and a second operation position, corresponding to a blocking
position of said blocking and adjusting mechanism, in which said
actuation surface is coupled with said blocking wings and said
third blocking means are engaged with said first and second
blocking means.
2. Ski binding, according to claim 1, wherein said first and second
blocking means are arranged on substantially co-planar surfaces of
said blocking plate and of said blocking and adjusting rod, which
are arranged along a same reference plane parallel to the upper
surface of said ski, when said ski binding is arranged on said
ski.
3. Ski binding, according to claim 1 wherein, said blocking plate
comprises a first lower surface configured to be oriented towards
the upper surface of said ski and a first upper surface, opposite
to said first lower surface, said first blocking means comprising
first blocking teeth at said first upper surface, said first
blocking teeth being oriented away from the upper surface of said
ski and being positioned transversally with respect to said ski,
when said ski binding is arranged on said ski.
4. Ski binding, according to claim 1, wherein said blocking and
adjusting rod comprises a second lower surface configured to be
oriented towards the upper surface of said ski and a second upper
surface, opposite to said second lower surface, said second
blocking means comprising second blocking teeth at said second
upper surface, said second blocking teeth being oriented away from
the upper surface of said ski and being positioned transversally
with respect to said ski, when said ski binding is arranged on said
ski.
5. Ski binding, according claim 1, wherein said blocking wings
comprise one or more first blocking wings comprising a third lower
surface configured to be oriented towards the upper surface of said
ski and a third upper surface, opposite to said third lower surface
and coupleable with the actuation surface of said operation lever,
said third blocking means comprising third blocking teeth at said
third lower surface, said third blocking teeth being oriented
towards the upper surface of said ski and being positioned
transversally with respect to said ski, when said ski binding is
arranged on said ski.
6. Ski binding, according to claim 1, wherein said blocking wings
comprise one or more second blocking wings comprising a fourth
lower surface configured to be oriented towards the upper surface
of said ski and a fourth upper surface, opposite to said fourth
lower surface and coupleable with the actuation surface of said
operation lever, said third blocking means comprising fourth
blocking teeth at said fourth lower surface, said fourth blocking
teeth being oriented towards the upper surface of said ski and
being positioned transversally with respect to said ski, when said
ski binding is arranged on said ski.
7. Ski binding, according to claim 3, wherein said first blocking
teeth and said fourth blocking teeth are selectively engageable and
in that said second blocking teeth and said third blocking teeth
are selectively engageable.
8. Ski binding, according to one or more of the previous claims,
claim 1, wherein said toe binding and said heel binding are
slidingly coupleable to said ski at first sliding seats and second
sliding seats, respectively.
9. Ski binding, according to claim 8, wherein it comprises said
first and second sliding seats, at said blocking plate and at a
support plate of said heel binding, respectively.
10. Ski binding, according to claim 8, wherein said ski comprises
said first and second sliding seats, at the upper surface of said
ski.
11. Ski binding, according to one or more of the previous claims,
claim 1, wherein said actuation lever comprises a shaped box-like
body having a lower surface that forms said actuation surface and a
front surface, said lower surface and said front surface being
arranged along intersecting planes forming an angle (.alpha.), said
lower surface being at a greater distance from an axis of rotation
of said operation lever with respect to said front surface.
12. Ski binding, according to claim 11, wherein said lower surface
and said front surface are arranged along intersecting planes
forming an angle (.alpha.) ranging from 83.degree. to
89.degree..
13. Ski binding, according to claim 5, wherein said blocking wings
comprise one or more second blocking wings comprising a fourth
lower surface configured to be oriented towards the upper surface
of said ski and a fourth upper surface, opposite to said fourth
lower surface and coupleable with the actuation surface of said
operation lever, said third blocking means comprising fourth
blocking teeth at said fourth lower surface, said fourth blocking
teeth being oriented towards the upper surface of said ski and
being positioned transversally with respect to said ski, when said
ski binding is arranged on said ski; and wherein said operation
lever is reversibly movable in a third operation position, which is
intermediate between said first and second operation positions (A,
B), said third operation position corresponding to a partial
blocking position of said blocking and adjusting mechanism, in
which said actuation surface is coupled with at least one of said
second blocking wings and is decoupled from said first blocking
wings.
14. Ski binding, according to claim 2 wherein said blocking plate
comprises a first lower surface configured to be oriented towards
the upper surface of said ski and a first upper surface, opposite
to said first lower surface, said first blocking means comprising
first blocking teeth at said first upper surface, said first
blocking teeth being oriented away from the upper surface of said
ski and being positioned transversally with respect to said ski,
when said ski binding is arranged on said ski.
15. Ski binding, according to claim 2, wherein said blocking and
adjusting rod comprises a second lower surface configured to be
oriented towards the upper surface of said ski and a second upper
surface, opposite to said second lower surface, said second
blocking means comprising second blocking teeth at said second
upper surface, said second blocking teeth being oriented away from
the upper surface of said ski and being positioned transversally
with respect to said ski, when said ski binding is arranged on said
ski.
16. Ski binding, according to claim 3, wherein said blocking and
adjusting rod comprises a second lower surface configured to be
oriented towards the upper surface of said ski and a second upper
surface, opposite to said second lower surface, said second
blocking means comprising second blocking teeth at said second
upper surface, said second blocking teeth being oriented away from
the upper surface of said ski and being positioned transversally
with respect to said ski, when said ski binding is arranged on said
ski.
17. Ski binding, according to claim 2, wherein said blocking wings
comprise one or more first blocking wings comprising a third lower
surface configured to be oriented towards the upper surface of said
ski and a third upper surface, opposite to said third lower surface
and coupleable with the actuation surface of said operation lever,
said third blocking means comprising third blocking teeth at said
third lower surface, said third blocking teeth being oriented
towards the upper surface of said ski and being positioned
transversally with respect to said ski, when said ski binding is
arranged on said ski.
18. Ski binding, according to claim 3, wherein said blocking wings
comprise one or more first blocking wings comprising a third lower
surface configured to be oriented towards the upper surface of said
ski and a third upper surface, opposite to said third lower surface
and coupleable with the actuation surface of said operation lever,
said third blocking means comprising third blocking teeth at said
third lower surface, said third blocking teeth being oriented
towards the upper surface of said ski and being positioned
transversally with respect to said ski, when said ski binding is
arranged on said ski.
19. Ski binding, according to claim 4, wherein said blocking wings
comprise one or more first blocking wings comprising a third lower
surface configured to be oriented towards the upper surface of said
ski and a third upper surface, opposite to said third lower surface
and coupleable with the actuation surface of said operation lever,
said third blocking means comprising third blocking teeth at said
third lower surface, said third blocking teeth being oriented
towards the upper surface of said ski and being positioned
transversally with respect to said ski, when said ski binding is
arranged on said ski.
20. Ski binding, according to claim 2 wherein said blocking wings
comprise one or more second blocking wings comprising a fourth
lower surface configured to be oriented towards the upper surface
of said ski and a fourth upper surface, opposite to said fourth
lower surface and coupleable with the actuation surface of said
operation lever, said third blocking means comprising fourth
blocking teeth at said fourth lower surface, said fourth blocking
teeth being oriented towards the upper surface of said ski and
being positioned transversally with respect to said ski, when said
ski binding is arranged on said ski.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a ski binding having
improved features.
[0002] Generally, a ski binding comprises a toe binding and a heel
binding to connect the boot to the ski respectively at the toe and
the heel of the user's foot.
[0003] It is also known that the position of the toe binding and/or
of the heel binding must at times be varied to ensure optimal
coupling of the boot to the ski. For example, this can occur in the
case in which the user requires to change boot or to modify skiing
mode for any reason.
[0004] In more conventional ski bindings, the toe binding and/or
the heel binding of a ski are connected directly to the ski by
means of fixing screws inserted into threaded holes made in the
ski. Naturally, this solution causes structural weakening of the
ski.
[0005] To avoid these drawbacks, the use of ski bindings provided
with adjusting plates fixed to the ski and usable as connection
support for the toe binding and the heel binding has become
increasing widespread. In this way, the position of the toe binding
and/or of the heel binding can be adjusted, while maintaining the
structure of the ski substantially integral.
[0006] Some bindings of this latter type enable substantially
continuous adjustment of the position of the toe binding and/or of
the heel binding.
[0007] For example, the ski binding, described in the patent
application EP729770, comprises a fixing plate provided with a rack
for adjustment. The heel binding is provided with a reversible
blocking and adjusting mechanism, actuatable by the user and
comprising a tooth removably engageable with the rack.
[0008] In the ski binding described in the patent application
DE2246668, a rack and pinion system enables simultaneous adjustment
of the position of the toe binding and heel binding of the ski
binding, slidingly connected to a fixing plate solidly connected to
the ski.
[0009] Similarly, in the ski binding described in the patent
application WO2002/005909, a system of pulleys simultaneously moves
two plates (connected respectively to the toe binding and heel
binding) in relation to a base, solidly connected to the ski.
[0010] The patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,235 describes a ski binding
comprising a toe binding and a heel binding capable of sliding
freely along the ski.
[0011] The ski binding comprises a first blocking plate solidly
connected with the ski, a second blocking plate solidly connected
to the toe binding and a third blocking plate solidly connected to
the heel binding. These blocking plates are superimposed one on
another in a sandwich structure and are provided with toothed
surfaces mutually coupleable in a selective manner. A blocking
screw is used to couple the plates to one another and fix the
position of toe binding and heel binding with respect to the
ski.
[0012] Prior art ski bindings have relatively complex and bulky
structures.
[0013] Moreover, operations to adjust them are somewhat laborious
and often require the use of special equipment and/or the
assistance of specialized personnel.
[0014] These drawbacks can make the ski binding difficult to use,
especially for inexperienced users, and unavoidably lead to
relatively high industrial costs and production times.
[0015] The main aim of the present invention is to provide a ski
binding that allows the drawbacks of the prior art described above
to be overcome.
[0016] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to
produce a ski binding that facilitates adjustment of the toe
binding and heel binding position with respect to the ski.
[0017] A further object of the present invention is to produce a
ski binding that is easily used by the user, even in adverse
weather conditions.
[0018] One more object of the present invention is to produce a ski
binding that has a structure that is sturdy and of limited size,
relatively easy and inexpensive to assemble and to manufacture on
an industrial scale.
[0019] This aim and these objects, together with other objects that
will be more apparent from the subsequent description and from the
accompanying drawings, are achieved, according to the invention, by
a ski binding according to claim 1 and to the related dependent
claims proposed hereunder.
[0020] In general definition, the ski binding, according to the
invention, comprises a toe binding and a heel binding free to slide
with respect to the ski at respective first and second sliding
seats.
[0021] The ski binding, according to the invention, comprises a
blocking and adjusting mechanism to fix the toe binding and heel
binding position with respect to the ski.
[0022] This blocking and adjusting mechanism can be operated simply
by means of an operation lever.
[0023] Adjustment of the toe binding and heel binding position can
thus take place simply and directly, through easy manual
operations.
[0024] The ski binding, according to the invention, has a structure
of limited size, in particular according to a direction
perpendicular to the upper surface of the ski.
[0025] The ski binding, according to the invention, also has a
structure that is relatively simple to produce and assembly on an
industrial scale.
[0026] Further characteristics and advantages of the ski binding,
according to the present invention, will be better understood by
referring to the description below and to the accompanying
drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example,
wherein:
[0027] FIGS. 1-9, 9A, 10-11 represent some schematic views of an
embodiment of the ski binding, according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIGS. 12-19 represent some schematic views of a further
embodiment of the ski binding, according to the present
invention.
[0029] With reference to the aforesaid figures, the present
invention refers to a ski binding 1 configured to be mounted on a
ski 100.
[0030] For the sake of clarity, it is specified that the ski
binding 1 will be described in the following with reference to its
operative mounting on the ski. The relative positioning and the
orientation of the parts of the ski binding 1 will thus be
described with reference to the case in which the ski biding 1 is
mounted on the ski.
[0031] The ski 100 extends along a main longitudinal axis 103 and
comprises a lower sliding surface 102 and an upper surface 101,
opposite to the surface 102.
[0032] According to the invention, the ski binding 1 comprises a
toe binding 2 and a heel binding 3 configured to be operatively
connected to the ski at the upper surface 101.
[0033] In particular, the toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3 are
slidingly coupleable to the ski 100, preferably at first sliding
seats 54, 104A and at second sliding seats 350, 104B,
respectively.
[0034] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, 9A, 10-11,
the ski binding 1 comprises the first and second sliding seats 54,
350 for the toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3, respectively.
[0035] In this case, these seats consist of shaped grooves
(substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103) produced
respectively in a blocking plate 5 and a support plate 35 of the
ski binding, solidly connected with the ski.
[0036] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-19, the ski
100 comprises the first and second sliding seats 104A, 104B for the
toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3, respectively.
[0037] In this case, the sliding seats 104A, 104B consist of shaped
grooves (substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103)
formed in the ski, at the upper surface 101.
[0038] The sliding seats 104A, 104B are preferably formed by the
walls of a shaped recess 104 that extends along the ski, parallel
to the longitudinal axis 103.
[0039] Preferably, the toe binding 2 comprises a first base 21 for
coupling with the ski and a first upper portion 22 for coupling
with user's boot.
[0040] The upper portion 22 (which can be of known type) is
positioned superimposed on the base 21 (taking as reference the
surface 101 of the ski) and is solidly connected to this latter
with known connection means (such as screws).
[0041] The base 21 advantageously comprises a plurality of first
coupling surfaces 211, 212 with the upper portion 22 of the toe
binding.
[0042] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, 9A, 10-11,
the base 21 of the toe binding is coupleable to the blocking plate
5 of the ski binding at the first sliding seats 54. The plate 5 can
be, in turn, solidly connected with the ski 100 by means of known
connection means (such as screws).
[0043] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-19, the base
21 of the toe binding is directly coupleable to the ski 100, at the
first sliding seats 104A produced on the ski.
[0044] The base 21 of the toe binding is provided with first shaped
guiding edges 210 slidingly coupleable with the first sliding seats
54, 104A to allow the toe binding 2 to slide (reference 501) along
the ski (i.e. along the longitudinal axis 103) simultaneously
preventing all lateral (i.e. perpendicular to the axis 103 and
parallel to the upper surface 101) or vertical (i.e. perpendicular
to the axis 103 and to the upper surface 101) movement thereof.
[0045] The heel binding 3 comprises a second base 31 for coupling
with the ski and a second upper portion 32 for coupling with user's
boot.
[0046] The upper portion 32 (which can be of known type) is
positioned superimposed on the base 31 and is solidly connected to
this latter with connection means of known type (such as
screws).
[0047] The base 31 of the heel binding advantageously comprises
second coupling surfaces 311 with the upper portion 32.
[0048] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, 9A, 10-11,
the base 31 of the heel binding is coupleable to the support plate
35 of the ski binding at the second sliding seats 350. The support
plate 35 can be, in turn, solidly connected with the ski 100 by
connection means of known type (such as screws).
[0049] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-19, the base
31 of the heel binding is directly coupled to the ski 100, at the
second sliding seats 104B produced on the ski.
[0050] The base 31 of the heel binding is provided with second
shaped guiding edges 310 slidingly coupleable with the second
sliding seats 350, 104B to allow the heel binding 3 to slide
(reference 502) along the ski, simultaneously preventing all
lateral or vertical movement thereof.
[0051] According to the invention, the ski binding 1 comprises a
blocking and adjusting mechanism 4, reversibly actuatable by the
user between a blocking position and a release position.
[0052] At the aforesaid blocking position of the mechanism 4, the
toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3 are solidly connected to the
ski 100 in a fixed position.
[0053] At the aforesaid release position of the mechanism 4, the
toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3 are free to slide with respect
to the ski 100 along the longitudinal axis 103 (references 501,
502).
[0054] According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises the
blocking plate 5, solidly connectable to the ski 100.
[0055] The plate 5 can be solidly connected to the ski with
connection means of known type (such as screws).
[0056] Preferably, the plate 5 comprises a first lower surface 51
oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski
binding is mounted on the ski, and a first upper surface 52,
opposite to the first lower surface 51 and parallel the upper
surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the
ski.
[0057] Preferably, the surface 51 is coupled with the upper surface
101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0058] The plate 5 is operatively coupled (in a sliding manner as
mentioned above) to the toe binding 2, in particular to the first
base 21 thereof, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0059] The base 21 of the toe binding 2 is at least partially
superimposed on the plate 5, when the ski binding is mounted on the
ski.
[0060] As mentioned above, according to the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIGS. 1-9, 9A, 10-11, the plate 5 comprises the
first sliding seats 54 of the toe binding 2.
[0061] In this case, the seats 54 are formed by lateral grooves 54
of the plate 5, operatively connectable (through positive fit) with
the first guiding edges 210 of the base 21 of the toe binding
2.
[0062] According to the invention, the plate 5 comprises first
blocking means 53.
[0063] Preferably, the blocking means 53 are positioned at the
first upper surface 52.
[0064] The first blocking means are preferably formed by first
blocking teeth 53.
[0065] Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 are positioned at the
first upper surface 52 and are oriented in the opposite direction
with respect to the upper surface 101 of the ski.
[0066] Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 are positioned
transversally with respect to the ski, according to a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and
parallel to the upper surface 101, when the ski binding is mounted
on the ski.
[0067] Preferably, the plate 5 is formed by a first and second
portion 56A, 56B spaced from each other.
[0068] The portions 56A, 56B of the plate 5 are substantially
symmetrical and extend along the ski 110, according to directions
parallel to the longitudinal axis 103, when the ski binding is
mounted on the ski.
[0069] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
1-9, 9A, 10-11, the plate 5 comprises a transverse portion 57 that
joins the portions 56A, 56B distally positioned with respect to the
heel binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0070] The portions 56A, 56B and 57 define a coupling seat 57A of
the plate 5 configured to house, at least partially, a blocking and
adjusting rod 6 of the mechanism 4.
[0071] The plate 5 is connectable to the ski 100 (in a fixed
manner) at the longitudinal portions 56A, 56B.
[0072] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
12-19, the plate 5 comprises a lower transverse wall 59 that joins
the portions 56A, 56B distally positioned with respect to the heel
binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0073] The lower transverse wall 59 is superimposed on the upper
wall 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the
ski.
[0074] Preferably, the plate 5 comprises an upper transverse wall
58 that joins the portions 56A, 56B proximally positioned with
respect to the heel binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted on
the ski.
[0075] The upper transverse wall 58 is spaced from the upper
surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the
ski.
[0076] The base 21 of the toe binding 2 is superimposed on the
upper wall 58 of the plate 5, when the ski binding is mounted on
the ski.
[0077] The portions 56A, 56B and the walls 58, 59 define the
coupling seat 57A of the plate 5 configured to house, at least
partially, the rod 6 of the mechanism 4.
[0078] The plate 5 comprises, at the upper wall 58, a first
numbered scale 58B indicative of the operation position S1 of the
toe binding 2, with respect to the ski.
[0079] The numbered scale 58B can advantageously be inspected
through a first window 29 of the base 21 of the toe binding 2.
[0080] The plate 5 also comprises, at the upper wall 58, a second
window 58A, at which it is possible to inspect a second numbered
scale 67 present on the rod 6.
[0081] The plate 5 is connectable (in a fixed manner) to the ski
100 at the lower transverse wall 59.
[0082] The plate 5 also comprises third fastening edges 55 that
protrude laterally from the portions 56A, 56B of the plate 5.
[0083] The fastening edges 55 are advantageously shaped so as to be
coupleable with third fastening seats 104C consisting of shaped
grooves (substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103) of
the ski 100, at the upper surface 101.
[0084] Preferably, also the fastening seats 104C are formed by the
walls of the shaped recess 104 that extends along the ski 100 at
the upper surface 101.
[0085] Referring again to both the embodiments of the invention
shown in the cited figures, the first blocking teeth 53 of the
plate 5 are preferably positioned at the longitudinal portions 56A,
56B of this latter.
[0086] Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 are arranged in parallel
rows that extend along the portions 56A, 56B according to
directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 103.
[0087] Each row comprises a number of consecutive blocking teeth 53
arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101, when
the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0088] Preferably, each of the longitudinal portions 56A, 56B
comprises a same number P of blocking teeth 53.
[0089] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
1-9, 9A, 10-11, the blocking teeth 53 are proximally positioned
with respect to the heel binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted
on the ski.
[0090] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
12-19, the blocking teeth 53 are distally positioned with respect
to the heel binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted on the
ski.
[0091] According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises the
blocking and adjusting rod 6.
[0092] The rod 6 comprises a first and second end 61, 62 opposite
each other.
[0093] At the first end 61, the rod 6 is solidly connected to the
heel binding 3, in particular to the base 31 thereof, by fixing
means of known type (such as screws).
[0094] In this way, the rod 6 is free to slide (reference 502)
along the ski 100 (i.e. along the longitudinal axis 103) together
with the heel binding 3, when the mechanism 4 is in release
position.
[0095] The rod 6 comprises a third portion 66 distally positioned
with respect to said first end 61.
[0096] Preferably, the third portion 66 of the rod 6 comprises the
second end 62 thereof.
[0097] At the third portion 66, the rod 6 is slidingly coupled to
the plate 5.
[0098] In particular, the third portion 66 of the rod 6 is
advantageously housed, at least partially, in the coupling seat 57A
of the plate 5.
[0099] Inside the coupling seat 57A, the rod 6 is free to slide
along the longitudinal axis 103 when the mechanism 4 is in release
position.
[0100] Coupling with the seat 57A of the plate 5 prevents all
transverse movement of the rod 6 during movement of this latter
along the ski (reference 502).
[0101] The rod 6 is operatively associated to the toe binding 2, at
the third portion 66.
[0102] When the ski binding is mounted on the ski, the base 21 of
the toe binding 2 is at least partially superimposed on the rod 6
at the portion 66.
[0103] The base 21 of the toe binding 2 defines, in cooperation
with the ski 100 and the plate 5, a volume inside which the rod 6,
in particular the portion 66 thereof, is free to slide with respect
to the ski, when the mechanism 4 is in release position.
[0104] It is important to note that the rod 6 and the toe binding 2
are free to move with respect to the ski 100 and with respect to
each other, when the mechanism 4 is in release position.
[0105] Preferably, the rod 6 comprises a second lower surface 63
oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski
binding is mounted on the ski, and a second upper surface 64,
opposite to the second lower surface 63 and parallel the upper
surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the
ski.
[0106] Advantageously, the second upper surface 64 of rod 6 and the
first upper surface 52 of the blocking plate 5 are co-planar along
a same reference plane parallel to the upper surface 101 of the
ski.
[0107] According to the invention, the rod 6 comprises second
blocking means 65 distally positioned from the first end 61 and
proximally positioned to the second end 62.
[0108] Preferably, the blocking means 65 are positioned at the
third portion 66 of the rod 6. Advantageously, the blocking means
65 are positioned at the second upper surface 64 of the rod 6.
[0109] The first and second blocking means 53, 65 are thus arranged
on surfaces 52, 64 of the blocking plate 5 and of the blocking and
adjusting rod 6, which are substantially parallel to the upper
surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is arranged on the
ski.
[0110] Preferably, the first and second blocking means 53, 65 are
arranged on substantially co-planar surfaces 52, 64 of the blocking
plate 5 and of the blocking and adjusting rod 6, which are arranged
along a same reference plane parallel to the upper surface 101 of
the ski, when the ski binding is arranged on the ski.
[0111] Preferably, the aforesaid second blocking means are formed
by second blocking teeth 65.
[0112] Preferably, the blocking teeth 65 are positioned at the
second upper surface 64 of the rod 6 and are oriented in the
opposite direction to the upper surface 101 of the ski.
[0113] Preferably, the blocking teeth 65 are positioned
transversally with respect to the ski, according to a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and
parallel to the upper surface 101, when the ski binding is mounted
on the ski.
[0114] Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 of the plate 5 and the
blocking teeth 65 of the rod 6 are arranged along a same plane
parallel to the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding
is mounted on the ski.
[0115] Preferably, the rod 6 comprises a row of second blocking
teeth 65 that extends according to a direction parallel to the
longitudinal axis 103, between the parallel rows of the blocking
teeth 53 of the portions 56A, 56B of the plate 5, when the ski
binding is mounted on the ski.
[0116] Such a row comprises a number of consecutive blocking teeth
65 arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101, when
the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0117] The second blocking teeth 65 can therefore be in different
positions of alignment 51 with the first blocking teeth 53,
according to directions substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101.
[0118] Each of these positions of alignment can be selected by
sliding the blocking and adjusting rod 6 along the ski, in
particular by sliding the third portion 66 of the rod 6 along the
coupling seat 57A of the plate 5.
[0119] Given that the rod 6 is solidly connected with the heel
binding 3, each of the positions of alignment corresponds to an
operation position S2 of the heel binding 3 with respect to the ski
and can be selected by moving the heel binding 3 along the second
sliding seats 350, 104B.
[0120] Given that the rod 6 and the toe binding 2 can move with
respect to each other, each operation position S2 of the heel
binding 3 can be selected independently from the operation position
51 taken by the toe binding 2.
[0121] Preferably, the rod 6 comprises, at the second upper wall
64, a second numbered scale 67 indicative of the operation position
S2 of the heel binding 3, with respect to the ski.
[0122] According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises one or
more blocking wings 7, 8.
[0123] Each of the blocking wings 7, 8 comprises a third free end
71, 81, oriented towards the heel binding 3 (when the ski binding
is mounted on the ski), and a fourth constrained end 72, 82,
opposite to the aforesaid third free end and solidly connected to
the toe binding 2, preferably to the coupling portion 22 of this
latter.
[0124] The blocking wings 7, 8 can be fixed independently to the
toe binding 2, at the related constrained end 72, 82.
[0125] Preferably, each of the blocking wings 7, 8 is solidly
connected to a common connection plate 78, at the related
constrained end 72, 82, so as to form one piece with this latter.
In turn, the plate 78 is solidly connected with the toe binding 2
by connection means of known type (such as screws).
[0126] Preferably, the blocking wings 7, 8 are arranged side by
side with one another and extend along directions parallel to the
longitudinal axis 103, when the ski binding is mounted on the
ski.
[0127] The blocking wings 7, 8 are elastically deformable by
bending.
[0128] The definition "elastically deformable by bending" means
that, during normal operation of the ski binding, each of the
blocking wings 7, 8 is capable of returning to its original shape
and volume at rest, after having been subjected to mechanical
deformation (bending) in response to a bending moment applied.
[0129] In practice, each of the blocking wings 7, 8 behaves like a
pinned-free beam having a point of constraint at the fourth end 72,
82 and capable of elastic deformation in response to the
application of a bending moment.
[0130] Preferably, the blocking wings 7, 8 are shaped so as to be
elastically deformable by bending in response to the application of
a bending moment F directed towards the ski 100, when the ski
binding is mounted on the ski.
[0131] The blocking wings 7, 8 are shaped so that, in a condition
at rest, the third free end 71, 81 is at a greater distance from
the ski with respect to the fourth constrained end 72, 83, when the
ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0132] According to the invention, the blocking wings 7, 8 comprise
(preferably proximally positioned to the third free end 71, 81)
third blocking means 75, 85 reversibly coupleable with the first
and second blocking means 53, 65.
[0133] Preferably, the third blocking means 75, 85 are positioned
at the third free end 71, 81.
[0134] Preferably, the aforesaid blocking wings comprise at least a
first blocking wing 8 that comprises a third lower surface 83,
configured to be oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski,
when the ski binding is mounted on the ski, and a third upper
surface 84, opposite to the lower surface 83.
[0135] Preferably, the third lower surface 83 is oriented towards
the second upper surface 64 of the rod 6, when the ski binding is
mounted on the ski.
[0136] Preferably, the first blocking wing 8 comprises third
blocking means formed by third blocking teeth 85.
[0137] Preferably, the teeth 85 are positioned at the third lower
surface 83.
[0138] Preferably, the teeth 85 are oriented towards the upper
surface 101 of the ski and are positioned transversally with
respect to the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0139] The teeth 85 are arranged on the surface 83 so as to extend
along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis 103, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0140] The third blocking means of the blocking wing 8 are adapted
to interact with second blocking means 63 of the rod 6.
[0141] Preferably, the second blocking teeth 65 and the third
blocking teeth 85 are selectively mutually coupleable, at different
coupling positions.
[0142] Each of these coupling positions can be selected by sliding
the rod 6 and the toe binding 2 along the ski.
[0143] Given that the rod 6 is solidly connected with the heel
binding 3, each of these coupling positions corresponds to:
[0144] an operation position S2 of the heel binding 3 with respect
to the ski, selectable by moving the heel binding 3 (reference 502)
along the second sliding seats 350, 104B; and
[0145] an operation position S1 of the toe binding 2 with respect
to the ski, selectable by moving the toe binding 2 along the first
sliding seats 54, 104A.
[0146] Preferably, the aforesaid blocking wings comprise one or
more second blocking wings 7.
[0147] Preferably, the second blocking wings 7 each comprise a
fourth lower surface 73 configured to be oriented towards the upper
surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski,
and a fourth upper surface 74, opposite to the fourth lower surface
73. Preferably, the fourth lower surface 74 is oriented towards the
first upper surface 52 of the plate 5.
[0148] Preferably, the second blocking wings 7 comprise third
blocking means formed by fourth blocking teeth 75.
[0149] Preferably, the teeth 75 are positioned at the fourth lower
surface 73.
[0150] Preferably, the teeth 75 are oriented towards the upper
surface 101 of the ski and are positioned transversally with
respect to the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0151] The teeth 75 are arranged on the surface 73 so as to extend
along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis 103, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.
[0152] The third blocking means of the blocking wings 7 are adapted
to interact with first blocking means 53 of the blocking plate
5.
[0153] Preferably, the first blocking teeth 53 and the fourth
blocking teeth 75 are selectively mutually coupleable, in different
coupling positions.
[0154] Each of these coupling positions can be selected by sliding
the toe binding 2 along the ski.
[0155] Each of these coupling positions corresponds to an operation
position S1 of the toe binding 2 with respect to the ski,
selectable by moving the toe binding 2 (reference 501) along the
first sliding seats 54, 104A.
[0156] Preferably, the aforesaid blocking wings comprise a single
first blocking wing 8 and a pair of second blocking wings 7
arranged side by side and mutually parallel, with the first
blocking wing 8 positioned between the blocking wings 7.
[0157] Advantageously, the first blocking wing 8 is superimposed on
the rod 6 (in particular on the third portion 66 of this latter)
while each of the blocking wings 7 is superimposed on a
corresponding portion 56A, 56B of the plate 5, when the ski binding
is mounted on the ski.
[0158] In principle, as mentioned above, the number of the first,
second, third and fourth blocking teeth 53, 65, 85, 75 can be any
according to requirements.
[0159] Preferably, the blocking teeth 53, 65, 85, 75 are
prearranged so that the following relations are valid: N>X1,
P>X2, X1=X2, where N is the number of teeth 65 of the rod 6, P
is the number of teeth 53 of each of the portions 56A, 56B of the
plate 5, X1 is the number of teeth 85 of the first blocking wing 8
and X2 is the number of teeth 75 of each of the second blocking
wings 7.
[0160] From the above it is evident that, when the mechanism 4 is
in blocking position:
[0161] all the teeth 75, 85 of the blocking wings 7, 8 engage and
mesh with the teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the rod 6;
[0162] some (X1) teeth of the rod 6 engage and mesh with the teeth
85 of the first blocking wing 8,
[0163] other (N-X1) blocking teeth 65 of the rod 6 remain free;
[0164] only some (X2) teeth 53 of each of the portions 56A, 56B of
the plate 5 engage and mesh with the teeth 75 of each of the second
blocking wings 7;
[0165] other (P-X2) blocking teeth 53 of each of the portions 56A,
56B remain free.
[0166] According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises an
operation lever 9 solidly connected to the toe binding 2.
[0167] The operation lever 9 moves solidly with the toe binding 2,
when this latter slides along the ski 100 (reference 501).
[0168] Preferably, the operation lever 9 is free to rotate with
respect to the toe binding 2, according to an axis of rotation 92
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the
upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on
the ski.
[0169] Preferably, the lever 9 is rotationally connected to the
base 21 of the toe binding 2 by means of a connecting pin, arranged
along the aforesaid axis of rotation 92.
[0170] The lever 9 comprises an actuation surface 91 reversibly
coupleable to the blocking wings 7, 8.
[0171] Preferably, the actuation surface 91 is coupleable with the
upper surface 74, 84 of the blocking wings 7, 8.
[0172] Preferably, the lever 9 is located in superimposed position
with respect to the blocking wings 7, 8, when the ski binding is
mounted on the ski.
[0173] The lever 9 is reversibly movable in a first operation
position A (for example during adjusting of the ski binding), at
which the actuation surface 91 is decoupled from the blocking wings
7, 8 (FIG. 10), and in a second operation position B (for example
during use of the ski), at which the actuation surface 91 is
coupled with all the blocking wings 7, 8 (FIG. 11).
[0174] Preferably, the lever 9 comprises a shaped box-like body
having a lower surface that forms the actuation surface 91, a front
surface 93, a rear surface 95 and an upper surface 94.
[0175] Preferably, the actuation surface 91 is at a greater
distance from the axis of rotation 92 with respect to the front
surface 93.
[0176] In this way, the lever 9 forms a cam actuation element
(having a cam-shaped surface formed by the surfaces 91 and 93
described above), which is capable of transforming its rotational
movement around the axis 92 in a translational movement of the
blocking wings 7, 8.
[0177] Preferably, when the lever 9 is in the operation position A
(with the ski binding mounted on the ski):
[0178] the front surface 93 is oriented towards the upper surface
101 of the ski but is not in contact with the blocking wings 7,
8;
[0179] the upper surface 94 is instead oriented towards the toe
binding 2;
[0180] the actuation surface 91 is oriented towards the heel
binding 3;
[0181] the rear surface 95 is oriented in the opposite direction
with respect to the upper surface 101 of the ski.
[0182] Preferably, when the lever 9 is in the release operation
position B (with the ski binding mounted on the ski):
[0183] the actuation surface 91 is oriented towards the upper
surface 101 of the ski and is in contact with the blocking wings 7,
8, at the surfaces 74, 84 of these latter;
[0184] the front surface 93 is oriented towards the toe binding
2;
[0185] the rear surface 95 is oriented towards the heel binding
3;
[0186] the upper surface 94 is oriented towards the heel binding
3.
[0187] According to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, the operation lever 9 is reversibly movable in a third
operation position (not shown), which is intermediate between the
operation positions A, B described above.
[0188] Said third operation position of the operation lever 9
corresponds to a partial blocking position of the blocking and
adjusting mechanism 4, in which the actuation surface 91 is coupled
only with at least one of the second blocking wings 7 and is not
coupled with the first blocking wings 8 (and possibly with the
remaining non-actuated blocking wings 7).
[0189] In this way, the blocking means 75 of the actuated blocking
wing 7 engage with the corresponding blocking means 53 of the
blocking plate 5 whereas the blocking means 85 of the blocking
wings 8 remain disengaged from the corresponding blocking means 65
(and possibly the blocking means 75 of the remaining non-actuated
blocking wings 7 remain disengaged from the corresponding blocking
means 53 of the plate 5).
[0190] According to this embodiment of the invention, the actuation
surface 91 is shaped so as to have at least a protrusion at the at
least one blocking wing 7 to be actuated with the lever 9 in said
third operation position.
[0191] In this way, when the lever 9 is in said third operation
position (with the ski binding mounted on the ski), the actuation
surface 91 is oriented along a plane forming an angle (e.g.
45.degree.) with the upper surface 101 of the ski and the
protrusion of the actuation surface 91 pushes the corresponding
actuated wing 7 towards the blocking plate 5, so that the blocking
teeth 75 of the actuated wing 7 couple with the corresponding
blocking teeth 53 of the blocking plate 5.
[0192] Preferably, the lever 9 is housed in a housing 27 of the
base 21 of the toe binding 2. This enables improved structural
integration between parts and a further reduction of the vertical
dimensions of the ski binding.
[0193] Preferably, the actuation surface 91 and the front surface
93 are substantially flat.
[0194] Preferably, the actuation surface 91 and the front surface
93 are generally arranged along intersecting planes forming an
angle .alpha..
[0195] Preferably, the angle .alpha. ranges from 83.degree. to
89.degree. (more preferably .alpha.=86.degree.).
[0196] This solution is advantageous as it allows the lever 9 to
stably maintain the operation position A, during adjusting of the
ski binding.
[0197] Moreover, the lever 9 is also capable of stably maintaining
the operation position B during use of the ski, given that the
user's boot is superimposed on the upper surface 95, when coupled
to the ski binding.
[0198] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
1-9, 9A, 10-11, the ski binding 1 comprises a protection element
150 of the rod 6.
[0199] The protection element 150 can be solidly connected with the
plate 5 and the support plate 35, in turn solidly connectable to
the ski 100.
[0200] The protection element 150 is shaped so as to form a shell
configured to protect the rod 6 superiorly and laterally.
[0201] The protection element 150 comprises an upper wall 151 and,
at this latter, a first numbered scale 153 indicative of the
operation position S1 of the toe binding 2, with respect to the
ski.
[0202] The first numbered scale 153 is advantageously inspectable
through a first window 29 of the base 21 of the toe binding 2.
[0203] The protection element 150 comprises a second window 152 at
which it is possible to inspect a second numbered scale 67
(indicative of the operation position S2 of the heel binding 3)
present on the rod 6.
[0204] Operation of the mechanism 4 of the ski binding 1 will now
be described in further detail with particular reference to the
embodiments shown in cited figures.
[0205] To adjust the position of the toe binding 2 and of the heel
binding 3 with respect to the ski, the user can manually actuate
the lever 9 taking it to the operation position A corresponding to
a release position of the mechanism 4 (FIG. 10).
[0206] With the lever 9 in the operation position A, the third
blocking means 75, 85 are decoupled from the first and second
blocking means 53, 65.
[0207] The lever 9 does not exert any force on the blocking wings
7, 8 which are thus in a position at rest, at which the teeth 75,
85 of the blocking wings 7, 8 are decoupled from the teeth 53, 65
of the plate 5 and of the rod 6.
[0208] With the lever 9 in the operation position A, it is
therefore possible to adjust the position of the toe binding 2 and
of the heel binding 3 with respect to the ski (independently), by
sliding these latter along the respective sliding seats (references
501, 502).
[0209] During adjusting of the ski binding, the user can
advantageously inspect (through the inspection windows 29 or 58A,
152), the numbered scales 58B, 153 or 67, respectively indicative
of the operation positions S1 and S2 of the toe binding 2 and of
the heel binding 3.
[0210] Preferably, the number S1 of operation positions available
for the toe binding 2 is given by the relation S1=P-1, where P is
the number of teeth 53 of each of the portions 56A, 56B of the
plate 5.
[0211] Preferably, the number S2 of operation positions available
for the heel binding 3 is given by the relation S2=N-1, where N is
the number of teeth 65 of the rod 6.
[0212] After selecting the operation position desired for the toe
binding 2 and the heel binding 3, the user can manually actuate the
operation lever 9 taking it to the operation position B that
advantageously corresponds to a blocking position of the blocking
and adjusting mechanism 4 (FIG. 11).
[0213] In this operation position of the lever 9, the third
blocking means 75, 85 are engaged with first and second blocking
means 53, 65.
[0214] The lever 9 exerts on the blocking wings 7, 8 a force F
(bending moment) directed towards the upper surface 101 of the
ski.
[0215] The blocking wings 7, 8 are forced into a bending position,
at which the blocking teeth 75, 85 of the blocking wings 7, 8 are
engaged and mesh with the blocking teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and
of the rod 6.
[0216] In particular, all the teeth 75, 85 of the blocking wings 7,
8 engage and mesh with some teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the
rod 6 while other teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the rod 6
remain free.
[0217] The blocking mechanism 4 prevents all longitudinal movement
of the toe binding 2 and of the heel binding 3 with respect to the
ski.
[0218] The position of the toe binding 2 and of the heel binding 3
with respect to the ski is thus fixed.
[0219] The operation position B of the actuation lever 9 can be
safely maintained during the use of the ski as the ski-boot of the
user is superimposed to said lever when the ski biding is coupled
to the ski-boot.
[0220] According to the alternative embodiment of the present
invention described above (not shown), when it is moved in the
intermediate third operation position, the lever 9 exerts a force F
(bending moment) directed towards the upper surface 101 of the ski
only on at least one blocking wing 7 to be actuated with the
operation lever 9 in said third operation position.
[0221] The blocking wings 8 (and possibly the remaining
non-actuated blocking wings 7) are not yet subject to any
force.
[0222] The actuated blocking wing 7 is forced into a bending
position, at which the corresponding blocking teeth 75 are engaged
and mesh with the corresponding blocking teeth 53 of the plate
5.
[0223] The teeth 85 of the blocking wings 8 (and possibly the teeth
75 of the remaining non-actuated blocking wings 7) are instead
still disengaged from the corresponding blocking teeth 65 of the
rod 6 (and possibly from the corresponding blocking teeth 53 of the
plate 5).
[0224] In this way, the blocking mechanism 4 prevents the
longitudinal movement of the toe binding 2 only. Instead, the heel
binding 3 can still be freely moved with respect to the ski.
[0225] It has been seen in practice that the ski binding 1
according to the invention solves the problems of the prior art and
offers numerous advantages with respect thereto.
[0226] The blocking and adjusting mechanism 4 of the ski binding 1
is easily actuatable by the user.
[0227] When it is in release position, it allows the user to easily
adjust the position of toe binding and heel binding, without
requiring special equipment and/or the assistance of specialized
personnel, even in adverse weather conditions.
[0228] When it is in blocking position, it ensures an effective
action to retain toe binding and heel binding in the desired
operation position.
[0229] The ski binding 1 has a particularly simple and sturdy
structure, easily able to withstand the normal mechanical stresses
deriving from sporting activity.
[0230] The ski binding 1 is relatively simple to produce on an
industrial scale and at limited costs.
* * * * *