U.S. patent application number 17/292542 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for locking device for locking ski binding to mounting plate.
This patent application is currently assigned to ROTTEFELLA AS. The applicant listed for this patent is ROTTEFELLA AS. Invention is credited to Magnus ANDERSSEN, Jorn Frode DANIELSEN, Thomas GOVERUD-HOLM, Oyvar SVENDSEN.
Application Number | 20220001264 17/292542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005900995 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220001264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GOVERUD-HOLM; Thomas ; et
al. |
January 6, 2022 |
LOCKING DEVICE FOR LOCKING SKI BINDING TO MOUNTING PLATE
Abstract
A locking device for locking a ski binding on a mounting plate,
arranged to be mounted on a ski, in which the locking device is
arranged to be in a locked position, in which the ski binding is
locked relative to the mounting plate in a longitudinal direction,
and in an open position, in which the ski binding can be moved
relative to the mounting plate in the longitudinal direction,
wherein corresponding locking elements of the locking device and of
the mounting plate engage with each other in the locked position.
The locking device comprises a force-transmitting element with
opposite ends, arranged to be attached in corresponding attachments
in the ski binding, when the locking device is in locked position.
The locking element is located between the force-transmitting
element's opposite ends.
Inventors: |
GOVERUD-HOLM; Thomas; (Hoff,
NO) ; DANIELSEN; Jorn Frode; (Drobak, NO) ;
ANDERSSEN; Magnus; (Nesoddtangen, NO) ; SVENDSEN;
Oyvar; (Oslo, NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ROTTEFELLA AS |
Klokkarstua |
|
NO |
|
|
Assignee: |
ROTTEFELLA AS
Klokkarstua
NO
|
Family ID: |
1000005900995 |
Appl. No.: |
17/292542 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
November 14, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NO2019/050251 |
371 Date: |
May 10, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 9/086 20130101;
A63C 9/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63C 9/086 20060101
A63C009/086; A63C 9/00 20060101 A63C009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 14, 2018 |
NO |
20181455 |
Claims
1. A locking device for locking a ski binding on a mounting plate,
arranged to be mounted on a ski, in which the locking device is
arranged to be in a locked position, in which the ski binding is
locked relative to the mounting plate a longitudinal direction, and
in an open position, in which the ski binding can be moved relative
to the mounting plate in the longitudinal direction, wherein,
corresponding first locking elements of the locking device and of
the mounting plate engage with each other in the locked position,
wherein, the locking device comprises a force-transmitting element
with opposite ends, wherein the force-transmitting element's
opposite ends are arranged to be attached in corresponding
attachments in the ski binding or the mounting plate when the
locking device is in locked position, and wherein the first locking
element of the locking device is located between the
force-transmitting element's ends.
2. A locking element according to claim 1, wherein the
force-transmitting element is arranged to transfer at least part of
a force directed from below against the first locking element of
the locking device to opposing horizontal forces that press the
force-transmitting element's ends into engagement with the
respective attachments of the ski binding or the mounting plate
when the locking device is in locked position, so that the locking
device is secured in the locked position.
3. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the
force-transmitting element is flexible, so that the
force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to be pressed from
the open position, removably down over the respective attachments
of the ski binding or the mounting plate, to the locked
position.
4. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the
force-transmitting element extend across the ski binding, wherein
the force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to be attached
to the ski binding's or mounting plate's respective side ends to
secure the locking device in locked position.
5. A locking device according to claim 4, wherein the
force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to grasp around
corresponding ends on each side of the ski binding or the mounting
plate when the locking device is in locked position.
6. A locking device according to claim 5, wherein the
force-transmitting element is flexible, so that the
force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to be pressed
removably over the edges on each side of the ski binding or the
mounting plate.
7. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the
force-transmitting element's ends have opposite, longitudinal
inward tracks arranged to be pressed removably over outward edges
on the ski binding or the mounting plate.
8. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the
force-transmitting element is rotatably attached to the ski
binding, so that the force-transmitting element can be tilted
upwards to open position.
9. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the locking
device's first locking element comprises one or more downward
pins.
10. A locking device according to claim 9, wherein the one or more
pins are wedge-shaped.
11. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein corresponding
second locking elements in the locking device and in the ski
binding engage with each other in the locked position.
12. A ski binding with a locking device according to claim 1.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a ski equipment, and more
specifically a locking device for locking a ski binding to a
mounting plate on a ski, so that the ski binding can be adjusted in
the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting plate and be
locked to the mounting plate after adjustment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] After it has become common to attach ski bindings to
mounting plates, several solutions have been suggested to be able
to move the ski binding on the mounting plate without using tools.
This can either be done as part of the adjustment when the binding
is attached to the mounting plate, or subsequently if the user
wants to change the characteristics of the ski, for instance to
change the attachment or skidding properties. It can also be used
for adjusting the skis to a new user.
[0003] The International patent publication WO2015140258 A1 shows a
locking mechanism with a lever arm in the ski binding, which has a
downward pin that can be pressed down and attached in different
notches in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate. A snap
lock is shown at the end of the lever arm, so that the latter is
pressed down into a track in the binding and secured with a
corresponding profile in the front edge of the track when the
locking mechanism is locked, so that the pin will not slide out of
the notch in the mounting plate.
[0004] In International patent application WO2017220771A1, it
appears that the locking mechanism mentioned above in some case can
loosen, for instance at changing temperatures and age of the
binding. To solve this problem, it has been suggested to lock the
lever arm with a locking element that is hinged in the binding at
the one end and cooperates with the lever arm at the other end.
When the lever arm is pressed down towards the locked position, the
locking element is to be slided towards the lever arm so that the
two elements are partially engaged with each other and lock the
lever arm in the vertical direction The locking element has a lock
in the longitudinal direction, so that vertical forces that
function upwards against the lever arm will not as easily lead to
opening of the lock.
[0005] The solution, which is described in prior art, implies a
large number of disadvantages in that they do not work very well in
practice, for instance as a consequence of snow packing, they are
difficult to use, they break, and they are unnecessarily
complicated, which makes the bindings expensive.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The invention is a locking device for locking a ski binding
on a mounting plate arranged to be mounted on a ski. The locking
device is simple to use and ensures that the ski binding does not
begin to slide or jump in the longitudinal direction of the
mounting plate when in use. Moreover, it is simple to manufacture
and mount to the ski binding, so that the costs of such locking
device can be reduced.
[0007] The locking device is arranged to be in a locked position,
in which the ski binding is locked relative to the mounting plate
in a longitudinal direction, and in an open position, in which the
ski binding can be moved relative to the mounting plate in the
longitudinal direction, wherein corresponding first locking
elements in the locking device and in the mounting plate engage
with each other in the locked position, wherein the locking device
comprises a force-transmitting element with opposite ends, wherein
the force-transmitting element's opposite ends are arranged to be
attached in corresponding attachments to the ski binding or the
mounting plate, when the locking device is in locked position, and
wherein the first locking element of the locking device is located
between the opposite ends of the force-transmitting elements.
[0008] In an embodiment, the force-transmitting element is arranged
to transfer at least part of a force directed from below towards
the first locking element of the locking device to opposing
horizontal forces that press the force-transmitting element's ends
into engagement with the respective attachments of the ski binding
or the mounting plate when the locking device is in locked
position, so that the locking device is secured in the locked
position.
[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, a ski binding comprises a
locking device as described above.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, a locking device
(10) according to an embodiment of the invention, which is hinged
to a ski binding (1) in an area under a ski boot (not shown), which
can be attached to the ski binding (1). The locking device (10) is
here in open position, and the first locking element (11) of the
locking device (10) is arranged to be locked in the corresponding
first locking element of the mounting plate (not shown) under the
ski binding (1), so that the ski binding is prevented from moving
in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate.
[0011] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate in two different sections with
reference to FIG. 1, respectively the locking device (10) seen from
the front and the rear, the locking position (10) being in a
vertical state in an open position.
[0012] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate, according to a perspective view
and a view from above, the same locking device (10) as shown in
FIG. 1, wherein the locking device is in a locked position.
[0013] FIG. 4a shows in a sectional view C-C, with reference to
FIG. 3b, parts of the locking device (10).
[0014] FIG. 4b shows an enlarged section of FIG. 4a.
[0015] FIG. 5a shows in a sectional view D-D, with reference to
FIG. 3b, parts of the locking device (10).
[0016] FIG. 5b shows an enlarged section of FIG. 5a.
[0017] FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate the function of the locking
device in an embodiment. In FIG. 6a, the first locking element (11)
of the locking device is in engagement with the corresponding first
locking element (21) in the mounting plate (20) and the
power-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b) are
squeezed down over the corresponding attachments (1a, 1b) on the
ski binding edges.
[0018] When applying a force (F1) directed from below against the
locking device's first locking element (11), as shown in FIG. 6b,
this force is transmitted to opposing horizontal forces (F2, F3)
that press the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) into
engagement with the ski binding's respective attachments (1a, 1b)
or edges, so that the locking device (10) is secured in locked
position. This can be compared with an old-fashioned timber grab
with teeth that sink into the sides of the pole when lifting it up.
The stronger the force (F1) directed from below, the stronger the
forces (F2, F3) will grasp around the edges of the binding, so that
it does not loosen. At the same time, the locking device (10) is
flexible, so that it is not a problem to press the
force-transmitting element ends (12a, 12b) over the ski binding
edges to open or lock the locking device (10) as long as the force
(F1) directed from below does not work, which is the case as long
as there is no user on the ski.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In the following part of the description, various examples
and embodiments of the invention are shown to provide the skilled
person with a more detailed understanding of the invention. The
specific details related to the various embodiments and with
references to the drawing attached should not be understood as
limiting the invention. Protection of the invention is given by the
associated patent claims.
[0020] In this connection, the embodiments are numbered to provide
a good understanding of what is included in each of them. Moreover,
a number of dependent embodiments are described, called associated
embodiments, which are defined relative to the numbered inventions.
Unless otherwise indicated, an embodiment that is dependent on a
numbered embodiment, could be combined directly with the referred
embodiment or any one of its associated embodiments.
[0021] In a first embodiment, the invention is a locking device
(10) for locking of a ski binding (1) on a mounting plate (20)
arranged to be mounted on a ski. The locking device (10) is
arranged to be in a locked position, in which the ski binding (1)
is locked relative to the mounting plate (20) in a longitudinal
direction, and in an open position, in which the ski binding (1)
can be moved relative to the mounting plate (20) in the
longitudinal direction. When in use, the locking device is thus
either in locked or open position. An example of a locking device
(10) in locked position is shown in FIG. 6a.
[0022] In the locked position, corresponding first locking elements
(11, 21) of the locking device (10) and of the mounting plate (20)
engage with each other.
[0023] The locking device (10) comprises a force-transmitting
element (12) with opposite ends (12a, 12b), arranged to be attached
in corresponding attachments (1a, 1b) in the ski binding (1) or in
the mounting plate (20) when the locking device (10) is in locked
position.
[0024] The first locking element (11) of the locking device is
located here between the force-transmitting element's (12) opposite
ends (12a, 12b).
[0025] As can be understood from what is described above, the
locking device (10) can be in many different states when in open
position. Though it is shown in vertical position in several
figures, the open position can also comprise other states, in which
the corresponding first locking elements (11, 21) of the locking
device (10) and of the mounting plate (20) do not engage with each
other.
[0026] In this embodiment, the locking device (10) can be placed in
various positions as long as the condition that the locking
device's first locking element (11) is located between the
force-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b) is met.
The force-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b) can
e.g. be placed on each side of the ski binding (1) or after each
other in the middle of the ski binding with the first locking
element (11) between them.
[0027] Nor is it a pre-condition that the first locking element
(11) is placed on a straight line between the force-transmitting
element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b).
[0028] In FIG. 6a, the locking device (10) is shown in locked
position, and the first locking element (11) of the locking device
(10) is in engagement with the first locking element (21) of the
mounting plate (20).
[0029] When in use, strong forces will be applied in the locking
device (10), particularly when the skier kicks back. Though the
deviations have been minimized during manufacturing, the first
locking element (11) in the locking device (10) will in practice
have a slight flexibility and possibility of migration relative to
the first locking element (21) of the mounting plate (20).
[0030] It has been known to cause problems as these changing forces
in the longitudinal direction between the ski binding (1) and the
mounting plate (20) can cause the locking element (11) to be jacked
up by the force (F1) directed from below, which is a result of the
small deviations and the flexibility of the components as described
above. This, in turn, can cause the first locking element (11) to
lose the grip in the corresponding first locking element (21) of
the mounting plate (20), and the ski binding (1) will thus slide in
the longitudinal direction on the mounting plate (20).
[0031] It is therefore important to ensure that the first locking
element (11) of the locking device is kept in place in the
corresponding first locking element (21) of the mounting plate
(20).
[0032] In a first dependent embodiment, this has been resolved by
at least part of the force (F1) directed from below against the
first locking element (11) of the locking device being transmitted
to opposing horizontal forces (F2, F3) that press the
force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) into engagement with
the respective attachments (1a, 1b) of the ski binding or the
mounting plate when the locking device (10) is in locked position,
so that the locking device (10) is secured in the locked position
as illustrated in FIG. 6b.
[0033] In another embodiment, which can be combined with the first
embodiment above and any of its dependent embodiments, the
force-transmitting element (12) is flexible, so that the
force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to be
pressed from the open position, removably down over the respective
attachments (1a, 1b) of the ski binding (1) or the mounting plate
(20), to the locked position.
[0034] In a first dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting
element (12) extend across the ski binding (1), wherein the
force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to be
attached to the ski binding's or mounting plate's respective side
ends (1a, 1b) to secure the locking device (10) in locked
position.
[0035] In a second dependent embodiment, which can be combined with
the first dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting element's
ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to grasp around the corresponding ends
(1a, 1b) on each side of the ski binding (1) or the mounting plate
(20) when the locking device (10) is in locked position.
[0036] In a third dependent embodiment, which can be combined with
the first or second dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting
element (12) is flexible, so that the force-transmitting element's
ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to be pressed removably down over the
edges on each side of the ski binding or the mounting plate.
[0037] In a fourth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with
anyone of the other dependent embodiments, the force-transmitting
element's ends (12a, 12b) have opposite, longitudinal inward tracks
(13a, 13b) arranged to be pressed removably over outward edges (2a,
2b) on the ski binding or mounting plate.
[0038] In a third embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of
the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the
force-transmitting element (12) is rotatably attached to the ski
binding (1), so that the force-transmitting element (12) can be
tilted up to open position.
[0039] In a first dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting
element (12) in a side is fixedly attached to the ski binding (1)
and flexible or hinged, so that it can be tilted up to open
position.
[0040] The first locking element (11) and the force-transmitting
element (12) can in a second dependent embodiment, which can be
combined with the first dependent embodiment above, be integrated
in the locking device (10), e.g. by being moulded in a piece of
plastic material that provides the necessary flexibility as shown
in the figures.
[0041] The locking device (10) can alternatively be built up by
several elements, e.g. by the force-transmitting element (12)
consisting of two arms hinged against each other or against an
intermediate piece, consisting of the first locking element
(11).
[0042] In an fourth embodiment, which can be combined with anyone
of the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the
locking device's first locking element (11) comprises one or more
downward pins or tracks arranged to slot into corresponding holes
or tracks, which are part of the first locking element (21) of the
mounting plate.
[0043] In a first dependent embodiment, the one or more pins are
wedge-shaped.
[0044] In a second dependent embodiment, which can be combined
directly with the first independent embodiment above, two or more
pins are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the
ski binding (1), such as shown e.g. in FIG. 1.
[0045] In a fifth embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of
the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the
corresponding second locking elements (14, 24) of the locking
device (10) and the in the ski binding (20) engage with each other
in the locked position.
[0046] These other locking elements, shown in an embodiment in
FIGS. 1 and 2a, are arranged to lock the locking device (10) to the
ski binding (1) when the locking device is in locked position, so
that the ski binding (1) cannot move relative to the mounting
plate, even though the locking device (10) is locked to the plate
as described above.
[0047] In a first dependent embodiment, the second locking element
of the locking device (10) comprises vertical edges that fit into a
recess in the ski binding (1), so that the locking device (10) is
locked in the longitudinal direction relative to the ski binding
(1) when the locking device (10) is in the locked position.
[0048] In a second dependent embodiment, which can be combined with
the first independent embodiment above, the second locking element
of the locking device (10) comprises a reinforced area (15) around
the first locking element (11), wherein the reinforced area (15) is
arranged to fit into a recess (25) in the ski binding (1).
[0049] In a third dependent embodiment, which can be combined with
the first or second dependent embodiment above, the second locking
element (14) of the locking device (10) comprises a bevel, which
fits into a recess in the binding (10), arranged to press the
locking device (10) downwards against the binding when a kick back
is applied in the binding.
[0050] This can e.g. be an inclined edge or an undercut at the
front portion of the reinforced area (15) and a corresponding bevel
in the ski binding (1).
[0051] In the embodiment of the other locking elements (14, 24)
shown in FIG. 1, the locking device (10) is lowered into the ski
binding (1) when it is in locked position, and vertical interfaces
between the two elements prevent longitudinal movement. This also
means that the locking device (10) in this position appears as a
natural part of the ski binding surface.
[0052] This is also seen in a fourth dependent embodiment, which
can be combined with anyone of the embodiments above and is shown
in FIGS. 4a and 4c, wherein the locking device (10) comprises a pin
on each side, arranged to turn into the ski binding (1), wherein
the area between the pins is embedded, so that the locking device
surface merges with the ski binding (1) when it is in locked
position.
[0053] In a sixth embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of
the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the locking
device (10) comprises a third lock, provided to keep the locking
device in open position, so that it does not fall down from the
vertical position shown e.g. in FIG. 1 without a force being
applied.
[0054] In a dependent embodiment, the third lock comprises a lever
arm (16) on the locking device (10), which is provided to press
down a resilient element (26) in the ski binding (1), in which the
locking device (10) moving from the locked to the open position. In
this case, the end of the lever arm (16) lies in front of the
rotational axis of the locking device (10) when the locking device
is in locked position or below when it is in open position as shown
in FIG. 2a. The lever arm presses down the resilient element (26),
which can be an integrated protruding tongue in the binding. In
this case, the resilient element (26) is pressed down as far as
possible when the locking device (10) is vertical. If it is turned
further, in the case shown in FIG. 1, it will be forward, and the
resilient element (26) will yield less resistance. To turn the
locking device (10) back again from this position, a force must
therefore be applied to overcome the resilience in the vertical
position.
[0055] In a seventh embodiment, the invention is a ski binding (1),
comprising a locking device (10) as described in anyone of the
embodiments above.
[0056] In dependent embodiments, the locking device (10) can be a
separate element, which is attached to the ski binding as part of
the production or moulded as an integrated part of the binding. In
both cases, the locking device can be either hinged with a joint or
be executed in a flexible material, which allows bending in and out
of the locked position.
[0057] In the shown embodiments, which are examples of how to
execute the invention, various features and details are shown in
combination. Though several features are described as belonging to
a certain embodiment, it does not necessarily mean that these
features will have to be implemented together in all embodiments of
the invention. Likewise, features that have been described in
different embodiments should not considered to be excluding
combinations with each other. The skilled person will understand
that embodiments that comprise some of the features that are not
specifically described together with, but which are not described
as being excluded from a combination with each other, is part of
the invention. An explicit description of all embodiments will not
contribute to the understanding of the concept of the invention,
and therefore some of the combinations have been excluded to
simplify and shorten the application.
* * * * *