CA2050764C - Ankle roll responsive ski system - Google Patents
Ankle roll responsive ski system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2050764C CA2050764C CA 2050764 CA2050764A CA2050764C CA 2050764 C CA2050764 C CA 2050764C CA 2050764 CA2050764 CA 2050764 CA 2050764 A CA2050764 A CA 2050764A CA 2050764 C CA2050764 C CA 2050764C
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Abstract
In conventional ski systems, the ski boot receives conventional edging information as expressed by the skier's body position and more particularly by the position of the lower leg or tibia.
In the ski system according to this invention, the ski boot receives additional novel information as expressed by the degree of the skier's forward foot position and more particularly by foot eversion and foot inversion.
Via a binding supporting; structure, the ski boot applies conventional edging to a forward ski portion and via an angular torsion control linkage, provides foot eversion and foot inversion enhanced conventional edging to a rearward ski portion.
In the ski system according to this invention, the ski boot receives additional novel information as expressed by the degree of the skier's forward foot position and more particularly by foot eversion and foot inversion.
Via a binding supporting; structure, the ski boot applies conventional edging to a forward ski portion and via an angular torsion control linkage, provides foot eversion and foot inversion enhanced conventional edging to a rearward ski portion.
Description
DI'.>CLOSURE
It is of great importance to a skier to exert the maximum possible control over the skis.
The system according to this invention comprises novel means to provide ski edging, ii. e. control over the angle between the snow surface and the transverse ski axis.
In skiing, the ski boot interacts directly with the skier's body positions and determines what information will be accepted to control the ski.
Plantar flexion and dor~;i flexion are significant in determining what is commonly referred to as forward-lean.
The transverse angular position of the tibia in relation to the ski boot sole substantially determines the amount of conventional edging, while foot eversion and foot inversion determine what is referred to as ankle-roll.
Higher and laterally more rigid ski boots do not afford the skier to significantly benefit from ankle-roll and conventional edging is substantially determined by the alignment between the lower tibia and the ski boot shaft.
Conventional edging is expressed by the transverse angular positon of the boot sole. The boot is torsional rigidly secured to the release binding and therefore, conventional edging is equally well expressed by the transverse angular position of the release binding.
In the embodiment of this invention, the release binding forms part of a binding supporting structure, further referred to as a binding support.
In the system according to this invention, conventional edging is applied to a forwardly disposed first ski portion and foot eversion and foot inversion enhanced conventional edging is applied to a rearwardly disposed second ski portion.
It is an object o1~ this invention to provide a ski system wherein foot eversion and foot inversion modify and enhance conventional edging by introducing a controlled torsional twist between the first and second ski portion, providing additional and novel means to discriminately control ski edging.
Foot eversion is most ciLearly expressed by a downward pressure of the medial portion of the foot, and more particularly by the big toe and the ball of the foot, while foot inversion is most clearly expressed by an upward pressure of the same foot portion.
The boot, forming part crf the system according to this invention comprises foot. position sensing means wherein a foot position receptor senses the degree of foot eversion and foot inversion and provides foot position information.
The degree of conventional edging is most clearly expressed _2_ by the position of the tibia relative to the transverse angular position of the boot sole.
The foot position receptors forming part of this invention are disposed within the forward boot shell portion and extend to opposite side~~ of the longitudinal boot axis.
Rotation of the foot position receptor around the longitudinal boot axis is sensed by a plurality of hydraulic transducers and is communicated via a first transmission portion to transducers disposed in a portion of the boot which normally maintains close contact with a portion of a binding or a binding support.
In this contact area, the edging information received by the foot position receptors is transferred from a boot carried binding mating transducE~r to a binding support carried boot mating transducer.
Mutually mating transducers, which in one embodiment form part of the binding support and in another embodiment are a part of the binding and in still another embodiment form part of the ski, receive' foot position information presented by boot carried transducers.
In addition to information received by the binding support carried boot mating transducers, the binding support receives conventional edging information from the boot via the release binding.
This information is directly imposed onto the forward or first ski portion via the forward or first mounting means.
The conventional edging information communicated via a second transmission portion towards the rearward or second ski portion, where it is modified by foot position information received via the first and second transmission portions before being imposed onto the second ski portion via an angular torsion control linkage.
The ski system according to this invention comprises embodiments that provide various novel modes of foot eversion and foot inversion enhanced edge control.
The preferred embodiment described in the ski system according to this inveni:ion comprises a foot position receptor, hydraulic transducers and transmission means in combination with ~~ bind-ing support substantially similar to that described in Canadian Patent Application 2,024,812-2.
These together with other and more specific objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when taken ~in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein identical elements will be identified by the same reference numerals in each of the drawings shown.
It will be understood that although boots, bindings and skis are normally used in pairs, only one set, showing the various portions nssoci<~ted with the right foot, will be shown and described in detail.
In the Drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elev<~tional view of the ski boot, bindings, binding support and ski.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the ski boot, bindings, binding support and ski.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the ski boot.
Figures 4a, and 4b are sections taken along the plane of line 4-4 of figure 3.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the foot position receptor.
Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are sections taken along the plane of line 6-6 of figure 3.
Figure 7 is a section taken along the plane of line 7-7 of figure 3.
Figure 8 is a top plan view of a binding support.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the binding support first mounting means and first: ski portion.
Figure 10 is a section taken along the plane of line 10-10 of figure 9.
Figure 11 is a top plan view of the binding support second mounting means and second ski portion.
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the binding support second mounting means and second ski portion.
Figure 13a and fi3;ure 13b are sections taken along the plane of line 13-13 of figure 12.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of an interruptable information link.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view of an interruptable information link.
Referring to the drawings in detail:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a boot, a binding support and a ski, showing elements of this invention, wherein: the boot is iclentified as 20, having a shaft 21 and a sole 22, the binding support is identified as 40, the forward binding as 41, the rearward binding as 42, a first binding support to first ski portion attachment, the first mounting means, a~s 43, the second binding support to second ski portion attachment, the second mounting means, as 44, the binding support carried boot mating transducers as 45, not shown is 46, and binding support carried angular torsion control transducers as 47, not shown is 48, forming part of the angular torsion control linkage.
The ski is generally identified as 90, having a forwardly disposed tip or spatula portion 91, a tail portion 92 and a top surface 93.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the boot, binding, binding-support and ski, further showing elements of this invention, wherein the ski attached slidable guides are identified as 49, 50, the forward mounting screws as 51, 52, 53 and 54, the first tr<~nsverse axle as 55, the rearward pillow blocks as ~~6, 57, the rearward mounting screws as 58, 59, 60 and 61, the second transverse axle as 62, the post as 63, binding support attachment nut 64 and ski side margins 94.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the ski boot, showing various section lvnes.
Figures 4a, and 4b are ~~ections taken along the plane of line 4-4 of figure 3 and show the effect of ankle-roll on the relationship between boot edging and lower tibia position.
Figure 4a shows boot edging in the absence of ankle-roll.
ZO Figure 4b shows boot edging at maximum ankle-roll associated with foot eversion.
It is clear from figures 4a, and 4b, that the influence of ankle-rol in respect to conventional boot edging diminishes proportional to the hight of the boot shaft.
_7_ Ankle-roll is a rather weak expression of what a skier may want to achieve through foot eversion and foot inversion.
Lower, and laterally less rigid boots provided ankle-roll which at one time was sufficiently important to be included in the teachings of North American ski instruction as a means to improve edge control. The trend towards higher shafted ski boots has significantly reduced the importance of ankle-roll.
It is an object of this invention to restore the importance of ankle-roll as expressed by foot eversion and foot inversion in relation to ski edge control without sacrificing any of the benefits associated with rigid high shafted boots.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing foot position receptor 23 relative to the foot and detached from the boot shell.
Foot position receptor Z3 comprises a one piece forwardly closed rigid socket like structure, providing an internally padded cavity for snuggly but firmly receiving the forward foot portion.
The intermediate foot portion, shown in dotted lines comprises a conformable portion, providing for a smooth transition between the rigid foot position receptor and the rearward rigid heel portion, which is internally padded and _g_ forms one rigid portion with the boot sole and is transversely rigid with the boot shaft.
Figure 6a, 6b and 6c are sections taken along the plane of line 6-6 of figure 3.
Figure 6a shows a cross-section of the boot and the foot position receptor in the absence of foot eversion and foot inversion.
The boot shell cornprises boot sole 22, the medial boot side 24, the lateral boot side 25 and the shell upper portion 26.
Enclosed within the shell portion is foot position receptor portion 23. This receptor portion is pivotedly attached to the upper inside area of the shell via a longitudinal hinge-like or art~iculat~ed structure, 27, comprising a hinge or non rigid deformable material, allowing the foot position receptor portion 1:o rotate around the longitudinal boot axis.
Foot eversion and foot inversion determines the angular position between t:he lower portion of the foot position receptor portion and the lower portion of the boot shell.
Sensing transducer's, identified as 28 and 29 respond to foot positional information <~s presented by receptor portion 23.
Figure 6b shows the recf~ptor in a position associated with foot eversion while figure 6c shows the receptor in a position associated with foot inversion.
_g_ Generally foot eversion and foot inversion is most pronounced in the areas of the toes and the first metatarsals.
The maximum range of angular movement between foot eversion and foot inversion, depE~nding on individual abilities, may easily amount to ~~0 degree of arc. Torsionally twisting angular movements imposE~d between the first and second ski portions significantly affect the ski characteristics. The principles of leverage afford the available range of angular 1D movement between foot eversion and foot inversion to be advantageously converted into reduced angular movement as applied between tree first and second ski portions.
Figure 7 is a section taken along the plane of line 7-7 of figure 3, showing boot carried foot position sensing transducers 28 and 29, boot carried hydraulic conduits 30 and 31, and binding mating transducers 32 and 33.
In the preferred E~mbodirnent, transducers 28 and 29 are fluid filled pouches or bellor~s, filling in most of the volume between the lower outside portion of foot position receptor 23 and the inside surface of the boot sole. The bellows are disposed symmetrically on opposite sides of the longitudinal boot axis and communicai~e with hydraulic conduits which terminate in boot carried binding mating transducers 32 and 33.
Binding mating transducers 32 and 33 are disposed towards the rearward termination of the boot sole and comprise pistons 34 and 35, connected to piston rods 36 and 37.
In the relaxed position, the bellows contain a predetermined amount of fluid. Any compression of the bellows will reduce the fluid volume and cause fluid to travel through the hydraulic conduits to tree boot carried binding mating transducer, causing the corresponding piston rods to increasingly protrude from the rearward boot sole portion.
The boot transfers foot position information through boot carried binding mating transducers to binding carried boot mating transducers, disposed in an area where the boot and binding are normally held in intimate contact.
Seperation between the k>oot and binding interrupts foot eversion and foot inversion information flow between the boot and the binding support, without damaging or permanently preventing l:he flow of information between the boot and the binding support, while inserting the boot into the binding autom~itical~Ly reestablishes the link.
Figure 8 is a longitudinally compressed top plan view of a binding support according to this invention, showing binding support 40 comprising the following elements, a forwardly disposed first transverse axle 55, to longitudinal slidably engage the binding support to the first ski portion, imposing conventional edging onto the first ski portion, a forwardly disposed binding 41 and a rearwardly disposed binding 42 to releasably retain the boot and receive conventional. boot edging information and an angular torsion control transducer controlled second mounting means for imposing a controlled torsional twist between the first and second ski portion.
Boot mating transducers 45 and 46 receive foot position information from the boot carried binding mating transducers.
The forces exchanged bei:ween the mutually mating transducer portions are small in relation to the forces exerted by the binding to retain the boot, while the movements exchanged between the mating; transducers are large in relation to movements taking place between the binding and the boot Binding support carried or binding carried boot mating transducers 45 and 46 hydraulicly communicate via conduits 65 and 66 with angular i~orsion control transducers 47 and 2p 48, which have their main housing portion rigidly secured to a portion of the bindin~; support, exert through moveable pistons various amounts of transverse pressure onto a portion of the second mounting means by engaging the upper portion of vertical post 63 and control the angle between post 63 and binding support 40. Post 63 is forward ~~nd rearward pivotable, parallel to the longitudinal ski axis and is further referred to as the first hinging means.
Aperture 67 is tr~insverse elongated, allowing for lateral movement of the upper post portion and is further referred to as the second r~ingin~; means. The angular torsion control transducer piston rods are identified as 69, 70. Also shown are boot mating sensing portions 71, 72. As will be noted, the hydraulic conduits cross-over to provide ski edging of a sense corresponding to l:hat of the foot movements.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the first transverse axle to first ski portion attachment, wherein 49 and 50 are channel shaped guides, secured i.o the top surface of the ski, adjacent and parallel to the side margins of the ski by screws 51, 52, 53 and 54.
First transverse axle 5-'. is rigidly attached to binding support 40, and is longitudinal slideably secured to the first ski portion by the channel shaped guides. Any edging motion of the binding support is imposed onto the first ski portion with a minimum of lost motion.
In the embodiments describing the boot, binding support and ski according to this invention, the first ski portion is edged according to the conventional edging information presented by the boot sole and substantially conforms to the position of the shaft of a rigid shafted high shaft:ed boot.
Figure 10 is a sectional. view taken along the plane of line 10-10 of figure 9, showing the engagement between channel shaped guides 49 and 50 and first transverse axle 55.
Figure 11 is a more detailed top plan view of the second mounting means to second ski portion attachment, more particularly defined as the angular torsion controlling linkage, wherein 56 and 57 are pillow blocks, disposed diametrically opposite each other and adjacent to ski side margins 94. The pillow blocks are secured to the ski via mounting screws 58~, 59, 60 and 61. Second transverse axle 62 is forward-rearward pivotedly secured to the pillow blocks via axle portions 73 and 74, forming the first hinging means. Portions 73 and 74 have a smaller diameter than the remaining portions. of the axle, securing the transverse positon of the second transverse axle relative to the ski.
Continuous with axle 62 is a centrally disposed, upwardly threaded post 63, perpendicular to axle 62. Portions of the binding support carried angular torsion controlling transducers are shown any 48 and 47.
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the second mounting means, showing the side profile of pillow block 57.
The binding support is ~~etachably secured to post 63 by means of threaded nut 64 and resilient washer 68.
Only one of the t~~o an;;ular torsion control transducers, 47 is shown.
Figure 13 a, is a cross-section taken along the plane of line 13-13 of figure 12, showing the reduced diameter second transverse axle portion~> 73, 74 and post portion 63, having a threaded upper portion.
The diameter of binding support upper aperture 67 is transverse elongated whereas the diameter of the binding support lower aperture -is slightly larger than the diameter of the lower post portion, providing pivot action to allow the binding support to rotate laterally around the lower post portion, forming the second hinging means.
Resilient washer 68, compressed between the nut and the upper surface of the rearward portion of the binding support allows tightening of the nut to secure the binding support to the ski via the post and axle without impeding angular movement between the binding support and post 63.
ZO The nut comprises a knurled outer portion facilitating manual adjustment.
Binding support carried angular torsion control transducers 47 and 48, which form an essential part of this invention, control the angular position between the binding support and the second ski portion try exerting foot controlled transverse pressure onto the upper portion of post 63 via pistons 75, 76 and piston rods 69 and 70. The transducer housing is rigidly connected to the binding support, whereas post 63, is laterally rigid with the second ski portion.
Figure 13b shows t:he binding support to ski relationship in a position associated with foot eversion.
The boot to binding information transfer area as shown in figures 7 and 8 is disposed at the rear portion of the boot, being compatible with most of todays commonly available rear release ski bindings wherein on release, the boot rotates around the most rearward retaining point.
The binding support carried boot mating transducer is advantageously made an 'integral portion of the rear release binding.
Bindings of the type as described in Canadian Patent Application Nr. 2,040,900-2 are more particularly suited to an interruptable ;elf a-Ligning information link, the embodiment of which is shown in figures 14 and 15.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of a self aligning interruptable hydraulic link. Boot mating portion 77 comprises hydraulic transducers of which only the piston rods are shown and are 'identified as 78 and 79.
Flexible hydraulic conduits 80 and 81 carry the foot positon information to the appropriate angular torsion control transducer.
Portion 77 is urged forwardly onto a rearward boot portion by forward thrust member 82, which is hingedly secured to a rearward portion of the binding support via a second hinge portion, allowing vertical and lateral movement around its point of binding support attachment. Boot mating portion 77 is pivotedly secured to thrust member 82 via a first hinge porton, comprising screws 83 and 84, not shown is 84, providing continuous engagement between the mating transducers even during minor lateral and vertical boot movements.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the self aligning interruptable hydraulic link.
Since various re~Leasable binding systems are currently in use, it is not desirable to restrict or limit the information transfer point to one currently popular binding.
In other embodiments of this invention, the transducers may not necessarily be of the cylinder and piston type, but may advantageously be replaced by various bellows type transducers.
The ski runner forming part of this invention is advantageously of the type as described in Canadian Patent Nr 767,525.
It is obvious that many alternative embodiments can be envisioned without departing from the spirit of this invention. More particularly, hydraulic portions may be replaced by mechanical portions, or by part mechanical, part hydraulic portions, the size of the binding support may be reduced to a point where for practical purposes the binding support has become non existent and the angular torsion transducers become a portion of the binding.
Furthermore, the edging; correction may be applied to the forward ski portion or simultaneously but of opposite sign to the forward and rearward ski portions, the logic may be inverted by crossing the hydraulic conduits, in which case foot eversion will result in a ski reaction otherwise associated with foot inversion and vice versa.
Furthermore, the logic may be such that skis may be interchanged from left to right and vice versa without changing the ski chara<:teristics while the logic may be such that interchanging the skis will result in logic inversion.
Moreover, all of the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore, the scope of this invention is not limited to the exact embodiments as shown, but only as indicated by the appended claims.
It is of great importance to a skier to exert the maximum possible control over the skis.
The system according to this invention comprises novel means to provide ski edging, ii. e. control over the angle between the snow surface and the transverse ski axis.
In skiing, the ski boot interacts directly with the skier's body positions and determines what information will be accepted to control the ski.
Plantar flexion and dor~;i flexion are significant in determining what is commonly referred to as forward-lean.
The transverse angular position of the tibia in relation to the ski boot sole substantially determines the amount of conventional edging, while foot eversion and foot inversion determine what is referred to as ankle-roll.
Higher and laterally more rigid ski boots do not afford the skier to significantly benefit from ankle-roll and conventional edging is substantially determined by the alignment between the lower tibia and the ski boot shaft.
Conventional edging is expressed by the transverse angular positon of the boot sole. The boot is torsional rigidly secured to the release binding and therefore, conventional edging is equally well expressed by the transverse angular position of the release binding.
In the embodiment of this invention, the release binding forms part of a binding supporting structure, further referred to as a binding support.
In the system according to this invention, conventional edging is applied to a forwardly disposed first ski portion and foot eversion and foot inversion enhanced conventional edging is applied to a rearwardly disposed second ski portion.
It is an object o1~ this invention to provide a ski system wherein foot eversion and foot inversion modify and enhance conventional edging by introducing a controlled torsional twist between the first and second ski portion, providing additional and novel means to discriminately control ski edging.
Foot eversion is most ciLearly expressed by a downward pressure of the medial portion of the foot, and more particularly by the big toe and the ball of the foot, while foot inversion is most clearly expressed by an upward pressure of the same foot portion.
The boot, forming part crf the system according to this invention comprises foot. position sensing means wherein a foot position receptor senses the degree of foot eversion and foot inversion and provides foot position information.
The degree of conventional edging is most clearly expressed _2_ by the position of the tibia relative to the transverse angular position of the boot sole.
The foot position receptors forming part of this invention are disposed within the forward boot shell portion and extend to opposite side~~ of the longitudinal boot axis.
Rotation of the foot position receptor around the longitudinal boot axis is sensed by a plurality of hydraulic transducers and is communicated via a first transmission portion to transducers disposed in a portion of the boot which normally maintains close contact with a portion of a binding or a binding support.
In this contact area, the edging information received by the foot position receptors is transferred from a boot carried binding mating transducE~r to a binding support carried boot mating transducer.
Mutually mating transducers, which in one embodiment form part of the binding support and in another embodiment are a part of the binding and in still another embodiment form part of the ski, receive' foot position information presented by boot carried transducers.
In addition to information received by the binding support carried boot mating transducers, the binding support receives conventional edging information from the boot via the release binding.
This information is directly imposed onto the forward or first ski portion via the forward or first mounting means.
The conventional edging information communicated via a second transmission portion towards the rearward or second ski portion, where it is modified by foot position information received via the first and second transmission portions before being imposed onto the second ski portion via an angular torsion control linkage.
The ski system according to this invention comprises embodiments that provide various novel modes of foot eversion and foot inversion enhanced edge control.
The preferred embodiment described in the ski system according to this inveni:ion comprises a foot position receptor, hydraulic transducers and transmission means in combination with ~~ bind-ing support substantially similar to that described in Canadian Patent Application 2,024,812-2.
These together with other and more specific objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when taken ~in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein identical elements will be identified by the same reference numerals in each of the drawings shown.
It will be understood that although boots, bindings and skis are normally used in pairs, only one set, showing the various portions nssoci<~ted with the right foot, will be shown and described in detail.
In the Drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elev<~tional view of the ski boot, bindings, binding support and ski.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the ski boot, bindings, binding support and ski.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the ski boot.
Figures 4a, and 4b are sections taken along the plane of line 4-4 of figure 3.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the foot position receptor.
Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are sections taken along the plane of line 6-6 of figure 3.
Figure 7 is a section taken along the plane of line 7-7 of figure 3.
Figure 8 is a top plan view of a binding support.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the binding support first mounting means and first: ski portion.
Figure 10 is a section taken along the plane of line 10-10 of figure 9.
Figure 11 is a top plan view of the binding support second mounting means and second ski portion.
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the binding support second mounting means and second ski portion.
Figure 13a and fi3;ure 13b are sections taken along the plane of line 13-13 of figure 12.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of an interruptable information link.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view of an interruptable information link.
Referring to the drawings in detail:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a boot, a binding support and a ski, showing elements of this invention, wherein: the boot is iclentified as 20, having a shaft 21 and a sole 22, the binding support is identified as 40, the forward binding as 41, the rearward binding as 42, a first binding support to first ski portion attachment, the first mounting means, a~s 43, the second binding support to second ski portion attachment, the second mounting means, as 44, the binding support carried boot mating transducers as 45, not shown is 46, and binding support carried angular torsion control transducers as 47, not shown is 48, forming part of the angular torsion control linkage.
The ski is generally identified as 90, having a forwardly disposed tip or spatula portion 91, a tail portion 92 and a top surface 93.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the boot, binding, binding-support and ski, further showing elements of this invention, wherein the ski attached slidable guides are identified as 49, 50, the forward mounting screws as 51, 52, 53 and 54, the first tr<~nsverse axle as 55, the rearward pillow blocks as ~~6, 57, the rearward mounting screws as 58, 59, 60 and 61, the second transverse axle as 62, the post as 63, binding support attachment nut 64 and ski side margins 94.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the ski boot, showing various section lvnes.
Figures 4a, and 4b are ~~ections taken along the plane of line 4-4 of figure 3 and show the effect of ankle-roll on the relationship between boot edging and lower tibia position.
Figure 4a shows boot edging in the absence of ankle-roll.
ZO Figure 4b shows boot edging at maximum ankle-roll associated with foot eversion.
It is clear from figures 4a, and 4b, that the influence of ankle-rol in respect to conventional boot edging diminishes proportional to the hight of the boot shaft.
_7_ Ankle-roll is a rather weak expression of what a skier may want to achieve through foot eversion and foot inversion.
Lower, and laterally less rigid boots provided ankle-roll which at one time was sufficiently important to be included in the teachings of North American ski instruction as a means to improve edge control. The trend towards higher shafted ski boots has significantly reduced the importance of ankle-roll.
It is an object of this invention to restore the importance of ankle-roll as expressed by foot eversion and foot inversion in relation to ski edge control without sacrificing any of the benefits associated with rigid high shafted boots.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing foot position receptor 23 relative to the foot and detached from the boot shell.
Foot position receptor Z3 comprises a one piece forwardly closed rigid socket like structure, providing an internally padded cavity for snuggly but firmly receiving the forward foot portion.
The intermediate foot portion, shown in dotted lines comprises a conformable portion, providing for a smooth transition between the rigid foot position receptor and the rearward rigid heel portion, which is internally padded and _g_ forms one rigid portion with the boot sole and is transversely rigid with the boot shaft.
Figure 6a, 6b and 6c are sections taken along the plane of line 6-6 of figure 3.
Figure 6a shows a cross-section of the boot and the foot position receptor in the absence of foot eversion and foot inversion.
The boot shell cornprises boot sole 22, the medial boot side 24, the lateral boot side 25 and the shell upper portion 26.
Enclosed within the shell portion is foot position receptor portion 23. This receptor portion is pivotedly attached to the upper inside area of the shell via a longitudinal hinge-like or art~iculat~ed structure, 27, comprising a hinge or non rigid deformable material, allowing the foot position receptor portion 1:o rotate around the longitudinal boot axis.
Foot eversion and foot inversion determines the angular position between t:he lower portion of the foot position receptor portion and the lower portion of the boot shell.
Sensing transducer's, identified as 28 and 29 respond to foot positional information <~s presented by receptor portion 23.
Figure 6b shows the recf~ptor in a position associated with foot eversion while figure 6c shows the receptor in a position associated with foot inversion.
_g_ Generally foot eversion and foot inversion is most pronounced in the areas of the toes and the first metatarsals.
The maximum range of angular movement between foot eversion and foot inversion, depE~nding on individual abilities, may easily amount to ~~0 degree of arc. Torsionally twisting angular movements imposE~d between the first and second ski portions significantly affect the ski characteristics. The principles of leverage afford the available range of angular 1D movement between foot eversion and foot inversion to be advantageously converted into reduced angular movement as applied between tree first and second ski portions.
Figure 7 is a section taken along the plane of line 7-7 of figure 3, showing boot carried foot position sensing transducers 28 and 29, boot carried hydraulic conduits 30 and 31, and binding mating transducers 32 and 33.
In the preferred E~mbodirnent, transducers 28 and 29 are fluid filled pouches or bellor~s, filling in most of the volume between the lower outside portion of foot position receptor 23 and the inside surface of the boot sole. The bellows are disposed symmetrically on opposite sides of the longitudinal boot axis and communicai~e with hydraulic conduits which terminate in boot carried binding mating transducers 32 and 33.
Binding mating transducers 32 and 33 are disposed towards the rearward termination of the boot sole and comprise pistons 34 and 35, connected to piston rods 36 and 37.
In the relaxed position, the bellows contain a predetermined amount of fluid. Any compression of the bellows will reduce the fluid volume and cause fluid to travel through the hydraulic conduits to tree boot carried binding mating transducer, causing the corresponding piston rods to increasingly protrude from the rearward boot sole portion.
The boot transfers foot position information through boot carried binding mating transducers to binding carried boot mating transducers, disposed in an area where the boot and binding are normally held in intimate contact.
Seperation between the k>oot and binding interrupts foot eversion and foot inversion information flow between the boot and the binding support, without damaging or permanently preventing l:he flow of information between the boot and the binding support, while inserting the boot into the binding autom~itical~Ly reestablishes the link.
Figure 8 is a longitudinally compressed top plan view of a binding support according to this invention, showing binding support 40 comprising the following elements, a forwardly disposed first transverse axle 55, to longitudinal slidably engage the binding support to the first ski portion, imposing conventional edging onto the first ski portion, a forwardly disposed binding 41 and a rearwardly disposed binding 42 to releasably retain the boot and receive conventional. boot edging information and an angular torsion control transducer controlled second mounting means for imposing a controlled torsional twist between the first and second ski portion.
Boot mating transducers 45 and 46 receive foot position information from the boot carried binding mating transducers.
The forces exchanged bei:ween the mutually mating transducer portions are small in relation to the forces exerted by the binding to retain the boot, while the movements exchanged between the mating; transducers are large in relation to movements taking place between the binding and the boot Binding support carried or binding carried boot mating transducers 45 and 46 hydraulicly communicate via conduits 65 and 66 with angular i~orsion control transducers 47 and 2p 48, which have their main housing portion rigidly secured to a portion of the bindin~; support, exert through moveable pistons various amounts of transverse pressure onto a portion of the second mounting means by engaging the upper portion of vertical post 63 and control the angle between post 63 and binding support 40. Post 63 is forward ~~nd rearward pivotable, parallel to the longitudinal ski axis and is further referred to as the first hinging means.
Aperture 67 is tr~insverse elongated, allowing for lateral movement of the upper post portion and is further referred to as the second r~ingin~; means. The angular torsion control transducer piston rods are identified as 69, 70. Also shown are boot mating sensing portions 71, 72. As will be noted, the hydraulic conduits cross-over to provide ski edging of a sense corresponding to l:hat of the foot movements.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the first transverse axle to first ski portion attachment, wherein 49 and 50 are channel shaped guides, secured i.o the top surface of the ski, adjacent and parallel to the side margins of the ski by screws 51, 52, 53 and 54.
First transverse axle 5-'. is rigidly attached to binding support 40, and is longitudinal slideably secured to the first ski portion by the channel shaped guides. Any edging motion of the binding support is imposed onto the first ski portion with a minimum of lost motion.
In the embodiments describing the boot, binding support and ski according to this invention, the first ski portion is edged according to the conventional edging information presented by the boot sole and substantially conforms to the position of the shaft of a rigid shafted high shaft:ed boot.
Figure 10 is a sectional. view taken along the plane of line 10-10 of figure 9, showing the engagement between channel shaped guides 49 and 50 and first transverse axle 55.
Figure 11 is a more detailed top plan view of the second mounting means to second ski portion attachment, more particularly defined as the angular torsion controlling linkage, wherein 56 and 57 are pillow blocks, disposed diametrically opposite each other and adjacent to ski side margins 94. The pillow blocks are secured to the ski via mounting screws 58~, 59, 60 and 61. Second transverse axle 62 is forward-rearward pivotedly secured to the pillow blocks via axle portions 73 and 74, forming the first hinging means. Portions 73 and 74 have a smaller diameter than the remaining portions. of the axle, securing the transverse positon of the second transverse axle relative to the ski.
Continuous with axle 62 is a centrally disposed, upwardly threaded post 63, perpendicular to axle 62. Portions of the binding support carried angular torsion controlling transducers are shown any 48 and 47.
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the second mounting means, showing the side profile of pillow block 57.
The binding support is ~~etachably secured to post 63 by means of threaded nut 64 and resilient washer 68.
Only one of the t~~o an;;ular torsion control transducers, 47 is shown.
Figure 13 a, is a cross-section taken along the plane of line 13-13 of figure 12, showing the reduced diameter second transverse axle portion~> 73, 74 and post portion 63, having a threaded upper portion.
The diameter of binding support upper aperture 67 is transverse elongated whereas the diameter of the binding support lower aperture -is slightly larger than the diameter of the lower post portion, providing pivot action to allow the binding support to rotate laterally around the lower post portion, forming the second hinging means.
Resilient washer 68, compressed between the nut and the upper surface of the rearward portion of the binding support allows tightening of the nut to secure the binding support to the ski via the post and axle without impeding angular movement between the binding support and post 63.
ZO The nut comprises a knurled outer portion facilitating manual adjustment.
Binding support carried angular torsion control transducers 47 and 48, which form an essential part of this invention, control the angular position between the binding support and the second ski portion try exerting foot controlled transverse pressure onto the upper portion of post 63 via pistons 75, 76 and piston rods 69 and 70. The transducer housing is rigidly connected to the binding support, whereas post 63, is laterally rigid with the second ski portion.
Figure 13b shows t:he binding support to ski relationship in a position associated with foot eversion.
The boot to binding information transfer area as shown in figures 7 and 8 is disposed at the rear portion of the boot, being compatible with most of todays commonly available rear release ski bindings wherein on release, the boot rotates around the most rearward retaining point.
The binding support carried boot mating transducer is advantageously made an 'integral portion of the rear release binding.
Bindings of the type as described in Canadian Patent Application Nr. 2,040,900-2 are more particularly suited to an interruptable ;elf a-Ligning information link, the embodiment of which is shown in figures 14 and 15.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of a self aligning interruptable hydraulic link. Boot mating portion 77 comprises hydraulic transducers of which only the piston rods are shown and are 'identified as 78 and 79.
Flexible hydraulic conduits 80 and 81 carry the foot positon information to the appropriate angular torsion control transducer.
Portion 77 is urged forwardly onto a rearward boot portion by forward thrust member 82, which is hingedly secured to a rearward portion of the binding support via a second hinge portion, allowing vertical and lateral movement around its point of binding support attachment. Boot mating portion 77 is pivotedly secured to thrust member 82 via a first hinge porton, comprising screws 83 and 84, not shown is 84, providing continuous engagement between the mating transducers even during minor lateral and vertical boot movements.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the self aligning interruptable hydraulic link.
Since various re~Leasable binding systems are currently in use, it is not desirable to restrict or limit the information transfer point to one currently popular binding.
In other embodiments of this invention, the transducers may not necessarily be of the cylinder and piston type, but may advantageously be replaced by various bellows type transducers.
The ski runner forming part of this invention is advantageously of the type as described in Canadian Patent Nr 767,525.
It is obvious that many alternative embodiments can be envisioned without departing from the spirit of this invention. More particularly, hydraulic portions may be replaced by mechanical portions, or by part mechanical, part hydraulic portions, the size of the binding support may be reduced to a point where for practical purposes the binding support has become non existent and the angular torsion transducers become a portion of the binding.
Furthermore, the edging; correction may be applied to the forward ski portion or simultaneously but of opposite sign to the forward and rearward ski portions, the logic may be inverted by crossing the hydraulic conduits, in which case foot eversion will result in a ski reaction otherwise associated with foot inversion and vice versa.
Furthermore, the logic may be such that skis may be interchanged from left to right and vice versa without changing the ski chara<:teristics while the logic may be such that interchanging the skis will result in logic inversion.
Moreover, all of the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore, the scope of this invention is not limited to the exact embodiments as shown, but only as indicated by the appended claims.
Claims (11)
1. In combination, a ski, a boot responsive to foot eversion or foot inverson, and a binding support, comprising: a first ski portion having upper surface side margins, a second ski portion having upper surface side margins, a boot having a longitudinal axis, sensing means and a sensing transducer, transmission means, and a binding support having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, first mounting means, second mounting means and an angular torsion transducer, wherein the sensing means is compressed or decompressed by foot eversion or foot inversion, relative to the boot and actuates the sensing transducer which, via the transmission means, actuates the angular torsion transducer, which is integral with the second mounting means, and controls a torsional twist imposed onto an area between the first ski portion and the second ski portion by the first and second mounting means, which are secured to longitudinally opposite ends of the binding support and to the first and second ski portions, providing foot actuated control over the torsional characteristics of the ski.
2 The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the sensing means comprises: a receptor, sensing the position of a foot, and articulating means, which articulatedly secure the receptor to the boot, wherein the receptor is rotatable about the longitudinal boot axis, and is rotated by foot eversion or foot inversion, providing foot position information to the sensing transducer.
3 The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the sensing means comprises: a receptor, sensing the position of a foot, and hinging means, which hingedly secure the receptor to the boot and wherein the receptor is rotatable about the longitudinal boot axis, and is rotated by foot eversion or foot inversion, providing foot position information to the sensing transducer.
4 The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the first mounting means comprises guiding means, which vertical hingedly, longitudinal slideably and torsional rigidly secure the binding support to the first ski portion.
The combination as defined in claim 4, wherein the guiding means comprises: a first transverse axle, and channel shaped guides, wherein the first transverse axle is rigidly affixed to the binding support, parallel to the binding support transverse axis, and wherein the channel shaped guides are juxtaposedly affixed to the first ski portion, adjacent to and parallel to the first ski portion upper surface side margins and wherein the first transverse axle is vertical hingedly, longitudinal slideably and torsional rigidly guided by the channel shaped guides, providing slideable and torsionally rigid attachment between the binding support and the first ski portion.
6 The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the second mounting means comprises: a second transverse axle, first hinging means and second hinging means, wherein the first hinging means hingedly secures the binding support to the second ski portion, rotatable about the second transverse axle, wherein the second hinging means hingedly secures the binding support to the second ski portion, rotatable about the binding support longitudinal axis, and wherein the angular torsion transducer controls the torsional response between the binding support and the second ski portion.
7 The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the first hinging means comprises pillow blocks, wherein the pillow blocks are juxtaposedly affixed to the second ski portion, adjacent to and parallel to the second ski portion upper surface side margins, and wherein the pillow blocks hingedly receive the second transverse axle, providing rotatable movement of the binding support about the second transverse axle.
8 The combination as defined in claim 6, wherein the second hinging means comprises: a partially threaded post, integral with a central portion of the second transverse axle, a threaded nut, a binding support residing transversely elongated upper aperture and a binding support residing lower aperture, wherein the partially threaded post passes through both apertures and wherein the threaded nut hingedly secures the binding support onto the partially threaded post, providing rotatable movement of the binding support about the binding support longitudinal axis.
9 The combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the transmission means comprises: a first transmission portion, a binding mating portion, a binding mating transducer a boot mating portion, a boot mating transducer and a second transmission portion, wherein the first transmission portion, the binding mating portion and the binding mating transducer are a part of the boot, wherein the second transmission portion, the boot mating portion and the boot mating transducer are a part of the binding support, wherein the sensing transducer, via the first transmission portion, actuates the binding mating transducer, which matedly engages and mechanically actuates the boot mating transducer which, via the second transmission portion actuates the angular torsion transducer and controls the torsional response between the binding support and the second ski portion.
10. The combination as defined in claim 9, wherein the boot mating transducer is fixedly disposed within the boot mating portion, and wherein the binding mating transducer is fixedly disposed within the binding mating portion.
11. The combination as defined in claim 9, wherein the boot mating portion comprises: a thrust member having two opposite ends, one with a first hinge portion, the other one with a second hinge portion, wherein the thrust member is vertical and lateral hingedly secured to the binding support via the first hinge portion and wherein the boot mating portion is hingedly secured to the thrust member via the second hinge portion and wherein the thrust member matedly and disengageably urges the boot mating portion onto the binding mating portion.
12. The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 8, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
13.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the first transmission portion comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
l4.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through
11. The combination as defined in claim 9, wherein the boot mating portion comprises: a thrust member having two opposite ends, one with a first hinge portion, the other one with a second hinge portion, wherein the thrust member is vertical and lateral hingedly secured to the binding support via the first hinge portion and wherein the boot mating portion is hingedly secured to the thrust member via the second hinge portion and wherein the thrust member matedly and disengageably urges the boot mating portion onto the binding mating portion.
12. The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 8, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
13.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the first transmission portion comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
l4.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through
11. wherein the second transmission portion comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
15.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
l6.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
l7.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
l8.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
19.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
20.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
21.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
22.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
23.A ski, comprising: a first ski portion having upper surface side margins, a second ski portion having upper surface side margins, a boot mating portion, a boot mating transducer, transmission means, and a binding support having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, first mounting means, second mounting means and an angular torsion transducer, wherein the boot mating transducer, via the transmission means, actuates the angular torsion transducer, which forms part of the second mounting means, and controls a torsional twist imposed onto the area between the first ski portion and the second ski portion by the first and second mounting means, which are secured to longitudinally opposite ends of the binding support and to the first and second ski portions, providing angular torsion transducer actuated control over the torsional characteristics of the ski.
24.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the first mounting means comprises guiding means, which vertical hingedly, longitudinal slideably and torsional rigidly secure the binding support to the first ski portion.
25.A ski as defined in claim 24, wherein the guiding means comprises: a first transverse axle, and channel shaped guides, wherein the first transverse axle is rigidly affixed to the binding support, parallel to the binding support transverse axis, and wherein the channel shaped guides are juxtaposedly affixed to the first ski portion, adjacent to and parallel to the first ski portion upper surface side margins and wherein the first transverse axle is vertical hingedly, longitudinal slideably and torsional rigidly guided by the channel shaped guides, providing slideable and torsionally rigid attachment between the binding support and the first ski portion.
26.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the second mounting means comprises: a second transverse axle, first hinging means, and second hinging means, wherein the first hinging means hingedly secures the binding support to the second ski portion, rotatable about the second transverse axle, wherein the second hinging means hingedly secures the binding support to the second ski portion, rotatable about the binding support longitudinal axis, and wherein the angular torsion transducer controls the torsional response between the binding support and the second ski portion.
27.A ski as defined in claim 26, wherein the first hinging means comprises pillow blocks, wherein the pillow blocks are juxtaposedly affixed to the second ski portion, adjacent to and parallel to the second ski portion upper surface side margins, and wherein the pillow blocks hingedly receive the second transverse axle, providing rotatable movement of the binding support about the second transverse axle.
28.A ski as defined in claim 26, wherein the second hinging means comprises: a partially threaded post, integral with a central portion of the second transverse axle, a threaded nut, a binding support residing transversely elongated upper aperture and a binding support residing lower aperture, wherein the partially threaded post passes through both apertures and wherein the threaded nut hingedly secures the binding support onto the partially threaded post, providing rotatable movement of the binding support about the binding support longitudinal axis.
29.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the boot mating transducer is fixedly disposed within the boot mating portion, which is urged onto a boot to matedly and disengageably impress the boot mating transducer onto a boot, facilitating information to be transferred between a boot and the angular torsion transducer.
30.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the boot mating portion comprises: a thrust member having two opposite ends, one with a first hinge portion, the other one with a second hinge portion, wherein the thrust member is vertical and lateral hingedly secured to the binding support via the first hinge portion, wherein the boot mating portion is hingedly secured to the thrust member via the second hinge portion and wherein the thrust member urges the boot mating portion onto a boot.
31.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
32.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
33.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
34.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
35.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
36.A binding in combination with a binding support comprising: a boot mating portion, a boot mating transducer, a thrust member having two opposite ends, one with a first hinge portion, the other one with a second hinge portion, and transmission means, wherein the boot mating transducer is fixedly positioned within the boot mating portion, wherein the boot mating portion is hingedly secured to the thrust member via the first hinge portion, wherein the second hinge portion vertical and lateral hingedly secures the thrust member to a binding support and wherein the transmission means transfer information from the boot mating transducer to the binding support.
37.A binding as defined in claim 36, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
38.A binding as defined in claim 36, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
39.A binding as defined in claim 36, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
40.A boot for sensing and transmitting foot eversion or foot inversion information to a ski, comprising: a longitudinal axis, sensing means, a sensing transducer, transmission means, a binding mating boot portion and a binding mating transducer, wherein the sensing means is compressed or decompressed by foot eversion or foot inversion and which actuates the sensing transducer, which, via the transmission means actuates the binding mating transducer, which is disposed within the binding mating boot portion.
41.A boot as defined in claim 40, wherein the sensing means comprises: a receptor and articulating means, wherein the articulating means articulatedly secure the receptor to the boot, wherein the receptor is rotatable about the longitudinal boot axis, and is rotated by foot eversion or foot inversion, providing foot position information to the sensing transducer.
42.A boot as defined in claim 40, wherein the sensing means comprises: a receptor and hinging means, wherein the hinging means hingedly secure the receptor to the boot, wherein the receptor is rotatable about the longitudinal boot axis, and is rotated by foot enversion or foot inversion, providing foot position information to the sensing transducer.
43.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
44.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
45.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
46.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
47.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
15.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
l6.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
l7.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
l8.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
19.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
20.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 9 through 11, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
21.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
22.The combination as defined in anyone of claims 1 through 11, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
23.A ski, comprising: a first ski portion having upper surface side margins, a second ski portion having upper surface side margins, a boot mating portion, a boot mating transducer, transmission means, and a binding support having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, first mounting means, second mounting means and an angular torsion transducer, wherein the boot mating transducer, via the transmission means, actuates the angular torsion transducer, which forms part of the second mounting means, and controls a torsional twist imposed onto the area between the first ski portion and the second ski portion by the first and second mounting means, which are secured to longitudinally opposite ends of the binding support and to the first and second ski portions, providing angular torsion transducer actuated control over the torsional characteristics of the ski.
24.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the first mounting means comprises guiding means, which vertical hingedly, longitudinal slideably and torsional rigidly secure the binding support to the first ski portion.
25.A ski as defined in claim 24, wherein the guiding means comprises: a first transverse axle, and channel shaped guides, wherein the first transverse axle is rigidly affixed to the binding support, parallel to the binding support transverse axis, and wherein the channel shaped guides are juxtaposedly affixed to the first ski portion, adjacent to and parallel to the first ski portion upper surface side margins and wherein the first transverse axle is vertical hingedly, longitudinal slideably and torsional rigidly guided by the channel shaped guides, providing slideable and torsionally rigid attachment between the binding support and the first ski portion.
26.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the second mounting means comprises: a second transverse axle, first hinging means, and second hinging means, wherein the first hinging means hingedly secures the binding support to the second ski portion, rotatable about the second transverse axle, wherein the second hinging means hingedly secures the binding support to the second ski portion, rotatable about the binding support longitudinal axis, and wherein the angular torsion transducer controls the torsional response between the binding support and the second ski portion.
27.A ski as defined in claim 26, wherein the first hinging means comprises pillow blocks, wherein the pillow blocks are juxtaposedly affixed to the second ski portion, adjacent to and parallel to the second ski portion upper surface side margins, and wherein the pillow blocks hingedly receive the second transverse axle, providing rotatable movement of the binding support about the second transverse axle.
28.A ski as defined in claim 26, wherein the second hinging means comprises: a partially threaded post, integral with a central portion of the second transverse axle, a threaded nut, a binding support residing transversely elongated upper aperture and a binding support residing lower aperture, wherein the partially threaded post passes through both apertures and wherein the threaded nut hingedly secures the binding support onto the partially threaded post, providing rotatable movement of the binding support about the binding support longitudinal axis.
29.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the boot mating transducer is fixedly disposed within the boot mating portion, which is urged onto a boot to matedly and disengageably impress the boot mating transducer onto a boot, facilitating information to be transferred between a boot and the angular torsion transducer.
30.A ski as defined in claim 23, wherein the boot mating portion comprises: a thrust member having two opposite ends, one with a first hinge portion, the other one with a second hinge portion, wherein the thrust member is vertical and lateral hingedly secured to the binding support via the first hinge portion, wherein the boot mating portion is hingedly secured to the thrust member via the second hinge portion and wherein the thrust member urges the boot mating portion onto a boot.
31.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
32.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
33.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
34.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
35.A ski as defined in anyone of claims 23 through 30, wherein the angular torsion transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
36.A binding in combination with a binding support comprising: a boot mating portion, a boot mating transducer, a thrust member having two opposite ends, one with a first hinge portion, the other one with a second hinge portion, and transmission means, wherein the boot mating transducer is fixedly positioned within the boot mating portion, wherein the boot mating portion is hingedly secured to the thrust member via the first hinge portion, wherein the second hinge portion vertical and lateral hingedly secures the thrust member to a binding support and wherein the transmission means transfer information from the boot mating transducer to the binding support.
37.A binding as defined in claim 36, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
38.A binding as defined in claim 36, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
39.A binding as defined in claim 36, wherein the boot mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
40.A boot for sensing and transmitting foot eversion or foot inversion information to a ski, comprising: a longitudinal axis, sensing means, a sensing transducer, transmission means, a binding mating boot portion and a binding mating transducer, wherein the sensing means is compressed or decompressed by foot eversion or foot inversion and which actuates the sensing transducer, which, via the transmission means actuates the binding mating transducer, which is disposed within the binding mating boot portion.
41.A boot as defined in claim 40, wherein the sensing means comprises: a receptor and articulating means, wherein the articulating means articulatedly secure the receptor to the boot, wherein the receptor is rotatable about the longitudinal boot axis, and is rotated by foot eversion or foot inversion, providing foot position information to the sensing transducer.
42.A boot as defined in claim 40, wherein the sensing means comprises: a receptor and hinging means, wherein the hinging means hingedly secure the receptor to the boot, wherein the receptor is rotatable about the longitudinal boot axis, and is rotated by foot enversion or foot inversion, providing foot position information to the sensing transducer.
43.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the transmission means comprises at least one hydraulic conduit.
44.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
45.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the sensing transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
46.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic bellows.
47.A boot as defined in anyone of claims 40 through 42, wherein the binding mating transducer comprises at least one hydraulic piston.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2050764 CA2050764C (en) | 1991-09-06 | 1991-09-06 | Ankle roll responsive ski system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2050764 CA2050764C (en) | 1991-09-06 | 1991-09-06 | Ankle roll responsive ski system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2050764A1 CA2050764A1 (en) | 1993-03-07 |
| CA2050764C true CA2050764C (en) | 2000-10-03 |
Family
ID=4148310
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2050764 Expired - Lifetime CA2050764C (en) | 1991-09-06 | 1991-09-06 | Ankle roll responsive ski system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2050764C (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-09-06 CA CA 2050764 patent/CA2050764C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2050764A1 (en) | 1993-03-07 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |