CA2673744A1 - Device for attaching a boot to equipment for sliding on snow - Google Patents
Device for attaching a boot to equipment for sliding on snow Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2673744A1 CA2673744A1 CA002673744A CA2673744A CA2673744A1 CA 2673744 A1 CA2673744 A1 CA 2673744A1 CA 002673744 A CA002673744 A CA 002673744A CA 2673744 A CA2673744 A CA 2673744A CA 2673744 A1 CA2673744 A1 CA 2673744A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coupling element
- boot
- attachment part
- tensioning shaft
- ski
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 122
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 122
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 122
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 26
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000027455 binding Effects 0.000 description 50
- 238000009739 binding Methods 0.000 description 50
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/02—Non-self-releasing bindings with swivel sole-plate or swivel parts, i.e. Ellefsen-type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0411—Ski or like boots for cross-country
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/20—Non-self-releasing bindings with special sole edge holders instead of toe-straps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
- A63C9/086—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings using parts which are fixed on the shoe of the user and are releasable from the ski binding
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for connecting a shoe (10) to a sports device, particularly a snow gliding device, such as a ski or the like. When in use, the heel (11) can be lifted freely. The invention comprises a connecting part (13) that is mounted pivotably on an axis (12) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shoe. The shoe (10) can be connected to said connecting part via a coupling element (15) arranged on the front sole (14) such that when stepping into the device an automatic connection between the shoe and the connecting part takes place. The connection can be manually disconnected when stepping out of the device.
Description
~ CA 02673744 2009-06-25 Device for attaching a boot to equipment for sliding on snow Description The present invention relates to a device for the attachment of a boot to a piece of sports equipment, especially to equipment for sliding on snow, such as a ski or the like, in such a manner that in use the boot heel is freely liftable.
Such devices and especially ski bindings are known from the state of the art.
In that respect reference is made purely by way of example to DE 39 194 82 C2 and to EP 1 226 850 B 1.
Both specifications describe a binding device, especially a cross-country binding, in which a locking element is integrated into a binding housing, that locking element being pivotable between a closed position and an open position. Received by that locking element is a locking projection which is fastened to a boot, especially a cross-country boot, and which, in the open position, has been inserted into that locking element and, in the closed position, has been pivotally fixed therein.
Occasionally, however, it has been shown that, especially when there are torsional stresses between boot and ski, this "releasable pivot bearing" is subject to very significant stresses, which the above-described locking elements are unable to accommodate.
The aim of the present invention is accordingly, inter alia, to provide a type of binding of the above-mentioned kind that is more stable and operationally more reliable while at the same time having low production costs.
This aim is achieved by a device according to patent claim 1.
In particular, this aim is thus achieved by a device for attaching a boot to a piece of sports equipment, especially to equipment for sliding on snow, such as a ski or the like, in such a manner that in use the boot heel is freely liftable, wherein an attachment part pivotally mounted about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot, to which part the boot is, by way of a coupling element arranged on the foresole, attachable in such a manner that, on entry, automatic locking between boot and attachment part occurs which is manually unlockable again as necessary for withdrawal.
By virtue of the fact that the coupling between boot and ski binding is effected not by the hinge element simultaneously functioning as a hinge mechanism but by way of an attachment part pivotally arranged on the ski binding, it is possible for the articulation of the attachment part to the binding housing or to the ski binding to be effected in a very much more stable manner. It is no longer necessary for there to be provided on the ski binding an element that needs to ensure both the pivotal mounting and the fixing of the associated boot. In that regard it is thus possible for the attachment part to be fastened to the binding housing by way of very stable hinge elements and for the connection between attachment part and boot, which especially is releasable, to be effected separately from that hinge mechanism.
This arrangement according to the invention is very advantageous especially in so-called skating cross-country bindings, in which appreciable torsion occurs at the hinge point between boot and ski.
Preferably, the attachment part comprises a profile plate into which a coupling element of complementary shape is engageable. In that manner it is therefore possible to provide a system by means of which the boot and the coupling element formed thereon can be connected in simple manner to the attachment part. Accordingly it is possible, for example, for corresponding groove or spring systems or similar rail constructions into which the coupling element of the boot is inserted or locked or otherwise arranged to be used here.
It is especially advantageous, for example, for the coupling element of the sole to include at least one profile rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the sole, which rail is insertable into the profile plate of complementary shape of the attachment part.
Attention is drawn in this connection to the afore-mentioned groove or spring rail systems, which allow for the simple insertion of the boot together with profile rail into the complementary profile plate of the attachment element of the ski binding. Since especially the attachment plate is pivotally fastened to the binding housing, the profile plate of the attachment part can be so adapted or pivoted when the profile rail is inserted that the two parts are able to be coupled to one another substantially without being constrained.
Preferably, the attachment part and/or the coupling element include at least one engagement element which, under the action of a resilient pre-biasing means, especially a spring, is urged into an engagement position, and in that position co-operates with a complementary engagement receptacle in the respective other part or element of the device, locking those parts or elements to one another. The provision of such an engagement-locking means allows the attachment part and coupling element to be locked to one another in simple manner, so that especially under the often very harsh conditions, such as ice and snow, reliable locking and unlocking of the two elements can be ensured.
Preferably, the at least one engagement element, for example an engagement pin or an engagement lug, is secured to a leaf-spring type component, which is so attached to the attachment part or coupling element that it projects laterally beyond it for manual operation.
This means, therefore, that, when the attachment part and coupling element are in the coupled state, the engagement pin can be removed from its engagement-locking means manually from the side or alternatively from a rear end of the attachment element, in this case, therefore beneath the sole of the ski, and the attachment part can be released from the coupling element.
Preferably, the attachment part is pivotable upwards against the action of a resilient element, especially a spring element. Upwards in this case means away from the ski. In that regard, therefore, the resilient element, for example a torsion spring, or alternatively a linear spring arranged between attachment part and binding housing or ski, ensures that after taking the loading off the ski in use the attachment part is pivoted out of its pivoted position back into a position that is substantially parallel to the ski. This "return element"
therefore forms a resistance against the action of which the boot is liftable by its heel. In that manner, in the case, for example, of cross-country, especially in the case of skating, it is possible after the loading has been removed for the ski to be actively urged back into a position that is substantially parallel to the ski boot, which improves the pushing-off technique and optimises the transmission of force. By means of corresponding adaptation of the spring element, it is possible for that resistance to be selectively set. As has already been mentioned, the spring elements that can be used here are any known torsion springs, linear springs or alternatively resilient elements, for example a flexor.
Preferably, the attachment part is urged into a raised pivot position by a resilient element, especially a flexor of resilient material, such as rubber or the like, arranged between the attachment part and a mounting plate. By using a flexor or a similar force element that urges the adapter part into a pivot position it is possible, especially by interaction with the above-mentioned spring element which urges the attachment part back into a substantially horizontal position, for a position of equilibrium to be defined which is adaptable to the skier in question, to the ski being used or to the technique being carried out. There are accordingly essentially two resilient return elements acting on the boot, one of them promoting the upward pivoting movement of the boot while the other acts against that upward pivoting movement of the boot. The resilient return elements are accordingly active at both sides of the pivot axis of the boot, and in opposite directions. The resilient return force can be set at a variety of strengths. Preferably, its setting is variable, and for that purpose resilient return elements can be constructed so that they are exchangeable in a simple manner. Also possible, in principle, is a structure by which the hardness of the resilient return elements can continuously be finely adjusted, for example by virtue of the integration of a helical pressure spring, which is pre-biased to a greater or less extent by means of an adjusting screw. The resilient or spring elements associated with the attachment part are accordingly especially so constructed that they keep the attachment part in predetermined equilibrium.
Preferably, the attachment part is mounted over a mounting plate so as to be longitudinally displaceable on a slide rail and is positionable in various positions. In that way it is possible for the device or ski binding according to the invention to be adapted to different ski lengths, skiing techniques, skiers or a different ski, the slide rail being mounted on the equipment for sliding on snow or the ski in a mounting position that is preferably clearly defined.
The present invention relates also to a device for attaching a boot to a piece of sports equipment, especially to equipment for sliding on snow, such as a ski or the like, in such a manner that in use the boot heel is freely liftable, and that especially can be constructed in accordance with one of the preceding embodiments, there being provided an attachment part which is pivotally mounted about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot, to which part the boot is attachable by way of a coupling element arranged on the foresole, the attachment part comprising a tensioning shaft connected to a lever, which shaft has a recess that extends at least to the centre of the shaft, with the result that a part flattened off like a segment remains which, for the purpose of locking, is pivotable into a complementary recess of the coupling element.
The advantage of such an embodiment is that a reliable and very simple locking of the coupling element to the attachment part is possible by pivoting the tensioning shaft constructed in accordance with the above criteria.
Preferably, the tensioning shaft extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot and especially is arranged coaxially to the axis about which the attachment part is pivotally mounted. Such an arrangement renders possible the construction of the tensioning shaft both as a locking element and as a hinge element for the pivotable arrangement of the attachment part on the remainder of the binding housing. Furthermore, the tensioning shaft arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot provides reliable locking of the coupling element to the attachment part.
Preferably, the complementary recess of the coupling element is in the form of a groove opening to the side of the coupling element remote from the boot. In that way the tensioning shaft comprising the part flattened off like a segment can be pivoted in simple manner into the recess.
Preferably, retaining hooks that are open towards the rear are provided on the attachment part, under which crossbars on the coupling element are engageable as far as where the tensioning shaft recess on the coupling element reaches the region of the tensioning shaft. Retaining hooks that are open towards the front are preferably simultaneously provided on the coupling element over which crossbars on the attachment member are engageable as far as where the tensioning shaft recess on the coupling element reaches the region of the tensioning shaft.
Such an arrangement of retaining hooks and crossbars on the attachment part and coupling element is used for clamping the two components relative to one another. By pivoting the tensioning shaft, that clamping action is locked in such a way that the retaining hooks are prevented from sliding out of the crossbars and vice versa. Instead of the hooks and crossbars, however, any other mechanisms known from the prior art, especially groove and spring systems, or similar engagement devices, can naturally also be used.
Preferably, the recesses in the coupling element and the tensioning shaft are of such complementary shapes that, when the tensioning shaft is pivoted, the retaining hooks and the crossbars are movable into a clamp-fit and/or vice versa. "Vice versa", in this instance, means that the connection between retaining hooks and crossbars can be released by pivoting back the tensioning shaft. It may be mentioned, in this connection, that it is naturally also possible for there to be provided both on the attachment part and on the coupling element, one or more retaining hooks and crossbars. In order to render possible the clamp-fit between retaining hooks and crossbars by pivoting the tensioning shaft, the tensioning shaft may, for example, be in the form of an elliptical tensioning shaft, so that the connection between retaining hooks and crossbars is entered into or released when the shaft is pivoted into and out of the recess, respectively. It is naturally also possible for other forms of tensioning shafts to be used, as long as they allow the formation and the release of the clamp-fit.
Preferably, the sole of the boot consists of a relatively hard material, especially plastics material, wherein the region behind the coupling element is of flexurally resilient form relative to the remaining regions. "Behind the coupling element" here relates to the longitudinal direction of the boot, so that by virtue of the flexurally resilient arrangement in that region a kind of hinge is formed which, interacting with the pivotally mounted attachment part, ensures optimum movability of the boot. The formation of that flexurally resilient region can be effected, inter alia, by a reduction in the material strength in that region, by using corresponding more flexurally resilient, especially softer, materials, or using film hinges or similar, also mechanical hinges.
Preferably, the coupling element is integrated into and substantially flush with the foresole of the boot. This means that especially the side of the coupling element remote from the foresole is flush with the surface of the foresole. In that manner it is possible for the coupling element to be so surrounded by specially profiled regions of the foresole that it is also possible to walk with the boot according to the invention without any problems, without the coupling element preventing that. The flush integration of the coupling element into the foresole also ensures that the coupling element is protected. It may be mentioned in that connection that either the coupling element can be constructed with the foresole using mechanical aids, such as screws or similar connecting means, or can be integrally constructed therewith. For example the coupling element can be integrally cast on the foresole. It is, in addition, naturally also possible for the coupling element to be adhesively secured or thermally welded etc. to the foresole.
Further embodiments of the invention are described in the sub-claims.
The device according to the invention is described with reference to an example embodiment, which is explained in detail in the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the ski binding according to the invention and a ski boot;
Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 with coupled ski boot in the position without loading;
Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 with coupled ski boot in the position with loading;
Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an isometric representation from above;
Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an isometric representation from below;
Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with a partially coupled coupling element;
Fig. 8 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with a fully coupled coupling element;
Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic side view of a further embodiment of the boot with coupling element;
Fig. 10 is an isometric representation of a ski binding complementary to that further embodiment;
Fig. 11 is a detailed side view of a first step of a coupling procedure between boot and binding of the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11;
Fig. 12 is a detailed representation of the coupling procedure in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 are three further detailed representations of the coupling procedure between boot and binding of the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11;
Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 are detailed representations of the coupling procedure according to Figs. 13 to 15;
and Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of the boot with coupling element according to the invention.
In the following, the same reference numerals are used for identical and identically operating components.
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the ski binding 1 according to the invention, which in this case is constructed as a cross-country binding.
Also shown is a ski boot 10, which is arranged to be connected in a front sole region 14 to the ski binding 1 in such a manner that the heel 11 of the boot is freely liftable. For that purpose the ski boot 10 has a coupling element 15 which is attachable to the front sole region 14 of the ski boot 10 for example by screws (not shown). It is naturally also possible for any other methods and devices known from the prior art to be used for that purpose. For example, inter alia the coupling element 15 can be integrally constructed with the ski boot 10, or inserted into corresponding engagement receptacles, or alternatively adhesively secured to the foresole 14 of the ski boot 10.
The ski binding 1 has an attachment part 13 complementary to that coupling element 15, which attachment part is pivotally articulated to the binding housing 30 about an axis 12. That pivotal articulation is in this case formed by at least two support protrusions 32 to which the attachment part 13 is pivotally fixed by means of a bolt 34.
. =
The attachment part 13 and the coupling element 15 arranged on the ski boot 10 have been made of complementary shape to one another in such a manner that the coupling element 15 is insertable in the insertion direction (arrow 40) into a corresponding profile plate (see Figs. 4 and 5). Also arranged on the ski binding 1 are two spring or resilient elements 22, 24, which are so arranged on the ski binding 1 or the attachment part 13 that their actions are oppositely directed to one another.
For example, the spring element 22, which in this case is constructed as a torsion spring, urges the attachment part 13 downwards, in this case therefore substantially into a position parallel to the binding housing 30. The resilient element 24, which in this case is constructed as a resilient flexor, acts in the opposite direction thereto, by urging the attachment part 13 into a pivot position, that is into an angle relative to the binding housing 30. By appropriate adjustment of those two spring or resilient elements 22, 24, an equilibrium is found that ensures an optimum compromise between movement of the ski (not shown) towards or away from the ski boot 10. By suitable selection of the spring or resilient elements 22, 24, for example by using a harder flexor 24 or a spring 22 having a harder spring constant, such an adjustment presents very little problem and is easily possible.
In Figs. 4 and 5, the device according to the invention or the ski binding 1 is shown in an isometric representation from above (Fig. 4) and an isometric representation from below (Fig. 5). In those Figures, the binding housing 30 has two support protrusions 32 by means of which the attachment part 13 is pivotally articulated.
Also shown is the coupling element 15, but the ski boot 10 normally joined to the coupling element 15 (see Figs. 1 to 3) has been omitted from these two forms of representation.
For coupling with the coupling element 15, the attachment part 13 has a profile plate 16 which is of complementary shape to a profile rail 17 on the coupling element 15, with the result that those two elements 13, 15 are able to slide one into the other substantially without being constrained and are fixable in a stable relative position to one another. The fixing is in this case provided by two engagement pins 18 each mounted on a leaf spring 19.
Formed in the coupling element 15 and each of a shape complementary to the engagement pins 18 are engagement receptacles 20, which once the coupling element 15 has been pushed into the attachment part 13 are locked in operative connection with the engagement pins 18 as a result of the latter engaging in the engagement receptacles 20. It is possible to release that operative connection by pivoting the leaf springs 19 downwards (see Fig. 4, arrow 42), so that the coupling element 15 can be removed from the attachment part 13 without resistance. Instead of the engagement pins shown here, it is naturally also possible to use other engagement locking means. The engagement pins, for example, can be provided on the coupling element 15 and the complementary engagement receptacles on the attachment part 13 or the profile plate 16.
The above-described embodiment is shown in cross-section in Figs. 6 to 8, Fig.
6 additionally showing the ski boot 10 and the coupling element 15, which in this embodiment is releasably arranged on the ski boot 10. The ski binding 1 shown in these three Figures again includes the attachment part 13, which is pivotally articulated to the binding housing 30 about the pivot axis 12. Also shown are the flexor 24 and the spring element 22, which urge the attachment part 13 in opposite directions.
Shown in addition in Fig. 6 is the coupling element 15 which has the above-described engagement receptacles 20. By means of the profile rail 17 it is possible for the coupling element 15 to be pushed into a profile plate 16 of complementary shape on the attachment part 13 as far as until the engagement pins 18 engage in the complementary engagement receptacles 20 (see Fig. 8).
In order to allow problem-free insertion of the coupling element 15 into the attachment part 13 and especially to prevent the engagement pins 18 from blocking the insertion, the attachment part 13 has in its front region deflection faces 21 which correspond to the engagement pins 18, which faces press the engagement pins 18 downwards when the coupling element 15 is pushed into the attachment part 13 (see Fig. 7). Since the engagement pins 18 are mounted on the resilient leaf springs 19, that deflection by the bevelled deflection faces 21 is possible without any problem and without great expenditure of force. Only when the coupling element 15 has been fully inserted into the attachment part 13 and the engagement pins 18 strike against the engagement receptacles 20 do the spring elements 19 snap back into their initial position in which they urge the engagement pins 18 into the engagement receptacles 20. The coupling element 15 is in that manner reliably fixed in the attachment part 13 (Fig. 8).
To release the locking arrangement between coupling element 15 and attachment part 13 or to remove and in use release the ski boot from the ski, the leaf springs 19 are able to be pressed downwards (arrow 42) by way of corresponding projections 26, which in this embodiment project below the attachment part 13, with the result that the engagement pins 18 slide out of the engagement receptacles 20 and release the locking arrangement between coupling element 15 and attachment part 13. It is naturally also possible for the projections 26 to be constructed not, as in this case, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the binding, but substantially at right angles thereto, so that they, for example, protrude laterally below the ski boot. It is naturally also possible in that connection to attach appropriate "remotely operable unlocking systems", for example cable pull systems, which then allow convenient unlocking of the binding system, for example by a cable pull clipped to the boot.
Also shown is the construction of the binding housing 30, which comprises a mounting plate 23 that in this embodiment allows the attachment part 13 to be mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable on a slide rail 25. The mounting plate 23 is mountable on the ski, it being possible by virtue of the longitudinally displaceable slide rail 25 for the ski binding 1 to be selectively adapted to different ski lengths, skiing techniques or also to different skiers.
Once the slide rail 25 has been mounted on the ski, the mounting plate 23 (see Fig. 4 in this connection and also hereinbelow) is then pushed on. For that purpose, the mounting plate 23 has corresponding grooves which are of complementary shape in corresponding receptacles on the slide rail 25. In this embodiment, the slide rai125 also has corresponding recesses 27, which are preferably arranged at certain locking intervals along the slide rai125. The mounting plate 23 of the ski binding 1 engages in those recesses 27 with a corresponding protrusion 28, so that it is possible without any problem to arrange the ski binding 1 in particular fixed positions by means of the recesses 27.
Figs. 9 to 18 show two further embodiments of a device for attaching a boot 10 to a piece of sports equipment (not shown) in which, here too, the boot heel 11 is freely liftable in use. As described in more detail in the following, this embodiment is characterised in that an attachment part 13 pivotally mounted about an axis 12 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot is provided, to which part the boot 10 is attachable by way of a coupling element 15 arranged on the foresole 14, the attachment part 13 comprising a tensioning shaft 52 connected to a lever 50 (see especially Fig. 11), which shaft has a recess 54 that extends at least to the centre of the shaft, with the result that a part 56 flattened off like a segment remains which, for the purpose of locking, is pivotable into a complementary recess 58 of the coupling element 15.
In that regard, Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrammatic representations of that embodiment. It is possible to see the coupling element 15, which in this case is arranged in the region of the foresole 14 of the boot 10 by way of screws 72. The coupling element can be so inserted into the attachment part 13, which is pivotally mounted on the binding housing 30 about the axis 12, that a fixed connection is obtained between boot 10 and binding housing 30. For the pivotable mounting of the attachment part 13 on the binding housing 30 there are provided corresponding support protrusions 32, to which the attachment part 13 is rotatably fixed.
For that purpose, there are provided on the attachment part 13 retaining hooks 62, 62' which are open towards the rear under which crossbars 64, 64' on the coupling element 15 are engageable. The coupling element 15 furthermore has a retaining hook 66 which is open towards the front, over which a crossbar 68 on the attachment member 13 is engageable and likewise serves to fix the coupling element 15 to the attachment part 13.
By means of the corresponding construction of retaining hooks 62, 62'; 66 and crossbars 64, 64'; 68, the coupling element 15 mounted on the boot 10 can easily be pushed into the attachment part 13 to form a clamp-fit.
To prevent the coupling element 15 from sliding out once it has been pushed in, according to the invention there is provided a tensioning shaft 52 (see especially Fig.
12), which is pivotally mounted on the attachment part 13 in such a manner that it is pivotable into a recess 58 in the coupling element 15. As shown, the complementary recess 58 of the coupling element 15 is in this case in the form of a groove opening to the side 60 of the coupling element 15 remote from the boot 10.
In this embodiment the tensioning shaft 52 is arranged coaxially to the pivot axis 12, so that the tensioning shaft 52 serves both to lock the coupling element 15 and for the pivotable mounting of the attachment part 13 in the support protrusions 32. It is naturally also possible for the tensioning shaft 52 to be attached eccentrically to the bearing for the attachment member.
Figs. 11 and 12 show a first step in the coupling procedure between boot 10 and ski binding 1 or binding housing 30. The Figures show the binding housing 30 on which there are provided the support protrusions 32 which are used for the pivotally movable seating of the attachment part 13. In this embodiment, the pivotally movable seating is effected by way of a tensioning shaft 52, which is arranged in rotatably movable manner between the two support protrusions 32, 32' (see Fig. 10). Arranged on the tensioning shaft 52 is a lever 50 by means of which it is possible for the tensioning shaft to be rotated or pivoted. The tensioning shaft 52 itself has a recess 54 which extends essentially at least to the centre of the shaft. As a result of that recess, a part 56 flattened off like a segment is formed, which is complementary in shape to a recess 58 in the coupling element 15.
In the step of the coupling procedure between boot 10 and binding housing 30, or between coupling element 15 and attachment part 13, shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the tensioning shaft 52 is so arranged that the recess 54 points in the direction of the coupling element 15. In that arrangement, the tensioning shaft 52 and the recess 54 are so arranged on the attachment part 13 that, between the recess 54 and support regions 74, which are arranged substantially below the retaining hooks 62 on the attachment part 13, a planar face results in such a manner that the coupling element 15 can be placed perpendicularly from above (see arrow 76) onto that face and, in further coupling steps (see Figs. 13 to 15), pushed horizontally into a clamp-fit.
As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the boot 10 is then locked on the binding housing 30, or the coupling element 15 arranged on the boot 10 is locked on the attachment part 13, by way of horizontal displacement (see arrow 78) of the coupling element 15 relative to the attachment part 13. As a result of that horizontal displacement, the crossbars 64 64' of the coupling element engage under the retaining hooks 62, 62', which are open towards the rear, on the attachment part 13. Furthermore, the retaining hook 66 arranged on the coupling element 15 slides under the crossbar 68 of the attachment part, with the result that the coupling element 15 is reliably held on the attachment part 13 in a clamp-fit.
To prevent the coupling element 15 from sliding out of that clamp-fit, the tensioning shaft 52 can be so pivoted (arrow 80) by way of the lever 50 that the part 56 flattened off like a segment of the tensioning shaft 52 projects into the recess 58 in the coupling element 15, preventing the coupling element 15 from being pulled out in the opposite direction to arrow 78.
The tensioning shaft 52 is so constructed that, on pivoting, the part 56 flattened off like a segment touches an edge region of the recess 58 and, on "further pivoting" by way of the lever 50, urges the coupling element 15 fully into its end position and thus into the required clamp-fit (see Figs. 14 and 15).
This active horizontal movement in the direction of arrow 78 is illustrated in detail in Figs. 16 and 17, which show that the part 56 flattened off like a segment of the tensioning shaft 52 touches the edge region 59 of the recess 58 and, when the tensioning shaft 52 is pivoted by way of the lever 50 in the pivoting direction 80 indicated in Figs. 16 and 17, urges the coupling element 15 into its final position in which the part 56 flattened off like a segment of the tensioning shaft 52 projects fully into the complementary recess 58 in the coupling element 15. Only when the tensioning shaft 52 has been pivoted back into a position in which the part 56 flattened off like a segment has been fully pivoted out of the recess 58 can the coupling element 15 be removed from the clamp-fit again.
Finally, Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of the boot 10 according to the invention wherein, in the region of the foresole 14, the coupling element 15 is substantially flush with the foresole 14. There is accordingly provided in the region of the foresole a recess 82 which allows the complete integration of the coupling element 15 into the foresole 14 without the coupling element projecting from the surface 80 of the foresole 14. In that embodiment, the coupling element 15 is adhesively secured to the foresole 14 so as to ensure permanent fixing.
Furthermore, in that embodiment the sole and especially the foresole 14 of the boot 10 are made from a relatively hard material and especially from a plastics material, the region 70 behind the coupling element 15 being of flexurally resilient construction relative to the remaining regions. The flexurally resilient construction is achieved here by the use of a softer material and thus by the construction of a film hinge, with the result that heel region 11 can be at least partially pivoted relative to the foresole region 14. Instead of using a softer material it is naturally also possible to use a hinge element or similar mechanisms.
Reference numerals 1 ski binding 10 boot 11 boot heel 12 axis 13 attachment part 14 foresole 15 coupling element 16 profile plate 17 profile rail 18 engagement element or engagement pin 19 spring or leaf-spring-type element engagement receptacle 21 deflection face 22 resilient element or spring element 23 mounting plate 24 flexor or resilient element slide rail 26 projection 27 recess 28 protrusion 30 binding housing 32, 32' support protrusion 34 bolt 40 direction of insertion 42 pivoting direction 50 lever 52 tensioning shaft 54 recess 56 part flattened off like a segment 58 recess 59 edge region 60 side of the coupling element 62, 62' retaining hook 64, 64' crossbar 66 retaining hook 68 crossbar 70 region behind coupling element 72 screws 74 support region 76 arrow or displacement direction 78 arrow or displacement direction 80 arrow or displacement direction 82 recess
Such devices and especially ski bindings are known from the state of the art.
In that respect reference is made purely by way of example to DE 39 194 82 C2 and to EP 1 226 850 B 1.
Both specifications describe a binding device, especially a cross-country binding, in which a locking element is integrated into a binding housing, that locking element being pivotable between a closed position and an open position. Received by that locking element is a locking projection which is fastened to a boot, especially a cross-country boot, and which, in the open position, has been inserted into that locking element and, in the closed position, has been pivotally fixed therein.
Occasionally, however, it has been shown that, especially when there are torsional stresses between boot and ski, this "releasable pivot bearing" is subject to very significant stresses, which the above-described locking elements are unable to accommodate.
The aim of the present invention is accordingly, inter alia, to provide a type of binding of the above-mentioned kind that is more stable and operationally more reliable while at the same time having low production costs.
This aim is achieved by a device according to patent claim 1.
In particular, this aim is thus achieved by a device for attaching a boot to a piece of sports equipment, especially to equipment for sliding on snow, such as a ski or the like, in such a manner that in use the boot heel is freely liftable, wherein an attachment part pivotally mounted about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot, to which part the boot is, by way of a coupling element arranged on the foresole, attachable in such a manner that, on entry, automatic locking between boot and attachment part occurs which is manually unlockable again as necessary for withdrawal.
By virtue of the fact that the coupling between boot and ski binding is effected not by the hinge element simultaneously functioning as a hinge mechanism but by way of an attachment part pivotally arranged on the ski binding, it is possible for the articulation of the attachment part to the binding housing or to the ski binding to be effected in a very much more stable manner. It is no longer necessary for there to be provided on the ski binding an element that needs to ensure both the pivotal mounting and the fixing of the associated boot. In that regard it is thus possible for the attachment part to be fastened to the binding housing by way of very stable hinge elements and for the connection between attachment part and boot, which especially is releasable, to be effected separately from that hinge mechanism.
This arrangement according to the invention is very advantageous especially in so-called skating cross-country bindings, in which appreciable torsion occurs at the hinge point between boot and ski.
Preferably, the attachment part comprises a profile plate into which a coupling element of complementary shape is engageable. In that manner it is therefore possible to provide a system by means of which the boot and the coupling element formed thereon can be connected in simple manner to the attachment part. Accordingly it is possible, for example, for corresponding groove or spring systems or similar rail constructions into which the coupling element of the boot is inserted or locked or otherwise arranged to be used here.
It is especially advantageous, for example, for the coupling element of the sole to include at least one profile rail extending in the longitudinal direction of the sole, which rail is insertable into the profile plate of complementary shape of the attachment part.
Attention is drawn in this connection to the afore-mentioned groove or spring rail systems, which allow for the simple insertion of the boot together with profile rail into the complementary profile plate of the attachment element of the ski binding. Since especially the attachment plate is pivotally fastened to the binding housing, the profile plate of the attachment part can be so adapted or pivoted when the profile rail is inserted that the two parts are able to be coupled to one another substantially without being constrained.
Preferably, the attachment part and/or the coupling element include at least one engagement element which, under the action of a resilient pre-biasing means, especially a spring, is urged into an engagement position, and in that position co-operates with a complementary engagement receptacle in the respective other part or element of the device, locking those parts or elements to one another. The provision of such an engagement-locking means allows the attachment part and coupling element to be locked to one another in simple manner, so that especially under the often very harsh conditions, such as ice and snow, reliable locking and unlocking of the two elements can be ensured.
Preferably, the at least one engagement element, for example an engagement pin or an engagement lug, is secured to a leaf-spring type component, which is so attached to the attachment part or coupling element that it projects laterally beyond it for manual operation.
This means, therefore, that, when the attachment part and coupling element are in the coupled state, the engagement pin can be removed from its engagement-locking means manually from the side or alternatively from a rear end of the attachment element, in this case, therefore beneath the sole of the ski, and the attachment part can be released from the coupling element.
Preferably, the attachment part is pivotable upwards against the action of a resilient element, especially a spring element. Upwards in this case means away from the ski. In that regard, therefore, the resilient element, for example a torsion spring, or alternatively a linear spring arranged between attachment part and binding housing or ski, ensures that after taking the loading off the ski in use the attachment part is pivoted out of its pivoted position back into a position that is substantially parallel to the ski. This "return element"
therefore forms a resistance against the action of which the boot is liftable by its heel. In that manner, in the case, for example, of cross-country, especially in the case of skating, it is possible after the loading has been removed for the ski to be actively urged back into a position that is substantially parallel to the ski boot, which improves the pushing-off technique and optimises the transmission of force. By means of corresponding adaptation of the spring element, it is possible for that resistance to be selectively set. As has already been mentioned, the spring elements that can be used here are any known torsion springs, linear springs or alternatively resilient elements, for example a flexor.
Preferably, the attachment part is urged into a raised pivot position by a resilient element, especially a flexor of resilient material, such as rubber or the like, arranged between the attachment part and a mounting plate. By using a flexor or a similar force element that urges the adapter part into a pivot position it is possible, especially by interaction with the above-mentioned spring element which urges the attachment part back into a substantially horizontal position, for a position of equilibrium to be defined which is adaptable to the skier in question, to the ski being used or to the technique being carried out. There are accordingly essentially two resilient return elements acting on the boot, one of them promoting the upward pivoting movement of the boot while the other acts against that upward pivoting movement of the boot. The resilient return elements are accordingly active at both sides of the pivot axis of the boot, and in opposite directions. The resilient return force can be set at a variety of strengths. Preferably, its setting is variable, and for that purpose resilient return elements can be constructed so that they are exchangeable in a simple manner. Also possible, in principle, is a structure by which the hardness of the resilient return elements can continuously be finely adjusted, for example by virtue of the integration of a helical pressure spring, which is pre-biased to a greater or less extent by means of an adjusting screw. The resilient or spring elements associated with the attachment part are accordingly especially so constructed that they keep the attachment part in predetermined equilibrium.
Preferably, the attachment part is mounted over a mounting plate so as to be longitudinally displaceable on a slide rail and is positionable in various positions. In that way it is possible for the device or ski binding according to the invention to be adapted to different ski lengths, skiing techniques, skiers or a different ski, the slide rail being mounted on the equipment for sliding on snow or the ski in a mounting position that is preferably clearly defined.
The present invention relates also to a device for attaching a boot to a piece of sports equipment, especially to equipment for sliding on snow, such as a ski or the like, in such a manner that in use the boot heel is freely liftable, and that especially can be constructed in accordance with one of the preceding embodiments, there being provided an attachment part which is pivotally mounted about an axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot, to which part the boot is attachable by way of a coupling element arranged on the foresole, the attachment part comprising a tensioning shaft connected to a lever, which shaft has a recess that extends at least to the centre of the shaft, with the result that a part flattened off like a segment remains which, for the purpose of locking, is pivotable into a complementary recess of the coupling element.
The advantage of such an embodiment is that a reliable and very simple locking of the coupling element to the attachment part is possible by pivoting the tensioning shaft constructed in accordance with the above criteria.
Preferably, the tensioning shaft extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot and especially is arranged coaxially to the axis about which the attachment part is pivotally mounted. Such an arrangement renders possible the construction of the tensioning shaft both as a locking element and as a hinge element for the pivotable arrangement of the attachment part on the remainder of the binding housing. Furthermore, the tensioning shaft arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot provides reliable locking of the coupling element to the attachment part.
Preferably, the complementary recess of the coupling element is in the form of a groove opening to the side of the coupling element remote from the boot. In that way the tensioning shaft comprising the part flattened off like a segment can be pivoted in simple manner into the recess.
Preferably, retaining hooks that are open towards the rear are provided on the attachment part, under which crossbars on the coupling element are engageable as far as where the tensioning shaft recess on the coupling element reaches the region of the tensioning shaft. Retaining hooks that are open towards the front are preferably simultaneously provided on the coupling element over which crossbars on the attachment member are engageable as far as where the tensioning shaft recess on the coupling element reaches the region of the tensioning shaft.
Such an arrangement of retaining hooks and crossbars on the attachment part and coupling element is used for clamping the two components relative to one another. By pivoting the tensioning shaft, that clamping action is locked in such a way that the retaining hooks are prevented from sliding out of the crossbars and vice versa. Instead of the hooks and crossbars, however, any other mechanisms known from the prior art, especially groove and spring systems, or similar engagement devices, can naturally also be used.
Preferably, the recesses in the coupling element and the tensioning shaft are of such complementary shapes that, when the tensioning shaft is pivoted, the retaining hooks and the crossbars are movable into a clamp-fit and/or vice versa. "Vice versa", in this instance, means that the connection between retaining hooks and crossbars can be released by pivoting back the tensioning shaft. It may be mentioned, in this connection, that it is naturally also possible for there to be provided both on the attachment part and on the coupling element, one or more retaining hooks and crossbars. In order to render possible the clamp-fit between retaining hooks and crossbars by pivoting the tensioning shaft, the tensioning shaft may, for example, be in the form of an elliptical tensioning shaft, so that the connection between retaining hooks and crossbars is entered into or released when the shaft is pivoted into and out of the recess, respectively. It is naturally also possible for other forms of tensioning shafts to be used, as long as they allow the formation and the release of the clamp-fit.
Preferably, the sole of the boot consists of a relatively hard material, especially plastics material, wherein the region behind the coupling element is of flexurally resilient form relative to the remaining regions. "Behind the coupling element" here relates to the longitudinal direction of the boot, so that by virtue of the flexurally resilient arrangement in that region a kind of hinge is formed which, interacting with the pivotally mounted attachment part, ensures optimum movability of the boot. The formation of that flexurally resilient region can be effected, inter alia, by a reduction in the material strength in that region, by using corresponding more flexurally resilient, especially softer, materials, or using film hinges or similar, also mechanical hinges.
Preferably, the coupling element is integrated into and substantially flush with the foresole of the boot. This means that especially the side of the coupling element remote from the foresole is flush with the surface of the foresole. In that manner it is possible for the coupling element to be so surrounded by specially profiled regions of the foresole that it is also possible to walk with the boot according to the invention without any problems, without the coupling element preventing that. The flush integration of the coupling element into the foresole also ensures that the coupling element is protected. It may be mentioned in that connection that either the coupling element can be constructed with the foresole using mechanical aids, such as screws or similar connecting means, or can be integrally constructed therewith. For example the coupling element can be integrally cast on the foresole. It is, in addition, naturally also possible for the coupling element to be adhesively secured or thermally welded etc. to the foresole.
Further embodiments of the invention are described in the sub-claims.
The device according to the invention is described with reference to an example embodiment, which is explained in detail in the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 a diagrammatic side view of an embodiment of the ski binding according to the invention and a ski boot;
Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 with coupled ski boot in the position without loading;
Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 with coupled ski boot in the position with loading;
Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an isometric representation from above;
Fig. 5 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 in an isometric representation from below;
Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with a partially coupled coupling element;
Fig. 8 is a cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with a fully coupled coupling element;
Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic side view of a further embodiment of the boot with coupling element;
Fig. 10 is an isometric representation of a ski binding complementary to that further embodiment;
Fig. 11 is a detailed side view of a first step of a coupling procedure between boot and binding of the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11;
Fig. 12 is a detailed representation of the coupling procedure in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 are three further detailed representations of the coupling procedure between boot and binding of the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11;
Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 are detailed representations of the coupling procedure according to Figs. 13 to 15;
and Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of the boot with coupling element according to the invention.
In the following, the same reference numerals are used for identical and identically operating components.
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the ski binding 1 according to the invention, which in this case is constructed as a cross-country binding.
Also shown is a ski boot 10, which is arranged to be connected in a front sole region 14 to the ski binding 1 in such a manner that the heel 11 of the boot is freely liftable. For that purpose the ski boot 10 has a coupling element 15 which is attachable to the front sole region 14 of the ski boot 10 for example by screws (not shown). It is naturally also possible for any other methods and devices known from the prior art to be used for that purpose. For example, inter alia the coupling element 15 can be integrally constructed with the ski boot 10, or inserted into corresponding engagement receptacles, or alternatively adhesively secured to the foresole 14 of the ski boot 10.
The ski binding 1 has an attachment part 13 complementary to that coupling element 15, which attachment part is pivotally articulated to the binding housing 30 about an axis 12. That pivotal articulation is in this case formed by at least two support protrusions 32 to which the attachment part 13 is pivotally fixed by means of a bolt 34.
. =
The attachment part 13 and the coupling element 15 arranged on the ski boot 10 have been made of complementary shape to one another in such a manner that the coupling element 15 is insertable in the insertion direction (arrow 40) into a corresponding profile plate (see Figs. 4 and 5). Also arranged on the ski binding 1 are two spring or resilient elements 22, 24, which are so arranged on the ski binding 1 or the attachment part 13 that their actions are oppositely directed to one another.
For example, the spring element 22, which in this case is constructed as a torsion spring, urges the attachment part 13 downwards, in this case therefore substantially into a position parallel to the binding housing 30. The resilient element 24, which in this case is constructed as a resilient flexor, acts in the opposite direction thereto, by urging the attachment part 13 into a pivot position, that is into an angle relative to the binding housing 30. By appropriate adjustment of those two spring or resilient elements 22, 24, an equilibrium is found that ensures an optimum compromise between movement of the ski (not shown) towards or away from the ski boot 10. By suitable selection of the spring or resilient elements 22, 24, for example by using a harder flexor 24 or a spring 22 having a harder spring constant, such an adjustment presents very little problem and is easily possible.
In Figs. 4 and 5, the device according to the invention or the ski binding 1 is shown in an isometric representation from above (Fig. 4) and an isometric representation from below (Fig. 5). In those Figures, the binding housing 30 has two support protrusions 32 by means of which the attachment part 13 is pivotally articulated.
Also shown is the coupling element 15, but the ski boot 10 normally joined to the coupling element 15 (see Figs. 1 to 3) has been omitted from these two forms of representation.
For coupling with the coupling element 15, the attachment part 13 has a profile plate 16 which is of complementary shape to a profile rail 17 on the coupling element 15, with the result that those two elements 13, 15 are able to slide one into the other substantially without being constrained and are fixable in a stable relative position to one another. The fixing is in this case provided by two engagement pins 18 each mounted on a leaf spring 19.
Formed in the coupling element 15 and each of a shape complementary to the engagement pins 18 are engagement receptacles 20, which once the coupling element 15 has been pushed into the attachment part 13 are locked in operative connection with the engagement pins 18 as a result of the latter engaging in the engagement receptacles 20. It is possible to release that operative connection by pivoting the leaf springs 19 downwards (see Fig. 4, arrow 42), so that the coupling element 15 can be removed from the attachment part 13 without resistance. Instead of the engagement pins shown here, it is naturally also possible to use other engagement locking means. The engagement pins, for example, can be provided on the coupling element 15 and the complementary engagement receptacles on the attachment part 13 or the profile plate 16.
The above-described embodiment is shown in cross-section in Figs. 6 to 8, Fig.
6 additionally showing the ski boot 10 and the coupling element 15, which in this embodiment is releasably arranged on the ski boot 10. The ski binding 1 shown in these three Figures again includes the attachment part 13, which is pivotally articulated to the binding housing 30 about the pivot axis 12. Also shown are the flexor 24 and the spring element 22, which urge the attachment part 13 in opposite directions.
Shown in addition in Fig. 6 is the coupling element 15 which has the above-described engagement receptacles 20. By means of the profile rail 17 it is possible for the coupling element 15 to be pushed into a profile plate 16 of complementary shape on the attachment part 13 as far as until the engagement pins 18 engage in the complementary engagement receptacles 20 (see Fig. 8).
In order to allow problem-free insertion of the coupling element 15 into the attachment part 13 and especially to prevent the engagement pins 18 from blocking the insertion, the attachment part 13 has in its front region deflection faces 21 which correspond to the engagement pins 18, which faces press the engagement pins 18 downwards when the coupling element 15 is pushed into the attachment part 13 (see Fig. 7). Since the engagement pins 18 are mounted on the resilient leaf springs 19, that deflection by the bevelled deflection faces 21 is possible without any problem and without great expenditure of force. Only when the coupling element 15 has been fully inserted into the attachment part 13 and the engagement pins 18 strike against the engagement receptacles 20 do the spring elements 19 snap back into their initial position in which they urge the engagement pins 18 into the engagement receptacles 20. The coupling element 15 is in that manner reliably fixed in the attachment part 13 (Fig. 8).
To release the locking arrangement between coupling element 15 and attachment part 13 or to remove and in use release the ski boot from the ski, the leaf springs 19 are able to be pressed downwards (arrow 42) by way of corresponding projections 26, which in this embodiment project below the attachment part 13, with the result that the engagement pins 18 slide out of the engagement receptacles 20 and release the locking arrangement between coupling element 15 and attachment part 13. It is naturally also possible for the projections 26 to be constructed not, as in this case, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the binding, but substantially at right angles thereto, so that they, for example, protrude laterally below the ski boot. It is naturally also possible in that connection to attach appropriate "remotely operable unlocking systems", for example cable pull systems, which then allow convenient unlocking of the binding system, for example by a cable pull clipped to the boot.
Also shown is the construction of the binding housing 30, which comprises a mounting plate 23 that in this embodiment allows the attachment part 13 to be mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable on a slide rail 25. The mounting plate 23 is mountable on the ski, it being possible by virtue of the longitudinally displaceable slide rail 25 for the ski binding 1 to be selectively adapted to different ski lengths, skiing techniques or also to different skiers.
Once the slide rail 25 has been mounted on the ski, the mounting plate 23 (see Fig. 4 in this connection and also hereinbelow) is then pushed on. For that purpose, the mounting plate 23 has corresponding grooves which are of complementary shape in corresponding receptacles on the slide rail 25. In this embodiment, the slide rai125 also has corresponding recesses 27, which are preferably arranged at certain locking intervals along the slide rai125. The mounting plate 23 of the ski binding 1 engages in those recesses 27 with a corresponding protrusion 28, so that it is possible without any problem to arrange the ski binding 1 in particular fixed positions by means of the recesses 27.
Figs. 9 to 18 show two further embodiments of a device for attaching a boot 10 to a piece of sports equipment (not shown) in which, here too, the boot heel 11 is freely liftable in use. As described in more detail in the following, this embodiment is characterised in that an attachment part 13 pivotally mounted about an axis 12 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot is provided, to which part the boot 10 is attachable by way of a coupling element 15 arranged on the foresole 14, the attachment part 13 comprising a tensioning shaft 52 connected to a lever 50 (see especially Fig. 11), which shaft has a recess 54 that extends at least to the centre of the shaft, with the result that a part 56 flattened off like a segment remains which, for the purpose of locking, is pivotable into a complementary recess 58 of the coupling element 15.
In that regard, Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrammatic representations of that embodiment. It is possible to see the coupling element 15, which in this case is arranged in the region of the foresole 14 of the boot 10 by way of screws 72. The coupling element can be so inserted into the attachment part 13, which is pivotally mounted on the binding housing 30 about the axis 12, that a fixed connection is obtained between boot 10 and binding housing 30. For the pivotable mounting of the attachment part 13 on the binding housing 30 there are provided corresponding support protrusions 32, to which the attachment part 13 is rotatably fixed.
For that purpose, there are provided on the attachment part 13 retaining hooks 62, 62' which are open towards the rear under which crossbars 64, 64' on the coupling element 15 are engageable. The coupling element 15 furthermore has a retaining hook 66 which is open towards the front, over which a crossbar 68 on the attachment member 13 is engageable and likewise serves to fix the coupling element 15 to the attachment part 13.
By means of the corresponding construction of retaining hooks 62, 62'; 66 and crossbars 64, 64'; 68, the coupling element 15 mounted on the boot 10 can easily be pushed into the attachment part 13 to form a clamp-fit.
To prevent the coupling element 15 from sliding out once it has been pushed in, according to the invention there is provided a tensioning shaft 52 (see especially Fig.
12), which is pivotally mounted on the attachment part 13 in such a manner that it is pivotable into a recess 58 in the coupling element 15. As shown, the complementary recess 58 of the coupling element 15 is in this case in the form of a groove opening to the side 60 of the coupling element 15 remote from the boot 10.
In this embodiment the tensioning shaft 52 is arranged coaxially to the pivot axis 12, so that the tensioning shaft 52 serves both to lock the coupling element 15 and for the pivotable mounting of the attachment part 13 in the support protrusions 32. It is naturally also possible for the tensioning shaft 52 to be attached eccentrically to the bearing for the attachment member.
Figs. 11 and 12 show a first step in the coupling procedure between boot 10 and ski binding 1 or binding housing 30. The Figures show the binding housing 30 on which there are provided the support protrusions 32 which are used for the pivotally movable seating of the attachment part 13. In this embodiment, the pivotally movable seating is effected by way of a tensioning shaft 52, which is arranged in rotatably movable manner between the two support protrusions 32, 32' (see Fig. 10). Arranged on the tensioning shaft 52 is a lever 50 by means of which it is possible for the tensioning shaft to be rotated or pivoted. The tensioning shaft 52 itself has a recess 54 which extends essentially at least to the centre of the shaft. As a result of that recess, a part 56 flattened off like a segment is formed, which is complementary in shape to a recess 58 in the coupling element 15.
In the step of the coupling procedure between boot 10 and binding housing 30, or between coupling element 15 and attachment part 13, shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the tensioning shaft 52 is so arranged that the recess 54 points in the direction of the coupling element 15. In that arrangement, the tensioning shaft 52 and the recess 54 are so arranged on the attachment part 13 that, between the recess 54 and support regions 74, which are arranged substantially below the retaining hooks 62 on the attachment part 13, a planar face results in such a manner that the coupling element 15 can be placed perpendicularly from above (see arrow 76) onto that face and, in further coupling steps (see Figs. 13 to 15), pushed horizontally into a clamp-fit.
As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the boot 10 is then locked on the binding housing 30, or the coupling element 15 arranged on the boot 10 is locked on the attachment part 13, by way of horizontal displacement (see arrow 78) of the coupling element 15 relative to the attachment part 13. As a result of that horizontal displacement, the crossbars 64 64' of the coupling element engage under the retaining hooks 62, 62', which are open towards the rear, on the attachment part 13. Furthermore, the retaining hook 66 arranged on the coupling element 15 slides under the crossbar 68 of the attachment part, with the result that the coupling element 15 is reliably held on the attachment part 13 in a clamp-fit.
To prevent the coupling element 15 from sliding out of that clamp-fit, the tensioning shaft 52 can be so pivoted (arrow 80) by way of the lever 50 that the part 56 flattened off like a segment of the tensioning shaft 52 projects into the recess 58 in the coupling element 15, preventing the coupling element 15 from being pulled out in the opposite direction to arrow 78.
The tensioning shaft 52 is so constructed that, on pivoting, the part 56 flattened off like a segment touches an edge region of the recess 58 and, on "further pivoting" by way of the lever 50, urges the coupling element 15 fully into its end position and thus into the required clamp-fit (see Figs. 14 and 15).
This active horizontal movement in the direction of arrow 78 is illustrated in detail in Figs. 16 and 17, which show that the part 56 flattened off like a segment of the tensioning shaft 52 touches the edge region 59 of the recess 58 and, when the tensioning shaft 52 is pivoted by way of the lever 50 in the pivoting direction 80 indicated in Figs. 16 and 17, urges the coupling element 15 into its final position in which the part 56 flattened off like a segment of the tensioning shaft 52 projects fully into the complementary recess 58 in the coupling element 15. Only when the tensioning shaft 52 has been pivoted back into a position in which the part 56 flattened off like a segment has been fully pivoted out of the recess 58 can the coupling element 15 be removed from the clamp-fit again.
Finally, Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of the boot 10 according to the invention wherein, in the region of the foresole 14, the coupling element 15 is substantially flush with the foresole 14. There is accordingly provided in the region of the foresole a recess 82 which allows the complete integration of the coupling element 15 into the foresole 14 without the coupling element projecting from the surface 80 of the foresole 14. In that embodiment, the coupling element 15 is adhesively secured to the foresole 14 so as to ensure permanent fixing.
Furthermore, in that embodiment the sole and especially the foresole 14 of the boot 10 are made from a relatively hard material and especially from a plastics material, the region 70 behind the coupling element 15 being of flexurally resilient construction relative to the remaining regions. The flexurally resilient construction is achieved here by the use of a softer material and thus by the construction of a film hinge, with the result that heel region 11 can be at least partially pivoted relative to the foresole region 14. Instead of using a softer material it is naturally also possible to use a hinge element or similar mechanisms.
Reference numerals 1 ski binding 10 boot 11 boot heel 12 axis 13 attachment part 14 foresole 15 coupling element 16 profile plate 17 profile rail 18 engagement element or engagement pin 19 spring or leaf-spring-type element engagement receptacle 21 deflection face 22 resilient element or spring element 23 mounting plate 24 flexor or resilient element slide rail 26 projection 27 recess 28 protrusion 30 binding housing 32, 32' support protrusion 34 bolt 40 direction of insertion 42 pivoting direction 50 lever 52 tensioning shaft 54 recess 56 part flattened off like a segment 58 recess 59 edge region 60 side of the coupling element 62, 62' retaining hook 64, 64' crossbar 66 retaining hook 68 crossbar 70 region behind coupling element 72 screws 74 support region 76 arrow or displacement direction 78 arrow or displacement direction 80 arrow or displacement direction 82 recess
Claims (15)
1. Device for attaching a boot (10) to a piece of sports equipment, especially to equipment for sliding on snow, such as a ski or the like, in such a manner that in use the boot heel (11) is freely liftable, characterised by an attachment part (13) pivotally mounted about an axis (12) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot, to which part the boot (10) is, by way of a coupling element (15) arranged on the foresole (14), attachable in such a manner that, on entry, automatic locking between boot and attachment part occurs which is manually unlockable again as necessary for withdrawal.
2. Device according to claim 1 characterised in that the attachment part (13) comprises a profile plate (16) into which a coupling element (15) of complementary shape is engageable.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the coupling element (15) of the sole includes at least one profile rail (17) extending in the longitudinal direction of the sole, which rail is insertable into the profile plate (16) of complementary shape of the attachment part (13).
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the attachment part (13) and/or the coupling element (15) include at least one engagement element (18) which, under the action of a resilient pre-biasing means, especially a spring (19), is urged into an engagement position, and in that position co-operates with a complementary engagement receptacle (20) in the respective other part or element (15) of the device, locking those parts or elements to one another.
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the at least one engagement element, for example engagement pin (18), is secured to a leaf-spring type component (19), which is so attached to the attachment part (13) or coupling element (15) that it projects laterally beyond it for manual operation.
6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the attachment part (13) is pivotable upwards against the action of a resilient element, especially a spring element (22).
7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the attachment part (13) is urged into a raised pivot position by a resilient element, especially a flexor (24) of resilient material, such as rubber or the like, arranged between the attachment part and a mounting plate (23).
8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the resilient or spring elements (22, 24) associated with the attachment part (13) keep the latter in predetermined equilibrium.
9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the attachment part (13) is mounted over a mounting plate (23) so as to be longitudinally displaceable on a slide rail (25) and is positionable in various positions.
10. Device for attaching a boot (10) to a piece of sports equipment, especially to equipment for sliding on snow, such as a ski or the like, in such a manner that in use the boot heel (11) is freely liftable, especially according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised by an attachment part (13) pivotally mounted about an axis (12) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot, to which part the boot (10) is attachable by way of a coupling element (15) arranged on the foresole (14), the attachment part (13) comprising a tensioning shaft (52) connected to a lever (50), which shaft has a recess (54) that extends at least to the centre of the shaft, with the result that a part (56) flattened off like a segment remains which, for the purpose of locking, is pivotable into a complementary recess (58) of the coupling element (15).
11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that the tensioning shaft (52) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the boot.
12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the tensioning shaft (52) is arranged coaxially to the axis (12).
13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the complementary recess (58) of the coupling element (15) is in the form of a groove opening to the side (60) of the coupling element (15) remote from the boot (10).
14. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterised by retaining hooks (62, 62') on the attachment part (13) that are open towards the rear, under which crossbars (64, 64') on the coupling element (15) are engageable as far as where the tensioning shaft recess (58) on the coupling element (15) reaches the region of the tensioning shaft (52).
15. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterised by retaining hooks (66) on the coupling element (15) that are open towards the front, over which crossbars (68) on the attachment member (13) are engageable as far as where the tensioning shaft recess (58) on the coupling element (15) reaches the region of the tensioning shaft (52).
Device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterised in that the recess (58) and the tensioning shaft (52) are of such complementary shapes that, when the tensioning shaft (52) is pivoted, the retaining hooks (62, 62'; 66) and the crossbars (64, 64'; 68) are movable into a clamp-fit and/or vice versa.
Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sole (14) of the boot (10) consists of a relatively hard material, especially plastics material, wherein the region (70) behind the coupling element (15) is of flexurally resilient form relative to the remaining regions.
Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling element (15) is integrated into and substantially flush with the foresole (14) of the boot (10).
Device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterised in that the recess (58) and the tensioning shaft (52) are of such complementary shapes that, when the tensioning shaft (52) is pivoted, the retaining hooks (62, 62'; 66) and the crossbars (64, 64'; 68) are movable into a clamp-fit and/or vice versa.
Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sole (14) of the boot (10) consists of a relatively hard material, especially plastics material, wherein the region (70) behind the coupling element (15) is of flexurally resilient form relative to the remaining regions.
Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling element (15) is integrated into and substantially flush with the foresole (14) of the boot (10).
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102006056123 | 2006-11-28 | ||
| DE102006056123.6 | 2006-11-28 | ||
| DE102007018648A DE102007018648A1 (en) | 2006-11-28 | 2007-04-19 | Skiing device for attaching a shoe to sports equipment, especially a snow-gliding device like a ski, has connecting part swiveling in bearings and an automatic lock |
| DE102007018648.9 | 2007-04-19 | ||
| PCT/IB2007/003586 WO2008065498A2 (en) | 2006-11-28 | 2007-11-22 | Device for connecting a shoe to a snow gliding device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2673744A1 true CA2673744A1 (en) | 2008-06-05 |
Family
ID=38825416
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002673744A Abandoned CA2673744A1 (en) | 2006-11-28 | 2007-11-22 | Device for attaching a boot to equipment for sliding on snow |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2091619A2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2673744A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102007018648A1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO20092397L (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2009124597A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008065498A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2682165A1 (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-08 | ONE WAY Sport Oy | Binding between a ski and a boot |
| NO20121135A1 (en) * | 2012-10-08 | 2014-04-09 | Rottefella As | SOLE WITH MOVABLE MOUNTING POINT |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2968898B1 (en) * | 2010-12-15 | 2013-07-26 | Salomon Sas | SPORTS SHOE |
| FR2990829B1 (en) * | 2012-05-24 | 2014-06-13 | Salomon Sas | ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A SHOE AND A CRAMPON |
| NO20210548A1 (en) * | 2021-05-03 | 2022-11-04 |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT1186222B (en) * | 1985-12-02 | 1987-11-18 | Nordica Spa | HYDRAULIC ACTIVATED SKI MOUNTING |
| FR2634132B1 (en) * | 1988-07-13 | 1992-10-23 | Salomon Sa | ATTACHMENT DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKI BOOTS |
| AT396068B (en) * | 1990-03-30 | 1993-05-25 | Tyrolia Freizeitgeraete | SKI BINDING FOR A CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING OR TOURING SKI |
| DE19623825C1 (en) * | 1996-06-14 | 1998-01-08 | Rottefella As | Cross-country or touring ski binding |
| US6739615B1 (en) * | 1997-04-18 | 2004-05-25 | The Burton Corporation | Snowboard binding |
| US6648364B2 (en) * | 2001-04-18 | 2003-11-18 | Shimano Inc. | Snowboard binding system |
| US6877759B2 (en) * | 2002-08-27 | 2005-04-12 | Louis Dandurand | Ski binding |
| FR2856312B1 (en) * | 2003-06-18 | 2005-08-05 | Salomon Sa | SWIVEL ARM FIXING DEVICE |
| AT502278B1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2011-07-15 | Fischer Gmbh | ARRANGEMENT CONSISTING OF A SKI AND A SKI BOOT |
-
2007
- 2007-04-19 DE DE102007018648A patent/DE102007018648A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-11-22 WO PCT/IB2007/003586 patent/WO2008065498A2/en active Application Filing
- 2007-11-22 EP EP07825712A patent/EP2091619A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-11-22 RU RU2009124597/12A patent/RU2009124597A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-11-22 CA CA002673744A patent/CA2673744A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-06-24 NO NO20092397A patent/NO20092397L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2682165A1 (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-08 | ONE WAY Sport Oy | Binding between a ski and a boot |
| NO20121135A1 (en) * | 2012-10-08 | 2014-04-09 | Rottefella As | SOLE WITH MOVABLE MOUNTING POINT |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RU2009124597A (en) | 2011-01-10 |
| WO2008065498A2 (en) | 2008-06-05 |
| NO20092397L (en) | 2009-06-24 |
| WO2008065498A3 (en) | 2008-08-07 |
| DE102007018648A1 (en) | 2008-01-17 |
| EP2091619A2 (en) | 2009-08-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |