CA2685885A1 - Construction for a ski binding and a ski boot - Google Patents
Construction for a ski binding and a ski boot Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2685885A1 CA2685885A1 CA002685885A CA2685885A CA2685885A1 CA 2685885 A1 CA2685885 A1 CA 2685885A1 CA 002685885 A CA002685885 A CA 002685885A CA 2685885 A CA2685885 A CA 2685885A CA 2685885 A1 CA2685885 A1 CA 2685885A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ski
- boot
- binding
- construction
- sole
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- 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.)
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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
- A63C9/20—Non-self-releasing bindings with special sole edge holders instead of toe-straps
Abstract
The invention relates to the construction for a ski binding and a ski boot for coupling a ski boot (1) -at its front section to a ski (2), and allowing the lifting of the heel section of the ski boot from the ski. The ski binding comprises a coupling mechanism (4) for coupling the ski boot to the binding, and the ski boot comprises a transverse rotation axis (5) coupled to the sole of the boot and positioned perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the sole, which rotation axis can be used for coupling the ski boot, by means of a locking mechanism, to an axial locking (6) provided on the ski, the sole of the ski boot comprising a toe section (7), a ball section (8), an arched section (9) and a heel section (10). In accordance with the invention, the rotation axis (5) is so coupled to the sole of the boot such that the toe section (7) is positioned in front of the rotation axis. Also, the area under the toe section (7) of the sole and respectively below the horizontal plane defined by the rotation axis (5) comprises a substantially free space (11) in which the toe section of the sole is able to bend down as the boot is bent about the rotation axis when lifting the heel section (10) from the ski.
Description
CONSTRUCTION FOR A SKI BINDING AND A SKI BOOT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the construction for a ski binding and a ski boot for coupling the ski boot to the ski as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known in cross-country skiing is a wide vari-ety of different ski binding and ski boot construc-tions. What they all have in common is the coupling of the foot to the ski such that the kick power cannot be used to the maximum. Similarly, the natural function-ing of the foot area has become almost impossible. An anatomically correct motion for a human is a rolling pace, such as during walking or running. In a natural advancement, the last parts of the foot area which touch the ground are thereby the toes, not the tips of the toes. In known ski bindings, this rolling motion has been prevented. Firstly, during the exertion phase, the movement of the foot has been so limited that the force which provides the grip to the exertion begins to decrease a moment before the final stage of the exertion, such that the ski may easily slip from under the foot. Secondly, the rolling motion of the foot area is prevented by a flexible element posi-tioned in front of the boot, which limits the natural movement of the foot area for continuing the rolling pace.
A known technique in the field of the inven-tion is disclosed for example in patent publication US5228714 which describes a ski binding for classic skiing style. The boot is coupled to the binding by means of a transverse coupling shaft which is substan-tially coupled to the tip of the boot. In different known bindings, this may be positioned slightly under the tip, just to the tip, or in front of the tip. The coupling shaft forms a support point between the boot and the ski right at the tip of the boot, such that only the tips of the toes contact the binding as the foot area rises. In practice, this causes the entire foot area being raised such that the controllability of the ski becomes unstable. Similarly, toward the fi-nal stage of the kick, as the heel rises, the pressure applied to the toes increases, causing pain and black-ened toes. If instead one selects a larger boot, the controllability becomes even worse.
When the boot is coupled at the front section of the toes, the foot area rises during the final stage of the kick almost entirely off the ski. In this case, the kick force is transmitted almost entirely forward, and the force directed downward and providing the grip is left quite marginal. This results in the need for using grip wax on a relatively long portion along the length of the ski base.
Known from patent N0309845 is a ski binding in which the rotation point has been shifted backward under the toes. However, the construction comprises a wedge-shaped space which opens up and forward, in which space a flexible element is placed between the ski and the tip of the boot. If the toes reach up to the tip of the boot, they become bent upward in an un-natural position for effective skiing. The flexible element used in the wedge-shaped space limits the kick and directs forces to a wrong direction. Although the solution improves controllability, it has many defi-ciencies as to the production of force, and at the same time critically limits the natural movement of the foot area and the toes.
Due to the instable controllability, the binding constructions described above are not suitable for skate style skiing; instead a binding application has been developed therefore, manufactured by Salomon, wherein, in addition to the coupling at the front sec-tion of the toes, the boot is supported on the ski un-der the ball of the foot by means of a mechanism which limits the lifting of the boot from the ski to a spe-cific angle. The application serves as a controlling construction, but it does not provide any appreciable improvement to correcting the direction of the kick.
The same problems emerge in another binding developed for skate style skiing, manufactured by Rottefella, which seeks to obtain rigidity by modifying the rigid-ity of the flexible element positioned in front of the boot, and by reinforcement of the sole of the boot.
According to what has been presented above, the greatest problem of the ski bindings of the prior art, regardless of the skiing style, is their inabil-ity to provide an effective kick, which results from the wrong direction, timing, and duration of the kick forces. A further problem concerns movements which are unnatural to the anatomy of the human foot and compli-cate the control of the forces, prevent their effec-tive use and cause injuries to skiers.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The objective of the invention is to elimi-nate the drawbacks referred to above.
One specific objective of the invention is to disclose a novel coupling of a ski boot to a ski bind-ing, such that the kick force can be directed opti-mally, the force maintained as long as possible, and the movements of the foot with respect to the ski di-rected as naturally for the human foot as possible.
SUNIIKARY OF THE INVENTION
The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot in accordance with the invention is characterized by what has been presented in claim 1.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to the construction for a ski binding and a ski boot for coupling the ski boot to the ski as defined in the preamble of claim 1.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known in cross-country skiing is a wide vari-ety of different ski binding and ski boot construc-tions. What they all have in common is the coupling of the foot to the ski such that the kick power cannot be used to the maximum. Similarly, the natural function-ing of the foot area has become almost impossible. An anatomically correct motion for a human is a rolling pace, such as during walking or running. In a natural advancement, the last parts of the foot area which touch the ground are thereby the toes, not the tips of the toes. In known ski bindings, this rolling motion has been prevented. Firstly, during the exertion phase, the movement of the foot has been so limited that the force which provides the grip to the exertion begins to decrease a moment before the final stage of the exertion, such that the ski may easily slip from under the foot. Secondly, the rolling motion of the foot area is prevented by a flexible element posi-tioned in front of the boot, which limits the natural movement of the foot area for continuing the rolling pace.
A known technique in the field of the inven-tion is disclosed for example in patent publication US5228714 which describes a ski binding for classic skiing style. The boot is coupled to the binding by means of a transverse coupling shaft which is substan-tially coupled to the tip of the boot. In different known bindings, this may be positioned slightly under the tip, just to the tip, or in front of the tip. The coupling shaft forms a support point between the boot and the ski right at the tip of the boot, such that only the tips of the toes contact the binding as the foot area rises. In practice, this causes the entire foot area being raised such that the controllability of the ski becomes unstable. Similarly, toward the fi-nal stage of the kick, as the heel rises, the pressure applied to the toes increases, causing pain and black-ened toes. If instead one selects a larger boot, the controllability becomes even worse.
When the boot is coupled at the front section of the toes, the foot area rises during the final stage of the kick almost entirely off the ski. In this case, the kick force is transmitted almost entirely forward, and the force directed downward and providing the grip is left quite marginal. This results in the need for using grip wax on a relatively long portion along the length of the ski base.
Known from patent N0309845 is a ski binding in which the rotation point has been shifted backward under the toes. However, the construction comprises a wedge-shaped space which opens up and forward, in which space a flexible element is placed between the ski and the tip of the boot. If the toes reach up to the tip of the boot, they become bent upward in an un-natural position for effective skiing. The flexible element used in the wedge-shaped space limits the kick and directs forces to a wrong direction. Although the solution improves controllability, it has many defi-ciencies as to the production of force, and at the same time critically limits the natural movement of the foot area and the toes.
Due to the instable controllability, the binding constructions described above are not suitable for skate style skiing; instead a binding application has been developed therefore, manufactured by Salomon, wherein, in addition to the coupling at the front sec-tion of the toes, the boot is supported on the ski un-der the ball of the foot by means of a mechanism which limits the lifting of the boot from the ski to a spe-cific angle. The application serves as a controlling construction, but it does not provide any appreciable improvement to correcting the direction of the kick.
The same problems emerge in another binding developed for skate style skiing, manufactured by Rottefella, which seeks to obtain rigidity by modifying the rigid-ity of the flexible element positioned in front of the boot, and by reinforcement of the sole of the boot.
According to what has been presented above, the greatest problem of the ski bindings of the prior art, regardless of the skiing style, is their inabil-ity to provide an effective kick, which results from the wrong direction, timing, and duration of the kick forces. A further problem concerns movements which are unnatural to the anatomy of the human foot and compli-cate the control of the forces, prevent their effec-tive use and cause injuries to skiers.
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The objective of the invention is to elimi-nate the drawbacks referred to above.
One specific objective of the invention is to disclose a novel coupling of a ski boot to a ski bind-ing, such that the kick force can be directed opti-mally, the force maintained as long as possible, and the movements of the foot with respect to the ski di-rected as naturally for the human foot as possible.
SUNIIKARY OF THE INVENTION
The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot in accordance with the invention is characterized by what has been presented in claim 1.
The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot in accordance with the invention is designed for coupling a ski boot from its front section to a ski and allowing the lifting of 'the heel section of the ski boot from the ski. The ski binding comprises a coupling mechanism for coupling the ski boot to the binding. The ski boot comprises a transverse rotation axis coupled to the sole thereof, the axis being per-pendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sole, for coupling the ski boot by means of the coupling mechanism to an axial locking provided on the ski. The sole of the ski boot comprises a toe section, a ball section, an arched section, and a heel section. In ac-cordance with the invention, the rotation axis is cou-pled to the sole of the boot such that the toe section of the sole of the boot is positioned in front of the rotation axis. Also according to the invention, the area under the toe section of the sole and in front of the rotation axis and the axial locking, below the horizontal plane defined by the rotation axis, com-prises a substantially free space in which the toe section of the sole of the ski boot is able to bend down when the boot is bent about the rotation axis when lifting the heel section from the ski.
It should be noted that in this application, the rotation axis and the axial locking do not neces-sarily mean a concrete, straight and rigid axle and a corresponding groove; instead the terms should be un-derstood as being used in the general sense. Therefore, the substantial feature is an articulated, rotating coupling between the sole of the boot and the soleplate or between the sole of the boot and the ski, which al-lows the rotation of the sole of the boot with respect to the ski or to the soleplate in a hinge-like manner about a specific, concrete or imagined, rotation axis.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sub-stantially free space is formed by a recess formed in the soleplate and, therefore, possibly in the ski as well. In this case, the sole of the ski boot can be substantially linear in the longitudinal direction.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the 5 substantially free space is formed partly by the shape of the soleplate and partly by the shape of the toe section in the sole of the boot.
In a third embodiment of the invention, the substantially free space is formed by a recess in the ski structure. In this case, it is, of course, also possible that the space is partly formed by the shape of the toe section of the sole.
The rotation axis may preferably be posi-tioned 20-80mm backwards from the front tip of the ski boot. In one embodiment, it is positioned at a dis-tance of 30-60mm from the front tip of the ski boot, the preferable distance being about 40-50mm. It is, of course, natural that the above-mentioned distance can-not be set as a specific number of millimeters; in-stead it varies according to the skier's boot size, i.e. substantially according to the length of the skier's toes.
Therefore, the position of the rotation axis, as well as the limit between the toe section and the ball section, may be defined as being substantially under the first joint of the hallux of the skier's foot. Said limit may also be defined such that the toe section is the front section of the sole of the boot, to which the force applied downward by the toes is substantially entirely directed, i.e. more specifi-cally, the area on which the three biggest toes are pressed as the heel is raised in the air.
In one embodiment of the invention, the rota-tion axis which is straight and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ski and the sole of the ski boot cuts the arched line between the toe section and the ball section. Since the arched line, departing from the root of the hallux, arches backward toward the other edge, the areas covering the biggest toes in the toe section of the sole of the ski boot are posi-tioned in front of the rotation axis. The pressing force of the skier's toes, i.e. the force applied from the skier's foot to the toe section of the sole, is thus directed downward mainly in front of the rotation axis.
The space in front of the rotation axis may be completely open, such that the toe section of the sole of the ski boot is able to freely bend in that area during a kick without any friction. In this case, however, the movement of the ski boot easily becomes insensitive and difficult to control. The space is, therefore, preferably only substantially open, i.e.
free, i.e. a suitable elastic flexible element or other suitable elastic construction is placed therein, which element, when having a suitable contact to the bottom of the space and to the toe section of the sole of the ski boot, entirely prevents any frictionless or free bending of the boot.
Although any spring construction, bellow con-struction, air chamber, or other solution having suf-ficient flexibility can be used as the flexible ele-ment, it is preferably realized by means of a suitably elastic rubber or plastic element which, compressing for example for 50-80% and then reassuming its origi-nal shape, allows the ski boot to establish a suffi-ciently large rotation angle about its rotation axis.
The flexible element may fill the entire space, or it may be so formed that it covers only a portion of the space volume. It is also possible that it protrudes out of the space, but the portion protrud-ing out is not substantially significant for the func-tioning of the flexible element. The protruding portion may be used, for example, for coupling the element to the ski binding.
It should be noted that in this application, the rotation axis and the axial locking do not neces-sarily mean a concrete, straight and rigid axle and a corresponding groove; instead the terms should be un-derstood as being used in the general sense. Therefore, the substantial feature is an articulated, rotating coupling between the sole of the boot and the soleplate or between the sole of the boot and the ski, which al-lows the rotation of the sole of the boot with respect to the ski or to the soleplate in a hinge-like manner about a specific, concrete or imagined, rotation axis.
In one embodiment of the invention, the sub-stantially free space is formed by a recess formed in the soleplate and, therefore, possibly in the ski as well. In this case, the sole of the ski boot can be substantially linear in the longitudinal direction.
In a second embodiment of the invention, the 5 substantially free space is formed partly by the shape of the soleplate and partly by the shape of the toe section in the sole of the boot.
In a third embodiment of the invention, the substantially free space is formed by a recess in the ski structure. In this case, it is, of course, also possible that the space is partly formed by the shape of the toe section of the sole.
The rotation axis may preferably be posi-tioned 20-80mm backwards from the front tip of the ski boot. In one embodiment, it is positioned at a dis-tance of 30-60mm from the front tip of the ski boot, the preferable distance being about 40-50mm. It is, of course, natural that the above-mentioned distance can-not be set as a specific number of millimeters; in-stead it varies according to the skier's boot size, i.e. substantially according to the length of the skier's toes.
Therefore, the position of the rotation axis, as well as the limit between the toe section and the ball section, may be defined as being substantially under the first joint of the hallux of the skier's foot. Said limit may also be defined such that the toe section is the front section of the sole of the boot, to which the force applied downward by the toes is substantially entirely directed, i.e. more specifi-cally, the area on which the three biggest toes are pressed as the heel is raised in the air.
In one embodiment of the invention, the rota-tion axis which is straight and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ski and the sole of the ski boot cuts the arched line between the toe section and the ball section. Since the arched line, departing from the root of the hallux, arches backward toward the other edge, the areas covering the biggest toes in the toe section of the sole of the ski boot are posi-tioned in front of the rotation axis. The pressing force of the skier's toes, i.e. the force applied from the skier's foot to the toe section of the sole, is thus directed downward mainly in front of the rotation axis.
The space in front of the rotation axis may be completely open, such that the toe section of the sole of the ski boot is able to freely bend in that area during a kick without any friction. In this case, however, the movement of the ski boot easily becomes insensitive and difficult to control. The space is, therefore, preferably only substantially open, i.e.
free, i.e. a suitable elastic flexible element or other suitable elastic construction is placed therein, which element, when having a suitable contact to the bottom of the space and to the toe section of the sole of the ski boot, entirely prevents any frictionless or free bending of the boot.
Although any spring construction, bellow con-struction, air chamber, or other solution having suf-ficient flexibility can be used as the flexible ele-ment, it is preferably realized by means of a suitably elastic rubber or plastic element which, compressing for example for 50-80% and then reassuming its origi-nal shape, allows the ski boot to establish a suffi-ciently large rotation angle about its rotation axis.
The flexible element may fill the entire space, or it may be so formed that it covers only a portion of the space volume. It is also possible that it protrudes out of the space, but the portion protrud-ing out is not substantially significant for the func-tioning of the flexible element. The protruding portion may be used, for example, for coupling the element to the ski binding.
One preferred embodiment of the invention comprises several flexible elements which can be cou-pled to the ski binding and differ from each other by their elastic properties. This enables the use of the same bindings in different skiing conditions and when skiing in both classic style and skate style just by changing a flexible element with different elastic properties to the binding.
Because the rotation axis used for locking the ski binding in accordance with the invention is not positioned at the tip of the boot, but instead clearly on the rear of the toe section, to some extent even on the ball area, the locking provides a signifi-cantly better and firmer horizontal torsional rigidity to the boot with respect to the ski than the tradi-tional locking mechanisms right at the tip of the boot. Even so, one or more guiding ridges positioned along the length of the ski and directed backward from the axial locking can preferably be used on the sole-plate. These ensure, especially in skate style skiing, that the boot is held in place during the start phase of the kick.
In the construction for a ski binding and a ski boot in accordance with the invention, the sub-stantial feature is that the front section of the boot, i.e. the toe section of the sole, bends down and moves substantially in a vertical direction in front of the locking of the boot, i.e. the rotation axis.
The lever formed by the toe section in front of the rotation axis can be pressed down by the toes during normal, natural skiing to intensify the increase in pressure caused by the bending of the boot. This re-sults in achieving a significantly more effective pressure between the ski and the snow than with the known solutions, and at the same time obtaining a bet-ter and easier grip than before. In this solution, the entire grip zone of the ski is in contact with snow also during the final phase of the kick, providing a better grip than with the known constructions.
In the construction in accordance with the invention, the free space formed under the front sec-tion of the boot, i.e. the toe section, allows the front section of the foot, i.e. the toes, to be pressed below the rotation axis, enabling therefore the establishment of a rolling pace for the first time in the history of skiing. The movement of the foot in this case is natural, and even when moving in a walk-ing-like manner, the grip zone of the ski is effi-ciently pressed against snow, improving even further the grip of a grip-waxed ski. The movement of the foot directs the force efficiently and correctly.
Compared to prior art, the binding construc-tion in accordance with the invention has many sig-nificant advantages: it is firmer and therefore safer;
it has a better controllability; it provides a better and more precise grip, so that the grip zone of the base can be shortened and the slide zone lengthened;
the improved sliding saves energy; due to better con-trollability, the ankle joints do not become stressed;
a more effective use of the foot area and toes adds power to the kicks and improves blood circulation in the foot area; the increased force and more optimal direction of the kick improve skiing efficiency; and the same binding construction can also be used, only by changing the elastic element, in boots of different sizes, in cross-country skiing and skate style skiing, as well as in touring and telemark skiing. The binding construction in accordance with the invention provides a natural way of moving on skis, and a more effective and firmer kick, thus saving energy for the skier.
Because the rotation axis used for locking the ski binding in accordance with the invention is not positioned at the tip of the boot, but instead clearly on the rear of the toe section, to some extent even on the ball area, the locking provides a signifi-cantly better and firmer horizontal torsional rigidity to the boot with respect to the ski than the tradi-tional locking mechanisms right at the tip of the boot. Even so, one or more guiding ridges positioned along the length of the ski and directed backward from the axial locking can preferably be used on the sole-plate. These ensure, especially in skate style skiing, that the boot is held in place during the start phase of the kick.
In the construction for a ski binding and a ski boot in accordance with the invention, the sub-stantial feature is that the front section of the boot, i.e. the toe section of the sole, bends down and moves substantially in a vertical direction in front of the locking of the boot, i.e. the rotation axis.
The lever formed by the toe section in front of the rotation axis can be pressed down by the toes during normal, natural skiing to intensify the increase in pressure caused by the bending of the boot. This re-sults in achieving a significantly more effective pressure between the ski and the snow than with the known solutions, and at the same time obtaining a bet-ter and easier grip than before. In this solution, the entire grip zone of the ski is in contact with snow also during the final phase of the kick, providing a better grip than with the known constructions.
In the construction in accordance with the invention, the free space formed under the front sec-tion of the boot, i.e. the toe section, allows the front section of the foot, i.e. the toes, to be pressed below the rotation axis, enabling therefore the establishment of a rolling pace for the first time in the history of skiing. The movement of the foot in this case is natural, and even when moving in a walk-ing-like manner, the grip zone of the ski is effi-ciently pressed against snow, improving even further the grip of a grip-waxed ski. The movement of the foot directs the force efficiently and correctly.
Compared to prior art, the binding construc-tion in accordance with the invention has many sig-nificant advantages: it is firmer and therefore safer;
it has a better controllability; it provides a better and more precise grip, so that the grip zone of the base can be shortened and the slide zone lengthened;
the improved sliding saves energy; due to better con-trollability, the ankle joints do not become stressed;
a more effective use of the foot area and toes adds power to the kicks and improves blood circulation in the foot area; the increased force and more optimal direction of the kick improve skiing efficiency; and the same binding construction can also be used, only by changing the elastic element, in boots of different sizes, in cross-country skiing and skate style skiing, as well as in touring and telemark skiing. The binding construction in accordance with the invention provides a natural way of moving on skis, and a more effective and firmer kick, thus saving energy for the skier.
LIST OF FIGURES
In the following, the invention will be de-scribed in detail by means of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 represents a schematic side view of one ski binding and ski boot in accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 represents a more detailed top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 represents a more detailed side view of the embodiment if Fig. 1, Fig. 4 represents a schematic side view of one embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 represents a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 represents a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 represents a schematic side view of the fourth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 represents a power curve indicating the efficiency of the invention in skate style skiing, and Fig. 9 represents a power curve indicating the efficiency of the invention in classic style ski-ing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 represents a schematic side view of the construction for a ski boot and a ski binding in accordance with the invention. A soleplate 3 of the ski binding is coupled to a ski 2, the front section of which soleplate comprises a coupling mechanism 4, such as a push button, a lever mechanism, a compres-sion spring, or some other known construction, for coupling a ski boot 1 to the binding. The ski boot 1 is coupled at the sole to the ski binding, the sole being formed, in the order backwards from the tip, by a toe section 7, a ball section 8, an arched section 9 and a heel section 10. An axis which is transverse with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ski, 5 i.e. a rotation axis 5, is coupled substantially at the junction of the toe section 7 and the ball section 8 to the sole of the ski boot for coupling the ski boot to the soleplate 3. The corresponding position on the soleplate 3 comprises an axial locking 6, a con-10 struction known in the art per se, wherein a groove which is shaped to correspond to the rotation axis comprises locking shoulders which hold the axis in place in the groove. The locking shoulders are con-nected in a known manner to the coupling mechanism on the front section of the ski binding, from which cou-pling mechanism the locking can be opened for example by pushing a button.
Figs. 2 and 3 comprise a more detailed de-scription of the ski binding and the functioning thereof in accordance with one embodiment of the in-vention. The binding comprises a soleplate 3 for the ski binding, which soleplate is coupled to a ski 2, the front section of the soleplate comprising a cou-pling mechanism 4 which is connected, via a coupling 18 indicated in dashed line, to an axial locking 6, positioned farther back in the binding. The locking is formed by a partially open-top groove in which a straight axis stub of a suitable size can be pressed to a locked-up position.
The area on the soleplate 3 between the axial locking 6 and the coupling mechanism 4 is mainly formed as a straight surface 19 which slopes down to-ward the coupling mechanism, both edges of which sur-face comprising on the soleplate even and horizontal rims 20. On the straight sloping-down surface 19, a wedge-shaped flexible element 15 of substantially the size of the surface is placed, which element is made from a suitable elastic material, for example rubber.
One edge of the flexible element 15 is positioned near the axial locking 6, from which the element extends forward towards the coupling mechanism 4, growing in diameter as it extends, the growth being stronger than the downward sloping of the surface 19. The upper sur-face of the flexible element 15 is thereby formed to slope upwards from the axial locking 6 toward the cou-pling mechanism 4.
The front section of the sole of the boot 1 which is coupled to the ski binding comprises the toe section 7 and the ball section 8. The toe section 7 of the sole is bent somewhat upward, such that it is par-allel to the upper surface of the flexible element 15 and rests against it, whereas the ball section 8 is parallel to the soleplate 3 of the binding. A trans-verse rotation axis 5 is coupled to the area between the toe section and the ball section on the sole of the ski boot, which axis can be pressed and locked in the corresponding groove in the axial locking 6. The locking can be released by means of a press or a lever, not shown in the figure in any detail, provided in the coupling mechanism 4.
The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot in accordance with the invention increases, dur-ing the kick phase, in both skate and classic styles, the production of force to the rotation point, because the leverage of the toe section directs the force to the right direction, i.e. more downward. This improves the production and direction of force, and the maneu-verability and control of the ski, compared to the prior art.
During skiing, the toe section 7 of the sole in front of the rotation axis 5 reacts to the elastic-ity of the flexible element 15, applying the moment of force, which results from the distance between the ro-tation axis and the tip of the boot, to the ski. A
In the following, the invention will be de-scribed in detail by means of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 represents a schematic side view of one ski binding and ski boot in accordance with the invention, Fig. 2 represents a more detailed top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 represents a more detailed side view of the embodiment if Fig. 1, Fig. 4 represents a schematic side view of one embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 represents a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 represents a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 represents a schematic side view of the fourth embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 represents a power curve indicating the efficiency of the invention in skate style skiing, and Fig. 9 represents a power curve indicating the efficiency of the invention in classic style ski-ing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fig. 1 represents a schematic side view of the construction for a ski boot and a ski binding in accordance with the invention. A soleplate 3 of the ski binding is coupled to a ski 2, the front section of which soleplate comprises a coupling mechanism 4, such as a push button, a lever mechanism, a compres-sion spring, or some other known construction, for coupling a ski boot 1 to the binding. The ski boot 1 is coupled at the sole to the ski binding, the sole being formed, in the order backwards from the tip, by a toe section 7, a ball section 8, an arched section 9 and a heel section 10. An axis which is transverse with respect to the longitudinal direction of the ski, 5 i.e. a rotation axis 5, is coupled substantially at the junction of the toe section 7 and the ball section 8 to the sole of the ski boot for coupling the ski boot to the soleplate 3. The corresponding position on the soleplate 3 comprises an axial locking 6, a con-10 struction known in the art per se, wherein a groove which is shaped to correspond to the rotation axis comprises locking shoulders which hold the axis in place in the groove. The locking shoulders are con-nected in a known manner to the coupling mechanism on the front section of the ski binding, from which cou-pling mechanism the locking can be opened for example by pushing a button.
Figs. 2 and 3 comprise a more detailed de-scription of the ski binding and the functioning thereof in accordance with one embodiment of the in-vention. The binding comprises a soleplate 3 for the ski binding, which soleplate is coupled to a ski 2, the front section of the soleplate comprising a cou-pling mechanism 4 which is connected, via a coupling 18 indicated in dashed line, to an axial locking 6, positioned farther back in the binding. The locking is formed by a partially open-top groove in which a straight axis stub of a suitable size can be pressed to a locked-up position.
The area on the soleplate 3 between the axial locking 6 and the coupling mechanism 4 is mainly formed as a straight surface 19 which slopes down to-ward the coupling mechanism, both edges of which sur-face comprising on the soleplate even and horizontal rims 20. On the straight sloping-down surface 19, a wedge-shaped flexible element 15 of substantially the size of the surface is placed, which element is made from a suitable elastic material, for example rubber.
One edge of the flexible element 15 is positioned near the axial locking 6, from which the element extends forward towards the coupling mechanism 4, growing in diameter as it extends, the growth being stronger than the downward sloping of the surface 19. The upper sur-face of the flexible element 15 is thereby formed to slope upwards from the axial locking 6 toward the cou-pling mechanism 4.
The front section of the sole of the boot 1 which is coupled to the ski binding comprises the toe section 7 and the ball section 8. The toe section 7 of the sole is bent somewhat upward, such that it is par-allel to the upper surface of the flexible element 15 and rests against it, whereas the ball section 8 is parallel to the soleplate 3 of the binding. A trans-verse rotation axis 5 is coupled to the area between the toe section and the ball section on the sole of the ski boot, which axis can be pressed and locked in the corresponding groove in the axial locking 6. The locking can be released by means of a press or a lever, not shown in the figure in any detail, provided in the coupling mechanism 4.
The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot in accordance with the invention increases, dur-ing the kick phase, in both skate and classic styles, the production of force to the rotation point, because the leverage of the toe section directs the force to the right direction, i.e. more downward. This improves the production and direction of force, and the maneu-verability and control of the ski, compared to the prior art.
During skiing, the toe section 7 of the sole in front of the rotation axis 5 reacts to the elastic-ity of the flexible element 15, applying the moment of force, which results from the distance between the ro-tation axis and the tip of the boot, to the ski. A
kick. in classic skiing is thus applied downward, pressing the central area of the ski to the ground and resulting in a mechanical grip. The increased force caused by the moment improves the ski grip and pro-vides the grip to the kick at an earlier phase. In skate style, the construction provides an advancing kick, furthering the sliding of the ski for example on the flat and during climbing. At the same time, the increased contact surface area between the boot and the binding provides a better control to different phases of skiing in all horizontal and vertical direc-tions.
Fig. 4 represents an embodiment of the inven-tion in which the substantially free space under the toe section of the ski boot is formed solely on the soleplate 3 of the ski binding by shaping it to evenly slope down and forward, from the axial locking 6 to the coupling mechanism 4 of the binding. It this case, the toe section and the ball section of the sole of the boot are straight and parallel with each other.
Fig. 5 represents an embodiment of the inven-tion in which the substantially free space under the toe section of the ski boot is formed as in Fig. 4 on the soleplate 3 of the ski binding by shaping it to slope down and forward from the axial locking 6, but here also the toe section of the sole of the boot is shaped to slope slightly upward toward the tip of the boot. However, the shape of the soleplate forms, in this embodiment as well, the most significant space for the movement of the tip of the boot.
Fig. 6 represents an embodiment of the inven-tion in which the substantially free space 13 under the toe section of the ski boot has a horizontal bot-tom. In this case, the toe section of the sole of the ski boot is straight and substantially parallel to the other sections of the sole.
Fig. 4 represents an embodiment of the inven-tion in which the substantially free space under the toe section of the ski boot is formed solely on the soleplate 3 of the ski binding by shaping it to evenly slope down and forward, from the axial locking 6 to the coupling mechanism 4 of the binding. It this case, the toe section and the ball section of the sole of the boot are straight and parallel with each other.
Fig. 5 represents an embodiment of the inven-tion in which the substantially free space under the toe section of the ski boot is formed as in Fig. 4 on the soleplate 3 of the ski binding by shaping it to slope down and forward from the axial locking 6, but here also the toe section of the sole of the boot is shaped to slope slightly upward toward the tip of the boot. However, the shape of the soleplate forms, in this embodiment as well, the most significant space for the movement of the tip of the boot.
Fig. 6 represents an embodiment of the inven-tion in which the substantially free space 13 under the toe section of the ski boot has a horizontal bot-tom. In this case, the toe section of the sole of the ski boot is straight and substantially parallel to the other sections of the sole.
Fig. 7 represents an embodiment of the inven-tion in which the substantially free space 21 is formed on the ski 2. The wedge-shaped space 21 which slopes down and forward on the ski, together with the slight upward bending of the toe section of the sole of the boot, form a space which opens and extends for-ward from the coupling point of the sole of the boot, in which space the tip of the boot, i.e. the toe sec-tion, is able to bend during the kick phase when ski-ing.. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism 4 is coupled to the ski and is part of the ski, so that the axial locking at the back edge of the wedge-shaped space 21 are connected to the coupling mechanism 4 via the ski construction. Flexible elements of different materials and different shapes can be used in this em-bodiment as well to provide the desired bending prop-erties to the boot.
Fig. 1 represents the embodiment in which the wedge-shaped space is open and empty. In Fig. 3, the wedge-shaped space is completely filled with the elas-tic flexible element 15. In Fig. 4, the elastic flexi-ble element 16 extends, as an evenly wide construc-tion, laterally throughout the entire wedge-shaped space 12, but along the length of the ski only to the central area of the wedge-shaped space. In the embodi-ment of Fig. 5, the flexible element 16 extends from the tip of the wedge-shaped space 14, i.e. from the rotation axis, approximately to the mid point of the length of the wedge-shaped space along the length of the ski. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the flexible element 16 is positioned in the center of the wedge-shaped space 13 as in Fig. 4, but here the flexible element tapers upwards so that the flexible properties thereof can be adjusted as desired.
Figs. 8 and 9 represent measurement results of a comparison between bindings in accordance with the prior art and the binding in accordance with the invention in skate style, Fig. 8, and in classic style, Fig. 9. The curves indicate the force applied to the grip zone of the ski during the kick phase, i.e. when a grip is needed, as a function of time. The lower curve, or the dark area, in the figures repre-sents the traditional binding, and the upper curve represents the solution in accordance with the inven-tion.
As can be seen from Fig. 8, in free style skiing, the force used for a kick, which lasts for about one second, increases toward the end of the kick. For the first half of the second, the forces are nearly equal, but during the latter half of the kick, the boot in the traditional binding begins to bend just about its tip, so that it becomes difficult to increase the force. However, in the binding in accor-dance with the invention, the toe section bends in front of and below the rotation axis during the final phase of the kick, so that the kick force applied to the ski increases significantly faster, becomes sig-nificantly stronger and lasts significantly longer than with traditional bindings.
According to Fig. 9, in classic skiing style the kick forces applied to the ski are equal for only about 1/3 of the total length of the kick. After this, the flexible part in front of the boot in traditional bindings unexpectedly causes, as the boot starts to bend and the flexible part starts to compress, an in-stantaneous decrease in the kick force, after which it starts to rise again and reaches its maximum value at about 0,7 seconds, descending steadily thereafter at the end of the kick. The invention, however, does not produce any kind of temporary decrease in the kick force; instead the kick force increases relatively linearly to reach the maximum level which is about 20%
greater than with the prior art, and descends rapidly only after about 0,85 seconds.
The figures show clearly that with the bind-ing construction in accordance with the invention, the kick force is, at least for about half of the kick du-ration, significantly greater, and for about 1/3 of 5 the kick duration at a higher level than the rela-tively narrow peak that can be reached at the maximum with the traditional binding. In addition, a relevant and unexpected feature in the invention is that the results described above can be obtained both in racing 10 and in relaxing recreational skiing, without any spe-cific measures or any effort to learn anything, be-cause the inventive binding construction and the func-tioning thereof are based on the natural anatomy and functioning of the foot.
Fig. 1 represents the embodiment in which the wedge-shaped space is open and empty. In Fig. 3, the wedge-shaped space is completely filled with the elas-tic flexible element 15. In Fig. 4, the elastic flexi-ble element 16 extends, as an evenly wide construc-tion, laterally throughout the entire wedge-shaped space 12, but along the length of the ski only to the central area of the wedge-shaped space. In the embodi-ment of Fig. 5, the flexible element 16 extends from the tip of the wedge-shaped space 14, i.e. from the rotation axis, approximately to the mid point of the length of the wedge-shaped space along the length of the ski. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the flexible element 16 is positioned in the center of the wedge-shaped space 13 as in Fig. 4, but here the flexible element tapers upwards so that the flexible properties thereof can be adjusted as desired.
Figs. 8 and 9 represent measurement results of a comparison between bindings in accordance with the prior art and the binding in accordance with the invention in skate style, Fig. 8, and in classic style, Fig. 9. The curves indicate the force applied to the grip zone of the ski during the kick phase, i.e. when a grip is needed, as a function of time. The lower curve, or the dark area, in the figures repre-sents the traditional binding, and the upper curve represents the solution in accordance with the inven-tion.
As can be seen from Fig. 8, in free style skiing, the force used for a kick, which lasts for about one second, increases toward the end of the kick. For the first half of the second, the forces are nearly equal, but during the latter half of the kick, the boot in the traditional binding begins to bend just about its tip, so that it becomes difficult to increase the force. However, in the binding in accor-dance with the invention, the toe section bends in front of and below the rotation axis during the final phase of the kick, so that the kick force applied to the ski increases significantly faster, becomes sig-nificantly stronger and lasts significantly longer than with traditional bindings.
According to Fig. 9, in classic skiing style the kick forces applied to the ski are equal for only about 1/3 of the total length of the kick. After this, the flexible part in front of the boot in traditional bindings unexpectedly causes, as the boot starts to bend and the flexible part starts to compress, an in-stantaneous decrease in the kick force, after which it starts to rise again and reaches its maximum value at about 0,7 seconds, descending steadily thereafter at the end of the kick. The invention, however, does not produce any kind of temporary decrease in the kick force; instead the kick force increases relatively linearly to reach the maximum level which is about 20%
greater than with the prior art, and descends rapidly only after about 0,85 seconds.
The figures show clearly that with the bind-ing construction in accordance with the invention, the kick force is, at least for about half of the kick du-ration, significantly greater, and for about 1/3 of 5 the kick duration at a higher level than the rela-tively narrow peak that can be reached at the maximum with the traditional binding. In addition, a relevant and unexpected feature in the invention is that the results described above can be obtained both in racing 10 and in relaxing recreational skiing, without any spe-cific measures or any effort to learn anything, be-cause the inventive binding construction and the func-tioning thereof are based on the natural anatomy and functioning of the foot.
15 The invention is not limited merely to the examples of its embodiments referred to above; instead many variations are possible within the scope defined by the claims.
Claims (13)
1. A construction for a ski binding and a ski boot for coupling a ski boot (1) at its front section to a ski (2), and allowing the lifting of the heel section of the ski boot from the ski, which ski bind-ing comprises a coupling mechanism (4) for coupling the ski boot to the binding, and which ski boot com-prises a transverse rotation axis (5), coupled to the sole of the boot and positioned perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the sole, which rotation axis can be used for coupling, by means of the cou-pling mechanism, the ski boot to an axial locking (6) provided on the ski, the sole of the ski boot compris-ing a toe section (7), a ball section (8), an arched section (9) and a heel section (10 ), character-ized in that the rotation axis (5) is coupled to the sole of the boot such that the toe section (7) is positioned in front of the rotation axis, and in that the area under the toe section (7) of the sole and be-low the horizontal plane defined by the rotation axis (5) comprises a substantially free space (11) in which the toe section of the sole is able to bend down as the boot is bent about the rotation axis when lifting the heel section (10) from the ski.
2. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to claim 1 , characterized in that the ski binding comprises a soleplate (3), and in that the substantially free space (11,12) is formed by a recess formed on the soleplate.
3. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the substantially free space (11,14) is formed partly by the shape of the soleplate and partly by the shape of the toe section of the sole of the boot.
4. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to claim 1 , characterized in that the substantially free space (21) is formed by a recess formed on the ski (2).
5. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to claim 1 , characterized in that the substantially free space (11,14) is formed partly by the shape of the ski and partly by the shape of the toe section of the sole of the boot.
6. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to any one of claims 1-5, char-acterized in that the rotation axis (5) is posi-tioned 20-80mm, preferably 30-60mm, for example about 40-50mm backward from the front tip of the ski boot.
7. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to any one of claims 1-6, char-acterized in that the rotation axis (5) is posi-tioned under the first joint of the hallux of the skier's foot.
8. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to any one of claims 1-7, char-acterized in that the substantially free space (11) comprises an elastic flexible element (15,16).
9. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to claim 8 , characterized in that the flexible element (15) fills the entire space.
10. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to claim 8 , characterized in that the flexible element (16) covers only a portion of the space volume.
11. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to any one of claims 1-11, char-acterized in that the substantially free space is wedge-shaped and in that the height of said space increases forward.
12. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that the ski binding com-prises several interchangeable flexible elements with different elastic properties.
13. The construction for a ski binding and a ski boot according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the soleplate (3) com-prises one or more guiding ridges (17) in the longitu-dinal direction of the ski (2), which ridges extend backwards from the axial locking (6).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FI2007/000127 WO2008139019A1 (en) | 2007-05-09 | 2007-05-09 | Construction for a ski binding and a ski boot |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2685885A1 true CA2685885A1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
Family
ID=40001728
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002685885A Abandoned CA2685885A1 (en) | 2007-05-09 | 2007-05-09 | Construction for a ski binding and a ski boot |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20100287794A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2146788A4 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2685885A1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO20093479L (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008139019A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9370220B2 (en) | 2011-08-05 | 2016-06-21 | Peter Slingluff | Boot with modified orientation in toe region |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2522512A1 (en) * | 1982-03-05 | 1983-09-09 | Look Sa | SET FOR BACKGROUND SKI |
| DE3306618A1 (en) * | 1983-02-25 | 1984-08-30 | Josef 7550 Rastatt Klagmann | METHOD FOR MAKING A SKIING SHOE |
| IT1189885B (en) * | 1986-06-20 | 1988-02-10 | Olivieri Icaro & C | TOE FOR SHOES FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING |
| DE3915531A1 (en) * | 1988-07-13 | 1990-01-18 | Salomon Sa | Cross-country ski binding |
| FR2634131B1 (en) * | 1988-07-13 | 1990-04-27 | Salomon Sa | FOOTWEAR AND SOLE, ESPECIALLY FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING |
| DE4010929A1 (en) * | 1990-04-04 | 1991-10-10 | Walter Dekanovsky | CROSS-COUNTRY SKI BINDING |
| DE4343485C1 (en) * | 1993-09-14 | 1995-03-30 | Rottefella As | Arrangement of a cross-country ski binding |
| FR2741543A1 (en) * | 1995-11-27 | 1997-05-30 | Bibollet Jean Claude | Binding for cross country ski boot with axle |
| DE19809729A1 (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 1999-09-09 | Rottefella As | Cross-country or touring ski binding |
| AT410902B (en) * | 1998-11-12 | 2003-08-25 | Atomic Austria Gmbh | PIVOTABLE CONNECTING DEVICE FOR ARRANGING BETWEEN A SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND A FOOT OF A USER, AND SHOE AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT THEREFOR |
| WO2000030722A1 (en) * | 1998-11-26 | 2000-06-02 | Salomon S.A. | Support wedge device for fixing snowboards |
| US6986526B2 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2006-01-17 | Rottefella A/S | Arrangement comprising a ski binding and a ski boot |
| US6371506B1 (en) * | 2000-08-04 | 2002-04-16 | Denicola James A. | Wedge-shaped shims for free heel skis |
-
2007
- 2007-05-09 CA CA002685885A patent/CA2685885A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-05-09 WO PCT/FI2007/000127 patent/WO2008139019A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-05-09 US US12/599,420 patent/US20100287794A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-05-09 EP EP07730596.9A patent/EP2146788A4/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2009
- 2009-12-07 NO NO20093479A patent/NO20093479L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20100287794A1 (en) | 2010-11-18 |
| EP2146788A4 (en) | 2013-10-16 |
| EP2146788A1 (en) | 2010-01-27 |
| NO20093479L (en) | 2009-12-07 |
| WO2008139019A1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20141127 |