CH660976A5 - SECURITY FIXING FOR SKIING. - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a safety binding, intended to detachably hold a boot relative to a ski. It relates more particularly to a binding of the so-called “swivel plate” type on which the ski boot is retained.

We already know many devices of the traditional type and according to which the boot is held on the ski by a front stop and a rear heel. These devices are very widespread today but nevertheless have a number of drawbacks. Let us note for example the lack of reliability and the low resistance to lateral shocks as well as the modifications of the triggering efforts according to the quality or the condition of the shoe soles.

To overcome these drawbacks, the manufacturers have sought other embodiments and have developed devices of the type known as “with pivoting plate” and in which the boot is held on the ski by means of a plate which is movable in rotation around a pivot fixed to the ski. According to certain embodiments, the plate does not leave the ski and it is the boot alone which is released while, according to other embodiments, the boot remains associated with the plate and the assembly is released.

We can cite for example that described in French Patent No. 2,279,433 and in which the plate is connected to the ski so as to be able to pivot and comprises, at its front end, a non-triggerable retaining element for the front end of the shoe and, at its rear end, a triggering retaining element for the heel. This type of embodiment is particularly complex and the release of the shoe in torsion is done only at the rear of the shoe, which has a serious drawback. In addition, the ratio between the vertical release force and the lateral release force is chosen initially by the manufacturer and it is not necessarily valid for all skiers.

Also known is the device described in French Patent No. 2,198,762 and which also comprises a pivoting plate comprising a fixed retaining element for holding the front of the shoe and another unlockable element for retaining the heel of said shoe. It is then the plate which is released and leaves the ski with the boot, which requires the skier to have to put the plate back in the locked position on the ski, and therefore to have to raise the pivot. This operation is sometimes very difficult, especially in powder snow or on a steep slope.

We also know the plate described in French Patent No. 2,305,208 which includes a particularly complex mechanism, therefore expensive, unreliable and sensitive to environmental conditions (mud, ice, etc.).

The present invention proposes to remedy the drawbacks of the systems of the “swivel plate” type previously mentioned. To do this, the safety binding according to the invention has the characteristics set out in claim 1.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings which are given only by way of nonlimiting examples.

Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment.

Figure 1 is a side view in partial section.

Figure 2 is a top view in partial section in the centered position.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a phase of torsional triggering.

Figure 4 is a top view in a phase of return to the centered position.

Figures 5 and 5a show a variant.

Figure 5 is a partial side view.

Figure 5a is a partial top view.

Figures 6 and 6a show a variant of the connection.

Figure 6 is a partial side view in partial longitudinal section.

FIG. 6a is a partial top view with partial section of FIG. 6.

Figure 7 is a partial side view showing a variant concerning the rear retaining means.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing a variant.

Figure 9 is a schematic view showing a variant for the retention against the lifting of the plate.

Figure 10 is a schematic top view of a variant.

Figure 11 is a side elevational view with partial section of a first embodiment of this improvement.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the device in FIG. 11.

Figure 13 is a side elevational view with partial section of a second embodiment of the improvement.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the device in FIG. 13.

Figure 15 is a partial sectional view along a-a of the figure

13.

Figure 16 is a side elevational view with partial section of a third embodiment of the improvement.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the device in FIG. 16.

Figure 18 is a partial sectional view along a-a of the figure

16.

Figure 19 is a side elevational view in partial section of another embodiment of the improvement.

Figure 20 is a plan view of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a plan view of Figure 19 during lateral release.

Figure 22 is a plan view with partial section of yet another embodiment.

Figure 23 is a side elevational view in partial section of yet another embodiment.

Figure 24 is a plan view of Figure 23.

The binding according to the first embodiment comprises a plate 1 pivotally mounted on the ski 2 around a vertical axis YY 'materialized by a pivot 3, fixed to the ski by screws, retaining means 4 and 5. The first means retaining 4 are intended to retain the front 6 of the boot 7 while the second retaining means 5 are intended to retain the rear part 8 thereof.

According to one of the characteristics, the first retaining means 4 are connected directly to the ski in front of the plate 1 and at a certain distance therefrom, while the second retaining means 5 are arranged on the rear part of the plate 1 .

The first retaining means 4 comprise a jaw 11 movable at least laterally along F! and F2 against the action of an elastic biasing system 10. Such retaining means are well known per se. They may for example be of the type claimed in French patent application No. 81.22577. We will therefore not describe them in detail, but remember that they include a jaw 11 extended by a body 12 to form a pivoting assembly 13 which pivots relative to a support piece 14 fixed to the ski by screws. The pivoting of the assembly 13 takes place against the action of the elastic system 10 comprising a movable member or piston 15 biased by a spring 16 bearing on an adjustment plug 17. On the other hand, the front stop may include a screw 51 for height adjustment. The plate 1 is pivotally mounted around a pivot 3 which comprises a lower part 18 of swivel-ing and a circular shoulder 19 ensuring the vertical retention of said plate. As we said previously, the second retaining means 5 can for example be of the type described in French patent No. 2,258,876. These include an articulated assembly 20 constituted by a jaw 21 extended by a body 22 extending upward and containing an elastic system 23. The articulated assembly 20 is pivotally mounted around an axis 24 carried at the end two lateral arms 25 'and 25 "which are themselves articulated around the transverse axes 26' and 26" aligned and carried by vertically folded side parts 27 'and 27 "integral with the plate 1. Said assembly 20 is of a part movable around the axis 24 along F3 to release the shoe vertically and, on the other hand, being mounted on the rear part of the plate,

movable in rotation along F4 and Fs with it around the axis verti5

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cal YY ', as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. According to the invention, the device comprises connecting means 28 connecting the first retaining means 4 to the front end 29 of the plate 1. The connecting means 28 are constituted by a system of links 30 and 31 articulated together around a transverse axis 32, the front part of the link 31 being arranged articulated with respect to the lower part 33 of the jaw 11 around a transverse axis 34 The rear part of the link 30 comprises a longitudinal slot 35 extending inside a housing 36 produced inside the front end 29 of the plate 1. The housing 36 widens and opens out towards the front to allow pivoting of the rod 30 therein. Indeed, an axis 37, integral with the plate, passes through the light 35 to allow a displacement in rotation and in translation of the link 30. The system of articulated links 30 and 31 makes it possible to be able to modify the vertical position of the jaw 11, for example during a height adjustment by manipulation of the wash 51.

Figure 3 shows a phase of torsional triggering. It can be seen that the plate 1 and the rear retainer 5 pivot together around the axis YY ', while the front retainer pivots laterally along Fj to release the shoe. Of course, the vertical release of said shoe 7 is effected by pivoting of the assembly 20 around the axis 24 along F3.

FIG. 4 represents the fixing in a phase of return to the centered position of the assembly, after tripping. The jaw 11, being urged by the elastic system 10 in its centered position, carries with it the plate 1 via the connecting means 28. Thus, after lateral release, the whole assembly is returned to the centered position according to the axis XX '.

The front retaining means 4 can be of all types and for example of the type described in French patents No. 2,314,742, No. 2,334,382, No. 2,420,359, No. 2,458,299 and the addition No. 83.748, or in European application 0025747.

The rear retaining means 5 can be of all types and for example like those described in French patent application No. 2,502,019, French patent No. 2,263,796.

In the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 4, it is noted that the vertical axis YY 'is located at the level of the axes 26' and 26 ". However, it can be otherwise and in particular as shown in FIG. 5 and according to which the pivot axis YY 'is advanced relative to the axes 26' and 26 ". Under these conditions, the rear part 38 of the plate 1 is retained against lifting by an element 39 fixed to the ski. This element includes an upper edge 40 providing a space 41 opening laterally and under which is engaged the rear of the plate which can pivot without lifting (fig. 5a)

• Figures 6 and 6a show an alternative embodiment of the connecting means 28 according to which the lower jaw portion 11 comprises a projection 42 extending downward and inside a lumen 43 formed at the front end Plate 29.

The rear retaining means 5 described above are of the type with tie rods or lateral arms 25 ′ and 25 ", but they could be of any type and in particular of the type known as" heel piece "5 ', as shown in FIG. 7. It may for example be in accordance with that described in French Patent No. 2,338,060 and which comprises a jaw 21 'pivoting about an axis 24' relative to a body 22 'connected to the rear part of the plate 1. The jaw 21 'is urged into the retaining position by an elastic system 23 housed in the body 22' and a lever 44 allows voluntary release, the rear part of the plate is held against lifting by an element 39 identical to that described opposite Advantageously, the plate 1 is, at its front end 29, supported on an anti-friction plate 50 (fig. 1, 3, 4). This plate is fixed to the ski, for example by gluing, and is in material with low coefficient of friction. friction 50 which can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, friction is controlled and is constant, whatever the type of shoes used. Said shoe 7, being movable with the pivoting plate 1, can therefore have a rubber sole promoting walking without the skis.

FIG. 8 shows a variant of connection 28 according to which the front end 29 of the plate comprises a projection 46 engaging in a slot 45 of the front retaining means 4 ".

FIG. 9 represents a variant according to which the pivot 3 ′ s does not provide the upward retention of the plate. This retention is ensured by two elements 39 fixed at each end.

FIG. 10 shows a variant according to which the front end 29 of the plate 1 extends forwards beyond the front retaining means 4. In this case, the plate includes a light 52 for per-io put the passage of the elements fixed to the ski of the retaining means 14, while allowing the plate 1 to pivot.

As just described, the invention can benefit from improvements.

Indeed, when the middle of the ski is subjected to a significant downward bending, for example between two bumps, this bending tends to bring together the front retaining means and the rear retaining means and therefore to compress the sole of the shoe. This sole being rigid opposes this approximation and therefore opposes the flexing of the ski, so that the flexibility of the latter is reduced. In addition, this effort of approximation of the front and rear retaining means acts on the retaining devices and can cause an increase in the efforts to open the binding.

This drawback can be eliminated by sliding either the front retaining means or the rear retaining means.

Figures 11 and 12 show a first embodiment of the improvement, the same elements as those described above bearing the same references.

Referring to these two figures, it can be seen that the pivot 3 is arranged inside an oblong window 53 whose width is equal to the diameter of the swiveling part 18 of the pivot 3 and whose length is approximately double its width. This oblong window 53 has a rim 53a which is slightly wider than the circular shoulder 19, said circular shoulder 19 bearing on this rim 53a so that the plate 1 can slide relative to the pivot 3 without being able to raise.

As before, the plate 1 is connected to the front retaining means 4 by connection means 28. However, according to this embodiment, this connection is simply produced by a rod 30 40 secured to the retaining means 4 and articulated to the plate 1 by a vertical axis 37. A housing 36 allows the rod 30 to be angularly struggled relative to the plate 1.

When triggered in torsion, the retaining means 4 pivot, for example anticlockwise. 45 shows, around their support piece 14, against the action of the elastic biasing system 15, 16, while the plate 1, which carries the rear retaining means 5, pivots in the opposite direction. During this movement, the plate 1 slides slightly forward with respect to the pivot 3 while being held by the shoulder 19. 50 The triggering and the gear in the centered position therefore operate in a manner practically similar to what has been described in relation to Figures 1 to 4 above, the only difference being that it is no longer the axis 37 which moves in the light 35, but the pivot 3 itself which moves in the oblong window 53. This disposi-55 tion on the other hand has the advantage that the safety binding no longer prevents flexing of the ski. In fact, in the event of bending, the pivot 3 can slide freely in said window 53.

Figures 13,14 and 15 show a second embodiment which is somewhat the reverse of the previous one because, in this 60 case, it is no longer the plate 1, carrying the rear retaining means, which slides, but these are the front retaining means 4.

According to this second embodiment, the front retaining means 4 are no longer screwed onto the ski, but are slidably mounted in a slide 54, which is fixed to the ski. To this end, the support piece 65 is integral with a sole 55 which engages under the two folded edges 56 of the slide 54.

The operation is very similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment: when triggered in torsion, the means of

retainer 4 pivot, for example in the anticlockwise direction, around the support piece 4, while the plate 1, which carries the rear retaining means 5, pivots in the opposite direction. During this movement, it is the front retaining means 4 which slide slightly backwards in the slide 54 (and not the plate 1).

As in the previous examples, it is the elastic biasing system 15, 16 of the front retaining means 4 which brings the various elements back to the position centered on the axis XX '.

This arrangement also makes it possible, by making the plate 1 in two parts la and lb connected by two tie rods le of adjustable length, to adapt the safety binding to ski boots 7 of different sizes.

Figures 16 and 18 show a third embodiment in which it is again the plate 1 which slides, as in the first embodiment, but along a slide, as in the second embodiment.

According to this third embodiment, the plate 1, which carries the rear retaining means 5, is connected by the pivot 3 to a sole 57 which slides between the two lateral edges 58 of a slide 59 fixed to the ski. As shown, the swiveling part 18 of the pivot 3 can advantageously be one piece with the sole 57.

The operation is identical to that described in FIGS. 11 to 13, except that the sliding of the plate 1 is done by means of the slide 59 and that therefore the pivot 3 also slides.

As in all the previous examples, the moving parts are brought back to the centered position by the elastic biasing system 15, 16 of the front retaining means 4.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 16, a shim 60 is placed under the retaining means 4 to compensate for the thickness of the rear part and thus ensure a good position for the shoe.

Of course, anti-friction pads are provided between the plate and the ski, to facilitate its rotation and make the releases more reliable.

The sliding connection can also be obtained by making the pivoting plate in two parts which can slide relative to each other, the rear part of the plate being pivotally mounted on the ski without being able to move longitudinally, the front part being slidably mounted on the rear part.

It can be seen that the plate 1 is pivotally mounted on the ski 2 via the pivot 3. This plate has a rear part 1a and a front part 1b, these two parts being connected to each other by two tie rods or stems it.

The two rods are attached to the front part 1b, so that they cannot slide along their longitudinal axes, while at their other end they can slide freely in the bores Id formed in the rear part 1a of the plate. 1.

As described above, the front part 1b of the

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plate 1 is connected to the front stop 4 by means of a connecting rod 30 articulated on a pivot 37 secured to the front part lb.

When triggered (Figure 21), the rear part of the plate 1 pivots around the axis YY 'of the pivot 3, while the front stop pivots around the part 14 against the spring 16 which tends to hold it , then bring it back to the position centered on the axis XX '. The connection between the front stop 4 and the front part 1b of the plate is not sliding, it is the two parts 1a and 1b which slide relative to one another.

FIG. 22 shows a variant in which the rods are fixed to the rear part 1a and slide in the bores 1d which are located in the front part 1b of the pivoting plate 1.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show yet another embodiment in which the rear part 1 a has a rectangular recess lf in which a tongue slides in friction with it secured to the front part 1b.

The operation is identical.

Obviously, the parts can be reversed, the tongue being integral with the rear part la and the recess lf being formed in the front part 1b.

In the foregoing, the coupling of the front stop and the pivoting plate improve the functioning of the safety attachment in the event of torsion of the leg.

This arrangement also fulfills a second function which is to facilitate the opening of the front stop in the event of a fall both forwards and in torsion.

Indeed, in the example shown in Figures 11, 12 and 16 to 18, the front stop is of the type described in patent FR 78/08 342, that is to say comprising a fixed support piece, integral of the ski, having on its front face two axes located symmetrically on either side of the support piece. With a front stop of this type, coupled to a pivoting plate 1 by a link 30 and a lug 37, said pivoting plate 1 carrying the rear heel piece 5, when the skier falls forward, the pivoting force of the shoe with heel lift causes traction towards the rear of the plate 1. This traction force towards the rear also exerts, by means of the lug 37, a traction force on the movable part of the stop front 4. As this tensile force is exerted in the plane of symmetry of the support piece, while the pivot axes are offset laterally relative to this plane of symmetry, this results in the appearance of a torque which tends to rotate the stopper. Consequently, during a fall both forwards and in torsion, the rotation of the stop is facilitated, which reduces the risk of accident, this kind of fall being particularly dangerous.

The front stop could also be of the type described in French patents FR 2,314,742, FR 2,385,418, FR 2,424,037 without departing from the scope of the invention. Indeed, these stops are of the compensation type and a pulling by the plate towards the rear on the jaw causes the latter to tilt and there is therefore a decrease in the resistance to pivoting due to the elastic system.

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12 sheets of drawings

Claims (23)

660976 2 1. Safety binding for releasably retaining a boot on a ski, comprising on the one hand a pivoting plate (1) relative to a ski around an axis (YY ') substantially vertical and, on the other hand, first and second retaining means intended to retain the front and rear part of the boot, characterized in that the first retaining means (4, 4 ′, 4 ") are arranged on the ski and comprise a first jaw (11 ) movable at least laterally against the action of an elastic system (13) and that the second retaining means (5, 5 ') are fixed on the plate (1) at its rear part (38) and include a second jaw (21, 21 ') intended to releasably release the rear of the shoe, said second jaw being movable at least vertically against the action of an elastic system (23, 23'), said first retaining means (4 , 4 ') being non-triggerable connected to the front end (29) of the plate (1) by means d e link and transmission (28) so that after tripping, the return to the centered position of the first jaw also ensures the return to the centered position of the plate comprising the second retaining means. 2. Safety binding according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis (YY ') is materialized by a pivot (3) fixed to the ski. 3. Safety binding according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivoting plate (1) is retained against the lifting. 4. Safety binding according to claim 3, characterized in that the retention against the uplift is provided by a shoulder (19) made at the upper part of the pivot (3). 5. Safety binding according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivoting plate (1) is retained against lifting by an element (39) fixed to the ski and comprising an upper flange (40) projecting above the 'one end of the plate, and forming a housing (41) opening laterally to allow pivoting of said plate. 6. Safety binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (28) connect the lower part (33) of the first jaw to the front end (29) of the pivoting plate ( 1). 7. Safety binding according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting means (28) comprise at least one light (35,43,45) cooperating with a projection (37,42,46). 8. Safety binding according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower part of the first jaw (11) comprises a projection (42) extending towards the ski surface in a longitudinal lumen (43) formed at the part front of the swivel plate (1). 9. Safety binding according to claim 7, characterized in that the front end of the pivoting plate (1) comprises a projection (46) extending upwards and cooperating with a housing (45) produced in the first jaw (11). 10. Safety binding according to claim 7, characterized in that the light (35) is formed on a link (30) connected to the jaw (11) of the first retaining means (4), said light cooperating with an axis (37) secured to the front end of the plate. 11. Safety binding according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting means (28) consist of two rods (30,31) connected together by a transverse hinge pin (32), the free end of the first link (30) comprising a light (35) cooperating with an axis (37) integral with the front of the plate (1), while the free end of the second link (31) is articulated relative to the jaw (11) of the first retaining means, around a transverse axis (34). 12. Safety binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jaw (11) of the first retaining means (4) is movable relative to a support piece (14) fixed to the ski. 13. Safety binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second retaining means (5) fixed on the rear of the pivoting plate (1) comprise a jaw (21) pivotally mounted around an axis (24), arranged at one end of two lateral arms (25 'and 25 "), while these are articulated on the plate by their other end 5 around an axis (26', 26 ") transverse. 14. Safety binding according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second retaining means (5 ') comprise a jaw (21') articulated on a body (22 ') fixed on the rear part of the pivoting plate (1). io 15. Safety binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first retaining means (4, 4 ', 4 ") are connected to the ski in front of the front end (29) of the plate ( 1). 16. Safety binding according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 12 to 15, characterized in that either the plate (1) connected to the pivot (3) and carrying the rear retaining means (5), or the front retaining means (4) are arranged so that they can slide longitudinally relative to the ski (2). 17. Safety binding according to claim 16, characterized in that the pivoting plate (1) carrying the rear retaining means (5) is connected to the pivot (3), itself fixed to the ski (2) by the 'through an oblong window (53), so that said plate (1) can slide relative to the pivot (3) without lifting. 18. Safety binding according to claim 17, characterized in that the pivot (3) comprises a swiveling part (18) having a diameter equal to that of the width of the oblong window (53) and a circular shoulder (19) bearing on the lateral edges (53a) of said oblong window (53). 19. Safety binding according to claim 16, characterized in that the pivoting plate (1) is pivotally mounted around the pivot (3) without being able to slide, the front retaining means (4) being carried by a slide (54) so that it can slide longitudinally. 20. Safety binding according to claim 16, characterized in that the pivoting plate (1) is pivotally mounted around the pivot (3) relative to which it cannot slide, said pivot (3) being carried by a sole (57) which can slide longitudinally in a slide (59) fixed to the ski (2). 21. Safety binding according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the pivoting part of the front retaining means (4) is connected to the pivoting plate (1) by connecting means ( 28) constituted by a connecting rod (30) articulated to an axis (37) located at the front of said pivoting plate. 22. Safety binding according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and 12 to 15, characterized in that the pivoting plate (1) is made up of two parts (la, lb) which are joined together so that they can slide relative to each other. 23. Safety binding according to claim 22, characterized in that the rear part (la) of the pivoting plate (1) is 50 rotatably mounted around the pivot (3) without being able to slide and is connected to the front part (lb) by two parallel rods (le) which slide in bores (ld) formed either in the rear part (la) or in the front part (lb). 24. Safety binding according to claim 22, characterized 55 in that the rear part (la) of the pivoting plate (1) is rotatably mounted around the pivot (3) without being able to slide and is connected to the front part ( lb) by a rectangular tongue (le) sliding in a housing (lf) of corresponding shape formed either in the rear part (la) or in the front part (lb). 60 25. Safety binding according to claim 21, characterized in that the upward pivoting of the shoe (7) with lifting of the heel causes rearward traction on the plate (1) and, via of the connecting rod (30) and of the axis (37), a tensile force on the movable part of the stop located in the plane 65 of symmetry of said stop, so that this causes the appearance of a torque favoring the rotation of the stop when a skier falls both in torsion and forward. 3 660,976