EP0393383B1 - Sole plate - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sole support device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a device is disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,845,965 (see in particular Fig. 2). However, in this known solution, the tape is only guided in the lateral grooves of a plate-shaped support body. Although this device fulfills the task of reducing the friction between the sole of the shoe and the supporting body, it has the disadvantage that the tape, which is thicker than the height of the side shelves (see Fig. 4 of this document), when the skier enters with the ski shoe is pushed forward into the bond and is thereby deformed.

A similar embodiment is disclosed in FIG. 5, AT-PS 302.129. In this embodiment, the endless belt is guided on rollers, the axes of which were mounted in lateral bearing blocks. When entering with the ski boot, deformation of the band was not excluded even with this solution.

This is also the case with the device according to AT-PS 311.231, in which the position of the band in the longitudinal direction of the ski is defined only by the cranking of the supporting body.

DE-OS 27 16 431 shows in Figures 6, 7 and 9 a ski binding in which a sole support device is formed by a plurality of rollers which are mounted in a holding part which can be detached from the toe piece. The rear edge of each roll can be chamfered or rounded. However, it is also possible to provide the mounting part facing the rear end of the roller with a bevel.

In this embodiment, the friction between the ski boot and the ski is reduced in the event of a fall, but there is no uniform pressure distribution, as occurs in an endless belt.

Furthermore, a closed flat cushion is shown in US Pat. No. 3,448,990 in FIG. 5, in which a lubricant is housed and is attached to the top of the ski by means of an adhesive. The pillow is in the ball area of the ski boot. This pillow is intended to facilitate the release of the ski boot if the skier falls over. A measure to prevent the band from being deformed by stepping on with the ski boot cannot be taken from this publication either.

The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the known designs and to provide a sole support device which reliably prevents deformation of the endless belt when entering the binding with the ski boot.

Starting from a device according to the preamble of claim 1, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of this claim. Characterized in that the band is guided in a groove in such a way that the height of the edge of the upper run of the band is adapted to the boundary wall of the groove, a secure support of the shoe sole on the band is ensured without a deformation of the ski boot when entering Band would be feared.

The features of claim 2 characterize a particularly advantageous embodiment of the tape.

The measure of claim 3 prevents unintentional contact of the ski boot on the side rims even with weighty skiers.

The measure of claim 4 ensures in a simple manner a reliable, uniform tension of the tape, which extends over the entire width of the tape.

The subject matter of claim 5 enables a full support of the support body on the ski, whereby an effective protection of the sole support device against impacts in the direction of the ski tip is brought about.

By the measure of claim 6, the friction between the support body and the band is reduced.

The use of an insert body according to claim 7 facilitates the assembly of the device and prevents the ingress of snow and dirt in its installed state.

The subject of claim 9 has the advantage that stronger or weaker springs can be used for tensioning the band, e.g. can be selected depending on the weight of the skier.

The measure of claim 10 ensures a uniform pressure distribution of the leg spring in the region of the deflection points of the band.

The features of claims 11 to 13 prevent ice formation during operation between the lower run of the band and the top of the ski. This effect is achieved according to the features of claim 11 by the configuration of the top of the insert body and according to the features of claims 12 and 13 by a foam insert covered by a metal foil, the subject matter of claim 13 additionally covering the metal foil covering the foam pad while driving also allows longitudinal movements, through which the ice crystals are broken even more effectively.

The production of the band from two components, characterized in claim 14, ensures a high strength of the band transversely to the direction of the band running without reducing the coefficient of friction between the band and the underside of the ski shoe sole.

The measure of claim 15 reduces the crawling process of the band and consequently also improves the sealing of the band with respect to the carrier section of the support body during the journey. It is also possible to keep the strap free of tension during storage of the ski in the summer months - provided this storage takes place in warm storage rooms. The optional feature of this claim further facilitates the installation of the bimetal strip.

The measure of claim 16 increases the stability of the sole support device.

The features of claim 17 have the advantage that the production of special elements serving to deflect the belt is eliminated.

The subject matter of claim 18 prevents tensioning of the band or of the bimetallic strip even when the ski is exposed to strong sunlight.

By the measure of claim 19, a good sealing of the edges of the band against the carrier section of the support body is brought about on the one hand while the skier is traveling and on the other hand in the event of a frontal fall the circulation of the endless belt easier.

The subject matter of claim 20 ensures movement of the transverse axis for the angle lever in the vertical direction.

Due to the features of claim 21, the penetration of snow and dirt into the space under the support section of the support body is prevented.

The measure of claim 22 facilitates the pivoting of the end part in the event of a frontal fall of the skier.

The subject matter of claim 23, which relates to a variant of the last embodiment, makes it possible to keep the endless belt in a relaxed state even when the ski is or is parked in a storage room.

As such it would be possible to e.g. to act on the bridge of the spring via an intermediate piece. This solution would be unfavorable because of the friction that occurs when the screw and the intermediate piece are adjusted. By the measure characterized in claim 24, the friction is largely reduced.

The construction specified in claim 25 allows on the one hand a tight tension of the band during the journey and thus a good seal of the band edges with respect to the carrier section and on the other hand a reliable relaxation of the band when the ski is not used.

The subject of claim 26 reduces the friction of the band with respect to the carrier section.

The measure of claim 27 ensures a return of the band to its relaxed position even if the two levers were in the extended position or slightly below it during the journey.

The pivot angle between the two levers in the rest position is limited by the subject matter of claim 28.

The features of claim 29 allow some protection of the tape against icing and dirt while driving.

Due to the features of claim 30, the adhesion of the ice crystals that form in the space between the lower run of the band and the film is greatly reduced; they can therefore be pushed out of the intermediate space with less effort.

The measure of claim 31 enables a thin configuration of the film.

Sufficient flexibility of the plate is ensured by the subject matter of claim 32. The features of claim 33 also aim in this direction.

The measure of claim 34 ensures simple attachment of the plate or film.

The subject matter of claim 35 enables simpler manufacture of the unit formed from plate and film.

In a further embodiment, the features of claims 36 and 37 simplify the structure of the device consisting of film and strips.

The measure of claim 38 ensures reliable support of the film and strips within the device. The training according to claim 39 has proven to be particularly advantageous.

The subject matter of claim 40 results in further savings in the assembly of the device.

In the drawing, for example, embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are shown schematically. Fig. 1 is a vertical longitudinal central section through a first embodiment and Fig. 2 is an associated plan view, partly cut along the line II - II in Fig. 1. 3 and 4, a second embodiment is shown in the vertical longitudinal center section and in plan view. Figure 5 is a front view of part of the belt. Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal central section through a third Embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a cross section through the second device along the line VII - VII in Fig. 3.Fig. 8 shows a detail of FIG. 1 on a larger scale. FIG. 9 is a vertical longitudinal central section through a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a plan view of this embodiment, partially cut along the line X - X in FIG. 9. 11 shows a section along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment in a horizontal section similar to that of FIG. 10. Finally, FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c show the bimetal strip before it is installed, in the installed state and in the unloaded state. 14 is a vertical longitudinal central section through a sixth embodiment with the ski boot not inserted, and FIG. 14a shows a vertical longitudinal central section after a frontal fall of the skier. 15 is a section along the line XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIGS. 16 and 17 also show a seventh embodiment in vertical longitudinal central sections during a frontal fall of the skier or when the ski is not in use. FIG. 18 shows an eighth embodiment in the rest position and in section along the line XVIII - XVIII in FIG. 19 and FIG. 19 shows a plan view of the device, partly in section along the line XIX - XIX in FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a cross section corresponding to FIG. 18 through the sole support device in the driving position. Fig. 21 is a vertical longitudinal central section through a ninth embodiment and Fig. 22 is a bottom view of the same. In Fig. 23, the plate and the holder are shown in an exploded state. Fig. 24 is a view of the holder in the direction of arrow XXIV in Fig. 25 and Fig. 25 is a section along the line XXV - XXV in Fig. 24. Fig. 26 shows a tenth embodiment in plan view of the blank of one Foil and strip of existing piece again before the ends of the strip are welded together. Fig. 27 shows the same piece in the diagram, but after welding the two ends of the strip. In Fig. 28 the piece is shown in the installed in the sole support device in the vertical longitudinal central section. 29 also shows a detail of an eleventh embodiment of the device according to the invention in the vertical longitudinal central section.

The sole support device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is designated 100 in its entirety. It has a support body 102 which can be fastened to the upper side 101a of a ski 101 and in whose central support section 102a, hereinafter also referred to as section, an endless band 104 is mounted in a groove 102b.

The band 104 consists of a support band 104a, which is non-stretchable by hand, possibly corrugated on its upper side, and of a rubber band 104c which is firmly connected to it and provided with ribs 104b. On the side facing the end of the ski, the ribs 104b are chamfered at an angle α between 2 and 15 °. On the opposite side facing the ski tip, the angle β forming a chamfer is between 10 and 45 °. The bottoms of cutouts 104d or gaps between the individual ribs 104b in the assembled state of the sole support device 100 on the front of the band 104 run flush with the upper boundary edge of the associated wall of the groove 102b. On the rear side of the band 104, the upper boundary edge of the associated wall of the groove 102b projects slightly above the floors of the recesses 104d or gaps or is flush with them (see FIG. 8). This prevents the band 104 from being pulled out of the groove 102b when the skier enters with his ski boot or in the event of a forward turn.

In the region of the deflection points of the band 104, two rods 106 made of rubber or plastic are inserted in the bores 105 of the support body 102 in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

The support body 102 is provided in the area in front of the support section 102a with a flat contact surface 102c and by means of screws 107, which are only indicated in FIG. 1, attached to the top 101a of the ski 101. In the area behind the carrier section 102a, the support body 102 is provided with projections 102d. These projections 102d are inserted into an elongated hole 108a of an end part 108, which is also provided with a flat contact surface 108b. The end part 108 also has lugs 108c with which it engages over the free ends of the rods 106. These rods 106 can therefore no longer be torn out of the bores 105 of the support body 102 when the end part 108 is mounted.

Underneath the support section 102a of the support body 102 there is a groove 102e which is open at the bottom and to the rear and runs in the transverse direction of the device 100 and into which the upper leg 109a of a cross-sectionally U-shaped insert body 109 made of hydrophobic and elastic material, e.g. made of silicone rubber or polyethylene. However, it is also possible to use this groove 102e to fix a steel band, on which the heel holder of the ski binding is anchored, with respect to the front jaw 110, which is only indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 1. If the metal strip is used, the end part 108 is replaced by a corresponding cover with a passage for the metal strip. This embodiment is not the subject of the present invention.

Below the lower strand of the band 104, the lower leg 109b of the insert body 109 is arranged on the ski top 101a between the support body 102 and the end part 108. The top side 109c of this leg 109b is formed by a conical surface or by two adjacent surfaces of a pyramid. If ice crystals form between the lower run of the band 104 and the insert body 109 during transport or during the journey, these are broken by the ribs 104b on the lower run of the band 104 when the skier turns, and at the same time over the narrow sides of the ski 101 transported away.

An insert layer 118 made of a low-friction material, for example of polytetrafluoroethylene, is inserted between the carrier section 102a of the carrier body 102 and the band 104. As can be seen better from FIG. 8, this insert 118 is an endless belt.

The embodiment of a sole support device 200 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is very similar to that described first. It differs from this initially in that the band 204 is held under tension not by two rubber rods, but by the legs 215a of a U-shaped leg spring 215. In cross section, preferably U-shaped pressure elements 216 are placed on these limbs 215a of the spring 215, which are made of a low-friction material and which ensure an even pressure distribution. The web 215b of the leg spring 215 is provided with a loop 215c and is accommodated in a recess 202f of the support body 202 which is open towards the upper side 201a of the ski. As a result, the web 215b of the leg spring 215 is held immovably with respect to the ski 201.

Another difference between the device 200 and that described in the first place lies in the fact that the insert body 209 made of plastic, which is approximately U-shaped in cross-section under the carrier section 202a of the carrier body 202, with its one leg 209b with the formation of a cavity 209d on the upper side 201a of the ski rests, the other leg 209a engages in the space between the carrier section 202a and the lower run of the band 204. This insert body 209 also has the task of breaking the ice crystals which may form in the space between the lower run of the band 204 and the leg 209b and of moving them out of the device by means of the ribs 204b by means of the transverse movement of the band 204.

According to FIG. 3, an insert 218 designed as an endless belt is interposed between the carrier section 202a and the belt 204, which also here is made of a low-friction material, e.g. is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (see Fig. 7).

The sole support device 300 shown in FIG. 6 is characterized in that the band 304 is guided not only with its upper run but also with its lower run in grooves 302b 1 and 302 b 2 of the support body 302. The lower groove 302b₂ is delimited by two ribs 302g which project downward from the carrier section 302a.

Below the carrier section 302a there is a rectangular frame 319 on the upper side 301a of the ski, which is covered on its upper side by a metal foil 320. A foam insert 321 is located within the frame 319. The metal foil 320 is fastened on one side of the frame 319 by a joint 319a and lies loosely on the opposite side of the frame.

In the travel position, the two shelves 302g rest on the metal foil 320. Since the contact pressure of the shelves 302g changes constantly due to the changing load on the skier, the metal foil 320 vibrates, which breaks the ice crystals that may be present. In this embodiment too, the ice crystals which form below the lower run of the band 304 are therefore broken during the journey and are removed from the intermediate space when triggered laterally.

Devices can be used for the tensioning of the band 304, as have already been described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 or 7.

According to FIG. 6, the band 304 lies directly on the carrier section 302a of the carrier body 302. However, it is possible to interpose a strip-shaped insert between the carrier section 302a and the band 304, which strip is also made of a low-friction material, e.g. is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

The sole support device shown in FIGS. 9-11 is designated in its entirety by 400. It has a support body 402 which can be fastened to the upper side 401a of a ski 401 by means of screws 407 and in whose central support section 402a an endless cylindrical band 404 is mounted in a groove 402b. The rear end 402d of the support body 402 is angled downward and engages in an elongated hole-like recess 408a of an end part 408. This end part 408 is approximately U-shaped in plan view, the outer lateral surfaces of the two legs 408c forming the deflection points for the band 404. These thighs 408c are relatively thin-walled and can therefore be bent outwards even with low forces.

The support body 402 has near its rear end 402d a recess 402g which is continuous in the transverse direction and widened in its central region, in which the web 425a of a bow-shaped bimetallic strip 425 which acts as a spring and is supported with play (see FIG. 10 ). The two legs 425b and 425c of this bimetal strip 425 are located in grooves 408d, 408e, which are recessed on the inside of the legs 408c of the end part 408. The legs 425b, 425c of the bimetallic strip 425 also have play in relation to the two grooves 408d, 408e of the end part 408.

In the travel position, the band 404 is tensioned relative to the carrier section 402a, so that the edges of the band 404 seal against the carrier section 402a and an undesired penetration of water or dirt into the space between the band 404 and the carrier section 402a is prevented.

However, if the Ski 401 is placed in a warm room, e.g. brought into a storage room, the bimetallic strip 425 is deformed as a result of the temperature rise, the two legs 425b, 425c pivoting toward the carrier section 402a and at the same time lifting off from the legs 408c of the end part 408. However, this relieves the band 404.

The fifth embodiment of a sole support device shown in FIG. 12, which is designated in its entirety by 500, is very similar to that described above. It differs from this in that the band 504 is not cylindrical but conical. The device 500 also has a U-shaped bimetallic strip 525, which is designed as a leaf spring and the legs 525b, 525c of which point outwards prior to installation (see FIG. 13a). The preferably forwardly curved web 525a of this bimetallic strip 525 is in one in the transverse direction, downwardly open recess 502h of a support body 502, which recess 502h is covered by an end part 508. The legs 525b, 525c of the bimetallic strip 525 run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the device 500 after installation in the device 500, in its position of use, ie in the tensioned position of the band 504, and are in contact with two wedge-shaped intermediate members 506a, 506b. These intermediate members 506a, 506b are therefore acted upon by the two legs 525b, 525c of the bimetallic strip 525 and tension the band 504 in the travel position of the device 500. The outer lateral surfaces of the wedge-shaped intermediate members 506a, 506b form the deflection points for the band 504.

Thus, in the driving position, all parts assume the position shown in full lines in FIG. 12 (see also FIG. 13b).

However, if the ski 501 is brought into a warm room, the two legs 525b, 525c of the bimetallic strip 525 bend inwards, as shown in FIG. 13c, and the band 504 is relieved of the tension previously applied.

The sixth embodiment of a sole support device shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is designated in its entirety by 600. It has a support body 602 which can be fastened to the top 601a of a ski 601, for example by screws 607, and in whose central support section 602a an endless conical band 604 is mounted in a groove 602b. The rear end 602d of the support body 602 has two downwardly projecting lugs 602d₁ and 602d₂, the purpose of which is explained in detail below. The rear end 602d of the support body 602 is covered by an end part 608, which is supported only with its rear end 608f on the upper side 601a of the ski 601. The carrier section 602a of the support body 602 and the end part 608 are made of an elastic material, for example of plastic. Under the influence of the weight of the skier in the event of a frontal fall a pivoting of the carrier section 602a and the end part 608 in the direction of the upper side 601a of the ski 601 is possible.

The support section 602a of the support body 602 is provided on three sides with a groove 602i, in which a wire or leaf spring 630 which is U-shaped in plan view is supported with play. The web 630a of the spring 630 is somewhat bent in the direction of the two legs 630b, 630c. Wedge-like intermediate members 606a, 606b are mounted on the two legs 630b, 630c and form the deflection points for the conical endless belt 604. The intermediate members 606a, 606b can be pivoted at least in a predetermined area around the two legs 630b, 630c of the spring 630.

Between the two approaches 602d₁ and 602d₂ of the support body 602 there is an axis 631 on which an angle lever 632 is mounted. The lower arm 632a of the angle lever 632 rests on the upper side 601a of the ski 601 and the other, upper arm 632b on the web 630a of the U-shaped spring 630.

In the driving position of the sole support device 600, all parts assume the position shown in full lines in FIGS. 14 and 15. The band 604 is tensioned.

If, however, a frontal fall of the skier takes place during the journey, the carrier section 602a of the supporting body 602 and the end part 608 are bent towards the upper side 601a of the ski 601. The upper arm 632b of the angle lever 632 presses the forward curved web 630a of the spring 630 into the extended position. As a result, the two legs 630b and 630c of the spring 630 are pivoted inward, as is shown with dashed lines in FIG. 15. As a result, the two intermediate links 606a and 606b can lift off the belt 604 and move against the vertical longitudinal center plane of the device 600. This relieves the band 604.

The seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 700 of a sole support device differs from the one previously treated in that the angle lever 732 has a third arm 732c which is approximately diametrical with respect to the axis 731 to the lever arm 732a and which is located in a recess 708h of the end part 708. In the end part 708, a threaded hole 708i is drilled perpendicular to the upper side 701a of the ski, into which a screw 740 is screwed. The axis of this screw 740 intersects the longitudinal axis of the lever arm 732c.

If the ski 701 is to be used by the skier after being parked, the screw 740 is screwed upward in the threaded bore 708i, so that the lever arm 732c can pivot upward within the recess 708h of the end part 708. In the event of a frontal fall of the skier, the web 730a of the spring 730 is therefore pushed back by the lever 732, as a result of which the two legs 730b and 730c of the spring 730 pivot inwards and thereby relieve the band 704, as has already been dealt with in the exemplary embodiment described above ( see Fig. 14a).

However, if the screw 740 is tightened, the lever arm 732c is pressed down (see FIG. 17) and the angle lever 732 is pivoted. However, this has the consequence that the lever arm 732b of the angle lever 732 pushes back the web 730a of the spring 730, so that the band 704 is also relieved.

The eighth embodiment of a device 800 shown in FIGS. 18-20 is characterized in that the support section 802a of the support body 802 is not rigidly connected to it, but is formed by two levers 845a, 845b which are independent of the support body 802 and which are formed by means of a Axis 846 are connected to one another in the manner of a knee joint. As a result of the toggle action, the band 804 can be tensioned strongly in the travel position with relatively low forces. Each of the two levers 845a, 845b carries at its free end one on an axis 847a or 847b mounted roller 848a or 848b, through which the belt 804 is deflected. On the axis 846, which connects the two levers 845a and 845b to each other, two leg springs 849 are mounted, which strive to pivot the two levers 845a and 845b against each other.

The axes 847a and 847b of the two rollers 848a and 848b are extended beyond their bearing points in the two levers 845a and 845b and are mounted in elongated holes 802k, 802m in the support body 802 or in elongated holes 808j, 808k of the end part 808. These elongated holes 802k, 802m and 808j, 808k run parallel to the top of the ski 801a. The two levers 845a, 845b are accommodated in a trough-shaped recess 802n of the support body 802 which is open at the top and which is closed off at the rear by the end part 808.

In the rest position, the individual elements of the sole support device 800 assume the position shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in which, under the influence of the two leg springs 849, the axes 847a and 847b of the two rollers 848a and 848b at the inner ends of the associated elongated holes 802k , 802m or 808j, 808k.

If the skier climbs into the front jaws 850 with his ski shoe, which is only indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIGS. 18 and 20, the ski shoe presses the two levers 845a, 845b into their extended position (see FIG. 20). In this position, the band 804 is so tensioned that its two edges lie tightly against the top of the two levers 845a, 845b during travel. The axes 847a, 847b of the two rollers 848a, 848b, which have been moved outwards as a result of the pressure of the ski boot, are located in the end region of the elongated holes 802k, 802m, 808j, 808k, but without striking their outer ends.

As soon as the skier has left the front jaw 850 with his ski boot, the two levers 845a, 845b are pivoted inward again under the influence of the two leg springs 849 until they are shown in FIG Have reached location.

The sole support device shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is designated 900 in its entirety. It has a support body 902 which can be fastened to the top 901a of a ski 901 and in whose central support section 902a an endless cylindrical band 904 is mounted in a groove 902b.

The band 904 is provided with ribs 904b which are chamfered on the side facing the ski end at an angle α between 2 and 15 °. On the opposite side, facing the ski tip, however, the angle β forming a chamfer is between 10 and 45 °. A strip 918 of polytetrafluoroethylene is located between the band 904 and the carrier section 902a. The front jaw, which is indicated here by dash-dotted lines, is numbered 950.

The support body 902 is provided in the area in front of the support section 902a with a flat contact surface 902c and is fastened to the upper side 901a of the ski 901 by means of screws 907, which are only indicated in FIG. 21. In the area behind the carrier section 902a, the support body 902 is provided with projections 902d. These projections 902d are inserted into an elongated hole 908a of an end part 908, which is also provided with a flat contact surface 908b. The end part 908 also has lugs 908c which laterally engage around the carrier section 902a.

Below the carrier section 902a of the support body 902, a recess 902o open at the bottom and on both sides is recessed in the latter. This is closed by a plate 960, which is covered with a film 961 made of polytetrafluoroethylene. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plate 960 consists of an elastic material with a hardness of up to 30 Shore A. It is provided with cutouts 962 which increase the flexibility of the plate 960. However, there is also a possibility of hardness limit the plate with 15 Shore A maximum. In this case, the flexibility of the plate 960 is so great that there is no need to form recesses.

The plate 960 and the film 961 are provided at both ends with holes 960c₁, 960c₂, 961c₁, 961c₂, with which they can be plugged onto the pin 902p of the support body 902 or 908m of the end part 908 and on which the plate 960 and foil 961 is held in place by friction. Plate 960 and film 961 are held at one end by means of tabs 960h, 961h, which have the holes 960c₁, 961c₁, in slots 963f of a holder 963 which is rectangular in cross section, the horizontal leg of which likewise has a series of holes 963d. The two slots 963f are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical longitudinal center plane of the device 900.

The film 961 and the plate 960 make it possible in a simple manner to remove those ice crystals which form during the journey between the lower run of the band 904 and the film 961 if the skier falls.

The tenth embodiment 1000 shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, of which only a detail is shown, is characterized in that the strip 1018 made of polytetrafluoroethylene arranged between the band 1004 and the carrier section 1002a of the carrier body 1002 together with the film 1061 consists of one Piece is made, which has approximately the shape of a "T" as a cut in plan view. In this piece, the two ends of the strip 1018 are first welded together. Then the stem of the "T", which is provided at its end with a series of holes 1061c₂, is bent through 180 °, so that the end of the stem is parallel to those sections of the strip 1018, which are the support areas for the two strands of the Form band 1004.

After that, the film 1061 and the strip 1018 existing piece to form a body 1070 with an elastic material such as cellular rubber, natural rubber or the like. The body 1070 has an approximately H-shaped shape when viewed in cross section. Subsequently, the body 1070 with its two front legs is pushed onto a shoulder 1002q of the support body 1002.

The eleventh embodiment 1100 shown in FIG. 29 is characterized in that the piece consisting of the film 1161 and the strip 1118 forms a single component with the body 1170. The body 1170 is also foamed from an elastic material, for example from polytetrafluoroethylene. This one-piece design of parts 1161, 1118 and 1170 simplifies the assembly of the device.

The invention is not tied to the embodiments shown and described above. Rather, various modifications thereof are possible without leaving the scope of the invention. For example, other tensioning devices such as wedges or the like can also be used to tension the band. Furthermore, it would be conceivable in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 9-11 to support the cylindrical band at its deflection points via intermediate members which are independent of the end part and which can therefore pivot about the legs of the bimetal strip. 14, 14a and 15, the support section of the support body could be rigid, but the transverse axis for the bell crank could be made of spring steel wire. In this case, the end part made of an elastic material would have to be provided with at least one attachment which, in the event of a frontal fall of the skier, deflects the transverse axis downward for the angle lever. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 18 to 20, it would be possible to extend the axis in the knee joint at least to the front instead of the roller axes and to guide this extension in a vertical guide groove of the supporting body. This measure would center the two levers even when depressed. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 28 and 29, it would be conceivable to attach the attachment for fastening the body consisting of the strip and the film, which is H-shaped in cross section, instead of an attachment of the support body to an attachment of the end part. Finally, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 21 to 28, the film could be glued to the plate, or a layer can be applied to the plate in a separate manufacturing process.

Furthermore, differently designed insert bodies or inserts can be used in the individual embodiments.

Claims (40)

1. A sole support assembly of a ski binding, comprising a mounting body adapted to be fixed on a ski, and an endless belt mounted on a carrier portion of said mounting body in at least one groove transversely of the longitudinal direction of said ski, the upper run of said belt to have a ski boot placed onto its top face with its sole,
   characterized in that said belt (104 - 304) has its upper run mounted in said groove (102b - 302b) located at the top side of said mounting body (102 - 302), and comprises - as viewed widthwise - a front section and a rear section, the top face of said run sloping - as viewed in vertical longitudinal center section through the assembly - from said front section to said rear section in the mounted state of the sole support assembly (100 - 300), so that the top face of said front section extends at a higher level than the upper boundary edge of the front wall of said groove (102b - 302b) while the top face of said rear section extends flush with the upper boundary edge of the rear wall of said groove (102b - 302b) or at a lower level than said edge.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that as viewed in cross-section, said belt is of substantially rectangular shape and has its top face chamfered at an angle α between 2° and 15° on the side directed towards the end of the ski, and at an angle β between 10° and 45° on the side directed towards the tip of the ski.
3. An assembly according to claim 1 and/or 2, characterized in that said belt (104 - 304) is provided with a plurality of ribs (104b - 304b) extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski, the two lateral edges of the upper run of said belt (104 - 304) extending in a plane defined by the bottoms of the recesses or gaps (104d - 304d) respectively, provided between said ribs (104b - 304b).
4. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that adjacent the return locations of said belt (104), respective rubber or plastic bars (106) are inserted with respective ones of their free end portions into bores (105) of said mounting body (102), said bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski in contact with said carrier portion (102a) and having their other free end portions received in extensions (108c) of a separate end piece (108) engaging said mounting body (102) in the mounted state of the assembly (figs. 1 and 2).
5. An assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that said mounting body (102) is formed with a planar support surface (102c) at a portion extending forwards of said carrier portion (102a), and is provided, rearwards of said carrier portion (102a) with projections (102d) adapted to be inserted into an elongate hole (108a) formed in said end piece (108), the latter being provided with a planar support surface (108b).
6. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an inlay (118, 218) made of a low-friction material such as polytetrafluorethylene is inserted between said carrier portion (102a, 202a) of said mounting body (102, 202) and said belt (104, 204).
7. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that below said carrier portion (102a,202a) said mounting body (102, 202) is formed with a downwards and rearwards opening groove (102e, 202e) extending in the longitudinal direction of the assembly (100, 200) and adapted to have inserted thereinto the upper leg (109a, 209a) of an insert body (109, 209) made of a hydrophobous and resilient material such as silicone rubber or polyethylene, said insert body being U-shaped in longitudinal section of the assembly, with its lower leg (109b, 209b) extending below the lower run of said belt (104, 204) between said mounting body (102, 202) and said end piece (108, 208) and being disposed with at least sections thereof supported on the top face (101a, 201a) of the ski (figs. 1 and 3).
8. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said groove (102e) of said mounting body (102) is adapted to have inserted thereinto a portion of a connecting strip interconnecting the front clamp assembly (110) and the heel retainer of the ski binding.
9. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that adjacent the return locations of said belt (204) there are disposed the legs (215a) of an approximately U-shaped expansion spring (215) having its crosspiece (215b) formed into a loop mounted in a cavity (202f) in said mounting body (202) (figs. 3 and 4).
10. An assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that said legs (215a) of said expansion spring (215) have mounted thereon thrust elements (216) of a low friction material, preferably of U-shaped configuration in cross-section of the assembly, and acting to define the return locations for said belt (204) (fig. 7).
11. An assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the top face (109c) of said leg (109b) of said insert body (109) supported on the ski top face is formed as a cone surface or as two adjacent surfaces of a pyramid (fig.1).
12. An assemby according to claim 1, characterized in that said carrier portion (302a) of said mounting body (302) has its bottom face formed with a groove (302b₂) adapted to guide the lower run of said belt (304) therein and bordered by two ridges (302g), and that below said carrier portion (302a) the ski top face (301a) carries a foam material pad (321) covered by a metal foil (320) on which said two ridges (302g) take support (fig. 6).
13. An assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that said foam pad (321) is enclosed by a rectangular frame (319), one side of said frame extending transversely of the longitudinal direction of the ski having said metal foil (320) hinged thereto, the free end thereof taking support on the opposite side of said frame (319).
14. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said belt (104 - 304) is composed of a manually non-expandable carrier belt (104a) selectively formed with a corrugated top face, and a rubber belt (104c) fixedly connected thereto and formed with said ribs (104b) (fig. 5).
15. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized by a bimetallic strip (425, 525) bent to a U-shape to act as a spring having its crosspiece (425a, 525a) accommodated in a cavity (402g, 502h) of said mounting body (402, 502), and effective to keep said belt (404, 504) in a more or less tensioned state in accordance with environmental temperature, and that said cavity (402g, 502h) for accommodating said crosspiece (425a, 525a) of said bimetallic strip (425, 525) preferably extends in the transverse direction of said carrier portion (402a, 502a) of said mounting body (402,502) and opens at its bottom side.
16. An assembly according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that said carrier portion (402a) of said mounting body (402) takes support on an end piece (408) of U-shaped configuration whe viewed from on top, the cross member of said end piece (408) being formed with at least one elongate recess (408a) adapted to receive therein a bent-off rear end portion (402d) of said mounting body (402) (figs. 9-11).
17. An assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the two legs (408c) of said end piece (408) extend outwards of the two legs (425b, 425c) of said bimetallic strip (425), and that the outer boundary surfaces of said two legs (408c) of said end piece (408) define the return locations for said belt (404).
18. An assembly according to any of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that said mounting body (402, 502) or said end piece (408, 508), respectively, is protected from solar radiation, and thus from being heated, by means for instance of a reflective coating.
19. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized by a bent U-shaped wire or leaf spring (630, 730) mounted with some play in a groove (602i, 702i) on three sides of said carrier portion (602a, 702a) of said mounting body (602,702) and having its preferably forwards arched crosspiece (630a, 730a) subjected to the action of at least one crank lever (632, 732) acting in the case of a forwards fall of the skier to depress said crosspiece (630a, 730a) of said U-shaped spring (630, 730) to thereby release said two legs (630b, 630c; 730b, 730c) from contact with said belt (604, 704) (figs. 14 to 17).
20. An assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that said carrier portion (602a, 702a) of said mounting body (602, 702) is flexible, and that said crank lever (632, 732) is mounted on a transverse pin (631, 731) between two extensions (602d₁, 602d₂; 702d₁, 702d₂) of said carrier portion (602a, 702a).
21. An assembly according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that said crosspiece (630a, 730a) of said spring (630, 730) and said crank lever (632, 732) are covered by a deformable end piece (608, 708) connected to said mounting body (602, 702) or to said carrier portion (602a, 702a), respectively.
22. An assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that said end piece (608, 708) has only its rear end (608f, 708f) supported on the top face (601a, 701a) of the ski (601, 701).
23. An assembly according to claims 19 - 22, characterized by an adjustmend screw (740) acting in its threaded-in state to maintain said crosspiece (730a) of said spring (730) in the depressed state, and thus the two legs (730b, 730c) of said spring (730) in their inwards deflected position (figs. 16 and 17).
24. An assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that said crank lever (732) has a third arm (732c) extending therefrom substantially diametrally opposite its first arm (732a) with reference to said transverse pin (731), and cooperating with said adjustment screw (740) mounted in a threaded bore (708i) of said end piece (708).
25. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said carrier portion (802a) of said mounting body (802) is formed by two levers (845a, 845b) interconnected by a pin (846) in the manner of a knee-joint.
26. An assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that said two levers (845a, 845b) have their free ends provided with rollers (848a, 848b) whereabout said belt (804) is returned.
27. An assembly according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that said two levers (845a, 845b) are subjected to the action of at least one spring (849), preferably a torsion spring, acting to bias said levers (845a, 845b) towards one another.
28. An assembly according to any of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the mounting pins (847a, 847b) of said two rollers (848a, 848b) are extended beyond their mounting locations in said two levers (845a, 845b) and received in elongate holes (802k, 802m, or 808j, 808k) formed in said mounting body (802) or in said end piece (808), respectively, to extend parallel to the top face (801a) of the ski.
29. An assembly according to any of claims 25 - 28, characterized in that said two levers (845a, 845b) are accommodated in an approximately trough-shaped recess (802n) of said mounting body (802), the latter being supported on the ski top face (801a) in full surface contact therewith.
30. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that below said carrier portion (902a, 1002a, 1102a) said mounting body (902, 1002, 1102) is formed with a downwards and bilaterally opening cavity (902o, 1002o, 1102o) for guiding the lower run of said belt (904, 1004, 1104) therein, said cavity being covered or closed by a sheet (961, 1061, 1161) of a material having good sliding properties, for instance polytetrafluorethylene (figs. 21 - 29).
31. An assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that said sheet (961) is supported on a base made of a resilient material, for instance on a rectangular plate (960) (figs. 21 to 25).
32. An assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that said plate (960) is made of a material having a Shore-A hardness of no more than 15.
33. An assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that said plate (960) is made of a material having a Shore-A hardness of no more than 30, and provided with apertures (962).
34. An assembly according to any of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that said plate (960) and said sheet (961) have both of their respective ends formed with perforations (960c₁, 960c₂, 961c₁, 961c₂) by means of which they are adapted to be mounted on pegs (902p) of said mounting body (902) or on pegs (908m) of an end piece (908), respectively.
35. An assembly according to claim 34, characterized by the provision of a retainer (963) of angular cross-sectional shape having its horizontal leg formed with perforations (963d) and its vertical leg, with two slots (963f), and that both said plate (960) and said sheet (961) are each provided with two tongues (960h and 961h, respectively) each formed with a perforation (960c₁ and 961c₁, respectively) and adapted to be introduced into said slots (963f) of said retainer (963).
36. An assembly according to claim 30, characterized in that said sheet (1061, 1161) is made integrally with a strip (1018, 1118) on which said belt (1004, 1104) is mounted, of a single piece (1061, 1018, 1161, 1118) in the form of a blank having the approximate shape of a letter "T" in top plan view (figs. 26 - 29).
37. An assembly according to claim 36, characterized in that the two ends of said strip (1018, 1118) are welded to one another (fig. 27).
38. An assembly according to claim 37, characterized in that said piece (1061, 1018) is embedded in a layer of an elastic material, for instance foam rubber, natural rubber or the like.
39. An assembly according to claim 38, characterized in that said body (1070) - as viewed in cross-section - has the approximate shape of the letter "H" and has its two front legs slipped onto a projection (1002q) of said mounting body (1002).
40. An assembly according to claim 36, characterized in that said piece (1161, 1118) and said body (1170) are formed as a single structural component (fig. 29).

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