EP0546260B1 - Device for regulating the longitudinal position of an alpine binding - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for longitudinal regulating of a binding element for an Alpine (downhill) ski, particularly a front binding element. The device comprises a baseplate (9) on which are assembled, securely and removably, the base (5) of the binding, a sliding rail integral with the ski along which the baseplate (9) can slide in a longitudinal direction. The baseplate (9) has, moreover, a bolt, for longitudinal positioning, and a control button (10) permitting manoeuvering of the bolt, and accessible on a lateral edge of the baseplate (9). The device comprises, moreover, means for automatically blocking the bolt in its active locking position, as long as voluntary action is not exerted in order to disengage these blocking means. In particular, the housing (41) of the bolt is flared, and the blocking means consist of a finger (58) which interacts with a groove (59). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an alpine binding element, which is intended to retain a boot in support on a ski.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for adjusting the longitudinal position on the ski of such an alpine binding element.

The invention also relates to a device for automatically blocking a longitudinal adjustment lock.

Generally, a shoe is retained on a ski by a front binding element, and a rear binding element. One of the elements, most often the rear element, is equipped with means allowing the adjustment of its longitudinal position, in order to allow the use of the ski with shoes of different length.

In some cases, the two fastening elements have their own means for adjusting their longitudinal position. This is the case with certain rental bindings, which are intended to be used with a wide range of shoes which can have very different lengths. The longitudinal adjustment of the two fastening elements then makes it possible to adapt the ski to a determined length of boot, and to bring about, or almost coincident, the middle of the boot with the middle of the ski.

Various devices are known which allow such a longitudinal position adjustment of the front fixing element. For example, patent application FR 2 578 534 describes a front fixing element, the base of which is movable along a slide. The means for adjusting the longitudinal position of the base include, for the base, lateral teeth which cooperate with orifices in the slide, and a sort of cam which forces the teeth to engage in the orifices. A device of the same type is described in patent application FR 2 632 200.

These devices require a tool to achieve longitudinal adjustment. In addition, the base of the binding is specific for this use, that is to say it has special arrangements for this longitudinal adjustment.

Also known, according to patent application EP 169 315, an adjustment device which is intended to equip a front fixing element. This device comprises an operating lever, the actuation of which controls the introduction of a rod into one of the orifices of a slide. As in the previous case, this device requires a specific arrangement of the attachment, that is to say that the attachment must be designed and produced as a whole taking into account the presence of this equipment.

Also known, from French patent application No. 2 284 347, an adjustment device comprising three main elements movable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction. The device first comprises a base plate secured to the ski. A support plate is guided on the central part of the base plate. The position of the support plate is defined by a movable slide which is carried on the base plate. Finally, a guide plate is guided on the lateral wings of the base plate, and this plate is movable relative to the support plate against the return force of the springs.

This device has the drawback of being complex, in fact it comprises three sliding elements with respect to each other.

In addition, its use is impractical because the slide is carried by the element integral with the ski. It is not possible to maneuver the slide and move the binding simultaneously with one hand.

Finally, this device cannot be used for all fixings, in particular for front fixings. For these fixings, in fact, the return springs of the guide plate are not useful. It is actually intended for rear mountings and it is intended to receive the body itself from the rear mount, not the mount as a whole.

Patent application FR 2 638 654 describes front and rear attachments equipped with an integrated mounting device which makes it possible, during a first assembly on a slide, to facilitate their positioning in the longitudinal position. In particular, the front fastening elements described in this document have a lock held in the inactive position by an ejectable wedge.

However, such a device only facilitates the first positioning of the element. In addition, the retaining elements appear to be specifically designed as a function of this locking device or of the slide on which they are intended to be mounted.

One of the aims of the present invention is to provide a longitudinal adjustment device for a fastening element which can be used with standard fastening elements, in particular front fastening elements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device which allows longitudinal adjustment to be made without having to use a particular tool.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device whose maneuver is particularly simple, and requires on the part of the user natural gestures.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device which has safe operation, that is to say a device for which the risk of untimely unlocking is entirely limited.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will emerge during the description which follows, this description being however given by way of indication, and not limitation.

The adjustment device according to the invention is intended to equip a binding which comprises a member for retaining one end of the boot, a body and a base by which the binding element can be assembled to a ski. The adjustment device also comprises a longitudinal slide secured to the ski, along which the fixing element can slide, and means for immobilizing the fixing element on the slide in at least two different longitudinal positions.

It is characterized by the fact that it comprises a base plate on which the base of the fixing element is assembled in an integral manner, that the base plate is slidably mounted relative to the slide, and that the base plate is also equipped with a longitudinal positioning lock and a control button which allows the operation of the lock.

This device is also characterized in that it also comprises blocking means for automatically blocking the latch in its locking position as soon as a longitudinal thrust in a determined direction is exerted on the base, and as long as a voluntary action is not exerted in the opposite direction to disengage these blocking means.

The invention will be better understood by referring to the description below, as well as to the accompanying drawings which form an integral part thereof.

Figure 1 is a side view in partial section of the adjustment device, also equipped with a front fixing element.

FIG. 2 is a view in section through a longitudinal and vertical plane of an adjustment device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the slide which constitutes one of the elements of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view in section of the slide shown in FIG. 3.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the base plate of the device shown in Figure 1, in one of its operating positions.

Figure 6 is also a bottom view of the previous base plate, but in a different operating position.

Figure 7 shows the device of Figure 6 in a different operating position.

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the positioning lock and its control button.

Figure 10 is a front view of the device of Figure 1, in section through a transverse and vertical plane, in one of the operating positions.

Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 8, but in another operating position of the device.

Figure 12 shows the same device as the previous two figures, but in a different operating position.

There is shown in FIG. 1, partially, a ski 1 to which a fastening element 2 is assembled. The fastening element shown is a front fastening element, and as will appear below, this fastening element can be of any suitable type. Advantageously, it is a standard element, identical to elements which are assembled directly on a ski.

In a known manner, the fastening element 2 has a member 3 for retaining the front end of the shoe, a body 4, and a base 5. The base 5 is extended towards the rear by a plate d 'support 6 on which the front end of the shoe rests. All of these elements are found in just about all existing fasteners.

Between the binding element 2 and the ski is a device 7 for the longitudinal adjustment of the binding element. The device 7 mainly comprises a slide 8 secured to the ski, which will be described in detail later, and a base plate 9 which is mounted on the slide 8 for a sliding movement in a longitudinal direction. The base plate has an upper surface of dimensions close to those of the base 5 and the support plate 6 of the attachment. The base 5 is assembled to the base plate 9 in an integral manner, and preferably in a removable manner by any suitable means, for example screws.

The base plate 9 is also equipped with a lock which cooperates with the slide to define at least two different longitudinal positions for the base plate 9. The lock makes it possible to immobilize the base plate 9 in each of these positions, and a button 10, preferably opening onto one of the lateral sides of the base plate 9, enables the lock to be actuated.

It is thus understood that the adjustment device is made up of elements independent of the fixing element, and therefore that it constitutes an autonomous sub-assembly with respect to the fixing element itself. The fixing element can therefore be interchanged with another fixing element of the same type, and standard, without having to change the device. In addition, it is possible to mount on the device for adjusting fasteners of different type from the moment when the base plate 9 has assembly means suitable for each type of fastening, for example several sets of orifices corresponding to the assembly orifices presented by the different types of fixing.

In a preferred embodiment, the slide 8 is extended towards the rear by an elongated tongue 13. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, the tongue 13 is assembled in its front part to an interface plate 14, which is interposed between the slide 8 and the upper surface of the ski. The tongue 13 also extends backwards where it is engaged under the base plate, or the base of the rear fixing element, shown schematically at 15. At this level, preferably, the end of the tongue 13 can slide freely in a longitudinal direction.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the base plate 9, in its rear part, covers the tongue 13. Advantageously, the tongue has successive marks 16 which each come in coincidence with the rear end of the base plate 9 at each of the longitudinal positions that the base plate can occupy. The tongue and the marks 16 thus make it possible to identify very quickly and very easily the position in which the element before fixing is located.

Figures 3 and 4 show in more detail the slide 8. This slide has an overall rectangular shape, it has a central part 19, equipped with holes 20 for ski assembly screws. Laterally, the slide has two raised longitudinal wings 21 and 22 along which the base plate 9 will be guided.

In the central part 19, the base plate 8 has a plurality of teeth 23 to 31. These teeth are aligned along an axis directed longitudinally, and they define between them identical between-teeth.

In Figure 3, there are shown nine teeth, thus defining eight between-teeth. This number, of course, is not limitative, and any other number may be suitable.

As can be seen in Figure 4, preferably, viewed in a longitudinal direction, each tooth has a trapezoidal section with the large base located at the upper surface of the slide, and the small base in the upper part of the tooth. In this way, the teeth have laterally at least one inclined surface 32 whose role will be described later.

As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the teeth 23 to 31 are slightly offset from the median longitudinal axis 33 of the slide 8, and the face 32 is oriented towards the side of the axis 33. This , however, corresponds to a preferred embodiment, and is not limiting for the invention.

Also, according to a preferred embodiment, the first tooth, that is to say the tooth 23, has, in a longitudinal direction, a larger dimension than the other teeth. Also, the last tooth, that is to say the tooth 31, extends more towards the axis 33 than the other teeth. The reason will be described later.

Figures 5 and 6 show, in bottom view, the base plate 9 equipped with its latch 35. The base plate 9 has a longitudinal recess 36, which opens towards the rear, and which is limited laterally by two longitudinal grooves 37 and 38. The transverse dimensions of the grooves 37 and 38 are determined in such a way that the base plate 9 can slide freely along the slide 8 while being held vertically downwards and upwards. Preferably, the base plate 9 has, on its two lateral edges, and on its front edge a flange 39, which descends as close as possible to the upper surface of the ski, so as to limit the introduction of snow or dirt to this level. The grooves 37 and 38 are hollowed out in the lateral parts of this rim.

In the central part of the base plate 9, a latch 35 is guided for movement in a transverse direction against the return force of a spring 40. For example, as shown, the base plate 9 has a transverse housing 41 along which the latch 35 is guided. This lock 35 is extended laterally by a tongue 42, at the end of which is the actuation button 10. The button 10 opens onto a lateral edge of the base plate 9, and preferably, at its level, the base plate 9 has a lateral bulge 44, on either side of the button, which envelops the button in the outline of the base plate.

In its central part, according to a preferred embodiment, the lock 35 has a set of three teeth 45, 46 and 47, the two end teeth 45 and 47 being aligned in a longitudinal direction, and the central tooth 46 being offset in a transverse direction relative to the previous two in a direction opposite to the button 10. In the embodiment shown, the axis on which the two teeth 45 and 47 are aligned, is offset towards the button 10, relative to the longitudinal axis median 50 of base plate 9.

The extreme teeth 45 and 47 have a width substantially equal to the width of the inter-teeth of the slide 8. The width of the central tooth 46 is for its part substantially equal to the width of one of the intermediate teeth 24 to 30 of slide 8.

Preferably, at least the central tooth 46 has, on the side of the button 10, an inclined face 48, the inclination of which is substantially identical to that of the face 32 of the teeth 24 to 30. From the above, it is understood easily that, when the base plate 9 is engaged on the slide 8, the spring 40 of the lock 35 biases the teeth 45, 46 and 47 in the direction of the teeth 23 to 31 of the slide 8. The teeth 45 and 47 are provided for engage in the inter-teeth, and the central tooth 46 is provided to abut against one of the teeth 24 to 30 of the slide 8. The inclination of the faces 48 and 32 has the effect that, when the tooth 46 is supported on one of the teeth 24 to 30, the transverse force of the spring 40 is transformed into an upward vertical force which is exerted on the base. This contributes to reducing the vertical clearance between the base plate 9 and the slide 8, at least in the absence of a shoe.

It has been said previously that the first tooth 23 had a width greater than the other teeth of the slide 8, and therefore greater than the central tooth 46 of the latch. In this way, the latch 35 can not be positioned relative to the tooth 23. In this way, it is certain that the teeth 45 and 47 are always positioned between two teeth of the slide 8, whatever the longitudinal position taken by the base plate 9. The eight teeth therefore define seven different positions.

When the longitudinal adjustment of the base plate 9 brings the teeth of the latch into the region of the first tooth 23, which corresponds to the retracted position of the base plate 9, the front part 52 of the rim 39 of the plate 9 abuts against the front edge 53 of the slide 8, which limits the rearward movement of the base plate.

This however is not limiting. We could as well limit the backward movement of the base plate 9 by extending the tooth 23 towards the median longitudinal axis 33, in the same way as the tooth 31.

With regard to the forward movement, it has been said previously that the last tooth 31 extends more towards the axis 33 than the others. It is then understood that, to cross this tooth 31, the lock 35 will have to be moved laterally over a greater distance than for crossing the other teeth.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment, according to which a block 56 of compressible material, for example closed cell foam, is interposed between the button 10 and the side wall of the base plate 9. This block has the function to fill the space between the button and the base plate, and thus to avoid the infiltration of snow or dirt at this level.

Also, it contributes to the elastic return of the lock 35 in cooperation with the spring 40.

In addition, the more it is compressed, the more the force which it opposes to the displacement of the lock increases rapidly. Thus, to depress the lock fully, to release the lock from the offset tooth 31, it will be necessary to push the lock back with a much greater force than that which is necessary to release the lock from the intermediate teeth 34 to 30.

The transition from the active position to the inactive position is achieved by a simple press on the button 10 which constitutes the means for actuating the lock. The spring 40 ensures the elastic return of the lock in its active position.

The longitudinal adjustment device is additionally equipped with means for automatically locking the lock in its active locking position.

Referring to Figure 5, the latch 35 has two parallel side edges and the housing 41, inside which the latch is guided, has a top view in flared shape, with a wall 52 substantially perpendicular to the axis longitudinal median 50 of plate 9, and a front wall 53 inclined with respect to this median axis, so that a clearance exists between the latch and the housing on the side of the latch opposite the button 10.

In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 5, the axis of the spring 40 which recalls the latch is inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis 50, so that the thrust of the spring elastically recalls the lock pressing against the wall 55 which is situated towards the rear side of the plate 9.

In this way, the latch 35 can switch in the horizontal plane of FIG. 5 between two positions, a first position which is illustrated in FIG. 5, where the latch bears against the wall 55, and another position shown in FIG. 6 where, after a rocking movement, the bolt bears against the wall 53.

It is possible to tilt the latch 35 from one position to the other by a slight longitudinal movement forwards or backwards of the fixing element or of the base plate. Indeed, for such a movement, the lock is retained at the level of its teeth, and it pivots in a way around one of the teeth 24 to 30 of the slide, being linked to the base 9 at its tongue 42.

The rearward movement is made by a voluntary action on the fastening element or on the base plate. The forward movement is also done by voluntary action, or is done automatically and obligatory when the shoe is engaged in its fastening elements. It is known in fact that in the presence of the shoe, the shoe exerts permanently on the fastening element before a thrust directed forward.

However, according to a preferred embodiment, the spring 40, by its inclination and the restoring force that it develops, resiliently recalls the base 9 forward as soon as the lock has returned to the active locking position and that no voluntary action is no longer exercised on plate 9.

In the advanced position of the fixing element, that is to say the position of FIG. 5, the blocking means are active, and they prevent any movement of the bolt towards its inactive position. By cons, in the retracted position of the base plate 9 shown in Figure 6, the locking means are inactive, and the latch can be operated to its inactive position where a longitudinal adjustment is possible.

Referring to Figure 5, the locking means are shown in the form of a finger 58 located at the end of the lock, on the side opposite to the button 10 which cooperates with a groove 59 of the housing. The finger is oriented along the transverse axis of the lock, and the groove is oriented substantially parallel to the inclined wall 53.

In the active position of the lock, that is to say the position of FIG. 5, the finger is released from the groove, and it is offset with respect to its alignment. In fact, the finger 58 is facing the edge of the groove 59. The finger 58 therefore prevents any movement of the latch 35 towards its inactive position, since it then comes to abut against the edge of the groove 59.

Following a voluntary action shown diagrammatically by the arrow 57 directed towards the rear on the fixing element or the plate 9, the latch switches to the position shown in FIG. 6. In this position, the finger 58 is in the alignment of the groove 59. It is then possible to bring the latch into its inactive position, which results in the penetration of the finger 58 inside the groove 59. FIG. 7 shows the adjustment device in this position. It is then possible to adjust the longitudinal position of the fixing element, so as to bring the teeth of the lock facing another tooth of the slide.

It should be noted that the spring 40 ensures the elastic return of the lock to its active locking position, and that it also tends to bring the lock 35 back to the position where the blocking means are active. However, if this is not the case, this position will be reached as soon as the shoe is engaged in the fastening element. Indeed, any forward movement exerted on the fastening element or on the plate 9 brings the locking means into their active position. It is thus certain that, when skiing in particular, no untimely unlocking can take place.

However, according to a preferred embodiment, the spring 40 is powerful enough to also bring the base forward as soon as the lock is released. The locking means are therefore automatically returned to the active position.

FIG. 8 represents an alternative embodiment according to which the locking means comprise, for the lock, a lateral stop 60 projecting from the side of the wall 52 of the housing 41 which cooperates with a stop 61 that this wall has in the room.

In the active position of the locking means, that is to say that where the lock 35 is in abutment against the wall 52, the two stops 60 and 61 are in abutment against each other, and any movement of the lock to its inactive position is impossible. In the inactive position of the locking means, that is to say after a movement towards the rear of the plate 9, the stop 60 of the lock escapes from the stop 61 of the wall 52, and then a movement of the lock is possible to its inactive position. As in the previous case, the spring 40 ensures the elastic return of the lock to its active position, and also tends to bring the lock back into the active position of the locking means.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate the adjustment device in its different operating positions. FIG. 8 corresponds to the normal ski position with the lock 35 engaged on one of the teeth 24 to 30 of the slide 8. In FIG. 11, a transverse force "F" is exerted on the button 10. The teeth of the lock are then released from the teeth 24 to 30 of the slide, but their movement is not sufficient to allow the crossing of the last tooth 31. The foam block 56 is compressed.

In FIG. 12, a force F ′ greater than F then allows maximum displacement of the latch 35, and the teeth of the latch are then released from the teeth 24 to 31. The foam block 56 is fully compressed. Extraction of the base plate from the slide forward is possible. This is useful for example to exchange the complete product, or to disassemble the fixing element with respect to the base plate, in order to repair or replace it.

Finally, it should be noted that, according to a preferred embodiment, the button 10 is located on the left side of the base, at the rear part of the body 4 of the fixing element.

This takes into account the usual position of a ski during adjustment, that is to say the tip on the left side of the technician who performs the adjustment. With his left hand, he grabs the body of the fastener. His thumb then naturally appears at the pusher 10 which he can operate in a very simple manner. Thus, the technician very naturally connects, and with his left hand, the movements necessary to actuate the lock 35, then move the base plate 9, then release the lock when the desired position is reached. The marks 16 of the tongue 13 which have been described in relation to FIG. 1 then help the technician to position the base plate 9 in one of the longitudinal positions defined by the teeth of the slide 8.

Naturally, the present description is given for information only, and other implementations of the invention could be adopted without departing from the scope thereof.

In particular, it goes without saying that the adjustment device which has just been described could be adapted for a rear fixing element. It would suffice to modify the horizontal dimensions of the base plate 9, so that it can receive the base of a rear fixing element.

Also, the adjustment device which has just been described is intended to equip a base plate independent of the fixing element. However, such a device could be adapted directly into the base of a binding, and the base would then be in direct engagement with the slide.

The walls 52 and 53 of the housing 41, and the direction of movement of the lock could also have a different orientation compared to what has been described.

Also, the clearance between the latch and its housing could be obtained from two parallel walls of the housing 41 and the non-parallel lateral edges of the latch, or by any other means.

Also, the present device could equip any other longitudinal adjustment device with an accessory on a ski, or even on a board for sliding.

Claims (20)

1. Assembly formed by a front binding designed to hold a boot supported on a ski and a longitudinal adjustment device, the binding comprising a device (3) for position-retention on one end of the boot, a body (4) and a base (5), said assembly comprising a longitudinal slide-rail (8) provided so as to be assembled to the ski, means supplementing those of the slide-rail and incorporating a locking mechanism provided to allow the position-retention element to slide along the slide-rail and to be immobilized in at least two different longitudinal positions, said assembly being characterized by the fact that the adjustment device comprises a base plate (9) separate from the base (5) of the binding, that said base plate (9) has an upper surface provided for assembly of the base of the binding, that the locking mechanism is guided in a transverse housing (41) located beneath the base plate, and that it is extended laterally by a tongue (42) fitted with a control button accessible on the lateral edge of the base plate (9).
2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the slide-rail (8) incorporates, in its central portion, at least three teeth (23-32) aligned longitudinally and delimiting between them at least two tooth spaces, that the locking mechanism (35) has at least one tooth (45, 47) cooperating with the tooth spaces of the slide-rail by being engaged therein transversely in order to immobilize the base plate longitudinally.
3. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said locking mechanism (35) has three juxtaposed teeth (45, 46, 47) spaced apart longitudinally, two end teeth (45, 47) aligned longitudinally and one central tooth (46) set back transversely, said two end teeth being designed in engage in two successive tooth spaces of the slide-rail under the elastic force of a return spring (40) belonging to said locking mechanism, said central tooth (46) abutting against the tooth (24-30) of the slide-rail (8) adjacent to said two tooth spaces.
4. Assembly according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the lateral face (48) of the central tooth (46) of said locking mechanism and the faces (32) of the teeth (24-30) belonging to the slide-rail (8) which cooperate among themselves are inclined in a vertical, transverse plane and have a substantially identical inclination.
5. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the last tooth (31) at one of the ends of the slide-rail has a larger transverse dimension than the other teeth, so that the clearing of said tooth (31) by said locking mechanism (35) requires said button (10) to move over an amplitude greater than the amplitude needed to clear the other teeth (24-30).
6. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said assembly further comprises blocking means (58, 59, 60, 61) used to immobilize the locking mechanism automatically in the locked position thereof as soon as a longitudinal force is generated on the base in a determinate direction, and for as long as a voluntary force is not exerted in the opposite direction in order to disengage said blocking means.
7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the blocking means (58, 59, 60, 61) are movable between an operative position, in which they immobilize the locking mechanism in the locked position thereof, and an inoperative position in which the action they exert on the locking mechanism (35) is neutralized, and that they are continuously drawn back elastically into the operative position.
8. Assembly according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the blocking means are temporarily disengaged by a force voluntarily exerted on the base (9) longitudinally in a direction opposite that in which the boot exerts a force on the base when it is inserted between the two bindings.
9. Assembly according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said locking mechanism (35) is movable between its operative and inoperative positions obliquely in relation to the longitudinal direction and that the locking mechanism describes this motion by being guided in a flared housing (41) allowing it to swing in a horizontal plane, this movement being controlled by a voluntary maneuver causing the base (9) to move longitudinally.
10. Assembly according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that, in one of the end positions of the swinging motion, the blocking means (58, 59, 60, 61) are operative and that, in the other end position, the blocking means are inoperative.
11. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the blocking means comprise, for one of elements constituted by the locking mechanism and the housing thereof, a finger (58) extending obliquely to the longitudinal direction, and, for the other of said elements, a groove (59) cooperating with said finger by virtue of the fact that said finger is engaged therein, that, in the active locking position of said locking mechanism, said finger (58) lies outside said groove (59), that, in one of the end positions of the swinging motion, the finger is offset in relation to the alignment with said groove, thereby immobilizing the locking mechanism in its operative locking position, and that, in the other end position of the swinging motion, the finger is aligned with said groove, thereby allowing said locking mechanism to move from its operative to its inoperative position.
12. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that said blocking means comprise a stop (60) projecting outward on a lateral edge of said locking mechanism and cooperating with a stop (61) projecting outward on the lateral edge of said housing, that, in one of the end positions of the swinging motion, the two stops are in mutual abutment, thereby immobilizing said locking mechanism in its operative locking position, and that, in the other position of the swinging motion, the stop belonging to the locking mechanism disengages from the stop belonging to the housing, thereby enabling said locking mechanism to move from its operative to its inoperative position.
13. Assembly according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that an elastic return mechanism (40) elastically draws said locking mechanism back into the end position of the swinging motion in which said blocking means are operative.
14. Assembly according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the elastic return mechanism is the return spring (40) belonging to the locking mechanism, which extends in a direction intermediate between the oblique direction of motion of the locking mechanism, so as to move from its operative to its inoperative position, and the longitudinal direction, so as to generate simultaneously an elastic return force on the locking mechanism in the operative position thereof and in the end position of its swinging motion corresponding to the operative position of said blocking means.
15. Assembly according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that said spring (40) draws said base (9) back elastically into the position corresponding to the operative position of the blocking means (58, 59, 60, 61).
16. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that a block of a compressible material (56) fills the space between said button (10) and said base plate (9).
17. Assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the slide-rail (8) is extended rearward by a tongue (13), in relation to which said base plate (9) is longitudinally movable, and that said tongue (13) bears markings (16) making it possible to identify the longitudinal position of said base plate (9).
18. Assembly according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the front end of the tongue (13) is attached to said slide-rail (8) and that the rear end of said tongue is inserted beneath the base (15) of the other binding, where it can slide freely in a longitudinal direction.
19. Alpine safety ski binding, designed to hold the end of a boot supported on a ski, characterized by the fact that said binding is equipped with a device for adjustment of its longitudinal position on the ski according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 18.
20. Device for adjustment of the longitudinal position of a binding, provided so as to form, in conjunction with the binding, an assembly according to any of claims 1 to 18.

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