EP3096845B1 - Step-in binding for telemark skiing, ski touring or crosscountry ski - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a setting of cross-country skiing, telemark skiing or cross-country skiing with "Step in" automatic locking.

State of the art

Traditionally bindings ski touring, ski telemark or cross-country skiing require unlocking manipulation to open the binding or preparation to allow the establishment of the shoe. In addition to opening the attachment, it is almost always necessary to perform a manual intervention directly with the hand or through a ski pole to lock the boot on the ski.

In telemark, the most used materials are the "standard 75" fasteners, such as the fasteners described in the patent. US 7,401,802 (Black Diamond Equipment). This type of attachment is characterized by a fixed front grip that maintains the shape called "duckbill" located at the front of the shoe and a cable tension system equipped with spring locking on the heel of the shoe. This shoe standard makes it difficult to walk on rock when climbing, does not allow the use of standard glacier crampons and limits the use of this type of shoe to only telemark ski. In addition the establishment of shoes in bindings is always very delicate. The skier is often forced to kneel to block the ski and be able to lock the tension system on the heel of the shoe. These operations are made more difficult in the presence of snow, because the skis are rarely equipped with stop ski, they slide easily making sometimes the locking operation tedious. Finally, the heaving in the event of a fall is practically impossible, and the use of these bindings thus presents a high risk of injury for the skiers.

In the mid-2000s, a group of manufacturers defined a new standard, called "New Telemark Norm" or NTN, which sets a new ski / shoe interface standard. The new shoes, defined by this standard, can be used in telemark or downhill skiing, and can receive standard glacier crampons. The sole of the shoe is divided into two parts: the front sole specific to the standard NTN and the heel which is classic and distinct from the front sole. The specificity of the front sole comes from the projection which is located at the level of the plantar arch in the center of the shoe, at the rear end of the front sole. Thus the shoe can be secured to the ski by being held between the front portion of the front sole and the projection. This standard has made it possible to create bindings that combine the freedom of movement of the Telemark-specific heel and which incorporate a safety device releasing the boot in case of skier's fall. Responding to several issues of the Standard 75 standard, these bindings can also include ski stops and provide extra safety for skiers.

Telemark bindings as described in the document EP 1 790 396 (Rottefella ) are the fastening models that meet the NTN standard. These bindings always require a manual unlocking, a delicate implementation of the shoe and an intervention for the locking of it by hand, with the free foot or with a ski pole. These bindings are also characterized by a weight greater than the average fasteners available on the market.

In addition to the development of these bindings, the shoe manufacturers have integrated the front and rear interfaces specific to Dynafit ® fasteners into certain models in their range. These Dynafit ® type interfaces are characterized by the presence of two hollow and conical inserts located on the front tip of the sole and an insert plate on the heel. NTN telemark boots, equipped with these interfaces, allow the skier to use them either on skis equipped with NTN telemark fixation or on skis equipped with Dynafit ® standard hiking bindings. Users really appreciate the versatility of this type of new generation of shoes. The invention described in the present patent application uses this shoe model.

Based on this shoe concept standard NTN and equipped with Dynafit ® interface, a model of fixation appeared, associating the front part of the Dynafit ® fixation and the locking tension system on the heel of the clean shoe telemark bindings of "Standard 75". This system maintains the front of the shoe through the flanges (forks) of the binding Dynafit ®, while the tensioning of the shoe is provided by the classic heel strap system maintained by the cable assembly -report telemark bindings under "Standard 75". This system provides a functional and effective telemark, reasonable weight and effective hiking, but still requires a manual lock of the shoe and limits the safety of the skier because of difficult heaving.

Finally we know, by US-2003/0047912 , a ski binding whose function "Step In" is provided by two levers, one of which is articulated on the base of the binding and the other of which can slide, by its free end, in a light of this base . The locking zone of the boot is also integral in translation of the sliding lever. When the user presses down on the locking zone, this causes the lever sliding forward, so that this locking zone tends to advance relative to the shoe, which performs the actual fixing operation . The problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to allow both an automatic locking of the shoe in the binding, the use of the binding in hiking mode without heaving, an easy release powered by the skier and an automatic heaving in case of fall, while using a fixation of a total mass as low as possible.

Objects of the invention

• un élément de retenue avant, apte à coopérer avec la semelle avant de la chaussure,
• un élément de retenue arrière apte à coopérer avec une saillie de la partie arrière de la semelle avant et/ou avec la semelle arrière de la chaussure, ledit élément de retenue arrière étant apte à pivoter, en relevant ou abaissant sa partie arrière, dans le plan vertical autour d'un axe (qui peut être un axe matériel ou virtuel) horizontal orthogonal à la direction du ski entre une position dite haute (ou « position de repos ») et une position dite basse (ou « positon engagée »),
• un élément tendeur qui agit entre l'élément de retenue arrière et le ski et/ou l'élément de retenu avant, apte à assurer la mise en tension de la chaussure sur la fixation et à permettre au talon d'être librement soulevé,
• ladite fixation étant caractérisée en ce que qu'elle comprend en plus :
• une biellette tendeur placée sous l'étrier de retenue arrière et reliée à ce dernier, de manière à permettre audit étrier de retenue arrière de pivoter dans le plan vertical autour d'un axe horizontal orthogonal à la direction du ski,
• une butée fixe (appelée aussi « butée d'escamotage ») placée sur le ski ou l'élément de retenu avant, apte à coopérer avec la biellette tendeur, de manière à permettre à l'étrier de retenue arrière de reculer, en tendant ledit élément tendeur, lorsque le talon de la chaussure exerce sur l'étrier de retenue arrière se trouvant en position de repos une pression dirigée vers le bas.

L'élément de retenu avant est avantageusement un système de fixation de type Dynafit®, à double ergot de verrouillage sur la chaussure. L'élément de retenue avant comprend un élément de commande, tel qu'un loquet, pouvant être actionné par l'utilisateur, qui transmet son mouvement aux brides par l'intermédiaire d'une biellette avant.
La butée d'escamotage coopère avec la biellette tendeur et transforme lors de l'engagement de la chaussure dans l'élément de retenue arrière la force verticale exercée par le talon de la chaussure sur l'élément de retenue arrière en mouvement horizontal en direction arrière dudit élément de retenue arrière, ce qui permet l'engagement dudit élément de retenue arrière (de préférence par l'intermédiaire d'une bride d'accroche arrière) soit sur la saillie arrière de la semelle avant, soit sur le talon.According to the invention, the problem is solved by a ski binding, in particular ski touring, telemark and / or cross-country ski binding, for fixing a ski boot comprising a front sole and a heel, said ski binding comprising:

• a front retainer, able to cooperate with the front sole of the shoe,
• a rear retaining element adapted to cooperate with a protrusion of the rear part of the front sole and / or with the rear sole of the boot, said rear retaining element being able to pivot, raising or lowering its rear part, in the vertical plane around an axis (which may be a material or virtual axis) horizontal orthogonal to the ski direction between a so-called high position (or "rest position") and a so-called low position (or "engaged position"),
• a tensioning element which acts between the rear retaining element and the ski and / or the front retaining element, adapted to ensure the tensioning of the boot on the binding and to allow the heel to be freely lifted,
• said attachment being characterized in that it further comprises:
• a tensioning rod placed under the rear retaining stirrup and connected thereto, so as to enable said rear retaining stirrup to pivot in the vertical plane about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the direction of the ski,
• a fixed stop (also called "retraction stop") placed on the ski or the front retaining element, adapted to cooperate with the tensioning link, so as to allow the rear retaining stirrup to move backwards, stretching said tensioning element, when the heel of the boot exerts on the rear retaining stirrup in the rest position a pressure directed downwards.

The front retainer element is advantageously a Dynafit® type fastening system, with a double locking lug on the boot. The front retainer includes a control member, such as a user operable latch, which transmits its movement to the flanges through a forward link.
The retraction abutment cooperates with the tensioning rod and transforms during the engagement of the shoe in the rear retaining element the vertical force exerted by the heel of the boot on the rear retaining element in horizontal movement in the rear direction of said rear retaining member, which allows the engagement of said rear retaining member (preferably via a rear catch flange) or on the rear projection of the front flange or on the heel.

According to one embodiment of this attachment, the rear portion of said rear retaining clip or said tensioning element is connected to the rear portion of said tensioning link. The tensioner link allows the retainer to pivot between a high position and a low position.
The rear retaining clip may be connected to the front retaining member by a flexible connecting member. The latter may have, in its rear part, a guide which slides in the drawer of the rear retaining element.

According to another embodiment which can be combined with the previous one, said tensioning link, when the engagement of the rear retaining element, abuts with its front end against said fixed stop.

According to another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, when the rear retaining yoke is released from the recoil tension and when the protrusion of the rear part of the front sole or the heel of the boot is inserted in the rear retaining clip, the projection of the rear portion of the front sole or the heel of the boot is supported on a tongue of the link, and locks said link in the retracted position.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, the rear retainer is designed such that upon placement of the boot in the rear retainer, after locking of the front retaining element on the front part of the front sole, when the user lowers the heel, the rear soleplate bears on the rear retaining stirrup or a component associated with the rear retaining stirrup, and imposes a retreat of the rear retaining stirrup under the effect of the rod, itself bearing on the fixed stop retraction, so that the retraction of the rear retaining stirrup allows the projection or the heel of the shoe to fit into the rear retainer.

According to yet another embodiment that can be combined with one or more of the previous, the rear retaining element further comprises a retraction boss placed behind the fixed stop or integrated in the tensioning rod, able to release the tensioner rod resting on the fixed stop when the projection or heel of the shoe is inserted into the rear retaining clip.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the preceding, said tensioning element comprises two elastic return members (typically springs) disposed on either side of the rear retaining element, and preferably within the rear retaining bracket, and at least one knurled ring for adjusting the preload of the tensioning element, and said tensioning member preferably further comprising a set of rods and cables which cooperate with said springs for tensioning of the retaining clip. Said rods may be disposed within said springs, typically parallel to the direction of attachment (ie parallel to the ski). The cables can be replaced by a hoop.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, the attachment comprises a control member (typically a latch) operable by the user, said control member (latch) for holding the rear retaining bracket sufficiently retracted to prevent the projection or heel from being hooked by the rear retaining bracket, either by acting directly on the rear retaining bracket or by acting directly on the tiller. This is suitable for cross-country skiing and ski touring.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the above, said rear retaining clip comprises two lateral stops, disposed on either side of its rear part, so as to center the rear projection of the soleplate. before the boot on said rear retaining yoke, said lateral abutments being preferably arranged so as to be able to pivot each about a vertical axis under the effect of a torque generated by a lateral movement of the boot during the loosening.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, the tensioner rod is connected to the tensioning member or the rear retaining bracket via an axis which lies in the plane said tensioning element allowing the rear retaining clip to slide parallel to the plane of said tensioning element.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, the front retainer comprises three components, namely a specific element (latch), a slider and a pivoting member; the slider can move fore and aft to release or lock said pivoting member. When the attachment is in telemark mode, the user can rotate the element forward, a protuberance of said member bears on said slide and slides backward, releasing said pivoting member to allow the skier to lift easily the shoe to practice ski touring. The user can switch to "ski touring" mode without taking off.

According to yet another embodiment that can be combined with one or more of the preceding, the tensioner rod is supported in service on the retraction abutment at a fulcrum which is located in front of the connection point between this rod and the retaining bracket, in side view and referring to the direction of movement of the ski.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the preceding, the tensioner rod is pivotally mounted on the rear retaining stirrup about an axis orthogonal to the direction of the ski. The tensioner rod can in particular support in operation on the retraction stop at a point which is located in front of said pivot axis of this link, in side view and with reference to the direction of movement of the ski.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, the rear retainer comprises a front portion which is free to pivot relative to the front retainer about a transverse axis, while being linked in translation with respect to this retaining element, the rear retaining stirrup has a degree of freedom in translation relative to the front portion, along the longitudinal axis of the ski.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, the rear retaining element is provided with removable fixing means, for the detachable fixing of knives, said knives being able to pivot relative to the rear retainer around a transverse axis. In particular the removable fastening means may comprise a fixing member defining a housing, adapted to receive by lateral sliding a pivot rod integral with said knives.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the above, the binding comprises a heel and a heel support, the heel being movably mounted relative to the support between an access position, in which it allows the access to a support housing, this housing being adapted to receive a sensor, and a covering position, in which it prevents access to this housing while protecting the sensor.

According to yet another embodiment which can be combined with one or more of the foregoing, the attachment comprises a control element for controlling the front retaining element and a locking member of this control element, this organ blocking device being movable between a neutral position, in which it does not impede the movement of the control element, and a blocking position, in which it prevents the movement of the control element, in order to avoid any disengagement inadvertent shoe relative to the front retainer. The locking member may in particular extend through a notch of the control element and this locking member then has a clean locking zone to abut against the walls of this notch, in said locking position.

Description of figures

• Les figures 1, 2, 4 et 5 montrent la fixation en position repos (prête à être chaussée) : la figure 1 montre une vue en perspective, la figure 2 une vue de dessus, la figure 4 une vue de côté, la figure 5 une vue latérale en coupe.
• La figure 3 montre une vue éclatée et en perspective de la fixation qui permet de visualiser l'ensemble des pièces qui compose l'équipement.
• La figure 6 montre une vue latérale en coupe de la fixation en position repos avec la chaussure déjà maintenue par l'étrier de retenue avant.
• Les figures 7 et 8 représentent une vue latérale en coupe de la fixation qui montre la chaussure s'insérant progressivement dans l'élément de retenue arrière, avant que la biellette tendeur ne soit escamotée. Sur la figure 7 la chaussure commence à s'insérer dans l'élément de retenue arrière, sur la figure 8 la chaussure est insérée dans l'élément de retenue arrière.
• La figure 9 montre la même coupe que les figures 7 et 8, avec la chaussure engagée en position verrouillée.
• La figure 10 monte une vue latérale en coupe de la fixation avec la chaussure en position « ski de randonnée » ou « ski de fond ».
• La figure 11 illustre deux modes de réalisation du bossage d'escamotage, qui est un élément optionnel de l'invention.
• La figure 12 montre une vue éclatée et en perspective d'un autre mode de réalisation de la fixation qui permet de visualiser l'ensemble des pièces qui compose l'équipement.
• La figure 13 montre une vue latérale en coupe de la fixation selon une variante de l'invention, avec la chaussure en position « ski de randonnée ».
• La figure 14 montre une vue latérale de la fixation selon la même variante que celle de la figure 13, avec la chaussure en position « télémark ».
• La figure 15 montre un détail du dispositif montré sur les figures 1 à 3 dont elle illustre le fonctionnement.
• La figure 16 montre un détail du dispositif montré sur les figures 12, 13 et 14 dont elle illustre le fonctionnement.
• Les figures 17 et 18 sont des vues en perspective, illustrant un organe de montage pour des couteaux, respectivement en éclatée et en position montée.
• Les figures 19 et 20 sont des vues en perspective, illustrant une talonnière équipant la fixation, en positions respectivement abaissée et relevée.
• Les figures 21 et 22 sont des vues en perspective, illustrant une biellette de blocage équipant la fixation, en positions respectivement neutre et de blocage.

The Figures 1 to 22 illustrate embodiments of the invention.

• The Figures 1, 2 , 4 and 5 show the fixation in the rest position (ready to be paved): the figure 1 shows a perspective view, the figure 2 a view from above, the figure 4 a side view, the figure 5 a side view in section.
• The figure 3 shows an exploded and perspective view of the attachment that allows viewing all the parts that make up the equipment.
• The figure 6 shows a sectional side view of the fixation in the rest position with the shoe already held by the front retaining clip.
• The figures 7 and 8 are a sectional side view of the binding which shows the shoe gradually inserting into the rear retainer, before the tensioner rod is retracted. On the figure 7 the boot begins to fit into the rear retainer, on the figure 8 the boot is inserted into the rear retainer.
• The figure 9 shows the same cut as the figures 7 and 8 with the shoe engaged in the locked position.
• The figure 10 mounts a sectional side view of the attachment with the shoe in "ski touring" or "cross-country skiing" position.
• The figure 11 illustrates two embodiments of the retraction boss, which is an optional element of the invention.
• The figure 12 shows an exploded and perspective view of another embodiment of the fastener that allows viewing all the parts that make up the equipment.
• The figure 13 shows a side view in section of the binding according to a variant of the invention, with the shoe in position "ski touring".
• The figure 14 shows a side view of the fastener according to the same variant as that of the figure 13 , with the shoe in "telemark" position.
• The figure 15 shows a detail of the device shown on the Figures 1 to 3 it illustrates how it works.
• The figure 16 shows a detail of the device shown on the figures 12 , 13 and 14 it illustrates how it works.
• The Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views, illustrating a mounting member for knives respectively exploded and mounted position.
• The Figures 19 and 20 are perspective views, illustrating a heel equipping the attachment, respectively lowered and raised positions.
• The Figures 21 and 22 are perspective views, illustrating a locking rod fitted to the fastener, respectively neutral and blocking positions.

detailed description

In this description, the terms "forward", "rear", "front", "behind", "forward" and "backward" refer to the direction of skiing in a normal use situation. As illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 , the attachment 1 according to the invention comprises a front retaining element 2, a rear retaining element 3 and a heel piece 4. These three elements are fixed on the ski, typically by fastening screws 17, directly or via a mounting plate.
The main function of the heel 4 (visible in particular on the figure 9 ) is to allow the positioning of the heel of the boot on a bearing surface 41 at a predetermined height; the heel is fixed on the ski by means of a support 40 ; it can understand in known manner a wedge 43 (called "high wedge").
The front retainer 2 is known as such; it may advantageously be a front retainer known from the so-called "Dynafit ®" fastener comprising two conical lugs 20a, 20b which each cooperate with a hollow and conical insert 23 located on the right and left side of the front part of the front sole 11 of the shoe 5.
The front retainer 2 in the "open" position (disengaged) is actuated by advancing the tip of the front sole of the boot 5, through the front link 21, as will be described below. Said pins 20a, 20b are each mounted on a flange 24, which is actuated by the front link 21 ; in the engagement position of the front retention element 2, these flanges 24 bring the lugs 20a, 20b laterally to the front portion 14 of the front soleplate 11, so as to allow the lugs 20a, 20b to fit into said Hollow inserts 23. Thus, the front retaining element 2 makes it possible to retain the boot 5 in a position that allows, when the rear sole 13 of the boot 5 is not held in a low position and can be lifted, the easy tilting the front portion 14 of its front sole 11 around a horizontal axis, orthogonal to the long direction of the ski; this axis passes through the lugs 9a, 9b.

Any other type of front retainer 2 which allows easy tilting of the front portion 14 of the front sole 11 about a horizontal axis, orthogonal to the long direction of the ski can be used in the context of the present invention. Preferably, this front retention element 2 is designed so as to allow the disengagement of the front portion 14 of the front sole 11 of the boot 5 by a control element (typically a latch) 26 actuated by the skier by hand or with pressure from the tip of the stick. In the example of the retainer type front Dynafit ® to disengage the shoe from the front retaining element 2, the front retaining element 2 can be actuated by a control element (here a latch) 26 which actuates a link before 21 ; said control member (latch) 26 can be operated by the skier by hand or exerting a substantially vertical pressure with the tip of his stick; to easily accommodate this tip of the stick the latch 26 may have a recessed area 22. This manual or stick actuation causes the opening of the front retainer 2 which releases the front sole 11 of the shoe 5.

It is in the rear retaining element 3 that the present invention resides. It comprises first a front portion 3A, which is free to pivot relative to the front retainer 2 about a transverse axis, while being translationally connected thereto. The rear retaining element 3 also comprises a rear retaining yoke 7, having a degree of freedom in translation relative to the front portion 3A, along the longitudinal axis of the ski. This translational movement, from back to front, is performed against a tensioning element described below. This rear retaining yoke 7 is connected to a connecting rod 6 called tensioning rod, namely that this rod can pivot relative to this yoke about a transverse axis A6. In addition, said rear retaining yoke 7 is at its rear end integral with a rear attachment flange 8 capable of hooking onto the rear projection 46 of the front flange 11. The rear retaining element 3 also comprises an element tensioner 35 mentioned above, which typically comprises at least one spring 31 (or another elastic return member) and one or more transmission elements, for example a system comprising rods 32 and at least one cable 33 (visible on the figure 3 ).

The rear retaining stirrup 7 can switch between a high position called "rest position", illustrated on the Figures 4 and 5 , and a low position called "locked position", illustrated on the figure 9 . This tilting is guided by a connecting rod 6 called "tensioning rod" positioned under the rear retaining clip 7. The rear part of the rear retaining clip 7 is movably connected to the rear end of the tensioning rod 6. The front end 74 of the tensioning rod 6 may be engaged in a fixed stop 16 fixed to the ski. When the skier lowers the heel 12 of his shoe 5, this movement vertical down engages the front end 74 of the tensioner rod 6 in the abutment 16 and causes the recoil of the rear retaining stirrup 7. This recoil motion puts the tightening element 35 in tension; it allows the engagement of the rear projection 46 of the front sole 11 by the rear hook strap 8 of the rear retaining clip 7.
In addition to the front retainer 2 and the rear retainer 3, the figure 3 shows the different components that form the tensioning element 35 : the rods 35 and the cable 33, as will be explained below.
The tensioning rod 6 may be equipped with an elastic return member (typically a spring) 18 which presses it downwards.
We now give a precise description of the operation of the binding 1 according to the invention, and in particular of its rear retention element 3, with particular reference to the Figures 6 to 9 .
In the rest position of the attachment 1, the front retaining element 1 is in the open position (for example, in a Dynafit ® type front retaining element 1 , the flanges 24 are open), and the tensioning rod 6 and the rear retaining bracket 7 are in the up position (raised position): the rest position is the position in which the bracket 1 is ready to be paved. The figure 6 shows more particularly the rest position for the rear retention element 3 according to the invention.
When the user has engaged the front retainer 2 (i.e., in the example of the Dynafit ® retainer described above: locked the flanges 24 from the front to the using the lugs 20a, 20b which cooperate with the hollow inserts 23 of the shoe 5 ), it suffices to lower the heel 12 to lock the shoe 5 in the rear retaining member 3 according to the invention. When the skier lowers the heel 12 of his shoe 5, the rear sole 13 of the shoe 5 is supported on an interface piece (not shown in the figures) or directly on the rear retaining clip 7 and imposes de facto the tensioning rod 6 to bear on the fixed stop (also called retraction stop) 16 (see figure 7 ). The rod is supported on this fixed stop at a point which is located in front of the pivot axis A6 of this rod 6, in side view and with reference to the direction of movement of the ski.
Under the vertical force imposed by the shoe, the rod 6, bearing on the retraction abutment 16, exerts a horizontal force on the rear retaining bracket 7 directed rearwardly. This imposes a retreating movement of this stirrup with respect to the front portion 3A of the rear retaining element 3. This rearward movement of the rear retaining stirrup 7 is effected against the tensioning element 35. of the rear retention element 3, namely that this tensioning element is actuated. (This forward and backward movement of the rear retaining stirrup 7 can be seen in the figures on the Figures 6 to 10 by the extent of the space symbolized by the arrow E ). More precisely, this recoil movement puts the internal springs 31 of the binding in tension. The backward movement of the rear retaining yoke 7 continues until the protrusion 46 of the rear part of the front soleplate is inserted into the rear attachment flange 8 ( figure 8 ) .
When the rear retaining bar 7 arrives in the retracted position, allowing the boot 5 to fit (in an advantageous embodiment of the rear retaining member 3 this allows the projection 46 to be engaged by the flange 8 ), a suitable protrusion boss-type 10 located on the ski or an element 76 of the attachment, such as on the retraction abutment 16, retracts the tensioner rod 6 by exerting a force directed upwards on the front portion of the tensioning rod 6. This retraction of the rod 6, which is typically around a horizontal axis 19 , releases the retaining clip 7 of the recoil tension. The retaining stirrup 7, under the effect of the tension of the tensioning element 35, returns to the rest position and puts the shoe 5 into tension . In this situation the shoe 5 is locked on the ski binding 1 , and the skier can indulge in telemark, knowing that the rear sole 13 of the shoe 5 remains fixed in the rear retaining clip 7 and can be raised by tilting it upwards; this movement will be more effective with a telemark ski boot whose shell, especially on the front, is sufficiently flexible.
In one embodiment, the fixed stop 16 is fixed on the ski. In another embodiment it is integral with the front retention element 2.
To remove, the skier will simply release the portion of the front sole 11 of the shoe 5 held by the front retainer 2, typically by exerting a vertical pressure with his stick on the latch 26. In the case of the element Dynafit ® type front retainer 2 , described above, when the skier actuates the control member 26 (in the example, when the skier presses the latch 26 ), the flanges 24 deviate from the side and other of the front sole 11, thus releasing the front portion 14 of the front sole 11 by disengaging the lugs 20a, 20b, releasing the front tip of the shoe. The shoe 5 is no longer maintained, it is sufficient for the skier to advance slightly his shoe to clear the heel or the projection 46 and remove his shoe 5 of the binding 1.
When the projection 46 of the rear portion 15 of the front sole 11 fits into the rear socket, it rests on the tongue 36 of the rod 6 and locks it in the retracted position.
In an embodiment illustrated on the Figures 5 to 9 , a retracting boss 10 is provided under the tensioning rod 6, which reinforces the tension of the tensioning element 35 of the rear retaining element 3.
According to a particular embodiment, the tensioning springs 31 of the tensioning element 35 are integrated in the rear retaining clip 7.

In one embodiment, the rear retaining element 3 is pivotable, raising or lowering its rear portion, in the vertical plane about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the ski direction between a high position and a low position. . This axis can be a hardware axis and / or a virtual axis. A virtual axis may be represented by a flexible material, in this case a flexible connecting element 30 formed on its front portion 3A. Such a flexible connecting element may exhibit during its operation a generalized and / or localized deformation, for example by means of one or more grooves 75 (see FIG. figures 3 and 4 ), and / or it can be fixed at its front end by an axis 37.
In an embodiment illustrated on the figures 3 and 4 , the dimensions of the flexible connecting element 30 are chosen so as to ensure that the rear retaining clip 7 is in a position such that the tensioning rod 6 is placed downstream of the fixed stopper 16.

In an embodiment illustrated on the figure 10 , the ski binding 1 according to the invention comprises a control element 45 which can be actuated by the user, said control element 45 making it possible to impose on the rear retaining clip 3 a position sufficiently far back to prevent the protrusion 46 or the heel 12 to be hooked by the rear retaining stirrup 7, either by acting directly on the rear retaining clip 7 or by acting directly on the tensioning rod 6. Said control element 45 may be a latch.
This makes it possible to pivot the rear sole 13 of the shoe 5 freely upwards; the shoe 5 being held only by the front retention element 2. This pivoting movement is symbolized by the double arrow on the figure 10 . This position is suitable for cross-country skiing or cross-country skiing.
The control element or latch 45 can advantageously be arranged between the rear retaining element 3 and the heel piece 4.

As mentioned above and illustrated on the figure 11 , the retraction boss 10, which is optional, can be located either on the ski or on the base 76 which includes the retraction abutment 16, as shown in FIG. figure 11a (as well as on figures 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 ), or it can be integrated in the tensioning rod 6, as illustrated on the figure 11b . In the latter case it may be a protrusion directed downwards which cooperates with the surface of the base 76, or any other equivalent system.

The Figures 12 to 14 and 16 illustrate five variants of the invention that can be implemented separately or, as in the embodiment shown on the figure 12 , together:
In a first variant, the flexible connecting element 30 incorporates a guide 29 which slides in the drawer of the rear retaining clip 7. The guide 29 stiffens the lateral resistance: it can be made of plastic. In particular, this variant has the advantage of ensuring better lateral stability of the boot 5 during the heaving, when the front part of the boot is no longer held by the front retention element 2.

In a second variant whose operation is illustrated on the figure 14 in the tensioning element 35 the cables are replaced by a hoop 77; this makes it possible to control the point of inflection of the shoe.

In a third variant illustrated on the figure 16 in the front retainer 2, the flanges 24a, 24b have a bearing surface 78a, 78b for the front portion 15 of the front flange 11.

In a fourth variant whose operation is illustrated on the Figures 13 and 14 , the cooperation between three components of the front retainer 2, namely the "hiking mode" latch 49, the slider 47 and the hitching pivot assembly 50 allows the user to switch from the "ski touring" mode. »( figure 13 ) in the "telemark" mode ( figure 14 ) and vice versa without taking off. This fourth variant represents an innovative modification of the front retention element 2 ; it offers a new feature that will be explained below in relation to the figure 16 .
The hiking mode control latch 49 is dissociated from the front link 21 ' but still provides the locking function of the front link 21' for the hiking mode but now allows to slide the slide 47 from front to back to release or block the pivot set hike 50
The pivot pivot assembly 50 which was blocked by the rando slide 47, can now pivot about the axes (82), see the figure 16f . When the attachment is in telemark mode, the user can rotate the member 49 forward, a protuberance of the workpiece bears on the slider 47 and slides backward, thereby releasing the pivot assembly 50. This released set allows the skier to easily lift the shoe for hiking as described in figure 13 . The user (skier) can thus switch to "ski touring" mode without taking off.

Moreover, we note that figure 12 the plate 27 was made in two pieces 27,27a. In this sub-variant, the main body 27 is placed on a shim (for example plastic) 27a which incorporates guides in the middle part to ensure the maintenance of the slide 47 during sliding. This sub-variant makes it possible to limit the cost of machining.

It is noted that the embodiment of the figure 12 does not show the presence of the retraction boss 10, but it is expected that it can be added.

In a fifth variant, the front link (noted here 21 ' ) and its latch (denoted here 26' ) are integral.

The figure 15 illustrates otherwise the embodiment of Figures 1, 2 and 3 .
The figure 15a shows the attachment in the open position, waiting for the shoe. The flanges 24a, 24b are open and the front link 21 is in the up position.
The figure 15b shows the attachment in the "shoe in front"position;it's the telemark position. The front link 21 has tilted down; the latch 26 has followed the tilting of the front link 21 (these two parts being connected by a pivot and a position locking system) caused by the engagement of the tip of the shoe.
The figure 15c shows the fixation in "hiking" position. The latch 26 has been tilted by the skier by hand (typically by pressing the tip of the stick on a hollow area 22 of the latch 26 ) and bears on at least one bearing protrusion 48 (here: two protuberance of support 48a, 48b ). The binding is blocked and the skier can not take off in this position.

The figure 16 illustrates otherwise the embodiment of figures 12 , 13 and 14 .
The figure 16a shows the front retainer 2 of the attachment in the open position, waiting for the shoe. This figure incorporates the embodiment in which the front link 21 ' and its latch 26' are integral (called in the description which follows "part 21 '+ 26' ").
The figure 16b shows the attachment in "telemark" position. The part 21 '+ 26' has tilted downwards with the bearing surfaces 78a, 78b of the flanges 24a, 24b. Room 49 did not move; it is independent of the room 21 '+ 26'. In this condiguration of the fixation the skier can take off.
The figure 16c shows the binding in the "Hiking" position. The piece 49 was tilted by the skier, typically by a downward vertical pressure exerted before the pint of his stick. The binding is blocked and the skier can not take off.
The figure 16d shows in more detail the movement of the part 49 and the slide 49 : the lowering of the piece 49 causes the slide back 47 in the direction of the arrow. A bearing surface 80 of the front link 26 ' locks the part 21' + 26 '. When the slider 47 has slid backwards the piece 49 is free to pivot upwards. The pivot point for the "telemark" mode is close to the point of clamping of the shoe, and the shoe can therefore pivot by greatly limiting the test of springs: When the skier raises his heel the shoe pivots and makes a movement in an arc. The rear retainer 3 also pivots around a pivot point and thus performs a circular arc movement. In telemark mode (part 49 locked on the ski) this pivot point is away from the front retainer 2 .; this gap causes a strong tension of the tensioning element 35 and bends the shoe. The two circular arcs described by the movements of these two elements are remote, the tensioning element 35 compensates for the difference and thus increases the tension. In "if hiking" mode (part 49 unlocked) the pivot point of the rear retaining element 3 is very close to the front retaining element 2 because the part 49 pivots with the rear retaining element 3 (see FIG. the figure 13 ). The tension on the shoe is lower, the skier can easily lift his heel for ski touring.

This variant of the front fastening element 2 thus allows easy passage of the "telemark" mode in "hiking" mode and vice versa without disassembly of the shoe, with the aid of a simple action by the tip of the stick on the Element 49.
The figures 16e and 16f show more clearly the structure and action of the slider 47 and the "pivot hiker together" piece 49. figure 16e shows part 49 in blocked mode, the figure 16f shows the released piece 49 , after the slider 47 has released it; in this example, the slide cooperates for this purpose with a notch 81 arranged in the piece 49. The latter can pivot about an axis 82.

On the Figures 1 to 10 , 11b , 12 to 14 and 16 screws 17 for fixing the various elements on the ski appear, but the ski 28 is shown only on the figure 11a .

The shoe 5 has been described here as comprising a front sole 11 and a rear sole 13, these two parts being separated by the projection 46. In the context of the present invention, the projection 46 can also be made in the form of a channel or any other hollow formed in the sole of the shoe, in which case the projection 46 is said, in the context of the description, belong to the front sole 11 which it represents the edge of the rear portion 15 ; the rear sole 13 is in this case represented by the portion of the sole which extends from the projection 46 to the rear end of the sole (called the heel 12 ).

The Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the flexible connecting member 30 is pierced with two holes 83, for cooperation with a mounting member for knives. More precisely, this mounting member 84 has two fingers 85 intended to penetrate the orifices 83, which fingers can cooperate with locking means not shown, of any suitable type.

The member 84 further comprises a mounting housing 86 defined by three bosses, namely a first medial boss 87 , facing two lateral bosses 88. The facing faces of these bosses have a rounded surface, whereas these bosses are advantageously made of a material having a certain elasticity. The mounting area 86 can therefore accommodate, removably, knives 90 such as those sold under the name Dynafit ®. For this purpose these knives are connected, via lugs 91, to a transverse rod 92 adapted to be received in the housing 86.

When the user has to take a delicate passage, particularly on a glacier, he inserts the rod 92 into the housing 86, in particular by lateral sliding. The knives can then pivot relative to the flexible element, around the axis of the transverse rod 92, according to the arrow F92. The user then engages his shoe in the front retainer 2, as described above, so that the knives can not be detached inadvertently. If he wishes to remove these knives, the user first disengages his shoe from the front retainer and then pulls the rod 92 out of the housing 86.

The Figures 19 and 20 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention, wherein the heel 4 is mounted movably relative to the support 40, in this case pivotally mounted about a transverse axis A4. In addition the support delimits a housing 94, allowing the reception of a sensor 95, of a type known per se. This sensor allows the user to find his ski after a fall, when the ski is notably lost in powdery snow. This sensor is, for example, consistent with that marketed under the name ResQski ®.

Before engaging his shoe in the front retainer 2, the user pivots the heel upwards about the axis A4, so as to access the housing 94. He then inserts the sensor into said housing: Advantageously, the latter has walls adapted to a removable attachment of the sensor 95, in particular by lateral sliding. Note that this embodiment allows to take advantage judiciously of the free space formed by the heel. In addition, the upper surface of this heel-piece makes it possible to protect the sensor 95 against any aggression, in particular a sudden squash. After use, the user disengages his shoe from the front retainer and then pulls the sensor 95 out of its housing 94.

The Figures 21 and 22 further illustrate a further embodiment of the invention, in which the control latch 26 is dug a notch 100 opening on its two opposite faces. There is also provided an additional rod 101, said locking rod, which is pivotally mounted about an axis A101, relative to the body of the front retainer 2. The pivoting of this link 101 can be achieved by pressing on an actuating member 102 (see also figure 18 ), located on either side of the latch 26. This support can be initiated for example by a stick and, therefore, the actuating member is advantageously provided with two recesses, ensuring easy cooperation with the stick.

The link is movable between two functional positions. In the first position, illustrated in figure 21 this link is turned towards the rear of the ski, so that it does not interfere with the free tilting of the latch 26. In this first position, the user can therefore freely engage and disengage the shoe with respect to the element. front restraint.

In the second position, called blocking, illustrated in figure 22 , this rod is turned towards the front of the ski, so that it now prevents the free tilting of the latch 26. Advantageously, the user engages his shoe in the first position of the rod, then tilts this link in its second position. He can not then disengage, unintentionally, his shoe relative to the front retainer. Indeed the walls of the notch 100 then abut against a so-called blocking zone 103, belonging to the rod 101. The ski can no longer take off, which is particularly suitable for a "hiking" mode, so that the ski does not escape especially in the case of a lateral support on the ice.

In another embodiment not illustrated by figures, it is the heel 12 which is engaged by the rear fastening element 7.

The attachment according to the invention has many advantages. It can be engaged and disengaged without the skier needing to bend down. In addition it is versatile, robust, reliable, lightweight. List of references used in the figures: 1 Fixation 40 Heel support 2 Front retaining element 41 Heel support surface 3 Rear retainer 42 Toggle button 4 Heel 43 High Wedge 5 Shoe 44 Heel pin 6 Tensioning link 45 Hiking Lock Latch 7 Rear retaining bracket 46 Rear projection of the front sole 11 8 Rear hanging strap 47 Slider 9 Knurled ring (9a, 9b) 48 Supporting protuberance 10 Folding Boss 49 Hiking Mode Control Latch 11 Front sole of the shoe 5 50 Hiking Pivot Set 12 Heel of the shoe 5 70 Safety spring 13 Sole of the shoe 5 71 Adjusting screw (spring tension 70) 14 Front part of the front sole 11 72 Voltage indicator 15 Rear part of the front sole 11 73 Slider 16 Retraction stop 74 Front end of connecting rod 6 17 Fastening screw on the ski 75 Groove of connecting element 30 18 Spring of the tension rod 6 76 Base plate 19 Tensioner rod shaft 6 77 Arceau Ergot (20a, 20b) 78 Support surface of the flange 24 21 Front link 80 Support surface of the front link 22 Hollow area of latch 26 81 Notch overall 49 23 Hollow insert 82 Pivot point of the set 49 24 Bride 83 Holes of Element 30 25 Retainer clip 19 84 Assembly tool 26 Latch of the front link 21 85 Fingers of the organ 84 27 Front retainer plate 86 Mounting housing 28 Ski 87 Median Boss 29 Guide 88 Lateral bosses 30 Flexible connection element 90 Knives 31 Elastic return element (spring) 91 Knife tabs 90 32 Rod 92 Knife rod 90 33 Cable 94 Media slot 40 34 Pivot Point Adjustment Element 95 Sensor 35 tensioning element 100 notch in latch 26 36 Tab of the tension rod 6 101 Rod 37 Axes of the connecting element 30 102 actuating member 101 38 Lateral stop 103 Blocking zone of 101 39 Axis of the lateral stop 38

Claims (14)

1. Ski binding (1), in particular a binding for a touring, Telemark and/or cross-country ski, for fixing a ski boot (5) comprising a front sole (11) and a heel (12), said ski binding (1) comprising:

   - a front retaining element (2), able to cooperate with the front sole (11) of the boot (5),

   - a rear retaining element (3) able to cooperate with a projection (46) on the rear part (15) of the front sole (11) and/or with the rear sole (13) of the boot (5), said rear retaining element (3) being able to pivot, while raising or lowering its rear part, in the vertical plane about a horizontal axis, which may be a physical or virtual axis, orthogonal to the direction of the ski, between a so-called upper position, or idle position, and a so-called lower position, or engaged position,

   - a tensioning element (35) that acts between the rear retaining element (2) and the ski and/or the front retaining element (2), able to tension the boot (5) on the binding (1) and to enable the heel (12) to be freely lifted,

   said binding (1) further comprising:

   - a tensioning link (6) placed under the rear retaining stirrup (7) and connected to the latter, so as to enable said tensioning link (6) to pivot in the vertical plane about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the direction of the ski (10), with respect to said rear retaining stirrup (7),

   - a retraction stop (16) placed on the ski or the front retaining element (2), able to cooperate with the tensioning link (6),

   said fixation (1) being characterized in that said tensioning link (6) bears in service on the retraction stop (16) at a bearing point that is situated in front of the connection point between this link and the retaining stirrup, in side view and with reference to the direction of movement of the ski, so as to enable the rear retaining stirrup (7) to move back, tensioning said tensioning element (35), when the heel (12) of the boot (5) exerts a downwardly directed pressure on the rear retaining stirrup (7) situated in the idle position.
2. Binding (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear part of said rear retaining stirrup (7) is connected to the rear part of the said tensioning link (6).
3. Binding (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said tensioning link (6), when the rear retaining element (3) is engaged, abuts with its front end against said stop (16).
4. Binding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the rear retaining stirrup (7) is released from the retraction tension and when the projection (46) of the rear part (15) of the front sole (11) or the heel (12) of the boot (5) is inserted in the rear retaining stirrup (7), the projection (46) of the rear part (15) of the front sole (11) or the heel (12) of the boot (5) bears on a tongue (36) of the link (6), and locks said link in the retracted position.
5. Binding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when the boot is fitted in the rear retaining element (3), after locking of the front retaining element (2) on the front part (14) of the front sole (11), when the user lowers the heel (12), the rear sole (13) bears on the rear retaining stirrup (7) or an element associated with the rear retaining stirrup (7), and imposes a retraction of the rear retaining stirrup (7) under the effect of the link (6), itself in abutment on the fixed retraction stop (16), so that this retraction of the rear retaining stirrup (7) enables the projection (46) or heel (12) of the boot (5) to be inserted in the rear retaining stirrup (7).
6. Ski binding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rear retaining element (3) also comprises a retraction protrusion (10) placed behind the fixed stop (16) or integrated in the tensioning link (6), able to release the tensioning link (6) from its abutment on the fixed stop (16) when the projection (46) or the heel (12) of the boot (5) is inserted in the rear retaining stirrup (7).
7. Ski binding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said tensioning element (35) comprises two elastic return members (31), such as springs, disposed on either side of the rear retaining element (3), and preferably inside the rear retaining stirrup (7), and at least one knurled ring (9) for adjusting the preloading of the tensioning element (35), and said tensioning element (35) preferably comprising in addition a set of rods (32) and cables (33) that cooperate with said springs (31) for tensioning the retaining stirrup (7).
8. Ski binding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a control element (45), typically a latch, that can be actuated by the user, said control element (45) making it possible to hold the rear retaining stirrup (3) sufficiently retracted (46) to prevent the projection (46) or heel (12) from being hooked by the rear retaining stirrup (7), by acting directly on the rear retaining stirrup (7) or by acting directly on the tensioning link (6).
9. Ski binding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tensioning link (6) is connected to the tensioning element (35) or to the rear retaining stirrup (7) by means of a spindle (19) that is situated in the plane of said tensioning element (35), enabling the rear retaining stirrup (7) to slide parallel to the plane of said tensioning element (35).
10. Ski binding (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensioning link (6) is mounted so as to pivot on the rear retaining stirrup (7) about an axis (A6) orthogonal to the direction of the ski.
11. Ski binding (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the tensioning link (6) bears in service on the retraction stop (16) at a point that is situated in front of said pivot axis of this link, in side view and with reference to the direction of movement of the ski.
12. Ski binding (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear retaining element (3) comprises, apart from the rear retaining stirrup (7), a front part (3A) that is free to pivot with respect to the front retaining element (2) about a transverse axis, while being translationally connected with respect to this retaining element, the rear retaining stirrup (7) having a degree of freedom in translation with respect to the front part (3A), along the longitudinal axis of the ski.
13. Ski binding (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binding comprises a heel block (4) and a heel-block support (40), this heel block being mounted so as to be able to move with respect to a support between an access position in which it allows access to a housing (94) of the support, this housing being able to receive a sensor (95), and a covering position which prevents access to this housing while protecting this sensor.
14. Ski binding (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binding comprises a control element (26) affording control of the front retaining element (2), and a member (101) for locking this control element, this locking member being able to move between a neutral position in which it does not interfere with the movement of the control element and a locking position in which it prevents the movement of the control element in order to prevent any unwanted disengagement of the boot with respect to the front retaining element.

Images