EP3199047A1 - Ski boot - Google Patents
Ski boot Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3199047A1 EP3199047A1 EP17153354.0A EP17153354A EP3199047A1 EP 3199047 A1 EP3199047 A1 EP 3199047A1 EP 17153354 A EP17153354 A EP 17153354A EP 3199047 A1 EP3199047 A1 EP 3199047A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ski boot
- ski
- boot
- release element
- release
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
- A63C9/088—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings with electronically controlled locking devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/04—Ski or like boots
- A43B5/0415—Accessories
- A43B5/0417—Accessories for soles or associated with soles of ski boots; for ski bindings
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
- A63C9/0802—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings other than mechanically controlled, e.g. electric, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, magnetic, pyrotechnic devices; Remote control
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C9/00—Ski bindings
- A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
- A63C9/086—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings using parts which are fixed on the shoe of the user and are releasable from the ski binding
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/12—Electrically powered or heated
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/18—Measuring a physical parameter, e.g. speed, distance
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/22—Radio waves emitting or receiving, e.g. remote control, RFID
Definitions
- This invention relates to a ski boot and particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a ski boot with a speed dependent release system that releases the ski boot from ski bindings when a predetermined release force is applied between the ski boot and the ski binding.
- Conventional systems for releasing ski boots from skis provide release from ski bindings when either a large twisting force, or a large forward moment, is applied between the ski boot and the ski binding.
- release systems are able to determine the speed of the skier, and adjust the preload on the bindings dependent on the speed of the skier or the inclination of the skis.
- these release systems require skis with a specialised binding.
- a ski boot comprising a release element for releasable attachment of the boot to a ski, the release element being moveable from a first engaged position in which the release element is capable of retaining the ski on the boot, to a second released position in which the ski is released from the boot, in response to a load exceeding a threshold load applied between the ski boot and a ski.
- the ski boot may comprise a controller which may adjust the threshold load at which the release element can move from the said first position to the said second position.
- the controller may adjust the threshold load to release the boot from the ski dependent on the speed of the boot, as determined by a speed detector.
- the release element may be adapted to engage a binding fixed to the ski.
- the binding may be a conventional ski binding.
- One or more release elements may be attached to the boot at any point.
- a first release element may be attached at a heel of the boot and a second release element may be attached at a toe of the boot.
- the release element may be connected to the boot by any means which allows relative movement between the release element and the rest of the boot.
- the release element may be attached by a sliding joint, a pivot joint or ball joint.
- Control over the release element may be governed by a mechanical and/or electrical system.
- a mechanical system may comprise a modified ski binding mechanism, where the weight and size of the skier is used to set the threshold release load, and the electrical system may determine the force required to release a ski boot from its binding dependent on the speed of the skier, and then adjust the mechanical system accordingly.
- the ski boot may comprise a locking mechanism for holding the release element in the first position.
- the locking mechanism may be switched from a locked to an unlocked condition by the controller when the threshold load is applied between the boot and the ski.
- the controller may comprise an actuator to adjust the preload on the release element.
- the actuator may, for example, be electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic.
- the speed detector may comprise an accelerometer or speedometer and may be located in the ski boot.
- the speed detector may use GPS tracking to determine the motion of the skier.
- the speed detector may be provided in a mobile phone or other hand held device.
- a ski boot 1 with a ski release system comprises a release element 2, a locking mechanism 4, a controller 5, a battery power supply 9, and a speed detector 10 which are all fitted within a sole of the boot 1.
- the power supply 9 provides DC electrical power to the locking mechanism 4, controller 5 and speed detector 10.
- the release element 2 is capable of moving from a first position in which the boot is secured to a ski, to a second position in which the boot is released from the ski.
- the release element 2 is pivotally connected to the boot at the heel of the boot, but in alternative embodiments one or more release elements (not shown) may be provided at any other position on the boot.
- a release element may be provided at the toe of the boot in addition to, or instead of, providing a release mechanism at the heel.
- the release element 2 engages a binding 3 fixed to a ski 7 by means of a conventional ski boot lug 6, so that the boot can engage a conventional ski binding without requiring modification of the ski binding or the ski 7.
- the release element 2 is pivotally connected to the boot 1 by means of a pivot pin 8, comprising a bolt screwed into a threaded blind bore formed in the boot.
- the bolt is countersunk into the release element 2 so that it does not contact the ski 7 in use.
- the release element 2 may be connected to the boot 1 by a sliding joint, or it may rotate around a ball and socket joint (not shown).
- the controller 5 is configured to receive data indicative of the speed of the ski boot 1. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , this data is generated by a speed detector 10 located within the boot 1. In alternative embodiments, the speed detector 10 may be located remotely from the boot 1, for example on the skier.
- controller 5 may make use of existing appliances that possess the capability to calculate speed, such as a mobile phone or other hand held device capable of detecting the motion of the skier.
- the speed detector 10 may comprise an accelerometer and/or a speedometer and/or a gyro speed sensor.
- the controller 5 may be capable of determining whether motion is due to skiing, and may make use of the speed detector 10 in order to determine this.
- the controller 5 may be able to detect a cyclic motion of a ski boot indicative of side stepping a slope or a reciprocating motion indicative of cross country skiing.
- the controller 5 varies the force at which the boot will be released from the skis in relation to the speed data that has been received by the controller 5 from the speed detector 10.
- the relationship between boot speed and release force is that the lower the speed, the lower the release force that is set by the controller 5.
- there may be a plurality of levels of release force the changeover between force levels being triggered by changes in the speed of the skier. For example, when the boot is travelling at less than five miles an hour the release element may be set at a first release load. From five to twenty miles an hour it may be set at a second release load, which may be higher than the first release load, and over twenty miles an hour it may be set at a third release load, which may be greater than the second release load.
- the controller 5 regulates the force at which the boot will be released from the skis using at least one actuator 12.
- the mechanism of the actuator 12 may, for example, be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic.
- actuators 12 are located on either side of an inner flange 14 of the release element 2. Plungers 13 of the actuators 12 engage the release element directly.
- the force at which each of the plungers 13 can be driven into the main body 15 of the respective actuator 12 is adjusted by a respective stepper motor 17 which, when energised, rotates a threaded shaft 19 engaged in a thread formed in a spring guide 21 of the main body 15.
- a respective stepper motor 17 which, when energised, rotates a threaded shaft 19 engaged in a thread formed in a spring guide 21 of the main body 15.
- the threaded spring guide 21 travels towards the plunger 13 it compresses a spring 23 and thereby increases the force on the plunger 13.
- the tension in the spring may be adjusted in this way to change the resistance to rotation of the release element 2.
- the tension in each spring 23 is set by the respective stepper motor 17 such that the plunger 13 can be driven into the main body 15 if a force exceeding a threshold twisting force is applied between the ski boot and the ski.
- the plunger 13 is only able to move a predetermined distance defined by an end stop 25 formed by the free end of the threaded shaft 19.
- the end stop 25 limits the amount of rotation of the release element 2.
- the tension in each spring 23 is set so that the plungers 13 are substantially fixed and the release element 2 cannot rotate. This substantially fixed state of the plungers 13 may be the default setting when the controller determines that the motion of the boot is not due to skiing, or the control system fails, for example when a battery powering the controller becomes depleted. Under these conditions, the boot 1 would behave as a regular ski boot and release of the boot 1 from a ski 7 would be dependent on the preload set on the conventional bindings 3.
- means may be provided to reprogram the controller 5, 105 in the boot 1, so that the threshold force at which the release element can move to the released position is changed relative to the speed of the boot. For example, if the boot is worn by an inexperienced skier, the threshold force may be set lower for a given speed, than if the boot is worn by an experienced skier. Reprogramming may be carried out remotely, for example by using an app on a mobile phone.
- a solenoid 112 operates to set a lock pin 128 in a locked position in an opening 132 formed in the release element 102. In this locked position, the release element 102 is unable to rotate.
- the lock pin 128 is moved to an unlocked position, and the release element 102 is able to rotate.
- the lock pin 128 is attached to a plunger 113 of the solenoid 112.
- the solenoid 112 is deactivated and the pin 128 is forced into the opening 132 in the release element 102 by the spring 123, so that the release element 102 is unable to rotate.
- the solenoid 112 is mounted in the ski boot with some play and abuts one or more sensors 130 mounted in the ski boot for detecting a force applied between the ski boot 1 and the ski 7.
- the force is transmitted to the sensors 130 from the release element 102 via the lock pin 128 and plunger 113 which causes the solenoid 112 to be forced against one of the sensors 130.
- This sensor 130 outputs a force value to the controller 105.
- the controller 105 determines whether the force is excessive (i.e. it is above a speed related threshold force).
- the controller 105 causes the solenoid 112 to be energised and the plunger 113 is retracted into the body of the solenoid 112, thereby releasing the lock pin 128 from the opening 132. This allows the release element 102 to rotate, and the ski boot 1 to be released from the ski bindings 3.
- the allowable rotation of the release element is constrained so as to prevent excessive rotation. This may be achieved as depicted in Figures 3A (locked state) and 3B (unlocked state).
- the lock pin 128 has been removed from the opening 132 which allows the release element 102 to rotate. Rotation of the release element 102 is restricted by corresponding tangs (124,125).
- the tangs 125 are situated either side of the opening 132 on the release element 102 and prevent excessive rotation of the release element 102.
- a side face of the tang 125 comes into contact with a side face of the tang 124, preventing rotation beyond this point.
- the applied force at which the release element is allowed to rotate may be varied dependent on the speed of the skier. At low speeds, the system would adjust so that less force would be required for the release element 102 to be allowed to rotate.
- ski boots 1 In the use of ski boots 1, in accordance with the present invention, the ski boots are attached to respective skis 7 by the engagement of outer lugs 6, 106 on each boot, which form part of the respective release elements 2, 102.
- the lugs 6, 106 on the boots can therefore engage conventional ski bindings 3.
- Mechanical settings on the conventional bindings 3 will have been set with respect to the weight and size of the skier, to establish the release force at which the binding 3 should release.
- the controller 5, 105 adjusts the threshold force at which the release element 2, 102 can release from the ski to a minimum setting which is lower than the release force setting of the bindings.
- the threshold force at which the release element 2, 102 can release the boot 1 from the binding is varied using the actuator 12, 112 controlled by the controller 5, 105.
- the speed detector 10 detects the speed at which the boot 1 is travelling.
- the controller 5, 105 uses this information to determine the optimum threshold force at which the skis 7 should be released from the ski boots 1.
- the release element 2, 102 in each boot 1 will move to the release position, and hence the boot 1 will break free from the ski 7. This will prevent the skier being injured in a fall whilst stationary or when moving slowly.
- Conventional ski bindings used with conventional ski boots may not release in such a fall, potentially causing injury to the skier.
- the threshold force at which the release element 2 moves from the first engaged position to the second released position is increased, and may even be set to exceed the release force set on the bindings, since at high speed the bindings may work effectively to protect the skier from injury.
- the boot 1 can be used with a simpler and less expensive binding which has no mechanism itself to release the ski boot 1 under load.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A ski boot 1 comprising a release element 2 for releasable attachment of the ski boot 1 to a ski 7, the release element 2 being moveable from a first engaged position in which the release element 2 is capable of retaining the ski 7 on the ski boot 1, and a second released position in which the ski 7 is released from the ski boot 1, in response to a load exceeding a threshold load applied between the ski boot 1 and a ski 7. Control means 5 is provided for adjusting the threshold load at which the release element 2 moves from the first position to the second position, the control means 5 adjusting the threshold load to release the ski boot 1 from the ski 7 dependent on the speed of the ski boot 1. A speed detector 10 is used to determine the speed of the ski boot 1.
Description
- This invention relates to a ski boot and particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a ski boot with a speed dependent release system that releases the ski boot from ski bindings when a predetermined release force is applied between the ski boot and the ski binding.
- Conventional systems for releasing ski boots from skis provide release from ski bindings when either a large twisting force, or a large forward moment, is applied between the ski boot and the ski binding.
- Conventional bindings on skis are adjustable so that the force required to release the bindings is set to be proportional to the size and weight of the skier. However, the release of the skis is only achieved reliably when the skis are travelling at high speed. This is because at high speed, if a ski is twisted or stopped abruptly, the dynamic load imparted to the binding is sufficient to release the boots from their respective bindings. By contrast at low speed, the dynamic loading may not be sufficient to fully release a ski from the boot, but the momentum of the skier can still impart severe loading to the skier's legs. The most common low speed injury to the leg results from twisting of the leg and can involve severe injury to the knee or hip and spiral fractures to one or more bones of the leg.
- Other release systems are able to determine the speed of the skier, and adjust the preload on the bindings dependent on the speed of the skier or the inclination of the skis. However, these release systems require skis with a specialised binding.
- It is therefore desirable to provide an improved ski release system that addresses these above described shortcomings of conventional ski release systems.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a ski boot comprising a release element for releasable attachment of the boot to a ski, the release element being moveable from a first engaged position in which the release element is capable of retaining the ski on the boot, to a second released position in which the ski is released from the boot, in response to a load exceeding a threshold load applied between the ski boot and a ski.
- The ski boot may comprise a controller which may adjust the threshold load at which the release element can move from the said first position to the said second position. The controller may adjust the threshold load to release the boot from the ski dependent on the speed of the boot, as determined by a speed detector.
- The release element may be adapted to engage a binding fixed to the ski. The binding may be a conventional ski binding.
- One or more release elements may be attached to the boot at any point. For example, a first release element may be attached at a heel of the boot and a second release element may be attached at a toe of the boot.
- The release element may be connected to the boot by any means which allows relative movement between the release element and the rest of the boot. For example, the release element may be attached by a sliding joint, a pivot joint or ball joint.
- Control over the release element may be governed by a mechanical and/or electrical system. For example, a mechanical system may comprise a modified ski binding mechanism, where the weight and size of the skier is used to set the threshold release load, and the electrical system may determine the force required to release a ski boot from its binding dependent on the speed of the skier, and then adjust the mechanical system accordingly.
- The ski boot may comprise a locking mechanism for holding the release element in the first position. The locking mechanism may be switched from a locked to an unlocked condition by the controller when the threshold load is applied between the boot and the ski.
- The controller may comprise an actuator to adjust the preload on the release element. The actuator may, for example, be electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic.
- The speed detector may comprise an accelerometer or speedometer and may be located in the ski boot. The speed detector may use GPS tracking to determine the motion of the skier. The speed detector may be provided in a mobile phone or other hand held device.
- For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a ski boot attached to conventional ski bindings, the ski boot having a release mechanism in accordance with the present invention; -
Figure 2a is a schematic view of one embodiment of the release mechanism ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 2b is a schematic view of an actuator of the release mechanism ofFigure 2a . -
Figure 3a is a schematic view of another embodiment of the release mechanism, illustrating the locked position of the release element. -
Figure 3b shows the release mechanism ofFigure 3a with the mechanism triggered to release. - With reference to
Figures 1 and2 , a ski boot 1 with a ski release system comprises arelease element 2, a locking mechanism 4, acontroller 5, a battery power supply 9, and aspeed detector 10 which are all fitted within a sole of the boot 1. The power supply 9 provides DC electrical power to the locking mechanism 4,controller 5 andspeed detector 10. - The
release element 2 is capable of moving from a first position in which the boot is secured to a ski, to a second position in which the boot is released from the ski. In the illustrated embodiment, therelease element 2 is pivotally connected to the boot at the heel of the boot, but in alternative embodiments one or more release elements (not shown) may be provided at any other position on the boot. For example, a release element may be provided at the toe of the boot in addition to, or instead of, providing a release mechanism at the heel. Therelease element 2 engages a binding 3 fixed to aski 7 by means of a conventional ski boot lug 6, so that the boot can engage a conventional ski binding without requiring modification of the ski binding or theski 7. - Referring to
Figure 2A , therelease element 2 is pivotally connected to the boot 1 by means of apivot pin 8, comprising a bolt screwed into a threaded blind bore formed in the boot. The bolt is countersunk into therelease element 2 so that it does not contact theski 7 in use. In alternative embodiments, therelease element 2 may be connected to the boot 1 by a sliding joint, or it may rotate around a ball and socket joint (not shown). - The
controller 5 is configured to receive data indicative of the speed of the ski boot 1. In the embodiment illustrated inFigure 1 , this data is generated by aspeed detector 10 located within the boot 1. In alternative embodiments, thespeed detector 10 may be located remotely from the boot 1, for example on the skier. - Additionally, the
controller 5 may make use of existing appliances that possess the capability to calculate speed, such as a mobile phone or other hand held device capable of detecting the motion of the skier. - The
speed detector 10 may comprise an accelerometer and/or a speedometer and/or a gyro speed sensor. Thecontroller 5 may be capable of determining whether motion is due to skiing, and may make use of thespeed detector 10 in order to determine this. For example, thecontroller 5 may be able to detect a cyclic motion of a ski boot indicative of side stepping a slope or a reciprocating motion indicative of cross country skiing. - The
controller 5 varies the force at which the boot will be released from the skis in relation to the speed data that has been received by thecontroller 5 from thespeed detector 10. The relationship between boot speed and release force is that the lower the speed, the lower the release force that is set by thecontroller 5. However, in alternative arrangements there may be a plurality of levels of release force, the changeover between force levels being triggered by changes in the speed of the skier. For example, when the boot is travelling at less than five miles an hour the release element may be set at a first release load. From five to twenty miles an hour it may be set at a second release load, which may be higher than the first release load, and over twenty miles an hour it may be set at a third release load, which may be greater than the second release load. - In the embodiment of
Figure 2A , thecontroller 5 regulates the force at which the boot will be released from the skis using at least oneactuator 12. The mechanism of theactuator 12 may, for example, be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. In the embodiment ofFigure 2A ,actuators 12 are located on either side of an inner flange 14 of therelease element 2.Plungers 13 of theactuators 12 engage the release element directly. - Referring to
Figure 2B , the force at which each of theplungers 13 can be driven into themain body 15 of therespective actuator 12 is adjusted by arespective stepper motor 17 which, when energised, rotates a threadedshaft 19 engaged in a thread formed in aspring guide 21 of themain body 15. As the threadedspring guide 21 travels towards theplunger 13 it compresses aspring 23 and thereby increases the force on theplunger 13. The tension in the spring may be adjusted in this way to change the resistance to rotation of therelease element 2. - At lower speeds, the tension in each
spring 23 is set by therespective stepper motor 17 such that theplunger 13 can be driven into themain body 15 if a force exceeding a threshold twisting force is applied between the ski boot and the ski. Theplunger 13 is only able to move a predetermined distance defined by anend stop 25 formed by the free end of the threadedshaft 19. Theend stop 25 limits the amount of rotation of therelease element 2. At high speeds, the tension in eachspring 23 is set so that theplungers 13 are substantially fixed and therelease element 2 cannot rotate. This substantially fixed state of theplungers 13 may be the default setting when the controller determines that the motion of the boot is not due to skiing, or the control system fails, for example when a battery powering the controller becomes depleted. Under these conditions, the boot 1 would behave as a regular ski boot and release of the boot 1 from aski 7 would be dependent on the preload set on the conventional bindings 3. - In order to customize the boot to an individual skier, means may be provided to reprogram the
controller 5, 105 in the boot 1, so that the threshold force at which the release element can move to the released position is changed relative to the speed of the boot. For example, if the boot is worn by an inexperienced skier, the threshold force may be set lower for a given speed, than if the boot is worn by an experienced skier. Reprogramming may be carried out remotely, for example by using an app on a mobile phone. - It is beneficial to prevent substantially all rotation of the
release element 2 until a force greater than a threshold force has been applied to the ski boot. To this end, in the embodiment ofFigures 3A and 3B , asolenoid 112 operates to set alock pin 128 in a locked position in anopening 132 formed in the release element 102. In this locked position, the release element 102 is unable to rotate. Upon detection of a force applied to the ski boot 1 above a threshold force, thelock pin 128 is moved to an unlocked position, and the release element 102 is able to rotate. - As depicted in
Figure 3A , thelock pin 128 is attached to aplunger 113 of thesolenoid 112. In the locked position, thesolenoid 112 is deactivated and thepin 128 is forced into theopening 132 in the release element 102 by thespring 123, so that the release element 102 is unable to rotate. - The
solenoid 112 is mounted in the ski boot with some play and abuts one ormore sensors 130 mounted in the ski boot for detecting a force applied between the ski boot 1 and theski 7. The force is transmitted to thesensors 130 from the release element 102 via thelock pin 128 andplunger 113 which causes thesolenoid 112 to be forced against one of thesensors 130. Thissensor 130 outputs a force value to the controller 105. The controller 105 then determines whether the force is excessive (i.e. it is above a speed related threshold force). - If the force is above the threshold force, the controller 105 causes the
solenoid 112 to be energised and theplunger 113 is retracted into the body of thesolenoid 112, thereby releasing thelock pin 128 from theopening 132. This allows the release element 102 to rotate, and the ski boot 1 to be released from the ski bindings 3. - The allowable rotation of the release element is constrained so as to prevent excessive rotation. This may be achieved as depicted in
Figures 3A (locked state) and 3B (unlocked state). In the unlocked state offigure 3B , thelock pin 128 has been removed from theopening 132 which allows the release element 102 to rotate. Rotation of the release element 102 is restricted by corresponding tangs (124,125). Thetangs 125 are situated either side of theopening 132 on the release element 102 and prevent excessive rotation of the release element 102. When the release element 102 rotates between thelock pin 128 and thetang 124, a side face of thetang 125 comes into contact with a side face of thetang 124, preventing rotation beyond this point. - The applied force at which the release element is allowed to rotate may be varied dependent on the speed of the skier. At low speeds, the system would adjust so that less force would be required for the release element 102 to be allowed to rotate.
- In the use of ski boots 1, in accordance with the present invention, the ski boots are attached to
respective skis 7 by the engagement of outer lugs 6, 106 on each boot, which form part of therespective release elements 2, 102. The lugs 6, 106 on the boots can therefore engage conventional ski bindings 3. Mechanical settings on the conventional bindings 3 will have been set with respect to the weight and size of the skier, to establish the release force at which the binding 3 should release. - When the ski boot 1 is stationary, this is detected by the
speed detector 10, and this information is fed to thecontroller 5, 105. Thecontroller 5, 105 then adjusts the threshold force at which therelease element 2, 102 can release from the ski to a minimum setting which is lower than the release force setting of the bindings. The threshold force at which therelease element 2, 102 can release the boot 1 from the binding is varied using theactuator controller 5, 105. - When the skier is in motion, the
speed detector 10 detects the speed at which the boot 1 is travelling. Thecontroller 5, 105 uses this information to determine the optimum threshold force at which theskis 7 should be released from the ski boots 1. Thus, if the skier falls over when stationary or when moving slowly, causing a twisting force between the skis and the ski boot, therelease element 2, 102 in each boot 1 will move to the release position, and hence the boot 1 will break free from theski 7. This will prevent the skier being injured in a fall whilst stationary or when moving slowly. Conventional ski bindings used with conventional ski boots may not release in such a fall, potentially causing injury to the skier. - When the skier is travelling at high speed, the threshold force at which the
release element 2 moves from the first engaged position to the second released position is increased, and may even be set to exceed the release force set on the bindings, since at high speed the bindings may work effectively to protect the skier from injury. - In an alternative arrangement (not illustrated) the boot 1 can be used with a simpler and less expensive binding which has no mechanism itself to release the ski boot 1 under load.
Claims (15)
- A ski boot comprising:a release element for releasable attachment of the ski boot to a ski, the release element being moveable relative to the ski boot from a first engaged position in which the release element is capable of retaining the ski on the ski boot, to a second released position in which the ski is released from the ski boot, in response to a load exceeding a threshold load applied between the ski boot and a ski, and a control means adapted to vary the threshold load dependent on the speed of the ski boot.
- The ski boot of claim 1, wherein the control means comprises a controller for adjusting the threshold load at which the release element moves from the said first position to the said second position.
- The ski boot of claim 1 or 2 wherein the control means adjusts the threshold load to release the ski boot from the ski dependent on the speed of the ski boot, as determined by a speed detector.
- The ski boot of any of the preceding claims, wherein the release element is adapted to engage a binding fixed to the ski.
- The ski boot of any of the preceding claims, wherein the release element is attached to the ski boot at a heel and/or toe of the ski boot.
- The ski boot of any of the preceding claims, wherein the release element is connected to the ski boot by a sliding joint, pivot joint, or ball joint.
- The ski boot of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the release element in the first position.
- The ski boot of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lock pin mounted on the plunger of a solenoid.
- The ski boot of claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking mechanism is switched from a locked to an unlocked condition by the controller when the threshold load is applied to the ski boot by a ski.
- The ski boot of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator to adjust the preload on the release element.
- The ski boot of claim 10, wherein the actuator is an electric actuator.
- The ski boot of claim 10 or 11, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator.
- The ski boot of claim 2 to 12, wherein the speed detector comprises an accelerometer or speedometer
- The ski boot of claim 2 to 13, wherein the speed detector is located in the ski boot.
- The ski boot of claim 2 to 14, wherein the speed detector is provided in a mobile phone or other hand held device.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1601386.4A GB2546738A (en) | 2016-01-26 | 2016-01-26 | Ski boot |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3199047A1 true EP3199047A1 (en) | 2017-08-02 |
Family
ID=55534931
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17153354.0A Withdrawn EP3199047A1 (en) | 2016-01-26 | 2017-01-26 | Ski boot |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3199047A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2546738A (en) |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4494768A (en) * | 1980-06-24 | 1985-01-22 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Apparatus for programmed release in ski bindings |
US4640026A (en) * | 1983-11-05 | 1987-02-03 | Bernhard Kirsch | Ski boot with release mechanism |
FR2694888A1 (en) * | 1992-08-19 | 1994-02-25 | Varpat Patentverwertung | Control and / or command device for a fastening device between a shoe and a sports device. |
DE102008006069A1 (en) * | 2008-01-25 | 2009-07-30 | Technische Universität München | Ski boot for use with ski safety attachment of ski, has protruding toe-cap section and protruding heel section, where ski boot is intermateable with ski safety attachment |
US20090224526A1 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2009-09-10 | Heinz Bildner | Electronically releasable boot for sport-utensils |
US20140257568A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2014-09-11 | Ipcomm Llc | Adaptive Ski Bindings System |
WO2015166143A1 (en) * | 2014-05-02 | 2015-11-05 | Brison S.A. | Device for securely attaching a boot onto a ski |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT302122B (en) * | 1968-01-12 | 1972-10-10 | Smolka & Co Wiener Metall | Safety bindings |
DE2023169C2 (en) * | 1970-05-12 | 1982-07-22 | Hannes 8100 Garmisch-Partenkirchen Marker | Safety ski bindings |
AT311229B (en) * | 1971-03-12 | 1973-11-12 | Smolka & Co Wiener Metall | Ski binding |
AT325485B (en) * | 1973-06-07 | 1975-10-27 | Smolka & Co Wiener Metall | RELEASE SKI BINDING |
FR2718048B1 (en) * | 1994-03-30 | 1996-05-31 | Salomon Sa | Element and assembly for retaining a shoe on a gliding board. |
-
2016
- 2016-01-26 GB GB1601386.4A patent/GB2546738A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2017
- 2017-01-26 EP EP17153354.0A patent/EP3199047A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4494768A (en) * | 1980-06-24 | 1985-01-22 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Apparatus for programmed release in ski bindings |
US4640026A (en) * | 1983-11-05 | 1987-02-03 | Bernhard Kirsch | Ski boot with release mechanism |
FR2694888A1 (en) * | 1992-08-19 | 1994-02-25 | Varpat Patentverwertung | Control and / or command device for a fastening device between a shoe and a sports device. |
DE102008006069A1 (en) * | 2008-01-25 | 2009-07-30 | Technische Universität München | Ski boot for use with ski safety attachment of ski, has protruding toe-cap section and protruding heel section, where ski boot is intermateable with ski safety attachment |
US20090224526A1 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2009-09-10 | Heinz Bildner | Electronically releasable boot for sport-utensils |
US20140257568A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2014-09-11 | Ipcomm Llc | Adaptive Ski Bindings System |
WO2015166143A1 (en) * | 2014-05-02 | 2015-11-05 | Brison S.A. | Device for securely attaching a boot onto a ski |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201601386D0 (en) | 2016-03-09 |
GB2546738A (en) | 2017-08-02 |
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