EP4051395A1

EP4051395A1 - A moveable ski binding

Info

Publication number: EP4051395A1
Application number: EP20808213.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas GOVERUD-HOLM; Øyvar Svendsen; Magnus Anderssen; Jørn Frode DANIELSEN; David KLOVNING FLEM; Edward Jones
Original assignee: Rottefella AS
Current assignee: Rottefella AS
Priority date: 2019-10-29
Filing date: 2020-10-26
Publication date: 2022-09-07
Also published as: NO20191293A1; WO2021086197A1; NO345757B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a moveable ski binding system (1) for use on skis for cross-country skiing, mountain skiing or radonee, wherein the ski binding system is adapted to have two positions in the longitudinal direction, a front and a back position, the system comprising two skis each with a binding, a fixed portion and a displaceable portion, wherein the displaceable portion comprises an attachment mechanism for attachment to a ski boot, the attachment mechanism comprising a point of rotation between the binding and the ski boot, a gearwheel (4), a lever (3) and a housing portion (2), wherein the lever is adapted to tilt and thereby rotate the gearwheel, and wherein at least part of the gearwheel and the lever are located in the housing portion, a toothed bar (5) between the fixed portion and the displaceable portion, wherein the gearwheel engages with the toothed bar, and wherein a rotation of the gearwheel causes displacement of the displaceable portion. The system according to the invention is, among other things, peculiar in that it comprises two locking devices, a first and a second locking device, which are adapted to keep the lever and the gearwheel, and thereby the displaceable portion, fixed during loading, wherein at least one of the locking devices is self-locking, and the at least one locking device is adapted, so that the lever can be released by a symmetrical movement pattern regarding each hand and each binding on each ski.

Description

A MOVEABLE SKI BINDING

The present invention relates to a ski binding, more particularly a movable ski binding for cross-country skiing, mountain skiing or radonee as indicated in the preamble of claim 1. BACKGROUND

In recent years, different types of movable bindings have come on the market. Some of these types are adapted, so that the binding in itself can be moved, but not with the skis on the feet and/or during skiing. This type of bindings is typically intended for adjustments once in a while, perhaps at the start of the season, or if the lubrication and/or snow conditions change radically during a trip.

There are also mechanisms for movable bindings, which can be moved with the skis on the feet and/or during skiing. The present invention relates to this type of movable bindings.

EP2624924 relates to a binding that enables manual longitudinal movement of a binding on a ski. The publication shows various types of embodiments, wherein a moving mechanism is arranged on a mounting plate on a ski, wherein the moving mechanism can comprise a screw knob, various lever solutions or a variant with a longitudinal worm wheel.

NO340839 and 342933 relate to different aspects of a binding that enable manual longitudinal movement of a binding on a ski. The publications show different types of embodiments of possible moving mechanisms as well as important details, which are necessary to obtain a functional solution.

The only solution available on the market, which can actually be moved with the skis on the feet and/or during skiing comprises a screw knob, which can be turned for a number of times and result in a number of different discreet positions. This solution functions very well, but demand and need for alternative solutions have arisen that can be faster to operate, preferably at the cost of the number of discrete positions.

Figs 14 and 16 in EP2624924 show an example of how such simpler solution based on a lever can switch between two positions. These figures show bindings, wherein a gearwheel turned by a lever can be arranged. The lever has a front and a back position. The lever and the gearwheel will move together with the binding, the gearwheel engaging with transverse tracks (which thereby function as a toothed bar) in a mounting plate that is glued onto a ski. Figs 14 and 16 in EP2624924 show what is called «clips» 413 and 504, these being intended to constitute stop elements that limit the movement of the lever or the handle and thereby also the gearwheel, i.e. the stop elements help define the foremost and the backmost position of the binding. In practice, the solutions shown in Figs 14 and 16 in EP2624924 will not work, because it has not been shown or described how the gearwheel is to be locked and withstand the forces from the athlete, which feed through the binding, particularly when the lever or the handle is in the back positon (i.e. when the binding is in its front position). These forces can become very large and should be taken into consideration, both with a view to keeping the binding in the selected, desired position and to preventing the binding from breaking. If e.g. the lever or the handle is in its back position (i.e. when the binding is in its front position), but not is sufficiently well attached, it has turned out that the forces applied onto the mechanism during use could result in it being shattered into pieces. On the other hand, if the lever or the handle is in its front position (i.e. when the binding is in its back position), but not is sufficiently well attached, the binding can move by itself at high speed, which can easily result in the athlete experiencing a nasty fall when the skis suddenly begin to twitch. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a movable binding, which does not have the above-mentioned disadvantages.

An object of the present invention is to provide a movable binding, which in a fast and safe manner can switch between two discrete positions.

An object of the present invention is to provide a movable binding system, which can be operated with both hands (one hand for each binding) and either with the thumps or the index/middle finger. An object of the present invention is to provide a movable binding, which is suitable for competition situations.

An object of the present invention is to provide a movable binding, which has one or more of the above advantages and at the same time does not pack snow.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a movable binding, which has one or more of the above advantages and at the same time can be retrofitted onto existing equipment.

These and other objects can be achieved by means of a device as indicated in the characterizing part of claim 1. Additional advantageous and/or alternative embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. BRIEF COMMENTS ON THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned objects, in addition to further objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention, will also to a larger extent be understood by means of the following illustrative and non-limiting description and with reference to the accompanying figures of a possible embodiment of the invention, wherein Figs 1 a-c show a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the lever is in a back position A,

Figs 2a-c show a front view, a side view along section A-A as well as a side view of the same as in Figs 1a-c,

Figs 3a-c show a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the lever is in a back position B,

Figs 4a-c show a front view, a side view along section B-B as well as a side view of the same as in Figs 3a-c,

Figs 5a-c show a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention, wherein the lever is in a back position C, Figs 6a-c show a front view, a side view along section C-C as well as a side view of the same as in Figs 5a-c, Fig. 7 shows an expanded perspective view of a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention,

Figs 8a and b show a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention sectioned along D-D, Figs 9a and b show a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention sectioned along E-E,

Fig. 10 shows a possible implementation of the system according to the invention, and

Fig. 11 shows another possible implementation of the system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs 1a-c and 2a-c show the fixed portion 1 of the movable ski binding, comprising a frame 2, a lever 3, a gearwheel 4 and a toothed bar 5. In this embodiment, the lever 3 and the gearwheel 4 are embedded in one portion, but it should be understood that they could be embedded in several parts. The lever 3 also comprises a damper 7. In this case, a damper means a softer or flexible material that is deformed under loading, the deformation having a dampening effect. A spring means or another yielding mechanism, which recovers its shape after the loading ceases can also be used. It should thus be understood that the damper 7 can be configured in other manners and not necessarily needs to be formed in connection with the lever, but instead can be arranged on the frame 2. The gearwheel engages with a toothed bar 5

Figs 1 a-c and 2a-c show the lever in a back position A. This corresponds to a front position of the displaceable portion of the binding, i.e. a position which will generally offer a better grip. This is particularly clear in Fig. 1c, in which the toothed bar 5 is seen in a front position, which can subsequently be compared with Figs 4c and 6c, in which the toothed bar 5 is shifted further backwards. When the binding is in a front position, the force of the take-off kick by the athlete will typically be strongest. In this position, it is particularly important that the lever 3 does not come loose. If that happens, the lever will clap with significant force towards its back position. It has turned out that in such a situation the mechanism can shatter to pieces if it does not comprise a damper 7. Regardless it would be desired to avoid such incidences, as these would lead to the binding moving from a position with a good grip to a position with a poor grip, i.e. a serious slip, which will ruin the entire rhythm for the athlete and possibly also result in pain and discomfort. Therefore, it is important that the lever 3 is kept firmly in place by a locking mechanism .... A possible embodiment of this locking mechanism is explained in more detail with reference to Figs 7-9, but it is advantageous that this is self-locking and that it has a stronger self-locking holding power than the front locking mechanism (which is explained in detail with reference to Figs 5a-c and 6a-c). Self-locking means that the holding power increases with increasing loading.

Figs 3a-c and 4a-c show the same embodiment as in Figs 1 a-c and 2a-c, but with the lever 3 in a medium position B. This is not a position that the lever will have, while the athlete is walking, running or standing on skis, but shows the lever in a tilting position on its way forward to position C or backwards to position A. Fig. 3c illustrates that the toothed bar 5 has moved backwards relative to the position of the toothed bar 5 in Fig. 1c. In Fig. 5c, the toothed bar 5 can be seen in a back position, corresponding to position C for the lever 3. Figs 5a-c and 6a-c show the same embodiment as in the previous figures, but with the lever 3 in a front position C. In Fig. 5c the toothed bar 5 can be seen in a back position. In the shown embodiment, the front locking device is configured in another manner than the back locking device. It is also in the direction towards the front locking device that the damper device 7 will dampen a stroke from the lever. If it is imagined that the lever 3 for some reason ends in a medium position B, either because it has not been correctly placed in one of the locked positions A or C or because it has been released in an undesired manner from one of the locked positions A or C, this could happen, while the athlete walks, runs or stands on skis: if the athlete kicks back with one leg, the displaceable portion of the binding will be displaced backwards relative to the ski, which will cause the lever to turn forwards towards position C with intense force. This force can, as mentioned, shatter parts of the binding system into pieces. The damper device 7 is adapted, so that this does not happen. In the shown example, the damper device 7 is shown to be arranged, so that it dampens when the lever turns forwards towards position C. It is to be understood that the damper device or damper devices 7 can also be arranged, so that the force from the lever 3 is dampened in the opposite or both directions.

Fig. 7 shows the shown embodiment in expanded state. It can be seen that the lever 3 and the gearwheel 4 form a portion, the gearwheel 4 forming a sector of approx. 180°. On the one side of the lever 3, a softer elastomeric material is inserted or encapsulated, forming the damper device 7, and on the other side of the lever 3 a male snap portion 8 is shown, here in the form of an «undercut» or catch. A female snap portion 9 can also be seen vaguely. In this embodiment, the female snap portion 9 is shown arranged on the housing portion 2, but it should be understood that it is also possible to switch the location of these. Furthermore, the toothed bar 5 can be seen, which in this embodiment forms part of the displaceable portion of the system and thus forms a toothed «hitching attachment» for a binding portion (ref.

Fig. 13). This embodiment thus constitutes a system, wherein the gearwheel 4, the lever 3 and the housing portion 2 are part of the fixed portion of the system. Such as this specific embodiment is shown, the gearwheel 4, the lever 3 and the housing portion 2 are thus fixed relative to the ski and any mounting plate on the ski, the toothed bar 5 and the binding forming part of the displaceable portion of the system (possibly also together with a displaceable heel portion). In an alternative embodiment (ref. Fig. 14), the gearwheel 4, the lever 3 and the housing portion 2 can be integral with the binding and together with it form the displaceable portion. In such an embodiment, the toothed bar can be part of the ski, e.g. in the form of a so- called NIS plate with transverse tracks as teeth with which the gearwheel 4 engages and rotates along it.

Fig. 7 also shows a sleeve 6, which is adapted to keep the gearwheel 4, the lever 3 and the housing portion 2 together, the sleeve 6 forming a rotational axis. According to an embodiment, the sleeve 6 can also be snappable in the housing portion 2, so that it is easy to take the portion apart, adjust the engagement of the gearwheel 4 with the toothed bar 5 and possibly exchange parts or the like.

Regardless of whether the gearwheel 4, the lever 3 and the housing portion 2 form part of the displaceable portion of the system or not, the system will be characterized by the following:

The movable binding system is intended for use on skis for cross-country skiing, mountain skiing or radonee, wherein the ski binding system is adapted to have two positions in the longitudinal direction, a front and a back position. The system comprises:

-two skis each with a binding,

-a fixed portion and a displaceable portion, wherein the displaceable portion comprises an attachment mechanism for attachment to a ski boot, the attachment mechanism comprising a point of rotation between the binding and the ski boot,

-a gearwheel, a lever and a housing portion wherein the lever is adapted to tilt and thereby rotate the gearwheel, and at least part of the gearwheel and the lever is located in the housing portion, and -a toothed bar between the fixed portion and the displaceable portion, wherein the gearwheel engages with the toothed bar, and a rotation of the gearwheel causes displacement of the displaceable portion,

Furthermore, the invention is peculiar in that the system comprises two locking devices, a first and a second locking device, which are adapted to keep the lever and the gearwheel, and thereby the displaceable portion, fixed during loading, wherein at least one of the locking devices is self-locking, and wherein the at least one locking device is adapted, so that the lever can be released with a symmetrical movement pattern regarding each hand and each binding on each ski. A symmetrical movement pattern refers to being able to use both hands for manipulating the binding system and each hand performing the same movement, but naturally mirror-inverted. For the embodiment shown in this text, it could be ergonomically favourable for a user that the levers are pushed down and pulled out by the thumbs. In that case, it would mean that the lever on the right ski is manipulated by the right thumb, and the lever is e.g. pushed down and then to the right, while the lever on the left ski is manipulated by the left thumb, and the lever is pushed down and the to the left. It is not certain that all athletes prefer or choose to use the thumbs, other fingers can be used as well, but it has turned out that the user experience/functionality/ergometry is best if both hands perform an identical mirror- inverted movement. The locking devices can be constituted by snap locks comprising a male snap portion 8 and a female snap portion 9. In an embodiment the male snap portion 8 can be arranged on the lever 3, and the female snap portion 9 is arranged on the housing portion 2, wherein the lever 3 and the gearwheel 4 are arranged, and the female snap portion 9 has an open O and a closed L end, wherein the male snap portion 8 engages with the female snap portion 9 by the male snap portion 8 first hitting the closed end L of the female snap portion 9, wherein the male snap portion 8 then passes around one of the sides to the female snap portion 9 and then lies down (or in) into the open end O of the female snap portion 9. In an alternative embodiment, the male snap portion 8 can be arranged on the housing portion 2, wherein the female snap portion 9 has a closed L and an open O end, wherein the male snap portion 8 engages with the female snap portion 9 by the male snap portion 8 first hitting the closed end L of the female snap portion 9, wherein the male snap portion 8 then passes around one of the sides to the female snap portion 9 and then lies down (or in) into the open end O of the female snap portion 9.

Figs 9a-b show a cross-section through an embodiment of the system and the locking device, wherein the male snap portion is arranged on the lever, and the female snap portion is arranged on the housing portion, but as mentioned the locations can be reversed.

The section in Figs 9a-b show that the female snap portion 9 has an asymmetrical, up-down V-shape. The asymmetry can help prevent the male snap portion from sticking to the female snap portion 9, i.e. it helps the male snap portion 8 pass down past the female snap portion 9 on the one side. The open end of the female snap portion 9 will contribute to holding the male snap portion 8 (and thereby the lever 3) in place or locked in the locking device they are part of constituting and this to an increasing extent with increasing loading. It should be understood that the female snap portion 9 can have other shapes, such as e.g. a U-, [-, A-, y- or Y-shape or variants or combinations of these shapes, which can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

When the above-mentioned locking device is to be released, i.e. the lever 3 is to be released and tilted to the opposite position, it can be seen that the locking device is adapted to be released via the lever 3 by the male snap portion 8 being pulled or pushed out of the open end O of the female snap portion 9, whereafter the lever 3 and thereby the male snap portion 8 is slid or bent towards and past an optional side of the female snap portion 9. This is illustrated in Figs 10-12. These figures also show that the snap portions can have different configuration and that an asymmetry on the upper side of the female snap portion 9 and possibly the tip of the male snap portion 8 will contribute to prevent the male snap portion 8 from sticking onto the female snap portion 9 when the lever 3 is pressed right down.

If it is the female snap portion 9 that is arranged on the lever, then it is understood that the relationship is reversed, i.e. that the locking device is adapted to be released via the lever 3 by the open end O of the female snap portion 9 being pulled or pushed away from the male snap portion 8, whereafter the lever 3 is slid or bent, so that the female snap portion 9 moves out of engagement with the male snap portion 8 and past an optional side of the male snap portion 8.

The figures also show a support or «anvil» 11 , on which the male snap portion 8 or another portion of the lever 3 can rest, when the male and the female snap portions 8 and 9 are locked together. The anvil 11 will be able to prevent too much slackness in the system. In addition, the lever 3/male snap portion 8/anvil 11 can be given such configuration that any snow and ice can be broken or be crushed and then be forced aside. Therefore, it can also be an advantage that the housing portion 2 is configured in an open manner, so that snow and/or ice is not enclosed and packs the housing portion 2 again.

In the embodiments shown, the locking devices at the front and at the back are different. The opposite locking device 10 is shown as a wedge lock. It should be understood that the locking devices at the front and at the back can be identical or different. The locking device 10 does not need to be a wedge lock.

In this text, the invention is referred to as a movable binding system. In addition, the system comprises two bindings. What is referred to as a binding, is the portion that connects the boot to the ski via a rotatable attachment point. According to an aspect of the invention, the system is adapted for the position for the boot and the attachment point to be displaced relative to the ski on which it is mounted. Whether part of the elements in the system move or stand firm relative to the skis (or the binding) is irrelevant. According to said aspect, the crucial factor is that the position for the boot and the attachment point can be displaced relative to the ski on which it is mounted and that the system is adapted for it to be manipulated by a certain movement pattern.

Claims

1 . A movable ski binding system (1) for use on skis for cross-country skiing, mountain skiing or radonee, wherein the ski binding system is adapted to have two positions in the longitudinal direction, a front and a back position, wherein the system comprises.

-two skis each with a binding,

-a fixed portion and a displaceable portion, wherein the displaceable portion comprises an attachment mechanism for attachment to a ski boot, the attachment mechanism comprising a point of rotation between the binding and the ski boot, -a gearwheel (4), a lever (3) and a housing portion (2), wherein the lever is adapted to tilt and thereby rotate the gearwheel, and at least part of the gearwheel and the lever is located in the housing portion,

-a toothed bar (5) between the fixed portion and the displaceable portion, wherein the gearwheel engages with the toothed bar, and a rotation of the gearwheel causes displacement of the displaceable portion, characterized in that the system comprises two locking devices, a first and a second locking device, which are adapted to keep the lever and the gearwheel, and thereby the displaceable portion, fixed during loading, wherein at least one of the locking devices is self-locking, and wherein the at least one locking device is adapted, so that the lever can be released with a symmetrical movement pattern regarding each hand and each binding on each ski.

2. A binding system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one locking device forms a snap lock, comprising a male snap portion (8) and a female snap portion (9), wherein the male snap portion is arranged on the lever, and the female snap portion is arranged on the housing portion, in which the lever and the gearwheel are arranged, the female snap portion has an open (O) and a closed (L) end, wherein the male snap portion engages with the female snap portion by the male snap portion first hitting the closed end of the female snap portion, wherein the male snap portion then passes around one of the sides to the female snap portion and then lies down into the open end of the female snap portion.

3. A binding system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one locking device forms a snap lock, comprising a male snap portion and a female snap portion, wherein the male snap portion is arranged on the lever, and the female snap portion has a closed and an open end, wherein the male snap portion engages with the female snap portion by the male snap portion first hitting the closed end of the female snap portion, wherein the male snap portion then passes around one of the sides to the female snap portion and then lies down into the open end of the female snap portion.

4. A binding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device is adapted to be released via the lever by the male snap portion being pulled or pushed out of the open end of the female snap portion, whereafter the lever and thereby the male snap portion is slid or bent towards and past an optional side of the female snap portion.

5. A binding system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device is adapted to be released via the lever by the open end of the female snap portion being pulled or pushed away from the male snap portion, whereafter the lever is slid or bent, so that the female snap portion moves out of engagement with the male snap portion and past an optional side of the male snap portion.

6. A binding system according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the female snap portion has a symmetrical or asymmetrical V-, U-, [-, A-, y- or Y-shape.

7. A binding system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the lever or the housing portion comprises a damper device (7), which is adapted to dampen a stroke from the lever towards the housing portion.

8. A binding system according to claim 1 , wherein the gearwheel, the lever and the housing portion are arranged onto the fixed portion of the system.

9. A binding system according to claim 1 , wherein the gearwheel, the lever and the housing portion are arranged onto the displaceable portion of the system.