FR2548915A1 - Ski safety binding - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ski safety binding intended to hold a boot on a ski, including two lateral and vertical wings for retaining the boot which are articulated, respectively, about two pivoting axes which converge upwards and intersect at a point located in the vertical and longitudinal plane of symmetry of the binding, and an elastic energising mechanism with an adjustable release threshold. This binding is characterised in that the projection of each pivoting axis 8, 9 of a retention wing 4, 5 over a transverse plane perpendicular to the ski forms, with the horizontal plane of the ski, an angle of between 0 and 45 DEG ; in other words, the two pivoting axes 8, 9 together form an angle of between 180 DEG and 90 DEG .

Description

 The present invention relates to a ski binding for securing a shoe on a ski.

 Ski bindings are already known which have two lateral retaining wings in contact with the edge of the sole of the boot and which are articulated around respective pivot axes. These axes can be perpendicular to the ski or, in certain cases, converging by intersecting at a point located above the ski, in the longitudinal and vertical plane of symmetry of the binding. Safety bindings comprising lateral retaining wings with axes. converging upwards are for example described in French patent 2 139 545 and Austrian patent 271 286, as regards front stops intended to hold the front end of the shoe, and. in the French patent applications 81 13 807 and 81 13 808 of the applicant with regard to heels intended to maintain on the ski the rear end of the boot.

 In all presently known embodiments of safety bindings, the pivot axes of the retaining wings have an inclination, relative to the horizontal plane of the ski, which ranges from 90, when these axes are perpendicular to the ski, å 45 . Because of such pronounced inelination, the retaining wings only allow control to be triggered in the lateral direction and they therefore do not provide security in the event of a vartical triggering, that is to say to say when the end of the boot is subjected to an upward bias as a result of a front or rear fall of the skier.

 The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by providing a safety attachment with pivoting retaining wings allowing excellent safety by allowing both lateral and vertical triggering.

 To this end, this safety binding, intended to hold a boot on a ski, comprising two lateral and vertical retaining wings of the boot hinged respectively around pivot axes converging upwards and intersecting at a point situated in the plane vertical and longitudinal symmetry of the attachment, and an elastic energization mechanism with adjustable trigger threshold acting, by means of a movable holding member, on the two wings to keep them normally in the immobilization position of the boot, and to release them, as soon as the stress exerted by the boot exceeds a determined value corresponding to the triggering threshold, is characterized in that the projection of each pivot axis of a retaining wing on a transverse plane perpendicular to the ski forms, with the horizontal plane of the ski, an angle between 0 and 450,. in other words the two pivot axes form between them an angle between 1800 and 900.

 The safety binding according to the invention offers the advantage that each retaining wing which ensures a firm hold of the shoe both in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, can pivot, about its respective axis, as soon as the end of the shoe held by the wings is subjected to a stress exceeding the value of the triggering threshold fixed by the energizing mechanism with adjustable threshold, and this in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In other words, depending on the inclination chosen for the pivot axes relative to the horizontal plane of the ski, in the range from 0o to 450, the relative values of the trigger threshold can be varied in the lateral direction and of the trigger threshold in the vertical direction. The more the inclination of the pivot axes relative to the horizontal plane of the ski, the more the value of the triggering threshold in the vertical direction is increased compared to the value of the triggering threshold in the lateral direction, for the same adjustment of the energization mechanism.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended drawing in which
Figure 1 is a schematic elevational view of a safety fastener according to the invention.

 Figure 2 is a vertical and cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1, the retaining wings being shown in the immobile jump position of the shoe.

 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, during a lateral release.

 Figure 4 is a view n cross section sem blabla to that of Figure 2, during a vertical release.

 Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the safety binding in which the pivot axes of the retaining wings are horizontal, that is to say parallel to the ski.

 Figure 6 is a schematic elevational view of an alternative embodiment.

 Figure 7 is an elevational view of a safety binding constituting a heel, in the immobilized position of the shoe.

 Figure â is a plan view of the heel of Figure 7.

 FIG. 9 is a view in vertical and longitudinal section, in the plane of symmetry, of the heel piece of FIG. 7.

 Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along line X-X of Figure 9.

 FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 9.

 Figure 12 is a vertical and longitudinal sectional view of the heel of Figure 7, in the horizontal release position.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the heel of FIG. 12, taken from the left in this figure,
Figure 14 is a side view of the heel of Figure 7, an immobilization position of the shoe, taken from the right in this figure.

 Figure 15 is an elevational view of the heel will be in the horizontal release position.

 Figure 16 is a perspective view of the third heel in the horizontal release position.

Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the heel piece,
Figure 13 is a partial vertical and longitudinal sectional view of a retaining wing in the release position.

 The safety binding which is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 to 4 is intended to hold a boot 1 on a ski 2. This binding comprises a base 3 fixed to the ski 2 on which are articulated two retaining wings 4, 5 ensuring the immobilization of the sole of the boot 1 on the ski 2. These retaining wings 4, 5 are locked in the immobilization position of the boot, which is that shown in Figures 1 and 2, by means of a holding 6 on which acts an energization mechanism 7 with adjustable trigger threshold. This energization mechanism 7 comprises, in a manner known per se, a spring whose tension can be adjusted according to the desired trigger threshold, this spring transmitting its force f, by means of a mechanical device, to the holding member 6, the value of this force f corresponding to that of the triggering threshold of the binding.

 According to the invention the retaining ribs 4, 5 are articulated, on the body 3, around respective pivot axes 8 and 9 which are inclined, relative to the horizontal plane H of the ski 2, by an angle a between O and 450 These axes 8, 9 which are located in the same transverse plane perpendicular to the ski or inclined with respect thereto, converge upwards and overlap above the ski at a point A located in the vertical plane and longitudinal P of symmetry of the fixing. The angle b of 450, of vertex A, has been indicated in FIG. 2, corresponding to the range of values which the inclinations of the pivot axes 8, 9 can take, with respect to the horizontal plane II.

 It is therefore seen, from the above, that the two pivot axes 8, 9 can form between them an obtuse angle open towards the bottom whose maximum value is 100 when the two pivot axes are coaxial and extend parallel to the horizontal plane H, as shown in Figure 5, and the minimum value is 900, when the angle a is 45.

 Due to the fact of such an inclination, the retaining wings 4, 5 allow triggering both laterally and vertically.

Figure 3 illustrates the case of triggering the
to the right and in this case it can be seen that if the shoe 1 is subjected to a stress of intensity F1 greater than that of the lateral triggering threshold, the restoring force f exerted by the energizing mechanism 7 is overcome, the shoe 1 can trigger to the right by lifting only the right retaining wing 5, the other retaining wing 4 remaining in place. In doing so, the retaining wing 5 pivots about its axis 9 year, lifting the holding member 6 of the energization mechanism 7.

 FIG. 4 illustrates the case of tripping in the vertical direction. In this case the shoe 1 is subjected to an upward bias of intensity F2 greater than the vertical triggering threshold The shoe 1 then eimultaneously raises the two retaining wings 4, 5, against the force t of the mechanism energization 7 corresponding to the triggering threshold, and the shoe 1 can neither escape the binding in the case of a fall before or arrears of the skier.

 The lateral trigger and vertical trigger thresholds depend on the inclination of the pivot axes 8, 9 of the retaining wings 4, 5. The lower the value of the angle of inclination e, that is, the closer the axes 8, 9 are to the horizontal, the more the value of the vertical trigger threshold decreases, and the more that of the lateral trigger increases, for the same adjustment of the total trigger threshold f of the Energization 7.

 FIG. 5 illustrates, as indicated above, the case where the two pivot axes 85 9 form an angle of 180 between them, in other words they both extend parallel to the horizontal plane H of the ski.

 Maturely each of the retaining wings 4, 5 must have, in its zone which is in contact with the sole of the shoe, a bearing face having a shape such that it causes cu to promote lifting of the retaining wings 4, 5 during a horizontal movement of the shoe towards the outside in the case of a lateral release. This is more particularly essential in the case where the pivot axes ô, 9 of the retaining wings 4, 5 are horizontal or very slightly inclined on the horizontal.

 In the form of exhaustion of the invention which has been described above in r4-firence in FIGS. 1 to 5, each retaining wing 4, 5 constitutes in a way a lever of the third kind and the holding member 6 , which exerts downwards, that is to say in the direction of the ski 2, the force f- due to the energizing mechanism 7, is produced in the form of a rod extending horizontally and transversely and taking support on the upper faces of the retaining wings 4, 5 at a point located between the pivot axes 8, 9 and the contact areas of the wings 4, 5 with the sole of the shoe 1. The force f exerted by the holding member 6 on the wings 4, 5 tends to rotate the latter anti-clockwise in FIG. 1.

 In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the retaining wings 4, 5 are produced in the form of levers of the first kind and each has a branch, such as the branch 5a shown in FIG. 6, extending from the 'other side of the pivot axis 9, relative to the area through which the retaining wing 5 is in contact with the sole of the shoe. The holding member 6 is then located, in this case, under the branch 5a of the wing 5 and under the corresponding branch of the other wing 4 and it exerts on these branches a force f directed upwards, corresponding to the tripping threshold, force urging the two wings 4, 5 counterclockwise as in the previous case.

 A description will now be given, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 18, of a non-limiting embodiment of a ski safety binding constituting in this case a heel piece, that is to say ensuring immobilization, on the ski. , the heel of a shoe. This heel includes a base 11 mounted to slide longitudinally on a base plate 12 fixed to the ski, in order to allow dXa7uster its position according to the length of the boot. This base 11 has, at its upper part, a yoke 13 between the two vertical branches 13a, 13b of which. is a rocking body 14, Lie straight square or rectangular section forming part of the energizing mechanism 7. Furthermore the two retaining wings 4, 5 are hinged, by means of respective yokes 4a, 5a, on the upper parts 13c, 13d of the two vertical branches 13a, 13b of the yoke 13, around their inclined pivot axes 3, 9 which, in this case, form between them an obtuse angle of approximately 1000, this value however not being limiting .

 The tilting body 4 is articulated on the yoke 13 around a horizontal and transverse axis 15 passing through coaxial holes drilled in the two branches 13a, 13b of the yoke 7. Furthermore, a horizontal and transverse rod 16, forming a stop, is engaged through lights in an arc 17 formed in the two lateral and vertical faces of the body 14 and centered on the tilting axis 15, this rod 16 being immobilized in coaxial holes provided in the two vertical branches 13e, 13b of the clevis 13.

 The body 14 has, in its front part, a projection 18 in which is engaged and retained the retaining member 6 bearing, in the immobilized position (Figures 7 and 95 on the upper faces of the two retaining wings 4, 5 .

 The tilting body 14 also has, at its front part, a lower support spout 19 projecting forward and extending substantially horizontally in the release position, as can be seen in FIGS. 12, 15 and 16. This support spout is used to rearm the niece heel, the heel of the shoe causing, when it comes to press on the spout 19, a tilting of the body 14 anti-clockwise to the position shown in Figure 7.

 The elastic energizing mechanism 7 can be made in any suitable way. In the nonlimiting embodiment shown in the drawing, this mechanism comprises, in addition to the body 14, two springs 21, 22 housed in a longitudinal bore 23 of the body 14 opening at the end of this body by a threaded orifice in which is screwed a threaded adjustment plug 24. The springs 21, 22 are supported, at one of their ends, on a plate 25 housed in the bore 23 and applied against the front face of the adjustment plug 24. By elsewhere the springs 21, 22 are engaged in two adjacent longitudinal housings 26, 27 of a piston 28 comprising a peripheral skirt 28a and a front face 28b. This piston can have any non-circular cross section and in particular an oblong cross section as shown in Figure 10, which prevents it from rotating around its axis.

Naturally the bore 23 and the support plate 25 have, in cross section, the same oblong shape. The piston 28 is kept applied, by the two springs 21-, 22, against the transverse rod forming a stop 16 which extends through the two slots 17 and which is carried by the yoke 13 of the base 11. The piston 28 is applied against this rod 16 by its front face 28b whose thickness has two values. Indeed, this front face 28b has a first lower part of great thickness extended by a second upper part - of thinner thickness, these two parts delimiting - between them a rounded connection zone 28c.

 In the engagement position, the stop-forming rod 16 is in contact with the very thick part of the front face 23b, as can be seen in FIG. 9, while on the contrary in the triggering position it is in contact with the part of thinner thickness. As can be seen in Figure 9, the rod 16 forming a transverse stop for the piston 23 is, due to the upwardly inclined position of the body 14, barely projecting from the bottom of the bore 23 and therefore the piston 28 is very close to the bottom of this bore, the springs 21, 22 being relatively relaxed. The residual tension of these springs determines the threshold for triggering the binding.

 On the contrary, when the fixing is triggered (FIG. 12), the body 14 extends substantially on the horizon ta I e towards the rear and the transverse rod forming a stop 16 is much more engaged> a inside of the bore 23 which causes the displacement of the piston 28 in the direction of the adjustment plug 24. In other words the lugs 21, 22 are then much more strongly ban. In this trigger position the body 14 is held firmly by the action of the springs 21, 22 and to engage the binding, it is necessary to exert on the front support tray 19, by means of the heel of the shoe, a effort towards the ski of sufficient intensity to overcome the resistance opposed by the springs 21, 22. This effort is relatively low and it should only be applied at the start. Indeed, during the tilting stroke of the body 11 from the horizontal triggering position to the latching position, the springs 21, 22 are found to be first of all slightly compressed additionally as a result of the passage of the rod forming a stop 16 of the by ti. of small thickness at the very thick part of the front face 28b of the piston 28, by progressive sliding along the connection zone 28c, and then the springs 21, 22 are suddenly released until the piston 28 reaches the engagement position illustrated in FIG. 9, position in which it happens to be very close to the bottom of the bore 23.

 The retaining wings 4 and 5 can be mounted to pivot freely around their respective axes 8, 9 or else they can be biased by springs. In the case of the heel piece, it is glossy in FIGS. 7 to 18, the wings 4 and 5 are thus urged by respective springs 31, 32 tending to raise the wings, 5 relative to the ski, when the binding is released, as can be see it more particularly in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16. These springs 31, 32 can advantageously be helical compression springs engaged in blind holes 33, 34 (FIG. 17) formed in the upper parts 13c, 13d of the yoke 13 , and also in blind holes made in the wings 4, 5, such as the blind hole 35 formed in the retaining wing 4 (FIG. 18).

Claims (11)

 1.- Safety binding for skiing, intended to hold a boot on a ski, comprising two lateral and vertical retaining wings of the boot articulated respectively around pivot axes converging upward and intersecting at a point located in the vertical and longitudinal plane of symmetry of the fixing, and an elastic energlsation mechanism with adjustable triggering threshold acting, by means of a movable holding member, on the two wings to keep them in the standard position Immobilization of the shoe, and to release them, as soon as the stress exerted by the shoe exceeds a determined value corresponding to the triggering threshold, characterized in that the projection of each pivot axis (8, 9) of a retaining wing (4, 5) on a transverse plane perpendicular to the ski forms, with the horizontal plane of the ski, an angle between 0 and 450, in other words the two pivot axes (8, 9) form between them a range between 1800 and 900.  2.- safety binding according to claim 1 characterized in that each retaining wing (4, 5) constitutes a lever of the third kind and the retaining member (5) bears on the upper faces of the retene wings (4 , 5) at a point located between the pivot axes (8, 9) and the contact zones of the wings (4, 5) with the sole of the shoe (1), to exert a directed force (f) on these wings down, i.e. towards the ski (2).  3.- safety binding according to claim 1 characterized in that the retaining wings (4, 5) are made in the form of levers of the first kind and they each have a branch (5a) extending on the other side of the pivot axis (9), relative to the area through which the retaining wing is in contact with the sole of the shoe, and the retaining member (6) is located under the branches of the wings (4 , 5) and it exerts on these branches an effort (f) directed upwards.  4. A safety binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding member (6) consists of a horizontal and transverse rod bearing simultaneously against the two retaining wings (4, 5).  5. A safety binding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining wings (4, 5) are mounted freely- to pivot about their respective axes (8, 9).  6. A safety binding according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the retaining wings (4, 5) are stressed respectively by springs (31, 32) tending to raise them in the release position of the fixation.  7.- Safety binding constituting a heel piece intended to hold the heel of the boot, comprising a base mounted with longitudinal sliding on a base plate fixed to the ski and a body mounted tilting on this base, this body forming part of the mechanism of energization according to claim 1 characterized in that the holding member (6) is integral with the tilting body (14) and bears on the upper faces of the two retaining wings (4, 5) pivotally mounted on the base ( 11).  3.- safety binding according to claim 7 characterized in that the retaining wings (4, 5) are biased upwards by springs (31, 32).  9. A safety binding according to claim 8 characterized in that the springs (31, 32) are compression springs engaged in blind holes (33, 34) provided in the base (11) and in other blind holes (35) provided in the wings (4, 5).  10.- safety binding according to any one of claims 7 to 9 characterized in that the retaining wings (4, 5) are integral with yokes (4a, 5a) articulated, around the respective axes of pvotement (8, 9 ), on the upper parts (-13c, 13d) of two vertical branches (13a, 13b) of a yoke (13) forming part of the base (11), and the body (14) is articulated on the yoke (13) , between its two vertical branches (13a, 13b), around a transverse axis (15) carried by the two vertical branches (13a, 13b) of the yoke.  11.- safety binding according to claim liJ characterized in that the body (14), of square or rectangular cross section, has, in its two lateral and vertical faces, lights (17) in the form of arcs of circle centers on the pivot axis (15) of the tilting body (14), a transverse rod (16) forming a stop is engaged through the two slots (17) and holes drilled in the vertical branches (13a, 13b) of the yoke (13) of the base (11) and on this rod (16) forming @ utée is supported, J 1 literrieur of the body (14), a piston (28) sliding in a longitudinal bore (23) of the body and applied under pressure against the rod (16) under the action of at least one spring (21, 22) also pressing on an adjustment plug (24) screwed into the bore hole (23).  12. - A fixing according to claim 11, characterized in that the bore (23) and the piston (29) have a non-circular cross section.  13. A safety binding according to any one of claims 11 and 12 characterized in that the piston (28) has an oblong shape and it has inside two longitudinal and adjacent housings (26, 27) in which extend two longitudinal compression springs (21, 22).  14. A safety binding according to any one of claims II to 13 characterized in that the piston (28) has a front face (28c) bearing against the rod forming a stop (16), this front face comprising two parts d '' different thickness, namely an upper part of small thickness in contact with the rod (16) forming a stop when the tilting body (14) is in the horizontal release position, and a lower part of greater thickness in contact with the rod forming a stop when the tilting body (14) is in the latching position.