FR2674444A1 - INTERFACE SHIMS FOR ALPINE SKI SAFETY ATTACHMENT. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of alpine ski bindings comprising a front binding element and a rear binding element. Each element is raised relative to the upper surface of the ski by a wedge 2, 3. One of the wedges 2 is integral with the ski, while the other wedge 3 is movable and guided relative to the ski for a longitudinal movement. The wedges 2 and 3 are also connected by an inextensible link means 15.

Description

i

  INTERFACE CALES FOR ALPINE SKI SECURITY FIXING

  The invention relates to a set of alpine ski bindings which are intended to retain a

shoe resting on a ski.

  Many types of alpine ski bindings are currently on the market, they usually include a rear binding element, a front binding element, as well as a

  brake which is most often associated with the rear fixing element.

  It is known, in particular in the field of competition, to raise the bindings relative to the upper surface of the ski by means of shims of constant thickness This avoids

  advantageously that the shoe sole comes to catch the snow when cornering.

  Such shims are for example described in French Patent No. 2,639,242. They are shims

  individual, which are placed under the front fixing element, and under the rear fixing element.

  Also known from document DE-OS 2 752 206 is a monobloc plate, which is

  raised relative to the ski, and on which the bindings are mounted.

  These devices give good results, but they have the drawback of exerting an influence on the ski flexion. In fact, in the first case, there is an increase in the effect that the push of the ski produces on the ski. rear binding element on the shoe sole, in the direction of the front binding element In the other case, the ski is surmounted by a rigid plate which tends to

disturb its free flexion.

  One of the aims of the invention is to propose a set of alpine ski bindings which is raised relative to the upper surface of the ski, without the effect of the thrust of the rear binding on the

bending of the ski is increased.

  Another object of the invention is to provide a set of fasteners, raised using shims

  which only slightly influence the flexion of the ski.

  Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear during the description which follows,

  this description is however given as an indication and not limiting.

  The set of alpine ski bindings according to the invention comprises a front binding element retaining the front end of the boot and a rear binding element retaining the rear end of the boot, each element comprising a member for retaining the 'shoe end,

  carried by a body and by a base connected to the ski.

  It is characterized by the fact that a wedge is located between each fixing base and the upper surface of the ski, so as to raise the two fixing elements relative to the upper surface of the ski, in that the wedges are connected by an inextensible connection means and that one of the wedges is secured to the ski, while the other wedge is mobile and guided relative to the ski for a

longitudinal movement.

  According to a first implementation of the invention, the front wedge and the rear wedge are connected by an inextensible blade which extends in the lower part of the wedge, near the upper surface of the ski. According to another implementation of the invention, the front wedge and the rear wedge are connected by an inextensible blade which is located in the upper part of the wedges, near the sole of the shoe. According to another implementation of the invention, the wedges are connected by a longitudinal bar

  which is integral with one of the shims, and which is secured to the other.

  According to another implementation of the invention, the front wedge can be secured to the ski in a

  longitudinal position which is adjustable.

  The invention will be better understood by referring to the description below, as well as to the drawings

  attached which form an integral part of it.

  Figure 1 is a top view of the shims which equips the set of fasteners, according to a first

implementation of the invention.

  Figure 2 is a side view, in section through a longitudinal and vertical plane of the device of the

figure 1.

  Figure 3 is a sectional view 11 I-111 of the device of Figure 1.

  Figure 4 shows, in side view and in section through a longitudinal and vertical plane, shims

  according to another implementation of the invention.

  Figure 5 is a top view of the hold according to another implementation of the invention.

  FIG. 6 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 5.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a variant of the means for assembling the mobile wedge to the ski.

  Figure 8 shows, in top view, shims which equip the set of fasteners, according to a

  variant implementation of the invention.

  FIG. 9 is a side view, in section, of the device of FIG. 8.

  Figure 10 is an exploded view of the various elements which constitute the front part of the

  device shown in Figures 8 and 9.

  Figure 11 is an exploded view which illustrates an alternative embodiment.

  FIG. 1 represents a portion of ski 1 in the area of the skid, that is to say in the area where the binding elements are mounted. In this zone, a wedge 2 is shown which is situated under the front binding element. , and a shim 3 which is located under the rear fixing element To facilitate understanding of the drawings, the front and rear fixing elements are not shown in the figures As will appear below, these elements can be of any suitable type In addition, in the drawings, the proportions have not always been respected, in particular as regards the

  length of different lights.

  The front and rear shims 2 and 3 have a constant thickness, and they extend substantially over the entire surface of the base of the binding with which they are associated respectively. Preferably, the rear wedge 3 is extended forward by a central tab 4 on

  which the brake pedal comes to bear to cause the brake to retract.

  Also, preferably, in a longitudinal direction, the shims 3 and 4 have a chamfer 5 at each of their front and rear ends. These chamfers are intended to facilitate the

  work of the machine which ensures the maintenance of the ski sole.

  Wedges 2 and 3 are made of any suitable material, for example a plastic material

  which is marketed under the name of "RILSAN".

  If necessary, they have recesses in their lower part, or else grooves

  transverse intended to improve their flexibility This is already known to those skilled in the art.

  As can be seen in Figure 1, the front wedge 2 has two series of holes It first has holes 7 which are intended to receive the assembly screws of the wedge on the ski These holes are chamfered in their upper part, so that the screw head fits

in the thickness of the hold.

  According to a variant, the front wedge could have several series of orifices 7 offset longitudinally to each other so as to be able to assemble the front wedge 2 to the ski 1 in

  different longitudinal positions.

  The wedge 2 also has orifices 8 which are intended to receive the assembly screws for the fixing on the wedge. These orifices 8 are therefore located at locations which correspond to the locations provided on the base of the fixing element for the assembly screws It is easily understood that the wedge 2 could be equipped with several series of orifices 8, so as to be able to mount fasteners of different models, types or even brands. Also, the wedge 2 could be fitted. of several series of orifices 8 offset longitudinally, so as to be able to place

  the front fastener in different positions.

  The rear wedge 3 is equipped with a series of holes 10, of the same type as the holes 8, which are intended to receive the assembly screws of the rear fixing element. As in the previous case, there could be several series of orifices 10 corresponding to different models, or to

  different location of the fixing element on the wedge.

  The rear wedge 3 also has assembly means to the ski which allow a translational movement of the wedge 3 relative to the ski, in a longitudinal direction. Referring to the figures, these means are shown in the form of a series of oblong holes 11, which are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski The oblong holes 11 have

  internally a peripheral shoulder 12.

  The assembly means moreover preferably comprise a shouldered washer 13, the shoulder of which cooperates with the shoulder 12 of the oblong hole 11 The washer 13 is itself crossed by the screw 14 for assembling the wedge to the ski The height of the lower part of the washer 13 is equal to or slightly greater than the height of the lower part of the oblong orifice 11, below its shoulder, so that the tightening of the screw 14 causes the connection from washer 13 to

  ski, but allows the longitudinal movement of the wedge, while prohibiting vertical movement.

  Preferably, in a transverse direction, at least one of the oblong holes 11 has a width which is adjusted relative to the diameter of the shouldered washer 13 which passes through it, in order to avoid lateral play of the wedge 3 Preferably, at most two oblong holes 11 have such an adjusted width, the other holes having, in a transverse direction, a clearance relative to the washer

13 crossing them.

  The front wedge 2 and the rear wedge 3 are connected by an inextensible connecting means This means is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the form of a connecting blade 15-which may be in particular metallic, and each of whose ends is secured to the facing ends of the shims 2 and 3 Preferably, at least one of the ends of the blade 15 is secured to the shim with a possibility of longitudinal adjustment of the blade Thus, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the end of the front blade is secured to the front wedge 2 by any suitable means, for example by a rivet 16, as well as by

  example by one of the assembly screws of the front wedge 2 on the ski.

  The rear end of the blade 15 has, in a longitudinal direction, a series of orifices 17, and the attachment of the rear end to the rear wedge 3 is obtained by engagement of a pin 18, integral with the rear wedge 3 , in one of the orifices 17 of the blade 15 The orifice 17, in which the pin 18 is engaged, depends on the desired spacing between the front fixing element and the rear fixing element, this spacing itself dependent the length of the shoe sole which is intended to be engaged in the fastening assembly It should not be forgotten that, most often, the fastening element

  rear itself has a longitudinal adjustment device.

  When skiing, the shoe sole is raised relative to the ski by a height equal to the thickness of the front and rear cleats 2 and 3 For example, this height can be between 5 and 15 mm In addition , during ski flexions, there will be a relative sliding of the rear wedge 3 relative to the ski, which frees the ski from the stresses that the shoe usually exerts on its flexion In other words, it is the blade 15, and not the ski 1, which ensures the reaction to the thrust force that the rear binding element exerts on the shoe sole in the direction of the front binding element. Therefore, during ski flexions, this push of the fastener

  rear only slightly influences the curvature of the ski at the level of the skate.

  To facilitate the sliding of the rear wedge on the upper surface of the ski, a tinsel, or a

  intermediate sliding surface, may be interposed between the upper surface of the ski and the wedge.

  The oblong holes 11 of the wedge 3 have a length sufficient to allow the longitudinal sliding of the wedge 3, both for length adjustment by the orifices 17 and the pin

18 than during ski flexing.

  In FIGS. 1 and 3, the connecting blade 15 is located in the lower part of the cleats 2 and 3, and therefore it extends near the upper surface of the ski. As a variant, FIG. 4 represents a blade 15 'which is secured in the upper part of the shims 2 'and 3' The blade 15 'is therefore

  proximity to the bottom surface of the shoe sole.

  It goes without saying that the blade 15 could also occupy an intermediate position. The height position of the blade 15 in fact influences the amplitude of the relative sliding between the rear wedge 3 and the ski during ski flexions. It also influences the amplitude. of the rear fastening element receding with respect to its slideway It is known in fact that, during ski flexions, the rear fastening element can slide longitudinally against the return force of a spring which returns it towards the front fixing element. Figures 5 and 6 show a variant in which the front wedge 22 and the rear wedge 23 are connected by an inextensible bar 35 This bar 35 is in fact integral with the front wedge 22, which it extends towards the rear The end rear of the bar 35 has two sets of teeth 26 and 27, which cooperate with corresponding teeth 28 and 29 of the front end of the rear wedge 23 The cooperation of the different teeth allows to secure the rear end of the bar 35 by

  relative to the rear wedge 23, with a possibility of longitudinal adjustment.

  Figures 5 and 6 show the bar 35 with a thickness substantially equal to that of the wedges 22 and 23 In this case, preferably, the bar has transverse grooves 33 which increase its flexibility, and therefore promote its bending during ski bending The grooves 33 have been shown in the upper part of the bar 35 It goes without saying that it could be located in the lower part Also, the bar 35 could have a thickness less than that of the shims

22 and 23.

  FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the means for assembling the rear wedge to the ski.

  The rear wedge 43 has a central orifice 44 elongated in a longitudinal direction The longitudinal edges of the orifice 44 have a shoulder 45 The assembly means comprise a part 46 of width corresponding to that of the orifice 44 and of length less than the length of the orifice 44 The part 46 has orifices 48 for the screws for assembling the part to the ski The part 46 fits into the orifice 44, and the longitudinal edges 47 which it presents cooperate with the shoulders 45 of the orifice so that, once screwed, the part 46 retains the wedge 43 vertically and laterally, while allowing longitudinal sliding of the wedge relative to the surface

superior of skiing.

  Figures 8 to 10 illustrate another variant, according to which the longitudinal position of the wedge

  before 52 on the ski can be adjusted before its attachment to the ski.

  The rear wedge 63 and the blade 55 are also displaced longitudinally during this adjustment. Thus, the position of the boot on the ski can be adjusted, for example according to the type of track or the nature of

skiing.

  Referring to the various figures, the front wedge 52 is retained on the ski 51 by two T-shaped elements 53 and 54, the wings of which extend laterally These elements 53 and 54 are secured to the ski by any appropriate means, and for example by screwing The front shim 52 has at the level of the elements 53 and 54 two longitudinal slots 56 and 57, which each have longitudinal shoulders, these shoulders cooperating with the lateral wings of the T-shaped elements 53 and 54, so that the front wedge 52 can slide in a longitudinal direction relative to the

  skiing, and any other movement related to skiing is hindered.

  The element 54 is also equipped with a rack 58, which extends rearward and whose teeth are oriented in a transverse direction. Behind the lumen 57, the shim 52 has a countersink 59 in which an element 60 can be positioned and assembled with the front shim 52 In the central part of the counterbore 59 there is an opening 61 through which the teeth of the rack 58 are accessible. The element 60 also has, on its lower surface, and in its central part, teeth 62 transversely oriented which cooperate with the teeth of the rack 58 at the opening 61 To adjust the longitudinal position of the wedge 52, which also determines the longitudinal position of the rear wedge 53, the element lock 60 is unscrewed so as to release its teeth

  62 of the teeth of the rack 58 The front wedge 52 can slide relative to the elements 53 and 54.

  When the desired longitudinal position is reached, the locking element 60 is screwed back on the

  wedge 52 so that its teeth engage the teeth of the rack 58 The wedge 52 is thus

  secured to the ski in a determined longitudinal position.

  FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of these adjustment means. According to this alternative, two T-shaped elements 73 and 74 are secured to the ski, and cooperate with lights 76 and 77 of the front hold 72 A micrometric screw 75 passes through the front part of the front hold 72, and

  its rear end 76 has a head 78 with a shoulder which is received in the element 73.

  In this way, by rotation of the screw 75, the longitudinal position of the front wedge 72 relative to

item 73 can be set.

  An inextensible blade 55 also connects the front wedge 52 and the rear wedge 63. This inextensible blade is connected to the front wedge 52 by any appropriate means, and for example by a stud 65, secured to the blade, which is engaged in a housing. of the wedge The inextensible blade 55 opens towards

  the rear of the front wedge 52, passing freely under the element 54 and its rack 58.

  The rack 63 is movable relative to the ski in a longitudinal direction It is guided

  in its longitudinal movement by elements 66, 67 and 68 which are secured to the ski.

  These elements cooperate with the rear wedge 63 so as to impede any movement of this wedge other than a longitudinal movement Furthermore, the amplitude of the movement of the rear wedge 63, which the elements 66, 67 and 68 allow, is greater than the length of the lights 56 and 57 which determine the amplitude of movement of the front wedge 52 As in the previous cases, the

  elements 66, 67 and 68 allow free movement of the rear wedge 63.

  The inextensible blade 55 is connected to the rear wedge by any suitable means, and for example by

  a stud 70 which can be engaged in different orifices 71 situated at the level of the rear wedge 63.

  The front and rear fixing elements are secured respectively to the front wedges and

  -Rear in the same way as what has been described in relation to the previous figures.

  From the longitudinal position defined by the longitudinal adjustment of the front wedge 52, or 72, the rear wedge 63 and the fastening element which it carries can slide freely towards the rear during

ski inflections.

  In the description which has just been given, it is the front wedge 2 or 22, 52, 72 which is integral with the

  ski, and the rear wedge 3, 23 or 43, 63 which is mounted movable in a longitudinal direction.

  Naturally, this is not limiting, and one could reverse the role of the front and rear wedges of such

  so that it is the front hold 2 or 22 which is made movable relative to the ski.

  Naturally, the present invention is given for information only, and other implementations of the invention could be adopted without departing from the scope thereof. In particular, other inextensible connection means that the blade 15, 55 or the bar 35, for example, an inextensible cable could be used. Also, a person skilled in the art could adopt other variants to secure the connection of the inextensible connection means to each. wedges, and use

  other means for ensuring the longitudinal guidance of the mobile block.

Claims (7)

  1 Set of alpine ski bindings intended to retain a boot resting on a ski, comprising a front binding element retaining the front end of the boot, and a rear binding element retaining the rear end of the boot, each element comprising a member for retaining the end of the boot, carried by a body and by a base connected to the ski, characterized in that a wedge (2, 3, 2 ', 3', 22, 52, 72, 23 , 43, 63) is located between each fixing base and the upper surface of the ski (1), so as to raise the two fixing elements relative to the upper surface of the ski, in that the wedges (2, 3, 2 ', 3', 22, 52, 72, 23, 43, 63) are connected by an inextensible connecting means (15,15 ', 35) and that one of the shims (2, 2', 22, 52 , 72) is secured to the ski, while the other wedge (3,  3 ', 23, 43, 63) is mobile and guided relative to the ski   for a sliding movement in a longitudinal direction.   2 set of fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that the inextensible connecting means is an inextensible blade (15, 15 ', 55) secured to each of the shims (2, 3, 52 72, 2', 3 ',   63), at each of its ends.   3 set of fasteners according to claim 2, characterized in that the blade (15) is   located in the lower part of the cleats (2, 3), near the upper surface of the ski.   4 set of fasteners according to claim 2, characterized in that the blade (15 ') is   located in the upper part of the cleats (2 ', 3'), near the shoe sole.   Set of fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that the inextensible connecting means is a bar (35) which is in one piece with one of the shims (22, 23), and which extends in   direction of the other hold to which it is secured.   6 set of fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that adjustment means (17, 18, 26, 27, 28, 29, 70, 71) allow to adjust the distance between the front wedge (2, 2 ' , 22,   52, 72) and the rear wedge (3, 3 '23, 43,63).   7 set of fasteners according to claim 1, characterized in that the front wedge (52,   72) can be secured to the ski in an adjustable longitudinal position.