JPS6134354B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a safety ski tie, and more specifically, to a safety ski tie that allows a shoe and ski to be freely separated when an applied force exceeds a safety level. The present invention also relates to a ski tie that allows the shoe to automatically return to skiing.

As described in U.S. Patent No. 3,893,682,
Nowadays, it is common practice to connect the ski boot to the ski by means of a safety tie that allows the shoe to be separated from the ski in the event that an abnormal force is applied and there is a risk of injury. It is. A variety of these types of ties have been proposed, many of which include adjustments that allow the level of release or release force to be varied according to the skier's arm, physical characteristics, and conditions. elements are provided. Another safety feature found in most knots is
By providing various separate lacing devices, it is possible to prevent the ski from completely separating after being released from the boot.

The aforementioned U.S. patent states that the design differs significantly from traditional ski tie designs in that the elastic cable acts as a force link between the shoe and the ski as well as a lace to hold the ski in place. Ski ties are listed. US Patent No.
No. 3,893,682, a sole plate is removably connected to the shoe and supports the active part of a closure comprising two connecting devices, one at the heel and one at the toe. Each device consists of an elongated flexible leather strap that can be stretched and retracted.
A biasing means provided on the bottom plate yieldably resists the stretching of the leather strap. The end of each lace is connected to an attachment element on the upper side of the ski, and force control means on each device are arranged to control the force exerted on the lace when the shoe is moved away from the ski. ing. As described in the aforementioned patent, when the shoe is close to the ski, a relatively large force is maintained between the shoe and the ski, but when the shoe is separated from the ski, this force is reduced for safety reasons. preferable.

The ski tie described in the above-referenced US patent has proven to be very satisfactory and is welcomed by skiers of all skill levels. However, while having similar operating characteristics,
There is a need for a ski tie that is simpler in construction and therefore less costly. This invention seeks to meet this need.

The present invention generally provides an improved ski tie of the type described above which allows the shoe to automatically return to the ski. Cooperative control means utilizing flexible laces to transfer forces between the boot and the ski and having an element on the ski and an element supported by the shoe ensure that the shoe and ski are in close proximity. It engages when it is in position and has a relatively large holding force. This control means is preferably arranged so as to avoid the undesirable situation that the effective holding force between the shoe and the ski increases when the shoe and the ski separate against the force applied via the laces. acts such that the effective holding force between the shoe and ski actually decreases in response to their separation.

Briefly and generally speaking, the binding of the invention comprises: a bottom plate or shoe engagement means capable of removably securing a ski boot; at least one attachment element secured to the ski; a flexible lace that is biased or prestressed to a tension of .0, and means for connecting the lace to an attachment means. A lace can be constructed of an elastic member, for example, one or more stretchable elastic elements encased in a woven mesh material. This is commonly referred to as impact resistant cord.

In order to provide the desired relatively large retention force when the sole is close to the ski, the ski tie of the present invention provides a ski tie in which the effective retention force between the shoe and the ski varies as a function of the stretch of the laces. It also includes mechanical control means for controlling the Generally speaking, this method is
It includes means provided on the bottom plate and cooperating means for connecting the lace to the attachment element of the ski. This forms the part of the link that actually applies the force. More specifically, when the sole plate is laterally or vertically displaced from the ski, means provided on the sole plate engage the connecting means and apply a lateral force thereto.

The mounting element is a universal pivot mounting mounted with a connecting means. In normal ski downhill conditions,
The position of the attachment element as well as the connection means relative to the bottom plate is such that in order to move this plate, the lateral or vertical release force on the bottom plate must be significantly greater than the initial tension in the strap. This means that the force applied by the bottom plate is transmitted by an elastic strap, which is attached to perform a universal pivoting motion, and whose length is adjustable, so that the force applied in the lateral or vertical direction is transferred to the bottom plate. This is because the mechanical gain gained when displacing it from the ski is adjustable. That is, adjusting the length of the connecting means can be used to adjust the effective holding force when the sole is initially moved laterally or vertically away from the ski.

Another aspect of the invention is that means provided in the bottom plate engage the connecting means when a force is applied to separate them, the means engaging the connecting means on opposite sides of the link.
It includes lateral force application means, such as paired ridges, and vertical force application means, such as upwardly directed ridges. The means for applying an upward force are located closer to the attachment element on the ski than the means for applying a lateral force, so that a vertical release force is applied as compared to a lateral release force. have different mechanical gains. The desired force ratio is about 3 to 4 to 1.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides desirable features and advantages, and accomplishes such ends with a relatively simple design and at a relatively low cost. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the drawings.

A ski tie implementing this invention is a ski shoe 2.
0 to the ski 22. This tie allows the shoe and ski to be released freely and automatically return to the ski when the force of separation exceeds a safe level. . Ski ties, shoes 20
It includes a bottom plate 24 which is removably but firmly attached to the underside of the . Bottom plate 2
4 are connected to ski 22 by flexible laces 26 to provide the desired safety release and retractability.

In this invention, the leather strap 26 is a sturdy link 28.
, which is pivotally mounted on the upper surface of the ski 22. The sole plate 24 includes a mechanical structure 30 that engages the link and provides a relatively large holding force when the shoe 20 and ski 22 are brought into close proximity. Mechanical structure 30 and rigid link 28 cooperate to avoid increasing the effective retention force between shoe 20 and ski 22 as they separate against forces applied via laces 26. work

The effective holding force between shoe 20 and ski 22 may initially decrease in response to their departure from normal skiing conditions, as seen from the force-displacement curve of FIG. preferable. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the leather strap 2
6 can extend from one end or both ends of the bottom plate 24. The sole plate 24 is also coupled to the ski 22 by a mechanical structure 32 on the rear side of the sole plate and a corresponding rigid link 30 on the rear end of the laces 26. As will be explained later, the rear bottom plate structure 32
and solid links 34 cooperate similarly with corresponding elements on the front side of the bottom plate.

More specifically, the link 28 forms a rigid extension of the end of the lace 26 and forms part of the force link between the shoe and the ski and has a shackle 36 at its distal end. Shackle pin 3
8 connects link 28 to an upright pivot 40 rotatably mounted on the upper surface of ski 22 (10th
figure). Thus, the shackle 36 and pivot 40 form a universal attachment for the rigid link 28, allowing the link to pivot in any direction over the ski 22. As shown in FIG.
The structure 30 at the front end of the is essentially an open frame formed integrally with the bottom plate, with two side members 42 which are extensions of the edge portions of the bottom plate, and a solid link 2.
8 and cooperating with it.
It consists of

In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the lace 26 are secured to the ski 22 and pass through the sole plate 24. Bottom plate 24
Near the front end of the lace 26 emerges from the hole 46 and when the sole plate and ski 22 are in contact in normal skiing conditions, the entire lace is actually retracted into the sole plate. In other words, withdraw. In this state,
Links 28 are aligned with the ski and are substantially parallel to the ski surface.

A front member 44 of structure 30 has a forwardly and upwardly projecting toe portion 48 that forms the leading edge portion of the entire base plate 24. The toe section 48 is positioned under and in contact with the sturdy link 28 when in a horizontal position, so that when the front end of the sole plate 24 is displaced upwardly from the ski 22, the link 2
Apply upward force to 8.

As shown in most detail in Figure 4, structure 30
The front member 44 is generally shaped to define a V-shaped notch 50 whose dimensions and position are such that when the ring is in a substantially horizontal position, the front member 44 of the link 2
8 and comes into contact with both sides thereof. Toe portion 48 from which link 28 projects upward
The pivot shaft 40 is mounted so as to be able to move vertically within a limited range so as to simultaneously contact the spaced apart ridges forming the V-shaped notch 50. Looking at FIG. 10, it can be seen that the pivot 40 is mounted to allow such movement and rotation. axis 40
The spring washer 45 normally biases it downwardly towards the ski. Thus, the pivot 40 moves upwardly against the force of the spring as necessary to establish the desired contact between the link 28 and the toe 48 and between the link and the ridge of the V-shaped notch 50. It turns out that it guarantees.

Attachment of the pivot 40 to the ski is accomplished by an assembly comprising upper and lower mounting plates 47, 49. Stopper sleeve 51 on the upper plate
is integrally formed, which receives a pivot 40 and supports it for rotation as well as limited vertical movement (FIG. 10). The lower plate 49 is fixed to the ski by screws 53 or the like, and the upper mounting plate 47 is arranged so as to be vertically adjustable relative to the ski, so that the sole plate 24 can be adjusted to fit different shoes. , the force for pressing the bottom plate 24 against the stopper sleeve 51 is set appropriately. As shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 8, the lower mounting plate 49 is provided with slots, shown at 55, for receiving mounting bolts from the upper plate 47. A nut corresponding to each mounting bolt is held in a recess provided on the underside of the lower mounting plate 49. By such means, the front axis 40
The position of can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the ski.

The front member 44 of the structure 30 also includes an integral raised arcuate portion 52 that is spaced above the V-shaped notch 50 and generally above the link 28 when in the horizontal position. As can be seen in FIG. 2, when the sole plate 24 is displaced from the ski 22, the arcuate portion 52
act to hold and guide the extension of the lace 26.

As seen in FIG. 9, a pair of guide pulleys 54 are mounted in holes 46 in bottom plate 24 on parallel vertical axes. These pulleys serve to reduce friction and also accept the laces 26 so that they fit through the holes 46.
It is shaped so that it will not be displaced laterally or vertically at the point.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that when the front of the sole plate 24 is displaced upwardly relative to the ski 22, an upward force is applied to the solid link 28 via the front toe portion 48 of the sole plate, causing an upward force. It turns out that it can be rotated. Similarly, the front part of the bottom plate 24
2, a horizontally acting force is applied to the link 28 through one side of the V-shaped notch 50, causing the link to pivot outwardly towards the edge of the ski. When the bottom plate 24 is in a normal skiing condition, only a small portion of the strap 26 protrudes from the hole 46 to the connection with the link 28, so when the link 28 is displaced laterally or vertically, the first The leather strap is bent at an angle of approximately 90° at hole 46. Thus, tension in the laces 26 is applied generally perpendicular to the links 28 and at the end of the link remote from the associated pivot 40. Another force that opposes this holding force is V from the bottom plate.
It is added to the link via the glyph cutout 50, the toe 48, or both.

The mechanical gain, or in this case the reduction, associated with the separating force applied through the V-shaped notch 50 or the toe 48 is a simple lever pivoting the link 28 to the pivot 40. You can think and decide. In particular, the distance from the pivot to the toe section 48 is A (FIG. 5), and the V-shaped notch 50 from the pivot
If the distance to B is B and the total length of the link measured from the pivot is C, then the mechanical reduction when applying a force to separate via the toe section 48 is determined by the ratio C/A. The mechanical reduction when applying a separating force through the V-shaped notch is determined by the ratio C/A. Neglecting the force required to bend the end of the strap 26 and assuming that the initial tension in the strap is T, the initial holding force when the bottom plate 24 is vertically displaced is given by the formula CT/A. The holding force when the displacement of the bottom plate is in the horizontal direction is given by the formula CT/B.

This means that the effective retention force for vertical displacement between the ski 22, the shoe 20, and the sole plate 24 is substantially greater than the effective retention force for lateral displacement between the ski and the sole plate. Important invention 1
It is a surface. Typical dimensions used in the embodiments of Figures 1-11 are A = 0.5 inches, B = 1.5 inches, and C = 3.0 inches.
It is 吋. Substituting into the holding force equation above, we find that the ratio of vertical tension to horizontal or lateral holding force is 3:1.

Of course, the above formula means that the bottom plate 24 is the ski 22.
It is only for the initial holding force before the displacement from . However, by appropriately selecting dimensions A, B, and C from these formulas, the initial holding force can be adjusted to
It can be seen that the initial tension can be substantially increased. It will also be apparent that as the sole plate 24 is displaced from the ski 22, the point of contact between the sole plate and the link 28 moves progressively away from the axis of the pivot 40. In other words, the toe section 48 and the V-shaped notch 50 slide along the link 28 away from the pivot 40, and as they do so, the disengagement force is applied through the toe section or the V-shaped notch. It reduces the mechanical loss during application and thus rapidly reduces the effective holding force on the bottom plate.

This force versus distance relationship is illustrated by the curve in FIG. In this figure, the initial holding force is quite large, but decreases quite rapidly as the sole plate 24 is displaced from the ski 22. Once the links 28 are completely disengaged from the structure 30 of the base plate 24, the retention force is determined solely by the tension in the laces 26. 1st
As shown in Figure 4, this tension increases with increasing displacement, as is the case with most elastic elements.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the lace 26 is comprised of one or more resilient, stretchable elements encased in a woven mesh material. This is commonly referred to as impact resistant cord. Suitable impact resistant cord materials are available from William B. Bliss Giunier of New York.
Available from & Company. in a position such that the sole plate 24 is in a normal retracted position on the ski 22;
This leather strap can be pre-stressed to give it an initial tension. Once the laces 26 have been substantially stretched by the ski release force, the load will not increase appreciably until the outer mesh material encasing the resilient elements is also stressed by tension.
However, at that time, the effective tension of the leather strap 26 is
As shown in Figure 4, it increases rapidly from a relatively low rate of increase. Although the invention is not limited to the use of impact resistant cords in the lace material, there are considerable advantages to using them, and flexible but non-stretchable cords can also be used with other elastic materials in the bottom plate 24. Can be used with tension elements to apply the desired tension.

The rear structure 32 of the bottom plate 24 is connected to the front structure 30 in front.
and cooperates with the rear rigid link 34 in much the same manner as described for the front rigid link 28. A toe portion 60 in which the rear structure 32 projects rearward and upward, and a pair of tapered guide posts 62 provided on a vertical axis in front of the toe portion 60.
including. The purpose of tapering the pillar is to provide a cooperating surface that has the same effect as the ridge forming the V-shaped notch 50. That is, the rear sturdy link 34
This is to ensure that it fits snugly between the guide posts when it is in a nearly horizontal position. Rear structure 32
However, it also includes a lace retaining arc 64 that bridges the top of the guide post 62 and is substantially spaced from the link 34 in the horizontal position.

When the rear end of the sole plate 24 is displaced upwardly from the ski 22, a releasing force is applied to the link 34 via the toe section 60, and when the rear end of the sole plate is displaced horizontally from the ski, this displacement force is 1 It is added to the link via two guide posts 62. The same dimensional relationship as described for the displacement of the front end of the sole plate 24 holds for the displacement of the rear end or heel of the tie.

The rear rigid link 34 also has a shackle 66 which is pivoted by a shackle pin 68 to an upright pivot 70 attached to the top of the ski 22. Attachment to the ski is accomplished by means of a mounting plate 72 which is attached to the ski by screws or the like.

The sole plate 24 is held in proper alignment with the skis 22. This is accomplished in part by the guide post 62 cooperating with laterally extending wing elements 84 on the rear rigid link 34. The guide post 62 has an outer sleeve of a resilient material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, and the wing element 84 presses against the front side of the guide post 62 when the link is in a generally horizontal position, slightly increasing its elasticity. It is placed on the link 34 to deform the outer sleeve. The elastic sleeve of the guide column 62 acts as a spring, and the bottom plate 2
4 is biased forward toward the ski 22, so
The front toe section 48 of the sole rests against the stop sleeve 51 of the ski, as shown in detail in FIG. The stopper sleeve 51 and the mounting plate of which the sleeve is a part are made of a strong plastic with a low coefficient of friction, such as the plastic sold under the trade name Delrin, in order not to impede the displacement of the bottom plate 24. Preferably, it is made of plastic material.

An alternative structure for applying the desired forward thrust to the bottom plate 24 is shown in FIG. The elastic guide column 62 provided on the bottom plate is omitted, and instead,
V-shaped notch and arcuate section 5 similar to that provided at the front end of the knot shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.
Use 0.52. The leaf spring 73 is the rear link 3
4' and engages a transverse member 75 provided in the bottom plate and forming a V-shaped cutout 77. The load on spring 73 causes it to flex (as shown in Figure 15), forcing the sole plate forward against the ski.

By way of example, the lace 26 can stretch up to twice its initial length when preloaded. Assuming that the laces are initially 14 inches long, the available length for both the toe and heel ends of the sole plate 24, if separated by the same amount at the same time, is 7 inches. Of course, if the sole plate 24 remains in place on the ski, or if the distance of travel at one end is short, the available displacement at the other end will be correspondingly long.

Assuming that the initial load on the laces 26 is approximately 20 pounds, the links 28 and bottom plate 24 are
With dimensions B and C, the effective vertical and lateral holding forces are 120 pounds and 40 pounds, respectively.

Considering again the force-displacement curve of FIG. 14 and assuming that with a tie having the dimensions and forces described above, lateral separation occurs, such as by twisting the bottom plate 24 relative to the ski, point Indicates a load of 40 pounds when no displacement occurs. Distance Y is approximately 1.5
This corresponds to a displacement of 2, but at this time the force is substantially reduced and the link has just exited the V-shaped notch 50 or the corresponding space between the guide plates 62. Distance Z corresponds in the case shown after a displacement of about 7 inches has occurred, when the impact-resistant cord forming the lace 26 has approximately reached its limit of elongation.

As usual, the sole plate 24 has a retaining piece 80 under which the toe of the shoe 20 is inserted when attached to the sole plate. Further, as with conventional designs, the heel of the shoe 20 is secured to the sole plate 24 by a toggle-type latching mechanism 82.

When used, the connections should be in relative positions as shown in Figure 3.
It is initially adjustable and positioned for normal downhill skiing in alignment and engagement with the ski 22 below. As in normal skiing, appreciable separation will not occur unless the forces applied to the shoe and ski exceed the intended safety level. On the other hand, if an abnormally strong force is applied to either the shoe or the ski, the laces 26 will stretch and become detached. Of course, a separating force applied vertically or laterally to the heel or toe initiates the desired elongation of the lace. Additionally, the stretch of the lace 26 continues as long as necessary to reduce release forces and protect the skier from injury. sturdy link 28,
34 are separated from the arches 52, 64, and the sole plate 24 is free to twist and tilt relative to the ski, subject only to the restraint of the flexible laces 26'.

Once the force separating the shoe and ski subsides, the elasticity of the laces 26 causes the tie to retract and eventually twist into the normal skiing position shown in FIG. This retraction begins automatically when the releasing force is less than the effective retracting force currently being applied by the laces 26, and continues as long as the effective retracting force is greater than the releasing force.
As the sole and ski are twisted toward each other during retraction, the sturdy links 28, 24 automatically re-engage the sole, increasing the effective retraction and holding force, thus allowing the forward movement of the ski to the rear as shown in FIG. The initial relatively strong load shown by the force-displacement curve is restored.

This tie is designed to both release and retract, protecting the skier from injury under abnormal force conditions, but the skier still remains in control of the ski. You can prevent it from falling. This is because the skier remains connected to the shoe by the force-applying link, and the force is controlled so that it is always at a safe level.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a sturdy link 28,
34 is preferably adjustably attached to the leather strap 26, as shown in detail in FIG. In particular, the link 28 is adapted to have an internal thread on the external thread 86 to receive a plug 88 having an external thread. The plug 88 has a hole through which the leather strap 26 passes, and the end 90 of the leather strap
Enlarge to prevent the leather strap from accidentally coming off the stopper. Therefore, by turning the stopper 88 as desired, the effective length can be changed. Stopper 8
A locking nut 92 is provided to fix the pipe 86 and the pipe 86 so that they do not rotate relative to each other. Placing the plug 88 into the tube 86 reduces dimension C in FIG. 5 and therefore, for a given initial load on the lace 26, reduces the initial retention force between the shoe and the ski. Plug 88 into tube 8
If you take it outside of 6, it will have the opposite effect.

The bottom plate 24 has a hollow housing and a leather strap 26
passes through this housing between the ends of the bottom plate.
The lace passes through a series of pulleys 94 (Figure 5), increasing the effective length of the lace than would otherwise be the case.
The maximum distance that the sole plate 24 can be displaced from the ski 22 is further increased. The position of pulley 94 in FIG. 5 is merely an example and does not affect the invention in any way. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sole plate 24 is formed in two nested sections so that its overall length can be adjusted to suit different boot dimensions. is preferred.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the bottom plate 24 is locked at a particular length by the cooperation of screws 96 on one sliding portion and slots 98 on the other. You can.

A tapered upright block 100 rigidly attached to the ski 22 preferably aligns the heel end of the sole plate 24 with the ski 22 when viewed laterally. When the ski is away from the bottom plate 24,
When moving the ski toward the bottom plate 24, block 10
Corresponding channel portion 10 with 0 on the underside of the bottom plate 24
2 (Fig. 11).

12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of the invention, and in particular another means of connecting the lace 26 to the ski 22. Elements in this embodiment that correspond to those in the previous embodiments have been designated with the same reference numerals and dashes wherever possible.

A leather strap 26 comes out from the modified bottom plate 24',
Passing between the two pulleys 54', the sturdy link 2
8' is firmly fixed. This link is for bottom plate 2
When 4' is in its fully retracted position relative to the ski 22, it is in the form of a flat plate arranged substantially horizontally. A link or plate 28' is attached to the pivot 4 at its front end.
0' about a horizontal axis. Pivot 40' is rotatable about a vertical axis within its mounting plates 72', 74'. For the same reasons stated in the previous embodiment, the mounting plate 72' is attached to the fixed lower mounting plate 7.
4'.

It can be seen from FIG. 12 that the link 28' can pivot in any direction above the plane of the ski 22, in much the same way as the link 28 of the previous embodiment. two airfoil sections 110 from which links 28' project laterally;
It tapers along a convex edge toward the rear, becoming relatively narrow at the posterior end. Two guide posts 112 are attached to the bottom plate 24'. These guide posts are positioned to abut the airfoil section 110 when the bottom plate is in the fully retracted position. Guide post 112 is externally covered with a resilient material and functions in much the same manner as the resilient sleeve of guide post 62 described in the previous embodiment. That is, the bottom plate 24' is the ski 22
Avoid moving back and forth. Additionally, these guide posts transmit horizontal separating forces between the bottom plate 24' and the links 28'.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, the bottom plate 24' also has a forwardly and upwardly projecting toe portion 48' which transmits upward disengagement forces from the bottom plate 24' to the links 28'.

The dimensions of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are comparable to those of the other embodiments. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the rear end of the bottom plate 24' is
It is attached to the ski 22 by the same device as in the case of the illustrated front end described above.

From the above description, it can be seen that the present invention allows the shoe to automatically return to the ski while also providing the desired force.
It will be appreciated that we have provided a ski tie with displacement characteristics, yet accomplished this with a relatively simple and inexpensive construction. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been specifically described for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the ski tie of the present invention, which fastener attaches a ski boot to a ski. The binding is shown when the shoe separates from the ski, as when an abnormal force is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but on an enlarged scale, with the binding and skis separated from each other but shown in a different orientation to show the parts of the binding in more detail. Figure 3 is a perspective view similar to Figure 2, except that the binding is engaged with the ski in normal skiing conditions; Figure 4 is a perspective view taken along line 4--4 in Figure 3. The cross-sectional view, FIG. 5, is an enlarged plan view of the tie on the ski in normal skiing conditions, with a portion of the tie cut away to show the underlying parts. 6th
The figure shows a partial side view and a partial cross-sectional view of the knot in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7--7 in FIG. 6. , FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along line 8--8 in FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken along line 9--9 in FIG. 5, and FIG. An enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10, Figure 11 is taken along line 11- in Figure 6.
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the front end or toe side of another preferred embodiment of the tie of the present invention, shown in normal ski downhill condition relative to the lower ski. There is. Figure 13 is the first
Figure 2 is a scaled plan view of the tie shown in Figure 2, with portions of the tie cut away to clearly show underlying components; FIG. 14 is a graph showing a typical force-displacement curve obtained with the knot of the present invention;
The figure is a partial plan view showing a modification of certain elements of the tie at the heel end. Explanation of main symbols, 20: Ski boots, 22: Skis, 24: Sole plate, 26: Leather laces, 228, 34:
Links, 30, 32: Front and rear structures, 40,
70: Axis.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A shoe engaging means removably connected to a ski boot, an attachment means attached to the ski, and a shoe engagement means by connecting the shoe engaging means and attachment means and applying tension therebetween. a leather lace adapted to yieldably resist separation of the coupling means and attachment means and capable of being extended to permit separation of the shoe engagement means and attachment means and retractable to pull them back; a force transmitting link means attached to one of the shoe engaging means and the attachment means and coupled to the lace means; and a force transmitting link means provided on the other of the shoe engaging means and the attachment means for transmitting the force engagement means for engaging the transmission link means to vary the effectiveness with which tension is applied as a function of the elongation of the lace, said force transmission link means having one end connected to said lace means; A ski tie comprising an elongate member connected and having its other end mounted for universal pivoting movement relative to said one of said shoe engagement means and said attachment means. 2. The ski tie according to claim 1, wherein the leather strap means is comprised of an impact-resistant cord. 3. A ski tie according to claim 1, wherein the force transmitting link means is attached to the attachment means for universal pivoting movement, and the engagement means are provided on the shoe engagement means, A ski tie wherein said strap means is secured to a link means.