US3572105A - Apparatus for testing the force required to release a ski boot binding - Google Patents

Abstract

APPARATUS FOR TESTING THE FORCE REQUIRED TO RELEASE A SKI BOOT FROM A RELEASABLE BINDING, THE APPARATUS COMPRISING A FOOT-SHAPED FORCE TRANSMITTING BODY ADAPTED TO BE FITTED INTO A SKI BOOT MOUNTED ON A SKI BY A BINDING WHICH IS OPERABLE TO RELEASE THE BOOT IN RESPONSE TO THE IMPOSITION OF PREDETERMINED FORCES ON THE BOOT IN DIRECTIONS LATERALLY AND LONGITUDINALLY OF THE SKI. THE FOOTSHAPED BODY IS ARTICULATED TO SIMULATE THE ACTION OF THE HUMAN FOOT AND ANKLE AND IS PROVIDED WITH AN ACCESSIBLE COUPLING DEVICE BY MEANS OF WHICH TORSIONAL FORCES IN EITHER OF TWO MUTUALLY NORMAL PLANES OF ROTATION MAY BE TRANSMITTED TO THE BOOT. THE TORSIONAL FORCES MAY BE APPLIED BY A CONVENTIONAL TORQUE WRENCH.

Description

KAEHLER APPARATUS FOR TESTING THE FORCE REQUIRED March 23, 1971 TO RELEASE A SKI BOOT BINDING 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 9. 1968 INVENTOR.

Fredric H. Kuehler pdmau MM ATTORNEYS March 23,1971 F. H. KAEHLER APPARATUS FOR TESTING THE FORCE REQUIRED TO RELEASE A SKI BOOT BINDING 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 9, 1968 3 INVENTOR.

Fredric H. Kaehler ATTORNEYS March 23, 1971 F. H. KAEHLER 3,572,105

APPARATUS FOR TESTING THE FORCE REQUIRE!) TO RELEASE A SKI BOOT BINDING Filed July 9, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.7

/ FIG. 9

INVENTOR.

Fredric H. Koehler ATTORNEYg United States Patent 3,572,105 APPARATUS FOR TESTING THE FORCE RE- QUIRED TO RELEASE A SKI BOOT BINDING Frederic H. Kaehler, 1314 Owana Ave., Royal Oak, Mich. 48067 Filed July 9, 1968, Ser. No. 743,357

Int. Cl. G0115/03 US. Cl. 73-133 14 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Apparatus for testing the force required to release a ski boot from a releasable binding, the apparatus comprising a foot-shaped force transmitting body adapted to be fitted into a ski boot mounted on a ski by a binding which is operable to release the boot in response to the imposition of predetermined forces on the boot in directions laterally and longitudinally of the ski. The footshaped body is articulated to simulate the action of the human foot and ankle and is provided with an accessible coupling device by means of which torsional forces in either of two mutually normal planes of rotation may be transmitted to the boot. The torsional forces may be applied by a conventional torque wrench.

The invention disclosed herein relates to apparatus for testing the releasability of a ski boot binding of the kind which is adapted to release the boot whenever a predetermined force is applied on the binding in any one of a number of different directions. Virtuall all of the releasable bindings are adapted to release a boot when the latter is subjected to a twisting force either to the left or to the right of the length of the ski, and to a torsional force applied to the binding in a direction longitudinally and forwardly of the ski. Such bindings conventionally have means for adjusting the force which may be withstood by the binding prior to its release of a boot, the adjusting means being neces sary so as to compensate for the weight and skill of the individual skier and for the kind of skiing to be done. In the absence of some kind of apparatus which is capable of indicating with reasonable precision the lateral and longitudinal forces which may be withstood by the binding, however, it is impossible to set the binding of either ski accurately, or to adjust the bindings of a pair of skis so that their settings correspond to each other. Even if the binding of one ski is set properly, an improper setting of the binding of the other ski still makes the possibility of injury to the skier more pronounced than otherwise may be the case.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus which is capable of testing the force required to release any releasable ski binding by imposing on the binding forces of the kind encountered under actual skiing conditions.

Another object of the invention is to provide testing apparatus of the character referred to and which is capable of enabling the bindings of a pair of skis to be adjusted uniformly.

A further object of the invention is to provide such testing apparatus which is so constructed as to simulate the forces imposed on a binding by the movements of a skiers leg and foot during skiing.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out specifically or will become apparent from the following description when it is considered in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, isometric view of a typical "ice releasable binding and boot illustrating the testing apparatus in condition for testing lateral release of the binding;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, on a reduced scale, of the testing apparatus removed from the boot;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the apparatus in condition to test the for-ward release capability of the binding;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view, on a reduced scale, illustrating the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 in use;

FIG. 5 is a View similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating the operation of the testing apparatus in a direction forwardly of the ski;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, on an enlarged scale, on the foot-shaped member forming part of the test apparatus;

b FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the foot-shaped FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a torque wrench adapted for use in conjunction with the test apparatus;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are isometric views of adapter members forming part of the torque transmitting means;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, exploded view of a slightly modified embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a modified adapter for use with the embodiment of FIG. 12.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention is adapted for use with a conventional ski 1 fitted with any one of a number of different kinds of releasable bindings, a typical one of which is indicated generally by the reference character 2. The binding 2 includes a toe clamp 3 which is pivoted as at 4 on the longitudinal axis of the ski and has an upstanding post 5 which overlies the toe portion of the sole 6 of a typical ski boot 7. The clamp 3 is capable of pivoting about the axis of the post 4 and the freedom with which the clamps may pivot may be regulated by an adjusting screw 8.

The binding 2 also includes a cable 9 having a rear loop 10 which passes around the heel 11 of the boot and is accommodated in a groove 12 formed in the heel. Guides 13 are fixed to the sides of the ski 1 to accommodate the cable 9. The forward end of the cable 9 is adjustably accommodated in a forward clamp 14 which may be adjusted so as to position the rear loop 10 closer to or farther from the toe clamp 3.

Depending on the resistance to rotation of the toe clamp 3 about the axis of the post 4, and depending on the position of cable 9 in the clamp 14, the greater or lesser will be the ability of the clamp 3 to resist torsional forces applied on the boot tending to rock it to the left or to the right in the plane of the ski 1. Depending on the adjustment of the cable 9 in the clamp 14, the greater or lesser will be the ability of the cable 9 to restrain forces imposed on the boot 7 tending to rock it forwardly, or counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 1, in the direction of the length of the ski.

During use of the ski, the forces tending to effect relative rocking movements of the ski and the boot are transmitted by the skiers lower leg and ankle, so the releasability of the binding has a direct bearing on the amount of stress which can be imposed on the boot before the binding releases the boot or before some bone in the skiers leg is broken.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention comprises an articulated force transmitting body member 15 corresponding substantially to the shape of a human foot and ankle and being of such length and width as to be fitted into the boot 7. The body includes a last 16 hav ing a toe portion 17 which preferably is pivoted as at 18 so as to simulate the toes of a human foot. The toe portion need not be pivoted to the last 16, however, particularly if the apparatus is to be used with boots having rigid soles. The last 16 also includes a heel portion 19 which is pivoted, as at 20, to a member 21 corresponding substantially to the human ankle and lower leg. A compression spring 21a preferably is interposed between the members 19 and 21 and normally maintains the member 21 in the upright position illustrated in FIG. 6, but the member 21 may be rocked counterclockwise against the force of the spring 2111 to the position indicated in dotted lines of FIG. 6. A stop or shield 23 preferably is secured in any convenient manner to the last 16 so as to overlie the forward end of the member 21 and prevent pinching of any part of the boot. The shield is not essential, however.

If desired, a post 2111 may be fixed to the member 19 so as to project into an opening 210 in the member 21. The post may fit within the spring 21a, if the latter is used, and the opening 210 is elongated longitudinally of the last, but has a transverse dimension such as fairly snugly to accommodate the pin 21b. The significance of this construction will be referred to hereinafter.

Fixed in any suitable manner in the member 21 is an upstanding coupling member or shaft 22 which preferably is of hexagonal cross section and projects above the upper end of the member 21 in a position corresponding substantially to that of the tibia in a human leg. The shaft 22 is adapted to transmit torsional force to the body about an axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the part 22 or, alternatively about an axis parallel to the axes of the pivots 18 and 20.

Force applying means preferably comprises a conventional torque Wrench 24 comprising a body member 25 (FIG. 9) from one end of which projects a square drive lug 26. Extending from one side of the body 25 is a lever 27 at the outer end of which is fixed a handle 28. A scale member 29 is fixed to the shaft 27 and has a slot 30 therein through which extends the free end of a pointer 31, the opposite end of which is secured to the member 25. Suitable indicia 32 is provided on the scale member 29.

Forming part of the means for applying torsional force to the body 1 about the axis of the shaft 22 is a fitting 33 having a tubular section 34 which accommodates the shaft 22 and another tubular section 35 which accommodates the drive lug 26. A fitting 37 (FIG. 11) forms part of the coupling means for applying a torsional force to the body 15 about an axis parallel to the axis of the pivot 20 and comprises a tubular part 38 which accommodates the shaft 22 and a plate-like member 39 in which is provided an opening 40 for the accommodation of the drive lug 26.

In an alternative construction, the member 21 may have a square or hexagonal coupling socket 42 (FIG. 12) in lieu of the shaft 22, and into which the drive lug 26 of the wrench 24 may be fitted for the application of lateral force on the ski boot. In this construction the fitting 37 may be replaced by a fitting 43 (FIG. 13) having a drive lug 44 adapted to fit into the socket 42 and having a plate 45, similar to the plate 39, in which there is an opening 46 for reception of the lug 26 of the wrench 24. The device 43 may be used to apply longitudinal forces to the ski boot.

To condition the apparatus for use the body 15 is fitted into the boot 7 and the latter laced in the usual manner. As the boot is laced, the ankle portion 21 of the body will be forced rearwardly into engagement with the rear of the boot so as to position the coupling shaft 22 in a substantially vertical position. Since the ankle portion 21 will be rocked rearwardly as the boot is laced, the spring 21a may be omitted but it preferably is included to simulate more realistically the action of the human ankle.

The assembled boot and body 15 may be placed upon the ski 1 and the binding 2 adjusted to an approximate setting. The ski then should be securely clamped to or held down against its support surface. To determine the proper setting of the binding the fitting 33 may be fitted to the 4 shaft 22 and the torque wrench 24 applied to the fitting 33, as is illustrated in FIG. 1, or the lug 26 may be fitted into the socket 42, as in FIG. 12. The lever 27 then may be rocked in either direction, as is indicated by the arrow 41, so as to impose on the boot 7, via the body 15, a torsional force parallel to the plane of the upper surface of the ski 1. The amount of force imposed on the boot will be indicated by the pointer 31 in conjunction with the indicia 32 on the scale 29. The post 21b will prevent undue forces being imposed on the structure of the hinge 20.

The amount of lateral torsional force capable of being withstood by the toe clamp 3 thus may be determined. The lateral torsional force which may be withstood by the toe clamp 3 may be adjusted by manipulation of the screw 8.

Following the adjustment of the toe clamp 3, the fitting 37 may be substituted for the fitting 33 and the drive lug 26 of the torque wrench may be fitted into the opening 40. Alternatively, the fitting 43 may be used and the lug 26 fitted into the opening 46. The lever 27 then may be rocked forwardly in the direction of the length of the ski, as is indicated by the arrow 42a in FIG. 4, thereby causing the ankle portion 21 of the body 16 to pivot forwardly, as permitted by the longitudinal elongation of the opening 21c. Forward pivoting of the member 21 forces the latter against the front of the boot and causes the heel 19 to tend to lift and impose a force on the boot tending to lift the heel 11 of the latter. The force thus applied to the boot 7 will be indicated by the pointer 31 in conjunction with the indicia 32, thereby enabling the force which can be withstood by the cable binding 9 to be determined.

After the binding of one ski has been set in accordance with predetermined release specifications, the binding of the other ski similarly may be adjusted.

Suitable charts (not shown) setting forth recommended release forces may be provided to serve as a guide for the adjustment of ski bindings in accordance with the weight and proficiency of an individual skier and the particular type of skiing to be done.

The disclosed embodiment is representative of a presently preferred form of the invention, but the disclosure is intended to be illustrative rather than definitive of the invention. The invention is defined in the claims.

I claim:

'1. Apparatus for testing the force required to release a ski boot fitted to a releasable binding mounted on a ski, said apparatus comprising rotaiy force applying means having means for indicating the force applied thereby and to force transmitting means for transmitting to said boot the force applied by said force applying means, said force transmitting means comprising a foot-simulating body having length and width dimensions and adapted to be fitted snugly into said boot; and means for coupling said force applying means to said body when the latter is in said boot for transmitting to the latter a rotary force applied to said body in the direction of the length thereof.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body includes a part thereof rockable about an axis.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said axis extends in the direction of the Width dimension of said body.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said body has a shape corresponding substantially to the shape of a human foot.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein said body part comprises an ankle portion hinged to rock about said axis.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 including spring means acting on said ankle portion and constantly urging the latter to rock in one direction.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein a rocking force is applied to said body about a second axis substantially normal to the first-mentioned axis.

8. Apparatus for testing the force required to release a ski boot fitted to a releasable binding on a ski, said apparatus comprising rotary force applying means having means for indicating the force applied thereby and force transmitting means for transmitting to said boot the force applied by said force applying means, said force transmitting means comprising a foot-simulating body having length and width dimensions and adapted to be fitted snugly into said boot; and means for coupling said force applying means to said body when the latter is in said boot for transmitting to the latter a rotary force applied to said body in either of two mutually normal planes of rotation.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said body comprises a last having a foot portion corresponding substantially to the shape of a human foot and including an ankle portion corresponding substantially to a human ankle.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said ankle portion is hinged to said foot portion to rock about an axis extending transversely of said foot portion.

=11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said coupling means comprises a rigid part carried by said body and adapted for removable fitting to said force applying means when the latter is in one of said planes of rotation.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said coupling means comprising a coupling adapted for re- 5 movable fitting to said rigid part and to said force applying means when the latter is in the other of said planes of rotation.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said body comprises a last having a foot portion corresponding substantially to the shape of a human foot and including a toe portion hinged to said last for rocking movement.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 including an ankle portion corresponding substantially to a human ankle and means connecting said ankle portion to said last for rocking movements about an axis extending transversely of said last.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,192,767 7/1965 Outwater 73-139 3,222,922 12/1965 Isaac 73-133 FOREIGN PATENTS 699,295 12/1964 Canada a- 73-133 CHARLES A. RUEHL, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 73-139

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