US3893682A - Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability - Google Patents

Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability Download PDF

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Publication number
US3893682A
US3893682A US347870A US34787073A US3893682A US 3893682 A US3893682 A US 3893682A US 347870 A US347870 A US 347870A US 34787073 A US34787073 A US 34787073A US 3893682 A US3893682 A US 3893682A
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United States
Prior art keywords
leash
ski
soleplate
boot
mounting element
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Expired - Lifetime
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US347870A
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English (en)
Inventor
Burton A Weinstein
Gordon C Lipe
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NAT RECREATION IND
NATIONAL RECREATION INDUSTRIES Inc
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NAT RECREATION IND
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Publication date
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Priority to US347870A priority Critical patent/US3893682A/en
Priority to JP9580573A priority patent/JPS544298B2/ja
Priority to DE2346182A priority patent/DE2346182C2/de
Priority to AT798873A priority patent/AT334259B/de
Priority to CA196,692A priority patent/CA1013383A/en
Priority to CH464374A priority patent/CH580435A5/xx
Priority to IT12699/74A priority patent/IT1005713B/it
Priority to FR7412034A priority patent/FR2224183B1/fr
Priority to ES424983A priority patent/ES424983A1/es
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3893682A publication Critical patent/US3893682A/en
Priority to CA267,229A priority patent/CA1020187A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C9/00—Ski bindings
    • A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
    • A63C9/086—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings using parts which are fixed on the shoe of the user and are releasable from the ski binding
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C9/00—Ski bindings
    • A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
    • A63C9/084—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings with heel hold-downs, e.g. swingable
    • A63C9/0846—Details of the release or step-in mechanism
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C9/00—Ski bindings
    • A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
    • A63C9/085—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings with sole hold-downs, e.g. swingable
    • A63C9/08507—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings with sole hold-downs, e.g. swingable with a plurality of mobile jaws
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C9/00—Ski bindings
    • A63C9/08—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings
    • A63C9/085—Ski bindings yieldable or self-releasing in the event of an accident, i.e. safety bindings with sole hold-downs, e.g. swingable
    • A63C9/08557—Details of the release mechanism

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A releasable, safety-type ski binding which holds a ski boot in normal skiing relationship on a ski and permits the boot to separate from a ski under the influence of abnormal forces in order to prevent injury, while remaining leashed thereto, and self-restores the boot and ski to skiing relationship once such forces abate.
  • the binding includes a soleplate detachably connected to the ski boot and operatively coupled to the ski by heel and toe connecting units carried by the soleplate and an associated pair of mounting elements secured to the ski.
  • Each connecting unit has an elongated, flexible leash secured at one end to its associated mounting element and arranged for extension and retraction to serve as the force-applying link between the boot and ski, and a spring acting to apply tension to the leash to yieldably resist extension, and, to retract it and draw the boot and ski into, and hold them in, such skiing relationship.
  • the tension force is high when the leash is retracted and progressively reduces during initial extension thereof, yet remains sufficiently high at all times to retract the leash in the absence of abnormal forces applied to the boot or ski.
  • This invention relates to a releasable. safetytype ski binding and, more particularly. to an improved binding which permits the boot and ski to yieldably separate when the forces applied to either exceed a safe level and which also incorporates an automatic boot-to-ski return capability.
  • the binding disclosed in the above-identified copending application of Burton A. Weinstein represents a departure from conventional practice. It not only releases the boot and ski from normal skiing relationship in event of abnormal forces, but automatically returns them to such relationship when the forces have abated.
  • This is accomplished by two binding or leash units mounted on the ski adjacent the heel and toe of the boot, and each having an elongated, flexible leash which is connected to an adjacent portion of the boot or soleplate and which comprises the force-applying link between the boot and ski.
  • Each unit further includes a drum that receives the leash and rotates under the influence of a tension mechanism to yieldably permit leash extension and to retract the leash.
  • the tension force on the leash is at a high preselected level during a skiing phase when the boot and ski are in normal skiing relationship.
  • the application of an abnormal force sufficient to overcome the preselected tension force causes initial separation of the boot and ski, and the tension then drops offin a release phase to permit the boot and ski to separate more readily through a substantial distance, so as to prevent injury.
  • the boot and ski are automatically drawn back together and, when they are in close proximity, the binding returns to its skiing phase to again exert a high tension force on the leash.
  • the tensioning mechanism of the prior Weinstein binding comprises two springs. One of these springs acts during the skiing phase to exert the high level of tension. but is disabled during the release phase. The other exerts a reduced tension force on the leash during at least the release phase.
  • a ski binding in accordance with the present invention has both release and return capabilities and, additionally, mounting, adjustment, weight, cost and per formance advantages over prior bindings.
  • a soleplate or other boot-receiving support detachably coupled to the boot carries the operative parts of the binding, including a connecting unit comprising an elongated, flexible leash which extends and retracts during functioning of the binding and constitutes the force-applying link between the boot and ski. Biasing means yieldably resists such extension and causes the leash to retract.
  • a mounting element disposed on top of the ski and secured to it receives the leash and completes the force link between the boot and ski.
  • the biasing means acts to exert a high level tension force on the leash when the leash is retracted and the soleplate and mounting element are in close proximity to one another.
  • the force decreases during leash extension and corresponding separation of the parts, thereby permitting the boot and ski to move relative to one another the extent necessary to prevent injury.
  • two connecting units are mounted on the soleplate, one associated with the heel end of the boot and the other with the toe end.
  • the heel unit is disposed in upstanding relationship at the rearward end of the soleplate and has its leash connected to the associated mounting element which is fixed on the ski at a location just rearwardly of the boot heel.
  • the toe unit is carried on the underside of the soleplate about midway between the ends of the soleplate and connects to its mounting element at a location corresponding approximately to the ball of the foot when the boot is in place.
  • the soleplate engages the mounting elements which additionally serve as guides to insure that the soleplate is in proper alignment on the ski when in skiing position and to alter the level of externally applied forces required to cause the leashes to extend depending upon the direction in which the force is applied.
  • a further aspect of the invention resides in the con struction and arrangement of each connecting unit which enables tension-displacement profiles to be programed as desired throughout the range of extension of the leash, including the skiing phase and the release phase, and for the maximum tension force to be accurately adjusted to the desired level.
  • Each connecting unit has its leash wound at least partially on a support member mounted for rotation within a housing. and the terminal end of the leash secured to its associated mounting element. The leash, at its point of separation from the support member, is spaced from the axis of rotation of the support member by a radial distance defined as a leash moment arm.
  • a ratio device progressively increases the ratio of the leash moment arm to the biasing moment arm as the leash is unwound, thereby progressively decreasing the force necessary to release the leash as relative separation of the second members increases.
  • the tension-displacement profile of the leash is programmed as desired and may be considered for analysis as divided into the initial skiing phase and the subsequent release phase.
  • the skiing phase which prevails prior to and during initial separation, commences at a substantial tension value sufficient to hold the ski firmly against the ski boot, but drops off at a preselected rate, which can be programmed as desired, during initial separation.
  • the release phase the tension has dropped considerably, and such phase continues over sufficient dis tance to permit the soleplate and ski to move relatively freely, yet remain in leashed relationship.
  • the leash moment arm commences to decrease again and the force returns to another maximum value, giving a shock absorbing effect just prior to complete extension.
  • the leash is retracted automatically, and the unit ultimately shifts back to its skiing phase to restore the high tension force on the leash, thereby drawing the boot and ski back into and holding them in skiing relationship.
  • the soleplate and the heel and toe mounting elements on which it rests are provided with cooperative self-aligning mating surfaces so that as the soleplate is pulled back onto the mounting elements by the leashes during the final phase of restoring action of the connecting units, the ski boot is automatically returned to the normal skiing position on the ski.
  • the soleplate in its rear region and the heel mounting element are provided with complementary, V- configuration mating surfaces positioned symmetrically on opposite sides of the centerline of the ski parallel thereto.
  • the soleplate carries a camming member which engages a rearwardly projecting, swiveling lug extending from the rear end of the forward mounting element.
  • the load bearing upper surface of the toe mounting element is spaced above the lug so as not to impede its swiveling action to align with the centerline of the ski under the influence of the leash from the toe unit, which is connected to the lug.
  • a suitable anti-friction means such as a layer of low friction material, is mounted on at least one of the soleplate and the upper surface of the toe mounting element.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ski boot mounted on a portion ofa ski by a ski binding constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and in a skiing phase of operation, the boot and the ski being shown disposed in a normal skiing relationship;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ski binding shown in FIG. 1, but with the ski boot separated from the ski in a release phase of operation of the ski binding;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view, partially in crosssection. of the ski binding shown in FIG. I;
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of a soleplate which underlies the ski boot and forms a part of the ski binding according to the present invention and which carries the operative mechanism of the binding;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the soleplate shown in FIG. 4 taken along the lines 5-5 therein, showing a toggle mechanism for releasably clamping the toe end of the ski boot to the soleplate;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the binding, with certain portions removed for clarity, and an underlying portion of the ski, the binding and ski being shown in separated condition;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of portions of the ski binding for self centering the toe region thereof, shown in the released condition;
  • FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional side view of the portions of the ski binding shown in FIG. 7 but in an engaged condition
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of the soleplate shown in FIG. 6 taken along the lines 8--8 therein;
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a heel mounting element forming a part of the ski binding shown in FIG. 6, the section being taken along the lines 9-9 therein;
  • FIG. 10 is a side view, partially in cross-section, and on an enlarged scale, of a rear end portion of the ski binding shown in FIG. 3, showing a heel connecting unit forming a part of the ski binding according to the invention; 1
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional end view of the rear leash unit shown in FIG. it) taken along the lines ll--II therein;
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional end view similar to FIG. 11, but taken along the lines 12-12 of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view of a adjustment mechanism similar to that shown in the upper portion of FIG. 12, but operative over a lower load range, for adjusting the maximum tension applied to the leash by the heel connection leash unit, which forms a part of the present invention
  • FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 of another adjustment mechanism operative over a still lower load range
  • FIG. 15 is a graphical representation of the forcedisplacement curve of one of the connecting units forming a part of the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the connecting unit.
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the leash unit shown in FIG. 16 taken along the lines I7-I7 therein.
  • a ski binding according to the invention (FIGS. 1 and 2) is intended to support a ski boot 20 on an underlying ski 22 in general alignment with the ski in a normal skiing position.
  • the ski boot 20 is mounted on a rigid soleplate 24 by rear and forward clamps 26 and 28, respectively, engaging the heel and toe of the ski boot.
  • the soleplate rests on forward and rear, or toe and heel, mounting elements 30 and 32 secured to the ski and is held against them by flexible leashes 34 and 36 which form part of forward and rear connecting units 38 and 40, respectively, carried by the soleplate.
  • the soleplate 24 separates from the mounting elements 30 and 32 to release the ski boot from the ski, thereby minimizing the chance of injuries which may otherwise occur under such skiing conditions.
  • the connecting units 38 and 40 are so constructed that, while the soleplate is engaged and during initial separation, the leashes exert a very substantial tension (for example, 200 lbs. or so) so that minor and short lived shocks that occur during skiing do not cause the soleplate to separate from the ski.
  • a very substantial tension for example, 200 lbs. or so
  • separation of the soleplate from the mounting elements commences. During further separation, the tension necessary to extend the leashes decreases rapidly so that the ski thereafter separates readily from the soleplate.
  • the soleplate is moved back towards the ski by the leashes and as soon as it reaches close proximity to the mounting elements 30 and 32 the tension force exerted on the leashes 34 and 36 again rises to a high level clamping the soleplate firmly back onto the mounting elements with a self aligning action to restore the ski boot to the normal skiing position.
  • the soleplate 24 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) includes a main body 42 having a flat horizontal lower wall in underlying contact with the sole of the ski boot. Vertical flanges may be provided along the edges of the soleplate to provide additional stiffening.
  • Two hollow girders 44 (FIG. 6) are mounted on the flanges of the main body 42 extending rearwardly from it. The rearward extremities of the girders 44 support a transversely extending heel plate 46 positioned to underlie the heel of the ski boot 20. The position of the heel plate 46 in relation to the main body 42 can be adjusted, to accommodate ski boots of different sizes, by releasing set screws 48 which permit the girders 44 to be slid forwardly and rearwardly (FIG. 8).
  • a vertical rear wall 50 (FIGS. 3 and 6) is secured to the rear end of the girders 44 and to the heel plate 46 and carries the previously mentioned heel clamp 26 for clamping the heel of the ski boot 20.
  • the heel mounting element 32 is provided with two longitudinally extending, spaced parallel ribs 52 (FIG. 6) inclined upwardly and inwardly in generally V- shaped configuration to cooperate with complemen tary V-shaped mating surfaces 54 (FIG. 11) formed on the underside of the heel plate 46.
  • the complementary V-shaped mating surfaces exert a self-centering action positioning the heel plate centrally of the ski while permitting sufficient longitudinal movement to avoid pinching and to enable the forward end of the soleplate to align itself with the toe mounting element 30 (as will be described).
  • a camming member (FIGS. 7 and 7a) is secured to the underside of the main body 42 of the soleplate extending transversely of it.
  • the camming member 60 includes a downwardly and forwardly inclined upper leading edge 6] which is overlapped and abutted by a rearwardly projecting lug 62.
  • the lug 62 is mounted for pivoting motion about a vertical pivot shaft 64 projecting from the front mounting element 30 and positioned on the longitudinal centerline of the ski.
  • the forward end of the leash 34 is secured to the lug 62 which is thereby pulled into alignment with the centerline of the ski.
  • the cooperating surfaces of the camming member 60 and the lug 62 are arcuately curved in symmetrical disposition about the centerline of the ski so that they function as cam surfaces exerting a self-centering action on the camming member 60 as it moves into contact with the lug 62 under the tension exerted by the forward leash 34.
  • the rear wall 50 is at a slight forward inclination to the vertical. Thus the rear leash exerts a rearward component of force which pulls the camming member back sufficiently to clear the lug 62.
  • the forward leash overcomes the rearward force component of the rear leash so that the camming member 60 is then pulled forwardly into the abutting, overlapping position against the lug.
  • V-shaped cooperating surfaces on the heel plate 46 and the rear mounting element 32, and the arcuate cooperating surfaces on the camming member 60 and the lug 62 secured to the forward mounting element 30 provide the soleplate 24 with a capability for self aligning with the longitudinal centerline of the ski as it is drawn toward the mounting elements under the influence of the leashes 34 and 36, thus automatically restoring the ski boot to the normal skiing position on the ski.
  • the lug 62 and camming member 60 establish the longitudinal position of the ski boot on the ski.
  • the upward force necessary to free the toe of the boot for upward movement is several times (approximately three times in the preferred embodiment although higher multiples may be used for expert skiers) the force necessary to enable lateral, horizontal movement of the boot at the toe.
  • the load bearing surface of the front element 30 supporting the weight of the soleplate projects vertically above the lug 62 so as not to impede its pivoting move ment.
  • a layer of friction resistant material 66 (FIG. 6), such as polytetrafluoroethylene, which is sold under the trademark Teflon, is mounted on the load hear ing surface of the front mounting 30 to facilitate lateral rotational motion of the soleplate during its selfalignment with the front and rear mounting elements 30 and 32.
  • Other anti-friction devices for example rollers, may alternatively be mounted between the soleplate and the toe mounting element, secured to either, to reduce lateral friction.
  • the previously mentioned rear connecting unit 40 includes a generally rectangular box-like housing 70.
  • a rotary device supporting the leash which includes a rotor 72 mounted for rotation about a central axle 74.
  • the leash 36 rests on one side of the rotor 72 and is wound about the periphery of a kidneyshaped leash support member 76 extending from the surface of the rotor 72 and integral with it.
  • the opposite side of the rotor is provided with an annular boss 78 having a slot 80 at one point in its periphery.
  • An internal bearing 81 concentric with the axle, supports the boss 78.
  • a torsion spring 82 has one of its ends anchored in the slot 80 and its other end anchored in a slot 84 in the wall of the housing 70.
  • the direction of biasing force exerted by the tension spring 82 is such as to urge the rotor 72 in a direction to wind the leash 36 inwardly of the housing 70 and about the periphery of the leash support member 76.
  • the point at which the leash 36 tangentially leaves the leash support member 76 is spaced from the axis of rotation of the leash support member by a radial distance defined as the leash moment arm d (FIG. 11).
  • the point at which the force supplied by the biasing spring 82 is applied to the boss 78 is spaced from the axis of rotation of the leash support member by a radial distance defined as the biasing moment arm D (FIG. 12).
  • the ratio of the leash moment arm to the biasing moment arm (Le. dzD) is at a minimum and the tension force that must be supplied to the leash 36 to overcome the biasing spring force is therefore at a maximum value.
  • the leash support member 76 rotates within the housing in a direction such as to unwind the leash permitting it to pay out through the opening 71 so that the heel plate 46 can separate from the mounting element 32.
  • the leash moment arm (1 has increased to d while the biasing moment arm D has remained unchanged.
  • the ratio of the leash moment arm to the biasing moment arm has progressively increased relative to its initial value so that the force which must be applied to the leash to overcome the biasing torque is progressively reduced.
  • the peripheral configuration of the generally kidney-shaped leash support member 76 can be chosen to give a force-displacement profile corresponding to that shown in FIG. 15.
  • the described force profile avoids imposing continued large loads on the boot (and the skiers ankle) once separation has become inevitable.
  • the biasing spring 82 urges the leash support member 76 in a reverse rotational direction to rewind the leash onto the leash support member 76, following back along the force profile shown in FIG. 15.
  • the ski boot may separate from the ski under the action of abnormal forces, passing through the skiing phase and into the release phase, and be automatically restored back through the skiing phase to the fully connected position after the abnormal force has abated, without the skier ever losing control.
  • mechanism for adjusting the initial rotational position of the leash support member 76 to vary the initial value of the leash moment arm (1.
  • the mechanism includes an arcuate flange 86 projecting from the periphery of the rotor 72 on the same side as the boss 78. A leading edge of the flange 86 (leading in the direction of winding rotation caused by the spring 82) abuts an adjustable stop 88 mounted on the housing 70.
  • the stop 88 includes an arcuate guide member 90 slidably abutting the exterior of the flange 86, which is mounted in a correspondingly configured channel 92 in a block 94 mounted in the housing 70.
  • the guide member 90 has a central slot 96 limiting the range of arcuate travel of the guide member 90 in relation to a pin 98 fixed to the block 94.
  • a flexible adjusting pin 100 bearing against one end of the guide member 90 can be moved in and out by a set screw 102 to finely adjust the position of the guide member 90.
  • the guide member 90 includes a shoulder portion 104 which abuts against the leading edge of the flange on the rotor.
  • Adjustment is made as follows: For a beginner, it is desired to set the leash moment arm d at a value which will permit separation at a relatively lower initial force, for example say 100 lbs.
  • a guide member 90 will be provided (FIG. 14) wherein the shoulder portion 104 is relatively long in relation to the overall length of the guide member 90 so that the leading edge of the flange 86 is displaced by a maximum initial amount to provide a relatively large initial leash moment arm d. Fine adjustment of the precise position of the leading edge of the flange can be set by adjusting the set screw 102 so that the pin 100 urges the guide member 90 to a precise position of adjustment.
  • the length of the slot 96 in relation to the pin 98 is such as to limit the maximum range of adjustment of the guide member 90 so that at either extreme position the initial release tension is still within acceptable limits for the characteristics of a particular skier.
  • the shoulder portion 104 does not comprise such a great proportion of the length of the guide member 90 compared to that for the beginner so that the degree of prerotation of the leash support member 76 is somewhat less (FIG. 13).
  • the stop member 104 is a minimum proportion of the overall length of the guide member 90 and is such that the initial value of the leash moment arm d is at a minimum value as shown in FIG. 11.
  • Adjustment of the initial level of tension for release may also be made by adjusting the peripheral position at which the bias spring 82 connects with the boss 78 (FIG. 12). For this purpose additional notched openings, 105, 106 and 107 are provided in the boss to alternatively receive the end of the bias spring 82.
  • an O-ring 110 is mounted in the throat of the opening 71.
  • the surfaces of the opening extending on either side of the O- ring 110 are flared away in both the horizontal and vertical planes to avoid chafing the leash in its passage in and out of the housing 70.
  • the inner end of the leash 36 is provided with an enlargement 112 which seats in an opening 114 in the leash support member 76.
  • the leash member 36 is provided with a ball 116 (FIG. 9) which is seated within a hollow nut 118 threadedly mounted in a baseplate 120.
  • the baseplate 120 is shaped to seat between the arms 52 (FIG.
  • the precise longitudinal position of the base 120 in relation to the rear mounting element 32 can be controlled by sliding the baseplate 120 longi- 10 tudinally and then locking it in position by means of a set screw 122 (FIG. 6).
  • a set screw 122 FOG. 6
  • the housing is secured to the rear wall 50 by suitable bolted connections 123 (FIG. 11).
  • the bolted connections 123 ride in vertical slots in the rear wall to allow for initial vertical adjustment of the rear leash unit 40.
  • the previously mentioned toe connecting unit 38 (FIGS. 2-4 and 6) is of the same construction as the rear leash unit 40 but is mounted horizontally on the underside of the main body member 42 of the soleplate 24. However the initial leash tension for release for the front connecting unit may be set at a lower value than for the rear connecting unit.
  • the leash 34 of the forward leash unit 38 projects forwardly through a V- shaped opening 124 (FIG. 4) in the previously mentioned camming member 60 and is secured to an anchoring block 125 (FIGS. 7 and 7a) mounted in a complementary slot in the rear edge of the lug 62.
  • the anchoring block includes a vertical and longitudinally anchored bore 126 into which the forward end of the leash 30 is secured by soldering or the like.
  • a horizontal transverse pin connects the anchoring block to the lug 62 for vertical pivoting motion.
  • This arrangement enables the block 125 to align itself with the direction in which the leash is pulling and avoids the development of an abrupt bend in the leash in the lug region.
  • the leash and anchoring block assist in guid ing the connecting member 60 back into mating relation with the lug during the restoring action that follows separation.
  • the housing of the forward connecting unit 38 is secured to the soleplate by bolts 125 (FIG. 4) riding in longitudinally elongated slots in the soleplate 24.
  • bolts 125 (FIG. 4) riding in longitudinally elongated slots in the soleplate 24.
  • the bolts 125 are slackened off and set screws 126, which extend through the camming member 60 into abutting contact with the housing of the unit 38 and act against the leash force, are screwed in or out as required.
  • the bolts 125 are retightened once the desired adjustment has been made.
  • the soleplate 24 is held on the forward and rear mounting elements 30 and 32 only by the leashes 34 and 36. Further if the ski should flex longitudinally tending to move the forward and rear mounting elements 30 and 32 relatively towards each other, this will not cause a pinching effect tending to hold the soleplate gripped between the mounting elements which would impair release because the rear mounting element 32 permits sliding motion of the heel plate 46. Thus, even when the ski is flexing to move the mounting elements relatively toward each other, the ability of the soleplate to separate is not impaired.
  • the mounting of both connecting units on the soleplate therefore, offers significant advantages over an arrangement wherein the connecting units are mounted directly on the ski and pinching can occur.
  • FIGS. 16 and I7 An alternative embodiment of the leash unit is shown in FIGS. 16 and I7.
  • a housing 131 of generally rectangular configuration has within it a leash support member 132 of circular configuration mounted for rotation on an axle I33.
  • a leash I34 wound about the periphery of the leash support member passes outwardly of the housing in a similar manner to that previously described. Because of the circular configuration of the leash support member 132 it will be appreciated that the leash moment arm d remains at a substantially constant value equal to the radius of the leash support member from the center of the axle 133.
  • a noncircular gear sector 138 Secured to the first axle 133 is a noncircular gear sector 138 which meshes with another noncircular gear sector I39 secured to the second axle I35.
  • the point of meshing contact between the gear sectors I38 and I39 is at a maximum distance from the axle I33, corresponding to a maximum dimension of the biasing moment arm D (FIG. 16).
  • the spring I36 acts in a direction to cause tension to be applied via the gear train to the leash in a direction inwardly of the housing.
  • the gear sectors I38 and 139 thus constitute a ratio changing device for changing the ratio of the leash moment arm to the biasing moment arm in a comparable manner to that in which the kidney-shaped configuration of the leash support member in the first embodiment also functions as a ratio changing device.
  • the difference is that in the preferred embodiment there is a constant biasing moment arm and an increasing leash moment arm while in the second embodiment there is a constant leash moment arm and a reducing biasing moment arm.
  • the shaft 135 is provided with alternative openings 137b, l37c and 137d into which the end of the spring 136 may be slotted.
  • an adjustment mechanism 140 of the type shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 previously discussed, may also be incorporated in the second embodiment for adjusting the level of initial tension of the leash.
  • the previously mentioned heel clamp 26 for securing the heel of the ski boot 20 to the soleplate comprises a generally rectangular. transversely extending body 141 (FIG. 6) having two vertical channels 142 formed in its rear surface to engage correspondingly shaped vertical ribs 144 provided on the forward face of the rear wall 50.
  • the ribs 144 guide the body 141 for vertical movement and stabilize it.
  • the body 141 may be clamped in any vertical position of adjustment by threaded connectors 146 (FIG. 3) which extend through the rear wall 50.
  • Threaded connectors 146 FIG. 3
  • mounteded on the body I4] projecting forwardly from it are two arcuately configured arms 148 (FIG.
  • the heel plate 46 includes a lip 150.
  • the ski boot is coupled to the soleplate by positioning the rear upper edge of the heel in place beneath the arms I48 of the block with the sole canted upwardly. The boot is then pivoted downwardly about the lip 150 to bring the upper horizontal rim of the heel into forceful engagement with the arms 148.
  • the toe clamp 28 includes a curved arm 154 (FIG. 15) connected at its lower end to the upper surface of the soleplate for vertical pivoting motion about a horizontal transverse pivot axis.
  • a torsion spring 156 is mounted between the arm I54 and an adjacent post 158 to urge the arm 154 upwardly to a released condition.
  • the arm 154 is flared laterally in either direction and provided with an internal arcuate curve so that it can engage the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the sole of the ski boot 20.
  • the arm is provided with an indentation 160 in its upper surface into which a ski pole can be placed to move the arm 154 downwardly into engagement with the ski boot 20.
  • a swinging latch 162 is also pivotally connected with the soleplate and is inclined upwardly and forwardly passing through an opening 164 in the arm.
  • the latch 162 includes a shoulder 166 which abuts against the adjacent shoulder 168 formed in the arm 154 to latch the arm in the down position.
  • a torsion spring 170 is connected between the latch 162 and the post 158 to urge the latch to the latched position.
  • the latch 162 is provided with an indentation 172 into which the tip of a ski pole may be placed so that the latch 172 can be pushed downwardly releasing the arm 154 which swings upwardly under the influence of the spring 156 to release the front end of the ski boot.
  • the upper surface of the latch 162 in the region of the indentation 172 is provided with an inclined camming surface to enable it to slide readily through the opening 164 in the arm 154 as the arm is moved downwardly to the locked condition.
  • a lock out mechanism (FIG. 12) is provided in the rear connecting unit 40 to facilitate working on the device with the soleplate in the released position, as may need to be done from time to time for adjustment purposes.
  • the lock out mechanism includes a detent pin I74 mounted in the housing 70 for radial motion towards the periphery of the rotor 72, against the action of a biasing spring 176.
  • a notch 178 in the periphery of the rotor 72 moves into alignment with the pin 176 when the leash is fully extended.
  • the leash is pulled to the fully extended position, the pin 174 is pushed in, and the leash is released so that the edge of the notch moves with contact with the pin 174 holding it frictionally against release under the influence of the spring 176.
  • the present invention provides a ski binding which can separate the ski boot from the ski to avoid injury during moments of abnormal application of force tending to separate the ski boot from the ski and which automatically restores the ski boot to skiing position on the ski once the abnormal force has terminated.
  • the connecting units on the soleplate rather than on the ski the ski is freed for flexing movement along its whole length thereby improving ski performance, while at the same time the ability of the ski boot to separate under the influence of abnormal force remains unimpaired.
  • the connecting units themselves have the capability of requiring a substantial force before initial release and in the skiing phase and thereafter allowing separation at a much lower level of force in the subsequent release phase, utilizing only a single biasing spring.
  • a ski binding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising:
  • a soleplate arranged for positioning in underlying contact with the ski boot and for detachable connection thereto;
  • At least one mounting element secured to the ski said mounting element being proximate said soleplate when the ski boot is in such skiing position;
  • connecting means carried by said soleplate for connecting said soleplate to said mounting element, said connecting means including:
  • an elongated, flexible leash supported at least partially on said leash support and connected with said mounting element, said leash being extendible and retractable from said leash support to permit said soleplate and mounting element to move toward and away from one another and being in a retracted condition when said mounting element is proximate said soleplate;
  • biasing means on said soleplate acting on said leash including means for applying a retraction force to said leash to resist separation of said soleplate from said position proximate said mounting element and control means for varying the effectiveness with which said retraction force is applied, said biasing means being responsive to a force, acting through said leash and tending to separate said soleplate from said mounting element, in excess of a predetermined magnitude to permit said leash to extend from its retracted condition and said soleplate to move out of such skiing position and, thereafter, being responsive to reduction of such separating force to a magnitude below the retraction force being then applied to said leash to initiate retraction of said leash toward its retracted condition and to continue such retraction so long as the separating force is below the retraction force being then applied to said leash, until said leash returns to its retracted condition.
  • a ski binding as in claim 1 further including adjustment means on said leash support operatively associated with said biasing means for varying the tension exerted on said leash when said leash is retracted.
  • a ski binding comprising:
  • boot-engaging means adapted for connection to a ski boot
  • connecting means carried by one of said bootengaging means and mounting element and extending therebetween to serve as a force-applying link, said connecting means comprising:
  • a support member on said housing and mounted for rotation relative thereto about an axis of rotation;
  • biasing means for applying a biasing force to said support member at a radial distance from the axis of rotation thereof defined as a biasing moment arm, said biasing means acting to apply a torque to said support member in a direction to wind said leash onto said support member and thereby retract said leash;
  • ratio means increasing the ratio of said leash moment arm to said biasing moment arm as said support member rotates in a direction to extend said leash, thereby decreasing the force required to produce further extension thereof.
  • said biasing means comprises a single spring connected with said housing and with said support member.
  • a ski binding as defined in claim 7 including adjustment means on said housing and operatively associated with said ratio means for adjustably establishing the initial ratio of said leash moment arm to said biasing moment arm.
  • a ski binding as defined in claim 9 wherein said leash moment arm remains substantially constant and said biasing moment arm varies during rotation of said support member.
  • a ski bonding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising:
  • heel and toe mounting elements secured to the upper surface of the ski at locations spaced longitudinally thereof, said elements underlying and supporting said soleplate in the normal skiing position;
  • each of said connecting means including:
  • a rotatable device mounted on said support for rotation relative thereto;
  • a flexible leash substantially longer than the spacing between adjacent portions of said soleplate and said elements in said skiing position, said leash being wound at least partially on said rotatable device and being extended and retracted during rotation thereof to permit said soleplate to move out of and back into said skiing position;
  • biasing means on said support including means for urging said rotatable device to rotate in a direction to retract said leash and apply a tension force thereto and means for controlling the magnitude of said tension force as a function of the extent of leash extension from a relatively high level when said leash is retracted to a reduced level during extension thereof.
  • a ski binding as in claim 13 wherein the tension force on said leash is maximum when said leash is fully retracted and said soleplate is in normal skiing position, progressively reduces rapidly during initial extension thereof and remains substantially constant during further extension.
  • said forward mounting element includes a pivotal lug that receives the end of said leash of said toe connecting means and is formed with one of said mating cam surfaces;
  • mating cam surfaces engage to prevent forward sliding movement of said soleplate longitudinally of the ski but permit lateral and rearward movement relative to said ski.
  • a ski binding as defined in claim 13 further including:
  • toe guide means on said toe mounting element and on said soleplate to selfalign said soleplate with the longitudinal centerline of the ski when said soleplate is drawn into contact with said toe mounting element.
  • a ski binding as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for applying a biasing force includes,
  • torque means for applying torque to said second axle
  • said ratio means includes first and second, non-circular gear members connected to said support member and said axle in meshing engagement, the distance between the point of meshing engagement of said gears and said axis of rotation of said support member defining said biasing moment arm, said gears being configured to move their point of meshing engagement progressively closer to the axis of rotation of said support member as said support member rotates in a direction to uncoil said leash, thereby progressively reducing said biasing moment arm.
  • a soleplate arranged for positioning in underlying contact with the ski boot and for detachable connection thereto, said soleplate being movable into and out of normal skiing position;
  • a force-applying link connected to the ski, said link being movable relative to the said soleplate to comprises an elongated, flexible leash.

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  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
US347870A 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability Expired - Lifetime US3893682A (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US347870A US3893682A (en) 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability
JP9580573A JPS544298B2 (de) 1973-04-04 1973-08-28
DE2346182A DE2346182C2 (de) 1973-04-04 1973-09-13 Skibindung
AT798873A AT334259B (de) 1973-04-04 1973-09-14 Skibindung
CA196,692A CA1013383A (en) 1973-04-04 1974-04-03 Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability
CH464374A CH580435A5 (de) 1973-04-04 1974-04-03
IT12699/74A IT1005713B (it) 1973-04-04 1974-04-04 Attacco di sicurezza amovibile per sci avente la capacita di autori stabilirsi
FR7412034A FR2224183B1 (de) 1973-04-04 1974-04-04
ES424983A ES424983A1 (es) 1973-04-04 1974-04-04 Perfeccionamiento en la construccion de atadura desprendi- ble y de seguridad para esqui.
CA267,229A CA1020187A (en) 1973-04-04 1976-12-06 Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US347870A US3893682A (en) 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3893682A true US3893682A (en) 1975-07-08

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ID=23365631

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US347870A Expired - Lifetime US3893682A (en) 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US3893682A (de)
JP (1) JPS544298B2 (de)
AT (1) AT334259B (de)
CA (1) CA1013383A (de)
CH (1) CH580435A5 (de)
DE (1) DE2346182C2 (de)
ES (1) ES424983A1 (de)
FR (1) FR2224183B1 (de)
IT (1) IT1005713B (de)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3992037A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-11-16 Garcia Corporation Ski binding
US3997188A (en) * 1974-10-14 1976-12-14 Garcia Corporation Safety ski binding
US3998473A (en) * 1974-04-24 1976-12-21 Hannes Marker Safety ski-binding
US4026576A (en) * 1974-05-31 1977-05-31 Garcia Corporation Self restoring releasable ski binding
US4026577A (en) * 1974-06-14 1977-05-31 Garcia Corporation Self-restoring ski binding having single tensioning means
US4065151A (en) * 1976-02-27 1977-12-27 National Recreation Industries, Inc. Retractable ski binding
US4072321A (en) * 1975-05-02 1978-02-07 The Garcia Corporation Lost motion anchor for a self-restoring ski binding
US4079961A (en) * 1975-11-03 1978-03-21 The Garcia Corporation Self restoring releasable ski binding
US4079962A (en) * 1974-06-14 1978-03-21 The Garcia Corporation Self restoring ski binding having single tensioning means
US4165887A (en) * 1977-12-01 1979-08-28 Bunn Thomas C Jr Controlled excursion ski binding with safety release
US4188045A (en) * 1977-07-14 1980-02-12 Hannes Marker Safety ski binding
USD274077S (en) 1981-02-05 1984-05-29 Marker-Patentverwertungsgesellschaft Mbh. Ski binding
US4685697A (en) * 1986-09-11 1987-08-11 Thorley Neil R Retractable ski leash device embodying dual purpose locking means
US5855380A (en) * 1996-04-04 1999-01-05 Toifin S.P.A. Supporting frame for in-line wheels or for an ice-skating blade
US6443478B1 (en) * 1995-08-02 2002-09-03 Marker Deutschland Gmbh Binding/boot combination for snowboards or the like
US20100156068A1 (en) * 2008-12-18 2010-06-24 Board Cord, Llc Snowboard tether device
US9220968B2 (en) * 2014-06-03 2015-12-29 William J Ritter Heel lock for splitboard binding interface

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2302117A1 (fr) * 1975-02-25 1976-09-24 Mitchell Sa Fixation de securite pour ski
EP0437172B1 (de) * 1990-01-11 1994-04-13 Bigler, Hans-Peter Skibindungsträger
FR2804291B1 (fr) 2000-01-28 2002-04-26 Salomon Sa Ensemble de retenue d'une chaussure sur un engin de glisse ou de marche sur la neige ou la glace

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US3448989A (en) * 1966-05-06 1969-06-10 Hannes Marker Retaining device for safety ski bindings
US3489424A (en) * 1966-10-20 1970-01-13 Ernst Gertsch Safety ski binding
US3549163A (en) * 1967-07-31 1970-12-22 Smolka & Co Wiener Metall Auxiliary ski binding
US3764154A (en) * 1970-06-15 1973-10-09 G Witting Safety ski binding
US3822070A (en) * 1971-03-24 1974-07-02 Salomon Georges P J Device for restoring a boot on a ski
US3825274A (en) * 1970-11-17 1974-07-23 Nat Recreation Ind Ski binding with automatic boot-to-ski return

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1365956A (en) * 1970-11-17 1974-09-04 Karp J C Ski binding

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3448989A (en) * 1966-05-06 1969-06-10 Hannes Marker Retaining device for safety ski bindings
US3489424A (en) * 1966-10-20 1970-01-13 Ernst Gertsch Safety ski binding
US3549163A (en) * 1967-07-31 1970-12-22 Smolka & Co Wiener Metall Auxiliary ski binding
US3764154A (en) * 1970-06-15 1973-10-09 G Witting Safety ski binding
US3825274A (en) * 1970-11-17 1974-07-23 Nat Recreation Ind Ski binding with automatic boot-to-ski return
US3822070A (en) * 1971-03-24 1974-07-02 Salomon Georges P J Device for restoring a boot on a ski

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3998473A (en) * 1974-04-24 1976-12-21 Hannes Marker Safety ski-binding
US3998474A (en) * 1974-04-24 1976-12-21 Hannes Marker Safety ski-binding
US4026576A (en) * 1974-05-31 1977-05-31 Garcia Corporation Self restoring releasable ski binding
US4026577A (en) * 1974-06-14 1977-05-31 Garcia Corporation Self-restoring ski binding having single tensioning means
US4079962A (en) * 1974-06-14 1978-03-21 The Garcia Corporation Self restoring ski binding having single tensioning means
US3997188A (en) * 1974-10-14 1976-12-14 Garcia Corporation Safety ski binding
US3992037A (en) * 1974-12-23 1976-11-16 Garcia Corporation Ski binding
US4072321A (en) * 1975-05-02 1978-02-07 The Garcia Corporation Lost motion anchor for a self-restoring ski binding
US4079961A (en) * 1975-11-03 1978-03-21 The Garcia Corporation Self restoring releasable ski binding
US4065151A (en) * 1976-02-27 1977-12-27 National Recreation Industries, Inc. Retractable ski binding
US4188045A (en) * 1977-07-14 1980-02-12 Hannes Marker Safety ski binding
US4165887A (en) * 1977-12-01 1979-08-28 Bunn Thomas C Jr Controlled excursion ski binding with safety release
USD274077S (en) 1981-02-05 1984-05-29 Marker-Patentverwertungsgesellschaft Mbh. Ski binding
US4685697A (en) * 1986-09-11 1987-08-11 Thorley Neil R Retractable ski leash device embodying dual purpose locking means
US6443478B1 (en) * 1995-08-02 2002-09-03 Marker Deutschland Gmbh Binding/boot combination for snowboards or the like
US5855380A (en) * 1996-04-04 1999-01-05 Toifin S.P.A. Supporting frame for in-line wheels or for an ice-skating blade
US20100156068A1 (en) * 2008-12-18 2010-06-24 Board Cord, Llc Snowboard tether device
US9220968B2 (en) * 2014-06-03 2015-12-29 William J Ritter Heel lock for splitboard binding interface

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2224183A1 (de) 1974-10-31
DE2346182C2 (de) 1982-12-23
CH580435A5 (de) 1976-10-15
AT334259B (de) 1976-01-10
JPS544298B2 (de) 1979-03-05
ATA798873A (de) 1976-04-15
DE2346182A1 (de) 1974-10-17
CA1013383A (en) 1977-07-05
IT1005713B (it) 1976-09-30
JPS49127745A (de) 1974-12-06
ES424983A1 (es) 1976-11-16
FR2224183B1 (de) 1977-06-24

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