US3893682A

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

Info

Publication number: US3893682A
Application number: US347870A
Authority: US
Inventors: Burton A Weinstein; Gordon C Lipe
Original assignee: NAT RECREATION IND
Current assignee: NAT RECREATION IND; NATIONAL RECREATION INDUSTRIES Inc
Priority date: 1973-04-04
Filing date: 1973-04-04
Publication date: 1975-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-08
Also published as: CH580435A5; DE2346182C2; ATA798873A; CA1013383A; DE2346182A1; JPS49127745A; FR2224183A1; IT1005713B; AT334259B; ES424983A1; JPS544298B2; FR2224183B1

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.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Weinstein et a1.

[ RELEASABLE SAFETY SKI BINDING HAVING A SELF-RESTORING CAPABILITY [75] Inventors: Burton A. Weinstein, New York;

Gordon C. Lipe, Skaneateles, both of NY.

[73] Assignee: National Recreation Industries, Inc.,

Stamford, Conn.

[22] Filed: Apr. 4, 1973 [21] App]. No.: 347,870

[52] US. Cl 280/1135 N [51] Int. Cl. A63c 9/08 [58] Field0fSearch...280/l1.35 N, 11.35 K, 11.35 R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,448,989 6/1969 Marker 280/1135 N 3,489,424 [/1970 Gertsch et al... 280/1135 K 3,549,163 12/1970 Wiedermann 280/1 1.35 N 3,764,154 10/1973 Witting 230111.35 K 3,822,070 7/1974 Salomon 280/1135 N 3,825,274 7/1974 Weinstein 280/1 1.35 N FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 279,445 3/1970 N 72,653 11/1959 C 523,079 7/1940 United Kingdom .4 280/] 135 B 1,951,923 4/1971 Germany 280/1135 K 179,790 l/l936 Switzerland 5 N 227,994 10/1943 Switzerland 280/1135 N [451 July 8,1975

Primary Examiner-Leo Friaglia Assistant ExaminerMilton L. Smith Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fulwider, Patton, Rieber, Lee & Utecht 1 57] 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.

25 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJUL 8 ms RELEASABLE SAFETY SKI BINDING HAVING A SELFRESTORING CAPABILITY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is related to copending application Ser. No. 255.375 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,825,274, en titled "Ski Binding With Automatic Boot-To-Ski Return. on an invention of Burton A. Weinstein, a co-inventor herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 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.

It is now common practice to couple a ski boot to a ski with a safety binding that releases the boot from the ski in the event of an abnormal force situation, as would otherwise pose a risk of injury. A wide variety of types of such bindings have been provided, and most have adjustment features to enable the break-out or release force level to be varied in accordance with the skill. physical characteristics and condition of a given skier. Many also incorporate a "step-in" capability to permit the skier to couple conveniently the boot to the ski by aligning the boot with the ski and binding and stepping down on the ski. To prevent complete escape of the ski once a release has occured, various types of separate leash arrangements have been provided.

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. However, 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. After the period of abnormal force has passed, 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.

Although the design of the earlier Weinstein binding disclosed in the noted copending application is highly satisfactory, further improvement in certain areas is deemed desirable. In particular, it is advantageous to have a binding readily adjustable to accommodate dif ferent boot sizes without adversely affecting preselected release settings or without necessitating remounting on the ski. In this same regard, it is desirable to simplify procedures for properly mounting a binding on a ski. Providing these features with a binding embodying heel and toe units mounted on a ski has proven to be difficult. From a performance standpoint, it is important to have the binding readily and accurately adjustable to permit separation of the boot and ski at preselected force values and to have those values remain unchanged to any material extent under skiing conditions. Still another highly desirable attribute is to have the desirable release and return characteristics noted. yet to do so without unduly increasing overall binding weight or cost. Simplicity of construction which. in turn, enhances trouble-free operation is still another desirable attribute.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 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.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, 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. When the leashes are fully retracted under the influence of the respective biasing means, here comprising single springs, 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.

It is significant that with this cooperative arrangement of engaging parts of the soleplate and mounting elements, the force levels at which separation occurs, so as to prevent injury, are not affected by conditions encountered in use, including flexural distortion of the ski which, in turn, results in the mounting elements moving somewhat relative to one another.

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. Force applied to the leash to extend its exerts an unwinding torque on the support member, and the biasing spring applies a biasing force to the support member to resist rotation at a radial distance from its axis of rotation defined as a biasing 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.

By suitable configuration of the ratio device, 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. In 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. In an extreme final phase of extension 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.

Once the forces causing separation have dropped to safe levels, 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. For this purpose, 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. To reduce lateral friction between the forward mounting element and the underside of the soleplate, 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.

Other features and advantages of a ski binding constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A ski binding according to certain preferred embodiments of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa 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; and

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the leash unit shown in FIG. 16 taken along the lines I7-I7 therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 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.

In the event of an abnormally high force acting to separate the skiers boot from the ski, 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, sometimes referred to as leash units, 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. However once the preselected tension is exceeded, 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. Once the application of the abnormal force ceases, 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. As the leash 36 draws the heel plate 46 into contact with the heel mounting element 32, 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).

To align the forward end of the soleplate with the ski. 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. To assist the camming member 60 in clearing the lug 62 as it moves downwardly during restoring action after separation, 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. On continued downward motion as the forward leash rises to the high force level in the skiing phase, 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.

It will be appreciated that the 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. In addition the lug 62 and camming member 60 establish the longitudinal position of the ski boot on the ski.

It is desirable for both safety and performance reasons to have the binding initially permit relative lateral movement between the boot and ski in response to externally applied lateral forces of lower magnitude than those required to produce relative movement normal to the surface of the ski. For example, considering the toe end of the boot and assuming that the soleplate 24 is on the ski at proper alignment therewith so that the leash 34 is fully retracted and there is maximum resistance to movement, it is desired that a substantially lower force applied laterally, i.e., a twisting force on the foot or leg,

initiate relative movement than would be required in order to lift the toe vertically away from the surface of the ski. This desirable result is achieved by the foregoing structure and in particular by the overlapping relation of the lug 62 to the camming member 60. Because of the forwardly and downwardly slope of the edge 61 of the camming member (FIG. 7a) bearing against the underside of the lug 62, upward force on the soleplate at the toe will cause the camming member to slide rearwardly until it clears the lug. Such rearward motion is opposed by the forward leash 34. Lateral horizontal motion of the soleplate at the toe will also require extension of the forward leash. By suitable choice of the angle of inclination of the forward edge 61 of the camming member, it is arranged that 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 (FIGS. 10-12) includes a generally rectangular box-like housing 70. Within the housing is 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). Similarly, 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). In the fully secured position (shown in FIG. 11) in which the heel plate 46 is resting in contact with the rear support element 32, 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. For example, in a preferred embodiment, a force of approximately 200 lbs.

must be applied to the leash 36 of the rear connecting unit 40 to initially overcome the biasing spring in the fully secured position. When a force of the requisite magnitude is applied to the leash, the biasing torque exerted by the spring is overcome and 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.

Considering the leash member 76 after it has rotated to the dotted line position shown in FIG. 11, it will be seen that the leash moment arm (1 has increased to d while the biasing moment arm D has remained unchanged. Thus 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. By routine mathematical calculations, 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.

As shown in FIG. 15, a substantial force is necessary to cause initial separation of the soleplate from the mounting element and during an initial, or skiing phase, the rate of decline of force with increased displacement is very rapid. Thereafter, separation enters a release phase in which the force has dropped to a residual value several times lower than the initial value and little further change occurs during continuing separation. In a final phase, just prior to complete extension as the last portion of the leash unwinds from the kidneyshaped leash support member 76, the configuration thereof is such that the leash moment arm d" starts to decrease to a minimal value so that the force profile commences to increase again. The result is to provide a shock absorbing effect in the final region of leash travel before the leash is fully paid out. Although the terms skiing phase, release phase and final phase have been used for convenience to describe the three main modes of operation, it will be understood that the phases need not be sharply defined from each other but may merge without any substantial variation in the rate of change from one phase to the next.

The described force profile avoids imposing continued large loads on the boot (and the skiers ankle) once separation has become inevitable. After the abnormal force tending to separate the ski from the ski boot has ceased to act, 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.

On occasion during skiing situations 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.

Skiers of different competence from beginner through intermediate to advanced and those of different physical characteristics require different initial release forces. To adjust the leash unit so that it has a variable initial force required for release, mechanism is provided (FIGS. l2l4) 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. Thus 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. However 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. For an intermediate 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). For an advanced skier, 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.

To form a seal preventing ingress of foreign matter through the opening 71 of the housing, 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. At its opposite end outside the housing, 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. 11) of the previously mentioned rear mounting element. 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). By making the shank on the threaded nut I18 sufficiently long, it can be provided with a range of vertical adjustment allowing it to take up any slack in the leash 36 when the units are calibrated in the initially secured condition.

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. In addition 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. To adjust the position of the connecting unit 38 longitudinally 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.

It will be appreciated that 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.

The foregoing arrangement whereby the soleplate is attached to the ski at two spaced apart points with sliding motion permitted between one of the mounting elements and the soleplate, has been found to yield a great improvement in the performance of the ski itself. As a consequence of that arrangement the ski is free to flex along its full running length instead of having a flat spot in the region of the ski boot which occurs with a fixed ski binding. As a result ski control and turning performance of the ski are improved to a very noticeable degree.

An alternative embodiment of the leash unit is shown in FIGS. 16 and I7. In this construction. 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 second axle I35 disposed in spaced parallel relation to the first axle 133, is acted on by a torsion spring I36 having one of its ends connected to a peripheral slot 1370 in the axle I35 and its opposite end connected to the housing 131. 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. When the leash 134 is in a fully would condition on the leash support member 132, so that the leash support unit is connecting the soleplate to the adjacent one of the mounting elements in the fully secured condition, 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. As sufficient outward tension is applied to the leash to overcome the biasing force and rotate the leash support member in a direction to unwind the leash, the point of meshing contact between the

gear sectors

138 and 139 moves towards the axle of the leash support member thereby reducing the biasing moment arm D". Thus, the ratio of the leash moment arm d (which remains constant) to the biasing moment arm D (which is progressively reducing) increases and the tension necessary to overcome the biasing spring 136 is progressively reduced. By suitable choice of the gear profiles I38 and 139, a force-displacement profile corresponding to that shown in FIG. can be achieved.

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.

To enable the value of initial tension necessary for release to be changed for skiers of different skill or physical characteristics, the shaft 135 is provided with alternative openings 137b, l37c and 137d into which the end of the spring 136 may be slotted. In addition 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. Mounted on the body I4] projecting forwardly from it are two arcuately configured arms 148 (FIG. 4) shaped to embrace the heel of the ski boot 20 and overlie the upper surface of a rearwardly projecting portion of the heel. 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.

Thereafter, the previously mentioned toe clamp 28 is operated. 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. At its rearward end, 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. To latch the arm 154 in the down position against the ski boot, 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. At its upper end 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. To use the lock out mechanism, 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. To release the leash, tension is applied to it, releasing the sideward frictional force on the pin 174 so that the spring 176 moves it out of the way, after which the biasing spring returns the rotor 72 and the leash to the retracted position. A similar lock out mechanism is provided for the front connecting unit 38.

Summarizing, 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. Moreover, by mounting 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.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications, deletions, substitutions and other changes may be made which would be within the obvious purview of one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

We claim:

1. 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;

at least one connecting means carried by said soleplate for connecting said soleplate to said mounting element, said connecting means including:

a leash support on said soleplate;

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; and

biasing means on said soleplate acting on said leash and 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.

2. A ski binding as defined in claim 1 wherein said biasing means functions in two phases of operation, including a skiing phase in which the tension exerted on said leash is at a high level prior to initial separation and, thereafter, decreases progressively at a rapid rate, and a release phase following separation over said initial range in which the tension exerted on said leash by said biasing means is at a relatively lower level.

3. A ski binding as in claim 1 wherein said soleplate and mounting element include cooperative guiding means engageable to aid in aligning said soleplate with respect to said ski and in establishing its position longitudinally thereof when said leash is fully retracted to position the boot in skiing position.

4. 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.

5. A ski binding as in claim 4 wherein the tension force exerted on said leash by said biasing means is maximum when said leash is retracted.

6. A ski binding as in claim I wherein said connecting means is operable automatically upon extension of said leash and after the forces causing such extension have abated, to retract the same.

7. A ski binding comprising:

boot-engaging means adapted for connection to a ski boot;

a mounting element secured to the ski;

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 housing;

a support member on said housing and mounted for rotation relative thereto about an axis of rotation;

a leash wound at least partially around said support member and arranged to be extended and retracted during rotation thereof, said leash at its point of separation from said support member being spaced from said axis of rotation by a radial distance defined as a leash moment arm;

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; and

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.

8. A ski binding as defined in claim 7 wherein said biasing means comprises a single spring connected with said housing and with said support member.

9. 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.

10. 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.

ll. A ski binding as defined in claim 9 wherein said biasing moment arm remains substantially constant and said leash moment arm varies during rotation of said support member.

12. A ski binding as defined in claim 7 wherein said ratio is minimum when the leash is fully retracted and progressively increases during at least an intial portion of such leash extension and, thereafter, remains substantially constant during a further portion of such leash extension.

13. 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:

a soleplate extending in underlying contact with the ski boot and connected thereto;

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;

heel and toe connecting means carried by said soleplate and extending between and serving as the force-applying links between said soleplate and said mounting elements, each of said connecting means including:

a support fixed on said soleplate;

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; and

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.

14. 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.

15. A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said heel connecting means is carried in generally upstanding orientation at the heel end of said soleplate with its respective leash extending generally vertically down wardly from its respective rotatable device to said heel mounting element when said soleplate is in the normal skiing position.

16. A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said toe con necting means is carried in a generally horizontal orientation on the underside of said soleplate with its respective leash extending generally horizontally from its respective rotatable device to said toe mounting element when said soleplate is in the normal skiing position.

17. A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said soleplate and said toe mounting element are formed with mating cam surfaces which engage when said leash of said toe connecting means is retracted to center said soleplate relative to the ski and thereby establish the normal skiing position.

18. A ski binding as in claim 17 wherein 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; and

wherein said 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.

19. A ski binding as defined in claim 13 further including:

heel guide means on said heel mounting element and on said soleplate to self-align said soleplate with the longitudinal centerline of the ski when said soleplate is drawn into contact with said heel mounting element; and

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.

20. A ski binding as defined in claim 19 wherein one of said heel and toe guide means permits longitudinal sliding motion of the adjacent surfaces of the soleplate and mounting element and the other prevents such longitudinal sliding motion in at least one direction.

21. A ski binding as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for applying a biasing force includes,

an axle connected with said housing for rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of said support member spaced therefrom,

torque means for applying torque to said second axle,

and wherein 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.

22. A ski binding as defined in claim 12 wherein said ratio progressively decreases to another minimum value during a final portion of such leash extension following said further portion of such leash extension.

23. A ski binding as defined in claim 14 wherein the tension force on said leash progressively increases to another maximum value during a final increasing portion of leash extension following said further portion of leash extension.

24. 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, said soleplate being movable into and out of normal skiing position;

cooperating guides on said soleplate and mountable on said ski and located in underlying relationship with the soleplate when the latter is in a normal skiing position, said guides engaging as said soleplate moves into such normal skiing position to aid in aligning said soleplate relative to the ski; and

connecting means secured to and carried by said soleplate, said connecting means including:

a force-applying link connected to the ski, said link being movable relative to the said soleplate to comprises an elongated, flexible leash.

t 1F I 1' I UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,893,682

DATED July 8, 1975 INVENTOR( I Burton A. Weinstein and Gordon C. Lipe It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 12, "safetytype" should read safety-type Column 3, line 18, "its" should read it Column 4, line 24, "crossection" should read cross-section Column 7, line 40, "kidneyshaped" should read kidney-shaped Column ll,line 25 "would" should read wound Column 15, Claim 13, line 20, "bonding" should read bindinq Sigurd and Sealed this Thirteenth Day Of June 1978 [SEAL] Attest:

D NALD W. RUTH C. MASON O BANNER Attesting Ojficer Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

Claims

1. 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; at least one connecting means carried by said soleplate for connecting said soleplate to said mounting element, said connecting means including: a leash support on said soleplate; 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; and biasing means on said soleplate acting on said leash and 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.

6. A ski binding as in claim 1 wherein said connecting means is operable automatically upon extension of said leash and after the forces causing such extension have abated, to retract the same.

7. A ski binding comprising: boot-engaging means adapted for connection to a ski boot; a mounting element secured to the ski; 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 housing; a support member on said housing and mounted for rotation relative thereto about an axis of rotation; a leash wound at least partially around said support member and arranged to be extended and retracted during rotation thereof, said leash at its point of separation from said support member being spaced from said axis of rotation by a radial distance defined as a leash moment arm; 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; and 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.

11. A ski binding as defined in claim 9 wherein said biasing moment arm remains substantially constant and said leash moment arm varies during rotation of said support member.

13. 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: a soleplate extending in underlying contact with the ski boot and connected thereto; 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; heel and toe connecting means carried by said soleplate and extending between and serving as the force-applying links between said soleplate and said mounting elements, each of said connecting means including: a support fixed on said soleplate; 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; and 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.

15. A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said heel connecting means is carried in generally upstanding orientation at the heel end of said soleplate with its respective leash extending generally vertically downwardly from its respective rotatable device to said heel mounting element when said soleplate is in the normal skiing position.

16. A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said toe connecting means is carried in a generally horizontal orientation on the underside of said soleplate with its respective leash extending generally horizontally from its respective rotatable device to said toe mounting element when said soleplate is in the normal skiing position.

18. A ski binding as in claim 17 wherein 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; and wherein said 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.

19. A ski binding as defined in claim 13 further including: heel guide means on said heel mounting element and on said soleplate to self-align said soleplate with the longitudinal centerline of the ski when said soleplate is drawn into contact with said heel mounting element; and 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.

21. A ski binding as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for applying a biasing force includes, an axle connected with said housing for rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of said support member spaced therefrom, torque means for applying torque to said second axle, and wherein 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.

24. 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, said soleplate being movable into and out of normal skiing position; cooperating guides on said soleplate and mountable on said ski and located in underlying relationship with the soleplate when the latter is in a normal skiing position, said guides engaging as said soleplate moves into such normal skiing position to aid in aligning said soleplate relative to the ski; and connecting means secured to and carried by said soleplate, said connecting means including: a force-applying link connected to the ski, said link being movable relative to the said soleplate to permit said soleplate to move into and out of said normal skiing position; and biasing means including means acting on said link to yieldably resist such movement thereof to permit said soleplate to move out of said normal skiing position and control means for varying the magnitude of such resistance from a high level when said soleplate is closely adjacent said ski to a reduced level when said soleplate has moved away from said ski.

25. A ski binding as in claim 24 wherein said link comprises an elongated, flexible leash.