Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVE~NTION
_eld of the Invention
The present invention relates to ski bindings for automat-
lcally releasing a retained ski boot from a ski in response to
the application of forces to the ski boot which could cause
injury to the skier were the skier to remain mounted on the ski.
Description of the Prior Art
A great variety of ski bindings have been developed for
securing a skier's respective ski boots to a pair of skis. In
its simpler form, a ski binding provides means for strapping the
ski boot to a ski to retain the skier mounted on the ski during
a ski run. Because of the substantial likelihood of injuries
to skiers resulting from twists, turns and falls wherein the
skier remained mounted on the ski, there have been developed
over the years a great number of safety bindings for releasing
a retained ski boot from a ski in the eve~t that forces applied
to the ski boot exceeded a level anticipated as causing injury
to the skier unless the skier were released from the ski. Such
safety bindings have become quite sophisticated in recent years
in light of the great popularity of skiing, and careful studies
made of the operation of ski bindings and the causes of ski-re-
lated injuries to skiers.
One type of known safety binding is referred to as a cable
binding. Cable bindings include cables connected at the for-
ward end of a ski and forming a free loop extending rearwardly
of a retained ski boot. The cable is drawn tightly against the
heel portion of a ski boot in the binding, and a latch to which
the cable is attached retains the cable against the boot. In
the event that high forces are applied to the ski boot, means
are provided for releasing the tension of the cable against the
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ski boot, whereby the boot can s].ip out of the binding and
release the skier from the ski. Another type of safety blnding
includes heel and toe members mountecl on a ski for engaging
heel and toe portions of the ski boot: to retain the boot on the
ski. In general, the latter type of bindings includes means
for latching either the toe or heel members in place in firm
engagement with a ski boot disposed in the ski binding. When
forces anticipated as being sufficient to cause injury to the
skier occur, means are provided for unlatching the latched toe
or heel member, whereby that member releases its engagement with
the ski boot and the boot can slip out of the binding. Some
popular bindings incorporating the toe and heel structure are
popularly known under the names Cubco, Tyrolia, Marker, Ameri-
cana, &ertsch, Look Nevada and Salomon.
Another type of binding which has become popular in recent
years is a binding which has latching members for engaging
structure associated with the sides of a ski boo~ rather than
the toe or heel portion of the boot. This type of bindir.g is
described in U.S. Patent No. Re. 26,972.
Despite the great advances which have been made in the de-
velopment of ski bindings designed and constructed to protect
skiers from injury, they have not proven entirely satisfactory
as evidenced by the tremendous number of ski injuries which
occur annually. This is largely due to the fact that existing
ski bindings cannot be accurately set to effect the release of
a retained ski boot in response to the application of injury-
causing forces to the boot. This inaccuracy is, at least in
part, caused by the fact that prior ski bindings are not environ-
mentally secure so that ice, moisture, and foreign matter fre-
quently become lodged within the operating components of these
bindings, thus altering their frictional characteristics and
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changing their respective release thresholds.
Some forces which are known to cause injury to skiers are
not of a type to which present ski blndings respond. For exam-
ple, forces of small magnitude but re:Latively long duration are
a frequent cause of injury, and occur in the event of slow,
twisting falls by skiers. On the other hand, some very high
forces which are of very brief duration are not injury-causing
forces, these occurring, for example, when a particularly aggres-
sive skier proceeds down a slope taking vigorous turns and
jumps in the process. One type of system for effecting release
which is fully responsive to the foregoing forces, and indeed
to other injury-causing forces as well, would be one incorpor-
ating transducers for generating electrical signals responsive
to such forces, an electrical circuit for responding to these
forces by controlling the operation of a mechanical member such
as an electrical solenoid, and a mechanical ski binding for
releasing from a cocked condition by such controlling member.
However, for the same reason that known ski bindings are often
ineffective in use, i.e., their environmental insecurity, known
mechanical bindings are not compatible with electrical systems.
Prior safety bindings, including cable bindings, toe-and-
heel bindings, and side-latching bindings, involve the pivotal
movement of latching members for effecting release. Thus, the
latching member swings about a pivot member in opposition to
spring forces in order to effect release. An exception to this
general statement is the binding described in U.S. Patent
3,061,325 which incorporates latching members movable in a
linear path in a recess in the sole of a ski boot. Ski bindings
have been suggested incorporating magnetic latching members as
well. However, the latter types of bindings have not been
accepted by skiers.
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SUMMARY OF T~IE INVENTION
.
An aspect of the present invention is to provide an
improved ski binding which is not susceptible to malfunction
because of deleterious foreign materials.
Another aspect of the present invention is the provision
of an environmentally secure ski binding.
Still another aspect of the invention is the provision
of an improved ski binding in which a skier need merely step
into the binding to safely and properly secure a ski boot to
the binding.
It is a further aspect to provide an improved ski
binding which is compatible for operation in conjunction with
an electronic release system.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide
an improved ski binding which is compact, and defines a low
profile on the surface of a ski.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide
an improved, aesthetic ski binding.
Still another aspect of the present invention is to
20 provide an improved ski binding which is economical to manu-
facture, and efficient and effective in use.
Other aspects will be apparent from the description to
follow and from the appended claims.
Accordingly, this invention provides a ski binding
for releasably securing a ski boot in a ski and for releasing
the ski boot upon the application of predetermined forces to
the ski boot, said ski binding comprising:
- boot engaging means for engaging structure associated
~Jith a ski boot disposed in the ski binding for securing the ski
boot to the ski, said boot engaging means being movable bet~Jeen ;
a first position for securing the ski bcot to the ski and a
second position for releasing the ski boot from the ski; and
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:: :
said boot engagin~ means comprising: first biassing means for
urging said boot engaging means ~owards said first position, said
boot engaging means being movable from said first position
towards second position in response to the insertion of a ski
boot into the ski binding and the pressing of the ski boot
against said boot engaging means, and said first biassing means
moving said boot engaging means back to the first position upon
the completion of the insertion of the ski boot into the ski
binding;
. guide means for guiding said boot engaging means in a
linear path on ~he ski between the first position and the second
position;
second biassing means for urgingsaid boot engaging
means towards said second position;
latching means having a latching condition for re-
taining said boot engaging means in said first position against
the bias of said second biassing means, and an unlatching condi-
tion for releasing said boot engaging means to the bias of said
second biassing means; and
unlatching means for placing said latching means in
the unlatching condition in response to the application of said
predetermined forces to the ski boot.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF _HE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ski binding according
to the invention, mounted on a ski.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of a ski binding according to the invention, also shown mounted
on a ski.
Figure 3 shows still another embodiment of the invention in
perspective, mounted on a ski.
Figures 4 and 5 are side and top views of the apparatus
shown in Figure 1.
Figures 6 and 7 are top views of the interior components of
a ski binding according to the invention, shown in cocked and
released conditions, respectively.
Figure 8 is a side, detailed, cut-away view of a latching
mechanism incorporated in the apparatus shown in the previous
figures.
Figure 9 is a detailed, partial view taken in the direction
9-9 indicated in Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a partial, top view taken in the direction 10-10
shown in Figure 8.
Figure 11 is a side view of a mechanism for cocking the
apparatus shown in the previous figures.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a ski binding accord-
ing to the invention showing means for adjusting the location of
the binding on the ski.
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Figure 13 ls a perspective view o.f a tool for effecting the
adjustment of the ski binding shown in Flgure 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment of the invention described below
provides a mechanism for releasably securing a ski boot to a ski,
and for releaslng the boot upon the application of predetermined
forces to the boot. The ski binding described below is a step-
in type binding, and is adapted to be cocked by the skier prior
to the mounting of a boot in the blnding, after which the skier
merely steps into the binding to be secured therein. The ski
binding has a boot engaging member which is movable in a linear
path between a first position wherein the boot engaging member
is engaged with the boot to secure it in the binding, and a
second position wherein it is disposed away from the boot so
that the boot can slip out of the binding. A latch stud is
provided for engaging structure associated with the ski boot for
retaining the boot in the binding while the boot engaging member
is in the first position. The boot engaging member is spring
biased towards the second or releasing position, and is maintain-
ed in the first position by a toggle mechanism. The toggle
mechanism is essentially a linkage which has cocked and uncocked
positions. The toggle mechanism is placed in the uncocked
position by an electrically actuated solenoid under the control
of an electronic release system.
Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1 a
ski binding mounted on a ski 3 by some appropriate means. The
ski binding comprises a ski boot support member 5 for receiving
a ski boot to be mounted on the ski, a toe retaining member 7 for
securing the forward end of the ski boot in ski binding 1, and a
heel retaining or boot engaging member 9 mounted at the rearward
end of binding 1 for retaining the heel end of the boot ln the ski
binding. Toe retaining member 7 is fixed on a slide plate 8 which
is constructed to slide in a telescoping manner into support
member 5, to adjust the distance between members 7 and 9 for the
purpose of accommodating ski boots of different sizes. The upper
or boot engaging surface 6 of boot support member 5 is resilient
and compressible, for enabling the upper toe and heel surfaces of
a boot to fit beneath the latch studs described below, despite
the presence of snow, ice or dirt on the base of the sole of the
boot. Support plate 5, toe retaining member 7 and slide plate 8,
and heel retaining member 9 collectively comprise a platform
which is mounted on a pedestal assembly 11 and adapted to have
its location to ski 3 adjusted in pedestal 11, which is fixed
relative to the ski. Heel retaining member 9 includes a heel
latching stud 13 which is fixed to the heel retaining member 9
shown in Figure 1. Stud 13 is secured to the heel retaining
member by a pair of shear pins whose function is described herein-
after. A similarly constructed (although larger) toe latching
stud 16 is secured by shear pins in toe retaining member 7. Heel
retaining member 9 is movable in a linear path between the boot
engaging, first, or cocked position shown in Figure 1, and a sec-
ond or releasing position rearward of the illustrated position.
A cocking lever 14 is provided for cocking heel retaining member 9
to the latter's first position. Toe retaining member 7, on the
other end, is mounted on slide plate 8 and is fixed relative to
plate 5 when plate 8 is adjusted for a particular size boot. Ski
binding 1 further includes a safety strap 15 whose function it is
to retain a ski to a skier's ankle about which the strap is
secured in the event that the skier's boot is released from the
ski binding. It is contemplated that ski binding 1 be under the
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con~rol of an electrical system, and a battery pack 17 is provided
for holding the batteries for powerlng such system. Appropriate
electrical leads connect the batterles in pack 17 to the system.
The battery pack could alternately be located in a housing associ-
ated with toe retaining member 7, or heel retaining member 9,
within support plate 5 or other unobstructive location, such as in
the event that "ski stops" are used in place of safety straps.
Figure 2 depicts a modification of the structures shown in
Figure 1, in that boo~ retaining member 7 has been replaced by a
wire loop 19 which is mounted for pivotal movement about a forward
section of a slide plate 8' of the lllustrated ski binding.
Loop 19 is designed to swing from a generally planar position as
shown, in a counter-clockwise direction over the toe portion of a
ski boot seated on support member 5'. A pair of upstanding lugs
21 prevent the lateral movement of a ski boot in binding 1'. The
upper surface 22 of member 5' is of honeycomb construction for
removing snow, ice, or dirt from the sole of the boot to enable
the boot to fit beneath latch stud 13' and loop 19 despite the
presence of those materials. Ski binding 1' is in all respects,
other than toe retaining member 19, and surface 22, identical to
the binding shown in Figure 1, and like parts have been ascribed
like numerical designators with prime superscripts.` Another
modification of the ski binding shown in Figure 1 is illustrated
in Figure 3. In the latter instance, the moveable boot engaging
member is disposed forwardly of the boot support plate, and the
cocking member is arranged forward of that boot engaging member.
This arrangement may in some instances prove preferable to that
shown in Figures 1 and 2 because for many skiers the forward dis-
position of lever 14 will prove more accesslble and more easily
rotatable than when rearwardly disposed. The ski binding in
Figure 3 is similar in most respects to those shown in Figures 1
and 2 (other than the reversal of the fixed and moveable toe and
heel engaging members), and like parts have been ascribed like
; numerical designators wi~h a double prime ('') designation. The
heel engaging member is an inverted L-shaped member 23 constructed
to engage the rearward edge and the upper portion of the heel of
a ski boot resting on support plate 5''.
The ski bindings shown in Figures 1-3 function in substantially
the same manner. Assuming that any one of the bindings is in
a released condition, lever 14 is manually or otherwise rotated
in the direction of the support plate 5. This action has the
effect of cocking boot engaging member 9, 9', or 9''. A ski boot
is then placed on support plate 5 at the fixed retaining member
(toe retaining member 1, loop 19, or heel piece 23), and the other
end of the boot is urged downwardly against latching stud 13, 13',
or 13''. The latter action forces the boot engaging member 9, 9',
or 9'' away from support plate 5 until the upper portion of the
heel or sole of the boot passes the base of latching stud 13, 13'
or 13'', after which the latter is driven toward the boot to
retain the boot in place. Also, any safety strap associated
with the ski binding would be connected to the skier's leg or
ankle.
It is contemplated that the release of ski binding 1, 1' or
1'' be controlled through the operation of an electronic release
system which responds to forces applied to the ski boot. For
this purpose, a plurality of sensors 25, 25' or 25'' are provided
embedded in the appropriate boot support plate for receiving such
forces and for transmitting appropriate electrical signals to the
balance of the electrical system. (Although the sensors are
referred to as force responsive, some are in effect torque res-
ponsive although it is forces to which they respond). In the
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event that forces of a type predetermined to cause possible injury
to the skier occur, the electrical system is accuated to effect
the release of the ski bincling. In such event, the linearly move-
able ski binding member 9, 9', or 9'' is driven in its linear path
away from the boot engaging condition, to enable the ski boot to
move out of binding l, l' or 1'' to separate the ski boot from
the ski.
Referring next to Figures 4 and 5, ski binding 1 is illustrated
in further detail from side and top views. (For purposes of con-
venience, the apparatus shown in Figures 4-7 is described with
reference to binding 1 as shown in Figure 1, but the description
is quite applicable to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and
3.) Boot retaining member 9 comprises a housing 27 which, as
explained below, contains a number of compression springs and
related members for effecting the movement of member 9 with
attached latch stud 13. Structure 28 on the top of housing 27 is
provided for attaching the safety strap to the housing. It is
significant that housing 27 is fully enclosed, thus protecting
any components disposed therein from deleterious foreign materials
such as snow, ice, and dirt. Another portion of the mechanism
for operating boot engaging member 9 is disposed in a support
plate housing 29 whose upper portion comprises support plate 5.
Support plate assembly 29 is also environmentally secure, thus
preventing deleterious matter of the type described above from
entering the assembly and affecting the performance of the appar-
atus therein. Boot engaging member 9 is linearly moveable rela-
tive to assembly 29 in the rearward or left direction as viewed
in the drawings.
Toe retaining member 7 comprises the second latch stud 16,
similar to the rearwardly disposed latch stud 13, and is fixed in
toe retaining member 7 by shear pins as described hereinafter.
J~
Latch 16 engages the upper surface of the forward portion of a
ski boot sole, to retain the toe of t:he boot in the binding. Mem-
ber 7 further comprises a housing 33 for containing and protecting
components of the electrical system referred to above. A battery
condition indicator 34 is located in the top of housing 33 for
visually or audibly transmitting a signal in the event the power
source for the electrical system is insufficient to adequately
energize the system.
Referring now to the mechanism for cocking and releasing the
boot engaging means of the present embodiment of the invention,
Figure 6 and Figure 7 show the mechanism in its cocked and relea-
sed conditions, respectively. Boot engaging member 9 includes a
pair of strong compression springs 35 through which extend a pair
of cylindrical guide rods 37. Springs 35 are confined between a
spring retaining plate 39 and a pair of bushings 41. The rearward
ends of rods 37 are secured in spring support plate 39. Springs
35 provide the energy for driving boot engaging member 9 from its
first or boot engaging position shown in Figure 6, to its second
or releasing position shown in Figure 7. A second pair of coil
compression springs 43 are enclosed in housing 27 of member 9,
these springs being wound about a pair of latch bars 45. Bars
45 are fixed in housing 27 by means of screws 47 at the forward .
end of member 9, and screws 48 at the rearward end of member 9.
Springs 43 provide the energy for driving boot engaging member 9
in the forward direction. A pair of guide rails 49 extend from
boot engaging member 9 and cooperate with other structure in ski
binding 1 for cooperating with guide rods 37 in restraining
member 9 to a linear path of movement. A pair of guide retainers
51 retain guide rails 49 in their proper location.
Support assembly 29 includes an interior support frame 53 in
which various components of the mechanism are disposed. Support
frame 53 is c~ntrally disposed in assembly 29 and defines a
pair of parallel channels 59 thrc~gh which guide rails 49
slide ~s boot engaging member 9 moves in its linear path.
A pair of bushing recesses 61 are located in the rearward
end of assembly 29, and contain 0-rings 63 to prevent moisture
from entering the interior of assembly 29. The function of
bushing 41 is to retain guide rods 37 in a linear path of move-
ment and to further prevent deleterious matter from entering
assembly 29.
A toggle frame 65 is located in support frame 53.
Toggle frame 65 is a channel-shaped member having upstanding
ends 67 and 69. Support frame 53 includes a pair of parallel
upstanding walls 71 which restrain toggle frame 65 in place
for linear movement in conjunction with the other linearly
movable members described herein. The rearward upstanding
wall 67 of toggle frame 65 has a pair of holes 73 for
receiving reduced portions of guide rods 37. Guide rods 37
terminate in expanded, head portions 74, and the portions of
~` guide rods 37 on opposite sides of wall 67 fix the guide rods
to that wall.
A toggle assembly 75 is further contained in support
frame 53. Toggle assembly 75 includes a first toggle arm 77
mounted for rotation about a first pivot pin 79 fixed to
toggle frame 65, and a second pivot pin 81 which is mounted on
the end portion of a secona toggle arm 83. Toggle arm 83 is
pivotally mounted on a second pivot pin 85, fixed to support
frame 53. Toggle assembly 75 further includes a toggle latch
87 which is mounted on a pivot pin 89 fixed to frame 65.
Toggle latch 87 includes a notch 91 dimensioned to receive
and retain pivot pin 81. A coil spring 93, fixed between a
mounting pin 94 extending from toggle frame 65, and a second
pin 95 on toggle latch 87, biasses the toggle latch in a
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counter-clockwise direction. A retaining ring 96 maintains
toggle arm 83 on pivot pin 85. An opening 97 is provided
in wall 67 of toggle frame 65 for enabling toggle arm 83 to
swing through a restricted arc as described hereinafter.
Toggle latch 87 is disposed in the path of movement of
a firing pin 99 extending through an opening 101 in the forward
wall 69 of toggle assembly 65. Firing pin 99 has a spring
support rod 103 which extends into a coil spring 105. Spring
105 is confined between the forward wall of a recess 107 of
support frame 53 and a collar 109 on firing pin 99. Spring 105
biases firing pin 99 in the rearward or left direction as
viewed in the drawing.
A firing pin latch 111 is mounted for movement in a
path perpendicular to the path of movement of firing pin 99
in support frame 53. Latch lll carries an upstanding retaining
pin 113 constructed to enter a reduced portion 115 in firing
pin 99 and for abutting against a flat shoulder 117 defining `!
the forward end of that portion. The path of movement of ~ -
latch 111 is controlled by a guide block 119 (which is rigidly
attached to the forward wall 69 of toggle assembly 65).
Bushing 121 is disposed in opening 101 for further maintaining
firing pin 99 in its proper path. A leaf spring 123 biasses
latch 111 upwardly as viewed in the drawing to urge pin 113
into reduced portion 115 and to prevent inadvertent release
due to vibrations of the mechanism. When pin 113 is disposed
in portion 115, it retains firing pin 99 in a cocked position
wherein spring 105 is compressed and biases firing pin 99 in
a rearward or left direction.
The movement of latchlll is effected by a solenoid 124
which forms a component of an electric release system comprising
a capacitor 126, transducers 25, and other components
forming an electrical circuit. When solenoid 124 is energized,
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i~85~2~3
a solenoid arm 125 is driven against latch 111 to move
retaining pin 113 ou' of recessed portion 115. Such energiz-
ation occurs in response to electrical signals generated by
the electronic release system in
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accordance with the sensing of forces which exceed a predetermined
threshold value. Solenoid arm 125 is biased to lts inactive
position as indicated in Figure 6 wherein it is disengaged from
latch 111, and only moves agalnst the latch in response to such
signal, after which it returns to its inactive position.
Figure 7 shows the mechanism in its second or releasing con-
dition. Toggle assembly 75 is in a folded condition, and the
assembly must be moved to an unfolded condition wherein toggle
arms 77 and 83 are in a generally linear relationship and perpen-
dicular to toggle latch 87 to cock the mechanism as shown in
Figure 6. The cocking of the mechanism further requires that
springs 35 be compressed as shown in Flgure 6. In order to cock
the mechanism, boot engaging member 9 must be moved forwardly or
to the right as shown in Figures 6 and 7 by some appropriate
means such as manually, or with the assistance of lever 14 as
discussed elsewhere. The forward movement of member 9 moves
housing 27 forwardly relative to springs 35, and the latter are
compressed along guide rods 37. The forward movement of boot
engaging member 9 further effects the forward movement of guide
rods 37, toggle frame 69, and guide rails 49, as well as other
components connected to the foregoing. The forward movement of
boot engaging member 9 terminates when housing 27 contacts support
plate housing 29 and pivot pin 81 is secured in notch 91 of rocker
arm 87.
Thus, as member 9 moves forwardly, it in effect pushes toggle
frame 65 forwardly, and carries pivot pin 79 in the same
direction. The forward movement of pin 79 relative to fixed pin
85 effects the counter-clockwise rotation of toggle arm 77 about
pin 79 and a clockwise rotation of toggle arm 83 about pin 85.
Thus, toggle assembly 75 unfolds durlng the cocking operation,
and pin 81 moves in the direction of notch 91 during this process.
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At the conclusion of the cocking operation, rails 49 approach
the forward en~s of channels 59, toggle arms 77 and 83 assume a
generally linear relationship (although slightly buckled in an
upward direction as viewed in the drawings), and pivot pin 81
is disposed in notch 91. Also, fixing pin 99 is moved
forwardly by pin 113 pressing against shoulder 117 to compress
coil spring 103. Toggle frame 65 has carried spring pin 94
in the forward direction, and spring 93 has rotated toggle
latch 87 in a counter-clockwise direction so that it extends
in a generally perpendicular direction transverse to the ski.
The coc~ing operation places the mechanism in the condition
shown in Figure 6.
When a skier is properly mounted on ski 3, the ski boot
is secured between boot engaging member 9 and toe engaging
member 7, and the release mechanism is in the condition shown
in Figure 6. As the skier proceeds in a run down a ski slope,
various electrical signals are generated in response to
forces and torques applied to transducers 25. When an
electrical signal is generated indicating that the release
of the ski boot from the ski binding should occur, the
electrical system energizes solenoid 124, and solenoid arm
125 is electromagnetically driven against latch member 111,
to drive retaining pin 113 out of engagement with shoulder 117.
The latter action frees firing pin 99 to the influence of
coil spring 105, which drives firing pin 99 rearward (or
leftward) into engagement with a paddle portion 127 of toggle
latch 87. This paddle portion is an abutment surface extending
from the plane of the drawing and being disposed in the path
of movement of firing pin 99. As firing pin 99 moves
rearwardly, it rotates toggle latch 87 in a clockwise direction
against the bias of spring 93 until pin 81 is freed from
notch 91 in the toggle latch since spring 103 is stronger than
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. ~ .
springg3 Pin 113 rides on the forward cylindrical part of
firing pin 99 for a brief period f~llowing the initial
movement of the firing pin. Since the engagement of pin 81
with the walls defining notch 91 was the only means restraining
toggle frame 65 in place against the force of springs 35,
the removal of pin 81 from notch 91 releases compression
springs 35 from their confinement. Springs 35 expand
rearwardly frombushings 41 against which they are seated,
against spring support plate 39 to drive boot engaging
member 9 rearwardly, carrying guide rods 37 and toggle frame
65 rearwardly as well. As toggle frame 65 moves rearwardly,
toggle assembly 75 folds as pin 79 mounted on toggle frame 65
approaches fixed toggle pin 85. Guide rails 49 also move
rearwardly in their channels 59 to retain boot engaging member
9 in its linear path of movement. As latch 87 approaches its
fully folded condition the forward force of spring 93 exerted
on firing pin 99 via paddle 127 exceeds the opposing force
of spring 105, and eventually paddle 127 moves firing pin 99
forwardly until pin 113 drops into recess 115 to secure firing
pin 99 to frame 65, where pin 113 remains for the duration of
the reiease. The linear, rearward movement of boot engaging
member 9 terminates when toggle frame 65 abuts against blocking
structure 129 in support frame 53 and springs 35 are
substantially extended. At this time, the apparatus has
returned to the condition depicted in Figure 7. Therefore,
stud 13 is disengayed from the structure associated with the
ski boot which it had retained in the ski binding, and the
boot is free to slip out of the ski binding.
There are many situations wherein a skier would desire to
release a ski boot from the ski binding in the absence of
forces on the ski boot sufficient to effect release. In fact,
in the normal situation, a skier will complete a ski run
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28
without a safety release, and will need to release the boot
from the binding. Therefore, a m~nual release apparatus is
provided in the mechanism depicted in the drawings. Referring
still to Figures 6 and 7, a manually actuable button 131 is
shown extending from the interior of binding 1 to its outer
surface rendering it easily accessible to a skier mounted on
the skis. Release button 131 has an expanded head portion
which is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the
binding, and rests on a gasket 133. The configuration of
button 131 and of gasket 133 prevent foreign material
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from entering the interior of the mechanism in the vicinity of
the release button. The inner portion of manual release button
131 is secured to a manual release leaf 135. Leaf 135 is a member
fixed relative to button 131 and movable with button 131 against
solenoid arm 125 of solenoid 124. Upon the depression of manual
release button 131, leaf 135 drives solenoid arm 125 against
latch 111 to move retain~ng pin 113 out of engagement with
shoulder 117 of recess 115 in firing pin 99, when the release
mechanism is in the cocked condition (Fig. 6), whereby release
occurs as described previously. Alternatively, a switch could be
provided for selectively energizing solenoid 124 to release the
binding in the absence of high or prolonged forces or torques.
The ski binding shown in Figure 1 includes step-in feature
mentioned previously. Figure 8 shows latch stud 13 in engagement
with structure associated with ski boot B disposed in binding 1.
The latter structure (which can be an integral part of the boot)
includes a boot stud 139 attached to a support plate 141 which is
in tur-n secured to the heel of ski boot B. Latch 13 includes a
first cam surface 143 which is downwardly and forwardly inclined,
and a lower abutment surface 145 which is upwardly and forwardly
inclined, the latter surfaces meeting at a juncture. Similarly,
boot stud 139 includes a lower, forwardly and downwardly inclined
cam surface 147 configured to slide over cam surface 143, and an
upper, rearwardly and downwardly inclined abutment surface 149
configured to engage surface 145 of latch stud 13 to retain the
ski boot in the ski binding.
Springs 43 (Figs. 6, 7 and 8) function to bias heel retaining
member 9 in the forward direction. When a ski boot is inserted
into ski binding 1, the toe of the boot is appropriately positionr
ed and the heel is lowered into the rearward part of the ski
binding. As cam surface 147 of boot stud 139 slides down cam su~
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face 143 of latch stud 13, the force of the boot drives heel en-
gaging member 9 rearwardly against the bias of springs 43. When
cam surface 147 clears cam surface 143, boot stud 139 slips be-
neath latch stud 13, and springs 43 return heel retaining member
9 to the forward position. Latch stud 13 slides over boot stud
139 with surfaces 145 and 149 in engagement. Until heel retain-
ing member 9 is driven rearwardly by springs 35, either because of
the effects of sensed forces on the system or because of the dep-
ression of manual release button 131, boot B remains secured in
the ski binding.
Latch stud 13 is fixed in boot engaging member 9 by a pair of
shear pins 151, 152 (Figures 8-10). Shear pins 151, 152 are pro-
vided for disabling latch stud 13 frGm its boot engaging function
in the event that the binding release mechanism or the controlling
electrical system for some reason malfunction, and release does
not occur despite the application of dangerously high forces or
torques to the ski boot. Shear pins 151, 152 have expanded end
portions 153, 154 which are keyed in correspondingly configured
recesses in latch stud 13, and fix stud 13 in place against a
forward wall 155 of boot retaining member 9. The rearwardly lo-
cated body portions 156, 157 of pins 153, 154 are generally
torpedo shaped, having cylindrical sections received in sliding
engagement in cylindrical slots 158, 159 in wall 155. Neck
portions 160, 161 are defined in the rearward parts of pins 151,
152 and are each engageable by a locking pin 162 for maintaining
the respective positions of the shear pins. Locking pin 162 can
be a generally U-shaped member fixed at its opposite ends in
member 9 and configured to slide under the neck portions of the
shear pins.
Forward, expanded portions 153, 154 of shear pins 151, 152 are
attached to body portions 156, 157 by means of frangible pins
163, 164 which extend through portions 153, 154 into portions 156,
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~ 2~
157 (Figure lO). The frangible pins are severable by the surfaces
defining oblong slo~ 165 and circular slot 166 shown in
Figure 9.
Shear pins 151, 152 provide for the severance of latch stud
13 in the event that the release system fails to release a retain-
ed boot upon the occurrence of dangerously high forces or torques.
In nearly all situations, the forces associated with torque-
caused injuries are of a lower magnitude than vertical forces
associated with impact-caused injuries. Therefore, shear pins
151, 152 are arranged in slots 165, 166 so that pins 163, 164
separately absorb torque forces but collectively absorb vertical
forces.
When there has been a malfunction of the main mechanical or
electrical system, and potentially injurious torques or sidewise
forces are applied to the retained ski boot, boot stud 139 trans-
mits these torques to latch stud 13, and shear forces are exerted
on pin 164 by the edge of slot 166 at the juncture of stud 13 and
wall 155. If the shear forces are of sufficient magnitude, frang-
ible pin 164 is severed; and if the torque or sidewise force per-
sists, a similar shearing action by an end surface of slot 165
is subsequently applied to pin 163 to sever the latter and detach
latch stud 13 from its position against wall 155 of heel retaining
member 9.
In the event of the malfunctioning of the main system, and
the application of high vertically acting forces to the ski boot,
such forces are also transmitted to latch stud 13. In this
situation, shear forces are applied by the upper or lower edges
of slots 165 and 166 simultaneously to both pins 163, 164 at the
juncture of latch shed 13 and wall 155, and if the shear force is
sufficient, both pins 163, 164 sever to detach latch stud 13 from
its mounting on wall 155.
A small cord or wire 167 connects latch stud 13 to a screw or
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other member 168 attached to housing 27 of member 9. If shear
pins 160, 161 are severed as explained above, latch stud 13 re-
mains connected to the ski binding. The skier can replace the
severed shear pins 160, 161 in the recesses in latch stud 13, and
insert the shear pins into slots 158, 159 in wall 155. The latter
action simply forces the body portions of the severed shear pins
over locking pin 162 into the inner compartment of housing 27,
and the new shear pins slide over locking pin 162 to re-secure
latch stud 13 to heel retaining member 9.
Toe latch stud 16 is mounted on toe retaining member 7 in the
same manner as latch stud 13 is mounted on heel retaining member
9. The details of this mounting are therefore omitted, but
reference is made to the previous discussion for an explanation of
the manner in which stud 16 is mounted in place.
Lever assembly 14 for cocking the release mechanism of the des-
cribed ski binding ~s shown in Fig. 11. Lever assembly 14 includes
a lever 170 mounted on an axle 171 rotatably mounted in a pair of
opposing support posts 172. Lever 170 includes a manually grasp-
able arm 173 disposed on one side of axle 171 and having opposing
recessed portions 174 adapted to be gripped by a skier bare-
handed, or with gloves or mittens on. Lever 170 terminates on
the other side of axle 171 in a cam portion 175. Lever 170 is
manually rotatable from the horizontal position shown in solid
lines in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow A, to the
vertical position shown in phantom. Cam portion 175 is config-
ured relative to the configuration of housing 27 of member 9 to
drive member 9 forwardly, as indicated by arrow B, the distance
required to transpose the release mechanism of ski binding 1 from
the condition shown in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 6.
~0 In order to facilitate a skier's control over his skis, to
provide him with proper balance, and to enhance the contact be-
tween the snow and the snow-engaging surfaces of the skis, it is
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1~ ~ 5~ ~
customary to position ski bindin~son skis so that the forward por-
tion of the ski boot mounted in the binding is near the midpoint
of the ski between the forward and rearward ends thereof. Many ski
bindings are per~anently positioned on skis by screws or the like
according to the size boot to be received in the binding, so that
the bindings must be unscrewed from the skis and relocated thereon
if another size boot is to be used. However, it was explained ear-
lier that ski bindings are known wherein the binding can be
adjusted to receive a range of ski boot sizes. Fig. 12 shows a
construction in ski binding 1 which enables the particularly easy
adjustment of the ski binding to accomodate many sizes of ski
boots by locating their forward portions near the middle of the ski.
Fig. 12 shows a cross section of a ski binding 1''' similar
to those described previously, but the release mechanism members
have been omitted fGr the sak~ of clarity. Thus, binding 1''' is
seen to include boot support plate 5''' disposed on a housing
cover plate 177 and within a side clamping member 179. Plates 5
and 177 are fixed together but are movable within clamping member
179 which is attached to pedestal 11''' by appropriate fastening
means (not shown). Clamping member 179 includes a base portion
181 sandwiched between housing cover plate 177 and pedestal
11''', and a pair of parallel, upstanding flanges 183, 185.
Flanges 183, 185 have internal grooves for cooperating with
corresponding structure on member 5''' to facilitate the sliding
of the latter between flanges 183, 185. Flanges 183, 185 are
further provided with a plurality of inwardly extending tabs 187,
189 for entering corresponding tab sockets 191, 193 in the outer
surfaces of member 5'''. The foregoing tabs and sockets are
spaced along ~he sides of flanges 183, 185 and member 5''' respec-
tively The latter can be moved along the binding between the
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opposing ~langes, and locked in plac:e by having a pair of opposed
tabs 187, 189 seat within a corresponding pair of sockets 191,
193.
Clamping member 179 is preferably a unitary resilient member
fabricated from a strong, corrosion reslstant material such as
spring steel. Flanges 183, 185 are inwardly inclined as viewed
in the drawing and form acute angles with the centrally disposed
flat portion 181 between the flanges. Flanges 183, 185 are bias-
sed towards the locking position illustrated in Figure 12, and
they must be opened or bent towards the vertical position rela-
tive to the plane of ski 3 in order to disengage tabs 187, 189
from sockets 191, 193 so that the position of plate 5''' can be
adjusted on the ski. Flanges 183, 185 terminate at their upper
edges in outwardly bent lips 195, 197 running along the lengths
of the two flanges. Lips 195, 197 terminate in inwardly folded
curled sections 199, 201.
In order ~o open or spread flanges 183, 185, a tool such as
the pliers 203 in Fig. 13 can be employed. Pliers 203 include
sections 205 and 207 mounted for rotation on a pivot post 209.
The pliers also include handles 211, 213 which operate jaw mem-
bers 215, 217. The latter members terminate at their free ends
in inwardly extending sections 219, 221 whose end portions 223,
225 are outwardly extending lips configured to engage lips 199,
201 of flanges 183, 185. To spread flanges 183, 185, handles
211, 213 are adjusted to space lips 223~ 225 so that they can be
fitted within lips 199, 201 of the flanges. The handles are then
drawn together, causing jaws 215, 217 to open; the respective lips
of pliers 203 and flanges 183, 185 are hooked together so that
the flanges open as handles 211, 213 are closed. Support member
5''' can be adjusted and locked in clamping member 179, after
which the plier handles are opened and flanges 183, 185 resume
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~8~2~3
their locking condi~ion with tabs 187, 189 seated in appropriate
sockets 191, 193.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are highly
effective and attractive ski bindings which fully accomplish the
objects set forth previously. The ski bindings according to the
invention are safe from deleterious foreign material because of
the environmental security of the bindings. The step-in feature
of the invention enables the extremely easy mounting of a ski
boot in the binding. The ski bindings described herein are par-
ticularly compatible for operation in conjunction with electronicrelease systems. The bindings are compact, have a low profile
on the ski to which they are connected, and are very aesthetic.
They can be economically manufactured using conventional equip-
ment and materials, and they are efficient and effective in use.
The invention has been described in detail with particular
reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but variations and
modification within the spirit and scope of the invention may
occur to those skilled in the art ot which the invention pertains.
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