Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
i i v
1~4~577
A ST~:P-IN SKI l~ DING
BACKGROU~7D OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to ski bindings
in general and in particular to releasable ski bin~ings
having a mechanism by which entry into the bindirlg is
effected simply by stepping il~tO the binding. Such bind-
ings are comrnonly called step-in bindings.
In its simplest form, a releasable binding com-
prises one or more movable clamping members for releasably
engaging one or more clamp-receiving mernbers. The movable
clamping members may be on the ski and the clamp-receiving
members on the boot; or, alternatively, the location of the
members may be reversed. To each of the movable clamping
member~ there is coupled a mechanism, sometimes called a
force unit, for applying a clamping force to tne member.
The mechanism for applying the clamping force to the mov-
able clamping member may take several forms. ~ne of the
most common forms is a spring member. The spring member
is particularly useful because it i8 relatively easy to
use for applying a resilient clamping force to the movable
clamping member. This is important for providing shock
absorption and force adjustment. However, other mechanisms,
such as electrical, magnetic, etc., may also be used for
providing the necessary clamping force. Included ~nong
2~ releasable bindings of the type referred to are the famil-
iar toe-heel binding and tihe more recent side-clamp bind-
ing~
11~4S~7
In the conventional toe-heel binding a clamping
member is provided for clamping the toe and heel portions
of a ski boot to a ski. In the conventional side-clamp
binding there is provided a movable lateral clamping
member for clamping the sides of a ski boot to a ski rear-
ward of the toe and forward of the rear of the heel of tne
boot.
To facilitate clamping a ski boot to a ski, vari-
ous step-in mechanisms have been proposed and incorporated
in both the toe-heel and side-clamp type ski bindings.
In the conventional toe-heel type ski binding the
step-in mechanism which allows a skier to step into a
binding comprises a clamping member which is set to receive
or is pre-load'ed by a clamping force and is generally
located at the rear and forms an integral part of the ski
boot heel-clamping portion of the toe-heel binding.
Typically the heel step-in mechanism is an overcenter
type mechanism. In the mechanism a member is provided
which extends forwardly of the mechanism to be engaged by
the heel of a sXi boot. To cock the mechanism and apply
the clamping force to the clamping member, the forwardly
extending member is moved to a raised position as by a
strap, lever member or the like. As the heel of the ski
boot is brought to bear thereon, the forwardly extending
member is moved overcenter to a lower position wherein
the full clamping force is applied to the heel of the ski
boot for clamping the ski boot between tne heel and toe
clamping members. Manual cocking or resetting of the
step-in mechanism is typical}y required prior to each
re-entry of the binding.
In the side-clamp type binding, the step-in
mechanisms which heretofore have been proposed are located
at the heel of tne ski boot or in a position to be con-
tacted by the sole of the ski boot generally rearward of
the toe and forward of the rear of the heel of the boot.
In the side-clamp type binding in wnich the step-
77
in mechanism is located at the heel of the ski boot, thereis provided, as in the conventional toe-heel type step-in
binding, a member which extends forwardly of the mechanism
to be engaged by the heel of the ski boot. As in the con-
ventional toe-heel binding, to cock the mechanism and apply
the clamping force to the clamping members, the forwardly
extending member i5 moved to a raised position as by a
strap, lever member or the like. In one such binding, to
manually cock the binding, a force unit comprising a spring
member is moved to a position wl~erein the force of the
spring member is removed from the clamping members. When
the force of the spring member is removed from the clamping
members in this type of binding, the step-in mechanism,
which is itself spring-loaded, is moved by its spring to
engage a part of the clamping member. After the step-in
mechanism engages the clamping member, the force unit is
moved to its clamping position. Witn the force unit moved
to its clamping position, the full clamping force of the
spring member is restrained by the step-in mechanism from
moving the clamping members to their closed or clamping
position.
In use, as the heel of the ski boot is brought to
bear on the forwardly extending member, the forwardly extend-
ing member is move~ from its raised position to a lower
position. As the forwardly extending member is moved to
its lower position, it is disengaged from the clamping
member, thereby allowing the clamping member to engage the
ski boot or other clamp-receiving means attached to the ski
boot with the full clamping force of the spring member.
One of the principal disadvantages of the step-in
mechanism of the aforementioned side-clamp type binding is
that is is necessary to provide a clearance space in the
nature of a cutout in the heel of the boot for the forward-
ly extending heel-engaging member and parts of the step-in
mechanism and force unit rearward thereof. The cutout in
the heel portion of the ski boot is required to provide
77
necessary clearance for the parts of this type of step-in
mechanism and, in particular, to provide the clearance
necessary for the step-in mechanism to automatically reset
during involuntary release. Under certain conditions, the
binding will cock during a release. A-side-clamp type
binding of the type described is shown in the German
specification Offenlegungsschrift 2,649,826.
In the heretofore proposed side-clamp type step-in
binding in which the boot-actuated part of the step-in
0 mechanigm i5 located in a position to be contacted by the
sole of the ski boot generally rearward of the toe and
forward of the rear of the heel of the boot, there is pro-
vided a step-in member which is movably mounted in a hole
provided therefor in a housing of the binding. In this
step-in mechanism the step-in member is provided with a sur-
face for engaging a facing surface on a part of the movable
clamping members. To manually cock the binding prior to
entry of a ski boot therein, a force unit comprising a
spring member is moved to a raised position for removing
the clamping force from the clamping members. With the
clamping force removed from the clamping members, the step-
in member, which is itself spring-loaded, is moved to a
raised position wherein the engaging surface on the step-in
member engages the facing surface on the clamping members.
Thereafter, as the force unit is moved to its clamping
position, the full force of the force unit is brought to
bear on the step-in member. The binding at this point is
prepared for entry.
To enter the binding, a skier places his or her
ski boot in skiing position over the step-in member and,
pressing down, moves the step-in member downwardly into the
housing. As the step-in member is moved downwardly into the
housing, the step-in member disengages from the clamping
members, allowing the clamping members to engage the ski
boot or other clamp-receiving means with the full clamping
force of the force unit.
577
It is also possible to cock or reset the binding
during an involuntary release. This occurs when, during
an involuntary release, the clamping members open against
the force of the spring member and allow the step-in member
5 to move to its cocked position relative to the housing
under the force of its spring member. In either case, when
cocked, the full clamping force of the force unit is brought
to bear on the step-in member. A step-in binding of this
type is described in U.S. Patent 4,063,752, assigned to
10 the applicant of the present application.
In considering the known side-clamp type bindings,
with step-in mechanisms, it is seen that both of the prior
known type bindings have the disadvantage of having the
full clamping force of the-force unit applied to the step-in
15 member for a substantial period of time when the binding
is cocked. This condition imposes severe mechanical
requirements on the various parts of the binding and, in
particular, on the mechanical structure of the step-in
member and facing surface of the clamping members. The
20 previously described side-clamp bindings with the step-in
member located at the heel of the ski boot further suffer
from the disadvantage of being more complicated structur-
ally and requiring specially made ski boots having cutouts
in the heel portion of the sole thereof for providing
25 clearance for parts of the binding mechanism. In com-
parison, the side-clamp type binding with the step-in
member located in use rearward of the toe and forward of
the rear of the heel has a simpler mechanical structure
and does not require special ski boots. Also, the latter
30 binding achieves its objectives without interfering with
the movement of the ski boot relative to a ski in any
direction during shock-absorbing maneuvers or release.
11~64~77
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, a principal object of
; the present invention is a releasable step-in ski binding
with a laterally movable side-clamping member. The side-
clamping member is provided with an open position for
digen~aging a ski boot and a ski, and a closed position for
engaging a ski boot and a ski.
In all embodiments of the invention, there is pro-
vided, coupled to the side-clamping member, a step-in mem-
ber. The step-in member is provided to move in response to
the pressure of a ski boot being inserted in the binding
for moving the vable side-clamping member to its closed
position and thereafter, applying to the side-clamping
member a clamping force for releasably engaging the ski
boot and the ski.
In an embodiment of the invention, according to
the above object the means for closing the clamping member
and thereafter applying a clamping force to the clamping
member comprises a spring member, a connecting member, and
means for coupling the connecting member to the step-in
member. The step-in member is preferably located in a
position to be contacted by the ski boot as the boot is
placed in the ~kiing position. With the ski boot placed
in skiing position, a downward movement of the boot
against the step-in member will cause the movable side-
clamping member to engage the boot at a point rearward of
the toe and forward of the rear of the heel of the boot.
In the embodiment discussed above, as the step-in
member is moved from its clamp-opened pOSitiOIl to its
clamp-closed position, the connecting member moves the
spring member which, in turn, moves the side-clamping
member from its open position to its closed position.
After the side-clamping member is in its closed position,
further movement of the step-in member to what is con-
veniently called a clamping force applied position movesthe spring member in a manner providing a clamping
77
force on the side-clamping member. ~leans are also provided
for voluntarily disengaging a ski boot and a ski and for
adjusting the magnitude of the clamping force clamping a ski
boot to a ski.
In one of the embodiments of the invention, the
connecting member coupling the step-in member to the spring
member is coupled directly to the spring member by means
of the clamping force adjusting means.
In another of the embodiments of the invention,
the connecting member connecting the step-in member to the
spring member is indirectly coupled to the spring member by
means of a pivotal linkage assembly.
In the latter ~mbodiment, the movement of the
step-in member between its clamp-opened and its clamp-
lS closed positions is transmitted to the side-clamping member
through the pivotal linkage assembly. When the step-in
member is moved from its clamp-opened position to its clamp-
closed position, the connecting member connecting the step-
in member to the pivotal linkage assembly begins to
straighten and elongate the pivotal linkage assembly,
causing it to move the side-clamping member to its closed
position. Thereafter, a further movement of the step-in
member to its clamping force applied position changes the
length of the spring member as in the previously describea
embodiment so as to apply a clamping force to the side-
clamping member.
In both embodiments thus far described, the
changing of the length of the spring member comprises com-
pressing the spring member. It is understood, however,
that the same forces could be achieved by suitable means
for extending the spring member.
As in the yreviously described embodiment, the
embodiment incorporating the pivotal linkage assembly also
comprises means for voluntarily moving the side-clamping
member from its closed position to its open position.
In all of the embodiments described, a principal
advantage of the present invention is due to the fact that
4577
none of the elements of the binding is subjected to a
clamping force until after the movable side-clamping mem-
ber is in its closed position. This greatly reduces the
mechanical stress placed on the various binding parts an~
S results in a relatively simple, yet highly reliable bind-
ing. It also results in a binding that is relatively easy
to enter and exit. Indeea, relatively little force is
required for entering the binding. This is because it is
not necessary to overcome any clamping force to close the
binding and once closed, only a minimal, if any, force is
required to lock the clamp force unit to the cla~ping
member for opposing any subsequent opening of the clamping
member.
577
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advan-
tages of the present invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description of the accompanying
drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a bottom plan view of a binding accord-
ing to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view taken
along the lines 2-2 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3a is a bottom plan view of a step-in member
of Fig. 1 according to the present invention.
Figs. 3b and 3c are side cross-sectional views
of the step-in member of Fig. 3a in its clamp-opened and
clamp-closed positions, respectively.
Fig. 3d is a front cross-sectional view of the
step-in member of Figs. 3a-3c.
Fig. 4 is a front view of a release pivot lever
according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the
lines 6-6 of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is a side elevation view of the pivotal
linkage assembly of Figs. 5 and 6 in its clamp-opened
position according to the present in~ention.
Fig. 8 is a front elevation view of a clamp
release member of the embodiment of Figs. 5-6 according to
the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a top plan view of an alternative
clamp holding and release mechanism for use in tne embodi-
ment of Figs. 1 and 2 according to the present invention
with the connecting member omitted for clarity.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a side-elevation view of Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a side-elevation view of an alterna-
tive step-in member according to the present invention.
1~4~S77
Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the step-in ~ember
of Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a rear elevation view of the Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
S pivotal linkage assembly according to the present invention.
Fig. 16 is a side-elevation view of Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a step-in pivotal
linkage cup of Fig. 16.
11~4577
11
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to Fig. 1, there is provided a housing l.
In the housing 1 there is provi~ed an upper or top housing
section lT and a lower or bottom housing section 1~. Mova-
bly mounted between the sections lT and lB in the housing
1 there is provided a pair of laterally movable siae-
clamping members 3 and 4. At the rear end of the members
3 and 4, there is provided a pivot post 5 and 6 about
which the members 3 and 4 pivot. At the forward end of
the members 3 and 4 and at the lateral edges thereof there
is provided a pair of jaw members 7 and 8. The jaw memb-
ers 7 and 8 are provided for engaging a jaw or clamp-
receiving member (not shown) for releasably engaging a ski
boot and a ski rearward of the toe and forward of the rear
of the heel of the boot.
Located between the movable side-clamping members
3 and 4, there is provided a connecting member 10. The
connecting member 10 is an elongated member which extends
substantially the full length of the binding. At its forward
end the connecting member 10 comprises a T-shaped portion 11.
Extending rearwardly and outwardly from the T-shaped portion
11, there is provided a pair of arms 12 and 13. The arms
12 and 13 are provided for slidably engaging facing surfaces
on interior openings in the side-clamping members 3 and 4.
As the connecting member 10 is moved to the right or rear-
wardly, the clamping members 3 and 4 are pulled inwardly.
As the connecting member 10 is moved forwardly or to the
left, a pair of surfaces 14 and 15 on the side-clamping
members 3 and 4 are engaged by facing surfaces 16 and 17
on the connecting member 10 for moving the side-clamping
members 3 and 4 outwardly.
As shown more clearly in Fig. 2, at the rear end
of the housing 1, the connecting member 10 is provided
with a section 21 which extends downwardly a predetermined
distance and rearwardly toward the rear end of the binding
S77
12
for providing a space for receiving a spring member 20.
The spring member 20, as a component of a clamping force
unit, is provided for applying a clamping force to the
side-clamping members 3 and 4, as will be aescribed in
more detail below. At its rear end, and extending perpen-
dicular to the horizontal portion of the section 21, the
connecting member 10 is provided with an upright member
22.
Extending forwardly from the section 21 to a
position just rearward of the outwardly extending arms
12 and 13 of the connecting member 10, there is provided
in the connecting member 10 an elongated slot 25. The slot
25 is provided for receiving a step-in member 26 and a
connecting member 27. As seen more clearly in Fig. 2, the
connecting member 27 extends rearwardly from the step-in
member 26 through the center of and coaxial witih the spring
20 and through a hole provided therefor in the member 22.
The connecting member 27 extending from the
step-in member 26 comprises a generally elongated, rigid,
rod-li~e member. At its forward end the connecting member
27 is provided with a beveled surface 28. At its rear
end, the connecting member 27 is provided with a flange
29. Between the surface 28 and the flange 29, the connect-
ing member 27 is provided with threads 30. The threads 30
are provided for threadably receiving a clamping force
adjustment knob 31. The clamping force adjustment knob 31
is provided for engaging the opposite end of the spring
20. To adjust the magnitude of the clamping force applied
to the side-clamping members 3 and 4, the relative posi-
tion of the knob 31, and consequently the spring 20 on theconnecting member 27 is adjusted by rotating the knob 31
on the connecting member 27.
Located between the upstanding member 22 of the
connecting member 10 and the flange 29 at the end of the
connecting mem~er 27, there is provided a release pivot
member 35.
Referring to Fig. 4, there is provided in ihe
- ~44577
13
release pivot member 35, a hole 36 and a hole 37. The hole
36 is provided for slidably receiving the connecting mem-
ber 27. The hole 37 is provided for receiving the tip
of a ski pole or the like for voluntarily opening the
clamping members 3 and 4 and disengaging a ski boot and a
ski. At a position intermediate the holes 36 and 37, the
release pivot lever 35 is angulated with an upper portion
extending forwardly from the bottom portion thereof. As
seen more clearly in Fig. 2, the member 35 is located
10 between the upstanding member 22 of the connecting member
10 and the flange 29 for moving the connecting member 10
forwardly and the connecting member 27 rearwardly against
the force of the spring 20. In moving the member 35, the
member 35 is pivoted about a pin 38 located at its lower
15 end.
Referring to Figs. 3a-d, there is shown in
several views the step-in member 26. As seen more
clearly in Figs. 3b-d, the step-in member 26 is provided
with a base portion 40. The base portion 40 is adapted to
slide freely in a well or recess 41 provided therefor in
the bottom section lB of the housing 1. On the OppO9 ite
end of the step-in member 26 there is provided a surface
42. The surface 42 is provided for receiving the sole of a
ski boot or the like for moving the step-in member 26 from
a clamp-opened position, as shown in Fig. 3b, to a clamp-
closed position, as shown in Fig. 3c. To move the step-in
member 26 from its clamp-closed position, as shown in Fig.
3c, to its clamp-opened position, as shown in Fig. 3b,
there is provided a spring member 43. Between the base 40
and the upper surface 42, the step-in member 26 is provided
with an inclined surface 44. The inclined surface 44 and
the inclined surface 28 of a connecting mem~er 27 are
facing surfaces.
In operation, a movement of the release pivot
3S lever 35 rearwardly against the flange 29 to the position
shown in broken lines in Fig. 2 separates the step-in
member 2~ and the connecting member 27. The separation of
577
14
the step-in member 26 and the connecting member 27 releases
the step-in member 26 to move from its clamp-closed posi-
tion, as shown in Fig. 3d, to its clamp-opened position,
as shown in Fig. 3b. With the step-in member 26 in its
5 clamp-opened position, as shown in Fig. 3b, the connecting
member 27 is moved forwardly beneath the step-in member 26
such that the inclined surfaces 44 and 28 of the step-in
member 26 and the connecting member 27 are in a facing
relationship. With the connecting member 27 in its st
forward position, the spring member 20 is fully extended.
With the spring member 20 fully extended, the connecting
member 10 coupling the spring 20 to the side-clamping
members 3 and 4 is free to move forwaxdly. With the con-
necting member 10 moved forwardly, the side-clamping members
3 and 4 are free to move outwardly, for preparing the
binding for the entry of a ski boot therein.
With the side-clamping members 3 and 4 moved
outwardly, and the step-in member 26 in its clamp-opened
position, as shown in Fig. 3b, the binding is prepared for
20 the entry of a s~i boot therein. As a ski boot is brought
to bear on the surface 42 of the step-in member 26, the
step-in member 26 is forced downwardly into the well 41.
As the step-in member 26 is forced downwardly into the
well 41, the facing surface 44 engages the surface 28 on
the connecting member 27, moving the connecting member 27
rearwardly. As the connecting member 27 is moved rearward-
ly, the clamping force adjusting knob 31 presses against
the forward end of the spring 20, causing the spring 20 to
be pressed against the upstanding member 22 of the connect-
ing member lO. As the spring 20 presses against the upstand-
ing member 22, the connecting member lO is moved rearwardly.
As the connecting member 10 is moved rearwardly, the
side-clamping members 3 and 4 are moved to their closed
position. Maximum closure of the side-clamping members
occurs when the connecting member 27 is moved to a position
intermediate the positions shown for the connecting member
in Figs. 3b and 3c. With the side-clamping members 3 and 4
577
drawn together to their closest position, a further movement
of the step-in member 26 into the well 41 causes the forward
end of the connecting member 27 to lock in a friction-tight
manner against the vertical side wall of the step-in member 26
and compress the spring 20 against the upstanding member 22 of
the connecting member 10.
The magnitude of the compression of the spring
mem~er 20 and hence the magnitude of the clamping force
imparted to the side-clamping members 3 and 4 depends on
the position of the clamping force adjustment member 31 on
the connecting member 27. When the step-in member 26 is
moved to the fullest extent possible into the well 41, it
is in its clamping force applied position. This is the
position in which the maximum clamping force for any given
position of the force adjustment knob 31 is applied to the
side-clamping members 3 and 4.
At this position, the forward edge of the con-
necting member 27 engages the side wall of the step-in
member 26 in a friction-tight manner. The force with
20 which the leading edge of the connecting member 27 engages
the side wall of the step-in member 26 is equal to the
clamping force. This force retains or holds the step-in
member 26 in its clamp-closed position until the release
pivot lever 35 is moved rearwardly, separating the two
25 members as initially described.
To open the side-clamping members voluntarily to
disengage a ski boot therefrom, the release pivot lever 35
is first moved forwardly against the member 22 and the
force of the spring member 20. As the lever 35 is moved
forwardly, the connecting member 10 is also moved forwardly
opening the side-clamping members. After a skl boot is
removed therefrom, the lever 35 is moved rearwardly as pre-
viously described to release and reset the step-in member
26 to its clamp-opened position, preparing the binding for
35 re-entry.
Re~erring to Fig. 5, there is provided in anotner
embodiment of the present invention, similar in a number
~;
-- 1144S77
16
of respects to the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, a housing 100.
In the housing 100 there is provided an upper or top hous-
ing section 100T and z lower or bottom housing section 100B.
Movably mounted between sections 100T and 100B in the
5 housing 100 there is provided a pair of laterally movable
side-clamping members 102 and 103. Movably mounted in the
center of the side-clamping members 102 and 103 there is
provided a connecting member 110. At its forward end, the
connecting member 110 is provided with a pair of outwardly
10 extending arms 112 and 113. The arms 112 and 113 extend
generally forwardly ~or engaging facing surfaces in reces-
ses provided therefor in clamping members 102 and 103.
The engaging of the facing surfaces between the arms
112 and 113 and the clamping members 102 and 103 is pro-
15 vided for drawing the clamping members 102 and 103 togetheras the connecting member 110 is moved forwardly or to the
left, as shown in Fig, S. On the opposite side of the
arms 112 and 113, there are provided surfaces 116 and 117.
The surfaces 116 and 117 are provided for engaging facing
surfaces 114 and 115 on the clamping members 102 and 103
for moving the clamping members 102 and 103 outwardly to
their open position as the connecting member 110 is drawn
rearwardly or to the right, as shown in Fig. 5. At the
rear end of the connecting member 110, the connecting
member 110 is provided with an upstanding member 120.
Located in the center of the connecting member 110 and
extending forwardly from the upstanding member 120 there
is provided an elongated slot 121. The slot 121 is pro-
vided for receiving a step-in member 126 and a connecting
member 127.
The step-in member 126, which is substantially
identical to the step-in member 26 of Figs. 3a-d, is pro-
vided with an inclined surface 129 for engaging a correspond-
ing facing surface 128 on the forward end of the connecting
member 127. Forward of the inclined surface 129 there is
provided in the step-in member 126 a spring member 133.
In the bottom section 100~ of the housing 1, there is provided
1~4577
17
a well or recess 134. The well or recess 134 is provided
for receiving the bottom portion of the step-in member 1;26
when the step-in member 126 is moved from a clamp-opened
position to a clamp-closed position. The spring member
5 133, like the spring member 43, is provided for moving the
step-in member 126 from its clamp-closed position to its
clamp-opened position, as will be further described.
At the rear end of the connecting member 127 there
is provided a pivotal linkage assembly 137. In the linkage
10 assembly 137 there is provided a forward link member 138,
an intermediate link member 139 and a spring rod member 140.
The link members 138 and 139 are pivotally coupled by means
of a pivot pin 141. The link members 139 and spring rod
member 140 are pivotally coupled by means of a pivot pin 142.
In the upstanding member 120 there is provided a
recess for receiving the forward end of the link member 138.
The link member 138 is provided to slidably pivot in the
recess, as will be described below.
In the spring rod member 140, there is provided a
20 plurality of threads 143. The threads 143 are provided for
threadably receiving a clamping force adjustment knob 144.
At the rear end of the rod 140 there is provided a fixed,
upstanding member 145. In the member 145, there is provided
a hole for slidably receiving the end of the rod 140.
25 Between the member 145 and the clamping force adjustment knob
14g, there is provided a spring 146. The spring 146 is pro-
vided for providing a clamping force.
At the rear end of the connecting member 127,
the connecting member 127 is provided with a beveled sur-
30 face 147. The beveled surface 147 is provided for movingthe link members 138 and 139 of the linkage assembly 137
from a clamp-opened position to a clamp-closed postion, as
will be further described below.
Coupled to the linkage assembly 137 there is
35 provided a T-shaped pivot linkage assembly release member
150.
Referring to Fig. 8, there is provided in tne
"
~4577
18
release member 150 a pair of outwardly exten~ing arms 151
and 152. Arms 151 and 152 extend outwardly from the top
of the member 150. At its bottom or lower end, the member
150 is coupled to the link member 138 and 13g of the link-
5 age assembly 137 by means of the pivot pin 141.
The operation of the apparatus of Figs. 5-8
may now be described.
If the step-in member 126 is initially assumed to
be in its clamp-opened position, the step-in member 126 is
10 in a raised position, as shown in Fig. 3a for the me~rber 26
of the apparatus of Figs. 1-4. With the step-in member
126 in its raised position, and held there at least tempora-
rily by the spring member 133, the connecting member 127 is
moved to its forwardmost or clamp-opened position. With
15 the connecting member 127 in its clam~?-opened position,
the connecting member 127 is moved forwardly or to the
left of the position shown in Fig. 6. With the connecting
member 127 in its clamp-opened position, the linkage assem-
bly 137, comprising the linking members 138, 139 al~d 140,
20 are moved to their clamp-opened position in which the
spring member 146 is relaxed or fully extended, as shown
in Fig. 7.
To enter the binding of Figs. 5 and 6, a skier
places a ski boot in a skiing position over the step-in
25 member 126. As the ski boot is brought to bear on the top
of the step-in member 126, the step-in member is forced
downwardly into the well 134 provided therefor in the
bottom section lB of the housing 1. As the step-in member
126 is moved downwardly into the housing 1, the connecting
30 member 127 is pushed rearwardly by the facing surfaces 128
and 129. As the connecting member 127 is pushed rearwardly,
the inclined surface 147 at the rear end of the connecting
member 127 engages the link member 138 of the pivotal
linkage assembly 137. As the connecting member 127 engages
35 the link member 138, tne link member 138 is raised, causing
the linkage assembly 137 to begin straightening out or
S77
19
elongating. The straightening out or elongation of the link-
age assembly 137 causes the connecting member 110 to be moved
forwardly due to the pressure of the link member 138 against
the upstanding member 120. As the connecting member 110 is
5 moved forwardly, the clamping members 102 and 103 are caused
to be pulled inwardly to their closed position. When the
clamping members 102 and 103 have been moved to their
fully closed position, the further straightening or elonga-
tion of the pivotal linkage assembly by the connecting
10 member 127 results in a compression of the spring member
144 as the adjusting knob 144 is pushed against the spring
member 146. Once the linkage assembly 137 is fully extended,
as shown in Fig. 6, the full clamping force, depending on
the position of the force adjustment knob 144 is applied
to the side-clamping members 102 and 103. To adjust
the magnitude of the clamping force applied to the side-
clamping men~bers 102 and 103, the clamping force adjusting
member 144 may be rotated on the rod 140 for changing the
compression of the spring member 146.
With the linkage member 137 in its fully extended
position, as shown in Fig. 6, the connecting member 127 is
free to move rearwardly relative to the step-in member 126.
Alternatively, the step-in member 126 and the member 127
are loosely coupled so that the step-in member 126 is free
25 to move to its clamp-opened position under the force of the
spring member 133.
To voluntarily open the side-clamping members
102 and 103 and to reset the binding for re-entry following
an involuntary release, the release member 150 is pushed
30 downwardly toward the linkage assembly 137. As the release
member 150 is pushed downwardly toward the pivotal linkage
assembly 137, the linking members 138 and 139 are caused
to pivot about their pivot pins 141 and 142. As the
linking members 138 and 139 are caused to pivot about their
35 pivot pins 141 and 142, the link member 138 comes into
contact with the inclined surface 147 of the connecting
member 127. As the link member 138 comes into contact with
577
the inclined surface 147 of the connecting member 127, the
connecting member 127 is caused to be ved forwardly. At
the same time that the connecting member 127 is caused to
move forwardly, the beveled surface 128 at the forward end
S of the connecting member 127 moves beneath the step-in mem-
ber 126. As the surface 128 moves beneath the member 126,
the spring load i9 remove~ from the connecting member
110, thereby unloading the side-clamping members 102 and
103.
Referring to Figs. 9, 10 and 11, there is provided
an alternative mechanism for applying a clamping force on
the side-clamping members 3 and 4 of the apparatus of
Figs. 1-4. As seen in Figs. 9-11, the mechanism is a lock-
ing mechanism designated generally as 200. In the mecha-
nism 200, there is provided a base 201 for mounting the
mechanism in a location replacing the release lever 35.
Extending upwardly from the base 201, there is provided a
pair of frame members 202. The frame members 202 are
provided for supporting a sliding blade member or pawl
203. The pawl 203 is provided for releasably engaging a
notch or detent 204 in the connecting member 27. Extend-
ing upwardly from the frame members 202, there is provided
a step-in cup member 205. The step-in cup member 205 is
provided at its upper end with a recess 206. Extending
downwardly along opposite sides of the connecting member
27 from the base of the cup portion 206, there is provided
a pair of spaced leg members 207. The leg members 207 are
provided for engaging the blade or pawl 203 for moving the
blade or pawl 203 downwardly against the force of a spring
member 208 for removing the blade or pawl 203 from the
detent 204.
As previously indicated, the mechanism 200 may
be used in lieu of the release lever 35 in the apparatus of
Figs. 1 and 2. When used in lieu of the release lever 35,
the mechanism 200 is typically mounted at the rear of the
binding and the location of the lever 35. If necessary,
the connecting member 27 is made somewhat longer than neces-
".;
11~4577
21
sary when using the release lever 35 to provide sufficient
clearance due to the somewhat larger dimensions of the
mechanism 200.
The principal advantage of the mechanisM 200 is
I 5 to eliminate the requirement for a friction fit between the
I connecting member 27 an~ the wall of the step-in member 26
when the step-in member 26 is in its clamp-closed position.
In use, as the step-in member 26 is moved to its
clamp-closed position, the connecting member 27 is moved
rearwardly, closing the clamping members 3 and 4 and com-
pressing the spring 20. As the step-in member 26 moves
the connecting member 27 rearwardly, the notch 204 is
engaged by the pawl 203. When the notch 204 is engaged by
the pawl 203, the force unit comprising the spring member
20 is locked to the side-clamping members 3 and 4 for
applying a clamping force to the side-clamping members.
To release the connecting member 27, as during a voluntary
release, a ski pole tip or the like is inserted in the
cup 206 to move the cup downwardly. As the cup 206 is
moved downwardly, the pawl 203 is removed from the detent
204 releasing the connecting member 27.
Referring to Figs. 12-14, there is provided an
alternative step-in member 226 and connecting member 227.
As in the previously described step-in members, the step-
25 in member 226 is provided with a base 228 and an upper
surface 229. The base 228 is provided for centering the
step-in member 226 in a well or recess 230 provided there-
for in the bottom section lB of the housing 1. The sur-
face 229 is provided for receiving the sole of a ski boot
for moving the step-in member 226 between its clamp-opened
position and its clamp-closed position. Between the base
228 and the surface 229, the step-in member 226 is provided
with an inclined surface 231. The inclined surface 231 is
provided for slidably engaging a corresponding facing
35 surface 232 on the connecting member 228.
The principal difference between the step-in
member 226 and the step-in members 26 and 126 of the pre-
S77
22
viously described embodiments is that a step-in spring
member for moving the step-in member 226 from its clamp-
closed position to its clamp-opened position is not
required. Instead, the inclined surface of the connect-
ing member 228, when moved to its most rearward position,remains in sliding contact with the inclined surface 231
o~ the step-in member 226. With the surfaces 231 and 232
in facing relationship, a movement of the connecting mem-
ber 228 toward the step-in member 226 will cause the step-
in member 226 to be raised to its clamp-opened position
by the connecting member 228.
Referring to Figs. 15, 16 and 17, there is
shown an alternative linkage assembly release member
250. In the release member 250 there is provided a
recess or step-in cup 251. The step-in cup 251 is provided
for receiving the tip of a ski pole or the like. Extend-
ing from the base of the cup 251, there is provided a
pair of spdced leg members 252 and 253. The spaced leg
members 252 and 253 are provided for attaching the member
250 to the link members 138 and 139 of the linkage assembly
137.
In operation, with the linkage assembly 137
fully extended, as shown in Fig. 6, a ski pole tip or the
like placed in the s~ep-in cup 251 of the member 250
may be used for moving the pivotal linkage assembly down-
wardly for shoxtening the linkage assembly, as shown in
Fig. 16. AS the linkage assembly 137 is moved downwardly,
the connecting member 228 is moved forwardly. As the
connecting member 228 is moved forwardly, the facing
surfaces 231 and 232 on the step-ir. member 226 and the
connecting member 228 move relative to each other, caus-
ing the step-in member 226 to be moved upwardly to its
clamp-opened position, as represented in Fig. 3a for the
step-in member 26.
Several embodiments of a ski binding according to
the present invention are disclosed. It is contemplated,
however, that still other modifications may be made to the
li4~577
23
embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For example, the force unit
for applying a clamping force to the movable side-clamping
members is described as comprising a compressible spring
member. While a compressible spring member is a convenient
means for providing a clamping force, other types of spring
members may be used. Indeed, with suitable modifications
well within the skill of the art, other types of force
units such as electric and magnetic force units may also
be used. Accordingly, it is intended that the embodiments
disclosed be considered only for purposes of illustrating
the invention and that the scope of the invention be
determined by reference to the claims hereafter appended
and their equivalents.
