Title:
SKI BINDING WITH AUTOMATIC BOOT-TO-SKI RETURN
United States Patent 3825274
Abstract:
A safety-type binding in which spring-actuated drums are rotatably mounted on the ski adjacent the heel and toe to pay out and retract elongated, flexible leashes connected to the boot. In a skiing phase of operation, the binding yieldably holds the boot in the normal skiing position and permits limited shock-absorbing movement in which the leashes are payed out slightly under decreasing resistance. If forces in excess of a preselected safe level are applied and cause relative movement beyond the shock-absorbing range, the binding shifts to a release phase to permit more of the leashes to be payed off of their respective drums and the boot and ski to move relatively freely away from one another, while the ski remains leashed to the boot. The leashes are retracted and the boot and ski are drawn back together when the separation forces have abated and, once they are proximate one another, the binding automatically shifts back to the skiing phase to further retract the leashes and bring the boot back into the skiing position.
US Patent References:
RETAINING DEVICE FOR SAFETY SKI BINDINGS
Marker - June 1969 - 3448989
SAFETY SKI BINDING
Gertsch et al. - January 1970 - 3489424
AUXILIARY SKI BINDING
Wiederman - December 1970 - 3549163
SAFETY SKI BINDING
Witting - October 1973 - 3764154
RETAINING DEVICE FOR SAFETY SKI BINDINGS
Marker - June 1969 - 3448989
SAFETY SKI BINDING
Gertsch et al. - January 1970 - 3489424
AUXILIARY SKI BINDING
Wiederman - December 1970 - 3549163
SAFETY SKI BINDING
Witting - October 1973 - 3764154
Application Number:
05/255375
Publication Date:
07/23/1974
Filing Date:
05/22/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
National Recreation Industries, Inc. (Stamford, CT)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
280/637, 280/618
International Classes:
A63C9/00; A63C9/08; A63C9/086; A63C9/08
Field of Search:
280/11.35N,11.35R,11.35C,11.35K,11.35T
Primary Examiner:
Schonberg, David
Assistant Examiner:
Smith, Milton L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Fulwider, Patton, Rieber, Lee & Utecht
Parent Case Data:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation-in-part of my copending application, Ser. No. 90,361, filed Nov. 17, 1970 and now abandoned, entitled "Ski Binding With Automatic Boot-To-Toe Return".
Claims:
I claim
1. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
2. A ski binding as in claim 1, wherein said actuating means further includes adjustment means for varying the forces exerted by said first and second springs.
3. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, including:
4. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski, in a normal skiing condition, comprising:
5. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein said actuating means further includes adjustment means for adjustably establishing the magnitude of the resultant force on said leash means when said leash means is in its retracted condition.
6. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein the resultant force on said leash means controlled by said controlling means is maximum when said leash means is substantially in said retracted condition, progressively reduces during initial extension of a relatively small extent and, thereafter, remains substantially constant over at least the major portion of further extension of relatively large extent in said extended condition.
7. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein said actuating means is operable automatically after extension of said leash means from said retracted condition to reduction of said separating force to below the then existing resultant force on said leash means, to initiate retraction of said leash means and continue such retraction so long as the separating force is below the resultant retraction force being then applied to said leash means, to return said leash means to its retracted condition.
8. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein said elements include cooperating means engageable to reduce the magnitude of force required to cause extension of said leash means when applied to said leash means through said elements in a lateral direction with respect to the ski as compared to that required to cause such extension when applied in a direction normal to the ski.
9. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein:
10. A ski binding as in claim 9, wherein the distance between the point of separation of said leash from said drum and said axis of rotation remains substantially constant and the effective force exerted on said drum by said spring means progressively reduces during at least an initial portion of leash extension.
11. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
12. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein the resultant resistive force on said leash after said elements have moved more than said predetermined distance away from each other is substantially lower than the resultant force when said elements are in said skiing relationship.
13. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein the resultant resistive force produced by said control means progressively decreases as said elements move said predetermined distance away from each other and, thereafter, remains at a reduced level for over at least the major portion of the movement of such elements such substantial distance away from each other, so as to free the boot and ski for movement to non-aligned relative positions.
14. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein said means acting on said leash-receiving means comprises a spring which acts directly on said leash-receiving means;
15. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
16. A ski binding as in claim 15, including a soleplate adapted for detachable engagement with the boot, and a housing mounting said leash-receiving member, said spring means and said control means,
17. A ski binding as in claim 15, wherein said control means includes a cam surface on said leash-receiving member, which is effective during rotation of said member corresponding to initial extension of said leash, for varying the moment arm with which the spring force is applied through said member to said leash.
18. A ski binding as in claim 15, further including cooperating first and second guides mountable respectively on the boot and ski which engage to guide said elements into said predetermined skiing relationship during such retraction of said leash.
19. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski, in a normal skiing condition, said binding comprising:
20. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein:
21. A ski binding as in claim 20, wherein said means for controlling the resultant force comprises a cam surface on said drum for progressively increasing the moment arm through which separating forces on said leash act through said drum on said spring, as the extent of separation of said elements increases during at least a portion of the rotation of said drum.
22. A ski binding as in claim 21, wherein said cam surface is carried by said drum, and curves progressively away from the axis of rotation thereof to increase said moment arm in response to rotation of said drum in a direction to extend said leash.
23. A ski binding as in claim 19, wherein said first and second elements include cooperating guide means for guiding said elements into said skiing relationship as said leash means is retracted from its extended condition to its retracted condition.
24. A ski binding as in claim 19, including a soleplate adapted for detachable mounting on the boot, said soleplate carrying said first element.
25. A ski binding as in claim 19, including two substantially similar binding units, one of said binding units associated with and for controlling the toe end of the boot and the other associated with and for controlling the heel end, each of said units having said first and second elements, said leash means and said resistive means and said units being operable substantially independently of one another.
26. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
27. A ski binding as in claim 26 wherein said connecting means comprises an elongated, flexible leash that serves as the sole force-applying connection between said first and second elements, said leash being extendible and retractable and being in a retracted condition during said skiing phase to hold the boot in such skiing position and in an extended condition during said release phase to permit the boot and ski to move to such non-aligned positions while retaining the ski in leashed relationship with the boot.
1. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
2. A ski binding as in claim 1, wherein said actuating means further includes adjustment means for varying the forces exerted by said first and second springs.
3. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, including:
4. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski, in a normal skiing condition, comprising:
5. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein said actuating means further includes adjustment means for adjustably establishing the magnitude of the resultant force on said leash means when said leash means is in its retracted condition.
6. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein the resultant force on said leash means controlled by said controlling means is maximum when said leash means is substantially in said retracted condition, progressively reduces during initial extension of a relatively small extent and, thereafter, remains substantially constant over at least the major portion of further extension of relatively large extent in said extended condition.
7. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein said actuating means is operable automatically after extension of said leash means from said retracted condition to reduction of said separating force to below the then existing resultant force on said leash means, to initiate retraction of said leash means and continue such retraction so long as the separating force is below the resultant retraction force being then applied to said leash means, to return said leash means to its retracted condition.
8. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein said elements include cooperating means engageable to reduce the magnitude of force required to cause extension of said leash means when applied to said leash means through said elements in a lateral direction with respect to the ski as compared to that required to cause such extension when applied in a direction normal to the ski.
9. A ski binding as in claim 4, wherein:
10. A ski binding as in claim 9, wherein the distance between the point of separation of said leash from said drum and said axis of rotation remains substantially constant and the effective force exerted on said drum by said spring means progressively reduces during at least an initial portion of leash extension.
11. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
12. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein the resultant resistive force on said leash after said elements have moved more than said predetermined distance away from each other is substantially lower than the resultant force when said elements are in said skiing relationship.
13. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein the resultant resistive force produced by said control means progressively decreases as said elements move said predetermined distance away from each other and, thereafter, remains at a reduced level for over at least the major portion of the movement of such elements such substantial distance away from each other, so as to free the boot and ski for movement to non-aligned relative positions.
14. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein said means acting on said leash-receiving means comprises a spring which acts directly on said leash-receiving means;
15. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
16. A ski binding as in claim 15, including a soleplate adapted for detachable engagement with the boot, and a housing mounting said leash-receiving member, said spring means and said control means,
17. A ski binding as in claim 15, wherein said control means includes a cam surface on said leash-receiving member, which is effective during rotation of said member corresponding to initial extension of said leash, for varying the moment arm with which the spring force is applied through said member to said leash.
18. A ski binding as in claim 15, further including cooperating first and second guides mountable respectively on the boot and ski which engage to guide said elements into said predetermined skiing relationship during such retraction of said leash.
19. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski, in a normal skiing condition, said binding comprising:
20. A ski binding as in claim 11, wherein:
21. A ski binding as in claim 20, wherein said means for controlling the resultant force comprises a cam surface on said drum for progressively increasing the moment arm through which separating forces on said leash act through said drum on said spring, as the extent of separation of said elements increases during at least a portion of the rotation of said drum.
22. A ski binding as in claim 21, wherein said cam surface is carried by said drum, and curves progressively away from the axis of rotation thereof to increase said moment arm in response to rotation of said drum in a direction to extend said leash.
23. A ski binding as in claim 19, wherein said first and second elements include cooperating guide means for guiding said elements into said skiing relationship as said leash means is retracted from its extended condition to its retracted condition.
24. A ski binding as in claim 19, including a soleplate adapted for detachable mounting on the boot, said soleplate carrying said first element.
25. A ski binding as in claim 19, including two substantially similar binding units, one of said binding units associated with and for controlling the toe end of the boot and the other associated with and for controlling the heel end, each of said units having said first and second elements, said leash means and said resistive means and said units being operable substantially independently of one another.
26. A ski binding for releasably holding a ski boot on top of and in alignment with a ski in normal skiing position, comprising:
27. A ski binding as in claim 26 wherein said connecting means comprises an elongated, flexible leash that serves as the sole force-applying connection between said first and second elements, said leash being extendible and retractable and being in a retracted condition during said skiing phase to hold the boot in such skiing position and in an extended condition during said release phase to permit the boot and ski to move to such non-aligned positions while retaining the ski in leashed relationship with the boot.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a safety-type ski binding adapted to release a boot from skiing position on a ski in response to forces applied to one or both in excess of a safe level.
Safety bindings are now widely accepted and significantly aid in preventing skiing injuries. Such bindings serve to hold the boot on and in alignment with the ski in the normal skiing position during normal conditions and to release the boot in response to excessive lateral or vertical forces that might result in injury. A substantial holding or coupling force is required because of the nature of the equipment and the maneuvers made in skiing. Provision should be made for limited movement between the boot and ski to allow for absorption of shock without release of the boot. Typically, slight shock-absorbing movements are permitted at both the heel and at the toe. When an abnormal or break-out force in excess of a predetermined safe level is applied, as a result of a fall or otherwise, the boot quickly moves beyond the shock-absorbing range and release occurs to prevent the application of further force which could result in injury.
Such bindings typically are adjustable not only for boot size but also to adapt them, insofar as release is concerned, to the physical characteristics and condition of the given skier. This latter adjustment serves to vary the force level at which release will occur.
It is also desirable from a safety standpoint, as well as for practical convenience, that the ski be retained in association with the boot after release. To accomplish this, conventional practice has been to provide an elongated leash which is connected between the ski and the boot to allow the ski to separate from the boot while preventing complete escape. A wide variety of types of leaches have been provided, the most common comprising a single strap fixed at one end to the ski and adapted for detachable connection to the boot at the other. There also have been elastic leashes and extendible-retractable leashes mounted on spring-actuated drums so that separation of the boot and ski following release is yieldably resisted. The latter type of leashes are intended to urge the ski and boot toward one another following release by the main binding and, thereby, avoid so-called "cartwheeling" or uncontrolled movement of the ski, which pose a risk of injury. A characteristic of all the leashes heretofore available is that they are auxiliary units that are separate for the main force-applying link between the boot and ski.
From the convenience standpoint, it is important that the boot be engaged in the binding relatively easily. Coupling of the boot to the ski is accomplished manually with many bindings. Others have been provided with a "step-in" capability which permits the skier to couple the boot to the ski by placing the boot in the binding and forcing it toward the ski.
Thus, after emergency release, it has been necessary to follow essentially the same procedure preparatory to resuming skiing that was necessary to engage the boot initially in the binding. This required either the actuation of clamps or the like by hand, or the positioning of the boot in the binding prior to pressing it toward the ski with sufficient force to actuate the binding to grip the boot. Since release often occurs on steep and slippery slopes or in deep powder snow, such recoupling has posed a real inconvenience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The binding of the present invention meets the safety and operational criteria set forth above and has many important advantages not present in prior devices including, significantly, an automatic recoupling capability. It functions in two phases of operation. In a first or skiing phase, the boot is yieldably held on the ski in skiing position by connecting means and associated force-exerting actuating means in such a manner as to permit only slight shock-absorbing range of movement. The actuating means is responsive to the application of forces in excess of a safe level to permit relative movement of the boot and ski. Continued application of excessive forces resulting in such relative movement beyond the shock-absorbing range, operate the actuating means to a second or release phase. In this latter phase, the force on the connecting means resisting separation is reduced so as to permit the boot and ski to move apart more easily and free them for relative movement away from one another, thereby protecting the skier against injury. While the boot and ski are then relatively free of one another, they continue to be retained in association by the connecting means to prevent the escape of the ski.
After this separation during the release phase and after the forces causing separation have abated, the actuating means operates to draw the boot and ski back together. Once they are proximate one another, the actuating means shifts back into its skiing phase and acts to restore the preselected force and cause the boot to be forcefully drawn into skiing position and yieldably maintained there. By virtue of this return capability, the binding of the invention avoids the problems inherent in recoupling the boot and ski under difficult conditions with equipment heretofore available.
Another more detailed aspect of the invention is that the connecting means, which may conveniently comprise an elongated, flexible leash, serves as the sole force-applying link between the boot and ski. Because of this, the binding may be made relatively simple in construction yet reliable in operation. Moreover, detachably engaging the boot with the ski in initially preparing the ski and detaching it when through may be quickly and easily accomplished.
In the illustrative embodiments of the invention, two substantially identical binding units are mounted on the ski, one operatively associated with the heel and the other operatively associated with the toe. The actuating means of each unit comprises a spring-actuated drum mounting connecting means in the form of the elongated, flexible leash. The drums rotate to pay out and retract the leashes to permit the slight shock-absorbing movement in the skiing phase, and to permit the boot and ski to move a substantial distance away from one another to assume a relatively "free-floating" relationship and to draw them back toward one another during the release phase. The spring force acts to rotate the drums so as to retract the leashes or, conversely, to resist rotation in the opposite directions in which the leashes are payed out. Such force is high during the skiing phase and relatively low during the release phase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view of a diagrammatic equivalent of an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view illustrating a cooperating pair of binding units constructed in accordance with the invention and in their skiing phases mounting a boot in skiing position on a ski;
FIG. 3 is a view on an enlarged scale, partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating the rear or heel binding shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along the lines 4--4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the binding illustrated in FIG. 3 mounted on a ski but in its release phase with the connecting means extended;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 7, partly in elevation and partly in section, illustrating another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along the lines 7--7;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view on an enlarged scale of the cam surface on the drum shown in FIG. 6, with certain cooperating parts being shown in phantom lines;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines 9--9 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the lines 10--10 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a portion of the binding unit shown at the left end of FIG. 6; and
FIG. 12 is a bottom view on a reduced scale of a boot-receiving sole plate assembly shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, the invention is embodied in a ski binding for coupling a boot 10 on a ski 12 in skiing relation, and having release and automatic return capabilities. Mounting elements are provided on the boot and ski and are joined by connecting means. Actuating means carried by one of the elements and coupled to the connection means, act on the latter to achieve the desired retention, release and return functions.
For purposes of providing a further understanding of the function of the binding, and referring more particularly to the diagrammatic representation of FIG. 1, the binding of the invention involves a mechanical switch 14, which functions, in a first or skiing phase, to retain the boot 10 on the ski 12 in skiing relationship despite the application of substantial force below a preselected magnitude on one or both of these members. Mechanical switch 14 permits slight displacement of the boot relative to the ski as might result from normal shocks encountered in skiing. When the preselected magnitude of force and/or displacement is exceeded, the binding shifts to a second or release phase and the boot assumes a "free-floating" relationship with respect thereto. The relationship is free floating in the sense that the force resisting separation is substantially reduced and the boot may move in a variety of angles and directions relative to the ski so as to prevent injury. A retractable connection 16 assures that the boot 10 does not become completely disconnected from the ski 12 and, as will be shown, includes an elongated, flexible leash diagrammatically indicated at 18 for this purpose. The mounting of this permanent connection, however, is such as not to interfere with the free floating relationship indicated above.
Referring still to FIG. 1, the leash 18 is extendible and retractable and extends during relative movement of the boot 10 and ski 12. The retractable connection 16 stores energy as the boot becomes displaced relative to the ski, this stored energy being effective upon abating of the separating forces to retract the leash 18, thereby drawing the boot 10 back towards the ski 12. To assure that the boot moves into proper attitude and alignment on the ski, a guiding structure 20 is provided, the details of which will be indicated hereinafter. When the boot and ski are drawn proximate one another, the binding shifts back to its skiing phase. This results in the boot 10 being forcefully drawn into and again yieldably held in skiing position under the influence of the preselected force.
A coupling 22 is indicated in FIG. 1 between the switch 14 and the retractable connection 16, this merely indicating that this element 16 is effective to store energy during all displacements of the boot 10, including those displacements which are permitted by switch 14. As will be seen, the coupling 22 is not always essential inasmuch as within a certain range of proximity of the boot 10 to the ski 12, the switch 14 may assume the coupling function and bring the boot 10 into homing relationship on the ski 12 and yieldably retain it there.
The structure for coupling the boot to the ski in the cases of both the switch 14 and the retractable connection 16 comprises connecting means and, as will appear, may advantageously constitute a single link, namely, the leash 18. Also, the sensing and force-applying functions of the switch 14 and the connection 16 may be considered as being carried out by actuating means, and may physically comprise separate elements or, as in the illustrative form, embody common elements.
Referring to FIG. 2, a pair of bindings 24 and 26 constructed in accordance with the invention are shown mounted in a cooperating arrangement on ski 12 to releasably retain or couple the boot 10 in skiing relationship. The binding 24 is mounted on the ski 12 adjacent toe portion 28 of the boot 10, and binding 26 is mounted on the ski adjacent the heel portion 30. The mode of operation and the details of bindings 24 and 26 will be more clearly understood from an examination of FIGS. 3 and 4, which show the details of the heel binding 26, the binding 24 being similar in construction and operation.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, a casing 32 is shown mounted on the ski 12 by screws 34 and 36. The casing 32 rotatably supports a shaft 38 on which is rotatably mounted a drum 40. The leash 18, here comprising a wire cable, is wound upon the drum 40 and is preferably accommodated within a groove 44 and has a free end 46 provided with a bead 48 thereon.
A guide section 50 is connected to the boot 10 by means of screws 52 and 54. This guide section is provided with an opening through which the leash 18 extends, the bead 48 providing for connection of the leash 18 to guide section 50. Preferably, although not necessarily, the opening 56 has a top opening (FIGS. 3 and 5) slot 57 through which the cable may be removed to free the boot, which in this instance carries guide section 50 to enable the boot, if desired, to be completely detached from the ski. A cooperating guide section 58 is provided on the ski, the section 58 being provided with a bore 60 through which the leash 18 also extends. Thus, it may be seen that guide sections 50 and 58 are mating male and female connecting and guiding elements having suitable configurations for guiding the boot into a predetermined attitude relative to ski 12. The shapes of the mating surfaces of elements may be conical or pyramidal or the like; and, as is hereinafter explained, shaped so as to obtain a desired variation in the external forces applied to the boot and/or ski to extend the leash 18 depending upon the direction of application.
A fixture 62 is connected to the leash 18 and limits the amount of leash 18 which can be payed off the drum 40, since the fixture 62 cannot pass beyond the pulley 44. The drum 40 therefore constitutes a displaceable element in the rotational sense, and the fixture 62 limits this displacement to less than one rotation.
A spiral spring 70 is provided in operative association with the drum 40 and arranged to bias the drum in a direction to retract the leash 18. The spring 70 has an end 72 engaged with the shaft 38. Mounted on the shaft 38 is a ratchet 74 adapted for engagement by a pawl 76, whereby the strength of the spring 70 can be adjusted by insertion of an appropriate tool in a slot 78 provided in one end of shaft 38. The other end 80 of the spring 70 may be connected to an end of the leash 18, or to the periphery of the drum 40, as shown in FIG. 3. As is apparent, the shaft 38 is rotated to effect adjustment of the spring force, but remains stationary during rotation of the drum 40 in paying out and retracting leash 18.
A force substantially greater than that exerted by spring 70 is exerted on the leash 18 by a second spring 88 which also acts on the drum 40 to urge it in a direction to retract the leash. The spring 88 is active during the skiing phase to draw forcefully the boot into skiing position and yieldably retain it there and is disabled during the release phase. This spring is active over a relatively small range of movement which may be considered as a shock-absorbing range. As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drum 40 is provided with an outwardly opening slot or cam cut 82 which accommodates a pin 84 on one arm 86 of the spring 88, another arm 90 of which is connected to a nut 92 on an adjustment screw 94. Adjustment of head 96 of the screw 94 operates through the nut 92 to alter the strength of spring 88. In this manner, adjustment of the preselected force may be accomplished.
By appropriate shaping of the slot 82 and choice of the spring 88, the resistance to extension of the leash 18 may be programmed in a desired fashion. Preferably, the resistance is maximum when the leash 18 is fully retracted and the boot 18 is in skiing position, and then progressively decreases fairly rapidly over the first phase as the leash extends. With such an arrangement, a force in excess of the preselected magnitude must be applied to the leash 18 before any extension occurs. The binding is then responsive to extension of the leash to reduce the resistance in the indicated manner. Finally, the resistance is at a relatively low level during the second phase, for example, at less than one-half of the maximum. It will be understood that there need be no marked variation in the rate of change of resistance in transitioning from the first to the second phase. In fact, a smooth transition between phases, without any sharp break in the force-distance curve, is preferable.
As may be seen in FIG. 3, the pin 84 moves progressively farther from the center of rotation of the drum 40 as the latter rotates to pay out the leash 18. Thus, the movement arm becomes progressively larger and, in this manner, the desired progressive decrease in resistance during the skiing phase is achieved. While there is some increasing resistance exerted by the spring 88 as it is torqued, it is not enough to overcome the effect of the progressive increase in length of the movement arm.
Assuming that forces are exerted on the boot 10 and/or ski 12 which tend to displace the boot 10 from its skiing position illustrated in FIG. 3 relative to ski 12, these forces and the resulting displacement will be yieldably resisted by the spring 88 and by the pin 84 riding in groove or slot 82. In other words, during this first or skiing phase of operation, a slight shock-absorbing displacement of the boot 10 will be permitted against the yieldable opposition of spring 88. The spring 70 also acts during this phase, but its effect is relatively insignificant.
Responsive to a force acting on the leash 18, which is in excess of the preselected level, and extension of the leash 18 beyond the shock-absorbing range, the drum 40 rotates sufficiently to allow the pin 84 to escape from the slot 82. The spring 88 will no longer resist rotation of the drum 40, and the binding then enters its second or release phase of operation in which the only resistance to displacement of the boot 10 is offered by the spring 70 to the limit permitted by the position of fixture 62 on leash 18. The resistance is light relative to that initially imposed and the boot 10 may move under this reduced resistance a substantial distance away from the ski 12, and is then in the free floating relationship with respect to the ski 12 and can move into various, generally unlimited, attitudes relative to the ski 12. During this period, the spiral spring 70 is storing energy, being wound by the paying out of the leash 18 and the accompanying rotation of the drum 40.
When the separating forces have abated, the spring 70 will commence returning to its original position of rest. In so doing, it rewinds the leash 18 on the drum 40 and draws the boot 10 towards the ski 12 or vice versa. When the leash 18 has been retracted sufficiently, the pin 84 enters into the slot 82 and the spring 88 takes over all or greatly supplements the rewinding function of the spring 70. The guide section 50 engages with the guide section 58 and boot 10 is pulled into desired attitude atop the ski 12 in alignment therewith and yieldably retained there.
It will be appreciated that with the binding of the invention, relative displacement of the boot and ski may occur in the skiing phase which do not result in shifting to the release phase. Once the force acting to extend the leash drops below the retracting force at that position, retraction commences. Thus, the pin 84 may ride back and forth, repeatedly, in the slot 82 during skiing without exiting from it. Within this relatively small range of movement, the skier maintains control over the ski. Moreover, it is even possible in practice for the binding to enter the release phase and, assuming the separating forces sufficiently reduce, to shift back to the skiing phase without the skier ever losing control of the ski.
An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6- 12. This embodiment differs from the former in the manner in which it is connected to the boot 10. A detachable sole plate assembly 100 carrying mounting and guiding means is provided for this purpose in operative association with substantially similar toe and heel bindings 102 and 104. In addition, it differs in the detailed construction of the actuating means for controlling operation of the binding during the skiing phase of operation.
Referring to FIG. 6, the sole plate assembly 100 comprises an elongated member extending along the full length of the boot under the sole and having anti-friction pads on its underside. For purpose of detachably receiving the boot 10, the plate assembly 100 may be of conventional construction. By way of illustration, it is shown to include a rearwardly projecting lip 108 at its toe end for engagement with a projecting portion of the boot and a clamp assembly 110 at the heel and engageable with the heel portion of the boot. The clamp assembly includes an arm 112 pivoted at one end and formed with a bulbous opposite end 114 which engages in an upwardly facing recess in the boot heel, such as is conventionally provided on boots for mounting purposes. For clamping the arm 112 in place, it is slotted centrally as at 116 in FIG. 11 and receives a threaded end portion of an upwardly projecting post 118 which, in turn, mounts a removable wing nut 120.
As indicated, the bindings 102 and 104 are of substantially similar construction and only heel unit 102 is shown in detail. It embodies a casing 122 rotatably mounting a spring-biased drum 124 for paying out and retracting a leash 126. The mounting of the drum 124 and the manner in which it is spring-biased by an adjustable, spiral spring are the same as with the previously described embodiment. Accordingly, such parts are not again described, but rather identical parts are identified with the same numerals.
During the first or skiing phase of operation, the drum 124 rotates under the influence of a spring-actuated bell crank assembly 128 which engages a cam surface 130 on the periphery of the drum. In the second or release phase, the crank assembly engages the circular periphery of the drum so that it imposes relatively no resistance and rotation is under the reduced influence of only the spiral spring 70.
The cam surface is illustrated on an enlarged scale in FIG. 8 and may be seen to curve progressively outwardly from an initial position 130a in which contact with the crank assembly is made at a location closest to the axis of rotation of the drum to a terminal location 130b in which it merges with the circular drum periphery. The crank assembly has a relatively short arm 132 which carries a follower roller 134 engageable with the cam surface 130 and a relatively long arm 136 carrying a similar roller. During rotation of the drum 124 and paying out the leash 126, the crank assembly 128 swings about a pivot 138 between the full line position in FIG. 6 to the phantom line position.
Movement of the arm assembly between its full and phantom line positions in FIG. 6 is yieldably resisted by a main leaf spring 140 fixed at its lower end in a support block 142. Adjustment of the spring force is achieved by means of a second leaf spring 144 bearing against the spring 140 and carried by a rocker arm 146 pivoted on the support block 142. The arm 146 is adjustably positioned by an adjustment screw 148 accessible externally of the casing 122.
As the drum 124 is rotated to pay out the leash 126, the roller 134 on the arm 132 of the crank assembly rides along the cam surface 130 and moves progressively, radially outwardly, thus increasing the moment arm. Accordingly, as with the prior embodiment, the resistance to drum movement is at a maximum when the leash is in a fully retracted condition (FIG. 6) and progressively decreases until the follower roller 134 passes the location 130b and onto the circular drum periphery. As the drum 124 rotates back in retracting the leash 126, the retracting force is progressively increased as the roller 134 again engages the cam surface and moves toward the location 130a. Adjustment of the spring force on the bell crank assembly 128 by rotating the screw 148 varies the preselected maximum resistive force on the leash 126 during the first phase. On the other hand, adjustment of the tension on spiral spring 70 alters the level of reduced resistance during the second phase. Thus, operation of the binding units 102 and 104 is essentially the same as that of units 24 and 26.
The desired force characteristics, insofar as the rate of change of resistance to leash movement during the first phase is concerned and the amount of leash extension permitted during such phase, may be established by appropriate shaping of the cam surface 130. The first phase of operation here corresponds to extension and retraction of the leash 126 in which the roller 134 is engaged with the cam surface 130. During the second phase of operation, the roller 134 is on the circular periphery of the drum 124 so that the drum movement is essentially under the influence of only the spring 70.
The free ends of leashes 126 of the binding units 102 and 104 are connected to the sole plate assembly 100 through mounting elements, or fixtures, which, in this instance, are formed integrally with the plate assembly. Since the plate assembly detachably mounts the boot in the case of this embodiment, the free ends of the leashes 126 may be fixedly secured thereto. In the case of the toe unit 102, this is achieved with a fixture 150 carried by the plate assembly which mates with cooperating means including an upwardly facing socket 152 and spaced centering pins 154 (FIGS. 6 and 10) on the rearward side of its casing. The heel unit 102 has its leash extending through a bore 156 in a projecting block on the rearward end of the sole plate assembly 100 and locked thereto by a bead 158 on the terminal end of the leash.
It is desirable for both safety and performance reasons to have the binding initially permit relative lateral movement between the boot 10 and ski 12 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 sole plate assembly 100 is on the ski at proper alignment therewith so that the leash 126 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. To accomplish this, the fixture 150 has a pair of spaced recesses 160 that seat on the pins 154 and bullet-shaped projection 162 which fixedly receives the leash end and seats in the socket. At a location spaced vertically above the recesses 160 and terminal end of projection 162, the fixture 150 is pivotally connected to the sole plate assembly 100 by a pin 164 that is oriented longitudinally of and parallel to the surface of the ski 12.
Referring to FIG. 10, it may be seen that when the fixture 150 is in skiing relationship, the spacing between the socket 152 and pivotal axis defined by the pin 164 is greater than the spacing between the socket 152 and the centering pins 154. Accordingly, the fixture 150 functions in the manner of a bell crank when forces are applied laterally to the sole plate assembly 100, as occurs in actual practice. Force is transmitted through the pivot pin 164 and the fixture rocks or fulcrums about one or the other of the pins 154 to lift the bullet projection 162 out of its socket 152 and extend the leash 126, the differences in length of the crank arms affording a movement advantage. Once the fixture 150 is free of the socket 152 and pins 154 then, of course, the advantage is removed, but the boot 10 is then relatively free of the ski 12 for rocking, tilting and other movements of generally unlimited attitude and direction.
Such a movement advantage is also desirable, although not to the same extent, at the heel end of the boot. In the case of the present embodiment, such an advantage is obtained by virtue of the cooperating structure illustrated in FIG. 9. As may be seen in that figure, a guide plate 166 secured to the surface of the ski, as by screws 168, has spaced load ramps 168 positioned just inwardly of the rearward anti-friction pads 106 on the underside of the sole plate assembly 100 when the boot 10 is in skiing position, as in the drawings. The ramps 168 incline upwardly toward the center of the ski. Thus, as a lateral force is applied, tending to slide the sole plate assembly 100 across the ski 12 at the heel, the plate assembly slides upwardly on the respective ramp withdrawing the leash 126 and according the desired initial movement advantage.
While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that this was only by way of illustration and that various changes in the details of the construction and arrangement of the various elements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This invention relates to a safety-type ski binding adapted to release a boot from skiing position on a ski in response to forces applied to one or both in excess of a safe level.
Safety bindings are now widely accepted and significantly aid in preventing skiing injuries. Such bindings serve to hold the boot on and in alignment with the ski in the normal skiing position during normal conditions and to release the boot in response to excessive lateral or vertical forces that might result in injury. A substantial holding or coupling force is required because of the nature of the equipment and the maneuvers made in skiing. Provision should be made for limited movement between the boot and ski to allow for absorption of shock without release of the boot. Typically, slight shock-absorbing movements are permitted at both the heel and at the toe. When an abnormal or break-out force in excess of a predetermined safe level is applied, as a result of a fall or otherwise, the boot quickly moves beyond the shock-absorbing range and release occurs to prevent the application of further force which could result in injury.
Such bindings typically are adjustable not only for boot size but also to adapt them, insofar as release is concerned, to the physical characteristics and condition of the given skier. This latter adjustment serves to vary the force level at which release will occur.
It is also desirable from a safety standpoint, as well as for practical convenience, that the ski be retained in association with the boot after release. To accomplish this, conventional practice has been to provide an elongated leash which is connected between the ski and the boot to allow the ski to separate from the boot while preventing complete escape. A wide variety of types of leaches have been provided, the most common comprising a single strap fixed at one end to the ski and adapted for detachable connection to the boot at the other. There also have been elastic leashes and extendible-retractable leashes mounted on spring-actuated drums so that separation of the boot and ski following release is yieldably resisted. The latter type of leashes are intended to urge the ski and boot toward one another following release by the main binding and, thereby, avoid so-called "cartwheeling" or uncontrolled movement of the ski, which pose a risk of injury. A characteristic of all the leashes heretofore available is that they are auxiliary units that are separate for the main force-applying link between the boot and ski.
From the convenience standpoint, it is important that the boot be engaged in the binding relatively easily. Coupling of the boot to the ski is accomplished manually with many bindings. Others have been provided with a "step-in" capability which permits the skier to couple the boot to the ski by placing the boot in the binding and forcing it toward the ski.
Thus, after emergency release, it has been necessary to follow essentially the same procedure preparatory to resuming skiing that was necessary to engage the boot initially in the binding. This required either the actuation of clamps or the like by hand, or the positioning of the boot in the binding prior to pressing it toward the ski with sufficient force to actuate the binding to grip the boot. Since release often occurs on steep and slippery slopes or in deep powder snow, such recoupling has posed a real inconvenience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The binding of the present invention meets the safety and operational criteria set forth above and has many important advantages not present in prior devices including, significantly, an automatic recoupling capability. It functions in two phases of operation. In a first or skiing phase, the boot is yieldably held on the ski in skiing position by connecting means and associated force-exerting actuating means in such a manner as to permit only slight shock-absorbing range of movement. The actuating means is responsive to the application of forces in excess of a safe level to permit relative movement of the boot and ski. Continued application of excessive forces resulting in such relative movement beyond the shock-absorbing range, operate the actuating means to a second or release phase. In this latter phase, the force on the connecting means resisting separation is reduced so as to permit the boot and ski to move apart more easily and free them for relative movement away from one another, thereby protecting the skier against injury. While the boot and ski are then relatively free of one another, they continue to be retained in association by the connecting means to prevent the escape of the ski.
After this separation during the release phase and after the forces causing separation have abated, the actuating means operates to draw the boot and ski back together. Once they are proximate one another, the actuating means shifts back into its skiing phase and acts to restore the preselected force and cause the boot to be forcefully drawn into skiing position and yieldably maintained there. By virtue of this return capability, the binding of the invention avoids the problems inherent in recoupling the boot and ski under difficult conditions with equipment heretofore available.
Another more detailed aspect of the invention is that the connecting means, which may conveniently comprise an elongated, flexible leash, serves as the sole force-applying link between the boot and ski. Because of this, the binding may be made relatively simple in construction yet reliable in operation. Moreover, detachably engaging the boot with the ski in initially preparing the ski and detaching it when through may be quickly and easily accomplished.
In the illustrative embodiments of the invention, two substantially identical binding units are mounted on the ski, one operatively associated with the heel and the other operatively associated with the toe. The actuating means of each unit comprises a spring-actuated drum mounting connecting means in the form of the elongated, flexible leash. The drums rotate to pay out and retract the leashes to permit the slight shock-absorbing movement in the skiing phase, and to permit the boot and ski to move a substantial distance away from one another to assume a relatively "free-floating" relationship and to draw them back toward one another during the release phase. The spring force acts to rotate the drums so as to retract the leashes or, conversely, to resist rotation in the opposite directions in which the leashes are payed out. Such force is high during the skiing phase and relatively low during the release phase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view of a diagrammatic equivalent of an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view illustrating a cooperating pair of binding units constructed in accordance with the invention and in their skiing phases mounting a boot in skiing position on a ski;
FIG. 3 is a view on an enlarged scale, partly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating the rear or heel binding shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along the lines 4--4 in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the binding illustrated in FIG. 3 mounted on a ski but in its release phase with the connecting means extended;
FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 7, partly in elevation and partly in section, illustrating another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along the lines 7--7;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view on an enlarged scale of the cam surface on the drum shown in FIG. 6, with certain cooperating parts being shown in phantom lines;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines 9--9 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the lines 10--10 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a portion of the binding unit shown at the left end of FIG. 6; and
FIG. 12 is a bottom view on a reduced scale of a boot-receiving sole plate assembly shown in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, the invention is embodied in a ski binding for coupling a boot 10 on a ski 12 in skiing relation, and having release and automatic return capabilities. Mounting elements are provided on the boot and ski and are joined by connecting means. Actuating means carried by one of the elements and coupled to the connection means, act on the latter to achieve the desired retention, release and return functions.
For purposes of providing a further understanding of the function of the binding, and referring more particularly to the diagrammatic representation of FIG. 1, the binding of the invention involves a mechanical switch 14, which functions, in a first or skiing phase, to retain the boot 10 on the ski 12 in skiing relationship despite the application of substantial force below a preselected magnitude on one or both of these members. Mechanical switch 14 permits slight displacement of the boot relative to the ski as might result from normal shocks encountered in skiing. When the preselected magnitude of force and/or displacement is exceeded, the binding shifts to a second or release phase and the boot assumes a "free-floating" relationship with respect thereto. The relationship is free floating in the sense that the force resisting separation is substantially reduced and the boot may move in a variety of angles and directions relative to the ski so as to prevent injury. A retractable connection 16 assures that the boot 10 does not become completely disconnected from the ski 12 and, as will be shown, includes an elongated, flexible leash diagrammatically indicated at 18 for this purpose. The mounting of this permanent connection, however, is such as not to interfere with the free floating relationship indicated above.
Referring still to FIG. 1, the leash 18 is extendible and retractable and extends during relative movement of the boot 10 and ski 12. The retractable connection 16 stores energy as the boot becomes displaced relative to the ski, this stored energy being effective upon abating of the separating forces to retract the leash 18, thereby drawing the boot 10 back towards the ski 12. To assure that the boot moves into proper attitude and alignment on the ski, a guiding structure 20 is provided, the details of which will be indicated hereinafter. When the boot and ski are drawn proximate one another, the binding shifts back to its skiing phase. This results in the boot 10 being forcefully drawn into and again yieldably held in skiing position under the influence of the preselected force.
A coupling 22 is indicated in FIG. 1 between the switch 14 and the retractable connection 16, this merely indicating that this element 16 is effective to store energy during all displacements of the boot 10, including those displacements which are permitted by switch 14. As will be seen, the coupling 22 is not always essential inasmuch as within a certain range of proximity of the boot 10 to the ski 12, the switch 14 may assume the coupling function and bring the boot 10 into homing relationship on the ski 12 and yieldably retain it there.
The structure for coupling the boot to the ski in the cases of both the switch 14 and the retractable connection 16 comprises connecting means and, as will appear, may advantageously constitute a single link, namely, the leash 18. Also, the sensing and force-applying functions of the switch 14 and the connection 16 may be considered as being carried out by actuating means, and may physically comprise separate elements or, as in the illustrative form, embody common elements.
Referring to FIG. 2, a pair of bindings 24 and 26 constructed in accordance with the invention are shown mounted in a cooperating arrangement on ski 12 to releasably retain or couple the boot 10 in skiing relationship. The binding 24 is mounted on the ski 12 adjacent toe portion 28 of the boot 10, and binding 26 is mounted on the ski adjacent the heel portion 30. The mode of operation and the details of bindings 24 and 26 will be more clearly understood from an examination of FIGS. 3 and 4, which show the details of the heel binding 26, the binding 24 being similar in construction and operation.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, a casing 32 is shown mounted on the ski 12 by screws 34 and 36. The casing 32 rotatably supports a shaft 38 on which is rotatably mounted a drum 40. The leash 18, here comprising a wire cable, is wound upon the drum 40 and is preferably accommodated within a groove 44 and has a free end 46 provided with a bead 48 thereon.
A guide section 50 is connected to the boot 10 by means of screws 52 and 54. This guide section is provided with an opening through which the leash 18 extends, the bead 48 providing for connection of the leash 18 to guide section 50. Preferably, although not necessarily, the opening 56 has a top opening (FIGS. 3 and 5) slot 57 through which the cable may be removed to free the boot, which in this instance carries guide section 50 to enable the boot, if desired, to be completely detached from the ski. A cooperating guide section 58 is provided on the ski, the section 58 being provided with a bore 60 through which the leash 18 also extends. Thus, it may be seen that guide sections 50 and 58 are mating male and female connecting and guiding elements having suitable configurations for guiding the boot into a predetermined attitude relative to ski 12. The shapes of the mating surfaces of elements may be conical or pyramidal or the like; and, as is hereinafter explained, shaped so as to obtain a desired variation in the external forces applied to the boot and/or ski to extend the leash 18 depending upon the direction of application.
A fixture 62 is connected to the leash 18 and limits the amount of leash 18 which can be payed off the drum 40, since the fixture 62 cannot pass beyond the pulley 44. The drum 40 therefore constitutes a displaceable element in the rotational sense, and the fixture 62 limits this displacement to less than one rotation.
A spiral spring 70 is provided in operative association with the drum 40 and arranged to bias the drum in a direction to retract the leash 18. The spring 70 has an end 72 engaged with the shaft 38. Mounted on the shaft 38 is a ratchet 74 adapted for engagement by a pawl 76, whereby the strength of the spring 70 can be adjusted by insertion of an appropriate tool in a slot 78 provided in one end of shaft 38. The other end 80 of the spring 70 may be connected to an end of the leash 18, or to the periphery of the drum 40, as shown in FIG. 3. As is apparent, the shaft 38 is rotated to effect adjustment of the spring force, but remains stationary during rotation of the drum 40 in paying out and retracting leash 18.
A force substantially greater than that exerted by spring 70 is exerted on the leash 18 by a second spring 88 which also acts on the drum 40 to urge it in a direction to retract the leash. The spring 88 is active during the skiing phase to draw forcefully the boot into skiing position and yieldably retain it there and is disabled during the release phase. This spring is active over a relatively small range of movement which may be considered as a shock-absorbing range. As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drum 40 is provided with an outwardly opening slot or cam cut 82 which accommodates a pin 84 on one arm 86 of the spring 88, another arm 90 of which is connected to a nut 92 on an adjustment screw 94. Adjustment of head 96 of the screw 94 operates through the nut 92 to alter the strength of spring 88. In this manner, adjustment of the preselected force may be accomplished.
By appropriate shaping of the slot 82 and choice of the spring 88, the resistance to extension of the leash 18 may be programmed in a desired fashion. Preferably, the resistance is maximum when the leash 18 is fully retracted and the boot 18 is in skiing position, and then progressively decreases fairly rapidly over the first phase as the leash extends. With such an arrangement, a force in excess of the preselected magnitude must be applied to the leash 18 before any extension occurs. The binding is then responsive to extension of the leash to reduce the resistance in the indicated manner. Finally, the resistance is at a relatively low level during the second phase, for example, at less than one-half of the maximum. It will be understood that there need be no marked variation in the rate of change of resistance in transitioning from the first to the second phase. In fact, a smooth transition between phases, without any sharp break in the force-distance curve, is preferable.
As may be seen in FIG. 3, the pin 84 moves progressively farther from the center of rotation of the drum 40 as the latter rotates to pay out the leash 18. Thus, the movement arm becomes progressively larger and, in this manner, the desired progressive decrease in resistance during the skiing phase is achieved. While there is some increasing resistance exerted by the spring 88 as it is torqued, it is not enough to overcome the effect of the progressive increase in length of the movement arm.
Assuming that forces are exerted on the boot 10 and/or ski 12 which tend to displace the boot 10 from its skiing position illustrated in FIG. 3 relative to ski 12, these forces and the resulting displacement will be yieldably resisted by the spring 88 and by the pin 84 riding in groove or slot 82. In other words, during this first or skiing phase of operation, a slight shock-absorbing displacement of the boot 10 will be permitted against the yieldable opposition of spring 88. The spring 70 also acts during this phase, but its effect is relatively insignificant.
Responsive to a force acting on the leash 18, which is in excess of the preselected level, and extension of the leash 18 beyond the shock-absorbing range, the drum 40 rotates sufficiently to allow the pin 84 to escape from the slot 82. The spring 88 will no longer resist rotation of the drum 40, and the binding then enters its second or release phase of operation in which the only resistance to displacement of the boot 10 is offered by the spring 70 to the limit permitted by the position of fixture 62 on leash 18. The resistance is light relative to that initially imposed and the boot 10 may move under this reduced resistance a substantial distance away from the ski 12, and is then in the free floating relationship with respect to the ski 12 and can move into various, generally unlimited, attitudes relative to the ski 12. During this period, the spiral spring 70 is storing energy, being wound by the paying out of the leash 18 and the accompanying rotation of the drum 40.
When the separating forces have abated, the spring 70 will commence returning to its original position of rest. In so doing, it rewinds the leash 18 on the drum 40 and draws the boot 10 towards the ski 12 or vice versa. When the leash 18 has been retracted sufficiently, the pin 84 enters into the slot 82 and the spring 88 takes over all or greatly supplements the rewinding function of the spring 70. The guide section 50 engages with the guide section 58 and boot 10 is pulled into desired attitude atop the ski 12 in alignment therewith and yieldably retained there.
It will be appreciated that with the binding of the invention, relative displacement of the boot and ski may occur in the skiing phase which do not result in shifting to the release phase. Once the force acting to extend the leash drops below the retracting force at that position, retraction commences. Thus, the pin 84 may ride back and forth, repeatedly, in the slot 82 during skiing without exiting from it. Within this relatively small range of movement, the skier maintains control over the ski. Moreover, it is even possible in practice for the binding to enter the release phase and, assuming the separating forces sufficiently reduce, to shift back to the skiing phase without the skier ever losing control of the ski.
An alternate embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6- 12. This embodiment differs from the former in the manner in which it is connected to the boot 10. A detachable sole plate assembly 100 carrying mounting and guiding means is provided for this purpose in operative association with substantially similar toe and heel bindings 102 and 104. In addition, it differs in the detailed construction of the actuating means for controlling operation of the binding during the skiing phase of operation.
Referring to FIG. 6, the sole plate assembly 100 comprises an elongated member extending along the full length of the boot under the sole and having anti-friction pads on its underside. For purpose of detachably receiving the boot 10, the plate assembly 100 may be of conventional construction. By way of illustration, it is shown to include a rearwardly projecting lip 108 at its toe end for engagement with a projecting portion of the boot and a clamp assembly 110 at the heel and engageable with the heel portion of the boot. The clamp assembly includes an arm 112 pivoted at one end and formed with a bulbous opposite end 114 which engages in an upwardly facing recess in the boot heel, such as is conventionally provided on boots for mounting purposes. For clamping the arm 112 in place, it is slotted centrally as at 116 in FIG. 11 and receives a threaded end portion of an upwardly projecting post 118 which, in turn, mounts a removable wing nut 120.
As indicated, the bindings 102 and 104 are of substantially similar construction and only heel unit 102 is shown in detail. It embodies a casing 122 rotatably mounting a spring-biased drum 124 for paying out and retracting a leash 126. The mounting of the drum 124 and the manner in which it is spring-biased by an adjustable, spiral spring are the same as with the previously described embodiment. Accordingly, such parts are not again described, but rather identical parts are identified with the same numerals.
During the first or skiing phase of operation, the drum 124 rotates under the influence of a spring-actuated bell crank assembly 128 which engages a cam surface 130 on the periphery of the drum. In the second or release phase, the crank assembly engages the circular periphery of the drum so that it imposes relatively no resistance and rotation is under the reduced influence of only the spiral spring 70.
The cam surface is illustrated on an enlarged scale in FIG. 8 and may be seen to curve progressively outwardly from an initial position 130a in which contact with the crank assembly is made at a location closest to the axis of rotation of the drum to a terminal location 130b in which it merges with the circular drum periphery. The crank assembly has a relatively short arm 132 which carries a follower roller 134 engageable with the cam surface 130 and a relatively long arm 136 carrying a similar roller. During rotation of the drum 124 and paying out the leash 126, the crank assembly 128 swings about a pivot 138 between the full line position in FIG. 6 to the phantom line position.
Movement of the arm assembly between its full and phantom line positions in FIG. 6 is yieldably resisted by a main leaf spring 140 fixed at its lower end in a support block 142. Adjustment of the spring force is achieved by means of a second leaf spring 144 bearing against the spring 140 and carried by a rocker arm 146 pivoted on the support block 142. The arm 146 is adjustably positioned by an adjustment screw 148 accessible externally of the casing 122.
As the drum 124 is rotated to pay out the leash 126, the roller 134 on the arm 132 of the crank assembly rides along the cam surface 130 and moves progressively, radially outwardly, thus increasing the moment arm. Accordingly, as with the prior embodiment, the resistance to drum movement is at a maximum when the leash is in a fully retracted condition (FIG. 6) and progressively decreases until the follower roller 134 passes the location 130b and onto the circular drum periphery. As the drum 124 rotates back in retracting the leash 126, the retracting force is progressively increased as the roller 134 again engages the cam surface and moves toward the location 130a. Adjustment of the spring force on the bell crank assembly 128 by rotating the screw 148 varies the preselected maximum resistive force on the leash 126 during the first phase. On the other hand, adjustment of the tension on spiral spring 70 alters the level of reduced resistance during the second phase. Thus, operation of the binding units 102 and 104 is essentially the same as that of units 24 and 26.
The desired force characteristics, insofar as the rate of change of resistance to leash movement during the first phase is concerned and the amount of leash extension permitted during such phase, may be established by appropriate shaping of the cam surface 130. The first phase of operation here corresponds to extension and retraction of the leash 126 in which the roller 134 is engaged with the cam surface 130. During the second phase of operation, the roller 134 is on the circular periphery of the drum 124 so that the drum movement is essentially under the influence of only the spring 70.
The free ends of leashes 126 of the binding units 102 and 104 are connected to the sole plate assembly 100 through mounting elements, or fixtures, which, in this instance, are formed integrally with the plate assembly. Since the plate assembly detachably mounts the boot in the case of this embodiment, the free ends of the leashes 126 may be fixedly secured thereto. In the case of the toe unit 102, this is achieved with a fixture 150 carried by the plate assembly which mates with cooperating means including an upwardly facing socket 152 and spaced centering pins 154 (FIGS. 6 and 10) on the rearward side of its casing. The heel unit 102 has its leash extending through a bore 156 in a projecting block on the rearward end of the sole plate assembly 100 and locked thereto by a bead 158 on the terminal end of the leash.
It is desirable for both safety and performance reasons to have the binding initially permit relative lateral movement between the boot 10 and ski 12 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 sole plate assembly 100 is on the ski at proper alignment therewith so that the leash 126 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. To accomplish this, the fixture 150 has a pair of spaced recesses 160 that seat on the pins 154 and bullet-shaped projection 162 which fixedly receives the leash end and seats in the socket. At a location spaced vertically above the recesses 160 and terminal end of projection 162, the fixture 150 is pivotally connected to the sole plate assembly 100 by a pin 164 that is oriented longitudinally of and parallel to the surface of the ski 12.
Referring to FIG. 10, it may be seen that when the fixture 150 is in skiing relationship, the spacing between the socket 152 and pivotal axis defined by the pin 164 is greater than the spacing between the socket 152 and the centering pins 154. Accordingly, the fixture 150 functions in the manner of a bell crank when forces are applied laterally to the sole plate assembly 100, as occurs in actual practice. Force is transmitted through the pivot pin 164 and the fixture rocks or fulcrums about one or the other of the pins 154 to lift the bullet projection 162 out of its socket 152 and extend the leash 126, the differences in length of the crank arms affording a movement advantage. Once the fixture 150 is free of the socket 152 and pins 154 then, of course, the advantage is removed, but the boot 10 is then relatively free of the ski 12 for rocking, tilting and other movements of generally unlimited attitude and direction.
Such a movement advantage is also desirable, although not to the same extent, at the heel end of the boot. In the case of the present embodiment, such an advantage is obtained by virtue of the cooperating structure illustrated in FIG. 9. As may be seen in that figure, a guide plate 166 secured to the surface of the ski, as by screws 168, has spaced load ramps 168 positioned just inwardly of the rearward anti-friction pads 106 on the underside of the sole plate assembly 100 when the boot 10 is in skiing position, as in the drawings. The ramps 168 incline upwardly toward the center of the ski. Thus, as a lateral force is applied, tending to slide the sole plate assembly 100 across the ski 12 at the heel, the plate assembly slides upwardly on the respective ramp withdrawing the leash 126 and according the desired initial movement advantage.
While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that this was only by way of illustration and that various changes in the details of the construction and arrangement of the various elements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.