BINDING FOR THE PRACTICE OF SKIING

Abstract

The invention relates to a binding for a boot on a ski, including a toe-piece, a connection member having a front end secured to the ski and a rear end, the connection member being provided with a hook-engagement structure, a rear base adapted to be attached to the ski and a hooking mechanism associated with the rear base. The hooking mechanism includes a gripping member which is movable with respect to the rear base and is capable of moving into a first position in which it engages the hook-engagement structure of the connection member so as to limit a vertical movement of the rear end of the connection member, and a first return member exerting a force on the gripping member so as to move the latter toward the toe-piece. The binding also includes a heel-piece connected to the rear portion of the connection member. The longitudinal position of the heel-piece in relation to the connection member is adjustable.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a binding for a boot on a ski, intended more particularly for the practice of alpine skiing.

2. Background Information

When skiing downhill, whether in ski touring or downhill skiing, the ski flexing behavior is paramount. Reference is then made to the term “flex” to designate all the ski flexing values. Flex determines the character of the ski, its liveliness, and aggressiveness. Consequently, a ski must preferably be characterized by a maximum of flexion about a transverse axis of the ski.

Given the rigidity of the boot, and in particular of its sole, the ski flex is inadequate if the toe-piece and heel-piece are fixed directly to the ski. Indeed, this construction involves rigidity that limits the flexing of the ski when the latter is supported at the front and rear of the ski. The skier's weight generates stresses on the fastening points of the toe-piece and heel-piece which can damage the ski and/or the components of the binding.

To overcome this drawback, it is known to add an elastic member between a body of the heel-piece supporting a mechanism for retaining the boot and a fixing element affixed to the ski. The elastic member exerts a return force on the body of the heel-piece, in the direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the ski. Conventionally, the elastic member is a recoil spring that makes it possible to space the heel-piece from the toe-piece during flexing, as in the case mentioned above. Flex is improved.

The position of the fastening element is generally variable along a longitudinal axis, which enables axial adjustment of the position of the heel-piece.

A construction of this type is illustrated, for example, in the patent documents WO 2008/125363 and FR-A-2 831 455.

Although this design provides flexibility to the ski, such flexibility is limited to the displacement of the body of the heel-piece.

Patent document EP-A-1 559 455 discloses a binding for the practice of ski touring, including a toe-piece and a heel-piece mounted on a plate without the possibility of axial spacing of the toe-piece in relation to the heel-piece. The heel-piece is affixed to a support pivotally mounted about a central vertical axis arranged between the toe-piece and the heel-piece. A boot rests directly on this pivotable support. This binding assembly is therefore flexionally rigid about an axis transverse to the ski. Adaptation of the binding to various boot sizes is therefore not possible. This structure further includes a thick plate beneath the boot. The binding system is complex with respect to inserting and/or removing the boot.

To provide flexibility in the descent configuration, the end of the plate is affixed to the ski via a lock pushed by a spring, the spring pressing on a support fixed on the ski. This elastic member makes it possible to maintain the lock in constant contact with the end of the plate during flexing of the ski.

This construction is also limited to a single axial compensation means. Therefore, this binding does not permit a significant longitudinal travel of the end of the plate.

SUMMARY

The invention provides an improved binding for a boot on a ski.

More particularly, the structure of the binding is simple, lightweight and compact, particularly with respect to thickness beneath the sole of the boot.

In addition, the bending flexibility of a ski equipped with a binding and a boot. The invention makes it possible to obtain a greater travel of the ski without exerting substantial stress thereon.

Further, the invention obtains a nonlinear flexural behavior of the ski, as a function of change in the bias.

The invention thus relates to a binding for a boot on a ski comprising:

• • a rear end, the connection member being provided with a hook-engagement structure;
  • a rear base adapted to be fixed to the ski,
  • a hooking mechanism, associated with the base, including:
  • a toe-piece;
  • a connection member having a front end secured to an upper surface of the ski and a gripping member movable in relation to the rear base and capable of being positioned in a first locking position for which it cooperates with the hook-engagement structure of the connection member so as to limit vertical movement of the end rear of the connection member;
  • a first return member exerting a force on the gripping member so as to move the latter toward its first locking position.

The binding includes a heel-piece connected to the rear portion of the connection member, the axial position of the heel-piece in relation to the connection member being adjustable.

The axial adjustment makes it possible to adapt the spacing between the toe-piece and the heel-piece to the size of the boot. This adjustment creates less stress in the area of the components of the binding and provides flexibility to the ski.

The improvement to the flexibility of the ski is also marked by the addition of a second axial compensation, namely an elastic member in addition to the return member. Thus, the mechanism enabling the axial adjustment of the heel-piece includes an elastic member housed between a body of the heel-piece supporting a mechanism for retaining the boot and a fastening element affixed to the connection member, the elastic member exerting a return force on the body of the heel-piece, in the direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the connection member.

The invention also relates to any technically permissible combination of the following characteristics:

• • the return force is adjustable by a first adjusting device;
  • the first return member exerts a compensating force on the hook-engagement structure of the connection member, in the direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the ski;
  • the compensating force is adjustable by a second adjusting device;
  • the toe-piece is pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to the ski;
  • the toe-piece is stationary with respect to a front base fixed on the ski;
  • the connection member is flexible about an axis transverse to the ski;
  • the gripping member is located in the area of the heel-piece, or between the heel-piece and the toe-piece;
  • the gripping member includes at least one hook adapted to cooperate with at least one fitting of the connection member, the fitting forming the hook-engagement structure;
  • the gripping member includes at least two hooks arranged on both sides of a median plane of the rear base.

The invention more particularly relates to bindings adapted for the practice of ski touring.

A binding of the aforementioned type must permit a rotation of the boot about an axis transverse to the ski, located at the front of the boot during the ascent phase, so as to enable spacing of the heel of the user in relation to the ski in order to exert an optimum thrust force. Such a binding must also make it possible to absorb substantial torsional forces between the boot and the ski during the descent phase.

An example of a touring ski binding is disclosed in the patent document EP-A-1 892 020. This safety binding is comprised of a plate carrying the boot, pivotally mounted on the ski at the front and provided at the rear with detachable means for connection to the ski. This binding is adapted to be used with rigid alpine ski boots which are fixed on the pivotable plate. A toe-piece and a heel-piece are fixed on the plate to ensure retention of the boot, or removal of the boot, if necessary. During the ascent position, the pivotable plate is released from the ski at the rear so as enable the boot to pivot in relation to the ski. In the descent position, the pivotable plate is affixed to the ski so as to make it possible to ski using alpine downhill skiing techniques. The means for connecting the plate to ski are not described in this document.

In practice, a binding of the aforementioned type is cumbersome and significantly weighs down the ski. Furthermore, there is a need for means for connecting the plate to ski that are easy to manipulate when switching between the ascent position and the descent position. There is also a need for connecting means optimizing the transmission of forces between the boot and the ski while allowing flexing of the ski. The binding must be able to provide a solid connection of the boot to the ski and be strong enough to withstand the forces generated during practice of ski touring, while also being sufficiently lightweight.

The inventionsolves one or more of these technical problems. Thus, advantageously, the hooking mechanism for alternately securing and releasing the base and the rear portion of the connection member further includes:

• • a retaining member affixed to the rear base, the retaining member being movably mounted between first and second positions in relation to the rear base, the retaining member having an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user in order to switch it from its first position to its second position, the first position of the retaining member freeing the passage of the gripping member from its second position to its first position, the second position of the retaining member retaining the gripping member in its second position;
  • a release member having an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, the axial bias of the actuation surface driving the gripping member toward the second position.

The invention also relates to any technically permissible combination of the following characteristics:

• • the safety binding including a second return member biases the retaining member toward its second position.
  • a retractable stop maintains the gripping member in its first position, in the absence of bias of the release member, and frees the gripping member to slide from its first position to its second position when an axial force is applied on the actuation surface of the release member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a member for connecting to the ski, and of a rear base for an exemplary binding according to the invention, in the ascent position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connection member and of a rear base for an ascent position of the binding;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a member for connecting to the ski and of a rear base, in the descent position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the rear base of the binding;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a locking member of the rear base;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an actuating member of a locking mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the rear base in the ascent position;

FIG. 8 is an axial cross-sectional view of components of the rear base in the ascent position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective top view of the rear base in an intermediate position for switching to the descent position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective top view of the rear base in the descent position;

FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of components of the rear base in the descent position;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional side views of the locking mechanism during various locking phases.

FIG. 14 is a perspective rear view of a complete binding according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, along the line AA of FIG. 1, of a ski equipped with the complete binding according to the first embodiment, in the descent position;

FIG. 16 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 15, of a ski equipped with a complete binding according to a second embodiment, without flexing of the ski;

FIG. 17 is a partial, axial cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 15, of a ski equipped with the complete binding according to the second embodiment, with flexing of the ski.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following referential points, shown in FIG. 1, will be used in the following description. The X-direction corresponds to the axial or longitudinal direction of the ski 2 on which the binding is mounted. The Y-direction corresponds to the transverse direction of the ski 2, and the Z-direction corresponds to the vertical direction of the ski 2.

FIGS. 1-15 illustrate a first embodiment dedicated to the practice of ski touring. This binding includes a pivotable in relation to the ski 2. A hooking mechanism 600 makes it possible to alternatively secure or release the rear portion of the connection member and a base fixed to the ski 2.

Thus, a very simple kinematics implemented by the user makes it possible to switch from the ascent position to the descent position of the binding. Such a hooking mechanism has a simple and compact structure, which is easy to develop.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the main components of a safety binding 1 for the practice of ski touring. The binding 1 includes a front base 400, a toe-piece 300 (whose internal mechanism is not shown for reasons of readability), a connection member 200, a heel-piece 700 (not shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of readability), and a rear base 100.

The front 400 and rear 100 bases are adapted to be rigidly fixed to a ski 2. The connection member 200 is pivotally mounted with respect to the front base 400 about an axis along the Y-direction. To this end, the connection member 200 is rotationally mounted through the toe-piece 300 about an axle 502 extending between two surfaces of a stirrup of the base 400.

The toe-piece 300 is fixed to the front end of the connection member 200. The toe-piece 300 has a support 301 for the sole of the user's ski boot 3. The heel-piece 700 is fixed on a plate 205 forming the rear portion of the connection member 200. The toe-piece 300 and heel-piece 700 are thus axially offset to allow insertion of the boot 3 of the user. The toe-piece 300 and heel-piece 700 conventionally make it possible to retain the user's boot 3 vertically when inserted into the binding. The axial position of the heel-piece 700 with respect to the connection member 200 can be adjusted in a known manner. To this end, the plate 205 of the connection member 200 has a rail 201 enabling the axial sliding of the heel-piece 700, and an indentation 720 for immobilizing the axial position of the heel-piece 700 via a conventional mechanism integrated into the heel-piece 700.

A conventional heel-piece 700, as mentioned above, is illustrated with reference to FIG. 14 and the subsequent figures. The heel-piece 700 includes a body 701 supporting a mechanism for retaining the boot 3. A portion of this body forms a slide rack 702 cooperating with the rail 201 so as to enable axial translation of the heel-piece 700. The body 701 of the heel-piece also supports an adjusting screw 710.

The axial positioning of the heel-piece 700 is achieved due to a mechanism comprising the adjusting screw 710, axially affixed to the body 701 of the heel-piece, in engagement with the indentation 720 of the connection member 200. Thus, the turning of the screw 710 causes the screw 710 to be axially displaced along the indentation 720, and therefore the axial displacement of the heel-piece 700. For an alpine ski binding, the indentation 720 is usually affixed directly to the ski.

Heel-pieces 700 for the practice of downhill skiing are often equipped with axial compensation to provide more flexibility to the ski and to cover slight variations in size. This axial compensation is obtained simply by inserting an elastic member 750 between the body 701 of the heel-piece and the adjusting screw 710. Thus, the body 701 of the heel-piece can be axially translated toward the rear until total compression of the elastic member.

The kinematics of a rearward movement of the heel-piece is as follows: the body 701 presses on the spring 750 which then presses on the adjusting screw 710, the latter being axially locked via the indentation 720. In the other direction, the forward movement of the heel-piece 700 is limited due to the contact between a shoulder of the adjusting screw and a stop of the body of the heel-piece. Consequently, when the heel-piece 700 is not biased, that is to say, while at rest, the elastic member 750 is slightly compressed, which makes it possible to obtain the contact described above.

The elastic member 750 is generally a spring. The axis of the elastic member 750, the axis of the adjusting screw 710, and the axis of the ski are substantially aligned.

Thus, with this design, the adjustment screw 710 can only rotate about its axis or move axially (by compressing the elastic member 750) in relation to the body 701 of the heel-piece 700.

In the position illustrated in FIG. 1, the binding 1 is in the ascent position. Thus, the rear end of the connection member 200 is separated from the rear base 100 in order to enable the user's foot to pivot in relation to the ski.

A hooking mechanism 600 makes it possible to alternately secure and release the base 100 from the rear portion of the connection member 200. The hooking mechanism 600 includes hooks 602 and 603. The hooks 602 and 603 form a gripping member affixed to the base 100. The hooks 602 and 603 are made integrally with a connecting rod 601 mounted to slide axially in relation to the base 100. The connecting rod 601 is slidably mounted in relation to the base 100 by means of an arched member 605 affixed to the base 100 and overhanging the median portion of the connecting rod 601. Via the connecting rod 601, the hooks 602 and 603 are mounted to slide axially in relation to the base 100, between first and second positions.

In the first position illustrated in FIG. 3, the hooks 602 and 603 are in the advanced position, which corresponds to a descent position of the binding 1. In the second position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hooks 602 and 603 are in the retracted position, which corresponds to an ascent position of the binding 1.

Shafts 203 and 204 are fixed transversely on the connection member 200. The shafts 203 and 204 are arranged so as to be substantially plumb with the hooks 602 and 603, respectively. The shafts 203 and 204 form a hooking means, or hook-engagement structure, affixed to the base 100. The connection member 200 has openings 624 and 625 arranged so as to be plumb with the hooks 602 and 603. The openings 624 and 625 enable the hooks 602 and 603 to slide with respect to the connection member 200 when the latter is pressed against the base 100.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the hooks 602 and 603 are in their second, retracted position. The hooks 602 and 603 are not coupled to the shafts 203 and 204, so that the rear portion of the connection member 200 is released from the base 100. The connection member 200 can thus pivot in relation to the front base 400. The binding 1 is then in the ascent position.

In FIG. 3, the hooks 602 and 603 are in their first, forward position. The rear end of the connection member 200 is pressed against the base 100. The hooks 602 and 603 are then coupled to the shafts 203 and 204, so that the rear portion of the connection member is fixed to the base 100. Thus, the rear end of the connection member 200 is fixed to the rear base 100 in order to enable the transmission of forces between the heel of the user and the ski. The foot of the user then cannot pivot in relation to the ski. The binding 1 is then in the descent position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of connecting rod 601 usable in the context of the invention. The connecting rod 601 includes an elongated body, the hooks 602 and 603 extending upward, from the median portion of this body. To make it easier to switch to the descent position, the connecting rod 601 includes a release member 607 in its rear portion. The release member 607 has an actuation surface adapted to be manipulated by the user, for example by means of his ski pole. The actuation surface advantageously has asperities to improve the adherence of the pole of the user. The actuation surface projects perpendicular to the remainder of the connecting rod 601 to facilitate the application of axial forces by the user. The bias of this actuation surface by the user with axial force drives the connecting rod 601 from its first (advanced) position toward its second (retracted) position. The surface opposite to the actuation surface forms a stop surface. This stop surface is inclined in relation to the horizontal.

A recess 606, in the form of an orifice, is provided in the rear portion of the connecting rod 601, in the vicinity of the release member 607. A return member 650, such as a helical spring, biases the connecting rod 601 toward its first position, corresponding to the advanced descent position of the hooks 602 and 603. The return to the first position automatically ensures the fixing of the connection member 200 to the base 100 when the user lowers his foot and the connecting rod 601 is positioned in advance in its first position. Such a spring can be compressed, for example, between a tab 609 provided at the front end of the connecting rod 601 and a wall 105 of the base 100 positioned at the rear of the tab 609. The return spring can be tightly housed within the base to limit its deterioration.

The hooking mechanism 600 also includes a retaining member 640 shown more precisely in FIGS. 4 and 6. The retaining member 640 is in the form of a lever pivotally mounted with respect to the base 100. The retaining member has guide rings 647 in its front portion. The guide rings 647 are mounted to pivot about an axle 646. The axle 646 extends transversely and is fixed to a base 630 of a rear base 100. The lever 640 is pivotally mounted between first and second rotational positions in relation to the base 630. The first position of the lever 640 is a lower position and the second position is an upper position. A projection 641 extends upward, in the median portion of the lever 640. The lever 640 further has actuation surfaces 642 provided axially on both sides of the projection 641. The actuation surfaces 642 enable the user to exert force to pivot the lever 640 from its second position to its first position. Each actuation surface advantageously has a portion 648 inclined in relation to the vertical, in order to facilitate its manipulation by the user, for example by means of his ski pole. The actuation surfaces advantageously have asperities to improve the adherence of the user's pole.

The hooking mechanism 600 further has a member for returning the lever 640 to its second position. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the return member is in the form of a torsion spring 645 surrounding the shaft 646. The spring 645 has an arm 643 supported against the lower surface of the lever 640, and an arm 644 supported against the ski or a wall of the base 630. The torsion spring 645 thus makes it possible to stably retain the lever 640 in its second position, when the actuation surface 642 is not manipulated by the user.

The lever 640 makes it possible to stably retain the connecting rod 601 in its first position, i.e., the retracted position. As mentioned above, the retention of the connecting rod 601 in the second position, i.e., the forward position, is ensured by the return spring. However, in the case of failure of the return spring, it is the lever 640 which stably retains the connecting rod in the advanced position. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the connecting rod 601 in its second position and the lever 640 in its second position. The projection 641 of the lever 640 is then housed in the opening 606 of the connecting rod 601. The lever 640 thus retains the connecting rod 601 in its second position. The ascent position of the binding 1 is thus guaranteed to be stable, by avoiding an ill-timed switch to the descent position when the user merely presses the connection member 200 against the base 100.

When the user wishes to switch the binding 1 in the descent position, he/she first presses the connection member 200 against the base 100. The user then exerts pressure on the actuation surface 642 to pivot the lever 640 toward its first position. The projection 641 then exits the opening 606. The connecting rod 601 can then freely slide in relation to the base 100. The return member then drives the connecting rod 601 toward its first position. FIG. 9 shows the beginning of the switch to the descent position after a user exerts pressure on the actuation surface 642.

When the connecting rod 601 reaches its first position, the hooks 602 and 603 are coupled to the shafts 203 and 204. The spring 645 returns the lever 640 to its second position. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the connecting rod 601 in its first position and the lever 640 in its second position. The projection 641 then gets positioned behind the stop surface of the release member 607. The projection 641 thus forms a retractable stop retaining the connecting rod 601 in its first position, in the absence of bias of the release member 607 by the user. The projection 641 then ensures a stable retention of the connecting rod 601 in its first descent position, even in the presence of vibrations when skiing. Thus, a simple pressure on the actuation surface 642 of the lever 640 makes it possible to switch from the ascent position to the descent position.

When axial force is applied to the actuation surface of the release member 607, the stop surface interferes with the projection 641 in order to pivot the lever 640 toward its first position. As the user continues to slide the connecting rod 601 toward its second position, the projection 641 becomes housed again in the opening 606, under the effect of the recoil spring 645, in order to maintain the connecting rod 601 in position. Thus, a simple axial thrust on the release member 607 makes it possible to switch from the descent position to the ascent position.

Switching between the ascent and descent positions can be carried out simply by means of a mechanism 600 having a structure that is both simple and lightweight.

The heel-piece 700 is advantageously arranged so as to be substantially plumb with the shafts 203 and 204. Thus, in the descent position, the hooks 602, 603 are also arranged substantially in the area of the heel-piece, that is to say, before the rear end of the heel-piece. This configuration provides a better transmission of the forces exerted from the heel-piece to the ski, because the connection between these elements is more direct. Possible lever effects, which constitute a source of stresses on the ski, are eliminated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shafts 203 and 204 are axially offset, and the hooks 602 are axially offset at the front in relation to the hooks 603. Thus, the transmission of forces from the heel-piece to the base 100 is improved. Furthermore, the axial forces exerted by the heel-piece are distributed along the length of the base 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the binding 1 includes hooks 602 and 603 on both sides of the axis of the ski or of the median plane of the base 100. Thus, the binding 1 has a better torsional stiffness about the axis of the ski in the descent position.

The hooks 602 and 603 are advantageously housed in the openings 624 and 625 so as not to project from the upper surface of the connection member 200. Thus, the hooks 602 and 603 do not interfere with the sole of a boot retained in the binding 1 in the descent position.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional side views of an alternative hook at the beginning and the end, respectively, of its coupling to a shaft. The hook 602 has a lower guide surface 622 for guiding the shaft 203 up to an axial stop surface 623. The free end 621 of the contact surface is rounded to facilitate the initiation of the coupling shown in FIG. 12. Furthermore, the lower guide surface 622 has an inclination about the axis Y. The lower guide surface 622 is thus inclined in relation to the plane (X, Y) in which the sliding axis of the connecting rod 601 and of the hook 602 is located. Thus, during the travel of the hook 602, the possible clearance between the hook 602 and the shaft 203 is gradually eliminated, and the shaft 203 is gradually pulled down until reaching the position in which it is in contact with the stop surface 623. Because this traction of the shaft 203 creates an elastic deformation of the binding 1, a constant vertical contact force is maintained between the hook 602 and the shaft 203, thereby eliminating the clearance during use of the binding 1 in the decent phase and thus ensuring a highly precise steering of the ski.

Furthermore, the hook 602 advantageously has an upper guide surface 626 for guiding the shaft 203 up to its coupling position, when the connecting rod 601 is in its first position and the user has not yet pressed the connection member 200 against the base 100. The upper guide surface 626 is thus inclined about the axis Y, so that when the shaft 203 interferes with this surface 626, the hook 602 and slightly pushed back toward its second position until the shaft 203 reaches the guide surface 622. The return of the connecting rod 601 to its first position then guarantees the coupling between the shaft 203 and the hook 602.

The hooks 603 can have a shape similar to that of the hooks 602, in order to be capable of coupling to the shaft 204 in the same fashion.

A raising stop 101 of the base 100 advantageously forms an arch surrounding the release member 607 in the position shown in the various figures. The arch of the raising stop 101 makes it possible to prevent a switch to the ascent position as a result of the release member 607 being accidentally pressed. The arch also allows the end of a pole to be guided toward the release member 607 in order to switch to the ascent position. The release member 607 is advantageously inclined in relation to the plane (X, Y), with an inclination about the axis Y, to enable the user to apply an axial force for switching to the ascent position.

The raising stop 101 is used when the binding 1 is in the ascent position to provide a raised support in relation to the base 100 for the heel of the user. The raising stop is mounted to pivot via arms 103 about an axis having a Y-direction. The arms 103 are connected by a stop portion 102, adapted to form the support for the rear portion of the connection member 200. In the area of each arm 103, the base has a first boss 104, a first recess 105, a second boss 106, and a second recess 107. During the pivoting travel of the raising stop 101, the arms 103 are initially deformed elastically as they pass over the boss 104. When the arms 103 reach the recess 105, the stop 101 is stably retained between the bosses 104 and 106 in a first support position substantially perpendicular to the plane (X, Y). As the pivoting travel of the raising stop 101 continues, the arms are elastically deformed as they pass over the boss 106. When the arms 103 reach the recess 107, the stop 101 is stably retained in a position pivoted forward by approximately 135° in relation to the plane (X, Y) to define a second support position.

FIG. 15 shows a partial, axial cross-sectional view of a ski equipped with the complete binding according to the first embodiment, in the descent position. The partial cross-section is median in the area of the heel-piece 700. For reasons of clarity, the partial cross-section follows the line AA of FIG. 1, in the area of the connection member and of the hooking mechanism 600. This makes it possible to see the gripping member 602, 603 and the return member 650.

FIG. 15 illustrates an object of the invention which is the double axial compensation, the latter making it possible to obtain more flexibility in the fitted ski. The dimensions of the elastic member of each compensation can be optimized to reduce the stresses exerted thereon. This configuration also enables a finer adjustment due to the elastic member having less stiffness.

The first axial compensation is obtained in the area of the heel-piece 700, via the elastic member 750, as explained above. This compensation is known per se in downhill ski bindings.

The second axial compensation is obtained by the return member 650. Its operation is as follows: the ski forms an arc of a circle when it bends, whereas the connection member 200, relatively rigid, forms the chord. This results in a relative axial displacement of the rear end of the connection member in relation to the ski. Thus, the hook-engagement structure of the connection member, namely the shafts 203 and 204, retract with respect to the ski. This movement causes the axial translation of the connecting rod 601 because the shafts 203, 204 are in direct contact with the gripping member, namely the hooks 602, 603 of the connecting rod 601. The connecting rod 601 is axially guided by the rear base 100. The connecting rod 601 is also in contact with the return member 650 via a tab 609. In the opposite, the return member 650 is in contact with a wall 105 of the base 100, which is fixed in relation to the ski 2. As a result, the backward movement of the connecting rod 601 causes the compression of the return member 650, thereby obtaining the second axial compensation.

Both axial compensations are parallel and their effects are cumulative, more so when the connection member is flexible around a transverse axis. Thus, the flexing of the ski simultaneously causes the compression of the elastic member 750 and of the return member 650. This double compensation provides more flexibility during flexing of the ski without exerting too much stress on the ski in the area of the hook-engagement structure of the binding. The dimensions of the compensations could be optimized due to the fact that compensation is distributed via two mechanisms.

Advantageously, the stiffness of the elastic member 750 is different from that of the return member 650. An axial compensation can thus be preferred in relation to the other, depending upon the needs and the desired ski behavior. One can thus wish to have a greater displacement of one element in relation to the other during flexing of the ski.

Similarly, the compression travel of the elastic member 750 can be different from that of the return member 650. This makes it possible to obtain a nonlinear change of the compensation/change in the nonlinear compensation.

The articulation of the toe-piece also contributes to the flexibility of the fitted ski.

FIGS. 16 to 17 illustrate a second embodiment dedicated more specifically to alpine skiing.

In these figures, the elements shared by both embodiments have the same reference numerals. The elements specific to the second embodiment have a suffix “b”.

In this design, the toe-piece 300b is fixed in relation to its front base 400b. The heel-piece 700 is connected to the front base 400b by a connection member 200b. The connection member 200b includes a plate 205, on which is fixed the heel-piece 700, and a connecting blade 206b, flexible in bending about an axis transverse to the ski, connecting the plate 205 to the front base 400b of the toe-piece 300b. Thus, in the absence of a hooking mechanism 600b, the plate 205 is movable in relation to the ski.

The hooking mechanism 600b is similar to the previous embodiment, except that the retaining member 640 and the release member 607 have been omitted as they are not needed for alpine skiing. Furthermore, the hooking mechanism 600b is also different in the area of the location of the return member 650. Indeed, it is more practical and more accessible, particularly for adjusting the compensating force, to position the return member 650 at the rear of the heel-piece 700. This arrangement also reduces the thickness of the connection member 200, and therefore the distance between the boot sole and the ski.

The hooking mechanism 600b also incorporates a device 660 for adjusting the compensating force exerted by the return member 650, i.e., a spring in this case. The wall 609 of the connecting rod 601 is located, in this embodiment, at the rear of the hooks 603 and presses on the spring 650. The spring 650 then presses on an adjusting screw 660 forming the adjusting device. The adjusting screw 660 is in engagement with an indentation 670 affixed to the rear base 100 or directly fixed to the ski 2. The guide screw 660 is supported by a housing of the rear base 100 or is directly fixed to the ski 2, so as to only allow the rotation and axial displacement of the adjusting screw 660 in relation to the housing.

Thus, turning the screw causes the axial displacement of the screw 660 along the indentation 670, and therefore the compression of the spring 650. Indeed, the spring is in contact on one side with the adjusting screw 660 and, on the other side, with the wall 609 of the connecting rod 601. The connecting rod 601 is axially guided by the rear base 100, on the one hand, and axially immobilized due to the hooks 602, 603 in contact with the shafts 203, 204 connected to the fixed front base 400b, on the other hand. Thus, the axial displacement of the adjusting screw 660 causes the compression of the spring 650.

The stiffness of the return member 650 and that of the elastic member 750 can thus be advantageously adjusted due to an adjusting device 660, 710.

The operation of the double axial compensation is similar to the previous embodiment, except that the cumulative effects are more pronounced because of the flexibility of the connecting blade 206b.

FIGS. 16 and 17 visually explain the operation of the axial compensation. FIG. 16 shows a fitted ski equipped without flexing, whereas FIG. 17 shows a flexing ski and the consequences on the axial compensations. During flexing of the ski, the return member 650 and the elastic member 750 are compressed. The length of the spring 650 changes from a value of L6R at rest to a smaller value of L6F during flexing. The length of the spring 750 changes from a value of L7R at rest to a smaller value of L7F during flexing.

The connection member 200, 200b has a front end secured to the ski 2, in the sense that the connection between the front end of the connection member and the front base 400, 400b fixed to the ski 2 limits certain degrees of freedom, but is not necessarily embedded. The front end can be mounted to pivot in relation to the front base 400, as illustrated in the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 15). It can be rigidly mounted (embedded) with respect to the front base 400b, as illustrated in the second embodiment (FIGS. 16 and 17). The connection between the front end and the front base can also be of the ball-joint type or permit only one translation along one axis.

The return member 650 and the elastic member 750 can be a spring, rubber, or any other element allowing elastic return.

The invention is not limited to these two embodiments and covers other bindings having at least two distinct axial compensations.

The toe-piece can be pivotable about an axis transverse to the ski, with its front base being fixed directly on the ski. The connection member 205b is then similar to that of the second embodiment. It is connected to the front base.

The gripping member is not necessarily located in the area of the heel-piece 700. It can be located, for example, at the rear thereof, which facilitates the design and allows manual action thereon.

Various gripping members can be envisioned. It can be a single hook located at the rear of the heel-piece, for example. The gripping members can include a plurality of hooks, as in the examples described above.

The gripping member can also be a simple lock movable transversely. For example, the hook-engagement structure is simply comprised of holes of the plate where the heel-piece is fixed (the rear of the connection member). The axis of these holes is transverse to the ski. The gripping member is then comprised of a plurality of shafts capable of penetrating into these holes in order to affix the plate to the gripping member. The axis of these shafts is also transverse to the ski. These shafts form locks, which once locked, do not allow any relative movement between the plate and the gripping member, in contrast with the previously described embodiments. The gripping member is also affixed to the connecting rod which is axially guided by the rear base. The gripping member can therefore move longitudinally in relation to the rear base and can also move the plate supporting the heel-piece. In other words, this construction enables a longitudinal displacement of the heel-piece. The locks can be non-removable or retractable by being mounted, for example, on an elastic member.

The gripping member can be an elastic clip.

Other axial compensation systems can also be envisioned, the systems described being only an illustration of what can be applied.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A binding for a boot on a ski, the binding comprising: a toe-piece;a connection member comprising a front end to be secured to the ski and a rear end, the connection member being provided with a hook engagement structure;a rear base to be fixed to the ski;a hooking mechanism associated with the rear base, the hooking mechanism comprising: a gripping member movable in relation to the rear base and structured and arranged to be placed in a first position in cooperation with the hook-engagement structure of the connection member so as to limit vertical displacement of the rear end of the connection member;a first return member exerting a force on the gripping member so as to move the gripping member toward the first position;a heel-piece connected to a rear portion of the connection member;a longitudinal position adjustment mechanism to enable longitudinal position adjustment of the heel-piece in relation to the connection member.

17. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the longitudinal position-adjustment mechanism comprises an elastic member located between a body of the heel-piece supporting a mechanism for retaining the boot and a fastening element longitudinally affixed to the connection member;the elastic member exerting a return force on the body of the heel-piece, in a direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the connection member.

18. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, further comprising: an adjusting device structured and arranged to adjust the return force of the elastic member.

19. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the first return member exerts a compensating force on the hook engagement structure of the connection member, in the direction of the toe-piece, along an axis substantially longitudinal to the ski.

20. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 19, further comprising: an adjusting device structured and arranged to adjust the compensation force of the first return member.

21. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: a force on the gripping member moves the first return member toward the first position.

22. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the toe-piece is structured and arranged to be pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to the ski.

23. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the toe-piece is structured and arranged to be fixed in relation to a front base fixed to the ski.

24. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the connection member is structured and arranged to be flexible in movement about an axis transverse to the ski.

25. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the gripping member is positioned in an area of the heel-piece or between the heel-piece and the toe-piece.

26. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the gripping member comprises at least two hooks arranged on respective sides of a median plane of the rear base;the hooks being structured and arranged to cooperate with at least one fitting of the connection member, the fitting forming the hook engagement structure.

27. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the gripping member is mounted to slide longitudinally in relation to the rear base between first and second positions;the gripping member fixing the connection member to the rear base in the first locking position and releasing the connection member relative to the rear base in the second unlocking position.

28. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 16, wherein: the hooking mechanism comprises: a retaining member affixed to the rear base, the retaining member being movably mounted between first and second positions relative to the rear base;the retaining member having an actuation surface structured and arranged to be manipulated by a user in order to move the retaining member from the first position to the second position;the first position of the retaining member freeing passage of the gripping member from the second position to the first position;the second position of the retaining member retaining the gripping member in the second position;a release member having an actuation surface structured and arranged to be manipulated by the user, the actuation surface having an axial bias driving the gripping member toward the second position.

29. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 28, further comprising: a second return member biasing the retaining member toward the second position.

30. A binding for a boot on a ski according to claim 28, further comprising: a retractable stop retaining the gripping member in the first position in the absence of bias of the release member, and freeing the sliding of the gripping member from the first position to the second position when an axial force is applied to the actuation surface of the release member.