Lateral guide apparatus for a cross country ski, and a ski shoe cooperable therewith

Abstract

Apparatus for connection to a cross-country ski for laterally guiding a ski shoe having a front end atached to the ski at a position forwardly of the rear of the shoe whose heel is vertically movable on the ski in the longitudinal median plane thereof includes a longitudinally extending guide rib adapted to cooperate with a longitudinal groove of complementary shape in the sole of the ski shoe. The groove successively includes, from front to rear, a first region beneath the toes of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, a second region beneath the ball of the foot of the wearer, a third region beneath the arch of the foot of the wearer, and a fourth region beneath the heel of the foot of the wearer. The rib has opposite lateral sides defining the width of the guide, and a top surface defining the height of the guide. Both the slope of the sides relative to the longitudinal median plane of the ski, and the height of the guide, are nonconstant functions of the length of the guide.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a lateral guide apparatus for a cross-country ski, and a ski shoe cooperable therewith, the ski shoe having a front end attached to the ski and a rear end which is vertically moveable on the ski.

2. Description of Background and Relevant Information

Various types of apparatus are known for guiding the lateral displacement of a ski shoe whose toe is connected to a cross-country ski. Certain of these rely upon a longitudinal guide rib mounted on, or integral with, the upper surface of the ski. Such rib cooperates with a longitudinal groove of a complementary shape in the sole of the cross-country shoe so as to guide its lateral displacement during downward vertical movement of the heel into engagement with the ski.

It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved apparatus for guiding the lateral displacement of a ski shoe wherein the efficacy of the apparatus is improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Apparatus according to the present invention is adapted to be connected to a cross-country ski for laterally guiding a ski shoe having a front end attached to the ski at a position forwardly of the rear of the shoe which is vertically moveable on the ski in the longitudinal median plane thereof. The apparatus includes a longitudinally extending guide rib adapted to cooperate with a longitudinal groove of complementary shape in the sole of the ski shoe, the groove successively including, from front to rear, a first region beneath the toes of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, a second region beneath the ball of the foot of the wearer, a third region beneath the arch of the foot of the wearer, and a fourth region beneath the heel of the foot of the wearer. The rib has opposite lateral sides defining the width of the guide, and a top defining the height of the guide. Both the slope of the sides relative to the longitudinal median plane, and the height of the guide are nonconstant functions of the length of the guide.

Preferably, the rib, in a longitudinal direction from front to rear, successively includes a first section whose height decreases in the rearward direction and which is adapted to cooperate with the sole area of the shoe corresponding to the toes of the wearer, a second section of substantially constant height adapted to cooperate with the sole area of the shoe corresponding substantially to the head of the metatarsus, and a third section whose height increases in the rearward direction. The rib may also include a fourth section extending rearwardly of the third section and adapted to cooperate with the sole area of the shoe corresponding to the heel of the wearer. The fourth section has a constant height no greater than the height at the junction between the third and fourth sections. The height of the fourth section may be constant along its length; or, alternatively, the height of the fourth section decreases in the rearward direction.

Preferably, the height of the third section increases monotonically in the rearward direction over its entire length. Alternatively, the third section of the guide rib is constituted by a vertical step that defines the junction between the second section and the fourth section.

In an embodiment of the invention, the top of each of the first and third sections of said rib may have a longitudinal profile that is curved to define an upwardly directed concavity. The top of the second section of the rib may have a longitudinal profile that is curved to define an upwardly directed concavity.

The length of the first section of the rib may range from about 40-60 mm., and its height may range from about 5-25 mm. The length of the second section of the rib may range from about 80-120 mm., and its height may not be greater than about 15 mm. The length of the third section of rib may range from about 5-25 mm., and its height may range from about 3-13 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the first section is about 50 mm, and the maximum height of the first section is about 15 mm. The length of the second section is about 100 mm.; and the height of the second section is about 5 mm. The length of the third section is about 13 mm.; and the maximum height of the third section is about 8 mm.

In another preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the first section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 5 degrees; the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the second section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 15 degrees; and the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the third section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 25 degrees.

In accordance with the present invention, the transverse cross-section of the rib may be in the form of an isosceles trapezoid.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the lateral side surfaces of the rib may be curved.

This being the case, the lateral transverse cross-section of the rib at the front end of the first section is preferably in the form of a pointed arch constituted by two arcs of a circle intersecting at the apex of the rib along the median plane of the ski, and the junction between the first section and the second section being in the form of an arc having an upwardly directed convexity. In the case where the second section has a uniform transverse cross-section, the transverse cross-section at the rear end of the third section is an arc whose curvature is smaller than the curvature of the arc at the junction between the first and second sections.

In this instance, the second section may have a uniform transverse cross-section, in which case the transverse cross-section at the rear end of the third section is an arc whose curvature is smaller than the curvature of the arc at the junction between the first and second sections.

In another embodiment of the present invention the rib may be sub-divided into two longitudinal parallel parts by a longitudinal groove extending over the entire length of the rib.

In yet another embodiment, the rib may be a part of a plate adapted to be applied to the upper surface of the ski, in which case the plate includes opposite lateral wings which extend from the rib and are supported on the top of the ski, preferably the wings of the plate in the fourth section of the rib are transversely scored to produce zones of weakness that facilitate breakage of the rib for adjusting the length of the plate to the length of the shoe, and wherein the plate is transversely scored at the junction between the third and fourth sections for facilitating breaking.

In a related embodiment of the present invention, wherein, in the fourth section of the rib, the wings of the plate are transversely scored to produce a zone of weakness that facilitate breakage of the rib for adjusting the length of the plate to the length of the shoe, the plate may be transversely scored at the junction between the third and fourth sections for facilitating breaking.

In accordance with the present invention, the rib may be part of plate adapted to be applied to the upper part of the ski, said plate having means on its lower surface adapted to over-lie the sides of the ski, or may be in combination with a ski wherein the rib is integral with the ski.

The present invention is also directed to a cross-country ski shoe having a sole provided with a continuous longitudinal groove having succeeding sections, from front to rear, whose width and depth is a nonconstant function of the length of the groove.

The present invention is also directed to an apparatus adapted to be connected to a cross-country ski for laterally guiding a ski shoe having a front end attached to the ski at a position forwardly of the rear of the shoe whose heel is vertically movable on the ski in the longitudinal median plane thereof which includes a longitudinally extending guide rib adapted to cooperate with a longitudinally extending groove of complementary shape in the sole of the ski shoe wherein the groove successively includes, from front to rear, a first region beneath the toes of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, a second region beneath the ball of the foot of the wearer, a third region beneath the arch of the foot of the wearer, and a fourth region beneath the heel of the foot of the wearer; and wherein the rib has opposite lateral sides defining the width of the guide, and a top defining the height of the guide, wherein both the slope of the sides relative to said longitudinal median plane and the height are nonconstant functions of the length of the guide, and wherein the guide rib may be solid, and the guide rib is provided with transverse notches in the side thereof facing the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Nonlimiting embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of lateral guide apparatus according to the present invention applied to a cross-country ski, and of a shoe for use therewith according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-section taken along line II--II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-section taken along line III--III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-section taken along line IV--IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lateral guide apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the lateral guide apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective and elevation views, respectively, of a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective and elevation views, respectively, of a still further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a still further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of lateral guide apparatus according to the present invention mounted on a cross-country ski having a profiled upper surface;

FIG. 15 is a transverse cross-section taken along line XV--XV of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-section taken along line XVI--XVI of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a transverse cross-section taken along line XVII--XVII of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lateral guide apparatus shown in FIGS. 14-16;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of a still further embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a side view of a still further embodiment of guide apparatus according to the present invention showing boots of different sizes, in partial cross-section, and showing means for adjusting the length of the apparatus to accomodate boots of different lengths.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Lateral guide apparatus according to the present invention, designated by reference numeral 1 in FIGS. 1-6, is constituted by a plate, normally separate from the ski, and preferably formed of plastic material which is attached by the usual means on the upper surface of cross-country ski 2 having a right rectangular transverse cross-section.

Alternatively, lateral guide apparatus 1 may be integral with ski 1 by being molded therewith, or may be machined into the upper surface of the ski.

Apparatus 1 is adapted to provide lateral guidance of cross-country shoe 3 during the practice of cross-country skiing by guiding lateral displacement of the shoe during repetitive upward and downward movement of the heel of the shoe relative to the ski. To this end, the sole of shoe 3 contains longitudinal groove 4 that is complementary to and cooperates with lateral guide apparatus 1. The front end of shoe 3 is fixed in a conventional manner to the ski by means of binding 5 mounted on the ski so that the heel of shoe 3 is capable of moving freely, at least vertically, relative to the top surface of the ski.

The central portion of the plate constituting lateral guide apparatus 1 comprises longitudinal guide rib la whose transverse cross-section includes a central region that has a polygonal or curved shape, and opposite lateral sides on the lower portion of the rib in the form of two lateral horizontally disposed opposed wings 1b, 1c which engage the upper surface of ski 2, and which extend substantially laterally on each side of the central region. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-6, the central region of the transverse cross-section of rib 1a is in the form of an isosceles trapezoid. In this embodiment, the lateral guide apparatus is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and vertical median plane of symmetry P of ski 2. However, this construction is only optional; and plate 1 may have a transverse cross-section which is not symmetrical with respect to the median plane.

The present invention provides for longitudinal variations in both the height of central longitudinal rib 1a, and the inclination of lateral surfaces 1d, 1e of rib 1a with respect to the longitudinal median plane. In first front section A of the rib, whose length ranges from about 40-60 mm., and preferably is equal to about 50 mm. The height h of rib 1a decreases monotonically, rearwardly, from a maximum height h1, adjacent the front end of plate 5 (i.e., the end adjacent to the binding) to a height h2 at the junction between section A, and adjacent second section B. Height h1 may range from 5 to 25 mm. and preferably is equal to about 15 mm. Height h2, should not exceed about 15 mm. and preferably is equal to about 5 mm. In first front section A, inclination angle a, which is the angle between respective lateral inclined surfaces 1d, 1e of the rib 1a and median plane P, is relatively small. Preferably, this angle is equal to about 5.degree. (see FIG. 2).

Rearward of first front section A of decreasing height is second section B whose length ranges from about 80-120 mm., and preferably is equal to about 100 mm. In second section B, height h2 should not exceed about 15 mm. and preferably is equal to about 5 mm.; and the lateral surfaces 1d, 1e of rib 1a are more inclined with respect to median plane P. In section B, the inclination angle b is typically about 15.degree. (see FIG. 3).

Rearward of second section B of height h2 is third section C whose length may range from about 5-25 mm., and preferably is equal to about 15 mm. In section C, the height of rib 1a increases progressively in the rearward direction from the minimum value h2 to a maximum value h3 which is in the range from about 3-13 mm. and preferably, is equal to about 8 mm. In section C, the lateral surfaces 1d, 1e of the rib 1a are more inclined with respect to median plane P. Typically, inclination angle c in section C is about 25.degree. (see FIG. 3).

Rearward of third section C is fourth section D which extends rearwardly to the end of plate 1 terminating under the heel of the shoe. In this section, the height of the rib may remain constant and have the value h3.

Preferably, sections A, B, C, D, are integrally connected in a continuous manner; and these sections are adapted to cooperate with corresponding complementary sections of longitudinal groove 4 in the sole of shoe 3. More particularly, groove 4 comprises successively, from the front towards the rear of the shoe, front section 4a of a depth that decreases from the front towards the rear and of length substantially equal to that of first front section A of plate 1. Rearward of front section 4a is second section 4b of a constant depth, and of a length which is substantially equal to that of second section B of plate 1. Rearward of section 4b is third section 4c of a depth which increases from front to rear, and of a length substantially equal to that of third section C of plate 1. Finally, fourth section 4d is rearward of the third section and has a constant depth extending to the rear edge of the sole. As shown in FIG. 1, fourth rear section D of plate 1 may be longer than the fourth section 4d of groove 4 in the sole of the shoe. As a consequence, plate 1 may extend slightly beyond the heel of the shoe.

The four sections A, B, C, D of guide plate 1 have lengths functionally related to the morphology of the foot of the wearer of the ski shoe. First front section A extends substantially in a support zone beneath the toes of the foot of the wearer of the shoe. In this zone, close to binding 5, the essential function of rib 1a of plate 1 is to precisely guide the shoe against lateral displacement. Because the front end of the shoe is fixed to the ski, first front section 4a of groove 4 of the sole will always remain partially engaged with guide rib 1a throughout the entire pivotal movement of the heel of shoe 3 with respect to the ski. As a result, shoe 3 cannot laterally shift with respect to the median plane P; and this gives the skier perfect control over steering the ski. In the course of the return of the sole of the shoe to a flat position on the ski, the combination of the continuity of rib 1a and of the profile of the lateral inclined surfaces 1d, 1e of the rib allow for a perfect engagement of the shoe on the ski during such return.

Second cross-section B of guide plate 1, in which the rib is of height h2 and is significantly less than the height of the other sections of the plate, allows the sole of the shoe beneath the head of the metatarsus of the foot to approach the snow on each side of the ski. The resultant of the forces of the foot of the skier acting through the ball of the foot on the ski is localized essentially at the location of the head of the first metatarsus. Thus, by permitting the head of the metatarsus to approach the snow on each side of the ski, the lateral stability of the ski is increased all-the-more favoring the course selected by the skier. The reduced height h2 of guide rib 1a in second section B offers a compromise between a satisfactory guidance for this zone of the foot, and an optimal lateral stability of the ski when the shoe rests flat on the ski.

The third and fourth sections C, D, under the arch and heel of the foot of the wearer, serve to correctly center the rear half of the sole with respect to the ski during the return of the shoe to a position flat on the ski. In these two sections, lateral surfaces 1d and 1e are more inclined with respect to the vertical (angle c is 25.degree., for example) than in front section A (where angle a is about 5.degree.). This arrangement enhances recentering of the shoe on the ski when the heel is returned to a flat position on the ski. In fact, if the heel of the shoe undergoes a slight lateral deviation with respect to longitudinal median plane P, the reduced slope of the lateral surfaces 1d, 1e makes it possible to overcome this deviation as the shoe returns to its flat position. This is shown in FIG. 4 where the shoe is offset laterally with respect to median plane P as shown in chain lines. Such a shaping of guide rib 1a makes it possible to avoid any loss of instantaneous guidance, which is contrary to what occurs with noncontinuous guide apparatus.

FIGS. 7-14 illustrate various other alternative embodiments of lateral guide apparatus according to the present invention.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown on FIG. 7, the upper surface of plate 1A is provided with transverse grooves 6 in fourth rear section D of the plate. That is to say, grooves 6 extend in both the central guide rib 1a and in the top of lateral wings 1d, 1c. These grooves constitute scores in the apparatus which define weakened zones thereby permitting the plate to be broken at such zone to adapt the overall length of the plate to the size of the shoe. Transverse groove 7 of the same type can constitute a weakened zone at the junction between third section C and fourth section D of the plate.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, the guide rib of plate IB has the same shape as that shown in FIGS. 1-7, but has a longitudinal groove if symmetrically located with respect to the median plane of the ski. Groove if extends over the entire length of plate 1B. As a result, this longitudinal groove divides the longitudinal rib into two parallel sub-ribs 1g and 1h, each of which has the same transverse profile and is symmetrically located relative to the median plane.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, second section B of the upper surface of the longitudinal rib of guide plate 1c has a longitudinally curved profile. Specifically, the profile defines an upwardly opening concavity having a large radius of curvature. Otherwise, stated, the height of the longitudinal rib in section B diminishes progressively rearwardly from the junction with section A until a minimum is reached, and then increases progressively rearwardly toward the junction with section C. In a modification of this embodiment, the upper surfaces of first and third sections A and C may also be curved longitudinally and have a large radius of curvature smoothly connecting sections A and C to the upper surface of the second section B.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the transverse cross-section of the rib of guide plate 1D is in the shape of a pointed arch. Lateral inclined surfaces 1i and 1j of front section A are curved. Preferably, surfaces 1i and 1j are arcs of circles. The intersection of these surfaces at the forward end of section A is a point of discontinuity lying on the median plane and defines an apex. The transverse cross-section of section A, in the form of a pointed arch, changes progressively in the rearward direction to define, at the junction with second section B, a transverse cross-section in the form of a pointed arch 1k having an upwardly turned convexity. First section A preferably has a longitudinally curved profile defining an upwardly turned convexity as shown on FIG. 12.

Second section B, and the two sections C and D of this embodiment, each have transverse cross-sections in the form of pointed arches. Arch 1m defining the transverse cross-section of the junction between sections C and D presents an upwardly turned convexity having a radius of curvature than that of the radius of curvature of second section B because of the junction of the lower ends of arcs 1i, 1j, 1k, 1m, with lateral wings 1b and 1c which are aligned. Stated otherwise, the curvature of the arcs of arch 1m at their is less than the curvature of arcs of arch 1k.

FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment of the invention wherein the height of fourth section D of guide plate 1E decreases rearwardly from its junction with third section C. The decrease in height is monotonic.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 14-18, lateral guide apparatus 1F is mounted on cross-country ski 8 whose transverse cross-section is constituted by two superimposed trapezoids (FIG. 15). Ski 8 thus has upper horizontal surface 8a of a width less than that of lower surface 8b of the ski. Upper horizontal surface 8a is connected to two lateral surfaces 8c and 8d which are slightly inclined with respect to the longitudinal median plane of the ski to constitute a first upper isosceles trapezoid of relatively small width. The two lateral inclined upper side surfaces 8c and 8d extend downwardly to intersect two other lateral surfaces 8e and 8f which are more inclined with respect to the median plane and which define a lower isosceles trapezoid of greater width. Lower inclined surfaces 8e and 8f are connected, in turn, to sides 8g and 8h of the ski which have a relatively low height.

Over a portion of the length of ski 8 is superimposed lateral guide apparatus constituted by plate 9 which may be applied to the ski as a separate element, or may be integral with the ski. The upper surface of plate 9 may be configured in accordance with any of guide plates 1, 1B, 1C, 1D or 1F. In general, guide plate 9 comprises longitudinally extending rib 9a whose transverse cross-section is in the form of an isosceles trapezoid which overlies upper surface 8a of ski 8. Rib 9a is defined by horizontal upper surface 9b and two laterally displaced inclined surfaces 9c and 9d. These lateral surfaces extend downwardly to a level below that of upper surface 8a of ski 8 where they connect to two lateral horizontal surfaces 9e and 9f of plate 9. Lateral surfaces 9e and 9f are respectively connected to vertical side surfaces 9g and 9h which are coplanar with sides 8g and 8h of ski 8 to which they are connected. In this embodiment, the height of rib 9a, with respect to lateral horizontal surfaces 9e and 9f, and the angle of inclination of lateral surfaces 9c and 9d with respect to the median plane of the ski, vary longitudinally along the length of the ski in the same manner as described above in connection with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19, the lateral guide apparatus is constituted by a longitudinal guide rib 11 which is formed integrally with ski 12 which additionally has, on its upper surface, longitudinal rib 13 whose transverse cross-section is in the form of an isosceles trapezoid. Guide rib 11 is formed in a zone of the upper surface of the ski where longitudinal rib 13 is interrupted to create a space, between the rear of rib 13 and the front end of lateral guide rib 11, sufficient to allow for the mounting of binding 5. In this embodiment, the guide rib 11 has, in the longitudinal direction, the same shape of the guidance rib of plate 1 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. However, the rib could also be shaped in accordance with the other embodiments disclosed in the present invention, namely FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 20, the length of the third section C of guide rib 1G approaches zero, and section C is constituted as a step. In this case, the transition between section B and section D is a vertical and transverse plane. This suppression of the transition zone constituting section C is preferably accompanied by elongation of section B.

As shown in FIG. 21, the lengths of portions A, B, C, and D of the various embodiments of the guide ribs according to the present invention, are selected in a way that permits the same rib to be used for very small as well as for very large sizes of shoes. In practice, the length of portions A, B, and C are fixed, and are calculated in a way to allow optimum guidance for the largest size shoe GP, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 21, as well as the smallest size shoe PP shown in solid lines.

Portion B of the ribs of the various embodiments thus extends up to the level of the separation of the portion of the shoe or boot corresponding to the plantar arch; and the incline of portion C corresponds to the incline of the plantar arch for the greatest size shoe GP. Portion C is designed to provide minimal play "j" (see FIG. 21) between this portion and the associated portion of shoe GP. Portion A of a rib according to the present invention is designed so as to present minimal play with the associated portion of the boot in the case of the smallest size PP. Preferably, portion D of the rib has two, but optionally may have more than two, shoe size adjustment notches which serve as break points that allow portion D to be shortened in order to reduce its length to accomodate shoes of shorter length. As shown in FIG. 21, the rearmost part of portion D of a rib may be separated from the main portion by notch 6A in order to reduce the length of the rib to a minimum consistent with the smallest size shoe PP. In such case, the rib would not project beyond the heel of the shoe even for the smallest size thereof.

In the case of the largest size shoe GP, optimum guidance is achieved at the level of the plantar arch (i.e., at the level of portion C of a rib). In the case of the smallest size shoe PP, guidance will occur only up to the level of the metatarsus and at the level of the heel; but this is nevertheless very satisfactory, more particularly because portion A of a rib provides the primary guidance for the smallest size PP.

One particularly preferred set of lengths of portions A, B, C, and D is the following: A=50 mm; B=110 mm; and C--=20-25 mm.

The smallest incline of the lateral surfaces of the guidance rib in portions A and B is adapted to allow a better guidance (shoe or boot nearest the rib), whereas the more accentuated incline of these lateral inclines at the rear (portions C and D) is adapted to allow a recentering of the shoe or boot.

As shown in FIG. 21, notches 6A in portion D serve to facilitate changing the length of a rib to accommodate shoes of different lengths. Other notches 16a-c may be provided in sections A, B, and C, and more particularly in the junction area of adjacent ones of portions A, B, C, D. These notches have the same shape as notches 6A, but are not provided to facilitate breaking of the rib to shorten it. Rather, notches 16a-c confer to this rib a greater flexibility or pliability in the longitudinal direction, particularly when the transverse width of the rib is made large to confer rigidity. Such flexibility in the longitudinal direction allows the central rib to adapt easily to the curve of a cross-country ski and facilitates gluing or otherwise fixing the transverse flanges of the rib to the ski.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particulars disclosed, but extends to all equivalents within the scope of the pending claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for a cross-country ski having a longitudinal median plane for laterally guiding a ski shoe having a sole, a toe which is attached to the ski, and a heel which is vertically movable in said plane on the ski, said apparatus comprising:

a) a longitudinally extending, continuous guide rib on the ski having top and lateral side surfaces and adapted to engage and cooperate with a longitudinal groove of complementary shape in the sole of the shoe so as to maintain the heel of the shoe in a predetermined lateral position when the sole of the shoe is pressed flat on the ski; and

b) said rib, in a longitudinal direction from front to rear, successively including a first section having a height that decreases in the rearward direction and which is adapted to cooperate with an area of the sole of the shoe corresponding to the toes of the wearer, a second section connected to the first section by a junction, and being of substantially constant height adapted to cooperate with a portion of the sole of the shoe corresponding substantially to the head of the metatarsus of the foot of the wearer, and a third section connected to the second section by a junction, the height of said third section increasing in the rearward direction.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rib comprises a fourth section connected to the third section by a junction, and extending rearwardly of the third section, said fourth section adapted to cooperate with the area of the sole of the shoe corresponding to the heel of the wearer, said fourth section having a height no greater than he height of the junction between the third and fourth sections.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the height of the fourth section is constant along the length thereof.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the height of the fourth section decreases in the rearward direction.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height of the third section increases monotonically in the rearward direction over the entire length of said third section.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the top of each of the first and third sections of said rib is planar.

7. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the top of each of the first and third sections of said rib is planar.

8. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the top of each of the first and third sections of said rib is planar.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the top of each of the first and third sections of said rib has a longitudinal profile that is curved to define an upwardly directed concavity.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the top of the second section of the rib has a longitudinal profile that is curved to define an upwardly directed concavity.

11. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the top of the second section of the rib has a longitudinal profile that is curved to define an upwardly directed concavity.

12. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the top of the second section of the rib has a longitudinal profile that is curved to define an upwardly directed concavity.

13. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the top of the first and third sections of said rib has a longitudinal profile that is curved to define an upwardly directed concavity.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:

a) the length of the first section of the rib ranges from about 40-60 mm., and the height of the first section ranges from about 5-25 mm.;

b) the length of the second section of the rib ranges from about 80-120 mm., and the height of the second section is not greater than about 15 mm.; and,

c) the length of the third section of rib ranges from about 5-25 mm., and the height of the third section ranges from about 3-13 mm.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the length of the first section is about 50 mm.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the maximum height of the first section is about 15 mm.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the length of the second section is about 100 mm.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the height of the second section is about 5 mm.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the length of the third section is about 13 mm.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the maximum height of the third section is abut 8 mm.

21. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the maximum height of the first section is about 15 mm.

22. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the length of the second section is about 100 mm.

23. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the height of the second section is about 5 mm.

24. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the length of the third section is about 15 mm.

25. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the maximum height of the third section is about 8 mm.

26. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the lateral side surfaces of the rib are planar and are inclined at an angle with respect to said median plane, the angle of inclination of said surfaces increasing from front to rear.

27. Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein:

a) the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the first section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 5 degrees;

b) the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the second section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 15 degrees;

c) the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the third section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 25 degrees.

28. Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein a transverse cross-section of the rib is in the form of an isosceles trapezoid.

29. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the lateral side surfaces of the rib are planar and are inclined with respect to said median plane, the angle of inclination of said surfaces increasing from front to rear.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29 wherein:

a) the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the first section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 5 degrees;

b) the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the second section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 15 degrees;

c) the angle of inclination of the lateral surfaces of the third section of the rib with respect to the median plane is approximately 25 degrees.

31. Apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the transverse cross-section of the rib is in the form of an isosceles trapezoid.

32. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the lateral side surfaces of the rib are curved.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32 wherein a transverse cross-section of the rib in the first section is in the form of a pointed arch constituted by two arcs of a circle intersecting at the apex of the rib along the median plane of the ski, and the junction between the first section and the second section being in the form of an arc having an upwardly directed convexity.

34. Apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said section has a uniform transverse cross-section, a transverse cross-section in the third section being an arc whose curvature is smaller than the curvature of the arc at the junction between the first and second sections.

35. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the lateral side surfaces of the rib are curved.

36. Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein a transverse cross-section of the rib in the first section is in the form of a pointed arch constituted by two arcs of a circle intersecting at the apex of the rib along the median plane of the ski, and the junction between the first section and the second section being in the form of an arc having an upwardly directed convexity.

37. Apparatus according to claim 36 wherein said second section has a uniform transverse cross-section, a transverse cross-section in the third section being an arc whose curvature is smaller than the curvature of the arc at the junction between the first and second sections.

38. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rib is sub-divided into two longitudinal parallel parts by a longitudinal groove extending over the entire length of the rib.

39. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the rib is sub-divided into two longitudinal parallel parts by a longitudinal groove extending over the entire length of the rib.

40. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said ski has an upper surface, and said rib is a part of a plate adapted to be applied to the upper surface of the ski, said plate including opposite lateral wings extending from said rib and supported on the top of the ski.

41. Apparatus according to claim 40 wherein in the fourth section of the rib, the wings of the plate are transversely scored to produce zones of weakness that facilitate breakage of the rib for adjusting the length of the plate to the length of the shoe.

42. Apparatus according to claim 41 wherein the plate is transversely scored at the junction between the third and fourth sections for facilitating breaking.

43. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the fourth section of the rib is transversely scored to produce a zone of weakness that facilitates breakage of the rib for adjusting the length thereof to the length of the shoe.

44. Apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the plate is transversely scored at the junction between the third and fourth sections for facilitating breaking.

45. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said rib is part of plate adapted to be applied to an upper part of the ski, said plate having means on a lower surface thereof adapted to over-lie opposite sides of the ski.

46. Apparatus according to claim 1 in combination with a ski wherein the rib is integral with the ski.

47. A cross-country ski shoe having a sole provided with a continuous longitudinal groove having first, second, and third contiguous succeeding sections, from front to rear of the shoe, the first section having a longitudinal position corresponding to the toes of the wearer and having a depth that decreases in the rearward direction, the second section having a longitudinal position corresponding to the head of the metatarsus of the foot of the wearer and having a depth that is substantially constant, and the third section having a longitudinal position rearward of the second section and having a depth that increases in the rearward direction.