SKI BOOT BINDING SYSTEM

Abstract

A ski binding comprising a toe assembly comprised of, a toe housing, a bi-direction lateral release mechanism integrated into the toe housing, a vertical release mechanism integrated into the toe housing; and heel assembly comprised of, a heel housing, a bi-direction lateral release mechanism integrated into the heel housing, a vertical release mechanism integrated into the housing.

Claims

1. A ski binding comprising: a toe assembly, comprised of, a toe housing, a bi-direction lateral release mechanism integrated into the toe housing, a vertical release mechanism integrated into the toe housing; and a heel assembly, comprised of, a heel housing, a bi-direction lateral release mechanism integrated into the heel housing, a vertical release mechanism integrated into the housing.

2. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the bi-directional lateral release mechanisms have an integrated spring that is adjustable.

3. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the vertical release mechanisms have an integrated spring that is adjustable.

4. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the toe housing is comprised of an upper and lower portion.

5. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the heel housing is comprised of an upper and lower portion.

6. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the bi-directional lateral release mechanism of the toe assembly has a first arm and second arm which interfaces with a side of a ski boot.

7. The ski binding of claim 6, wherein the first and second arm are able to operate independently of one another.

8. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the bi-directional lateral release mechanism of the heel assembly has a first arm and second arm which interfaces with a side of a ski boot.

9. The ski binding of claim 8, wherein the first and second arm are able to operate independently of one another.

10. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the bi-directional release mechanism and the vertical release mechanism of the toe housing operate independently of one another.

11. The ski binding of claim 1, wherein the bi-directional release mechanism and the vertical release mechanism of the heel housing operate independently of one another.

12. A ski binding comprising: a toe assembly comprised of, a toe housing, an adjustable bi-direction lateral release mechanism integrated into the toe housing, wherein a first and second arm are attached to a spring assembly allowing independent movement of the first and second arm, an adjustable vertical release mechanism integrated into the toe housing; and a heel assembly comprised of, a heel housing, an adjustable bi-direction lateral release mechanism integrated into the heel housing wherein a first and second arm are attached to a spring assembly allowing independent movement of the first and second arm, an adjustable vertical release mechanism integrated into the housing.

13. The ski binding of claim 12, wherein the toe housing is comprised of an upper and lower portion.

14. The ski binding of claim 13, wherein the adjustable vertical release mechanism in the toe assembly is secured in the lower portion of the toe housing.

15. The ski binding of claim 12, wherein the heel housing is comprised of an upper and lower portion.

16. The ski binding of claim 15, wherein the adjustable vertical release mechanism in the heel assembly is secured in the lower portion of the heel housing.

17. The ski binding of claim 13, wherein the adjustable bi-directional lateral release mechanisms have a first arm and second arm which interfaces with a side of a ski boot.

18. The ski binding of claim 17, wherein the first and second arms of the adjustable bi-directional lateral release mechanisms are able to operate independently.

19. The ski binding of claim 12, wherein the bi-directional release mechanism and the vertical release mechanism of the toe housing and heel housing operate independently of one another.

20. A ski binding comprising: a toe assembly comprising; an adjustable bi-directional lateral release mechanism having a first arm and a second arm which interface with a ski boot, an adjustable vertical relation mechanism which interfaces with the ski boot, wherein the adjustable bi-directional lateral release mechanism and the adjustable vertical relation mechanism operate independently of one another, and a heel assembly comprising; an adjustable bi-directional lateral release mechanism having a first arm and a second arm which interface with a ski boot, an adjustable vertical relation mechanism which interfaces with the ski boot, wherein the adjustable bi-directional lateral release mechanism and the adjustable vertical relation mechanism operate independently of one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a binding system installed on a ski, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the binding system and the ski, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 3A depicts an isometric view of a toe housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3B depicts an isometric view of a toe housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the toe housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts an isometric view of a heel housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the heel housing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 7A depicts a vertical release grip in a first position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 7B depicts the vertical release grip in a second position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 8A depicts a lateral release grip in a first position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 8B depicts the lateral release grip in a second position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 8C depicts the lateral release grip in a third position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of a spring assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention provides a device that allows for the release of a skier from their bindings in two (or more) axes at both the toe and heel bindings. Through the use of two independent release mechanisms in the toe and heel pieces of the ski bindings allow the skier to safely release their feet (boots) from the bindings at the toe or heel vertically or laterally. Additionally, the vertical and lateral release grips can rotate at the same time, allowing the ski boot to release at any angle in the 180-degree plane between the vertical or lateral releases. Both the vertical and lateral release mechanisms are independently adjustable. For instance, the skier can completely lock out the vertical release in the toe, and lateral release in the heel, essentially making the ski binding function like nearly all other current ski bindings. The ski binding system may be two independently mounted toe and heel bindings or one singular mount where the toe and heel bindings are joined on a mounting plate.

[0024] In general, the ski bindings, and release mechanisms disclosed herein, may be constructed with a variety of components and materials including, but not limited to, adhesives, plastic, rubber, metal, fiberglass, composites, polycarbonate, polytetrafluouroethylene (PTFE), carbon fiber, and any combination of these. Suitable metals may include brass, steel, titanium, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, although the skilled person will understand that a variety of other metals may be employed as well, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the foregoing examples. These construction materials can be employed in connection with a variety of processes including, but not limited to, milling, injection molding, or die casting. The material needs to be able to with stand the forces which are exerted on itself from the skier. For example, polymamide 6 reinforced with 40% glass fiber (e.g. PA6 GF40).

[0025] Depending upon the material(s) employed in the construction of the skis, ski bindings, and release mechanisms, a variety of methods and components may be used to connect, releasably or permanently, various elements of the aforementioned devices. For example, the various elements of a ski binding within the scope of this disclosure may be attached to each other by any one or more of processes such as welding or brazing, and/or mechanically by way of fasteners such as bolts, screws, pins, and rivets, for example.

[0026] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

[0028] All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0029] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as solely, only and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a negativelimitation.

[0030] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a binding system 100 installed on a ski, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. An assembled view of the binding system 100 installed on a ski 400 is shown. The binding system is comprised of a toe housing 200 and a heel housing 300. The binding system 100 is able to work with a wide variety of downhill or alpine skis and boots 400. Based on the skis 400 the location of the binding system 100 is adjustable and can be positioned based on the skiers preference and desired mounting location. The binding system 100 is designed to secure the skier's boot in place and based on the DIN setting, would allow the boot to be released upon a force (e.g. torque) equal to or greater than the DIN setting in a vertical and/or lateral direction. This torque or release force setting is referred to as the DIN setting. The DIN setting refers to how easily the ski boot releases from the binding, or in other words how much torque is required to release the ski boot from the binding.

[0031] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the binding system 100 and the ski, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The toe housing 200 and the heel housing 300 are secured to the skis 400 via a set of fasteners 101. The fastener 401 type is show for exemplary purposes and different ski 400 models may have different mounting fasteners 401, locations, or setups. In additional embodiments, various other mounting systems may be incorporated into the toe housing 200 and the heel housing 300 as described below.

[0032] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 depict an isometric view and an exploded view (respectively) of the toe housing 200, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The toe housing 200 includes base plate 226. The base plate is used to secure the toe housing 200 to the ski 400 through apertures 227. In alternative embodiments apertures 227 may be repositioned or replaced with alternative securement or fastening means to secure the base plate 226 to the skis 400. The anti-friction device 224 is secured to the base plate 226 through the apertures 227 and via fasteners 101. In alternative embodiments, the anti-friction device 224 may be integrated into the base plate 226 or secured through other means. The upper portion 208 is attached to the base plate 226 and provides the structural support for a first and second release mechanisms that are integrated into the toe housing 200. Fasteners 230 and nuts 228 are used to fasten the base plate 226 of the toe housing 200 to the top of the binding. Fasteners 230 are fed into corresponding cut outs in the bottom of the base 226 and nuts 228 are fed into corresponding cut outs on the inside of the top of the binding. The bolts 230 are screwed into the nuts 228, mechanically locking the two halves, base and top, of the binding together.

[0033] The first release mechanism provides for the release of the skier's boot in the vertical direction. The first release mechanism is comprised of the vertical release grip 202 and the spring assembly. The vertical release grip 202 is designed to securely fit around the top of the toe of the skier's boot and provide the desired support. The shape and contour of the vertical release grip 202 is based on the boot design. The spring assembly is comprised of a U channel 232, a first spring lock 240, a spring 234, and a second spring lock 238 and rod 236. The spring 234 is secured between the first and second spring locks 238 and 240. The U channel 232 has an aperture 233 on an upper surface that received bolt 206 which passes through a half-moon style nut 204. The half-moon style washer 204 fits within a compartment 203 which is integrated into the vertical release grip 202 and sized to receive the half-moon style washer 204. This allows for the vertical release grip 202 to move within the limitations of the half-moon style washer 204 and the compartment 203. The half-moon style washer 204 allows for the vertical release grip 202 to rotate, without binding to the half-moon style washer 204. One of the main limitations of movement is determined by the available space between the coils of the springs. Once the springs are compressed to the point where the coils of the spring(s) are touching each other, then the vertical release grip 202 cannot rotate any further. The bolt 206 passes through the U channel 232, the first spring lock 240, the spring 234, and is secured to the second spring lock 238, as the second spring lock 238 has a threaded aperture in the center. The spring 234 has a predetermined K value and sized to fit within the U channel 232. This spring assembly allows for the adjustment of the DIN setting via tightening or loosening bolt 206. Each spring assembly may be adjusted based on the tightening or loosening of the respect bolt. The U channel 232 is secured to the base plate 226 via rod 236 which passes through an aperture within the base plate 226. The vertical release grip 202 is secured to the upper portion 208 via rod 207 which passes through aperture 205. This allows the vertical release grip 202 to rotate about the rod 207.

[0034] The second release mechanism provides for the release of the skier's boot in the lateral direction. The second release mechanism is comprised of a left release grip 214, a right release grip 212 and a spring assembly. The left and right release grips fit around the sides of the toe of the boot. The shape and contour of the left and right release grips are based on the boot design. The spring assembly is comprised of a U channel 218, a first spring lock 225, a spring 220, a second spring lock 222, rod 223, bolt 216, and half-moon style washer 204. The spring 220 has a predetermined K value. Similar to the spring assembly in the first locking mechanism, the spring 220 is secured between the first and second spring locks 225 and 222. The U channel 218 has an aperture 219 at a first end that is sized to receive bolt 216. The bolt 216 passes through a compartment 215 of the left release grip 214 and the half-moon style washer 204, the first spring lock 225, the spring 220, and is secured to the second spring lock 222 via a thread aperture integrated into the second spring lock 222. The bolt 216 is aligned with the first and second spring lock 222 and 225 and keep the bolt 216 in line with the spring 220 in line with the release mechanism as the release grips 214 or 212 as they rotate. The right release grip 212 is secured to the spring assembly via rod 223, which allows the right release grip 212 to rotate about the rod 223. This spring assembly allows the skier to adjust a DIN setting on the second release mechanism via tightening or loosening bolt 216. The second release mechanism is secured to the base plate 226 and the upper portion 208 via rods 210 as the rods are inserted through apertures 213 and 223 of the left and right release grips respectively. As shown in FIG. 3B, the toe housing 200 is shown with the vertical and lateral release mechanisms in an on open position. This drawing is used to show how the release mechanisms move within the assembly of the toe housing 200, a similar articulation would occur in the heel housing 300.

[0035] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an isometric view and an exploded view (respectively) of a heel housing 300, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Heel housing 300 is designed to secure the heel of the skier's boot (in combination with the toe housing 200), to secure the skier to the skies 400. Similar to the toe housing 200, the heel housing 300 has a vertical release mechanism and a lateral release mechanism to allow the skier a multi-direction release system to reduce injuries in the event of a fall or crash. The heel housing 300 is comprised of a base plate 336 which has apertures 337 which are used to secure the heel housing 300 to the skies 400 via fasteners 101. The apertures 337 and the fasteners may be altered based on the ski 400 design or the securement method/system. Brake bar 338 is secured to the base plate 336 via top mount 332 and bottom mount 340 which are secured to the base plate 336 and allow the brake bar 338 to rotate. The brake bar 338 is connected to a heel stomp pad, which is compressed when the ski boot is locked into the binding, rotating the brake bar 338 up so they are in line with the binding. Upper portion 304 is attached to the base plate 336 to provide the main housing assembly of the heel housing 300. Rotatably attached to the upper portion 304 is the vertical release grip 302. The vertical release grip 302 secures the top of the heel of the ski boot in the bindings. The front portion of the vertical release grip 302 has a U shape design to fit around the heel of the skier's boots, and a rear portion has the lever to allow the user to get into and out of the ski bindings by pushing down on the lever and releasing the boot from the bindings. The vertical release grip 302 is secured to the upper portion 304 via rod 314 which is inserted through slot 303 of the vertical release grip 302 and openings 305 in the upper portion 304, to allow the vertical release grip 302 to rotate about the rod 314.

[0036] The vertical release grip 302 has an integrated first release mechanism which is comprised of a U channel 344, an upper spring lock 348, a spring 350, and a lower spring lock 352. The spring 350 is contained within the U channel 344 with the spring locks 348 and 352 securing the spring 350 in place. The spring 350 has a predetermined K value. A bolt 310 passes through an opening 313 and a half-moon style nut 312 (which fits within the a compartment of the opening 313) and passes through the U C channel 344 via aperture 346, the upper spring lock 348, the spring 350, and is secured to the lower spring lock 352 via a threaded opening. As the bolt 310 is rotated, the spring is either compressed or decompressed which adjusts the DIN setting. A rod 355 is rotatably secured to the U channel 344 and is secured in a slot 351 in the base plate 336. The first release mechanism passes through an internal cavity 331 of the base plate 336 and an opening 311 of the upper portion 304. The release mechanisms have a visible indicator to give a readout to the DIN setting, and as the DIN setting is adjusted the visible indicator changes accordingly.

[0037] A second release mechanism provides for the release of the skier's boot in the lateral direction. The second release mechanism is comprised of a left release grip 320, a right release grip 306 and a spring assembly. The left and right release grips fit around the sides of the heel of the boot. The shape and contour of the left and right release grips are based on the boot design. The spring assembly is comprised of a U channel 324, a first spring lock 330, a spring 328, a second spring lock 326. The spring 328 has a predetermined K value. Similar to the spring assembly in the first locking mechanism, the spring 328 is secured between the first and second spring locks 330 and 326. The U channel 324 has an aperture at a first end that is sized to receive bolt 318. The bolt 318 passes through an aperture 309 of the left release grip 320 and a half-moon style washer 316 which is secured within in a carveout in the left release grip 320. The bolt 318 passes through the half-moon style washer 316, the left release grip 320, the U channel 324, the first spring lock 330, the spring 328, and is secured to a threaded interior aperture in the second spring lock 328. By adjusting the bolt 316, the DIN setting of the second release mechanism is adjusted. The right release grip 306 is rotatably attached to the second release mechanism via rod 328 which passes through slot 321 of the right release grip 306. The second release mechanism is secured to the base plate 336 and the upper portion 304 by having rods 322 inserted through slot 329 of the left release grip 320 and into opening 335 of the base plate 336 and slot 323 of the right release grip 306 and into opening 335 of the base plate 336. The left and right release grip fit in grooves 341 and 343 respectively.

[0038] Shown in FIGS. 7A-7B is an embodiment of the articulation of the vertical release grip 202 for the toe assembly 200. This movement is substantially similar to the movement of the vertical release grip 302 of the heel housing 300. The toe assembly 200 is used for exemplary purposes. In the illustrations, the vertical release grip 202 when lifted compresses the spring 234 as the second spring lock 238 is lifted in unison with the vertical release grip 202. The second spring lock 238 has guides which secure it in the U channel 232 so that the second spring lock 238 is able to slide up and down the U channel 232 sides. As shown in the bolt and the U channel 232 remain parallel due to the half-moon style washer 204 in the compartment of the vertical release grip 202 moving within the compartment. In some embodiments, the U channel 232 rotates as the release grips move.

[0039] FIGS. 8A-8C is an embodiment of the articulation of the left and right release grip 214 and 212 (respectively) in the toe assembly 200. This movement is substantially similar to the movement of the left release grip 320 and the right brace 306 of the heel housing 300. As shown the left release grip 214 can move independently of the right brace 212. This allows for the skier's boot to disengage from the bindings in either lateral direction to further reduce the likelihood of injury. Regardless of which brace moves, the spring 220 is compressed and the respective spring lock moves. As shown if the left release grip 214 moves, the second spring lock 225 slides along the U channel 218 as the bolt 216 is pulled away from the housing. If the right brace 212 moves, the first spring lock 222 slides down the bolt 216 to compress the spring 220 and the U channel 218 remains aligned due to the rotation about rod 223 and the bolt 216 moving within the compartment due to the half-moon style washer 204. This rod 223 allows the U channel 218 to remain perpendicular to the braces. In some embodiments, the U channel 218 rotates as the release grips move The left release grip 214 rotates about rod 223 and the right brace 212 rotates about rod 213.

[0040] Shown in FIG. 9 is the first release mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The other release mechanisms have substantially similar parts, and this first release mechanism is used for exemplary purposes to show detail in the components. Each release mechanism components may differ in size, material, and spring K value but are substantially the same design as the other release mechanisms. The U channel 232 is shown with the apertures to receive rod 355. The first spring lock 240 is shown with the spring 234 sized to fit within the first spring lock 240. The second spring lock 238 is shown sized to receive the spring 234, and with the locks sized to receive the U channel 232. The first spring lock 240 has an aperture that the bolt 206 passes through and the second spring lock 238 has a threaded aperture for the bolt 206 to be screwed into. The half-moon style washer 204 is shown with an aperture to receive the bolt 206.

[0041] As the bolt 206 is rotated (clockwise or counterclockwise), the spring is either compressed or decompressed which adjusts the DIN setting. This applies to all the release mechanisms and there is an indicator that is visible so as the DIN setting is adjusted, the indicator (or a readout) is adjusted accordingly to tell the skier what the DIN setting is.

[0042] The various springs (234, 220 350, 328) may have different K values so that each release mechanism can have an independent DIN setting and can be adjusted independently of one another. Additionally, each release assembly can have an independent DIN range based on the spring which is used. For example, a spring with a lower K value may allow for a DIN range of 310 where a spring with a high K value may have a DIN range of 8-15.

[0043] While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0044] While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0045] It will be further understood that various changes in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

[0046] Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication that the subject matter described by the term present invention is covered by either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that may eventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term present invention is used to help the reader to get a general feel for which disclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, this understanding, as indicated by use of the term present invention, is tentative and provisional and subject to change over the course of patent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as the claims are potentially amended.

[0047] The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, which will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification and claims the term comprising shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term including and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term comprising such as compriseand comprises.

[0048] Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devices between network connections of elements. As such, network connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are in direct communication with each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0049] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.