Abstract: Cross country ski binding of the type that includes a retention device for the tip of the boot. The retention device includes a channel having an upwardly facing opening and in which nests a transverse latching bar carried by the front of the boot. The channel includes a fixed portion and a movable portion, the movable portion being adapted to be spaced from the fixed portion by biasing a spring under the effect of a longitudinal force, which serves to free the bar.

Abstract: Binding for holding the front of a ski boot (3) in position on a cross-country ski (2), comprising a binding body (8), a locking piece which fastens to the ski an element (5) unitary with the front of the boot, a control device (10) for the locking piece, spring-force means (35) which, in the absence of any external force exerted on the control device (10), draw this control device into the locked position, there being associated with this control device (10) an element (36) connecting with the locking piece and a guide (64) for this control device (10) during its displacement. The position maintenance of the control device (10) on the binding body (8) is achieved by the element (36) connecting with the locking piece and the guide (64, 49) of this control device (10).

Abstract: A lateral guidance device for a ski boot, which is attached at its front end to a ski, for example a cross-country ski. The heel of the boot is free to move, at least vertically, The guidance device includes at least one longitudinal guidance rib cooperating with at least one longitudinal groove of a complementary shape provided in the sole of the boot, in order to assure lateral guidance of the boot. The guidance device includes two elements arranged end to end and aligned along the longitudinal axis of the ski, namely a front element and a rear element. The back side of the front element and the front side of the rear elements are provided with connection elements to assure their transverse and vertical connection, as well as freedom of longitudinal movement.

Abstract: Mounting device for a cross-country ski boot having, at its front end, a transverse hinge pin (1) which, while being allowed to rotate, is locked in position between a stationary jaw (10) of the device (30) and a sliding movable jaw (20) biased longitudinally by spring force toward the stationary jaw. The movable jaw (21) has, in transverse section, the shape of a hook designed to clasp the pin of the boot at least longitudinally and vertically, and this hook comprises a horizontal arm (21) having, in longitudinal section, a ramp-shaped profile (21a) which increases in size as it extends toward the stationary jaw (10). The horizontal arm (21) of the hook (20) can also have, at each of its lateral ends extending transversely, a ramp-shaped profile (21b) which increases in size as it extends from the interior to the exterior of the arm (21).

Abstract: A binding apparatus for affixing a cross-country ski shoe to a ski, for a shoe having at a front end a transverse hinge pin, and a bearing insert for the hinge pin. The apparatus includes a bearing housing having an inner surface and an opening positioned upwardly with respect to the ski for receiving the hinge pin. A member is provided which is movable from a retracted position to a position above the opening of the housing for retaining the hinge pin within the housing, and an insert affixed to the housing inner surface for increasing the area of the housing inner surface against which forces from the hinge pin are transmitted during skiing. Particular forms of the insert are provided and the insert includes shapes which particularly adapt the insert for being embedded within the housing.

Abstract: Cross-country ski binding for a shoe or boot having a transverse journal axle includes a latch which is longitudinally and rotationally movable between latching and insertion positions. A biasing element biases the latch in a longitudinal direction towards the latching position and rotationally towards the insertion position. The arrangement of the elastic element allows the biasing force to overcome in the vertical direction to be less than that in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for linking a ski boot to a ski, including an elastically flexible support mounted for pivoting around a transverse journal axis on a longitudinally extending ski. The apparatus includes a rigid element adapted to couple the ski to the front of the boot with a portion of a retention element, at least partially embedded in the support and positioned to intersect the transverse axis. An elastic device is provided for biasing the support to rotate in a direction towards the rear and bottom of the ski.

Abstract: The device comprises two jaws (10, 20) designed to lock the hinge pin of the ski boot while leaving this pin free to rotate. One of the jaws (10l ) is stationary and the other jaw (20) is movable and displaceable toward the stationary jaw (10) in order to grip the hinge pin, and the stationary jaw (1) delimits a slide track which guides a guide piece (23) connected to the movable locking jaw (20). The guide rail (12) is positioned between two screws (5) for mounting the device on the ski and extends transversely under at least one part of the support area of each screw head (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching one end of a boot to a ski. The apparatus includes a support, a movable lock, and a journal. The support is attached to the ski and is adapted to engage the boot. The movable lock pivots around the journal between an inactive, non-retention position in which the boot is free to be attached to and removed from the ski, and an active, retention position in which the boot is locked on the ski. The journal is positioned between the walls of a housing of the apparatus. The journal is spaced from these walls of the housing so as to produce play between the journal and the housing in response to the movable lock pivoting into its active, retention position.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a boot on a ski including a mobile lock adapted to be displaced between a retention position and an open position. In the retention position the lock retains the boot on the ski. In the open position the lock permits the boot to be disengaged from the ski. Also provided is a generally upside down U-shaped spring in the form of a stirrup having a two ends which are pivotally attached to the ski and a median portion including a projection which extends toward these ends and which is adapted to be displaced on the surface of the lock. Both the lock and the spring are pivotally attached to the ski around different transverse axes so that the lock and the spring form a toggle mechanism. As a result, when the projection is displaced on the surface of the lock to one side of a plane passing through the two transverse axes, the lock is biased and displaced into one of its two positions.