LOCKING DEVICE FOR LOCKING SKI BINDING TO MOUNTING PLATE

Abstract

A locking device for locking a ski binding on a mounting plate, arranged to be mounted on a ski, in which the locking device is arranged to be in a locked position, in which the ski binding is locked relative to the mounting plate in a longitudinal direction, and in an open position, in which the ski binding can be moved relative to the mounting plate in the longitudinal direction, wherein corresponding locking elements of the locking device and of the mounting plate engage with each other in the locked position. The locking device comprises a force-transmitting element with opposite ends, arranged to be attached in corresponding attachments in the ski binding, when the locking device is in locked position. The locking element is located between the force-transmitting element's opposite ends.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a ski equipment, and more specifically a locking device for locking a ski binding to a mounting plate on a ski, so that the ski binding can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction relative to the mounting plate and be locked to the mounting plate after adjustment.

BACKGROUND

After it has become common to attach ski bindings to mounting plates, several solutions have been suggested to be able to move the ski binding on the mounting plate without using tools. This can either be done as part of the adjustment when the binding is attached to the mounting plate, or subsequently if the user wants to change the characteristics of the ski, for instance to change the attachment or skidding properties. It can also be used for adjusting the skis to a new user.

The International patent publication WO2015140258 A1 shows a locking mechanism with a lever arm in the ski binding, which has a downward pin that can be pressed down and attached in different notches in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate. A snap lock is shown at the end of the lever arm, so that the latter is pressed down into a track in the binding and secured with a corresponding profile in the front edge of the track when the locking mechanism is locked, so that the pin will not slide out of the notch in the mounting plate.

In International patent application WO2017220771A1, it appears that the locking mechanism mentioned above in some case can loosen, for instance at changing temperatures and age of the binding. To solve this problem, it has been suggested to lock the lever arm with a locking element that is hinged in the binding at the one end and cooperates with the lever arm at the other end. When the lever arm is pressed down towards the locked position, the locking element is to be slided towards the lever arm so that the two elements are partially engaged with each other and lock the lever arm in the vertical direction The locking element has a lock in the longitudinal direction, so that vertical forces that function upwards against the lever arm will not as easily lead to opening of the lock.

The solution, which is described in prior art, implies a large number of disadvantages in that they do not work very well in practice, for instance as a consequence of snow packing, they are difficult to use, they break, and they are unnecessarily complicated, which makes the bindings expensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The invention is a locking device for locking a ski binding on a mounting plate arranged to be mounted on a ski. The locking device is simple to use and ensures that the ski binding does not begin to slide or jump in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate when in use. Moreover, it is simple to manufacture and mount to the ski binding, so that the costs of such locking device can be reduced.

The locking device is arranged to be in a locked position, in which the ski binding is locked relative to the mounting plate in a longitudinal direction, and in an open position, in which the ski binding can be moved relative to the mounting plate in the longitudinal direction, wherein corresponding first locking elements in the locking device and in the mounting plate engage with each other in the locked position, wherein the locking device comprises a force-transmitting element with opposite ends, wherein the force-transmitting element's opposite ends are arranged to be attached in corresponding attachments to the ski binding or the mounting plate, when the locking device is in locked position, and wherein the first locking element of the locking device is located between the opposite ends of the force-transmitting elements.

In an embodiment, the force-transmitting element is arranged to transfer at least part of a force directed from below towards the first locking element of the locking device to opposing horizontal forces that press the force-transmitting element's ends into engagement with the respective attachments of the ski binding or the mounting plate when the locking device is in locked position, so that the locking device is secured in the locked position.

In an embodiment of the invention, a ski binding comprises a locking device as described above.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, a locking device (10) according to an embodiment of the invention, which is hinged to a ski binding (1) in an area under a ski boot (not shown), which can be attached to the ski binding (1). The locking device (10) is here in open position, and the first locking element (11) of the locking device (10) is arranged to be locked in the corresponding first locking element of the mounting plate (not shown) under the ski binding (1), so that the ski binding is prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction of the mounting plate.

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate in two different sections with reference to FIG. 1, respectively the locking device (10) seen from the front and the rear, the locking position (10) being in a vertical state in an open position.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate, according to a perspective view and a view from above, the same locking device (10) as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the locking device is in a locked position.

FIG. 4a shows in a sectional view C-C, with reference to FIG. 3b, parts of the locking device (10).

FIG. 4b shows an enlarged section of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5a shows in a sectional view D-D, with reference to FIG. 3b, parts of the locking device (10).

FIG. 5b shows an enlarged section of FIG. 5a.

FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate the function of the locking device in an embodiment. In FIG. 6a, the first locking element (11) of the locking device is in engagement with the corresponding first locking element (21) in the mounting plate (20) and the power-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b) are squeezed down over the corresponding attachments (1a, 1b) on the ski binding edges.

When applying a force (F1) directed from below against the locking device's first locking element (11), as shown in FIG. 6b, this force is transmitted to opposing horizontal forces (F2, F3) that press the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) into engagement with the ski binding's respective attachments (1a, 1b) or edges, so that the locking device (10) is secured in locked position. This can be compared with an old-fashioned timber grab with teeth that sink into the sides of the pole when lifting it up. The stronger the force (F1) directed from below, the stronger the forces (F2, F3) will grasp around the edges of the binding, so that it does not loosen. At the same time, the locking device (10) is flexible, so that it is not a problem to press the force-transmitting element ends (12a, 12b) over the ski binding edges to open or lock the locking device (10) as long as the force (F1) directed from below does not work, which is the case as long as there is no user on the ski.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following part of the description, various examples and embodiments of the invention are shown to provide the skilled person with a more detailed understanding of the invention. The specific details related to the various embodiments and with references to the drawing attached should not be understood as limiting the invention. Protection of the invention is given by the associated patent claims.

In this connection, the embodiments are numbered to provide a good understanding of what is included in each of them. Moreover, a number of dependent embodiments are described, called associated embodiments, which are defined relative to the numbered inventions. Unless otherwise indicated, an embodiment that is dependent on a numbered embodiment, could be combined directly with the referred embodiment or any one of its associated embodiments.

In a first embodiment, the invention is a locking device (10) for locking of a ski binding (1) on a mounting plate (20) arranged to be mounted on a ski. The locking device (10) is arranged to be in a locked position, in which the ski binding (1) is locked relative to the mounting plate (20) in a longitudinal direction, and in an open position, in which the ski binding (1) can be moved relative to the mounting plate (20) in the longitudinal direction. When in use, the locking device is thus either in locked or open position. An example of a locking device (10) in locked position is shown in FIG. 6a.

In the locked position, corresponding first locking elements (11, 21) of the locking device (10) and of the mounting plate (20) engage with each other.

The locking device (10) comprises a force-transmitting element (12) with opposite ends (12a, 12b), arranged to be attached in corresponding attachments (1a, 1b) in the ski binding (1) or in the mounting plate (20) when the locking device (10) is in locked position.

The first locking element (11) of the locking device is located here between the force-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b).

As can be understood from what is described above, the locking device (10) can be in many different states when in open position. Though it is shown in vertical position in several figures, the open position can also comprise other states, in which the corresponding first locking elements (11, 21) of the locking device (10) and of the mounting plate (20) do not engage with each other.

In this embodiment, the locking device (10) can be placed in various positions as long as the condition that the locking device's first locking element (11) is located between the force-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b) is met. The force-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b) can e.g. be placed on each side of the ski binding (1) or after each other in the middle of the ski binding with the first locking element (11) between them.

Nor is it a pre-condition that the first locking element (11) is placed on a straight line between the force-transmitting element's (12) opposite ends (12a, 12b).

In FIG. 6a, the locking device (10) is shown in locked position, and the first locking element (11) of the locking device (10) is in engagement with the first locking element (21) of the mounting plate (20).

When in use, strong forces will be applied in the locking device (10), particularly when the skier kicks back. Though the deviations have been minimized during manufacturing, the first locking element (11) in the locking device (10) will in practice have a slight flexibility and possibility of migration relative to the first locking element (21) of the mounting plate (20).

It has been known to cause problems as these changing forces in the longitudinal direction between the ski binding (1) and the mounting plate (20) can cause the locking element (11) to be jacked up by the force (F1) directed from below, which is a result of the small deviations and the flexibility of the components as described above. This, in turn, can cause the first locking element (11) to lose the grip in the corresponding first locking element (21) of the mounting plate (20), and the ski binding (1) will thus slide in the longitudinal direction on the mounting plate (20).

It is therefore important to ensure that the first locking element (11) of the locking device is kept in place in the corresponding first locking element (21) of the mounting plate (20).

In a first dependent embodiment, this has been resolved by at least part of the force (F1) directed from below against the first locking element (11) of the locking device being transmitted to opposing horizontal forces (F2, F3) that press the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) into engagement with the respective attachments (1a, 1b) of the ski binding or the mounting plate when the locking device (10) is in locked position, so that the locking device (10) is secured in the locked position as illustrated in FIG. 6b.

In another embodiment, which can be combined with the first embodiment above and any of its dependent embodiments, the force-transmitting element (12) is flexible, so that the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to be pressed from the open position, removably down over the respective attachments (1a, 1b) of the ski binding (1) or the mounting plate (20), to the locked position.

In a first dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting element (12) extend across the ski binding (1), wherein the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to be attached to the ski binding's or mounting plate's respective side ends (1a, 1b) to secure the locking device (10) in locked position.

In a second dependent embodiment, which can be combined with the first dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to grasp around the corresponding ends (1a, 1b) on each side of the ski binding (1) or the mounting plate (20) when the locking device (10) is in locked position.

In a third dependent embodiment, which can be combined with the first or second dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting element (12) is flexible, so that the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) are arranged to be pressed removably down over the edges on each side of the ski binding or the mounting plate.

In a fourth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of the other dependent embodiments, the force-transmitting element's ends (12a, 12b) have opposite, longitudinal inward tracks (13a, 13b) arranged to be pressed removably over outward edges (2a, 2b) on the ski binding or mounting plate.

In a third embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the force-transmitting element (12) is rotatably attached to the ski binding (1), so that the force-transmitting element (12) can be tilted up to open position.

In a first dependent embodiment, the force-transmitting element (12) in a side is fixedly attached to the ski binding (1) and flexible or hinged, so that it can be tilted up to open position.

The first locking element (11) and the force-transmitting element (12) can in a second dependent embodiment, which can be combined with the first dependent embodiment above, be integrated in the locking device (10), e.g. by being moulded in a piece of plastic material that provides the necessary flexibility as shown in the figures.

The locking device (10) can alternatively be built up by several elements, e.g. by the force-transmitting element (12) consisting of two arms hinged against each other or against an intermediate piece, consisting of the first locking element (11).

In an fourth embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the locking device's first locking element (11) comprises one or more downward pins or tracks arranged to slot into corresponding holes or tracks, which are part of the first locking element (21) of the mounting plate.

In a first dependent embodiment, the one or more pins are wedge-shaped.

In a second dependent embodiment, which can be combined directly with the first independent embodiment above, two or more pins are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the ski binding (1), such as shown e.g. in FIG. 1.

In a fifth embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the corresponding second locking elements (14, 24) of the locking device (10) and the in the ski binding (20) engage with each other in the locked position.

These other locking elements, shown in an embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2a, are arranged to lock the locking device (10) to the ski binding (1) when the locking device is in locked position, so that the ski binding (1) cannot move relative to the mounting plate, even though the locking device (10) is locked to the plate as described above.

In a first dependent embodiment, the second locking element of the locking device (10) comprises vertical edges that fit into a recess in the ski binding (1), so that the locking device (10) is locked in the longitudinal direction relative to the ski binding (1) when the locking device (10) is in the locked position.

In a second dependent embodiment, which can be combined with the first independent embodiment above, the second locking element of the locking device (10) comprises a reinforced area (15) around the first locking element (11), wherein the reinforced area (15) is arranged to fit into a recess (25) in the ski binding (1).

In a third dependent embodiment, which can be combined with the first or second dependent embodiment above, the second locking element (14) of the locking device (10) comprises a bevel, which fits into a recess in the binding (10), arranged to press the locking device (10) downwards against the binding when a kick back is applied in the binding.

This can e.g. be an inclined edge or an undercut at the front portion of the reinforced area (15) and a corresponding bevel in the ski binding (1).

In the embodiment of the other locking elements (14, 24) shown in FIG. 1, the locking device (10) is lowered into the ski binding (1) when it is in locked position, and vertical interfaces between the two elements prevent longitudinal movement. This also means that the locking device (10) in this position appears as a natural part of the ski binding surface.

This is also seen in a fourth dependent embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of the embodiments above and is shown in FIGS. 4a and 4c, wherein the locking device (10) comprises a pin on each side, arranged to turn into the ski binding (1), wherein the area between the pins is embedded, so that the locking device surface merges with the ski binding (1) when it is in locked position.

In a sixth embodiment, which can be combined with anyone of the embodiments above and their dependent embodiments, the locking device (10) comprises a third lock, provided to keep the locking device in open position, so that it does not fall down from the vertical position shown e.g. in FIG. 1 without a force being applied.

In a dependent embodiment, the third lock comprises a lever arm (16) on the locking device (10), which is provided to press down a resilient element (26) in the ski binding (1), in which the locking device (10) moving from the locked to the open position. In this case, the end of the lever arm (16) lies in front of the rotational axis of the locking device (10) when the locking device is in locked position or below when it is in open position as shown in FIG. 2a. The lever arm presses down the resilient element (26), which can be an integrated protruding tongue in the binding. In this case, the resilient element (26) is pressed down as far as possible when the locking device (10) is vertical. If it is turned further, in the case shown in FIG. 1, it will be forward, and the resilient element (26) will yield less resistance. To turn the locking device (10) back again from this position, a force must therefore be applied to overcome the resilience in the vertical position.

In a seventh embodiment, the invention is a ski binding (1), comprising a locking device (10) as described in anyone of the embodiments above.

In dependent embodiments, the locking device (10) can be a separate element, which is attached to the ski binding as part of the production or moulded as an integrated part of the binding. In both cases, the locking device can be either hinged with a joint or be executed in a flexible material, which allows bending in and out of the locked position.

In the shown embodiments, which are examples of how to execute the invention, various features and details are shown in combination. Though several features are described as belonging to a certain embodiment, it does not necessarily mean that these features will have to be implemented together in all embodiments of the invention. Likewise, features that have been described in different embodiments should not considered to be excluding combinations with each other. The skilled person will understand that embodiments that comprise some of the features that are not specifically described together with, but which are not described as being excluded from a combination with each other, is part of the invention. An explicit description of all embodiments will not contribute to the understanding of the concept of the invention, and therefore some of the combinations have been excluded to simplify and shorten the application.

Claims

1. A locking device for locking a ski binding on a mounting plate, arranged to be mounted on a ski, in which the locking device is arranged to be in a locked position, in which the ski binding is locked relative to the mounting plate a longitudinal direction, and in an open position, in which the ski binding can be moved relative to the mounting plate in the longitudinal direction,

wherein, corresponding first locking elements of the locking device and of the mounting plate engage with each other in the locked position,

wherein, the locking device comprises a force-transmitting element with opposite ends, wherein the force-transmitting element's opposite ends are arranged to be attached in corresponding attachments in the ski binding or the mounting plate when the locking device is in locked position, and wherein the first locking element of the locking device is located between the force-transmitting element's ends.

2. A locking element according to claim 1, wherein the force-transmitting element is arranged to transfer at least part of a force directed from below against the first locking element of the locking device to opposing horizontal forces that press the force-transmitting element's ends into engagement with the respective attachments of the ski binding or the mounting plate when the locking device is in locked position, so that the locking device is secured in the locked position.

3. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the force-transmitting element is flexible, so that the force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to be pressed from the open position, removably down over the respective attachments of the ski binding or the mounting plate, to the locked position.

4. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the force-transmitting element extend across the ski binding, wherein the force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to be attached to the ski binding's or mounting plate's respective side ends to secure the locking device in locked position.

5. A locking device according to claim 4, wherein the force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to grasp around corresponding ends on each side of the ski binding or the mounting plate when the locking device is in locked position.

6. A locking device according to claim 5, wherein the force-transmitting element is flexible, so that the force-transmitting element's ends are arranged to be pressed removably over the edges on each side of the ski binding or the mounting plate.

7. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the force-transmitting element's ends have opposite, longitudinal inward tracks arranged to be pressed removably over outward edges on the ski binding or the mounting plate.

8. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the force-transmitting element is rotatably attached to the ski binding, so that the force-transmitting element can be tilted upwards to open position.

9. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein the locking device's first locking element comprises one or more downward pins.

10. A locking device according to claim 9, wherein the one or more pins are wedge-shaped.

11. A locking device according to claim 1, wherein corresponding second locking elements in the locking device and in the ski binding engage with each other in the locked position.

12. A ski binding with a locking device according to claim 1.