Abstract: A front ski binding assembly for a ski board, including a front boot-retaining mechanism retaining a boot in a slope ascending or descending utilisation, two first articulated arms pivotably mounted on a platform, a lateral security release device arranged in cooperation with first ends of first articulated arms to apply thereon a biasing force urging second ends of first articulated arms towards the longitudinal axis of the platform and allow each first articulated arms to rotate away from the longitudinal axis upon application by a boot of force higher than the biasing force on an interior surface of a first articulated arm, and two second articulated arms pivotably mounted about a second arbor and bearing at an end touring pins to engage corresponding mating members on front end sides of a boot in slope ascending utilisation, the second articulated arms being movable between an active and inactive position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski binding including a front jaw and a rear jaw for holding the sole of a ski boot. The front jaw includes a base, via which the front jaw can be connected to a ski, a first holding device for connecting the boot to the ski at the front end of the boot for ascending, and a second holding device for connecting the ski boot to the ski at the front end of the boot for descending. The second holding device exhibits a first configuration for descending, in which the second holding device is in contact with the front end of the sole of the ski boot, and a second configuration for ascending, in which the second holding device is out of contact with the front end of the sole of the ski boot.

Abstract: A toe piece for a device for fastening a boot on a sliding board, having a base (130; 3) intended to be fixed to the sliding board, two lateral jaws (101; 8, 9), each mounted to be rotationally mobile on the base (130; 3) about a substantially vertical rotation axis (103; 10, 11), so as to occupy a closed position to hold a boot and a separated position to release or receive a boot, and a pusher (110; 35) having two lateral trig surfaces (114; 24, 25) each cooperating with a respective ramp (104; 22, 23) of each jaw (101; 8, 9), this pusher being linked to the base by a trig spring (112; 36), and two links (120; 28, 29) each linked to a jaw by a first lateral axis (123; 14, 15) and linked together by at least one central axis (125; 32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a heel-piece for binding a boot on a gliding board that includes a frame including a vertical extension; a body rotatably mounted about the extension; at least two rods supported by the body, extending on respective sides of the vertical extension, the two rods each having a free end to cooperate with a housing in the heel of the boot; and a holding mechanism for maintaining a spacing between the free ends of the rods. The vertical extension supports at least one contact zone fixed in relation to the frame. Each rod cooperates with a respective portion of the contact zone, specific to each rod. The contact zone is arranged such that a rotation of the body about the extension, from a descent configuration, causes an increased spacing between the two rods. The invention also relates to a binding system and a gliding board equipped with such a binding.

Abstract: A toe-piece for binding a boot to a gliding board, the toe-piece including a frame; two wings each pivotable in relation to the frame about an axis of rotation and supporting a lateral interface surface designed to come into contact with a front portion of the boot when the toe-piece is in a descent configuration. The toe-piece further includes a lateral release mechanism that includes a connecting element connected to the wings such that the displacement of the connecting element causes the rotation of the wings about their axes of rotation; a first elastic member, a first end of which is connected to the connecting member; and a body against which a second end of the first elastic member presses.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding a footwear toe to a snow travel aid. The apparatus comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of the footwear about the toe in forward and rearward directions and is for use with a heel holder that provides for lateral release. The apparatus comprises one or more resilient elements for biasing the jaws whereby the jaws are biased towards a closed position throughout the operational range of motion of the jaws. Also provided is an apparatus which comprises jaws that grasp the toe while permitting pivotal movement of footwear about the toe, wherein the apparatus is adapted for generally horizontal, forward and rearward translation relative to a longitudinal axis of the snow travel aid, selectively by a user.

Abstract: The invention is a device for removably blocking a central-front part of a ski boot to a ski platform for actuating a Telemark technique. The boot sole (51) forms, at a bottom thereof, two lateral edges, internal and external (52A, 52B). A plate (1) is blockable to the ski platform, a blocking device (17, 18) constrained to the plate, which bear at least two ratchets. The ratchets are associated with the bottom of the boot supported by the plate, to corresponding edges of the internal edge (52A) and external edge (52B). An activator (16, 24) for the blocking device is supported by the plate, defining two configurations of the blocking device, respectively inoperative (11), with a disengagement of the ratchets from the corresponding edges (52A, 52B) and operative (12), with a blocking of the two edges against the plate (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a front unit (100; 200) of a sliding board binding, comprising: a holding device which is set up so as to engage a sliding board boot (20) and to hold it on the sliding board binding (10) pivotably about a transverse axis extending transverse to a sliding board longitudinal axis, the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable between a closed position, in which the holding device is raised in a configuration ready for operation so as to hold a sliding board boot (20) pivotably engaged, and an open position, in which the holding device releases the sliding board boot (20), the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable into a passive position, which is different from the open position and the closed position and in which the holding device is adjusted towards the sliding board (12) into a flat configuration.

Abstract: A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration.

Abstract: A heel unit for a touring binding of a sliding board, comprising a binding body on which two coupling projections for connection to a heel portion of a touring boot are movably held, wherein the movable retainer of the coupling projections is configured such that the coupling projections move away from a sliding board plane.

Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.

Abstract: A gliding apparatus includes a gliding board, a first front boot-retaining device for ascending a slope and a second front boot-retaining device for the descent. The first front retaining device comprises a first boot-fastening mechanism, defining a boot pivot axis during the ascent. The second front retaining device comprises a second boot-fastening mechanism, including a movable element incorporating an interface surface capable of contacting a front portion of the boot, the movable element being separate from the first fastening mechanism. The second front retaining device is configurable in a first “inactive” configuration for which the interface surface is away from the boot front portion, and a second “active” configuration for which the interface surface contacts the boot front portion. The first boot-fastening mechanism is capable of cooperating with the movable element of the second front retaining device so as to maintain the second front retaining device in its active configuration.

Abstract: A toepiece of a binding to secure a boot to a gliding board includes two rigid jaws pivotable about respective horizontal axes oriented in a longitudinal direction. A releasing system for automatically releasing the boot by twisting the boot, associated with tilting of jaws. Tilting of at least one jaw causes the toepiece to take up a closed configuration, a releasing configuration for releasing the boot as a result of twisting of the boot, or a fitting configuration. The releasing system includes an elastic return for the jaws in the closed configuration and releasing configuration of the toepiece. Connection between a jaw and the elastic return includes at least one transmission link articulated to the jaw about a hinge axis oriented in the longitudinal direction so the jaw and transmission link form a knuckle joint that deforms in the plane corresponding to the transverse direction and vertical direction of the toepiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a front unit (100; 200) of a sliding board binding, comprising: a holding means which is set up so as to engage a sliding board boot (20) and to hold it on the sliding board binding (10) pivotably about a transverse axis extending transverse to a sliding board longitudinal axis, the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable between a closed position, in which the holding means is raised in a configuration ready for operation so as to hold a sliding board boot (20) pivotably engaged, and an open position, in which the holding means releases the sliding board boot (20), the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable into a passive position, which is different from the open position and the closed position and in which the holding means is adjusted towards the sliding board (12) into a flat configuration.

Abstract: Ski boots of different sizes, adapted for being used with skis provided with mounted bindings having front and rear jaws. The ski boots are embodied in at least two types (1, 1?, 1?) which differ from each other by sole length (a, b, c). Each of the ski boot types comprises at least two ski boot (outer shell) sizes having the same sole length. Each ski boot size is suitable for receiving inner boots in at least one inner boot size (foot size), and advantageously inner boots (3a to 3d, 3?a to 3?d, 3?a to 3?d) in at least two boot sizes (2a-2b, 2?a-2?-b, 2?a-2?b). Skis (6, 6?, 6?) may be provided with fixed jaws (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) mounted in such a way that they correspond to the sole lengths (a, b, c) of the different types of boots (1, 1?, 1?).

Abstract: The combination of ski boots of different sizes, and skis provided with mounted bindings consisting of fixed front and rear jaws. The ski boots are embodied in at least two types (1, 1?, 1?) which differ from each other by a sole length (a, b, c) and are suitable for inserting internal shoes (3a to 3d, 3?a to 3?d, 3?a to 3?d) into at least two boot sizes (2a-2b, 2?a-2?b, 2?a-2?b). The skis (6, 6?, 6?) are provided with fixed jaws (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) mounted in such a way that they correspond to the sole lengths (a, b, c) of the different types of boots (1, 1?, 1?).

Abstract: Ski boot safety binding heelpiece able to occupy at least two positions, an open position and a closed position, in which latter it is suitable for the safe clamping of a ski boot for skiing purposes, the heelpiece comprising a movable body comprising a release spring to allow release of the boot by the opening of the heelpiece in the event of a force greater than a predetermined threshold, this body occupying two different positions in each of the two positions of the heelpiece, the body being movable relative to a carrier (1) about a connecting pivot, and the carrier (1) comprising a carrier base (3) and a release body comprising a release surface, in which the release surface is connected to the carrier base (3) by a first connecting means formed by the release body (4) and by a second connecting means formed by the connecting pivot connecting the carrier (1) to the movable body and at least one reinforcing arm (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a toe binding (1) of a safety ski binding. The toe binding (1) comprises a housing (2) for mounting at least partly at least one release spring determining the safely release values and at least one sole holder (5) loaded directly or indirectly by the force of the release spring, which when an upper force threshold is exceeded releases the front section of a boot secured by the safety ski binding at least in lateral direction relative to the boot longitudinal axis (32).

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device (1) between a boot (2) and a board-like type of sports equipment (3), in particular a ski binding. The connecting device comprises a toe or front binding fixture (5) that can be associated with the tip (4) of the boot, and a heel or rear binding fixture (7) that can be associated with the heel area (6) the boot (2). The binding fixtures each have a sole holder (8,9) for engaging the boot (2). The boot is clamped between the sole holders with a pre-tensioning force that is applicable via a pre-tensioning spring (11).

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.

Abstract: A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.

Abstract: An all-terrain ski upon which various cross-country skiing techniques can be used by having a sliding member (2) slide over a base member (1) to simulate gliding on snow. The sliding member is held down by medium washers (6) and uses wheel and bearing assemblies (5) to glide. There is a return mechanism (3) that is connected to sliding member (2) and base member (1) which provides resistance and returns the sliding member (2) and base member (1) to their original position before the sliding member was slid.

Abstract: A sliding plate supports a heel (or toe or both) binding member on a ski. By depressing a remote switch the skier activates a linear actuator on the ski, thereby releasing a latch which allows a stored energy source to force a rear lock arm assembly to pivot upward. By the pivoting upward of the central pivot joint between the forward and rear lock arms, the overall length of the lock arm assembly is reduced. The sliding plate is attached to one end of the lock arm assembly. Thus, when the lock arm assembly is remotely actuated into the release mode, and shortened, the sliding plate pulls its ski binding member and increases the distance between the ski binding members, thereby releasing the boot from the ski binding members even in a backward fall. Other spring activated embodiments include a piston release assembly.

Abstract: A ski binding, in particular for cross-country skiing, having a sliding element displaceable in the running direction, as well as at least two spring-loaded latching pins movable transversely to the running direction for latching engagement in corresponding fittings in the tip region of the ski boot. Each of the two latching pins is carried by a spring-loaded molded part, the molded parts being oppositely arranged relative to one another and guided in links of the sliding element.

Abstract: An interface adjustment mechanism 100 includes a frame member 102 and fore and aft adjustable spacer holding members 104, 106, and is disposed within the outsole of the snowboard boot 10. The interface adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a plurality of interface adjustment assemblies 160. Each interface adjustment assembly 160 includes a base member 170 having a threaded aperture and an adjustment member or spacer 172 having a threaded portion threadably engageable with the threaded aperture of the base member so that the spacer 172 can be adjustable relative to the base member 170. When incorporated into the snowboard boot 10, the interface adjustment mechanism 100 provides the rider with an adjustable spacer/dampening system that can eliminate slop and provide dampening and shock absorption between the snowboard boot 10 and the snowboard binding 30. Eliminating slop and providing dampening and shock absorption provides the rider with improved control, force transmission, and feel.

Abstract: A snowboard binding is provided for releasably connecting a boot to a snowboard. One embodiment of the invention includes inner and outer main bodies to receive a two-piece cleat. A second embodiment includes inner and outer hooks for hooking, and a latch for securing, a one-piece cleat. A third embodiment includes a front main body and a spring-loaded latch in a rear main body for engaging a one-piece cleat. A fourth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with inwardly beveled, semi-circular inner and outer main bodies. A fifth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with a front main body and a latch, fixedly mounted upon an axle, within a rear main body. The latch is biased toward the engaged position by a spring. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a one-piece cleat is engaged with a front main body and two rear spring biased latches. In a seventh embodiment, among other things, the cleat is formed in two pieces.

Abstract: The front binding (1) comprises two jaws (5a, 5b) holding a boot vertically and laterally by means of their actions on the sole of the boot and articulated on a carriage (4) that is movable in translation between two extreme positions in which the action of the carriage (4) on release means gives rise to the release of the boot by rocking of one or other of the jaws (5a, 5b). The carriage (4) is returned to an intermediate position by an elastic means. The binding is noteworthy in that the rocking pins of the jaws (5a, 5b) are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the binding. The binding makes it possible to hold a boot having a sole that makes it easier for the user to walk.

Abstract: Step-in snowboard binding designed to hold a boot by its sides. The binding comprises at least one jaw secured to a driving arm intended to be driven by the boot. The jaw has a cam-shaped part collaborating with a locking element which can move in a guide in such a way that the jaw is locked for various positions of the jaw. The jaw is equipped with a return spring which tends to keep it in the open position, and the jaw and the locking element cooperate to keep the locking element away from its locking position when the jaw is raised. In this way, the jaw cannot be closed inadvertently and the locking element does not hamper the closure movement.

Abstract: A snowboard binding comprises a base, a front binding arrangement and a rear binding arrangement. One of the front and rear binding arrangements is a binding member and the other is a binding mechanism, which includes a catch, a latch and a stationary guide. The catch moves between release and latched positions. The latch selectively holds the catch in at least one latched position. The stationary guide is fixed to the base to form a cleat insertion opening between the catch and the stationary guide. Preferably, the binding member is a front binding member and the binding mechanism is a rear binding mechanism. The catch preferably pivots about a pivot axis that is spaced rearwardly on the base from a pivot axis of the latch. In an alternate embodiment, the front and rear binding arrangements are reversed on the base.

Abstract: Safety binding for a ski boot, which has a jaw having two arms (3, 4) which are independent so as to open in an opposite manner to one another when the boot is put on and are capable of retaining the boot vertically via its projecting sole (10) the jaw being able to pivot laterally counter to the action of a return spring. The arms (3, 4) bear on the upper (11) of the boot, while the sole (10) bears on front-bearing means (12, 13) which are located either on the arms or on the base (1). This binding adapts automatically to the boot.

Abstract: A retaining element for retaining the front of a boot sole on a ski. The element includes a jaw carried by a body which itself is mounted on a mounting base. The mounting base has a front zone that supports the body, and a rear zone positioned lower than the front zone. The retaining element can accept ski boots having a thicker sole.

Abstract: A snowboard binding comprises a base, a front binding arrangement and a rear binding arrangement. One of the front and rear binding arrangements is a binding member and the other is a binding mechanism, which includes a catch, a latch and a stationary guide. The catch moves between release and latched positions. The latch selectively holds the catch in at least one latched position. The stationary guide is fixed to the base to form a cleat insertion opening between the catch and the stationary guide. Preferably, the binding member is a front binding member and the binding mechanism is a rear binding mechanism. The catch preferably pivots about a pivot axis that is spaced rearwardly on the base from a pivot axis of the latch. In an alternate embodiment, the front and rear binding arrangements are reversed on the base.

Abstract: Downhill ski bindings are mounted with the toe and/or heel piece mounted to a moveable track. For a quick release even backward, a ski pole handle button is depressed. A signal reaches a receiver on the ski. The receiver activates an actuator which pulls the track, thereby enlarging a mounting distance for the boot. The boot is released since the binding system is instantly sized too big for the boot. Gas and spring release mechanisms are disclosed.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system has a boot and a binding configured to be releasably coupled together. The boot has an upper potion, a sole portion, a front catch and at least one rear catch. The binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement and a front binding member. The base member has a front portion and a rear portion. The rear binding arrangement is coupled to the rear portion to selectively engage at least one rear catch. The rear catch has a concave abutment surface. The rear binding arrangement has a movable tooth portion with a convexly shaped latching surface designed to selectively engage the abutment surface to couple the boot to the binding. The abutment surface and the latching surface are configured to reduce flexing of the binding when the boot is deflected relative to the binding.

Abstract: Step-in snowboard binding designed to hold a boot by its sides. The binding comprises at least one jaw secured to a driving arm intended to be driven by the boot. The jaw has a cam-shaped part collaborating with a locking element which can move in a guide in such a way that the jaw is locked for various positions of the jaw. The jaw is equipped with a return spring which tends to keep it in the open position, and the jaw and the locking element cooperate to keep the locking element away from its locking position when the jaw is raised. In this way, the jaw cannot be closed inadvertently and the locking element does not hamper the closure movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element for retaining a boot on a ski including a body and a retaining jaw that are generally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal and vertical median plane, the jaw being biased by a return spring housed in the body, the return spring being connected to the jaw by an anchor having two lateral arms, a central strap and a central fork having two teeth, the spring elastically maintaining the arms of the anchor in support against two retaining pins affixed to the body, the jaw having a median pin engaged between the two teeth of the fork. At least one of the elements of the anchor, which are the arms, the strap and the fork, is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and vertical median plane defined by the body and the jaw.

Abstract: An element for retaining a boot on a skid, the retention element including a base provided to be affixedly connected to the ski, overlaid by a body, a jaw having two independent retaining wings journalled to the body about a vertical axle, the wings having, beyond their journal axle, a tip exerting an action by pressure on the head of a movable tie rod biased by a spring. A rocker, journalled with respect to the base, is inserted between the tips and the head of the tie rod, the tips being in support against an arm of the rocker, and the rocker being mounted asymmetrically with respect to the base or the tips.

Abstract: A system for mounting a rider to a snowboard. The system comprises a snowboard boot; a snowboard binding; a first engagement member; and a second engagement member; wherein one of the first and second engagement members is mounted to the sole of the snowboard boot forward of the arch area and the other is mounted to the binding. The first engagement is adapted to mate with the second engagement member to releasably engage the snowboard boot to the binding. The first engagement member is an active engagement member that is automatically movable, in response to the rider stepping out of the binding, from a closed position to an open position. Another embodiment is directed to a snowboard boot for use with a binding including a pair of spaced apart engagement members. The snowboard boot includes a cleat adapted to be releasably engaged by the pair of spaced apart engagement members.

Abstract: A binding comprising a base plate (1) carrying, for holding a boot, front retention (2) and a heelpiece (7) mounted slidably on the base plate, and a traction strap (16) acting on the heelpiece in order to pull it forward. The base plate (1) is equipped with a rack (6), and the heelpiece (7) is equipped with two levers (11, 12), the lower arms of which are connected to the ends of a small arch (15) which hooks into the rack. The upper arms of the levers are connected to the traction strap (16) which is intended to pass diagonally over the instep of the boot. The pressure on the small arch makes it possible to increase the force of the forward thrust and the heel of the boot is pressed against the base plate.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system has a boot and a binding configured to be releasably coupled together. The boot has an upper potion, a sole portion, a front catch and at least one rear catch. The binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement and a front binding member. The base member has a front portion and a rear portion. The rear binding arrangement is coupled to the rear portion to selectively engage at least one rear catch. The rear catch has a concave abutment surface. The rear binding arrangement has a movable tooth portion with a convexly shaped latching surface designed to selectively engage the abutment surface to couple the boot to the binding. The abutment surface and the latching surface are configured to reduce flexing of the binding when the boot is deflected relative to the binding.

Abstract: A snowboard binding for securing a boot to a board, comprising a base, a first engagement member that is supported by the base and adapted to engage a first lateral side of the boot, and a second engagement member, pivotally mounted to the base, that is adapted to engage a second lateral side of the boot opposite the first lateral side of the boot.

Abstract: A snowboard binding that includes lock-retaining elements having sloping or conical surfaces for guiding the sole of a snow boot into a seated position. The boot sole becomes more restricted in the longitudinal and transverse directions, the further the boot is introduced into the binding. Also is disclosed a snowboard binding and a boot combination having interengaging boot-retaining members on the binding and locking parts on the boot sole.

Abstract: An element for retaining a boot on a ski provided to releasably retain one of the ends of a boot by means of a jaw movable laterally on either side of a centered position aligned with a longitudinal and vertical median plane of the retaining element, and a compensating mechanism acting on the jaw or its return mechanism so as to further facilitate its opening, where the compensating mechanism includes two active elements, either of which are biased as a function of the side where the jaw moves with respect to the vertical and longitudinal median plane. The two active elements are asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal and vertical median plane, such that the compensating mechanism is more or less active depending on the active element biased as a function of the side on which the jaw moves.

Abstract: A device for a quick binding of a boot on a moving apparatus, which occurs by means of a front transverse connection member of the boot adapted to cooperate with corresponding retaining mechanism affixed to a support plate of the apparatus, and by a mechanism for retaining the heel affixed to a slide that is mounted freely in a rectilinear guide of the plate so that they can be adjusted into a position relative to the front of the boot. The retention mechanisms for the front and the rear of the boot on the plate provide positive locking with automatic snap engagement, which can be actuated against an elastic return force, without manual intervention, by the mere pressure of the boot on the front and then on the rear in substantially vertical downward movements, and consequently in a substantially horizontal position of the boot.

Abstract: A retaining element for retaining the front of a boot sole on a ski. The element includes a jaw carried by a body which itself is mounted on a mounting base. The mounting base has a front zone that supports the body, and a rear zone positioned lower than the front zone. The retaining element can accept ski boots having a thicker sole.

Abstract: A sport boot sole of the type having on its lower surface two connecting members, offset one with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the boot, and arranged substantially transversely, wherein the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion, and the second connecting member is arranged behind the first connecting member, and substantially in front of the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone (&Dgr;). Advantageously, the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion of the toes or right in front of this end portion.

Abstract: A retaining device is disclosed for retaining the front end of an associated boot (50) on an associated ski (3). A movable jaw (4) pivots on a base (6) around a vertical axis (7) against the action of an elastic return means (8). The elastic return means (8) includes two actuating arms (10a, 10b), acted upon by an elastic system (11). Each of the actuating arms (10a, 10b) pivots independent of the jaw (4) around a pivot axis (15a, 16b). The jaw (4) cooperates with the actuating arms (10a, 10b) via a driving element (9). The elastic return means (8) is arranged below the front end of the associated boot (50) in back of the transverse plane (T) which passes through the pivot axis (7) of the jaw (4).

Abstract: An elastic return device for a safety ski binding comprising a coil spring (10) and having a stiffness which varies as a function of the stress rate. A deformable plastic (11) is interposed between the turns of the spring, so that the stiffness of the spring increases with the rate at which it is compressed. This elastic element makes it possible to avoid premature release of the binding.

Abstract: A sport boot sole of the type having on its lower surface two connecting members, offset one with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the boot, and arranged substantially transversely, wherein the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion, and the second connecting member is arranged behind the first connecting member, and substantially in front of the metatarsophalangeal articulation zone (&Dgr;). Advantageously, the first connecting member is arranged in the area of the front end portion of the toes or right in front of this end portion.

Abstract: A shoe/binding assembly for a gliding board allowing the user's foot to be secured temporarily to said board at a plurality of contact points which, on the binding, consist of attachment means intended to interact with complementary attachment means which are located on the shoe at the front and rear of the sole, wherein at least one of the contact points has a plurality of positions for locking of the attachment means of the shoe by those of the binding, intended to prohibit any movement of the shoe upward and to make it possible to change automatically from one locking position to the next in the downward direction of the shoe, under the effect of the user's weight.