Abstract: An automatically actuated ski brake is associated with a heel holding device and is activated upon opening of the heel holding device. The brake includes a pair of pivoted spur members resiliently urged into braking position. A catch or lock device is arranged for holding the pivoted members above the ski and a spring device urges the lock device into a position holding the brake members above the ski. The heel holding device is provided with a cam for moving the lock device away from locking engagement with the brake members when the binding moves to an open position. The lock device includes a camming member permitting the cam to ride upon the lock member without releasing the lock member when the heel holding member is moved to a closed position.

Abstract: Safety ski binding including an intermediate plate and improved boot gripping means. A plate intermediate the boot and ski is mounted onto the ski by centrally positioned pivot means and held normally aligned with the ski by heel means which permits only limited swiveling movement of the plate with respect to the ski and only limited movement vertically of the plate away from the ski. Conventional toe engaging means are provided between the plate and the ski boot and said heel means also engage the heel of the ski boot, said means being arranged for releasing the ski boot from the plate upon movement of the plate a predetermined distance either vertically away from the ski or pivotally laterally of the ski. The ski boot is thus freed from said plate and said plate remains with the ski. After the ski boot is so freed from the ski the plate returns to its aligned position with respect to the ski and the apparatus is ready for re-engagement of the boot therewith.