Abstract: A process and device for heating at least one portion of the internal fitting of a boot, for thermoforming the fitting. The heating of the internal fitting, at a temperature of about 120.degree.-140.degree. C., is done while the fitting is arranged within the boot. The heated air is emitted from an air distribution element, in which each outlet is positioned relative to the internal fitting at least at a minimum predetermined distance. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes an arrangement for positioning a pair of air distribution elements into respective ones of a pair of boots, including respective seats that receive the vamps of the boots, thereby positioning the boots with their heels extending upwardly, and respective abutments that limit the introduction of the air distribution elements within the boots.

Abstract: A ski binding apparatus and method for facilitating the mounting of a ski binding onto a ski. The ski binding apparatus of the invention includes a body which carries a jaw for retention of a ski boot and a base affixed to the lower portion of the body. The base has holes for receiving screws for mounting the binding to the ski. Further, the base has a lower surface, a frontal surface, and a longitudinal groove formed in the lower surface. The longitudinal groove extends to and opens into the lower surface and the frontal surface of the base. A retention element is slidably received within the groove and extends therefrom in a transport and preassembly position of the binding apparatus.

Abstract: A support apparatus for the sole of a ski boot upon the upper surface of the ski, mountable on the ski in a zone where a portion of the sole is positioned to be displaced laterally during release of the boot from a safety binding. The support apparatus includes at least two support elements each of which includes an endless band which is displaceable rotationally with respect to a guide plate. The support elements, i.e., the endless bands, are to be positioned substantially end-to-end transversely of the ski. Each of the endless bands is to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a radius of curvature from a point on the ski corresponding to a point of the sole of the ski boot about which the boot pivots during lateral release of the boot from the ski binding. At least two of the support elements are positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of the ski and are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis.