Abstract: A binding assembly for releasably retaining an end of a boot on a ski. The binding assembly includes a binding having wings which, preferably, are independently movable, and a laterally movable support plate for at least the end of the boot. Preferably responsive to movement of the wings are abutments for limiting the lateral extend of movement of the plate. An engagement surface on the lower surface of the plate is mounted for cooperation with a corresponding surface adapted to be mounted fixed to the ski for facilitating lateral movement of the plate under load. These surfaces are preferably in the shape of a "W" and an inverted "W" in transverse cross-section, whose apices form an area of contact when the plate is aligned on the ski. No direct or indirect linkage is provided between the plate and the elements of the binding during release, however, and the plate is recentered after release in response to the return of the wings to their retention position.

Abstract: A ski binding for retaining an end of a boot on a ski, including a body preferably mounted for pivoting vertically with respect to the ski, a jaw having a pair of arms arranged for lateral movement and elastic bias relative to the body and, further, having a pair of lateral wings arranged for lateral movement on respective lateral arms. Upon movement of one of the lateral arms of the jaw a predetermined amount in response to a lateral force exerted by the boot against a respective wing of a lateral arm, the wing is caused to move laterally outwardly from its lateral arm to release the boot. Further, upon a certain amount of lateral movement of an arm, upward movement of the body is used to reduce the lateral release threshold of the binding.

Abstract: A safety binding comprises a fixed body and two independent wings which are laterally pivotable on a stationary member. An anti-friction plate can be pivotably mounted around a fixed axis and comprises two openings which respectively receive two arms which are affixed to two independently movable wings. The abutments or arms limit the extent of movement of the anti-friction plate, and insure its automatic recentering.

Abstract: The anti-friction plate is guided by vertical and longitudinal guidance apparatus allowing for a free lateral movement. The free lateral extent of plate 1 is limited by the play of the lateral ramps of an opening 22 which is laterally movable with the anti-friction plate 1 and in which a spur 26 affixed to jaw 6 penetrates. Spur 26 assures the recentering of plate 1 when the jaw 6 returns to the centered position, and frees the plate when the jaw is pivoted.