Releasable systems
The present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilize at least one torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upon a releasable member. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski system incorporating at least one torsion member, a base, and a releasable member. The at least one torsion member is fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member. The releasable ski system may be incorporated within any system to provide a lightweight and compact releasable system. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi mode releasable ski binding system. The system is configured to switch between at least two modes including a fixed mode and a free mode. The fixed mode corresponds to a position in which the base is fixed with respect to the mounting plate and the free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to rotate or pivot with respect to the mounting plate. In addition, an optional or alternative spring biased free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to pivot against a spring with respect to the mounting plate. A third embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski toe binding system in which a ski boot is releasably coupled directly to the base to further minimize the components necessary for providing an effective releasable ski system.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to releasable binding systems. In particular, the present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilize a torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upon a releasable member.
2. Related Applications
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/621,254 filed Oct. 22, 2004.
3. Background
Numerous sports involve binding some portion of a participant to a particular device. For example, skiing and snowboarding involve binding an individual's boot to a ski or snowboard respectively. Likewise, cycling and biking involve binding an individual's foot to a pedal to increase performance. In addition, mountaineering, kiteboarding, windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing, etc all involve various systems to couple a user with a particular device. Due to safety concerns, almost all of these binding or coupling systems must also be automatically releasable under certain circumstances. For example, if a skier falls and the binding system between their skis and boots does not properly release, they are likely to suffer a serious injury. Whereas, if the binding system between the skis and boots properly releases when they fall, they are more likely to safely fall independent of their skis. However, the binding system between a mountaineering boot and a crampon is generally not automatically releasable.
Various binding technologies exist in the industry for releasably securing a user to a particular device. One of the main limitations of existing systems is their required weight and size. Weight is a major factor in the performance of almost all sports. In particular, many of the sports that involve some form of binding system are particularly weight sensitive. For example, the overall weight of a ski binding system is added to the weight of the skis and boots to create a combined skiing weight. This combined skiing weight can significantly affect a skier's speed going down or their energy output hiking/skinning up. Likewise, in cycling, the overall weight of a bike, including the pedal binding system, can dramatically affect a cyclists performance.
Therefore, there is a need in the industry for binding systems that efficiently minimize the required dimensions and minimize the weight necessary to releasably bind a particular portion of an individual to a device.
SUMMARYThe present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilize at least one torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upon a releasable member. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski system incorporating at least one torsion member, a base, and a releasable member. The at least one torsion member is fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member. The releasable ski system may be incorporated within any system to provide a lightweight and compact releasable system. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi mode releasable ski binding system. The system is configured to switch between at least two modes including a fixed mode and a free mode. The fixed mode corresponds to a position in which the base is fixed with respect to the mounting plate and the free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to rotate or pivot with respect to the mounting plate. In addition, an optional or alternative spring biased free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to pivot against a spring with respect to the mounting plate. A third embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski toe binding system in which a ski boot is releasably coupled directly to the base to further minimize the components necessary for providing an effective releasable ski system.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilize at least one torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upon a releasable member. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski system incorporating at least one torsion member, a base, and a releasable member. The at least one torsion member is fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member. The releasable ski system may be incorporated within any system to provide a lightweight and compact releasable system. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi mode releasable ski binding system. The system is configured to switch between at least two modes including a fixed mode and a free mode. The fixed mode corresponds to a position in which the base is fixed with respect to the mounting plate and the free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to rotate or pivot with respect to the mounting plate. In addition, an optional or alternative spring biased free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to pivot against a spring with respect to the mounting plate. A third embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski toe binding system in which a ski boot is releasably coupled directly to the base to further minimize the components necessary for providing an effective releasable ski system. Also, while embodiments of the present invention are directed towards releasable binding systems, the teachings of the present invention are also applicable to other areas.
The following terms are defined as follows:
Torsion member—A spring or spring system that is configured in a manner to provide a lateral force; a torsion member may include a torsion spring or some other type of spring configured to provide a lateral or translational force; a torsion member may also include cantilevered objects.
Retention member—a fixed object or surface that is configured to oppose a force;
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- Releasable binding force—a force that is applied to releasably couple two objects together. For example, a torsion member and a fixed retention member may operate to cause a releasable binding force upon a releasable member that is properly disposed between the torsion member and fixed retention member.
Mounting plate—A substantially rigid plate configured for mounting on a variety of surfaces including but not limited to a ski, a snowboard, a wakeboard, a surfboard, etc.
Coupling system—A system for coupling the releasable member to some form of foot support system such as a binding or boot. A coupling system may include various recesses, protrusions, locking systems, etc.
Base—A substantially rigid member coupled to the torsion members in a manner to provide the releasable functionality of the releasable member.
Rotatably coupled—a state in which one object is coupled to another in a manner in which they are free to rotate with respect to one another.
Multi mode binding system—a ski binding system in which a user is able to switch between various modes for particular applications. For example, a fixed mode may correspond to a mode in which the components are fixed with respect to one another. Likewise, a free mode may correspond to a mode in which one or more of the components are free to move with respect to one another.
Reference is initially made to
The illustrated releasable member 110 is a plate that is configured to couple to some form of binding or boot related device. The releasable member 110 further includes a body 114, a coupling system 113, and a plurality of receiving recesses 111. The body 114 is composed of a substantially rigid material that will maximize the force transfer from a binding or boot. For example, if a large lateral force is applied to a binding is coupled to the releasable member, it is desirable for that force to be directly transferred to the releasable member 110. The coupling system 113 is a plurality of threaded holes for use in coupling the releasable member 110 to a boot or binding device. The receiving recesses 111 are recessed regions of the releasable member 110 which are configured and appropriately disposed to interface with the rollers 115. By providing a receiving recess 111, the rollers 115 are able to maximize the surface contact with the releasable member 110 thereby increasing reliability of the release mechanism.
In operation, the releasable member 110 is configured to release from the base when a sufficient translational or rotational force is applied. The releasable member 110 should not release when only an elevational force is applied. As discussed above, the torsion members 120 are wound and coupled to the base via the coupling system 103 in a manner to generate a particular lateral force. Since, the rollers 115 are coupled to the ends of the torsion members 120, the lateral force is applied via the rollers 115. In a released configuration the releasable member 110 is detached from the base, and the rollers 115 are translated in a particular distance. In an engaged configuration, the rollers 115 will induce a releasable binding force upon the releasable member 110. A downward compression force could be used to engage the releasable member with the base thereby transitioning from the released configuration to the engaged configuration. The ability to engage the releasable member with a downward compression force enables the device to have a “step-in” engagement feature. The step in functionality minimizes the potential for snow or other debris to affect the engagement thereby making the device more reliable. In the engaged configuration, the releasable binding force exerted on the releasable member can be overcome with a sufficient force that will cause the releasable member to release from the base. Alternatively, other types of manual release mechanisms could be incorporated including but not limited to a lever release system. It should also be noted that an upward force could release the releasable member 110 from the base (not shown).
Reference is next made to
The base 205 is a substantially rigid plate configured to couple to an athletic device including but not limited to a ski or ski binding. The base 205 includes a spring coupling system 203 that fixably couples the torsion member 220 to the base in a manner to provide a sufficient force. The illustrated torsion member 220 winds around an axle and interface member of the spring coupling system 203 and extends below a portion of the base. This configuration may be useful for efficient torsion member replacement or adjustment. The base 205 further includes a fixed retention member 202. The retention member 202 is a convex surface configured to fixably oppose the releasable member 210 from translating due to the releasable binding force that is applied by the torsion member 220. The base further includes a body 201.
The releasable member 210 is designed to interface with the particular layout of the base 205. The releasable member 210 includes a body 214, a coupling system 213, and a receiving recess 211. The receiving recess 211 is configured to conform to the shape of the torsion member 220 coupled to the base 205. In this embodiment, the receiving recess 211 is disposed at the front of the releasable member 210 to properly interface with the torsion member 220. Rather than using rollers, the shape of the torsion member 220 provides a single convexly curved surface for interfacing with the releasable member 210. The receiving recess 211 provides a concave recess to maximize the interfacing surface area between the torsion member 220 and the releasable member 210.
In operation, the releasable member 210 is able to release from the base 205 by overcoming the induced releasable binding force applied by the torsion member 220. The illustrated component configuration will substantially prevent the releasable member 210 from releasing as a result of a purely elevational or separational force. A sufficient rotational or translational force must be applied to the releasable member 210 in order to overcome the releasable binding force and release the releasable member 210 from the base 205. However, a release could also occur from an upward separational force.
Reference is next made to
As illustrated in
Reference is next made to
The mounting plate 425 is a substantially rigid plate configured to be coupled to an athletic ski device such as a ski. The mounting plate 425 includes a flat portion and a rear flanged portion with a recess. The base 405 is coupled to the mounting plate via releasable pivot system that includes a lever 430, a hinge 432, and a T-connector 442. The releasable pivot system will be described in more detail with reference to
The remaining components of the base 405 and the releasable member 410 are analogous to the systems described with reference to
Reference is next made to
Reference is next made to
In operation, when the lever 432 is lowered from a raised configuration (
Reference is next made to
Reference is next made to
Reference is next made to
It should also be noted that any of the releasable system embodiments may include a mechanism for disabling the releasability functionality. For example, certain applications may require that a binding system be non-releasable. The binding of a crampon to a mountaineering or ice climbing boot is one application in which a user would never want the binding to release automatically. Various embodiments of mechanisms for disabling the releasability functionality may be incorporated and remain consistent with the present invention.
It should also be noted that the torsion members included in the various binding systems may be adjustable. The binding force or biasing force created by a torsion member may be adjusted by adjusting the loading of the torsion members. This adjustment may be done before assembly of the binding system or may be incorporated as a user controlled mechanism.
Reference is next made to
Thus, as discussed herein, the present invention relates to releasable ski binding systems. In particular, the present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilize a torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upon a releasable member. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims
1. A releasable ski system comprising:
- a base;
- a releasable member disposed over the base; and
- at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member, wherein the at least one torsion member induces a releasable binding force against the releasable member.
2. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the base further includes a fixed retention member.
3. The releasable ski system of claim 2, wherein the fixed retention member includes a curved surface.
4. The releasable ski system of claim 2, wherein the fixed retention member includes at least one roller.
5. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the at least one torsion member is coupled to at least one roller to provide the releasable binding force against the releasable member.
6. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the releasable member is a plate configured for attachment to a foot supporting system via a coupling system.
7. The releasable ski system of claim 6, wherein the coupling system is a plurality of threaded recesses.
8. The releasable system of claim 6, wherein the foot supporting system is a binding.
9. The releasable ski system of claim 6, wherein the foot supporting system is a boot.
10. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the releasable binding force couples the releasable member to the base unless a sufficient lateral release force is applied by the releasable member with respect to the base.
11. The releasable ski system of claim 1 further including at least one roller disposed between the at least one torsion member and the releasable member.
12. The releasable ski system of claim 11, wherein the releasable member includes at least one receiving recess.
13. The releasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the at least one torsion member includes at least one torsion spring.
14. A multi-mode releasable ski binding system, comprising:
- a base;
- a releasable member disposed over the base;
- at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member, wherein the at least one torsion member induces a releasable binding force against the releasable member; and
- a mounting plate, wherein the base is rotatably coupled to a front portion of the mounting plate, and wherein the mounting plate includes a mechanism for securing the base to the mounting plate thereby providing a free mode and a fixed mode.
15. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the base further includes a fixed retention member.
16. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 15, wherein the fixed retention member includes a curved surface.
17. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 15, wherein the fixed retention member includes at least one roller.
18. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the at least one torsion member is coupled to at least one roller to provide the releasable binding force against the releasable member.
19. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the releasable member is a plate configured for attachment to a foot supporting system via a coupling system.
20. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 19, wherein the coupling system is a plurality of threaded recesses.
21. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 19, wherein the foot supporting system is a binding.
22. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 19, wherein the foot supporting system is a boot.
23. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the releasable binding force couples the releasable member to the base unless a sufficient lateral release force is applied by the releasable member upon the torsion member.
24. The releasable system of claim 14 further including at least one roller disposed between the at least one torsion member and the releasable member.
25. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the releasable member includes at least one receiving recess.
26. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the releasable mechanism for securing the base to the mounting plate includes a pin and lever system.
27. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the mounting plate further includes a spring for providing resistance upon the base as it rotates with respect to the mounting plate in the free mode.
28. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 27, wherein the mounting plate further includes a release mechanism that disengages the spring which therefore allows the base to pivot freely with respect to the mounting plate, wherein this system is a three-mode system including a fixed mode, a spring-biased free mode, and a free mode.
29. The releasable ski system of claim 14, wherein the at least one torsion member includes at least one torsion spring.
30. A releasable ski toe binding system comprising:
- a base;
- a ski boot including a toe extension portion, wherein the ski boot is disposed over the base; and
- at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the ski boot via the toe extension portion, wherein the at least one torsion member induces a releasable binding force upon the ski boot via the toe extension portion, and wherein the at least one torsion member is shaped to provide a toe bail over the toe extension portion.
31. The releasable ski toe binding system of claim 30, further including a releasable heel portion, wherein the releasable heel portion is rotationally and elevationally releasable.
32. A Telemark ski system comprising:
- a base coupled to a ski surface;
- a toe plate rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the toe plate includes a boot retention system for releasably securing a boot within the toe plate; and
- a torsion member configured to provide a spring bias upon the toe plate as it rotates with respect to the base.
33. The Telemark ski system of claim 32 further includes a retention member configured to adjust the biasing properties of the torsion member.
34. The Telemark ski system of claim 32, wherein the boot retention system includes a cable and a heel throw.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 20, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 27, 2006
Inventors: Peter Coles (Salt Lake City, UT), Jim Engle (Sandy, UT)
Application Number: 11/254,626
International Classification: A63C 9/08 (20060101);