SAFETY BINDING FOR A BOOT ON A SKI

Abstract

An assembly for binding a boot to a ski including a front retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which the front retaining element is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring, a rear retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which the rear retaining element is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring, and an additional release device that is electronically controllable and includes a mechanically controllable locking mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of French Patent Application No. 06.00522, filed on Jan. 20, 2006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an assembly for binding a boot to a ski, the assembly including a front releasable retaining element and a rear releasable retaining element, and including an additional arrangement for supplementing the binding assembly, in the form of an electronic control.

2. Description of Background and Relevant Material Information

The patent document EP 0 968 742 A1 discloses an assembly of the aforementioned type. In this document, the device includes a releasable front retaining element, a releasable rear retaining element, and additional opening device. Each of the front and rear retaining elements is a conventional mechanical binding element, i.e., either a toe piece or a heel piece, which frees the boot when it is subjected to a force greater than that of a given threshold. The threshold force corresponds to the pretensioning value to which the springs positioned in the toe and heel pieces are subjected.

The additional opening device is an electronically controlled latch, which frees the boot by allowing the free rotation of the toe piece. The mechanical latch is controlled by an electromagnet. In such a mechanism, if the electric power feeding the electronic control circuit is lost, or if the electrical circuit malfunctions, one runs the risk of an ill-timed release. Furthermore, during testing of the functioning of the mechanical release of the binding device, that is, the heel or toe piece, to verify compliance with standards, such as during long-time storage, it is not possible to switch off the additional release device, which can hinder such testing for compliance to standards.

Other prior binding assemblies provide for electronic controls which affect boot retention or release, but which do not include a supplemental release/opening device, or which do not act on a mechanical actuation device of the toe or heel pieces.

For example, the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,854 discloses a ski binding having an electro-pyrotechnic release device. When the electronic circuit of the device detects a critical condition endangering the skier, one of a plurality of cartridges contained in a rotary barrel is ignited, thereby causing a movement of the clamp of the binding, which releases the boot. After the explosion of the last cartridge of the barrel, a mechanism of the binding causes the jaw of the binding to be moved to a locked-open position so that the skier is unable to re-arm the binding, i.e., to move the binding to a closed position, until a new barrel is installed.

No additional opening or release device is provided, nor is the binding device a traditional mechanical release binding, the binding providing for a powered release, i.e., a release provided by means of a pyrotechnic charge.

The patent document U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,494 discloses a ski binding having a safety switch, mounted on a ski pole handle, that can be mechanically activated as part of a powered release system to enable the skier to eject from his/her skis in an emergency situation. Provision is made to lock the pole-mounted switch to prevent an accidental powered release. Although the powered release system provides an additional release device, the lock mechanism thereof acts on the switch rather than on the mechanical parts of the toe and heel pieces of the binding, or on parts connected thereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an assembly for binding a boot to a ski, including a releasable front retaining element and a releasable rear retaining element, as well as an additional assembly for opening an electronically controlled binding, the functioning of which is more reliable than the prior art, and which enables the limitations of the prior art to be overcome. More particularly, the invention provides an assembly for binding a boot to a ski, which includes an electronically controllable release that can be switched off.

To this end, the invention provides an assembly for binding a boot to a ski, such assembly including a front retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which it is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring, and a rear retaining element that is releasable when the forces to which it is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a second spring, and an additional electronically controllable release device, the additional release device including a mechanically controllable locking mechanism.

Advantageously, the additional release device, although electronically controllable, can be mechanically switched off so as to allow for checking the functioning of the other retaining elements, such as the front and rear retaining elements, for example.

The mechanically controllable locking mechanism of the additional release device, in a particular embodiment of the invention, in a blocked position, locks at least one movable part of the additional release device which is mechanically connected to at least one of the front and rear retaining elements.

More particularly, in such blocked position, the mechanical locking mechanism of the additional release device allows the front and rear retaining elements to release mechanically according to their respective operating conditions under which the binding assembly does not include such additional release device.

Further, the invention provides an assembly for binding a boot to a ski, which assembly includes a front retaining element, a rear retaining element, and an additional release device, such release device being electronically controllable. The front retaining element is releasable when the forces to which it is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring, the rear retaining element being releasable when the forces to which it is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a second spring, at least one or the other of the front and rear retaining elements being mounted on a slide. The additional release device includes a bar connected to at least one or the other of the front and rear retaining elements which is mounted to a slide, the additional release device including a locking mechanism which is mechanically controllable and which acts on the bar.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the retaining element, whether front or rear, is mounted on a slide, the additional release device including a bar connected to the retaining element, either front or rear, being longitudinally movable between a so-called “open” position and a so-called “closed” position in reaction to the actuation of the additional release device.

In a particular embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a drawrail capable of taking a first position, i.e., a “free” position, in which the drawrail does not block the translation of the bar, and a second position, i.e., a “blocked” position, in which the drawrail prevents the translation of the bar.

Further with regard to the aforementioned particular embodiment, the additional release device further includes a front sensor positioned for detecting a force applied to the front retaining element greater that the pretensioning value of a first spring, a rear sensor positioned for detecting a force applied to the rear retaining element greater than the pretensioning value of the second spring, as well as a control box for generating a command for enabling release of at least one of the first and second release devices in response to reception of a signal generated by at least one of the front and rear sensors.

Still further, the mechanically controllable locking mechanism includes an actuation box containing a mechanical switch movable between a free position and a blocking position. In response to the reception of a signal generated by at least one of the front and rear sensors, the control box generates a command for moving the mechanical switch from the blocking position to the free position, for enabling the movement of one of the front and rear retaining elements to release the boot from the binding assembly. By moving the mechanical switch to the blocked position, the additional release device, although electronically controllable, is effectively switched off mechanically to allow the functioning of the front and rear retaining elements to be tested after long-term storage or to be tested for compliance with standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from the description that follows, with reference to the annexed drawings, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of the additional release device when it is in the “closed” position and the drawrail of the locking mechanism is in the “free” position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, when the additional release device is in the “open” position and the drawrail of the locking mechanism is in the “free” position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, when the additional release device is in the “closed” position and the drawrail of the locking mechanism is in the “blocked” position;

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the additional release device, taken along line V-V of FIG. 2, when it is in the “closed” position and the drawrail of the locking mechanism is in the “free” position;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, when the additional release device is in the “closed” position and the drawrail of the locking mechanism is in the “blocked” position;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6 of the additional release device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a gliding apparatus including a ski 1, a front retaining element 2, a rear retaining element 3, and an additional release device 4. FIG. 1 depicts only an intermediate lengthwise section of the ski 1, between the tip and tail of the ski, on which are mounted the front and rear retaining elements, i.e., the toe piece 2 and the heel piece 3.

In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the front retaining element 2 is a conventional toe piece with mechanical release, which means that the front retaining element 2 is released when the forces to which it is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a first spring positioned in the front retaining element 2.

The rear retaining element 3 is a conventional heel piece with mechanical release, which means that the rear retaining element 3 is released when the forces to which it is subjected are greater than the pretensioning value of a second spring positioned in the rear retaining element 3.

The front retaining element 2 and the rear retaining element 3 are mounted on a front interface element 5 and a rear interface element 6, respectively, which elements 5, 6 are connected to the ski 1. These interface elements can be omitted in an alternate embodiment.

In the conventional arrangement herein shown and described, when the skier's leg is subjected to forces oriented in the horizontal plane of the ski, including torsional forces about a vertical axis, the front retaining element 2 releases and frees the boot. When the skier's leg is subjected to forces oriented in a vertical plane, the rear retaining element is released.

This particular arrangement is non-limiting and any arrangement for a mechanically releasable retaining element is possible within the scope of the invention.

The rear retaining element 3 includes a slideway or sliderail 7 with respect to which the body of the rear retaining element 3 can slide.

The additional release device 4 includes an actuation box 8, a control box 9, and, positioned respectively at the front and rear interface elements 5, 6, a front sensor 11 and a rear sensor 12.

The control box 9 includes an electronic circuit and a human-machine interface device, i.e., a user-interface device, with a display.

The actuation box 8 is connected to the body of the rear retaining element 3 by a bar 10, longitudinally movable by driving the body of the rear retaining element 3, which slides in the sliderail 7.

When the front sensor 11 or the rear sensor 12 detects a force that exceeds a certain threshold, the electronic circuit of the control box 9 generates a command for actuating tripper 14. The bar 10 is then allowed to move, thereby moving the body of the rear retaining element 3 away from the front retaining element 2, which spacing is larger than the length of the boot, thereby releasing the boot.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the actuation box 8 of the actuation device in the “closed” position and in the “open” position, respectively, the locking mechanism being in the “free” position in the open position of the actuation device.

The locking mechanism includes a unit 13 that receives the various parts that constitute the actuation box 8. The unit 13 includes a longitudinal housing in which the bar 10 is received. The well that receives a tripper 14 is located at the end of this housing of the block 13.

The tripper 14 is a rotary element. Its upper portion includes a recess 15 and its lower portion includes a first toothed wheel 16.

The additional release device is actuated by a rotary electric motor 17, the output shaft of which carries a second toothed wheel 18. The motor is powered by an electric cell/battery 19.

A cylindrical pin 21 is fastened to the end of the bar 10. The pin 21 is received within the recess 15 of the tripper 14.

The bar 10 slides in the housing associated with a drawrail 23, which can be actuated from outside the box by a handle 29. This drawrail 23 functions as a locking mechanism, or mechanical switch, as described hereinafter.

The additional release device is shown in FIG. 2 in the “closed” position. In this position, the tripper 14 has an angular position so that the pin 21 cannot escape from the recess 15. With this arrangement, the ski binding function in a manner similar to that of a conventional binding, that is, the boot is released when the forces to which it is subjected exceed the pretensioning values of the spring of the retaining element 3.

The front sensor 11 and the rear sensor 12 and the actuation box 8 are connected to the control box 9. At any time, the front and rear sensors 11, 12 transmit to the control box 9 the forces to which they are subjected. The control box 9 processes this information and determines whether the boot should be released by opening the additional release device 4.

As soon as the control box 9 has determined that the detected information should allow the boot to be released, a command is transmitted to the motor, which starts rotating. The rotation of the second toothed wheel 18 drives the rotation of the first toothed wheel 16, with which it is engaged. The tripper 14 makes a quarter turn and stops in the position shown in FIG. 3, such that the recess is open in the direction of the rear retaining element 3. In this position, the pin 21 is no longer retained and can escape from the recess 15. Consequently, the rear retaining element 3 is free to slide toward the rear, which spacing allows the boot to be released.

To have the boot again retained by the binding assembly, the skier must reset the additional release device. To this end, skier must slide the rear retaining element 3 in a direction toward the front retaining element 2. The bar 10, affixed to the rear retaining element 3 in the illustrated embodiment, is also moved in translation in the same direction until the pin 21 is again received in the recess 15. The moment the pin 21 is in the recess 15, the bar actuates a laterally positioned contactor 22. The contactor 22 initiates a new command for the electric motor to make a quarter turn rotation so that the tripper returns to the position shown in FIG. 2, that is, the “closed” position.

All of the movements of the bar 10 are possible as long as the mechanical locking mechanism is in the “free” position. The “free” position of the locking mechanism is shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the drawrail 23 of the locking mechanism makes it possible for the bar 10 to slide freely.

In the case where the skier wants to switch off the additional release device, the handle 29 of the locking mechanism must be manipulated. To this end, the drawrail 23 is transversely moved. While the drawrail 23 is thusly moved, one of its parts, i.e., abutment 25, is brought in contact with the projection 24 that extends downwardly from the lower surface of the bar 10. This arrangement is shown in the transverse cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, as well as in the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

At the same time it blocks the bar 10 from moving, the drawrail 23 actuates an electric switch 27 for powering down the electric motor 17 and the additional release device. To this end, in its lower portion, the drawrail 23 has a fork that straddles the control member 28 of the switch 27, which manipulates it during the transverse movements of the drawrail 23.

The invention is not limited to the only embodiment hereinabove presented above and illustrated in the drawings as an example of the invention. The additional release device could, for example, pivot the rear retaining element instead of moving it in translation. Alternatively, the additional release device could pivot or move the front retaining element in translation. Still further, and alternatively, the additional release device could act on the front retaining element and the rear retaining element. Also, mechanical locking mechanisms other than that shown and described could be provided.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

• 1. ski
• 2. front retaining element
• 3. rear retaining element
• 4. additional release device
• 5. front interface element
• 6. rear interface element
• 7. sliderail
• 8. actuation box
• 9. control box
• 10. bar
• 11. front sensor
• 12. rear sensor
• 13. unit
• 14. tripper
• 15. recess
• 16. first toothed wheel
• 17. electric motor
• 18. second toothed wheel
• 19. electric cell/battery
• 21. pin
• 22. contactor
• 23. drawrail
• 24. projection
• 25. abutment
• 27. switch
• 28. control member
• 29. handle

Claims

1. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski comprising:

a front retaining element comprising a first spring adapted to be set at a pretensioning value, said front retaining element comprising a first release device releasable in response to an applied force greater than said pretensioning value of said first spring;

a rear retaining element comprising a second spring adapted to be set at a pretensioning value, said rear retaining element comprising a second release device releasable in response to an applied force greater than said pretensioning value of said second spring; and

an additional release device, said additional release device being electronically controllable;

said additional release device comprising a mechanically controllable locking mechanism.

2. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1, further comprising:

a slideway, at least one of said front and rear retaining elements being mounted to slide in said slideway;

said additional release device comprising a bar fastened to said one of said front and rear retaining elements, said bar being longitudinally movable between an open position and a closed position in reaction to actuation of said additional release device.

3. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 2, wherein:

said mechanically controllable locking mechanism comprises a drawrail movable between a non-blocking position and a blocking position;

said drawrail not blocking translational movement of said bar in said non-blocking position;

said drawrail preventing said bar from moving in translation in said blocking position.

4. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 3, wherein:

said bar comprises a projection abutting against said drawrail when said drawrail is in said blocking position.

5. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 3, wherein:

said locking mechanism comprises an electric switch, said switch being adapted to switch off said additional release device.

6. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 4, wherein:

said additional release device comprises a tripper; and

said bar comprises a pin adapted to be retained in the tripper.

7. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 6, wherein:

said additional release device comprises a mechanism to automatically reset the tripper.

8. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 7, wherein:

said mechanism to automatically reset the tripper comprises a contactor actuated by said bar when said bar is in the closed position.

9. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 3, wherein:

said drawrail comprises a handle, said handle adapted to be actuated from outside the actuation box.

10. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1, wherein:

said mechanically controllable locking mechanism of said additional release device is mechanically connected to a part connected for movement with one of said front and rear retaining elements.

11. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1, wherein:

said mechanically controllable locking mechanism of said additional release device is mechanically connected to a part connected for movement with one of said front and rear retaining elements in a non-released position.

12. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 1, wherein:

said additional release device further comprising: a front sensor positioned for detecting a force applied to said front retaining element greater than said pretensioning value of said first spring; a rear sensor positioned for detecting a force applied to said rear retaining element greater than said pretensioning value of said second spring; a control box for generating a command for enabling movement of one of said front and rear retaining elements to release the boot from the binding assembly in response to reception of a signal generated by at least one of said front and rear sensors.

13. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 12, wherein:

said mechanically controllable locking mechanism of said additional release device is mechanically connected to a part connected for movement with one of said front and rear retaining elements.

14. An assembly for binding a boot to a ski according to claim 12, wherein:

said mechanically controllable locking mechanism comprises an actuation box containing a tripper movable between a free position and a blocking position;

in response to said reception of a signal generated by at least one of said front and rear sensors, said control box generates a command for moving said tripper from said blocking position to said free position, for enabling said movement of one of said front and rear retaining elements to release the boot from the binding assembly.