Abstract: A splitboard joining device for releasably coupling at least two separate portions of a splitboard, thereby creating a snowboard when coupled and at least a first ski and a second ski when uncoupled. The device may include a first interface and a second interface for attaching to a first portion and a second portion, respectively, of the splitboard. In some embodiments, the device comprises an adjustable tension element disposed on either the first interface or second interface to adjustably control the tension between the first interface and second interface, and to adjustably control the compression between the first and second portions of the splitboard when coupled.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a single piece base portion (10) for a locking mechanism (30) for a ski binding (1), in particular a cross country or touring ski binding. The base portion (10) comprising: a planar resting portion (11); one or more, preferably two, support sections (12) extending out of the plane of the planar resting portion (11). In particular, each of the support sections (12) comprises an axle pin hole (13) for receiving an axle (21) of a part associated with the locking mechanism (30). Further, the lowest section (14) of the axle pin hole (13) is aligned with the upper surface (15) of the planar resting portion (11).

Abstract: The present invention provides a front unit (100; 200) of a sliding board binding, comprising: a holding means which is set up so as to engage a sliding board boot (20) and to hold it on the sliding board binding (10) pivotably about a transverse axis extending transverse to a sliding board longitudinal axis, the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable between a closed position, in which the holding means is raised in a configuration ready for operation so as to hold a sliding board boot (20) pivotably engaged, and an open position, in which the holding means releases the sliding board boot (20), the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable into a passive position, which is different from the open position and the closed position and in which the holding means is adjusted towards the sliding board (12) into a flat configuration.

Abstract: A heel piece of a safety binding for a ski boot that is able to occupy at least two positions, an open position and a closed position in which it is able to hold a ski boot securely for skiing, the heel piece comprising a body (11) that occupies the same position in each of these two positions of the heel piece, the body (11) comprising a release mechanism to allow the boot to be released in the closed position of the heel piece if a force exceeds a predetermined level, the heel piece further comprising a lever (12) comprising jaws (14) in its anterior part, these being able to collaborate with the heel of a ski boot, the lever (12) being mounted so that it can rotate relative to the body (11) about a pivot (13) so as to occupy two different positions corresponding to the two, open and closed, positions of the heel piece, wherein at least one end of the pivot (13) is held near the body (11) of the heel piece.

Abstract: A pair of gliding boards adapted to be used together by a user, with no connection to one another, for gliding in a gliding direction, the pair of boards including a first board which has an elongated shape extending along a first longitudinal axis and a first arrangement to fasten the user's left foot to the first board along a first fastening axis, the pair of boards also including a second board which has an elongated shape extending along a second longitudinal axis and a second arrangement to fasten the user's right foot to the second board along a second fastening axis. The first fastening axis forms a first angle ?1 with the first longitudinal axis, the second fastening axis forms a second angle ?2 with the second longitudinal axis, the angle ?1 and angle ?2 being oriented in the same direction, and at least one of the angles ?1 and ?2 being non-zero.

Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap.

Abstract: A safety binding device for binding a boot on an alpine ski including a releasable retaining mechanism of the mechanical, hydraulic, viscoelastic type, which actuate a release as a function of the forces to which the boot is subjected and as a function of the duration ?t of the application of such forces. The release action occurs as soon as the magnitude of the force is greater than an actual release threshold, Sr, which is dependent upon the duration ?t of the application of force, such that if duration is greater than one second, the actual release threshold is between 50% and 75% of the theoretical release threshold, St, whereby: ?t>1 s; 0.75×St?Sr(?t)?0.5×St, with the theoretical release threshold St being determined as a function of the skier's parameters in conformance with ISO standards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: A snowboard binding is provided having a base to accommodate the boot of the user and keep it in a fixed position on the base; and a highback. The highback is adapted to allow the leg of a user to articulate through a range of motion. Attached to the highback is a system of springs or elastic members for returning the leg of the user to a neutral position relative to the board in the absence of an applied counterforce. For example, the highback can be attached to the base in such a manner as to allow the highback to articulate in a range extending from a forward position to a neutral position, and optionally to a rearward position, the neutral position being disposed between the forward position and any rearward position. In this binding, a tensioning member is affixed to the highback in such a manner as to resist articulation of the highback to the forward or the rearward position, and to apply a force to the highback to return it to the neutral position in the absence of an applied counterforce.

Abstract: A step-in binding for receiving a ski boot and preferably for telemark skiing. The binding includes a base constructed and arranged to be secured to the ski and a pair of boot support members pivotally supported from a front side of the base, and disposed laterally on either side of the base. The lateral side members may be tapered inwardly toward the front so as to receive and guide the ski boot as it is to be engaged. The pair of boot support members are biased to a boot receiving position and further having a locked position that is assumed once the boot is received, engages the pair of boot support members, and is cantilevered downwardly into the locked position.

Abstract: An assembly for retaining a boot on a gliding board having a release block with at least one jaw for retaining a member for fastening the boot, the jaw being movable between a closed position in which it retains the fastening member and an open position in which it releases the fastening member, the jaw being maintained in the closed position by a movable latch. The movement of the latch is controlled by a source of pneumatic energy, with the exclusion of any other energy.

Abstract: A step-in binding for receiving a ski boot and preferably for telemark skiing. The binding includes a base constructed and arranged to be secured to the ski and a pair of boot support members pivotally supported from a front side of the base, and disposed laterally on either side of the base. The lateral side members may be tapered inwardly toward the front so as to receive and guide the ski boot as it is to be engaged. The pair of boot support members are biased to a boot receiving position and further having a locked position that is assumed once the boot is received, engages the pair of boot support members, and is cantilevered downwardly into the locked position.

Abstract: Cross-country or touring ski binding (17) with a mechanism (10) for coupling an associated boot (11) so that it is rotatable about an axis (13) in the front region of the boot extending approximately parallel to the sole tread (12) and approximately transverse to the long direction of sole and ski, and with a device (14) for the elastic restoration of the position of the boot (11), from a tilted-up position into a position approximately parallel to the ski, wherein an additional elastically deformable element (15) is provided that counteracts the device (14) for elastic restoration of the boot (11), in particular at the beginning of the upward tilting of the boot (11).

Abstract: A support for a snowboard boot binding includes a support member having a first support surface extending on a first side of a support axis, wherein the first support surface is concave relative to the support axis, and wherein the first support surface extends less than 360° around the support axis. A second support surface is disposed on a second side of the support axis. The first and second support surfaces are configured such that they are capable of radially retaining a cleat engagement control shaft.

Abstract: Arrangement of a cross-country, particularly skating binding (15) and a shoe (16) adapted thereto, which has on its forward sole (12) complementary engagement members introducible into engagement members of the binding in order to produce a joint-like connection, the engagement members on the sole comprising a bracket (11) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole and roughly parallel to the tread surface of the sole and located off-set relative to the forward sole end, and the complementary engagement members on the binding comprising a retaining hook engaging over the bracket (11), particularly from behind, which is movable from a closed position into a release position and vice-versa. The retainer hook (6) is movable out of the closed position into the release position by means of an actuating device (3, 4) coupled therewith, against the action of a member, particularly a resilient member (5) initially resiliently tensioning it in a forward direction.

Abstract: A sole-retaining or boot-retaining system for ski bindings, snowboard bindings and the like. A cable release arrangement is provided to ergonomically move a sole-retaining or boot-retaining member between a closed or "clamped-in" position, wherein the sole or boot is secured to the binding and an open or "release" position, wherein the sole or boot is releasable from the binding.

Abstract: A base includes a first bail that is pivotally connected to the base. A second bail is pivotally connected to the base. An operating arm is connected to the second bail and pivotally connected to the base. A trigger mechanism is connected to the second bail to move the second bail from a first unlocked position to a second locked position. The operating arm is pivoted in a first direction to cause the second bail to move from the second locked position to the first unlocked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toe piece for an automatic release ski binding. The toe piece is comprised of an upper housing and a base plate which is connected at one end with the upper housing. The upper housing and the base plate are additionally connected by at least one connecting element. In order to allow automatic adjustment of the sole holder to different heights and a reverse release, at least one end of the at least one connecting element is journaled either in the upper housing and/or in the base plate, with the intermediate placement of a resilient material. Alternatively, the connecting element itself is constructed of resilient material.

Abstract: A ski binding with a device for compensating the calibration load for toe unit safety release includes a heel unit with a sliding body and a toe unit which is equipped with a safety release associated with a lamina on which a main spring for toe unit calibration act. An elastic recovery spring interacts between the sliding body which supports the heel unit jaw and the lamina in order to cooperate with the main spring for toe unit calibration when the ski flexes.

Abstract: A heel unit of a ski binding has a housing (12) which is resiliently rearwardly deflectably mounted on the ski. A sole clamp (13) having a hold-down member (13') and a pedal element (13"), and also a hand-opening lever (15) are pivotably mounted about a transverse axis (14) in each case. The sole clamp (13) is biased by a release spring (16) into a closed position via a transmission (17, 18) having a deadpoint (26'). The sole clamp (13) can snap into an open position under the action of excessive vertical forces by moving through the deadpoint (26). The sole clamp (13) and the hand-opening lever (15) are pivotally mounted about the same transverse axis (14) which is arranged in the front region of the housing (12). Actuating abutments (19, 20) which cooperate with one another are provided at a radial distance from the transverse axis (14) and an opening moment is transmitted from the hand-opening lever (15 ) onto the sole clamp (13) via these actuating abutments.

Abstract: A safety toe unit for a ski binding comprises a base body (11) which is to be secured to the ski, with a sole holder (13) which holds an inserted ski boot from above and from the sides being upwardly pivotally mounted on the base body about a transverse axis (12). The transverse axis (12) is preferably arranged in the front end region and in particular in the lower region. The sole holder carries two side jaws (17, 18) which are laterally outwardly pivotable about vertical axes (15, 16) disposed on both sides of the central longitudinal axis (14). A release spring (20) is housed in a hollow chamber (19) of the sole holder (13) and extends substantially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis (14). The release spring (20) generates, via a lever and cam track mechanism, a holding force for the inserted ski boot which biases both the side jaws (17, 18) and also the sole holder (13) towards the ski boot holding position.

Abstract: Two base parts, by means of a spring assembly acting between them, are braced against sides of a pin with a non-circular cross-section fixed to the ski which face away from one another, in such a manner that the base parts, which together can be swivelled around the pin, are pushed into a desired position and when leaving the desired position, are moved away from one another. The ski boot is held in a form-locking manner between coupling elements and a holding-down device on the base parts. The holding-down device supports itself on the pin in such a manner that, in the case of an upward movement, one base part is moved away from the pin as well as from the other base part.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably attaching a toe member of a boot to a binding member on the upper surfaces of a ski having a longitudinal median plane includes complementary latching parts on the members which are relatively movable in a longitudinal direction to an operative position at which the latching parts complementarily engage each other. The apparatus further includes a base for mounting on the upper surface of the ski, and an abutment element movably mounted on the base and adapted to engage the toe member of the boot when the members are in operative position. Finally, a resilient element or device acting on the abutment element resiliently maintains the members in operative position.

Abstract: A safety ski binding, preferably for engaging the front of a ski boot. The binding includes an elastic energization mechanism for the jaw of the binding and a separate arrangement for compensating for different sole thicknesses. In a specific embodiment, the binding is formed as a monobloc and includes a deformation zone to automatically accommodate soles of different thicknesses. The binding also includes a front fall sensor and a rear fall compensating mechanism to further compress the spring of the energization mechanism to lessen the amount of force required to release the boot during front and rear falls.

Abstract: A ski boot, and a binding for binding the ski boot onto the ski. The boot is provided with blocking means which prevents its attachment by bindings other than those which should properly be used with the specific boots. The binding itself however is capable of use with any standardized boot, whether or not it has blocking means. This assures that boots requiring specially modified bindings will not be used otherwise, but nevertheless permits the use of such boots with bindings used with standardized boots having no blocking means.

Abstract: The device comprises two jaws (10, 20) designed to lock the hinge pin of the ski boot while leaving this pin free to rotate. One of the jaws (10l ) is stationary and the other jaw (20) is movable and displaceable toward the stationary jaw (10) in order to grip the hinge pin, and the stationary jaw (1) delimits a slide track which guides a guide piece (23) connected to the movable locking jaw (20). The guide rail (12) is positioned between two screws (5) for mounting the device on the ski and extends transversely under at least one part of the support area of each screw head (5).

Abstract: A clamp for mounting a base plate of a ski binding to a ski, the base plate being operative to move longitudinally along the axis of the ski and having outwardly extending side sections. The clamp includes: a pair of opposed side portions having inward facing guide members operative to engage the side sections of the base plate and to guide the base plate along the longitudinal axis of the ski. Each side portion includes a cylindrical recess, wherein the recesses extend along a common axis which is transverse to the axis of the ski. A pair of cylindrical members dimensioned to be received within the recesses is provided. The cylindrical members are secured to the ski, wherein the side portions are capable of limited pivotable on the cylindrical members about the transverse axis.

Abstract: A ski binding mechanism for retaining a ski boot in fixed position on a ski and providing for release of the binding at any angle and for precisely controlling the required forces at various release angles. A plurality of retaining points each consisting of a spring plunger mechanism with a spherical tip which is fitted to a contoured retaining socket or groove in the boot sole plate, and the socket or groove is milled away at it's periphery are varying angles. In one embodiment, a plunger is mounted on a rocker arm to counter balance ski brake forces and to facilitate removal by altering release force levels.

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding member for releasably attaching the toe of a boot member to a ski includes cam elements on the members cooperable during downward movement of the boot member relative to the binding member in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the ski for effecting forward displacement of the boot member relative to the binding member until the sole of the boot member seats on the ski. A movable stirrup on the binding member is resiliently biased to a neutral position. Mutual engagement elements are provided on the stirrup and on the boot member. During cooperation of the cam elements, the engagement elements engage for affecting resilient displacement of the stirrup from its neutral position during initial forward displacement of the boot member. During final displacement of the boot member, the stirrup is resiliently displaced towards its neutral position and serves to retain the boot member to the ski.

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding that includes a first axis about which a shoe rotates in relation to the ski and a second axis of rotation for a retention or bridling stirrup that acts on the front end of the shoe. An elastic member biases the stirrup in the direction of bridling the shoe and also exerts a return force on the shoe when it is lifted from the upper surface of the ski. A transmission plate is journalled to the ski at a lower end and at the upper end to a connecting rod that is in turn journalled to the stirrup. The transmission plate transmits the forces of the elastic member to the stirrup.

Abstract: A safety binding adapted to releasably hold a boot on a ski includes an apparatus for securing the binding to the ski, a movable body with spaced lateral arms pivotably connected to the apparatus transversely to the longitudinal extent of the ski, and a jaw pivotably connected to the body along a transverse axis. The jaw includes a device for engaging and holding a portion of the boot on the apparatus when the boot is positioned on the apparatus and the binding is attached to a ski. The binding includes a device for biasing the jaw and body towards the ski and increasing the bias on the jaw when the body moves upward. A safety binding, adapted to secure one end of a boot to a ski, includes an apparatus for securing the binding to the ski, a body with spaced lateral arms pivotably connected to the apparatus along a transverse axis, and a jaw pivotably connected to the body along a transverse axis. The jaw includes a device for retaining an end of the boot.

Abstract: A safety binding adapted to releasably hold a boot on a ski, including a device for securing the binding to the ski, a movable body with spaced lateral arms pivotably connected to the securing device, a jaw pivotably connected to the body which includes a device for engaging and holding a portion of the boot, and a device, which include a rocking lever, for biasing the jaw and the body towards the ski and for increasing the bias on the jaw in response to upward movement of the body. A platform, adapted to connect a safety binding to a ski, includes opposed side recesses adapted to be attached to the binding, and an inclined projection extending upwardly from the platform which includes a device for slidably engaging a device for biasing the binding toward the ski. A safety binding for a ski boot adapted to retain one end of the boot and to free that end when it exerts a force on the binding exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a boot on a ski including a mobile lock adapted to be displaced between a retention position and an open position. In the retention position the lock retains the boot on the ski. In the open position the lock permits the boot to be disengaged from the ski. Also provided is a generally upside down U-shaped spring in the form of a stirrup having a two ends which are pivotally attached to the ski and a median portion including a projection which extends toward these ends and which is adapted to be displaced on the surface of the lock. Both the lock and the spring are pivotally attached to the ski around different transverse axes so that the lock and the spring form a toggle mechanism. As a result, when the projection is displaced on the surface of the lock to one side of a plane passing through the two transverse axes, the lock is biased and displaced into one of its two positions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a ski safety binding including an electronic analyzer connected to force pickups that emit electrical signals. An electric power supply such as a battery is provided. An electromechanical release element controls a locking mechanism for acting on a heel holder or piece. The electromechanical release element has at least one stop member. To assure high reliability even in the severe weather conditions, the present invention mounts the electromechanical release member inside a well sealed housing. A drive control member is positioned in sealed manner through the wall of the housing. The drive control member includes a shaft and controls the locking mechanism that acts on the heel piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a boot on a ski including a mobile lock adapted to be displaced between a retention position and an open position. In the retention position the the lock retains the boot on the ski. In the open position the lock permits the boot to be disengaged from the ski. Also provided is a generally upside down U-shaped spring in the form of a stirrup having a two ends which are pivotally attached to the ski and a median portion including a projection which extends toward these ends and which is adapted to be displaced on the surface of the lock. Both the lock and the spring are pivotally attached to the ski around different transverse axes so that the lock and the spring form a toggle mechanism. As a result, when the projection is displaced on the surface of the lock to one side of a plane passing through the two transverse axes, the lock is biased and displaced into one of its two positions.

Abstract: A ski binding mechanism for retaining a ski boot in fixed position on a ski and providing for release of the binding at any angle and for precisely controlling the required forces at various release angles. A plurality of retaining points each consisting of a spring plunger mechanism with a spherical tip which is fitted to a contoured retaining socket or groove in the boot sole plate, and the socket or groove is milled away at its periphery are varying angles. In one embodiment, a plunger is mounted on a rocker arm to counter balance ski brake forces and to facilitate removal by altering release force levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to ski equipment comprising a boot (1), an interface (2) and a ski (3). The boot (1) is a flexible-soled boot (4) provided at the front (9) and at the rear (18) with members (13, 19) for engagement with the interface (2). The interface (2) comprises a front part (7), a rear part (16) and a member (25, 26, 27) for clamping the boot (1) to the interface (2). Interface-operating means connects active binding members on the interface to passive binding elements on the ski.

Abstract: A ski binding for attaching the front of the boot to a cross-country ski. A connection element is provided which has a first portion attached to the ski and has a second portion attached to the front of the boot. The connection element is constructed so as to permit the heel of the boot to pivot about an axis oblique to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the ski. In one embodiment the connection element is flexible and contains a zone of least rigidity which defines the axis. In another embodiment, the connection element comprises a joint which is oriented so that the axis around which the front of the boot pivots around the joint is oblique to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the ski. In a preferred embodiment each binding is placed on a ski and is so oriented that the axes from each binding on the pair of parallel skis converge forward and downward.

Abstract: Cross-country ski bindings (51) for cross-country ski boots (54) having a forwardly extended front sole end (55) formed as a downwardly directed hook, with a transverse member (58) which is provided for co-operating with the sole end (55) and which is mounted in side jaws (57) which extend upwardly from a base plate (56) which is to be fixedly mounted to the ski. In order to maintain the front end (55) of the sole in place with respect to the transverse member (58), the arrangement has the web portion (59) of a U-shaped stirrup member (59, 60), the limb portions (60) of which are mounted at their free ends on the transverse member (58). The U-shaped member (59, 60) is subjected to the force of a spring (62) which urges it in the direction of clamping the front end (55) of the sole in place. The boot (54) is pivotable about the transverse member (58) against the resistance of the spring (62 ).

Abstract: A safety ski binding provided with a sole plate supported pivotally on a ski-fixed pivot, however, is secured against lifting off from the ski carries at its rear end a heel holder and at its front end a front jaw. The front jaw is pivotal about a transverse axle and carries a control element extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski in the skiing position. On the front end of the control element is supported rotatably a roller, with which is associated a cam secured on the ski, which cam, upon reaching a predetermined angle of traverse of the sole plate relative to the longitudinal direction of the ski, permits a pivoting of the front jaw in the sense of a release of the ski shoe. In order to permit in such a ski binding a storing of the cam protected against dirt, the invention provides that the cam (2f) for the roller (15) of the control element (14) is stored in a housing (2,7) which is open only toward the tail end of the ski and serves to support the front jaw (10,17).

Abstract: A ski binding adapted to pivot both laterally and vertically. The binding includes a support attached to the ski and an assembly adapted to pivot therearound. The assembly includes a jaw, a pivoting element and an elastic system which biases the pivoting element and support into contact with each other. The pivoting element and the support form a lateral pivoting system having two projections and complementary grooves, each of which form a line of support around which the pivoting element and assembly may laterally pivot. The elastic system in one embodiment contacts the rear of the support. In another embodiment the elastic system contacts the rear of a rocker pivoting around the pivoting element, and contacting the rear of the support. Both the rear of the rocker and the rear of the support comprise a downwardly and rearwardly extending release incline and a downwardly and forwardly extending opening incline.

Abstract: A ski boot, and a binding for binding the ski boot onto the ski. The boot is provided with blocking means which prevents its attachment by bindings other than those which should properly be used with the specific boots. The binding itself however is capable of use with any standardized boot, whether or not it has blocking means. This assures that boots requiring specially modified bindings will not be used otherwise, but nevertheless permits the use of such boots with bindings used with standardized boots having no blocking means.