Abstract: A safety release mechanism for kite surfing with a safety release member by which a kite surfer is attached to the body. A locking element detachably secures an attachment end of the safety release member to the body. A resilient element urges the locking element into the unlocked position, such that upon release for the locking element, the resilient element moves the locking element to the unlocked position thereby resulting in a release of the attachment end of the safety release member, regardless of the orientation of the device, the orientation of the kite, or the available strength of the kite surfer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic heel unit (1) for a ski binding, comprising a base (7) for fitting the automatic heel unit (1) on a ski and a heel downholder (3) for holding down a ski boot in a heel region of the ski boot. The heel downholder (3) is mounted so as to be movable in relation to the base (7). The automatic heel unit (1) has a holding configuration in which the heel downholder (3) is located in a holding position and may interact with the heel region of the ski boot that is held in the ski binding in such a manner that the heel region of the ski boot is held down in a lowered position. Furthermore, the automatic heel unit (1) has a step-in configuration in which the heel downholder (3) is located in a step-in position and the heel region of the ski boot is released by the heel downholder (3).

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: Ski binding heel unit includes lateral release cams and a vector decoupler mechanism that provide lateral shear release of the heel of a ski boot from a ski. The ski binding heel unit includes an independent vertical heel release mechanism, independent lateral release mechanism and a forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams have laterally outwardly flaring contact points. The vector decoupler mechanism restricts heel unit lateral rotation and translation to a control path. The shape of the lateral release cams dictates the control path. The vector decoupler mechanism redirects the non-lateral forces without effecting the vertical heel release, lateral heel release or forward pressure compensator. The lateral release cams and vector decoupler mechanism avert non-lateral, benign loads from the lateral heel release, and avert non-vertical, benign loads from the vertical heel release thereby reducing the incidence of inadvertent pre-release of a boot from a ski.

Abstract: Safety fastening heelpiece (10) for ski boot comprising a moving body (11) mounted to pivot about an articulation axis (14) suspended by two lateral arms (20) linked to a base (12), the moving body including a release spring (15) acting on a moving piston (17) cooperating with a release surface (18) of the articulation axis, so as to be able to occupy a first position corresponding to a closed position of the heelpiece in which a heel grip (13) arranged at one end of the moving body is intended to hold the heel of a ski boot on the ski, and to be able to occupy a second position corresponding to an open position of the heelpiece, characterized in that the release surface is formed by a protrusion (21) arranged in relief relative to the rest of the articulation axis.

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: A convenience-type tool-less manual quick release binding system is provided for directly mounting accessories and equipment, such as a video kit, thermos, storage container, first aid kit, portable radio or audio device, or other accessory, onto a snowboard via the snowboard binding. When binded, the accessory is secure from unwanted release caused by rigorous use but detachable with ease when desired providing fast on and off action. In one embodiment, ladder straps are attached to the snowboard binding, and the accessories attached to the ladder straps.

Abstract: An article that includes a strap for retaining or tightening a foot or a boot, the strap including a section for covering the foot or the boot, the covering section including a frame and a comfort element. The comfort element includes a synthetic material molded over the frame. In a particular embodiment, the article is a retaining device for a sports apparatus, such as a snowboard binding for a snowboard.

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: The invention provides a binding system for a snowboard comprising a boot (2) and a boot receiving plate (4), the boot receiving plate (4) having at least one engagement element (6), and the boot (2) having at least one boot gripping element (3) wherein the or each boot gripping element (3) and the or each engagement element are operable for flexible respective co-engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding for soft boots. The fixing straps can be pivoted by means of a joint from a closed position to an open position close to the opening for entry. The straps are kept in an open position by means of a holding device. The holding power of the holding device stems from the resistance of the joint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heel shim and lifter assembly adapted for use in ski mountaineering. In one embodiment, the heel shim and lifter assembly is adapted for use with a ski such as, for example, a telemark ski, and comprises: a mounting plate for attaching the heel shim and lifter assembly onto the ski; and a heel shim block or component that is pivotably connected to the mounting plate. In this embodiment, the heel shim block or component is pivotably connected to the mounting plate along an axis of rotation that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the top surface of the ski when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski, and wherein the heel shim block is pivotable between a heel shim skiing position and an elevated hiking position when the heel shim and lifter assembly is attached onto the ski.

Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system has a boot and a binding configured to be releasably coupled together. The boot has an upper potion, a sole portion, a front catch and at least one rear catch. The binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement and a front binding member. The base member has a front portion and a rear portion. The rear binding arrangement is coupled to the rear portion to selectively engage the rear catch. The front binding member includes a front claw and a release lever. The front claw is movably coupled to the front portion of the base member. The release lever is coupled to the front claw to move therewith between a release position and a latched position. An indexing mechanism is arranged to selectively retain the front claw and the release lever in the release position and the latched position.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system includes a boot and a binding configured to be releasably coupled together. The snowboard binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement, and a front binding arrangement. The snowboard boot includes an upper portion, a sole portion, at least one rear catch and a front catch. The sole portion has a forward to rearward longitudinal axis extending between a toe section and a heel section. The rear catch is located at the heel section of the sole portion. The front catch is coupled to the toe section. The front catch has a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from the toe section and a tongue portion extending laterally between the leg portions. The tongue portion has a forward to rearward dimension that is larger than forward to rearward dimensions of the leg portions to longitudinally secure the boot relative to the binding.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system has a boot and a binding configured to be releasably coupled together. The boot has an upper potion, a sole portion, a front catch and at least one rear catch. The binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement and a front binding arrangement. The rear binding arrangement selectively engages at least one rear catch of the heel of the boot. The front binding arrangement selectively engages the front catch that extends downwardly from of the sole portion of the boot. The front binding arrangement and the front catch are arranged to limit forward and rearward movement of the boot relative to the binding and prevent premature release of the front catch from the front binding arrangement.

Abstract: A snowboard binding mechanism for securing a snowboard boot to a snowboard includes at least one moveable engagement member having an open position and at least one closed position. When in the closed position, the engagement member is biased toward the open position. As a result, when a snowboard boot is not disposed in the binding mechanism, the binding mechanism automatically moves to the open position. The engagement member may also function to compensate for snow, ice or debris accumulated beneath the boot. A single handle may be operatively connected to the engagement members to facilitate ease of removal of the snowboard boot from the binding by simply requiring actuation of the single handle to unlock the binding. A separate foot pedal may be operably coupled to the engagement member and is also employed to unlock the binding. The binding mechanism may also include a cocking feature that unlocks the binding mechanism without also causing the engagement members to move to open positions.

Abstract: A universal snow boot and binding for use in connection with either snow skiing or snow boarding which is easy to use and provides quick, easy and positive interconnection of the snow boot with the upper surface of the ski or snowboard. The snow boot or foot enclosure component of the invention carries a permanent magnet that engages a metal plate provided on the snowboard. The mechanical locking mechanism that is operated by the user is also strategically mounted on the snowboard. The mechanical locking component includes a toe locking mechanism and a cooperating heel locking mechanism that is easily operable to enable the snow boot to be readily disconnected from the upper surface of the snowboard or snow ski.

Abstract: A snowboard binding system has a boot and a binding configured to be releasably coupled together. The boot has an upper portion, a sole portion, a front catch located, and a rear catch. The binding includes a base member, a rear binding arrangement, and a front binding member. The front binding member includes a front claw pivotally coupled to the base member to move between a release position and a latched position. The front claw has a generally V-shaped free end surface. A catch engaging surface is located between the mounting portion of the front catch and the apex of the V-shaped free end surface. A guide surface is located between the apex and a free edge of the V-shaped free end surface. The catch engaging surface faces generally towards the base member and the guide surface faces generally away the base member.

Abstract: Cross-country ski binding for a boot equipped with two bars (61, 62), comprising a latch (2) that can be actuated by a lever (5) to hold the front bar (61) and a link rod (3) equipped with a hook (4) for catching on the rear bar (62) of the boot. The link rod (3) is urged by a tension spring (6) and is articulated to a point (26) located between the two bars of the boot, preferably on a spindle (26) secured to the latch. This construction is particularly compact and allows the boot a great deal of movement.

Abstract: A step-in binding for a telemark ski has a safety release mechanism. The binding comprises a mounting plate, a housing, a clamp lever and a step-in lever. Step-in securing is initiated by applying pressure to a step-in lever, which in turn causes a clamp lever to rotate downwardly to hold a ski boot in place. A latching means comprising a tooth and a catching post locks the clamp lever in an engaged position to securely hold the ski boot. A safety release mechanism is activated by rotating the housing assembly about a pivot post such that the tooth falls off the catching post, thus allowing the key to be lowered and opening the toe clamp to release the ski boot. The binding is automatically reset to a position for receiving the ski boot after the safety release mechanism is activated. Preferably, a cable is included within the binding, the cable having a first end which extends around and tightens against the heel of the ski boot and a second end which is raised and lowered as the key is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A traction device for a downhill ski is disclosed. In one embodiment the traction device includes a traction member which is pivotally interconnected with the downhill ski. At least one biasing member actively biases this traction member toward a position where at least a portion of the traction member will extend beyond the entire lower surface of the downhill ski. However, the traction member can be retained in a non-traction position by a latch. Appropriate movement of the latch allows the biasing member(s) to pivot the traction member into the desired traction position. The end of a ski pole can be used to activate the latch and initiate movement of the traction member.

Abstract: An elastic return device for a safety ski binding comprising a coil spring (10) and having a stiffness which varies as a function of the stress rate. A deformable plastic (11) is interposed between the turns of the spring, so that the stiffness of the spring increases with the rate at which it is compressed. This elastic element makes it possible to avoid premature release of the binding.

Abstract: A snowboard boot and an assembly of a snowboard boot and a retention apparatus for securing the boot to a snowboard. The boot includes a sole, an upper affixed to and extending upwardly from the sole, and an attachment member attached to the sole. The attachment member has a portion extending substantially longitudinally and spaced from a portion of the sole for facilitating engagement with a latch of the retention apparatus. The retention apparatus of the assembly includes an attachment mechanism for attaching in a vertical direction and along a horizontal plane, which cooperates with a complementary attachment mechanism of the boot, arranged in a central portion of the sole of the boot. The boot includes a skeleton that is constituted by a minimal force-transmission circuit which provides for the support necessary for practicing the gliding sport and the force-transmission circuit passes through the attachment mechanism of the boot.

Abstract: A step-in binding for telemark ski having safety release mechanism. The binding comprises a mounting plate, a housing, a clamp lever and a step-in lever. Step-in securing is initiated by applying pressure to an step-in lever, which in turn causes a clamp lever to rotate downwardly towards to hold a ski boot in place. A latching means comprising a tooth and a catching post locks the clamp lever in an engaged position to securely hold the ski boot. A safety release mechanism is activated by rotating the housing assembly about an pivot post such that the tooth falls off the catching post, thus allowing the key to be lowered and opening the toe clamp to release the ski boot. The binding is automatically reset to a position for receiving the ski boot after the safety release mechanism is activated.

Abstract: An electric ski binding system with magnetic interfaces and a microprocessor achieves releasable engagement of a ski boot to ski bindings. A permanent magnet in the front ski binding and a permanent magnet of opposite polarity in the toe portion of the boot create a front magnetic interface. A permanent magnet in the rear ski binding and a permanent magnet of opposite polarity in the heel portion of the boot create a rear magnetic interface. Electromagnets in the proximity of the front and rear magnetic interfaces are disposed so that their polarity opposes the permanent magnets of the boot. The electromagnets are turned off while the boot is engaged with the ski binding to allow the permanent magnets to couple at the front and rear magnetic interfaces. The electromagnets are operated when disengaging the boot from the ski binding to create a magnetic field substantially greater than that of the permanent magnets in the front and rear magnetic interfaces.

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: An assembly of a shoe and retention device for use on a gliding board. The retention device of the assembly includes an attachment mechanism for attaching in a vertical direction and along a horizontal plane, which cooperates with a complementary attachment mechanism of the shoe, arranged in a central portion of the sole of the shoe. The shoe includes a skeleton that is constituted by a minimal force-transmission circuit which provides for the support necessary for practicing the gliding sport and the force-transmission circuit passes through the attachment mechanism of the shoe. The integration of the shoe having a minimal force-transmission circuit and its direct linkage with the attachment mechanism of the shoe make it possible to ensure a good transmission of forces and support for a minimum space requirement of the retention device.

Abstract: A snowboard binding for releasably connecting a boot to a snowboard. One embodiment of the invention includes inner and outer main bodies to receive a two-piece cleat. A second embodiment includes inner and outer hooks for hooking, and a latch for securing, a one-piece cleat. A third embodiment includes a front main body and a spring-loaded latch in a rear main body for engaging a one-piece cleat. A fourth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with inwardly beveled, semi-circular inner and outer main bodies. A fifth embodiment engages a one-piece cleat with a front main body and a latch, fixedly mounted upon an axle, within a rear main body. The latch is biased toward the engaged position by a spring. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, a one-piece cleat is engaged with a front main body and two rear spring biased latches. In a seventh embodiment, among other things, the cleat is formed in two pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snowboard binding having two retaining brackets (6, 106) which are pivotably mounted on a base plate (2) or on parts (5, 105) displaceable longitudinally on the base plate (2), and which, when the binding is performing a retaining function, engage over the front and the rear sole borders of a boot (102), the binding being closed automatically when the boot (102) is inserted. The aim of the invention is to keep the friction between the boot (102) and the binding, and therefore the boot-insertion force to be applied, relatively low and, by means of an advantageous configuration of a locking system (10), to ensure a high securing force.

Abstract: A front jaw for a safety binding comprising a lower part (3) of a housing, which lower part can be fastened to a ski, and an upper part (2) of a housing having at least one adjustable release spring (4) and two pivotal sole holders (14a, 14b) biassed by this release spring, with the upper part (2) of the housing being pivotal in the position of use of the front jaw about a transverse axis (Q) extending essentially normally with respect to the central longitudinal axis (L) of the front jaw, and the swivelling capability of the upper part of the housing relative to the lower part of the housing being limited by a locking piece (15, 115) having at least one stop surface (32a.sub.1, 32b.sub.1, 32a.sub.2, 32b.sub.2, 32a.sub.3, 32b.sub.3, 32a.sub.4, 32b.sub.

Abstract: Safety binding for an alpine ski, designed to hold a boot in place on a ski and to release this boot when it exerts excessive stress in the binding. The binding (1) comprises a base (3) , a boot position-retention device (5), a return spring (10), a linkage comprising a piston (13) whose head (16) is fitted with two pressure tips (20, 21) and a unit comprising two rolling surfaces (23, 24) which connect the spring (10) and the jaw (5), each rolling surface being positioned opposite a pressure tip. The pressure tip 21 projects forward in relation to the pressure tip 20, and a dynamic damping arrangement is interposed between this pressure tip 21 and the body (14) of the piston (13).

Abstract: A heel unit (10) of a safety ski binding comprises a unidirectional blocking arrangement (60') with at least one blocking member (62') arranged between a sole holder (16) and a spring biased return cam (26). The unidirectional blocking arrangement blocks in the opening direction and is releasable against a slight spring force (66) by means of a manual release member (64). One of the return cam (26) and the sole holder (16) is provided with a bearing face (68), generally circular or semicircular and concentric to the axis (A) of the return cam and of the sole holder for the blocking member (62') which is permanently resiliently urged into an actual blocking position.

Abstract: A snow ski binding is provided that includes a boot plate which is releasably securable to a ski by a toe piece and heel piece. The boot plate is pivotally connected to the toe piece so as to selectively pivot about a transverse axis and allow a skier to move in a cross-country motion. The heel piece is movable between a plurality of positions to selectively lock the trailing end of the boot plate to the ski to facilitate downhill skiing or can be repositioned to allow the boot plate to pivot about the toe piece while restricting the downward movement of the trailing end of the boot plate between two locations to facilitate use of the binding in a cross-country mode for climbing hills.

Abstract: A retainer member (26) is guided for displacement at a housing (24) which is adapted to be fastened to a ski (10), the retainer member being biased by a spring assembly (70) in the direction toward a ski boot (12). The housing (24) contains a support member (40) kept in an inoperative position, in which it forms a thrust bearing for the spring assembly (70), by a locking member (50) as long as the latter is in locking position. Normally, a shoulder (48) formed at a pawl (46) which is pivotable about a transverse pivot axis (44) presses against the locking member (50). An electromagnet (60) is associated with the pawl (46) and becomes energized when the retainer member (26) or a hold-down member (30) supported on the same runs the risk of becoming overloaded. Upon excitation of the electromagnet (60), its armature (62) hits against the pawl (46) which then releases the locking member (50).

Abstract: A heel for ski bindings with an automatic reset device, including a heel unit body which can be fixed to a ski and supports a ski boot grip jaw, a kinematic system acting on said grip jaw; the kinematic system is connected to a spring which can be calibrated so as to removably retain the grip jaw in ski boot securing position. A pedal interacts with the ski boot for actuating the kinematic system to open the grip jaw when the ski boot separates from the binding.

Abstract: A ski binding for a cross country ski or touring ski (1). The ski binding includes a swivel part (40) and a holding cup (50) both pivotal about a transversely extending first axle (3) against the force of an elastic element in unison as well as with respect to one another. The swivel part (40) is constructed as a two-arm toggle lever and carries therewith a locking pin (42) on a first lever arm (41) thereof and a second axle (7) for a lock part (60) on a second lever arm (43) thereof. The holding cup (50) has in a front area thereof a crossbar (54) connecting its sidewalls (52), which crossbar is constructed as a locking nose (55) at its front end. The locking nose is defined by a first arcuate surface (56) extending around the transversely extending first axle (3) and a contiguous arcuate holding surface (57). A lock part (60) is provided and includes an arcuate surface region (61 ) around the second axle (7).

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding (1) for cross-country ski shoes (2) which includes a sole front end (9) having a member which complements and engages a member of the binding (1). A pivot axis member (8) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the shoe and approximately parallel with the outsole surface and the binding members includes a retaining hook (3) which partially encompass the pivot axis member (8) and defines a hinge therewith. The retaining hook is adapted to move between a closed position and a release position. An elastically deformable element (10) engages the front of the ski shoe for elastically restoring the shoe (2) from an upward pivotal position to a position approximately parallel with the ski. The retaining hook (3) is maintained in the release position by a locking member (4) which is actuated by stepping the shoe into the binding, and particularly the sole-integrated pivot axis (8) which engages and pivots the locking member to the unlocking position.

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 ski fastening includes a rear engagement member provided with a jaw engaging the heel of a boot. The rear engagement member is constituted by a first body which is slidably associated with a base which is rigidly associated with the ski. The first body includes first members associated with the jaw, which can be activated by the boot and activate second members adapted to automatically reset the fastening after a safety release.

Abstract: A ski fastening includes a rear engagement member provided with a lever with which a jaw is associated and engages the heel of a boot. The rear engagement member is constituted by a first body which is slidably associated with a base which is rigidly associated with the ski and to which the lever is pivoted. The first body includes an inclined plane which is connected through an adapted first tab to a first adjustment screw which is rotatably associated with the base, and one or more elements which are pivoted to the jaw at one end and slidably interact with the inclined plane at the other. The actuation of the first screw corresponds to an equal movement of both the inclined plane and the first body starting from the condition in which the rear engagement means is open.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for affixing a cross-country ski shoe to a ski, for a shoe having at a front end a transverse hinge pin, and a bearing insert for the hinge pin. The apparatus includes a bearing housing having an inner surface and an opening positioned upwardly with respect to the ski for receiving the hinge pin. A member is provided which is movable from a retracted position to a position above the opening of the housing for retaining the hinge pin within the housing, and an insert affixed to the housing inner surface for increasing the area of the housing inner surface against which forces from the hinge pin are transmitted during skiing. Particular forms of the insert are provided and the insert includes shapes which particularly adapt the insert for being embedded within the housing.

Abstract: In a safety ski binding with a heel unit which includes a bearing housing (11), a sole holder (13), a hand opening lever (15) and a release spring (16), an actuating abutment (22) is arranged on the sole holder (13) at a distance (A) from the first transverse axle (12) which is substantially smaller than the distance (B) of the culmination point from the first transverse axle (12). Moreover, a counter-abutment (23) which cooperates with the actuating abutment (22) is provided on the hand opening lever (15), with one of the two abutments (22, 23) being made resiliently yielding. Through cooperation of the two abutments (22, 23) the sole holder (13) pivots at a higher speed than the hand opening lever (15) into its open position. As a result the horizontal sliding section (32) enters into engagement again with the latch projection (17) shortly before reaching the culmination point (21), so that the further pivoting is only possible under compression of the resilient abutment.

Abstract: A safety ski binding, for retaining the end of a boot to a ski until a threshold bias force is exerted, includes a body for connection to the ski, and a jaw mounted on the front of the body for movement between a closed position at which the jaw is adapted to engage and retain the end of the boot to the ski, and an opened position at which the jaw is adapted to either free the end of the boot or to receive the end of the boot into the binding. Elastic return apparatus is provided for the purpose of resiliently maintaining the jaw in either its closed or opened position. A manually operable lever having a handle is mounted on the body for movement between closed and opened positions. The handle and the jaw have first cooperable elements for moving the jaw to its opened position in response to movement of the handle from its closed to its opened position.

Abstract: A safety ski binding comprised of first and second jaw units for retaining a ski boot on the ski. The first jaw unit includes a contact switch, which will be actuated in response to predetermined forces which are transmitted from the ski boot to the first unit, the forces being transmitted in at least two planes which are at right angles to each other. The first jaw unit includes an axle mounted to a base plate, a cam surface on the axle, a boot holder mounted on the axle for rotational axial movement thereon, a first spring operable to bias the boot holder into rotation about the axle, a second spring disposed between the axle and the boot holder operable to bias the boot holder to a central position on the axle, a pin which is parallel to the transverse axle and held on the base plate, and a control lever rotatably and axially movable on the pin controlling a release mechanism for holding the ski boot on the ski.

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: A "step-in" binding for cross-country skis. The binding includes a latching element, directly biased into an attachment position, which is pivotably mounted to a stirrup element, which is pivotable mounted to a linkage element, the linkage element being indirectly biased to the attachment position. These three elements are associated with a biasing assembly to create an over-center device to urge the latching element toward the attachment position. The binding can be arranged so that the over-center device is bi-stable to thereby urge the latching element toward a release position. In one form of the invention, the front portion of the ski boot is supported for rotation on a journal surface of the binding which coincides with the axis of rotation of the linkage element to provide a less complex and relatively light-weight assembly.

Abstract: A safety ski binding having a sole plate which is pivotally supported on a ski-fixed pivot pin in a horizontal plane, however, is secured against lifting off from the ski. The sole plate has a front jaw at its front end and a heel holder provided with a housing at its rear end. The heel holder has a sole holder which is pivotal upwardly about a transversely extending axle on the housing against the force of a pressure spring. The heel holder also carries a roller which is loaded by at least one further pressure spring on a control lever, with which roller is associated a cam surface arranged on a ski-fixed member. The pressure springs for controlling the vertical release and the ones for controlling the lateral release can thereby either be arranged among one another or nested into one another.