With Specific Detent, Adjustment, Or Tension Structure Patents (Class 280/634)
  • Patent number: 4974869
    Abstract: A toe unit for a safety ski binding for disposal on a horizontal surface of a ski includes a base adapted to be mounted on the ski, a bolt having a lower end and an upper end, and a mounting portion for mounting the lower end of the bolt to the base. The mounting portion permits axial movement of the bolt between a first position and a second position, and secures the bolt substantially perpendicular to the horizontal surface of the ski when the bolt is in the first position. The mounting portion also permits pivotal movement of the bolt about a location on the base when the bolt is in the second position. The toe unit also includes a sole contact portion attached to the bolt for retaining a sole of a boot and for moving the bolt axially from the first position to the second position in response to a predetermined force exerted by the boot in a direction away from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhard Muhlberger, Johann Zotter, Helmut Wladar, Andreas Janisch, Hubert Wurthner, Alois Himmetsberger
  • Patent number: 4971351
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Arnold L. Flick
  • Patent number: 4957305
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel-holder for a safety ski binding, the heel-holder comprising a snap-in device and a sole-holder vertically pivotable about a cross-pin disposed in a housing. The housing is horizontally pivotable about a raised pin formed on a base plate which is mounted on a ski. The snap-in device is loaded by a spring. The snap-in device includes a snap-in rocker pivotably mounted on the housing and a control member pivotably mounted on the snap-in rocker. The snap-in rocker engages a control cam formed on the sole-holder, and the control member engages an extension of the base plate. The spring loads the snap-in device and applies a force for releasing the binding. The snap-in device reduces the spring force required for releasing the binding during both the vertical pivoting of the sole-holder and the horizontal pivoting of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Freisinger, Karl Stritzl, Franz Luschnig
  • Patent number: 4940253
    Abstract: A safety binding for a ski boot which includes a jaw adapted to retain a portion of the boot and to release under the effects of a force greater than a predetermined release threshold wherein the jaw is moveable between a stable equilibrium position and a release position in which the jaw releases the boot. The binding further includes an energization assembly which includes an elastic return device, such as a spring, for exerting a force on the jaw to bias the jaw into the stable equilibrium position; a shock absorber; and a compensation mechanism for varying the release threshold as a function of the intensity and duration of force whereby under the effect of a soft force. The release threshold is defined mainly by (1) the initial energization of the elastic return such that the shock absorber will not substantially change the compression of the spring, and (2) under the effect of a violet force, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Brischoux
  • Patent number: 4938497
    Abstract: A binding for retaining an end of a boot upon a ski. The binding includes a body, a device for securing the body to the ski, and a retention jaw for engagement with the end of the boot in an engagement position. The retention jaw includes a first arm and a second arm mounted on the body on respective sides of the longitudinal axis of the binding for lateral movement with respect to the body, and a first wing and a second wing mounted for lateral movement, respectively, on the first arm and on the second arm. The first wing and the second wing have a closed position in which the first wing and the second wing are substantially fixed for movement with the first arm and the second arm, respectively. The binding further includes a mechanism for elastically biasing the jaw in the engagement position and the wings in the closed position. Further, a member is provided for connecting the first wing and the second wing together for lateral movement and a linking mechanism for the first wing and the second wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Gilles R. Goud
  • Patent number: 4930802
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a toe piece for holding a ski-boot in a safety ski-binding, which toe piece is pivotable against a biasing force when excessive side forces occur. The toe piece includes a base plate, a housing mountable to the base plate and a pair of elongated, generally parallel side members, each pivotally mounted at one end of the base plate. A coupling member pivotally connects the other ends of the side members to each other to form a linkage. The linkage is laterally movable relative to the base plate about the pivotally mounted ends of the side members. A detent assembly operable against a biasing force is provided for centering the linkage. The toe piece also includes a pair of side boot holders pivotally connected to the coupling member. A lever centrally located relative to the side boot holders has end portions in operative engagement with the side boot holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Sedlmair
  • Patent number: 4928990
    Abstract: A safety binding for binding a boot to a ski, which includes first and second laterally pivotable independent wings adapted to retain one end of the boot on the ski. Each of the wings is mounted to pivot around respective first and second lateral pivot axes. Elastic return means bias each of the wings towards a centered stable maintenance position of the boot. The apparatus includes a movable antifriction plate adapted to slide laterally in a sliding zone of the upper surface of the ski. An intermediate linkage assembly is provided for associating the antifriction plate with the binding wings. The intermediate linkage assembly is adapted whereby lateral pivoting of either of the wings permits rearward movement of the linkage assembly whereas return of either of the wings to the centered position assures the return of the intermediate linkage assembly towards its front longitudinal extreme position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Rullier
  • Patent number: 4923207
    Abstract: This middle binding particularly for ski shoes comprises a box-type case attachable to a ski and supporting a forward hook-on ferrule and a rear hook-on ferrule removably engageable in hook-on seats correspondingly defined in the sole of a ski shoe. The binding further comprises screw members for adjusting the release tension and hook elements or jaws for removably locking the ferrules in a retracted position. The hook elements or jaws are disengaged by actuators protruding from the box-type case and engaged by the ski shoe sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Nordica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Pozzobon
  • Patent number: 4919448
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heel-piece for a safety ski binding, the heel-piece being released when the load on the binding exceeds a specified limit. A link mechanism is mounted on the heel-piece for connecting the sole-holder to the binding plate of the ski. The link mechanism is engaged by two spindles, which in the operational position of the heel-piece are transverse to the ski and parallel to its surface. The sole-holder is connected by the link mechanism to the binding plate and to the spindles, these components being mutually engaged by a spring-loaded detent/detent-track. In order to achieve compensation for defective settings of the heel-holder, the invention provides that the sole-holder is connected to the binding plate only by the link mechanism. Further, one of the components of the detent/detent-track system is connected with one of the binding plate and the sole-holder and the other component of the detent/detent-track is connected with the other of the binding plate and the sole holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Nowak, Alfred Winter, Hans P. Morbitzer, Rudolf Theuer, Klaus Kruschik
  • Patent number: 4915405
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Rullier, Jean-Claude Brischoux
  • Patent number: 4915407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Brischoux
  • Patent number: 4913456
    Abstract: A front piece for safety ski bindings having a sole holder adapted to be pivoted sideways against the force of a spring and serving to support the ski boot sole sideways and towards the front, a pedal for actuating a control mechanism which maintains the release resistance at least approximately constant and independent of the variable pressure applied to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Hornschemeyer, Anton Emert
  • Patent number: 4903979
    Abstract: A ski binding adapted to releasably hold the front of a ski boot on a ski. The front of the boot includes front-end zone spaced from the lateral edges of the boot. The binding includes a jaw, a support, and a support zone on the jaw. The jaw is adapted to hold the front of the boot and adapted to laterally pivot in response to pivoting of the boot. The support, which is mounted on the ski, includes two upwardly converging lines of support which converge at a convergence point. The jaw is adapted to laterally pivot around either one of these upwardly converging lines of support. The support zone which is positioned on the jaw supports the front-end zone of the boot when the boot is held by the jaw. The median vertical height of the support zone is substantially at the same vertical height as the convergence point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dimier
  • Patent number: 4902031
    Abstract: A safety ski binding has a toe unit arranged in front of a front foot plate (21) and a heel unit which exerts a forwardly directed thrust force on the toe unit via the inserted ski boot. The toe unit has a sole clamp (16) which supports the front part of the sole (14) of the ski boot (15) from the front, sideways and from above and is pivotable against a substantially forwardly directed spring force about a respective one of two substantially vertical axes of rotation (17) provided on both sides of the vertical central longitudinal plane (11). An abutment (18) which faces downwardly and forwardly is provided on the sole clamp (16) at the region between the axes of rotation (17) and cooperates with an inclined surface (19) which is fixed relative to the housing and which extends downwardly and rearwardly from the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Geze Sport International GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Bogner
  • Patent number: 4900053
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heel-holder for a safety ski binding, the heel-holder comprising a snap-in device and a sole-holder vertically pivotable about a cross-pin disposed in a housing. The housing is horizontally pivotable about a raised pin formed on a base plate which is mounted on a ski. The snap-in device is loaded by a spring. The snap-in device includes a snap-in rocker pivotably mounted on the housing and a control member pivotably mounted on the snap-in rocker. The snap-in rocker engages a control cam formed on the sole-holder, and the control member engages an extension of the base plate. The spring loads the snap-in device and applies a force for releasing the binding. The snap-in device reduces the spring force required for releasing the binding during both the vertical pivoting of the sole-holder and the horizontal pivoting of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Freisinger, Karl Stritzl, Franz Luschnig
  • Patent number: 4892326
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety ski binding and, in particular, to a heel support having a base plate supporting a vertical pivot and fastened to the upper side of a ski. The heel support is equipped with a sole support and with a pivotable support plate, along the heel area of the ski boot. The support plate is pushed into a central position by a spring. In order to shift the axis of rotation of the ski boot in such a ski binding to be substantially in alignment with the extension of the shinbone and to simplify the construction of the ski binding as well, the invention provides that the pivot is disposed between front jaw and heel support of the ski binding. The support plate is pivotably mounted at the pivot and the spring is extended in the longitudinal direction of the ski in the skiing position. The spring acts on a roller. The axle of the roller is guided in a slot in the support plate and anchored in the bearing block of the heel support. A cam is rigidly fastened to the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Svoboda, Radko Pavlovec
  • Patent number: 4889359
    Abstract: A laterally releasable toe unit of a safety ski binding has a sole clamp (18) which is pivotable about substantially vertical tilting axes (16) provided on the binding housing (11) and is pressed by a release spring (12) against tilting surfaces defining the tilting axes (16). The angle .alpha. between the line of action (19) of the release spring (12) and the tilting axis (16) is smaller than 90.degree., so that a force N is exerted on the sole clamp (18) by the release spring which draws it downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: GEZE Sport International GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Kowatsch, Heike Bauer
  • Patent number: 4889358
    Abstract: An abutment for binding a boot on a ski. The abutment includes a support affixed to the ski on which is moveably mounted a jaw for retaining the front of the boot. An elastic device is provided for normally maintaining the jaw on its support in a central engaged position. Furthermore, a linkage device is provided between the jaw and its support for frontwardly displacing an upper portion of the jaw and rearwardly displacing a lower portion of the jaw, during movement of the jaw in a lateral direction, which is substantially transverse to the ski in all lateral released positions, so as to simultaneously cause a progressive upward opening of the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Rullier
  • Patent number: 4880251
    Abstract: A combination of a ski boot and a releasable ski binding which attaches the boot to a ski. The binding includes first connecting portion secured to the ski, second connecting means secure to the boot, and a plunger combination for releasably coupling the first and second connecting portions so that the boot may release from the ski in the forward, backward or lateral directions. The coupling combination includes a pair of plungers aligned in a fore-and-aft arrangement which engage respective spaced sockets. A device is provided for temporarily withdrawing one of the plungers from its engaged socket to permit separation of the first and second connecting portions, and therefore separation of the boot from the ski, without load. The ski boot includes a living hinge in the sole to facilitate walking in the boot. The boot may be locked or unlocked to permit pivoting of boot parts about the living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventors: Elmer B. Wulf, Mark E. Wulf
  • Patent number: 4869522
    Abstract: A binding is provided which includes first and second distinct jaws which are rotatable about respective distinct axes of the body of a binding. The jaws are both biased by a common spring via one or more transverse arms having ends which abut the front portions of the respective jaws. Rotation of one of the jaws, and subsequent release of a boot retained thereby, effects compression of the spring and reduces the release threshold of the other jaw, thereby minimizing injury to a skier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Bertrand Besnier, Pierre Rullier
  • Patent number: 4861064
    Abstract: The invention concerns a safety ski binding comprising a sole plate supported pivotally on a fixed pivot pin, a toe piece and a heel holder. The sole plate is secured both at the rear and at the front thereof against lifting off the ski. A base plate is provided at the front of the sole plate and functions as a guide for a guide plate moveable in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The sole plate is kept at the rear in the travel position by a spring-loaded locking member which engages a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Stritzl, Hubert Wurthner, Andreas Riegler
  • Patent number: 4850608
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Arnold L. Flick
  • Patent number: 4834414
    Abstract: A toe piece for holding a ski-boot in a safety ski binding, which toe piece is pivotable against a biasing force when excessive side forces occur. The toe piece includes a base plate and a pair of elongated, generally parallel side members, each of which is pivotally mounted at one end of the base plate. A coupling member pivotally connects the other ends of the side members to each other to form a linkage. The linkage is laterally movable relative to the base plate about the pivotally mounted ends of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Sedlmair
  • Patent number: 4784404
    Abstract: A safety ski binding for holding the tip of a ski boot and capable of releasing sideways has two side jaws (13, 14) which hold the ski boot at the sides; a sole hole-down member (15), and a release spring (11) which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The release spring is braced at one of its ends against the binding housing (12) which is fixedly mounted to the ski and acts at its other end on the sideways release mechanism which a forwardly directed force. The sole hold-down member (15), the side jaws (13, 14), the sideways release mechanism and the point of action (16) of the release spring (11) are arranged on a carrier (18) which is pivotable upwardly relative to the binding housing (12) about a transverse axle (17). The transverse axle (17) is located at a distance (A) above the line of action (19) of the release spring (11) such that a predetermined hold-down force originating from the release spring (11) acts from the upper side on the sole (42) of the ski boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Geze Sport International GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Kowatsch
  • Patent number: 4776608
    Abstract: A display apparatus and method for displaying the value of the release threshold to which a ski binding is adjusted. The display apparatus is an electronic display means for electronically displaying the release threshold of the binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Claude Caillat, Jean-Pierre Dimier, Pierre Rullier
  • Patent number: 4765641
    Abstract: A resilient mechanism for maintaining the jaw unit of a safety ski binding in the normal boot-retaining position includes two vertical flat faces extending transversely on a stationary jaw-unit support. Two flat cams applied against the flat faces by a single spring consist respectively of a bearing surface of the jaw-unit body and of a small bearing plate carried by a rod on which the jaw-unit body is slidably mounted. The rod is slidably mounted within a knuckle-bearing orifice of the stationary support and is thus capable of pivotal displacement with the jaw unit in all directions on the stationary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Ste Look
    Inventor: Henri Peyre
  • Patent number: 4763908
    Abstract: A ski binding adapted to releasably hold the front of a ski boot on a ski. The front of the boot includes front-end zone spaced from the lateral edges of the boot. The binding includes a jaw, a support, and a support zone on the jaw. The jaw is adapted to hold the front of the boot and adapted to laterally pivot in response to pivoting of the boot. The support, which is mounted on the ski, includes two upwardly converging lines of support which converge at a convergence point. The jaw is adapted to laterally pivot around either one of these upwardly converging lines of support. The support zone which is positioned on the jaw supports the front-end zone of the boot when the boot is held by the jaw. The median vertical height of the support zone is substantially at the same vertical height as the convergence point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dimier
  • Patent number: 4758017
    Abstract: A safety ski binding including a sole plate pivotally supported on a ski-fixed pivot pin in a horizontal plane, however, is secured against lifting off from the ski. A front jaw is provided on the sole plate at its front end and a heel holder at its rear end. A housing is provided and includes a sole holder pivotally supported for movement about a transversely extending axle against the force of at least one spring and which carries a roller loaded by a further spring on a control lever. The roller is associated with a curved surface mounted on a ski-fixed member and controlling the lateral pivoting of the sole plate, whereby one of the springs is nested coaxially into the other in the housing and the housing is secured on the sole plate extension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Karl Stritzl, Henry Freisinger
  • Patent number: 4753452
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean P. Boussemart, Rene Bressand, Roger Pascal
  • Patent number: 4735435
    Abstract: A front piece for safety ski bindings having a sole holder adapted to be pivoted sideways against the force of a spring and serving to support the ski boot sole sideways and towards the front, a pedal for actuating a control mechanism which maintains the release resistance at least approximately constant and independent of the variable pressure applied to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Hornschemeyer, Anton Emert
  • Patent number: 4735434
    Abstract: A toe piece for safety ski-bindings, which toe piece can pivot outwardly in a sideways direction against a biasing force if excessive lateral forces occur. A supporting member (8) is connected to two side holding members (9,10) adapted to support the sole of the boot in lateral and frontal directions. The support member (8) forms the coupling means of a linkage quadrangle which can pivot laterally. The side holding members (9,10) extend beyond the point where they are mounted to the support member. Each side holding member is releasably locked by means of a lever (27,28) mounted on the extensions thereof. A locking member (14) cooperative with the levers is adapted to release the appropriate side holding member when the linkage moves beyond a predetermined distance from center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Marker-Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Sedlmair
  • Patent number: 4732405
    Abstract: A ski binding includes a base plate adapted to be secured to a ski, a cover plate supported on the base plate for pivotal movement about a vertical axis, and an adjustable release arrangement for yieldably resisting pivotal movement of the cover plate in either direction away from an initial position. The release arrangement can be adjusted from a side of the binding. Front and rear holding mechanisms are provided on the cover plate and releasaly hold a ski shoe on the cover plate, the front holding mechanism including a pivotally supported holding jaw which is controlled by the adjustable release arrangement, and the rear holding mechanism being adapted to release only in response to an upward force component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Freisinger, Franz Luschnig, Karl Stritzl, Johann Zotter
  • Patent number: 4728117
    Abstract: A toe piece for a safety ski binding comprised of a base plate, and a pair of elongated, generally parallel side members each pivotally mounted at one end to the base plate. A connecting link having a detent depression pivotally connects the other ends of the side members to each other to form a linkage. The linkage is laterally movable about the pivotably mounted ends of the side members relative to the base plate. A pair of side jaws for laterally holding the sole of the ski boot are pivotally connected to the connecting link and are movable between a holding position and a release position. A lever is positioned between the side jaws and is pivotally connected to the connecting link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Marker Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Premek Stepanek
  • Patent number: 4722613
    Abstract: A cross-country ski binding for cross-country ski shoes which have, at their front sole end, engagement elements which correspond with and engage into engagement elements of the ski binding, to provide a pivot connection. The ski binding has a U-shaped clip or stirrup member for securing the front sole end against lifting off the ski binding engagement elements, the legs of which clip are mounted pivotably about a transverse axis by their free ends to side jaws of the ski binding, which are fixed to the ski, and which clip is loaded by a spring in the direction toward a position engaging over the front sole end by its web portion. Further, the ski binding has a spring-loaded locking lever, which can engage behind a catch projection of the ski binding by means of a latch and can thereby hold the U-shaped clip in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Metallwerk K. Pittl Ges. mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Roland Jungkind
  • Patent number: 4699396
    Abstract: A binding having a jaw is adapted to pivot laterally around two converging support lines on a support against the bias of an elastic mechanism. The binding also includes two lateral wings for receiving a front end of the boot, and a support zone positioned between the wings. The support zone is adapted to contact the front end zone of the boot along a line which intersects a transverse plane passing through the support lines above their convergence point. As a result, when a torsional fall is combined with a frontward fall, the torsional component of the fall causes the boot to apply lateral pressure to one of the wings, thereby providing a torque or moment on the jaw. The frontward component of the fall causes the boot to apply frontward pressure on the support zone, thereby increasing the torque experienced by the jaw in the direction of the torque resulting from the torsional component of the fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Dimier, Joel Bourdeau
  • Patent number: 4693489
    Abstract: A heel piece for a safety ski binding is provided comprising a support member in the form of a slide member on which is pivotally mounted a sole holder having a pedal, a sole engaging portion and an interior cam surface configured to cooperate with a bearing member or cam follower which engages the cam surface. The cam follower is supported by a bearing lever having an axis of rotation near the upper surface of the ski, and a connecting member. The cam surface has an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate critical portion, and the binding opens when the soleholder is driven upwardly so that the critical portion passes the cam follower. An opening lever for manually opening the binding is rotatably attached to the connecting member, and is pivotally mounted on the soleholder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Marker International Company
    Inventors: Premek Stepanek, Ludwig Wagner, Walter Knabel
  • Patent number: 4690424
    Abstract: The underside of a heel holder is guided on a guide rail secured to the upper side of a ski. The guide rail has at least one set of toothed serrations associated with a locking member having corresponding counter serrations. The locking member can be pivoted about a transverse axis. The locking member projects beyond the heel holder toward the tail end of the ski and can be lifted against the force of a spring from and out of the locked position by means of a screw driver. After release by the screw driver, the locking member is swung by the spring into the locked position. A guard plate is provided for covering the teeth of the toothed serrations to prevent damage thereto by the screw driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Englebert Spitaler, Hubert Wuerthner
  • Patent number: 4684147
    Abstract: A safety binding for releasably holding a boot to a ski which increases its release threshold in the event of a shock. The binding includes a maintenance element for releasably holding a boot on a ski, a device for biasing the maintenance element against release of the boot, and a non-electronic device for selectively increasing the bias of the maintenance element against release of the boot in response to a shock to the leg. The non-electronic device includes an auxiliary mechanical abutment attached to the ski. The abutment includes an inertial control device adapted to move from a rest position to an operating position in response to a shock. In the rest position, the auxiliary mechanical abutment has no effect on the release threshold of the maintenance element. In the operating position, the inertial control device biases the abutment against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Roger Pascal, Pierre Rullier
  • Patent number: 4673365
    Abstract: A slidable toe piece has rearward extensions which are cam locked in place in tunnels in the fixed heel piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Robert S. Scheurer
    Inventors: Robert S. Scheurer, Kendal Hancock
  • Patent number: 4664406
    Abstract: A heel holder has a bearing block on which a binding housing biased by an opening spring and a control lever biased by an adjustable locking spring are supported for movement about two transverse axles. A control member is associated with the control lever and, in the downhill skiing position of the heel holder, is held by a release lever. In one preferred embodiment, the control member is a crankshaft which is rotated during a voluntary release. In a second preferred embodiment, the release lever is supported on the bearing block on the axle of the binding housing, and it has two legs which carry hook-shaped projections and are arranged within the sidewalls of the bearing block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Engelbert Spitaler, Henry Freisinger
  • Patent number: 4662648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heel holder for a safety ski binding, in particular for a safety ski binding for use in both cross-country skiing and downhill skiing. The heel holder has a bearing block fixedly oriented relative to the ski and a housing which carries a sole holder. The housing is supported for an upward pivoting movement about a transversely extending axis provided on the bearing block and against the force of a spring. A spring is arranged in a chamber provided on the housing. One end of the spring is supported on a housing-fixed part and the other end is supported on an adjustable abutment pivotally supported on the bearing block. A two-arm release lever is hingedly connected to the bearing block. A control bolt exists on the housing and is guided along a control cam surface arranged on the two upstanding sidewalls of the bearing block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventor: Heinz Wittmann
  • Patent number: 4657277
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety binding of a boot on a ski which comprises two lateral jaws (2) mounted for movement under the force of an elastic member (5) between a closed service position in which these jaws coact with the sole of the boot (C) and an open position. It also comprises structure (3) interacting with the heel of the ski boot and having a sole grip member (29) mounted for movement by the force of the same elastic member between a service position in which this member maintains the rear end of the sole of the boot on the ski and an open position, the whole being so arranged that the opening or the closing of the lateral jaws effects the opening or the closing respectively of the sole grip member, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Haldemann A.G.
    Inventors: Gaston Haldemann, Francois Wirz
  • Patent number: 4629209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety ski binding, in particular a heel holder, comprising a sole holder, which is pivotal about a transversely extending axis on a bearing block, which sole holder is held in the downhill skiing position by a locking rocker arm which is pivotally supported on a sole holder, which locking rocker arm has on the one side a locking projection which, in the downhill skiing position, grips under a locking nose arranged on the bearing block, and on the other side is provided with a locking notch, into which is received a locking member biased by a release spring at least in the downhill skiing position, which locking member is supported in a pivotal spring housing which is movable relative to the bearing block and is, to a limited extent, movable in guideways provided therefor, whereby for the voluntary opening of the sole holder a release lever which is pivotally supported on the sole holder is provided through the operation of which the spring housing will be swung up and the locking m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bettstein Lorenz, Friedrich Leichtfried, Tibor Szasz, Heinz Wittmann, Karl Stritzl
  • Patent number: 4629210
    Abstract: A safety binding for a ski including a body and a jaw having two lateral retention wings adapted to hold the boot and which are journalled on the body. Also included are two rotatable adjustment screws each adapted to adjust the position of one of the lateral retention wings, to accommodate boots of different widths. A coupling apparatus is also provided for coupling the rotation of the adjustment screws. As a result, when the skier adjusts the position of one of the wings by rotating one of the screws, the position of the other wing is automatically adjusted. In order to accommodate the journalling of the wings on the body, the coupling apparatus permits the orientation of the longitudinal axes of the screws to be changed with respect to each other, as the wings journal on the body in response to rotation of the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Boussemart, Dominique Vuarier
  • Patent number: 4624474
    Abstract: A step-in heel piece for a safety ski binding which yields, in its latching position, away from the sole plate of the binding in response to the influence of external forces. The yielding heel piece improves skier comfort and accommodates various ski boot heel sole thicknesses without mechanical adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Marker International Company
    Inventors: Gerd Klubitschko, Premak Stepanek
  • Patent number: 4624473
    Abstract: A safety ski binding having a release member actuable in response to forces or moments exceeding a threshold value, a carriage biased forwardly by a carriage spring, a sole holder mounted on the carriage and biased to an open position, a locking lever mounted on the carriage for releasably locking the sole holder in the open position, a locking lever spring biasing the locking lever to the position for opening the sole holder and for biasing the carriage rearwardly, a locking pawl for controlling the condition of the locking lever, and a connecting mechanism responsive to actuation of the release member for actuating the locking pawl to effect rearward movement of the carriage under the influence of the locking lever spring without overcoming the force of the carriage spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Marker International Company
    Inventors: Walter Knabel, Josef Hafner, Martin Scheer
  • Patent number: 4607859
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety ski binding, in particular a heel holder, comprising a sole holder which is pivotal about a transverse axle supported on a bearing block secured to a base plate. The sole holder is under the influence of an opening spring which urges it into its opened position. The sole holder is held in the downhill skiing position by a locking rocker arm pivotally supported on the sole holder. The locking rocker arm has on the one side thereof a locking projection which, in the downhill skiing position, grips under a control-cam member arranged on the bearing block and on the other side thereof a locking notch into which is received a locking member at least in the downhill skiing position urged by at least one spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Heinz Wittmann, Friedrich Leichtfried, Emilie Szabo, Tibor Szasz
  • Patent number: 4603880
    Abstract: Ski safety binding which maintains one end of a ski boot or shoe secured to a ski. The binding includes:(a) a jaw for securing the sole of a shoe or boot to the ski, when the binding is in the locked position;(b) a pivot to be secured to the ski;(c) a rotatable element mounted pivotably on the pivot;(d) a body having a movable element configured to be biased against a rocker, the rocker being pivotably mounted relative to the rotatable element; andwherein the bias of the movable element against the rocker is adapted to bias the jaw against the sole when the binding is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventor: Georges P. J. Salomon
  • Patent number: 4602804
    Abstract: A safety ski binding includes a sole holder which is pivotally supported on a base member for movement upwardly about a transversely extending axle relative to the base member. The sole holder in the position of use is held thereat by a locking spring which acts onto a locking mechanism also supported on the base member. A hand lever is pivotally secured to the base member for movement about a second transversely extending axle, and through compression of the locking spring overcomes the spring loading of the locking mechanism. Thus, the sole holder can be swung upwardly force-free. The locking mechanism includes a first locking rocker arm which is pivotally supported for movement about the second axle and engages the sole holder and a second locking spring. The second locking rocker arm is also supported on the base member. The hand lever engages the first locking rocker arm so that upon a manual manipulation thereof, the locking spring will be compressed until the sole holder can be freely swung upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventors: Engelbert Spitaler, Hubert Wuerthner
  • Patent number: RE33350
    Abstract: A snap lock modification which can be applied to various types of present day releasable ski bindings in which one component of the binding is connected to or forms a part of a ski boot and the other component is attached to the ski. One of the components includes latch means movable from inoperative position to latching position in engagement with a receiver formation on the other component. A resilient force unit is adjustable after the boot is in place to yieldingly urge the latch means into engaging position to retain the boot in position during normal maneuvers and to release the boot in response to excessive loads produced during a fall. The modification provides a detent trigger which restrains the action of the loaded force unit and which is actuatable upon placing the boot in skiing position to release and allow the latch means to snap into latching engagement with the receiver formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Inventors: Richard A. Whitaker, David H. Stuart