Abstract:
A device for binding a boot to a sports article allowing the heel of the boot to be raised with respect to the sports article, of the type in which the boot has a first connecting zone positioned at the front of the boot, and a second connecting zone positioned rearward of the first connecting zone. The device includes an attachment arm having a fixed length, the attachment arm being articulated to the base of the device at a first of two fixed points of the attachment arm and adapted to be joined to the second connecting zone of the boot at a second of the two fixed points of the attachment arm. A guiding mechanism slidably guides the first boot connecting zone relative to the base of the device.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to ski bindings. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable heel retention system, which includes a base, a climbing bar, a climbing bar interface member, and a heel throw. The base is coupled to a ski or snow sport device in a fixed manner. The climbing bar is rotatably coupled to the base to provide an extended and retracted position. The climbing bar interface member is configured to bear against the climbing bar in some manner when the heel is retained. In one embodiment, the climbing bar interface member is rotatably coupled to the climbing bar. Alternatively, the climbing bar interface member may be shaped to selectively hook under the climbing bar when the heel is retained. The heel throw is a lever type releasable coupler for coupling to the heel region of a boot. The heel throw is directly coupled to the climbing bar interface member. In one embodiment, the heel throw and climbing bar interface member are rotatably coupled to the climbing bar. Alternatively, the heel throw and climbing bar interface member may be coupled to a cable. The releasable heel retention system of the present invention may be completely independent of any of binding systems or used in conjunction with an existing binding system to provide an improved multi-use binding.
Abstract:
A device for binding a boot to a sports article, of the type having a retaining system whereby the boot is fixed to the ski with a possibility of moving in relation to the sports article, between a low position and a high position, of the type having a system for the elastic return of the boot to its low position, and of the type in which the retaining system is independent of the elastic return system. The elastic return system includes at least an elastic member that is connected to the sports article, and a flexible linkage that connects the elastic member directly or indirectly to the boot, and which cooperates with at least one return member.
Abstract:
A comfort upper for footwear adapted in particular to equip a sports boot and an inner liner for a sports boot. The upper includes a stiffener, positioned between the inner lining and the outer covering, which is made of a thermoformable material. The upper also includes a comfort element, positioned between the inner lining and the stiffener, which is softer than the stiffener and which is possibly made of thermoformable material. This comfort element includes perforations enabling the thermoforming of the stiffener by propulsion of hot air within the footwear.
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 system for binding a shoe to a sports gear, such as a cross-country ski, using a fixing device fixed on the sports gear and including a stop cooperating with the shoe front end and an elastic catch cooperating with the sole associated catch arranged behind the sole front end and exerting on the sole a tension pressure towards the stop. The elastic catch is anchored on the fixing device, at the rear of the stop. The elastic catch and anchoring mechanism are longitudinally mobile countering the elastic mechanism.
Abstract:
A ski binding consisting of a front toe section (1) for fixed mounting on the ski (4), and for secure retention of the front part of the ski boot (6), and a rear section (3) for fixed mounting on the ski (4), characterized in that the binding comprises a pivotal rigid plate (20) connected to the front toe section (1) by a movable joint with the aid of a flexible hinge (18), an adjustable heel attachment block (21) having a rear fastener (22) to secure the ski boot (6) to the pivotal plate (20), a rear section (3) fixedly mounted on the ski and having grooves (27) formed therein adapted to the posterior portion of the pivotal plate (20), and means (25) for locking the posterior edge of the plate (20) securely to the ski, and a support bar (26) capable of rotating upward into position below the plate (20).
Abstract:
A combination of a ski binding (10), particularly cross-country, touring or telemark binding, and of a boot (11) adapted thereto are shown, the front end of which is held by a resiliently biased clamp member (12; 48) in the binding (10) in such a way that the heel (13) of the boot (11) can be freely raised during ski touring or cross-country skiing. The clamp member (12; 48) engages on the forward sole (15) of the boot (11) particularly between the ball area and the rear end of the same, and preferably on the underside of the boot forward sole (15).
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. Within an alternate embodiment of the present invention no cable is included.
Abstract:
The heel bail assembly incorporates tension members, such as rods, and compression springs, the springs being enclosed in casings. Each of two side tension members extend from the toe assembly of a ski harness into a casing. A U-shaped tension member extends from one casing around the ski boot heel to the other casing. Threaded connections of the side tension members to the casings enable adjustment of the length of the bail assembly.