US3893682A — Releasable safety ski binding having a self-resto…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 310 words

A ski binding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising: a soleplate arranged for positioning in underlying contact with the ski boot and for detachable connection thereto; at least one mounting element secured to the ski, said mounting element being proximate said soleplate when the ski boot is in such skiing position; at least one connecting means carried by said soleplate for connecting said soleplate to said mounting element, said connecting means including: a leash support on said soleplate; an elongated, flexible leash supported at least partially on said leash support and connected with said mounting element, said leash being extendible and retractable from said leash support to permit said soleplate and mounting element to move toward and away from one another and being in a retracted condition when said mounting element is proximate said soleplate; and biasing means on said soleplate acting on said leash and including means for applying a retraction force to said leash to resist separation of said soleplate from said position proximate said mounting element and control means for varying the effectiveness with which said retraction force is applied, said biasing means being responsive to a force, acting through said leash and tending to separate said soleplate from said mounting element, in excess of a predetermined magnitude to permit said leash to extend from its retracted condition and said soleplate to move out of such skiing position and, thereafter, being responsive to reduction of such separating force to a magnitude below the retraction force being then applied to said leash to initiate retraction of said leash toward its retracted condition and to continue such retraction so long as the separating force is below the retraction force being then applied to said leash, until said leash returns to its retracted condition.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 310 words

A ski binding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising: a soleplate arranged for positioning in underlying contact with the ski boot and for detachable connection thereto; at least one mounting element secured to the ski, said mounting element being proximate said soleplate when the ski boot is in such skiing position; at least one connecting means carried by said soleplate for connecting said soleplate to said mounting element, said connecting means including: a leash support on said soleplate; an elongated, flexible leash supported at least partially on said leash support and connected with said mounting element, said leash being extendible and retractable from said leash support to permit said soleplate and mounting element to move toward and away from one another and being in a retracted condition when said mounting element is proximate said soleplate; and biasing means on said soleplate acting on said leash and including means for applying a retraction force to said leash to resist separation of said soleplate from said position proximate said mounting element and control means for varying the effectiveness with which said retraction force is applied, said biasing means being responsive to a force, acting through said leash and tending to separate said soleplate from said mounting element, in excess of a predetermined magnitude to permit said leash to extend from its retracted condition and said soleplate to move out of such skiing position and, thereafter, being responsive to reduction of such separating force to a magnitude below the retraction force being then applied to said leash to initiate retraction of said leash toward its retracted condition and to continue such retraction so long as the separating force is below the retraction force being then applied to said leash, until said leash returns to its retracted condition.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 75 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 1 wherein said biasing means functions in two phases of operation, including a skiing phase in which the tension exerted on said leash is at a high level prior to initial separation and, thereafter, decreases progressively at a rapid rate, and a release phase following separation over said initial range in which the tension exerted oN said leash by said biasing means is at a relatively lower level.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 49 words

A ski binding as in claim 1 wherein said soleplate and mounting element include cooperative guiding means engageable to aid in aligning said soleplate with respect to said ski and in establishing its position longitudinally thereof when said leash is fully retracted to position the boot in skiing position.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 34 words

A ski binding as in claim 1 further including adjustment means on said leash support operatively associated with said biasing means for varying the tension exerted on said leash when said leash is retracted.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 26 words

A ski binding as in claim 4 wherein the tension force exerted on said leash by said biasing means is maximum when said leash is retracted.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 32 words

A ski binding as in claim 1 wherein said connecting means is operable automatically upon extension of said leash and after the forces causing such extension have abated, to retract the same.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 204 words

A ski binding comprising: boot-engaging means adapted for connection to a ski boot; a mounting element secured to the ski; connecting means carried by one of said bootengaging means and mounting element and extending therebetween to serve as a force-applying link, said connecting means comprising: a housing; a support member on said housing and mounted for rotation relative thereto about an axis of rotation; a leash wound at least partially around said support member and arranged to be extended and retracted during rotation thereof, said leash at its point of separation from said support member being spaced from said axis of rotation by a radial distance defined as a leash moment arm; means for applying a biasing force to said support member at a radial distance from the axis of rotation thereof defined as a biasing moment arm, said biasing means acting to apply a torque to said support member in a direction to wind said leash onto said support member and thereby retract said leash; and ratio means increasing the ratio of said leash moment arm to said biasing moment arm as said support member rotates in a direction to extend said leash, thereby decreasing the force required to produce further extension thereof.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 204 words

A ski binding comprising: boot-engaging means adapted for connection to a ski boot; a mounting element secured to the ski; connecting means carried by one of said bootengaging means and mounting element and extending therebetween to serve as a force-applying link, said connecting means comprising: a housing; a support member on said housing and mounted for rotation relative thereto about an axis of rotation; a leash wound at least partially around said support member and arranged to be extended and retracted during rotation thereof, said leash at its point of separation from said support member being spaced from said axis of rotation by a radial distance defined as a leash moment arm; means for applying a biasing force to said support member at a radial distance from the axis of rotation thereof defined as a biasing moment arm, said biasing means acting to apply a torque to said support member in a direction to wind said leash onto said support member and thereby retract said leash; and ratio means increasing the ratio of said leash moment arm to said biasing moment arm as said support member rotates in a direction to extend said leash, thereby decreasing the force required to produce further extension thereof.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 25 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 7 wherein said biasing means comprises a single spring connected with said housing and with said support member.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 37 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 7 including adjustment means on said housing and operatively associated with said ratio means for adjustably establishing the initial ratio of said leash moment arm to said biasing moment arm.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 28 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 9 wherein said leash moment arm remains substantially constant and said biasing moment arm varies during rotation of said support member.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 28 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 9 wherein said biasing moment arm remains substantially constant and said leash moment arm varies during rotation of said support member.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 45 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 7 wherein said ratio is minimum when the leash is fully retracted and progressively increases during at least an intial portion of such leash extension and, thereafter, remains substantially constant during a further portion of such leash extension.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 234 words

A ski bonding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising: a soleplate extending in underlying contact with the ski boot and connected thereto; heel and toe mounting elements secured to the upper surface of the ski at locations spaced longitudinally thereof, said elements underlying and supporting said soleplate in the normal skiing position; heel and toe connecting means carried by said soleplate and extending between and serving as the force-applying links between said soleplate and said mounting elements, each of said connecting means including: a support fixed on said soleplate; a rotatable device mounted on said support for rotation relative thereto; A flexible leash substantially longer than the spacing between adjacent portions of said soleplate and said elements in said skiing position, said leash being wound at least partially on said rotatable device and being extended and retracted during rotation thereof to permit said soleplate to move out of and back into said skiing position; and biasing means on said support including means for urging said rotatable device to rotate in a direction to retract said leash and apply a tension force thereto and means for controlling the magnitude of said tension force as a function of the extent of leash extension from a relatively high level when said leash is retracted to a reduced level during extension thereof.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 234 words

A ski bonding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising: a soleplate extending in underlying contact with the ski boot and connected thereto; heel and toe mounting elements secured to the upper surface of the ski at locations spaced longitudinally thereof, said elements underlying and supporting said soleplate in the normal skiing position; heel and toe connecting means carried by said soleplate and extending between and serving as the force-applying links between said soleplate and said mounting elements, each of said connecting means including: a support fixed on said soleplate; a rotatable device mounted on said support for rotation relative thereto; A flexible leash substantially longer than the spacing between adjacent portions of said soleplate and said elements in said skiing position, said leash being wound at least partially on said rotatable device and being extended and retracted during rotation thereof to permit said soleplate to move out of and back into said skiing position; and biasing means on said support including means for urging said rotatable device to rotate in a direction to retract said leash and apply a tension force thereto and means for controlling the magnitude of said tension force as a function of the extent of leash extension from a relatively high level when said leash is retracted to a reduced level during extension thereof.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 44 words

A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein the tension force on said leash is maximum when said leash is fully retracted and said soleplate is in normal skiing position, progressively reduces rapidly during initial extension thereof and remains substantially constant during further extension.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 52 words

A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said heel connecting means is carried in generally upstanding orientation at the heel end of said soleplate with its respective leash extending generally vertically downwardly from its respective rotatable device to said heel mounting element when said soleplate is in the normal skiing position.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 51 words

A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said toe connecting means is carried in a generally horizontal orientation on the underside of said soleplate with its respective leash extending generally horizontally from its respective rotatable device to said toe mounting element when said soleplate is in the normal skiing position.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 48 words

A ski binding as in claim 13 wherein said soleplate and said toe mounting element are formed with mating cam surfaces which engage when said leash of said toe connecting means is retracted to center said soleplate relative to the ski and thereby establish the normal skiing position.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 67 words

A ski binding as in claim 17 wherein said forward mounting element includes a pivotal lug that receives the end of said leash of said toe connecting means and is formed with one of said mating cam surfaces; and wherein said mating cam surfaces engage to prevent forward sliding movement of said soleplate longitudinally of the ski but permit lateral and rearward movement relative to said ski.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 81 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 13 further including: heel guide means on said heel mounting element and on said soleplate to self-align said soleplate with the longitudinal centerline of the ski when said soleplate is drawn into contact with said heel mounting element; and toe guide means on said toe mounting element and on said soleplate to selfalign said soleplate with the longitudinal centerline of the ski when said soleplate is drawn into contact with said toe mounting element.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 44 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 19 wherein one of said heel and toe guide means permits longitudinal sliding motion of the adjacent surfaces of the soleplate and mounting element and the other prevents such longitudinal sliding motion in at least one direction.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 141 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 7, wherein said means for applying a biasing force includes, an axle connected with said housing for rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of said support member spaced therefrom, torque means for applying torque to said second axle, and wherein said ratio means includes first and second, non-circular gear members connected to said support member and said axle in meshing engagement, the distance between the point of meshing engagement of said gears and said axis of rotation of said support member defining said biasing moment arm, said gears being configured to move their point of meshing engagement progressively closer to the axis of rotation of said support member as said support member rotates in a direction to uncoil said leash, thereby progressively reducing Said biasing moment arm.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 33 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 12 wherein said ratio progressively decreases to another minimum value during a final portion of such leash extension following said further portion of such leash extension.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 36 words

A ski binding as defined in claim 14 wherein the tension force on said leash progressively increases to another maximum value during a final increasing portion of leash extension following said further portion of leash extension.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 208 words

A ski binding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising: a soleplate arranged for positioning in underlying contact with the ski boot and for detachable connection thereto, said soleplate being movable into and out of normal skiing position; cooperating guides on said soleplate and mountable on said ski and located in underlying relationship with the soleplate when the latter is in a normal skiing position, said guides engaging as said soleplate moves into such normal skiing position to aid in aligning said soleplate relative to the ski; and connecting means secured to and carried by said soleplate, said connecting means including: a force-applying link connected to the ski, said link being movable relative to the said soleplate to permit said soleplate to move into and out of said normal skiing position; and biasing means including means acting on said link to yieldably resist such movement thereof to permit said soleplate to move out of said normal skiing position and control means for varying the magnitude of such resistance from a high level when said soleplate is closely adjacent said ski to a reduced level when said soleplate has moved away from said ski.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 208 words

A ski binding coupling a ski boot on a ski and releasably holding it in alignment therewith in a normal skiing position, the binding comprising: a soleplate arranged for positioning in underlying contact with the ski boot and for detachable connection thereto, said soleplate being movable into and out of normal skiing position; cooperating guides on said soleplate and mountable on said ski and located in underlying relationship with the soleplate when the latter is in a normal skiing position, said guides engaging as said soleplate moves into such normal skiing position to aid in aligning said soleplate relative to the ski; and connecting means secured to and carried by said soleplate, said connecting means including: a force-applying link connected to the ski, said link being movable relative to the said soleplate to permit said soleplate to move into and out of said normal skiing position; and biasing means including means acting on said link to yieldably resist such movement thereof to permit said soleplate to move out of said normal skiing position and control means for varying the magnitude of such resistance from a high level when said soleplate is closely adjacent said ski to a reduced level when said soleplate has moved away from said ski.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 15 words

A ski binding as in claim 24 wherein said link comprises an elongated, flexible leash.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1978-07-07	1979-01-06	1979-07-08	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1982-07-07	1983-01-06	1983-07-08	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1986-07-07	1987-01-06	1987-07-08	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Releasable safety ski binding having a self-restoring capability

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag