Patent ID: 6308979
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: A63C

Abstract:
A cross country ski binding permitting a skier to elevate a ski boot heel relative to a ski while skiing, the binding being configured and arranged to provide a safety release of the ski boot from the ski, comprising:a release mechanism body, structured for attachment to said ski, carrying:a cleat mounting plate adapted to receive structure associated with a forward portion of a cleat;a swing arm disposed rearward from said cleat mounting plate and rotatably mounted to said body, said swing arm being adapted to interface with a rear portion of said cleat whereby releasably to retain said cleat in captured engagement between said mounting plate and said swing arm; anda compression spring oriented and arranged to provide a variable force to resist rotation of said swing arm; andsaid cleat adapted for mounting to the bottom of a ski binding toe piece for association with said ski boot; whereinsaid ski boot may be coupled to said ski by placing said ski boot into association with said toe piece mounted to said cleat, said cleat being held in captured engagement between said cleat mounting plate and said swing arm thereby holding said cleat in an assembled position with respect to said body, said body being attached to said ski; andsubsequent to said safety release, wherein said cleat is forced from said captured engagement by application of a force on said cleat sufficient to rotate said swing arm, an assembly comprising said ski boot and said toe piece and said cleat is uncoupled from said ski.