Touring or cross-country ski binding

The present provides and a method of assembling a touring or cross-country binding, the touring or cross-country binding comprising: an engagement section for pivotal engagement of a ski shoe engagement pin, the engagement section including a stationary engagement part and a movable engagement part; the stationary engagement part comprising a base and a pair of protruding elements, wherein the distal part of the protruding elements are provided with a recess adapted to receive the ski shoe engagement pin; and the movable engagement part is a slider in sliding engagement with the stationary engagement part; an activation element adapted to move the movable engagement part between a locking position and a releasing position of the engagement pin; and a downwards pointing button arranged on the activation element to directly engage an opening in the movable engagement part, whereby the movable engagement part is sliding forward to the releasing position by a downwards force on the activation element at a position behind the fulcrum pins of the activation element.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of assembling an improved ski binding for touring or cross-country skiing.

BACKGROUND

As is well known by any manufacturer of ski bindings, as well as most users of ski bindings, a ski binding should comprise of as few functional parts as possible to functionally flawless in use when exposed to repetitive stress, snow, ice and water entering and freezing within the binding.

Moreover, less functional parts allows easier assembly and lower production cost of the binding. To further reduce production cost while simultaneously offering a high quality binding to a customer at acceptable sale price, is it advantageously to allow most or all of the assembly of the parts of the binding to be performed in a fully automatic process. The fewer manual operations required, the less expensive the binding becomes.

Currently there exists a very large amount of ski bindings on the market, and a substantial number of these bindings is based on the well-known NNN norm, i.e. for use with ski shoes that has a transversal engagement pin mounted underneath the front of the sole of the ski shoe, the binding engaging the engagement pin at either end of the engagement pin or parts of the engagement pin. Several of these ski bindings are constructed in a way that requires several manual and/or complicated automated operations to able to assemble the different parts of the binding. In particular, in an automated assembly operation it is disadvantageous to allow operations performed from different directions, i.e. some operation in a vertical direction, some in a horizontal direction as well as at an angle relative to these directions. Also, rotating a constructional part or element could complicate or add further complexity or cost of the required equipment. Operations in several directions to assemble parts could therefore include joining certain parts either manual or in different position prior to the in-line part assembly.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a ski binding that comprises construction parts or elements that are easy to assemble; that has a simple, yet reliable release mechanism with improved release-element functionality; that provides an improved shoe fixing member; and offers an easy method to assemble the parts.

The following non-exclusive list over references to prior art is listed to illustrate some of the disadvantages of the prior art that the present intentions aims at solving. U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,053; EP 1,848,516 B1 and WO 04/050197A1 all relates to a ski binding that requires more constructional parts than envisaged and offered by the present invention, and that further requires that the constructional parts is mounted from different directions.

To illustrate prior art release mechanisms having a release button and a shoe fixing element it is referred to EP 1,848,516 B1; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,6; U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,827; U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,199; U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,405; U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,843 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,808. Another reference to prior art relating to a snowboard binding is U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,250. These prior art references either includes an element that transfers the force between a locking button and a locking slider, or an additional locking element that secures the shoe in the binding and wherein such an locking element in turn is operated by the locking slider by activation of the locking element.

SUMMARY

The ski binding according to the present invention is defined by claim1and accompanying dependent claims2-13. The method of assembling the parts of the ski binding is defined by the steps of claim14and accompanying dependent claims15-17.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a touring or cross-country binding comprising:an engagement section2.1for pivotal engagement of a ski shoe engagement pin21, the engagement section including a stationary engagement part4and a movable engagement part5; the stationary engagement part4comprising a base4.1and a pair of protruding elements4.2, wherein the distal part of the protruding elements4.2are provided with an recess4.3adapted to receive the ski shoe engagement pin; and the movable engagement part5is a slider in sliding engagement with the stationary engagement part4;an activation element6adapted to move the movable engagement part5between a locking position and a releasing position of the engagement pin; anda downwards pointing button6.2arranged on the activation element6to directly engage an opening5.3in the movable engagement part, whereby the movable engagement part5is sliding forward to the releasing position by a downwards force on the activation element6at a position behind the fulcrum pins6.1of the activation element.

Further, the present invention relates to a ski binding as disclosed above having alternative features, wherein:at least one locking element5.1is arranged on the movable engagement part5in the locking position co-operating with the recesses4.3to provide a means for locking the engagement pin21; and the at least one locking element5.1in the releasing position is displaced from the recesses4.3in the lengthwise direction of the binding.a spring8is arranged between an abutment7.5at the bottom7.1of a first housing section7and an abutment5.4on the movable engagement part5to provide spring loading of the movable engagement part5and the activation element6.the stationary engagement part4is positioned below the movable engagement part5and rests on a first housing section7, whereby the movable engagement part5at its front area is sliding on top of the bottom of the first housing section7, and at is rear area is sliding on the stationary engagement part4.the stationary engagement part4is positioned above the movable engagement part5, and the stationary engagement part4have feet or other fastening means engaging the bottom of a first housing section7, whereby the movable engagement part5on its underside is sliding on the bottom of the first housing section7and on the upper surface on the rear area is in sliding connection with an underside of the stationary engagement part4.a second housing section9is provided, the second housing section adapted to interlocking snap connection with the first housing section7.the front area of the second housing section9is provided with two recesses9.1constituting a pivotal engagement with the upper part of the fulcrum pins6.1.the second housing section9is provided with an opening9.2to accommodate the pair of protruding elements4.2and the at least one locking element5.1.a first housing section7is adapted to releasable and adjustable snap fastening on a base element1.1, the base element1.1being fixed to, or integrated with a ski1.at least one resilient elements10,11is fastenable to the second housing section9, where at least one resilient element is fastened, respectively in front of10, or behind11the engagement section2.1for pivotal engagement of the ski shoe.the front resilient element10is fastenable to the second housing section9from underneath the second housing section9.the back resilient element11is fastenable to the second housing section9from above the second housing section9.the first housing section7, the spring8, the stationary engagement part4, the movable engagement part5, the activation element6, and the second housing section9all are assembled by successive vertical directed mounting steps.

Further the invention relates to a method for assembling functional parts of a touring- or cross country ski binding to provide a binding for releasable engagement with an engagement means of a ski shoe, comprising the steps of:a) providing a first housing section7;
b) positioning, by a downwards vertical motion, one end of a spring8against an abutment7.5of the first housing section7, whereby the spring extends in longitudinal direction of the first housing section7;
c) positioning, by downwards vertical motions, the stationary4and movable5engagement parts on a bottom7.1of the first housing section7, whereby the movable engagement part5is arranged in sliding engagement with guides7.4of the first housing section and in abutment with the second end of the spring8;
d) positioning, by a downwards vertical motion, an activation element6on the first housing section7, whereby a downwards pointing button6.2of the activation element6is arranged in abutment with an opening5.3in front of the movable engagement part5; and
e) connecting by a downwards vertical motion, a second housing section9on the first housing section7by means of an interlocking snap connection.

The method can further comprise one or more steps:wherein step d) further comprises: positioning fulcrum pins6.1of the activation element6in bearing surfaces7.3on a pair of side elements7.2extending from the first housing section7.wherein step c) comprises positioning the stationary engagement part4prior to positioning the movable engagement part5.wherein step c) comprises position the movable engagement part5prior to positioning the stationary engagement part4.wherein a resilient element10is positioned by a downwards vertical motion on top of the stationary and movable engagements parts4,5prior to performing step e).wherein a resilient element10is positioned in an opening9.2of the second housing section9prior to performing step e).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described in further detail by way of exemplary illustrations herein below. However, it is envisaged that the shape and constructive design of one or more of the parts to be assembled may be modified shape wise without influencing the function and the assembly steps of the binding.

FIG. 1illustrates a ski binding2,3fixed to the upper surface of a ski1, where the ski binding comprises a front element having an engagement section2.1for pivotal engagement of a ski shoe engagement pin21, and a rear binding element3for engagement with a slit in the underside of the heel of the ski shoe. The front and rear elements of the ski binding also appear fromFIG. 2. The ski have on its upper surface a ski binding fastening base element1.1, e.g. a so called NIS-plate, to which the front and rear binding elements2,3can be releasable fastened by snap fastening. Also, by utilizing such an element1.1adjustable positioning of the elements2,3along the ski becomes possible to adjust to the ski shoe size and the substantially vertical load on the ski. The base element1.1can be fastened to or integrated with a ski1. Alternatively, could the elements2,3be fastened to the ski by use of regular screws or other fastening means could be used.

Now with reference toFIG. 3showing an exploded view of the ski binding. The engagement section2.1of the binding includes a first stationary engagement part4and a movable engagement part5. A spring-loaded activation element6is also provided to move the movable engagement part5between a locking position and a release position of the ski shoe. Further, a first housing section7exists having a bottom7.1and a pair of side elements7.2extending from the bottom7.1and providing bearing surfaces7.3for the fulcrum pins6.1of the activation element6.

The stationary engagement part4includes a base4.1and a pair of protruding elements4.2, which at top have recesses4.3to provide the engagement section2.1, as shown in more detail inFIGS. 10-20.

The movable engagement part5is a slider in sliding engagement with the stationary engagement part4and in sliding engagement with slider guides7.4of the first housing section7. The movable engagement part5includes at a rear area thereof a pair of protruding locking elements5.1, e.g. hook shaped elements, extending from a base5.2of the movable engagement part5. Each locking element5.1in locking position for the movable engagement part5is positioned sideways in relation to adjacent recess4.3on the stationary engagement section4to provide in co-operation with said recess4.3a means for locking the engagement pin21, seeFIGS. 11, 13, 15, 17 and 20. Each locking element5.1in ski shoe releasing position of the movable engagement part5is positioned forward in relation to the adjacent recess4.3of the stationary engagement part4, that is, displaced from the recess4.3in the lengthwise direction of the binding, seeFIGS. 12, 14, 16 and 18.

Activation element6includes a button6.2extending downwards to directly engage a forward positioned opening5.3in the slider, whereby the slider5is slided forward to a releasing position by a downwards pushing operation on the activation element6at a position behind its fulcrum pins6.1. A lower edge6.4of each sidewall of the activation element, at a position below the fulcrum pins6.1, is curved. The curved lower edge6.4sits on a neighboring surface of the base5.2of the slider shaped movable engagement part5to reduce the stress on the fulcrum pins6.1.

A spring8is positioned between an abutment7.5at the bottom7.1of the first housing section7and an abutment5.4on the slider shaped movable engagement part5to provide spring loading of the movable engagement part5and the activation element6.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 10-16, the stationary engagement part4is positioned under the slider shaped movable engagement part5and rests on the bottom7.1of the first housing section, whereby the movable engagement part5at its front area is sliding on top of the bottom7.1of the first housing section7and at its rear area slides on top of the stationary engagement section4.

In the alternative illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, the stationary engagement part4is positioned above the slider shaped movable engagement section5, and the stationary engagement section4has feet or other types of fastening means (not clearly shown) resting on the bottom7.1of the first housing section7, whereby the movable engagement part5on its underside is sliding on the bottom7.1of the first housing section7and with its upper surface of its rear area sliding connects with a underside surface of the stationary engagement part4.

The element6acts as a release mechanism, and due to the button6.2co-operating with opening5.3of the movable engagement part5, and the part5is spring-loaded by the spring8, element6is also spring-loaded. It should be noted that the outside of engagement pocket7.5constitute one of the guides7.4for part5.

An important aspect of the present invention is that element6is arranged to directly exert a force on the movable engagement section5, that in reality constitutes a ski shoe fastening element.

By activation of the release element6by exertion of a release force, e.g. by utilizing the pointed end of a ski pole; on position6.2, is a substantial stress applied the fulcrum pins6.1from the bearing surfaces7.3on the side elements7.2provided a remedy is provided to reduce such stress. To avoid breakage in the release mechanism, i.e. fulcrum pins6.1, as a result of substantial vertical release force, represents the provision of the curved bottom edge6.4to ride the adjacent surface of the base5.2of the slider shaped movable engagement part5, that the vertically directed stress component exerted on the fulcrum pins is substantially reduced, and the smaller stress component working in the vertical direction on the fulcrum pins, will have an acceptable value. Hence, the stress exerted on the fulcrum pins will be within fully acceptable limits. The risk of malfunction is with that removed. It should also be envisaged that when element6via its button6.2displaces the movable engagement part5in a forwards direction, the curved bottom edge6.4by frictional contact with the base5.2of the part5assist the operation of the button6.2.

FIG. 21illustrates the sole of a ski shoe or ski boot wherein the front area of the sole comprises an engagement pin21attached to the ski binding2, whereby the engagement pin is lies in the engagement section2.1and is locked by locking element5.1.

As indicated in the exploded view ofFIG. 3is a second housing part9provided, the second housing section9being adapted to snap connection from above on the first housing section7. The second housing section9has at a front area thereof a pair of recesses9.1for pivotal engagement with an upper part of the fulcrum pins6.1. The second housing section9, at the position of the protruding elements4.2,5.1of the stationary and movable engagement parts4,5, has an opening9.2. The second housing section9effects that the fulcrum pins6.1of the element6is limited in upwards movement, and also effects that the stationary and movable engagement element5,6is limited in upwards movement.

At least one resilient elements10,11is fastenable to the second housing section9, where at least one resilient element is fastenable in front of or behind the engagement section2.1for pivotal engagement of the ski shoe. The front resilient element10is preferably fastenable to the second housing section9from underneath the second housing section9, by utilizing pins on the underside of the element10to engage holes in flanges of element10.

The behind, or rear, resilient element11is fastenable to the second housing section from above by snap connection. The resilient elements10,11are present to provide backwards and forwards biasing, respectively, of the rotation of the ski shoe. In addition the resilient elements10,11aid to keep snow from entering the inner part of the ski binding.

The elements12,13inFIG. 3are only plates of decorative and cover purposes and have no further functionality

As is understood from viewingFIG. 3, the first housing section7, the stationary engagement part4, the movable engagement part5, the spring8, the activation element6, and the second housing section9, all capable of being assembled by successive vertical directed mounting steps. To further explain the method steps of assembly of the functional parts of the touring- and cross-country ski binding, according to the present invention, comprises the following steps:a) providing the first housing section7;b) downwards vertical moving one end of a spring8against an abutment7.5of the first housing section7, whereby the spring extends in longitudinal direction of the first housing section7;c) positioning, by downwards vertical motions, the stationary4and movable5engagement parts on the bottom7.1of the first housing section7, whereby the movable engagement part5is arranged in sliding engagement with guides7.4of the first housing section and in abutment with the second end of the spring8;d) positioning, by a downwards vertical motion, the activation element6on the first housing section7, whereby the downwards pointing button6.2of the activation element6is arranged in abutment with the opening5.3in front of the movable engagement part5; ande) connecting by a downwards vertical motion, the second housing section9on the first housing section7by means of an interlocking snap connection.

An important aspect of the method disclosed above is the fact that the ski binding can be assembled for one side only, and mainly in the same inserting direction. As such, the ski binding of the present invention can also be assembled by following steps:a) providing and turning the second housing section7upside down;b) positioning, by a downwards vertical motion, the activation element6on the second housing section9, thereby positioning the fulcrum pins6.1of the activation element into the recesses9.1of the second housing section, and the downwards (that is, as long as the second housing section is upside down, actually pointing upwards) pointing button6.2of the activation element6is arranged in abutment with the opening5.3in front of the movable engagement part5;c) positioning, by downwards vertical motions, the stationary4and movable5engagement parts on the underside of the second housing section, whereby the pair of protruding elements4.2and the at least one locking element5.1is accommodated in the opening9.2of the second housing section9;d) downwards vertical moving one end of a spring8against the abutment5.4of the movable engagement part5, whereby the springs in longitudinal direction of the second housing section9;e) connecting by a downwards vertical motion, the first housing section7on the second housing section9by means of an interlocking snap connection, whereby the movable engagement part5is arranged in sliding engagement with guides7.4of the first housing section and in abutment with the second end of the spring8.

Step c) of either of the above disclosed methods comprises positioning the stationary engagement part4prior to providing the movable engagement part5, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 10-16.

In an alternative, as also explained above with reference to theFIGS. 17 and 18, can step c) comprise positioning the movable engagement part5prior to positioning the stationary engagement part4.

As disclosed above, according to the first method the resilient element10is inserted from below in front of the engagement section2.1in the opening9.2of the second housing section9prior to performing step e), and the element can have holes adapted for tight fitting on pins on underneath the second housing section9.

It is envisaged that if the ski binding is assembled manually, then no tools are required to perform the operations. If the operations is automated by use of robots, then no sophisticated tools are required.FIGS. 4a-9are merely attached to illustrate how the invention can be utilized industrially, with additional guidance from the exploded view ofFIG. 3, and the detail of the release- and ski boot fastening mechanism illustrated inFIGS. 10-21.