Ski binding equipment

The present disclosure relates to a binding equipment for binding a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface to a ski, the ski comprising a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element and a top surface to be directed towards the boot, wherein the binding equipment is configured to adapt the top surface of the ski to the profiled bottom surface of the boot.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to binding equipment for waterskis and other gliding sports such as wakeboards, snow skis, and snowboards wherein at least one foot of the skier is attached to a board.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, gliding sports or activities are recreational or competitive sports wherein a skier stands on one or two skis, and is pulled by a boat over the surface of the water or snow. Skis can be used for jumps, flips, speed, slalom turns and the like, with the feet one behind the other pointing in the same direction, next to each other pointing in the same direction, with the heels together and toes pointing in opposite directions, only one foot attached, etc.

Waterskiing was invented almost a hundred years ago, and the first patent, document U.S. Pat. No. 1,559,390, described skis with a simple rubber area for contact with the feet. With time, means for attaching the foot/feet to the ski were developed, such as by rubber cords (webbing or strap), then boots that were either attached to the ski, so that the skier's feet could slide in and out, or else placed on the feet and releasably (or temporarily) attached to the ski. Use of these two types of attachments allows better attachment of the ski to the skier, and thus better control of the ski.

The means for attaching the foot to a ski thus evolved in two different directions, flexible and hard-shell bindings. Flexible bindings generally comprise a boot held by a binding (normally of rubber and tissue) and fixed to the board. These flexible bindings are generally easier to produce and less expensive, but provide less control of the board. Hard-shell bindings comprise boots of hard injected plastic and favor the rigidity of the attachment between the foot and the board. Consequently, there is a risk of injury in case of a fall. To this end, automatic release systems may be provided to free the user's foot in case of a fall, to prevent or at least reduce twisting of joints.

FIG. 1is a side view of a type of conventional hard-shell waterski binding system1comprising: a generally planar ski2, a base plate3, a front toe bar4, a back release5, and a boot6, as disclosed by the U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,566 for example.

The ski2(or board) comprises a substantially planar top surface2A directed towards the user and a substantially planar bottom surface2B directed towards a gliding element (snow, water, sand, etc.). Likewise, the base plate3comprises a substantially planar top surface3A directed towards the user and a substantially planar bottom surface3B directed towards the ski2, such that their respective surfaces3B,2A are in contact. The base plate3receives the front toe bar4and the back release5, and is fixed to the board2.

The boot6comprises a toe7and a heel8comprising a protrusion8′. The boot may further comprise an inner liner, buckles to secure the boot around the foot, a hinge to open the boot for insertion of the foot, and so forth, not referenced. The user places the boot6on his or her foot, inserts the toe7into the front toe bar4, and then lowers the heel8into the back release5, snapping the boot6into place. The boot6comprises a bottom surface6B configured to be placed on the top surface3A of the base plate3. Finally, fasteners (e.g., screws)9traverse holes in the ski2and the base plate3to attach the base plate to the ski.

The system1is shown with a three-dimensional axis system, wherein an axis X-X′ is along the length of the boot, subject to a roll R around the axis, an axis Y-Y′ is along the width of the boot subject to a pitch P around the axis, and an axis Z-Z′ along the height of the boot subject to a yaw Y around the axis.

The boot and bindings of a second foot are not shown for the sake of simplicity, but they may consist of the same elements, and be either in front of or behind the ensemble shown in the figure (along the X-X′ axis), or else next to the ensemble shown (along the Y-Y′ axis), or even not present.

Since the waterski industry is relatively small yet requires a large range of sizes and widths to fit the feet of men and women, adults and children, the hard-shell boots sold for waterskiing are generally inline skating boots. Nevertheless, inline skating boots have narrow bottom surfaces6B to match the form of the foot, creating a good connection between the base of the foot and the skate wheels. Nevertheless, when such boots are repurposed for waterskiing, there is only a small area of contact between the bottom surface6B of the boot and the top surface3A of the base plate3. The back release5pushes the boot6towards the front toe bar4but is unable to prevent roll R around the X-X′ axis, inducing a diminished control of the ski2. Furthermore, “unexpected releases” may occur when the boot slides horizontally out of the binding, due to “play” or “slack” between the front toe bar4and the back release5, which can worsen over time.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a binding system able to overcome such an inconvenience.

Embodiments of the disclosure thus relate to a binding equipment for binding a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface to a ski, the ski comprising a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element and a top surface to be directed towards the boot, wherein the binding equipment is configured to adapt the top surface of the ski to the profiled bottom surface of the boot.

According to one embodiment, the binding equipment comprises a distinct adaptation piece comprising a substantially planar bottom surface configured to be attached to a planar support, the support being a base plate attached to the ski or the ski itself, and a profiled top surface configured to be attached to the bottom surface of the boot, such that the bottom surface of the boot and the top surface of the adaptation piece are complementary.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation piece comprises means for adjusting the angle of the adaptation piece around at least one axis X, Y, Z.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently attached to the support and further comprises a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot, and a front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently attached to the boot, and the support comprises a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot and the adaptation piece, and a front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot and the adaptation piece.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently attached to the support, and the support comprises a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot, and a front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently fixed to both the boot and the support.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation piece comprises at least a front portion and a back portion that may be separated in order to adjust the length of the adaptation piece.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation piece comprises sidewalls configured to provide lateral support to a boot.

According to one embodiment, the sidewalls of the adaptation piece are configured to match with grooves of the boot.

According to one embodiment, the top surface of the ski itself or of a base plate attached to the ski comprises a profiled zone such that the bottom surface of the boot and the top surface of the zone are complementary.

According to one embodiment, a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot, and a front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot are attached to the top surface of the ski or the base plate.

According to one embodiment, the ski or the base plate is further configured to be permanently attached to the boot.

According to one embodiment, the zone is further shaped so as to form sidewalls.

Embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a ski comprising a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element, a top surface to be directed towards a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface, and a binding according to one embodiment of the disclosure, configured to adapt the top surface of the ski to the profiled bottom surface of the boot.

Embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a method of assembling a ski according to the disclosure, the method comprising the steps of providing a ski comprising a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element and a top surface to be directed towards a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface, and attaching, in a permanent or releasable manner, a binding equipment according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a method of shaping the top surface of a ski according to the disclosure, the method comprising the steps of providing a ski comprising a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element and a top surface to be directed towards a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface, and adapting the top surface of the ski itself or of a base plate attached to the ski such that it comprises a profiled zone, so as to be complementary with the bottom surface of a boot.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2Care respectively a side view, a back view, and a perspective view of a binding system21according to a first embodiment of the disclosure in a non-assembled (exploded) state.

The binding system21comprises a base plate22, a hard-shell boot23, and an adaptation piece24. The base plate22is configured to be attached to a ski, not shown for the sake of simplicity, and comprises a top face22A and a bottom face22B that are each essentially planar. By “essentially planar” it is intended to convey that the faces are planar over the majority of the surface, within the limits and tolerances of fabrication systems.

The boot23comprises a toe, a heel, buckles, an inner liner, etc. (not referenced) and a profiled bottom face23B that is non-planar (generally comprising an arch in the middle of the foot and curved edges). By “profiled” it is meant to convey that the boot has a specific form, and not just bumps, grooves, and the like on its bottom surface.

The adaptation piece24comprises a top face24A, a bottom face24B, a front attachment25, a back release26and a sidewall27. The top face24A is profiled to match the profiled bottom face23B of the boot, and the bottom face24B is essentially planar and is configured to have a good match with the planar top face22A of the base plate22. Again, by “profiled” it is meant to convey that the top face24A is specifically formed to match an expected boot.

Here, the front attachment25and back release26are considered to be “temporary attachment means” since the boot23is generally only attached to the base plate22and ski for the duration of one trip, and then released, whereas the adaptation piece24is assembled with the base plate22in a “permanent” manner via a fixing means29(fasteners, glue, soldering, or any other fixing means). By the term “permanent”, it is meant to convey that the adaptation piece is attached to the base plate and generally left in place.

The sidewalls27provide increased lateral support and prevent unexpected releases, the boot23sliding laterally out of the front25and back26attachments. The boot23may further comprise grooves or ribs28around the lower surface that fit with the contour of the sidewall27of the adaptation piece24, providing extra support and lateral stability when the boot is inserted into the adaptation piece24. The boot may further comprise a cleat28′ attached to the back of the boot. (It may be noted that inline skating boots generally do not have protrusions8′ as disclosed in relation withFIG. 1, thus the cleats28′ need to be added for connection with a back release.) The back release26of the adaptation piece24thus comes into contact with the cleat28′.

FIG. 3is a side view of the binding system ofFIG. 2in an assembled state. It may be noted that the planar surfaces22A,24B (top surface of the base plate22, bottom surface of the adaptation piece24) fit together, and that the profiled surfaces24A,23B (top surface of the adaptation piece24, bottom surface of the boot23) fit together. Furthermore, the ribs28of the boot23fit with the sidewalls27of the adaptation piece24. The cleat28′ is held by the back release26, and the toe of the boot is inserted within the front attachment25.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4Cshow perspective views of embodiments of a binding system, in particular bindings that can be adjusted around an axis X, Y, or Z respectively.

FIG. 4Ashows an adaptation piece24-1comprising a wedge25-1disposed between the bottom face24B of the adaptation piece24-1and the top face22A of the base plate22. The wedge25-1has an angle α (alpha) providing a roll R about the X-X′ axis of the user's foot according to his or her preferences. The wedge25-1may be a distinct element interposed between the adaptation piece24-1and the base plate22, or may be an integral part of the adaptation piece, either special-ordered by the user, or with standard angles.

FIG. 4Bshows an adaptation piece24-2comprising a wedge25-1disposed between the bottom face24B of the adaptation piece24-1and the top face22A of the base plate22. The wedge25-2has an angle β (beta) in order to provide a pitch P about the Y-Y′ axis of the user's foot according to his or her preferences. Again, the wedge25-2may be a distinct element interposed between the adaptation piece24-2and the base plate22, or may be an integral part of the adaptation piece, either special-ordered by the user, or with standard angles.

FIG. 4Cshows an adaptation piece24-3comprising a means25-3for providing an angle γ (gamma) in order to provide a yaw Y about the Z-Z′ axis of the user's foot according to his or her preferences. The means25-3is for example a disc integrated in the sole of the adaptation piece24-3, and allows the alignment of the adaptation piece to be adjusted.

It will be understood that the angles around two axes or all three axes X, Y, Z may be adjusted by using a combination of two or of three such methods.

FIG. 5is a side view of a binding system31according to another embodiment. The binding system31comprises a base plate32, a hard-shell boot33, and an adaptation piece34, similar to the elements described in relation with theFIG. 2(for the remainder of the description, it has been attempted to follow a similar numbering scheme of the elements).

However, instead of a distinct front attachment, a front section35is integrally formed with the adaptation piece34. Such a configuration may provide a more secure fixation of the front portion of the boot33. The adaptation piece34further comprises a back release36and a sidewall37that fits with grooves38of the boot33which comprises a cleat38′. Fasteners (e.g., screws)39permanently fix the adaptation piece34to the base plate32.

FIG. 6is a side view of a binding system41according to another embodiment. The binding system41comprises a base plate42, a hard-shell boot43, and an adaptation piece44, similar to the elements described in relation with theFIG. 2. However, instead of the adaptation piece44being fixed to the base plate42, it is permanently fixed to the boot43by means of fasteners (e.g., screws)49.

The base plate42comprises a front attachment45and a back release46, configured to temporarily receive the ensemble boot/adaptation piece43/44. The adaptation piece44further comprises sidewalls47that fit with grooves48of the boot, and a back protrusion48′ that functions as a cleat for securing the ensemble boot/adaptation piece43/44by means of the back release46.

FIG. 7is a side view of a binding system51according to another embodiment. The binding system51comprises a base plate52, a hard-shell boot53, and an adaptation piece54, similar to the elements described in relation with theFIG. 2. However, instead of the adaptation piece54comprising a front attachment and a back release for releasable attachment of the boot to the ski, a front attachment55and a back release56are attached to the base plate52, on the sides of the adaptation piece54. Such an arrangement may provide increased solidarity of the attachments. The adaptation piece54further comprises sidewalls57that fit with grooves58of the boot, which further comprises a cleat58′. Fasteners (e.g., screws)59permanently fix the adaptation piece54to the base plate54.

FIG. 8is a side view of a binding system61according to another embodiment. The binding system61comprises a base plate62, the boot6323, and an adaptation piece64, similar to the elements described in relation with theFIG. 2. However, instead of comprising a front attachment and a back release for releasable attachment of the boot to the ski, the ensemble boot/adaptation piece6323/64are fixed by fixing means, such as fasteners (e.g., screws)69to the base plate62.

It is thus considered that the boot/adaptation piece/base plate are “permanently” fixed together, since during normal use, the boot and/or adaptation piece are not released nor releasable from each other and from the base plate. Thus, the term “permanent”, though not strictly-speaking indicating a permanent fixation, is employed here. The bindings thus provide optimal control of the ski, but prevent the skier from being released in the case of a fall, unless the boot63itself is equipped with a release mechanism, such as a detachable upper cuff or no cuff, allowing the foot to slide out. It may be noted that the adaptation piece64may have sidewalls67to fit with grooves68of the boot, but a back cleat is not necessary as the boot is permanently fixed.

FIG. 9is a side view of a binding system71according to another embodiment. The system71comprises a base plate and a hard-shell boot (not shown) similar to the elements described in relation with theFIG. 2, and an adaptation piece74comprising a front section74C and a back section74D. The front section74C comprises a front attachment75, while the back section74D comprises a back release76. The two sections74C,74D may be moved closer together or farther away, to adjust for different boot sizes. The adaptation piece74comprises sidewalls77.

FIG. 10is a side view of a binding system81according to another embodiment. The system81comprises an adaptation base plate82that is integrally formed, such as by molding, so as to present a profiled zone82A on its upper surface that fits with a profiled bottom surface83B of a boot83. The adaptation base plate82further comprises a front attachment85, a back release86, and sidewalls87to fit with grooves88of the boot83, which further comprises a cleat88′. The adaptation base plate82is, in the case, considered to be the “adaptation means” as it adapts the essentially planar top surface of the ski to a profiled bottom surface of the boot.

FIG. 11is a side view of a binding system91according to another embodiment. The system91comprises an adaptation base plate92that is integrally formed, such as by molding, so as to present a profiled zone92A on its upper surface that fits with a profiled bottom surface93B of a boot93, similar to that just described. However, instead of comprising a front attachment and a back release for releasable attachment of the boot to the ski, the ensemble adaptation base plate/boot92/93are permanently fixed together by means of fasteners (e.g., screws99). Again, the adaptation base plate92may be molded to form sidewalls97that fit with grooves98of the boot.

The bindings thus provide optimal control of the ski, but prevent the skier from being released in the case of a fall, unless the boot93itself is equipped with a release mechanism, such as a detachable upper cuff or no cuff, allowing the foot to slide out.

In the preceding description, the adaptation means has been described with respect to a base plate, but in lieu of a base plate, the adaptation means (either the distinct piece as described in relation withFIGS. 2 to 9, or the molded surface as described in relation withFIGS. 10 and 11) may also be with respect to the ski itself.

FIG. 12is a side view of a binding system101according to another embodiment. The binding system101comprises a ski102, a boot103, and an adaptation piece104, with no base plate. The adaptation piece104comprises a front attachment105, a back release106, sidewalls107that fit with grooves108of the boot, which further comprises a cleat108′. Fixing means109permanently fix the adaptation piece104to the ski102, and may be fasteners (e.g., screws) that completely traverse the ski102or “inserts” that are embedded in the body of the ski, as shown here.

FIG. 13is a side view of a binding system111according to another embodiment. The binding system111comprises a ski112, a boot113, and an adaptation piece114, with no base plate. The adaptation piece114comprises sidewalls117that fit with grooves118of the boot. The system further comprises fixing means119, such as fasteners (e.g., screws) or inserts as described above, permanently fixing the ski112, the boot113and the adaptation piece114.

It may be noted that the ski may be formed, such as by molding, so as to present a profiled upper surface, as described in relation withFIGS. 10 and 11.

Furthermore, in the preceding description, the term “waterski” is used merely for the sake of convenience, and should be taken to mean other types of gliding/towing sports on various surfaces, such as snow skiing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and the like. A ski comprises a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element (water, snow, sand, ground, etc.) and a top surface to be directed towards the user, more particularly the user's boot. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the ski is not necessarily planar, and may comprise further elements, such as wheels or a fin.

Finally, different elements of certain embodiments may be combined, such as the adaptation piece in two parts as disclosed in relation withFIG. 9, the front portion as disclosed in relation withFIG. 4, etc.

Thus, the skilled person may modify the apparatus according to the spirit of the disclosure.

Certain aspects of the disclosure are set forth below:

Aspect 1. Binding equipment for binding a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface to a ski, the ski comprising a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element and a top surface to be directed towards the boot, wherein the binding equipment is configured to adapt the top surface of the ski to the profiled bottom surface of the boot.

Aspect 2. Binding according to aspect 1, wherein the binding equipment comprises a distinct adaptation piece comprising:a substantially planar bottom surface configured to be attached to a planar support, the support being a base plate attached to the ski or the ski itself, anda profiled top surface configured to be attached to the bottom surface of the boot,

such that the bottom surface of the boot and the top surface of the adaptation piece are complementary.

Aspect 3. Binding according to aspect 2, wherein the adaptation piece comprises means for adjusting the angle of the adaptation piece around at least one axis X, Y, Z.

Aspect 4. Binding according to aspect 2, wherein the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently attached to the support and further comprises:a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot, anda front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot.

Aspect 5. Binding according to aspect 2, wherein:the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently attached to the boot, andthe support comprises:a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot and the adaptation piece, anda front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot and the adaptation piece.

Aspect 6. Binding according to aspect 2, wherein:the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently attached to the support, andthe support comprises:a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot, anda front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot.

Aspect 7. Binding according to aspect 2, wherein the adaptation piece is configured to be permanently fixed to both the boot and the support.

Aspect 8. Binding according to one of aspects 2 to 7, wherein the adaptation piece comprises at least a front portion and a back portion that may be separated in order to adjust the length of the adaptation piece.

Aspect 9. Binding according to one of aspects 2 to 8, wherein the adaptation piece comprises sidewalls configured to provide lateral support to a boot.

Aspect 10. Binding according to aspect 9, wherein the sidewalls of the adaptation piece are configured to match with grooves of the boot.

Aspect 11. Binding according to aspect 1, wherein the top surface of the ski itself or of a base plate attached to the ski comprises a profiled zone such that the bottom surface of the boot and the top surface of the zone are complementary.

Aspect 12. Binding according to aspect 11, wherein a back release configured to releasably hold the heel of the boot, and a front attachment configured to hold the toe of the boot are attached to the top surface of the ski or the base plate.

Aspect 13. Binding according to aspect 11, wherein the ski or the base plate is further configured to be permanently attached to the boot.

Aspect 14. Binding according to one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the zone is further shaped so as to form sidewalls.

Aspect 15. Ski comprising:a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element, anda top surface to be directed towards a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface, anda binding according to one of aspects 1 to 14, configured to adapt the top surface of the ski to the profiled bottom surface of the boot.

Aspect 16. Method of assembling a ski according to aspect 15, comprising the steps of:providing a ski comprising:a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element, anda top surface to be directed towards a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface,attaching, in a permanent or releasable manner, a binding equipment according to one of aspects 1 to 10.

Aspect 17. Method of shaping the top surface of a ski according to aspect 15, comprising the steps of:providing a ski comprising:a bottom surface to be directed towards a gliding element, anda top surface to be directed towards a hard-shell boot comprising a profiled bottom surface, andadapting the top surface of the ski itself or of a base plate attached to the ski such that it comprises a profiled zone, so as to be complementary with the bottom surface of a boot.

Throughout the description, including the claims, the term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms “substantially” and/or “approximately” and/or “generally” should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.