Abstract:
A pivoting ski binding for binding a ski boot to a ski for use by a skier includes rod structure coupled to the ski boot, and step-in structure constructed to allow the boot and rod structure to couple to the ski when the skier steps down onto the ski. Several versions are described including ones wherein the rod structure is intergral with the ski boot, and others wherein the rod structure is attachable or couplable to the ski boot.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/565,782, which was filed Apr. 26, 2004 and entitled “Pivoting Ski Binding”, the subject matter which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Telemark skiing, in which the skier has the ability to raise his heel, uses a totally different binding system than that used for Alpine skis. This “Freeheel” movement is characterized by the flexing of both knees, while allowing the uphill ski to trail the downhill. It&#39;s a very artful movement when done well, and precision at the boot/ski interface is essential in order to optimize control. Telemark Boots are made to flex just above the metatarsals, further allowing the heel to be raised off the ski. 
         [0003]    Another form of skiing where one raises the heel is Alpine Touring (AT), or Randonee. Special bindings are used that allow for heel-lift when climbing, and a locked-down heel when skiing down. Many Telemark skiers have switched to AT because it offers more control and is easier on ones&#39; knees. Those that have switched are often frustrated that they can&#39;t do both Telemark Skiing and Downhill-type skiing on the same equipment. With the design disclosed herein, it will now be possible to telemark ski, climb, and have the option of locking the heel down for Downhill skiing, all while benefiting from a step-in mechanism, lighter weight, and releasability. 
         [0004]    The “New Telemark Norm” (NTN) is a set of binding standards currently in the process of being re-defined. In the past they&#39;ve encompassed the dimensions of the toepiece, for example. Since telemark boots and skis have made so much progress in the last decade (essentially becoming equal to Downhill gear), the pressure is on to find a binding/boot interface that allows for better edge control, ease of use, and reliability. In short, new standards of binding performance that allow the Telemark skier to meet the performance level of standard downhill equipment is in order, since the binding is now the “weak link”. 
         [0005]    It is clear that standard systems, which rely on various mechanisms, be they toepieces or plates, which “clamp” the boot onto the ski via the “duckbill” (toe portion of the boot), are in need of a massive overhaul. When examining the biomechanics of Telemark skiing, it becomes obvious that all the action is at the ball of the foot. So why do standard bindings transfer all the forces via a duckbill, at the very tip of the boot? Simply because that was the easiest thing to do, and was the standard set with the original “Bear Trap” bindings. 
         [0006]    Since the boot must flex at the ball of the foot in order to execute a proper telemark turn, why not couple that area directly with the ski, while maintaining the same kinematics? The only way to do this is to allow for a fixed pivot near the ball of the foot, while allowing the boot forward of the pivot to flex downwards on the Z axis (under adjustable tension) towards the ski—the basis of the design disclosed herein. 
         [0007]    Thus one starts with a neutral pivot that transfers forces better than any other binding due to the boot&#39;s precise interface (not dependent on clamping mechanisms) with the ski via a rod or defined pivot point at a point corresponding with the natural flex of the boot/foot. This means that the boot undergoes much less torsion, while transferring forces to the ski much more directly, yet still maintains the same “feel” as standard bindings. By allowing for adjustment of toe and heel pressure, one can tune the binding for the feel one likes. Some people like a very neutral feel, and others like an active (heel-retention) feel. 
         [0008]    The prior art generally involves various forms of toepeices that engage the duckbill. A variety of cable/strap/compression spring systems hold the boot into the toepeice, in addition to serving as a means for varying the amount of “heel retention”, or tendency of the boot to spring back towards the ski. There are several different types of safety bindings offered that work with the cable system, allowing ones&#39; foot to pivot laterally. In addition, there are several “Plate” binding systems; these generally have an articulating plate that runs the length of the boot. 
         [0009]    Nordic Bindings have used a rod on the boot which attaches to the binding for many years, but they differ markedly from this invention since they exert toe pressure in the Y axis, not the Z axis. Also, they have no mechanism for releasability, step-in, or climbing. Because of this, Nordic boots are made so as not to flex much in the toe region, unlike Telemark Boots. cl The Following Disadvantages are all Prominent in the Prior Art
   1 No step-in component   2 Heavy weight   3 Fragility—the cables or plates often break   4 Poor climbing due to compression of the boot bellows   5 Very poor transmission of forces to the edges due to loose fit of the toepiece, and boot torsion   6 Questionable, or no releaseability   7 No heel down   8 Lack of tune-ability   
 
       Advantages of this Invention Compared to Conventional Systems 
       [0000]    
       
         1 Step-in 
         2 Lightweight 
         3 Easily adjustable heel retention 
         4 Much better edging due to direct transfer of forces to the edges from the point where the forces are initiated (the ball of the foot) 
         5 Heel lock-down option (for Downhill skiing) 
         6 Much more robust due to elimination of cables/plates 
         7 Toe pressure-release for climbing—no compression of bellows 
         8 Bio-mechanically tuned safety release system (pivots under the foot, not at either end) 
         9 Adjustable toe pressure 
         10 “Tune-able” all the way from neutral to active feel 
       
     
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0028]      FIGS. 1-4  show a fastpin-type mechanism in action. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 2-8  show a latch-type mechanism in action. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 9-12  show shims and how the boot may compress them 
           [0031]      FIGS. 13-17  show a torsion spring in action. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 18-20  show a spring heel in action. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 21-22  show an elastic band in action. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 23-25  show a travel limiter, and a heel lock-down in the rear. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 26-28  show a rotating clasp on the boot heel. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 29-33  show compression springs under the boot toe. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 34-35  show how a release plate disengages. 
           [0038]      FIG. 36  shows a releasable coupling on a ski. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 37-39  show a binding assembly, including heelpiece, toe-resistance system, and releasable coupling. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 40-41  show a toe resistance system with compression spring in action. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 42-43  show a Sprung latch as it interfaces with the rod. 
           [0042]      FIG. 44  shows a binding assembly with torsion spring-type toe resistance system, release plate, and heel lock-down. 
           [0043]      FIGS. 45-46  show different options for attaching/detaching rods to/from the boot 
           [0044]      FIGS. 47-51  show a sprung latch-type step-in on one side of the boot. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 52-56  show a leaf spring-type tope resistance system. 
           [0046]      FIGS. 57-58  show a custom boot. 
           [0047]    Sheet  10  shows initial sketches of the binding in its elemental form. 
           [0048]    Sheet  11  shows initial sketches of the binding with heel lock-down and spring-board style toe resistance system. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           2 —Rod 
           4 —Arbor 
           6 —Step-in 
           8 —Plate 
           10 —Release plate 
           12 —Torsion Spring 
           14 —Leaf Spring 
           16 —Adjustment Screw 
           18 —Leaf Spring pivot 
           20 —Fastpin 
           22 —Compression Mechanism 
           24 —Latch 
           26 —Heel Lock-Down 
           28 —Plunger 
           30 —Plunger Spring 
           32 —Barrel 
           34 —Heel Riser 
           36 —Shim 
           38 —Travel Limiter 
           40 —Slots 
           42 —Clasp 
           44 —Spring Heel 
           46 —Elastic Band 
           48 —Springe tension adjuster 
           50 —Hinged Arbor 
           52 —Cam Lock 
           54 —Base 
           56 —Pin 
           58 —Extension Spring 
           60 —Rod Interface 
           62 —Toe Resistance System 
           64 —Adjustable Spring 
           66 —Releasable Coupling 
           68 —Sprung Latch 
           70 —Retention Spring 
           72 —Compression Spring 
           74 —Lever 
           76 —Bellows Adjuster 
           78 —Boot Hinge 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0088]    The rod (which may also be thought of as rod structure, and which may be characterized as a mechanical interface) is a central feature to this design, as it provides a pivot point for the boot altogether unique from previous systems, and bio-mechanically more appropriate. The optimum version of this binding would involve integration of the rod into a boot so that it extends laterally at a point near the ball of the foot (head of the metatarsals). The rod could be co-molded into the boot, or attached in ways germane to the art. As an interim (after-market) solution, the rod may be attached to the boot with fasteners such as screws and/or formed facets which ensure its stability when attached. Alternatively, it may be part of a mechanism that attaches and detaches easily. The rod is ideally stainless steel or other robust non-corrosive material, preferably at least ⅛″ thick and protruding such that it is grasp-able by binding mechanism. It may also be adjustably placed along the front portion of the boot sole. Alternatively they may be removable, as in  FIGS. 45-46 . Although a rod works well, there are many possibilities for mechanically defining a pivot point. Anything that allows for free pivoting at a given point is suitable. 
         [0089]    Step-in structure may take the form of an arbor which is made to correspond with the dimensions of the rod such that the rod fits into slots in the arbor. The arbor is either mounted directly to the ski, or coupled to a release plate that pivots around a compression mechanism, preferably located under the boot. This type of compression mechanism release system is germane to the art, but is generally located at the toe or heel portions of the boot, and not under it. Providing release-ability below the boot is more ideal, as the leverage the ski exerts when releasing applies less force to the leg. 
         [0090]    A variety of means may be employed to act as the step-in feature—anything that allows the rod to move into a final position in the arbor and be locked in that position until it is released. One method (see  FIGS. 1-4 ) comprises a fastpin-like mechanism on the distal end of the slot. When the rod is slid past the fastpin the fastpin slides out of the way due to the slope on its upper facet, then re-engages the rod due to the spring portion of the fastpin. The rod may be positioned in either forward or rear facing positions, and connected to a piece of material that activates both rods at the same time. 
         [0091]    Another method (see  FIGS. 5-8 ) is the use of a latch-type mechanism which pivots and cocks backward as the rod slips by, then engages. The latch could be mounted on the arbor and include a spring that pulls it towards the slot. Additional cams or facets incorporated into the latch may further facilitate a tight fit with the rod. Disengagement of either mechanism could be through a pull-cord or stiffened piece that&#39;s attached to them, allowing one to simply yank on the cord while pulling the boot upwards. A variety of other methods may be used that allow for step-in functionality, the primary concern is making them narrow enough. Locks and catch-type mechanisms are possible, as are hook and detent systems. Compression of the rod at its ends by the arbor, while allowing for pivoting is also possible. 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIGS. 9-12  the sole of the boot toe may interface a plurality of shims positioned in front of the rod/slot. This impedes movement of the boot sole at a given point and defines the way the boot flexes. The shims should be adjustable fore-aft under the boot, so that the area of contact and thus the flex of the boot may be altered. They may be made of anything strong enough to withstand the forces. Preferably something flexible and/or resilient. High-density foam, fiberglass, plastic, and aluminum are all possible. Springs, torsion bars, and spring steel are also possible. They may have different layers vertically and/or horizontally also, so that when the boot is pushing down on them there is a variable flex, or non-linear modulus. A sloped top surface which contacts varying parts of the boot sole as the sole is pressed against it works well for varying the flex of the boot. A mechanism that allows the shim to slide back and forth or entirely out from under the boot sole is desirable, as full downward travel of the boot toe makes for better climbing. This mechanism could comprise a simple rail with set screw/pin that the shims slide on. 
         [0093]    A toe resistance system that allows for exertion of upward pressure on the bottom of the boot toe (thus mimicking heel-retention and similar kinematics to standard bindings) could be employed. One version (as pictured in  FIGS. 13-17 ) would be a torsion spring within a housing—essentially like an adjustable swinging door hinge. The tension on the torsion spring could be adjustable through a spring tension adjuster (see  FIG. 14 ) that allows one to adjustably rotate the torsion spring around its axis, applying more or less resistance. Another mechanism could simply be a spring (e.g., compression, Belleville, elastomer pad) placed under the boot toe . A leaf spring that exerts upward pressure on the boot may also be used (see addendum B or  FIGS. 52-56 ). A v-lever type configuration is good for adjustment of the upward pressure, as one can simply loosen or tighten the adjustment screw located on the distal end of the leaf spring (see addendum B and  FIG. 52 ) to apply varying degrees of pressure to the portion of the leaf spring in contact with the boot toe. Another method of providing upward pressure on the boot toe is to use standard coil springs that can be adjusted back and forth longitudinally (see  FIGS. 29-33 ). There may be a plurality of springs arranged under the boot toe, preferably such that they may be moved back and forth to adjust relative upward pressure on the boot toe. Ideally, tapered or helical compression springs are used, as they provide the highest travel per overall height. 
         [0094]    As shown in  FIG. 18 , a travel limiter may be employed for adjusting the “rocker feel”—the amount of resistance the boot has as it moves towards the heel riser. Normally, with the boot clamped into a standard toe-piece, the boot has resistance to having the heel touch the heel riser (in the last 2 inches or so), and since people are used to this feel it&#39;s good to offer the option. The travel limiter could take the form of a clasp that grasps the end and top of the duckbill, adjustably restricting the heel&#39;s movement towards the ski. The same dynamic may also be addressed by putting a spring heel (see  FIGS. 19-20 ) under the boot heel. 
         [0095]    Although it&#39;s not necessary, since heel retention forces are already applied via the aforementioned means, an elastic strap or sprung cable (as shown in  FIGS. 21-22 ) may attach to the boot heel in addition to, or in replacement of the aforementioned toe pressure system. The cable/strap would ideally be adjustable for tension and length, and be attached anywhere along the binding/ski behind the rod. The more the strap is out of parallel with the boot sole, the more it will stretch, but it will also take commensurately less pressure to exert the same heel-retention forces. Thus, if the strap is mounted low and near the heel riser there is less need for the extreme cable tension that standard bindings (which have the cables&#39; pivot point near the boot bellows) have. This means there are more possibilities for adjustment, and fewer chances of breakage. 
         [0096]    A heel lock-down option is desirable, and very easy to incorporate into this design, as the heel is essentially free of the hardware that is part of standard bindings. Please see the separate patent application of Kaj Gyr titled “Ski Boot Heel Stop” for precedent and further information. One version (as in  FIGS. 23-25 ) takes the form of a barrel with a plunger that moves linearly through the barrel under the tension of a plunger spring. This mechanism is very similar to a deadbolt on a door, with closed and open positions. The plunger engages the lip of the boot heel, restricting its upward movement. The plunger spring it not absolutely necessary; it merely makes it an quicker process to engage the plunger. The plunger may also include a plurality of steps that, as the plunger is slid forward varying amounts, act as varied height risers for the boot heel to rest upon for climbing. 
         [0097]    A second version (as pictured in  FIGS. 26-28 ) could be called a rotating clasp. It resembles a screen-door catch in its mechanism, but is oriented differently, and has different geometry. It comprises a lock, which is activated by movement of the activator, since the spring is offset from the pin, and at a given point of rotation it will cause the lock to move the other way. Once the lock has rotated towards the boot, a catch, which hinges on either the Lock arm or the Activator arm, occupies the space opened up by the rotating lock, effectively locking the locking arm in place. There are various other ways of making a catch germane to the art. 
         [0098]    Either lock-down may clasp the boot above a notch, or a custom notch may be made in the boot. Alternatively, an add-on piece may be attached to the boot to interface with the lock. The heel throws of standard bindings may also interface with the lock-down mechanism. 
         [0099]      FIGS. 33-35  show the release plate and compression mechanism the whole pivoting assembly may be attached to or integral with. The compression mechanism puts adjustable pressure on the release plate, which allows the release plate to pivot laterally (see  FIG. 35 ) under a given pressure. This type of mechanism is relatively germane to the art, but is never used directly under the boot, with the exception of Karhu&#39;s 7tm binding. 
         [0100]    The aforementioned versions, when coupled with the release plate, allow for a step-in releasable binding. Another way of approaching releasability without the need for a release plate is to make the point at which the rod interfaces with the binding double as a step-in and release mechanism. Such a releasable coupling is pictured in  FIGS. 36-39 . A hinged arbor pivots around pins in a base, which are held inwardly with extension spring(s). A cam lock releases the tension on the extension spring, allowing the skier to step out easily. When the cam lock is flipped back to the tensioned position, the skier merely steps into the releasable coupling at the rod interface. The cam lock is hingeably attached to the end of the spring via a threaded potion, which makes it easy to adjust overall spring tension by screwing the cam lock tighter or looser before it&#39;s flipped into its active position. By shaping the facets of the rod interface on the hinged arbor and adjusting spring tension, a consistent DIN release setting is attained. 
         [0101]    Various versions of this system are possible.  FIG. 37  shows a releaseable coupling with a toe resistance system, heel riser and heel lock-down. The toe resistance system is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 40-41  and  52 - 56  insofar as it includes a lever and spring, in this case an adjustable extension spring. A leaf spring may also serve as the lever. As mentioned previously, the adjustment screw on the leaf spring/lever may be disengaged, thus allowing for free pivoting of the boot for climbing/touring. 
         [0102]      FIGS. 40-41  show a lever-type toe resistance system with a compression spring on top of the lever. The spring can be adjusted for tension via a wingnut or other similar means.  FIG. 41  shows the toe resistance system when pressure is exerted downwardly to the boot toe, flexing the boot bellows and simulating a turn. 
         [0103]    As an alternative to many of the other step-in systems, a variety of sprung latch mechanisms are possible.  FIGS. 42-43 , and  47 - 51  show sprung latch type step-ins. The rod is trapped in a slot in the arbor via a sprung latch which moves horizontally under tension from a retention spring that moves out of the way as the rod end slides past it from above, then slides back inward to trap the rod.  FIGS. 47-51  show a slightly different approach to the latch-type step-in. The sprung latch pivots under tension from a torsion spring instead of a retention spring in this case. In either case, the sprung latch should be shaped to accomodate a rod that moves downwardly into it, and may be on one or both sides of the binding. 
       Additional Versions of the Binding of the Present Invention may include any Combination of the Following 
       [0000]    
       
         1 The pivoting binding without coupling to a release mechanism. 
         2 Inclusion or elimination of the optional heel lock-down. 
         3 The use of other step-in means 
         4 The addition of ski brakes 
         5 A variety of adjustments for heel height integrated into the heel lock-down mechanism 
         6 Alternate means for applying toe/heel pressure and retention. 
         8 Elimination of the step-in component while retaining the rod pivot. 
         9 An after-market version of the rod that&#39;s easily attachable to a boot. 
         10 Any pivot that allows for the same dynamic as the rod arbor, e.g., a simple hinge, or reversal of the rod/arbor, wherein there are indentations in the boot, and rods attached to the arbor. 
         11 Movement of the rod anywhere along the outside, or within the boot sole. 
         12 Variations in placement of the rod height-wise, e.g., the rod/pivoting area may be below the boot sole, closer to the ski. 
         13 Inclusion of a torsion spring or other spring which acts upon the rod/arbor and which has the tendency of forcing the boot heel downward. This spring may be adjustable in ways germane to the art. This could preclude the need for heel-retention or toe resistance mechanisms. The rod may be formed with hard facets so that it catches the spring on the arbor side, and with boot flexion towards the ski puts increasing pressure on the spring, further “winding” it. 
         14 Means for adjusting which part of the toe portion of the boot touches the ski/binding/shim. This effects the flex/bending of the boot toe, and thus has a great impact on the “feel”. 
         15 An adjustable sloped shim that applies pressure to the boot toe variably, depending on where on its sloped slide the boot comes in contact. 
         16 A spring or resilient piece under the heel (on top of or integrated within the heel riser) that mimics the “rocker” feel. 
         17 The rod, instead of protruding from the sides of the boot, may be exposed along its bottom surface, with the arbor clasping it from below. 
         18 Inflatable bladders as a toe-resistance system. 
         19 Any combination of the above. 
       
     
         [0122]    It must be mentioned that the focus of the specification thus far has been the binding. Needless to say, a custom boot would be ideal, although standard boots may be adapted via an adapter plate or similar means. Custom boots would offer unique performance advantages that are directly related to their interface with the pivoting binding. Ideally such a boot would include: 1) means for varying flex of the bellows or flex area (see  FIG. 57 ), something like a compression spring with Bellows&#39; Adjusters on one or both ends, or integrated within the adjuster, 2) a defined transverse boot hinge portion (preferably via some mechanical hinging means) that limits boot torsion and facilitates easier adjustment of bellows pressure via the Bellows Adjuster 3) and recessed rods ( FIG. 58 ) that protrude from the boot sole from somewhere underneath the boot uppers so they are out of the way on both X and Y axes, making for easy attachment of the binding at the rod interface. The rods may also protrude laterally (as in  FIGS. 44-46 ). The bellows portion could be very flexible, as the actual hinging takes place at the Boot Hinge, and thus the bellows should provide little resistance to flexion, merely serving as a sealed barrier instead of a hinge. As such, they could be made of much thinner and lighter material than standard bellows. Of course a duckbill is not necessary. All these alterations to the boot can be done using standard molding techniques. The Bellows Adjusters may be of a screw-type, or sliding—anything that increases and decreases the pressure on the spring(s) in the adjuster. Replaceable springs/elastomers would also suffice. The only essential ingredients to this boot design are the integrated rods, or anything that allows for attachment of the boot to the binding/releasable coupling. 
         [0123]    Again, the central feature of this binding is the dynamic of a defined pivot close to the ball of the foot, while the forward portion of the boot moves downward in the Z axis. Since this dynamic is absolutely unique to the art, this specification focuses on the generalities of this pivoting dynamic, as opposed to specifics versions thereof. There are many interesting options available with this design, yet all are sub-categories of this overarching pivot system. cl Operation 
         [0124]    Since there is no standard toepiece with this binding, there is no need to bend down and hold the ski/cables while the foot is slid into the toepiece. One simply steps down at the rod/slot interface, and attachment happens via the aforementioned means. Adjustment of the leaf spring or heel retention mechanism can be done with the boot disengaged, and is generally set infrequently. 
         [0125]    When climbing, one can disengage the toe resistance by releasing the leaf spring adjustment screw, thus allowing the boot to pivot freely around the rod. If there are spring mechanisms under the toe, these can be removed or slid forward. 
         [0126]    The heel lock-down option can be engaged simply by sticking ones&#39; ski pole into a cavity on the plunger, and moving the plunger forward to contact the boot heel. 
       Conclusions, Ramifications, and Scope 
       [0127]    Clearly there are a variety of forms this binding may take. The basic concept of using a rod integrated with the boot which allows the boot to pivot near the ball of the foot (metatarsal area), while foregoing the use of cables or plates, is unique. Versions made specifically for Randonee, racing, or general lift skiing would all incorporate various forms of heel retention, toe pivoting, releasability and adjustability. The various embodiments are more a function of aesthetics and material concerns rather than design constraints. Materials and methods germane to the art may be liberally employed in various combinations. Versions which incorporate some but not all the invention&#39;s attributes might be chosen, e.g., a simple pivot that offers no release or step-in already outperfomrs the competion, and thus might be a good base model. Thus the scope of the invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described in this specification, but rather to the range of options a boot which pivots around the ball of the foot ushers in. 
         [0128]    The specific embodiments of the binding invention disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various features, elements, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. No single feature, function, element or property of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The following claims define certain combinations and subcombinations which are regarded as novel and non-obvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the disclosure.