Patent Publication Number: US-2007102899-A1

Title: Device for connecting a sports shoe to a sports device, comprisisng a locking device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The invention relates to a device, as described in the preamble of claim  1 .  
      2. Prior Art  
      A ski binding with a lock and a locking mechanism for securing a winter sports device is already known—WO 01/95985 A—, in which the locking mechanism is fixed onto a winter sports device in the form of a ski, ski binding, ski stick, snowboard or the like, and the locking mechanism is accommodated on or in a cavity of a component belonging to a winter sports device and operates independently of fixed structures (ski-holders, guard rails or the like). The disadvantage of this embodiment is that the locking mechanism is arranged in a cavity of the binding parts of a ski binding, and therefore neither the locking mechanism nor the locking bar are accessible from the outside. If after use or whilst the ski is locked liquid collects or freezes in the locking mechanism or between the locking bar and the individual binding parts it is very difficult even for a legitimate user to use the winter sports device again.  
      Further embodiments known from the prior art which comprise a locking mechanism for securing a winter sports device are found for example in DE 101 28 556 A1 or DE 103 30 429 A1 or DE 103 39 132 A1.  
     OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION  
      The objective of the invention is to install a securing device in a device for connecting a sports shoe to a sports device, in particular a shoe to a snowboard or a ski to avoid theft, which permits reliable operation in all operating conditions.  
      This objective of the invention is achieved by means of the features described in the characterising part of claim  1 . It is an advantage in this case that the lock element is displaced in its locked position in a position projecting beyond the device part, so that a visual control of the lock is possible in a simple manner, in particular it is not possible to climb in or out of the binding, and also by securing the locking bar its mobility can be restored again by a rapid accessibility.  
      According to a development in claim  2  it is an advantage that the lock element is pivoted in a free space between the moveable locking part and the fixed base part and is thereby accessible to the user via this free space. If after locking the locking device freezing occurs between the locking bar and the adjacent device part or the sports device, the latter is easily accessible and the frozen parts can be quickly eliminated by mechanical means or by the direct application of heat or suitable de-icing fluids.  
      The embodiment variant according to claim  3  also ensures that the locking part secures the adjusting part of the device parts in one of its end positions and thereby makes it impossible to climb into the usable movement area. Because the locking bar lies or bears in its end position on the base part there is no possibility of entering the usable movement area by force. Furthermore, due to the lifted brake element there is sufficient free space, which is easily accessible from all sides and thus can be easily released if stuck. In this instance it is possible to proceed using mechanical as well as releasing means.  
      The additional embodiment according to claim  4  has the advantage that the sports device is held by its device and its brake device in a brake position, whereby it is impossible to move away with the sports device, as in order to use the sports device the brake device would need to be in drive position.  
      Furthermore, the arrangement in the region of the brake has the advantage of being a simple additional arrangement, in that the housing of the complex structured device parts, such as the toe piece and the heel piece, is not needed for installation and its complicated structure is not made even more complex.  
      The external locking device also has the advantage that in the case of damage or vandalism it can be very easily replaced. The internal arrangement of the locking device has the advantage that suitable lubrication means and the like can be provided, which prevent the freezing and sticking of the locking device even at extreme temperatures.  
      The additional design according to claim  5  has the advantage that the locking bar in its locked position projects over the binding plate into the one for inserting the ski shoe or the usable movement area between the toe and heel piece, and thus makes it impossible to climb into the required movement area. The locking bar can in this case be arranged on the entire device, which does not permit the insertion of the shoe. This is also achieved by means of the features according to claim  6 .  
      The design according to claim  7  has the advantage that the locking mechanism with its locking device is designed to be adjustable between a position of rest and a locked position, i.e. by swivelling the locking bar into a locked position it is not possible to enter in the locked state, but in the position of rest it is possible to climb into and use the device without any difficulty.  
      The design according to claim  8  is also advantageous. In this case locking elements are allocated to the locking bar with its locking device which permit additional securing at least in its locked position. In this way the locking mechanism becomes even more secure.  
      In the design according to claim  9  it is an advantage that the locking bar is overlapped by locking elements and in this way additional security is provided when locking and against unwanted removal.  
      In an embodiment according to claim  10 , it is an advantage that the installation of the locking device into the device parts can be performed easily, the latter being highly secure in a locked state against attempted removal or attempted theft.  
      The embodiment according to claim  11  has the advantage that the lock element can be kept very small if the locking elements stick out or protrude.  
      A further embodiment according to claim  12  provides a heating element which can be activated in case of emergency and can easily be activated if the binding has become frozen or stuck and the locking mechanism can be released despite the ice.  
      An additional advantageous embodiment is achieved by the features in claim  13  as here a heating element is allocated to the locking bar which permits the correct use of the winter sports device.  
      In the embodiment according to claim  14  the simple operation of the heating element by means of a push button or a screw is advantageous.  
      In a development according to claim  15  it is advantageous that by means of the material used any sticking of the locking device or freezing of the parts of the device is prevented. Furthermore, by means of special lubricants which are brought into contact with said parts the adhesion of snow and ice is reduced and thereby freezing is prevented at very low temperatures.  
      The development according to claim  16  and claim  17  has the advantage that the arrangement of the locking device in the brake pedal has sufficient space and is easily accessible from all sides, and therefore the installation can be made easier without great effort and greater accessibility can also be achieved.  
      The embodiment according to claim  18  is advantageous, since as the locking bar of the locking mechanism sits on the base part of the brake device in a locked state, the brake device cannot be moved into the desired drive position. As the brake device is held in a locked state in brake position, operation as well as entry into this device is made impossible. Of course, the lock element can also be arranged on the base part, so that the locking bar acts on the brake pedal, whereby the same effect is achieved.  
      The embodiments according to claim  19  and  20  have the advantage that here a freely accessible locking mechanism is created, which is accessible through several free spaces and therefore operability can be restored at any time in cases of freezing or sticking and in case of damage it can be easily removed and replaced by a new locking mechanism.  
      The embodiment according to claim  21  is advantageous, as by providing several locking bars security against forced opening is considerably increased.  
      The embodiment according to claim  22  has the advantage that the locking bar is arranged in its groove-shaped depression with a relatively large spacing on all sides. The free space obtained in this way means that the locking mechanism is easily accessible and in the case of sticking can easily be released both mechanically and by de-icing means. Furthermore, this embodiment can be very small and space-saving in all areas of the device.  
      By means of the embodiment according to claim  23  the design of the locking mechanism can be made secure and stable, so that it can also not detached even by the effect of extreme force.  
      It is advantageous according to claim  24  that the locking mechanism or the external lock element is only used for locking into the device, whereby during the use of the sports device the device is reduced by the weight of the lock part.  
      As the external lock element is carried on the body or in a trouser pocket, the latter is exposed to the body temperature of a person, which can be useful in itself for releasing the locking device to start with. Also when the locking mechanism is in a locked position the key can be heated by means of a lighter or the like to release the lock.  
      The embodiment variants according to claims  25  and  26  make it possible for the lock element to be arranged in the whole binding area. The position of locking mechanism can be selected as desired by the inventor. It is important that it is easy to operate and if necessary is easily accessible.  
      The embodiment according to claim  27  permits a further advantageous design of the locking mechanism, as due to the possible mounting the mechanism parts do not have a more complex structure and this is avoided.  
      An embodiment according to claim  28  is advantageous. Here entry into the device or setting and/or adjusting the holding elements is prevented. In this way the latter in the locked state cannot be fitted onto the foot of a user or with too short a distance it is not possible to climb into the device.  
      In a further embodiment according to claim  29  it is an advantage that by pushing the lock element through the hole of the pivoted calf support into the bore of the binding plate after locking, the pivoting of the calf support is made impossible.  
      The embodiment according to claim  30  makes it possible for the holding stirrup on the toe piece in a locked position to prevent unauthorised persons from entering into the binding.  
      An additional advantage is achieved according to claim  31  in that the locking mechanisms are allocated covers in order to prevent the penetration of snow and ice, even melted snow from the outset.  
      The developments according to claim  32  or  33  are advantageous, as thereby the lock element can be kept in a frost free environment when not in use. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
      The invention is explained in more detail in the following with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These show:  
       FIG. 1 a  device according to the invention on a sports device, forming a ski binding, with a locking mechanism arranged in the brake device, in side view and in a much simplified representation;  
       FIG. 2 a  part of the ski binding according to  FIG. 1 , in a position of rest, in side view and in a simplified representation;  
       FIG. 3 a  part of the ski binding according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in locked position, in side view, in a much simplified and slightly enlarged representation;  
       FIG. 4  the sports device with the device according to the invention in side view, in cross section along the lines IV-IV of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5 a  ski binding mounted on the sports device with a different embodiment of a device according to the invention, in a position of rest, side view and in a much simplified, schematic representation;  
       FIG. 6 a  partial area of the sports device according to  FIG. 5  in locked position, in side view and in a much simplified schematic representation;  
       FIG. 7  the sports device with the device according to the invention, in a position of rest, in plan view, in cross section along the lines VII-VII of  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8 a  further variant of a device according to the invention in the front partial area of the sports device in side view and in a much simplified schematic representation;  
       FIG. 9 a  device according to the invention with a locking mechanism in the heel piece or in the toe piece, in side view and in partial cross section according to  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 10  the locking mechanism according to  FIG. 9  in a much simplified schematic representation;  
       FIG. 11 a  different variant of the device according to the invention in which the locking device is arranged in the toe piece, in side view, in partial cross section and in a much simplified schematic representation;  
       FIG. 12  the device in plan view, in cross section along the lines XII-XII of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13 a  different kind of device according to the invention mounted on the sports device like a snowboard binding in plan view, in a much simplified schematic representation;  
       FIG. 14 a  different variant of the device according to the invention, formed by a snowboard binding mounted on the sports device in side view with a removable lock element, in a simplified schematic representation;  
       FIG. 15 a  different embodiment of the device according to the invention for a snowboard binding in side view and in a much simplified schematic representation;  
       FIG. 16  the snow board binding according to  FIG. 15 , in front elevation, in cross section along the lines XVI-XVI in  FIG. 15  and in a much simplified schematic representation. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Firstly, it should be noted that in all of the various described embodiment the same parts are given the same reference numbers and same component names, whereby the disclosures contained throughout the description can be applied to the same parts with the same reference numbers or same component names. Also the details on position used in the description such as e.g. top, bottom, side etc. refer to the figure currently being described and shown at the time and if there is a change in position these should be changed to relate to the new position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features of the embodiments shown and described represent in themselves independent, inventive solutions according to the invention.  
      The invention relates to a device  1  shown in FIGS.  1  to  4  for connecting a sports shoe  2  with a sports device  3 . Preferably, the device  1  is used for connecting a sports shoe  2  with a sports device  3  such as a snowboard or ski. Devices  1  of this kind usually comprise device parts  4  which can include a brake device  5 , a heel piece  6 , a toe piece  7 , a binding plate  8  or the like.  
      Of course, this can relate also to high backs, base plates, straps or other parts of such a device  1  for connecting a sports shoe  2  with a sports device  3 , such as a ski binding, cross-country binding, touring or snowboard binding. A locking mechanism  9  is allocated to at least one of these device parts  4 . Said locking mechanism  9  or its locking device  10  is in the present embodiment installed into a pivotable brake pedal  12  mounted on the sports device  3 .  
      The locking mechanism  9  is formed by a locking device  10  that can be activated by a key  13  and the like, the locking bar  14  of which can be adjusted by means of the locking device  10 , for example by means of a rotating locking pin  45  activatable by key  13  and the like from a position of rest  15  represented by dashed lines into the locked position  16  shown by solid lines.  
      As can already easily be seen in the illustrated representation, the brake pedal  12 , i.e. the moving adjusting element  46  of the brake device  5 , can no longer be moved up out of the position of rest shown by dashed lines in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in which the brake pedal  12  is lifted from a top side  47 , for example the binding plate  8  or the sports device  3 , and the locking bar  14  is in a locked position  16 , into the drive position  21  in the direction of the sports device  3 . In this way it is not possible to pivot the brake arms  17  out of the shown brake position  18 —in  FIG. 3  in solid lines—into the drive position  21  indicated by dashed lines—in  FIG. 2 . This is prevented by the locking bar  14  in its locking position  16  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  
      In this way the sports device  3 , for example board, snowboard or ski, can no longer be used and therefore removal is only possible manually. This can attract great attention in ski areas and can be easily monitored by lift personnel or suitable control means, and in this way there is a high degree of security against theft.  
      Usually, a locking mechanism  9  of this kind with which the locking bar  14  is secured and locked in its locked position  16  is sufficient to prevent the theft of the sports device  3 .  
      Of course, it is also possible however to provide similar or other locking mechanisms  9  on other device parts  4  in addition to or instead of the arrangement with the brake device  5 . As can be shown in detail in  FIG. 4 , the locking device  10  is installed in the brake pedal  12 .  
      Here the lock element  22  is inserted into a recess  32 , for example screwed into an internal thread of the brake pedal  12 . The lock element  22  that can be locked by key  13  has a locking element  23 , which in the present embodiment can be pivoted about a pivot axis  33  on which the locking bar  14  is fixed via the end section  24  projecting over the lock element  22 .  
      Of course, it is also possible however for the locking device  10  to use conventional locking cylinders and to install the latter into recesses  32  of the brake device  5  or other device parts  4 . The locking cylinder can here be used at the same time as a locking bar  14  but it is also possible to assign a separately activatable locking bar  14  to this locking cam.  
      Of course, it is also possible to use other conventional locking devices which can be secured by adhesion, screws, pressing or the like into the device parts  4  or the brake device  5 .  
      It is however also possible to use conventional padlocks, for example with number codes, which by use in different positions of the locking bar  14  permit or prevent the use of the device  1  or can be used to secure device parts  4  in the locked position  16 .  
      For this the adjustable device part is locked for example by a padlock in the locked position  16 .  
      As indicated schematically, the locking device  10  or the lock element  22  is allocated a heating device formed by a heating element  25 , in particular a heat cartridge  25 , which is pushed for example into a bore  41  of the brake pedal  12  and can be activated by a power storage element  26 , if necessary by screwing in a holding screw  27  or pushing in a pushbutton.  
      By means of this heating element  25  the locking device  10  can be heated briefly in order to permit the release of the brake pedal  12  even at extremely low outside temperatures by thawing and/or prevent the icing up of the locking device  10 .  
      Preferably, it is also possible to arrange the heating element  25  so that any ice formed between the locking bar  14  and the base part  11  can be removed.  
      It is of course also advantageous, if in particular the locking bar  14  is made from a material with low adhesive strength for ice, for example Teflon. This also applies to the surface parts of the base part  111  facing the locking bar  14 . As also seen in  FIG. 4 , said base part  111  can be displaced in longitudinal direction in a C-shaped guide track  28  fixed to the sports device  3  and guided according to the height and side, and if necessary a connecting element  29  is provided for mounting the toe piece and/or heel piece  6 ,  7 .  
      Because the locking bar  14  with the locking device  10  can be moved from the position of rest  15  shown by dashed lines in  FIG. 2  into the locked position  16  shown by solid lines in  FIG. 4 , the movement of the brake pedal  12  in the direction of the base part  11  is prevented—as required for the correct use of the sports device  3 . In this way by blocking the movement of the brake pedal  12  the unauthorised use of the sports device is prevented.  
      As the locking bar  14  projects into the space  53  accessible from the outside between the brake pedal  12  and the base part  11  of the brake device  5  it is also possible, in the case of icing up or sticking of the locking bar  14  on the base part  11  due to freezing, to detach the latter easily by mechanical action or by spraying on a de-icing means or the like, so that a high degree of operational reliability can be achieved even in extreme conditions of use, as is the case with sports devices  3 , but in particular with winter sports equipment.  
      In FIGS.  5  to  7  a further embodiment variant of a device  1  for connecting the sports shoe  2  with a sports device  3  is shown. A ski binding on a ski is used as an example of the device  1 , whereby the individual components and device parts  4  of this device  1  correspond to those according to FIGS.  1  to  4  and are denoted by the same reference numbers as in FIGS.  1  to  4  accordingly, even if they are not described in detail.  
      One of the device parts  4  of the device  1 , in particular the ski binding shown can be a central holding part  30 , by means of a which a distance  31  can be set and fixed between the toe piece  7  and the heel piece  6 , i.e. in principle the length of the shoe sole of the shoe  2 . The holding part  30  is designed, for example also as an independently acting holding device without adjusting screws, is known in various different embodiments from the prior art, and therefore it can be designed as in any of the known embodiments.  
      In the present embodiment the locking mechanism  9  is arranged inside said holding part  30  or on the latter. For this the locking device  10  is inserted into a recess  32  in said holding part  30 . This can be achieved in that the opening  48  can be formed by a bore  41  with an internal thread, in which the locking device  10  is screwed with an external thread. However, any other type of securing is possible, for example by pressing in or securing with securing means or by suitable adhesives.  
      The locking mechanism  9  comprises as well as the locking device  10  a locking bar  14 , which in its position of rest  15 —shown in a partly dashed lines in  FIG. 5 —is located within the external periphery of the holding part  30 . If the locking bar  14  is to be used to prevent the incorrect use of the device  1  the locking bar  14  can be pivoted up about a pivot axis  33  from the position of rest shown in partly dashed lines in  FIG. 5  into the locked position  16  shown partly by solid lines. In this locked position  16  the locking element  23  of the locking device  10 , for example can be formed by a locking pin displaceable in longitudinal direction of the locking device  10 , which can be advanced into an opening  48  in a securing tab  34 , and thereby the locking bar  14  is secured in its locked position  16  from pivoting back into the position of rest  15  and is locked by the locking device  10  in this position. After removing the key  13  shown in  FIG. 8 , the locking bar  14  is fixed by the locking element  23  in its locked position  16  and prevents the incorrect use of the device  1 .  
      It is also shown in  FIG. 7  that the locking bar  14  is mounted in a groove-shaped depression  35  at a sufficient distance  36  from the side walls of the groove shaped depression  35 , so that it is easily accessible from the outside at any time and any ice which would prevent the activation of the locking bar  14  can easily be removed.  
      For this purpose the groove shaped depression  35  is also deeper than the corresponding depth of the locking bar  14 , in order to prevent undesired sticking of the locking bar  14  in the depression  35  caused by freezing or hard pressed snow.  
      Here too, the selection of an ice-repelling material can be very advantageous.  
      As shown schematically in  FIG. 8 , instead of the embodiment of the locking mechanism  9  shown in FIGS.  5  to  7 , in which the latter is arranged, the holding part  30  can be arranged in the region of a standing plate  37  in the area of the toe piece  7 . The arrangement of the locking mechanism  9  in a depression  35  formed in the standing plate  37  is achieved according to the above embodiments with corresponding play with the locking bar  14  in order to permit the action according to the invention.  
      The locking bar  14  is shown lying in its position of rest  15  indicated by solid lines and in its locked position  16  by dashed lines.  
      In  FIGS. 8, 9 , and  10  a further embodiment of the locking mechanism  9  according to the invention is shown by way of a single device  1  for connecting a sports shoe  2  with a sports device  3 , for example a ski binding. For this both in the toe piece  7  and in the heel piece  6  a locking mechanism  9  is arranged, whereby it is of course possible to provide both such locking mechanisms  9  on a single device  1  or to select one of the two.  
      The lock element  22  shown in  FIG. 10  and on an enlarged scale partly in cross section in  FIG. 9  comprises at least one locking element  23 , and the lock element  22  is inserted into the locking mechanism  9  and is removable and by means of a key  13  can be locked in its position inserted into the device element  4 . The locking bar  14  is mounted displaceably in a guide track  28  formed by a guiding slot  38  in the longitudinal direction of the device  1  or the sports device  3  on a housing part  39  of the toe piece  7 . In the housing part  39  an external, optionally used locking device  10  of the locking mechanism  9  is installed, the locking element  23  of which secures for example a pivotable or retractable pin or locking arm, in the locked position shown in the present  FIG. 9  against movement in the position of rest  15 —shown by dashed lines. For this the housing of the locking device  10  can lock the front side of the locking bar  14  facing the latter, if it is inserted into a recess  32  and is locked or secured by activating the key  13  in the latter.  
      After locking the locking element  23  by means of the locking device  10  by the key  13  and after removing the latter, the device  1  is protected from unauthorised use.  
      Here too the parts of the locking bar  14  lie on the top of the toe piece  7  and in this way simple operation can be achieved.  
      A different embodiment of the device  1  is shown in the region of the heel piece  6  in  FIG. 9 . In this case the locking mechanism  9  consists of a cylindrical, external and if necessary removable locking device  10  in which a locking element  23  that is rotatable relative to its housing  40  is arranged. After pushing the cylindrical housing  40  into a bore  41  of the base part  11  by means of the key  13  the locking element  23  can be pivoted into a recess  32  inside the base part  11  and locked there. After removing the key  13  the locking device  10  is arranged so that the housing  40  thereof projects into the area which is normally required for mounting the ski shoe in the heel piece  6 . In this way the device  1  cannot be used and because the locking device  10  is used firstly immediately prior to use in the heel piece  6  it is possible to keep the latter warm in the intervening time, e.g. it can be carried in ski clothing so that the insertion and locking is possible without any problems caused by ice or the like.  
      In  FIGS. 11 and 12  a different embodiment of the device  1  for connecting a sports shoe  2  with a sports device  3 , for example a snowboard binding, is shown in a schematically shown toe piece  7 .  
      The device  1  is allocated a locking mechanism  9  by means of which the use of the device  1  can be prevented.  
      For this a locking bar  14  pivotable about a pivot axis  43  is arranged on the toe piece  7 . The locking bar  14  is formed by a pivot arm which is divided by the pivot axis  33  into a longer and shorter lever part. The longer lever part is provided for pivoting into the free space required for inserting the shoe  2  into the device  1 —as shown by solid lines in the locked position  16 —against which the shorter part of the locking mechanism  9  or the locking device  10  is allocated. Said locking device  10  comprises a cylindrical rotatable locking pin, which on one of its longitudinal sides is provided with a flattened part  44  in partially an eccentric. By pivoting the locking element  23  into the position shown in solid lines in the locked position  16  the locking bar  14  is prevented from pivoting back from the locked position  16  shown by solid lines into the position of rest  15  shown by dashed lines.  
      For adjustment the locking element  23  needs to be pivoted so that the flattened part  44  faces the locking bar  14 , after which the latter can be pivoted into its position of rest  15 —shown by dashed lines. After pivoting back the locking bar  23  into the original position the locking bar  14  is prevented from pivoting into the free space for mounting the shoe in the device  1 .  
      Because the locking bar  14  lies as a whole outside the housing of the toe or heel piece  7 ,  6  a perfect actuation and also an operationally reliable operation is achieved in difficult environmental conditions such as very low temperatures with the risk of ice.  
      In  FIG. 13 a  different embodiment of a locking mechanism  9  is shown in the region of the rear holding element  50  of a device  1  designed as a snowboard binding. Said device  1  is composed of the base plate  55 , the housing elements  49 ,  50  for a sports shoe  2 , the calf support, the locking coupling  56  and other device parts  4 .  
      The locking mechanism  9  can be arranged on one of the holding elements  49 ,  50  in the locking device to fix a sports shoe  2 , or in a different area of the holding elements  49 ,  50 .  
      These holding elements  49 ,  50  designed as holding bands are composed of two mutually telescopic adjustable bands, whereby a coupling device or the like is allocated to one of the holding bands  49 ,  50  and a counter coupling device is allocated to the opposite band. The locking device shown here is known like many similar ones from the prior art.  
      The holding bands  49 ,  50  comprise detent couplings  56 , which engage in locking teeth, which is arranged on the opposite holding band. The holding band with the locking teeth is guided by the detent coupling  56  of the other holding band and by means of the latter the sports shoe  2  is fixed into the device  1 . By means of this detent arrangement a fine adjustment can be achieved for each size of sports shoe  2 . The locking mechanism  9  is provided in one of the detent couplings  56  on the front or rear holding elements  49 ,  50 .  
      By arresting the holding bands  49 ,  50  via the detent coupling  56  and the subsequent locking of the locking mechanism  9  the latter can no longer be separated from one another. In this way it is impossible to climb into the device  1  as it can no longer be fitted to the foot of a user. The unnoticeable theft of the device  1  is therefore made more difficult.  
      Here too external lock parts  22 , such as attachable locking mechanisms  9  can be provided, e.g. a padlock, the lock stirrup of which is guided through bores in the overlying holding elements  49 ,  50 .  
       FIG. 14  shows a different embodiment of a device  1 , in particular a soft binding for a snowboard, consisting of a base plate  55 , the holding elements  49 ,  50 , the calf support  51  and additional device parts  4 .  
      Here the pivotable calf support is used and provided with a locking mechanism  9 . An external lock element  22  can be inserted into a bore in the calf support. The lock element passes through the calf support  51  in the pivoted away position of the highback and is secured into a bore  41  of the base plate  55 . If the locking mechanism  9  is locked the calf support is prevented from pivoting and covers the area of use for a sports shoe  2  of the device  1 , so that the latter cannot be used, as shown by solid lines.  
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show a further embodiment of a device  1 , in particular a step-in binding or a so-called hard boot binding for snowboards, as already known from the prior art. With the latter the front holding stirrup  52  can be adjusted by the pivot axis  33  into a lowered position and locked by means of a locking mechanism  9 , from which a retractable pin projects in the locked state—as shown by solid lines. Thus it is not possible to pivot the holding stirrup  52  out of its lowered position. Because of the relatively short distance  26  in the installation of this locking mechanism  9  and due to the easy accessibility from both sides this locking device  10  can also be easily released if one of the parts becomes stuck.  
      As the installation of this locking mechanism  9  mostly does not occur in a plastic housing, but in a metal housing, made in particular of titanium or alloy metals, it is possible, in the case of freezing or sticking, to heat the latter slightly with a lighter and the like and thus melt the ice.  
      In the individual embodiments according to FIGS.  1  to  16  the locking mechanism  9  can also be welded into, welded onto, adhered onto, adhered into, screwed or pressed etc. into the device  1 .  
      Lastly, for form&#39;s sake it should be noted that for a better understanding of the structure of the device  1 , the latter and its components have been shown partially untrue to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size.  
      The embodiments show possible embodiment variants of a device  1 , whereby at this point it should be noted than the invention is not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments, but rather diverse combinations of the individual embodiments are possible and this possibility of variation lies within the ability of a person skilled in this technical field on the basis of the teaching on technical procedure. Thus, all conceivable embodiments which are possible by combining individual details of the shown and described embodiments are covered by the scope of protection.  
      Most of all, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS.  1  to  16  can form the subject matter of independent solutions according to the invention. The objectives and solutions according to the invention can be taken from the detailed descriptions of the figures.  
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                 Device 
               
               
                 2 
                 Sports shoe 
               
               
                 3 
                 Sports device 
               
               
                 4 
                 Device part 
               
               
                 5 
                 Brake device 
               
               
                 6 
                 Heel piece 
               
               
                 7 
                 Toe piece 
               
               
                 8 
                 Binding plate 
               
               
                 9 
                 Locking mechanism 
               
               
                 10 
                 Locking device 
               
               
                 11 
                 Base part 
               
               
                 12 
                 Brake pedal 
               
               
                 13 
                 Key 
               
               
                 14 
                 Locking bar 
               
               
                 15 
                 Position of rest 
               
               
                 16 
                 Locked position 
               
               
                 17 
                 Brake arms 
               
               
                 18 
                 Brake position 
               
               
                 21 
                 Drive position 
               
               
                 22 
                 Lock part 
               
               
                 23 
                 Locking element 
               
               
                 24 
                 End part 
               
               
                 25 
                 Heating element/heating cartridge 
               
               
                 26 
                 Power storage element 
               
               
                 27 
                 Holding screw 
               
               
                 28 
                 Guide track 
               
               
                 29 
                 Connecting element 
               
               
                 30 
                 Holding part 
               
               
                 31 
                 Distance 
               
               
                 32 
                 Recess 
               
               
                 33 
                 Pivot axis 
               
               
                 34 
                 Securing tabs 
               
               
                 35 
                 Groove-shaped depression 
               
               
                 36 
                 Distance 
               
               
                 37 
                 Standing plate 
               
               
                 38 
                 Guiding slot 
               
               
                 39 
                 Housing part 
               
               
                 40 
                 Housing 
               
               
                 41 
                 Bore 
               
               
                 42 
                 Base blade 
               
               
                 43 
                 Pivot axis 
               
               
                 44 
                 Flattened part 
               
               
                 45 
                 Locking pin 
               
               
                 46 
                 Adjusting element 
               
               
                 47 
                 Top side 
               
               
                 48 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 49 
                 Front holding element 
               
               
                 50 
                 Rear holding element 
               
               
                 51 
                 Calf support 
               
               
                 52 
                 Holding stirrup 
               
               
                 53 
                 Free space 
               
               
                 54 
                 Adjusting element 
               
               
                 55 
                 Base plate 
               
               
                 56 
                 Detent coupling