Patent Publication Number: US-11033798-B2

Title: Mounting plate with rail for a binding

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/NO2018/050029 which has an International filing date of Feb. 2, 2018, which claims priority to Norwegian Patent Application No. 20170170, filed Feb. 3, 2017, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The present invention relates to a mounting system for a binding, or parts thereof, on a cross-country ski. 
     NO335244 and NO327573 relate to a mounting plate for attaching a binding to a ski. The mounting plate is glued onto the top surface of a ski and comprises longitudinal side edges that have a profile with undercuts for longitudinal positioning and attachment of the binding or the binding components with the aid of a complementary profile. The mounting plate has a rigidity that has little impact on the rigidity and properties of the skis. This mounting plate allows a binding to be mounted on a ski without the use of screws, glue and other tools, thereby avoiding puncturing the sealing around the ski core. In addition, the mounting plate is advantageous for dealers because the mounting requires a minimum of qualifications and is fully reversible. For the end user, the mounting plate is advantageous because the ski can to a greater degree be adapted to weight, proficiency and snow/waxing conditions. 
     NO20150320 relates to an invention that provides completely new possibilities in the sport of skiing. NO20150320 discloses a binding system for optional dynamic longitudinal positioning of a binding on a cross-country ski with the aid of an electric actuator, energy source and a control system. This dynamic system permits, inter alia, a skier to alter the position of the binding whilst in motion, such that in practice a gear system is obtained which makes it easier and faster to move forwards. A dynamic binding system can be mounted on or in a ski with the aid of a mounting plate, but the existing mounting plates are not very suitable. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a mounting system suitable for a dynamic binding system, where the binding can be moved whilst the skier is in motion. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a mounting system which is also suitable for binding systems where the binding is manually movable. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a mounting system suitable for a range of binding types, both movable and fixed. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a mounting system suitable for a range of binding types from different manufacturers and/or different areas of utilisation. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a mounting system that allows a binding system to be supplemented with other and new functionality. 
     These and other objects are obtained by means of a mounting system according to attached claim  1 . Additional advantageous features and embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. 
    
    
     
       A non-limiting description of advantageous embodiments is given below with reference to the drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIGS. 1 a - c    show an embodiment of a system according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2 a - c    show a second embodiment of a system according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3 a - b    show a third embodiment of a system according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4 a - c    show possible embodiments of plates/rails. 
         FIGS. 5 a - f    show possible embodiments of rails. 
         FIGS. 6 a - i    show cross-sections of possible embodiments according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7 a - b    show further possible embodiments of plates/rails according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8 a - c    show alternative embodiments; 
         FIGS. 9 a - b    show alternative embodiments; 
         FIGS. 10 a - b    show further alternative embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11 a - e    show a manual embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a second manual embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  shows a third manual embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 15 a - d    show an alternative embodiment of a rail; 
         FIGS. 16 a - d    show an alternative embodiment of a rail; 
         FIGS. 17 a - e    show a manual embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 18 a - c    show details of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17 a   - e;    
         FIG. 19  shows an alternative embodiment of a rail; and 
         FIGS. 20 a - c    show alternative embodiments of a rail. 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 1 a - c    show an embodiment of the present invention comprising an electric and remote-controlled system  1  for changing a skier&#39;s position on a ski in the longitudinal direction. An electric motor  3  is arranged such that it pushes a binding  2  on a ski forwards or backwards according to an electrical signal given by a skier. The motor  3  pushes/pulls a binding  2  and a heel piece  4  with the aid of a rail or an energy transfer means  5 . The rail  5  is arranged in a channel  21  and is configured such that it can slide back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the ski. The motor  3  and the binding or binding components  2  are mounted on a mounting plate  6 . In this embodiment, the binding or binding components  2  and the heel piece  4  are displaceably mounted on the mounting plate  6 . 
     In this document it should be understood that a “rail” and an “energy transfer means”  5  can be designed in different ways and may also comprise a rod, a bar or similar elements, which may have different shapes, cross-sections, widths and length. More than one rail may also be used. If several rails are used, either in series or in parallel, they may conceivably be movable independent of one another, so as thereby to obtain different functions. Materials can be selected according to need. Different examples of rails and energy transfer means are shown in  FIGS. 6 a - i  and 10 a   - b.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 a - c   , a rail  5  can be mounted in a longitudinally extending direction in a channel  21  or the like in or on the mounting plate  6 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rail  5  runs in the mounting plate  6 , where during mounting it can, e.g., be inserted into the channel  21  from one end or the other of the mounting plate  6  in such a way that the rail  5  is able to move in the longitudinal direction of the plate, whilst being held securely fixed by the plate in all other directions. An embodiment where the rail can be placed straight into a groove in the mounting plate  6  is also conceivable, ref.  FIGS. 6 b  and  f  and 10 a - b   . Different embodiments of the rail or the energy transfer means are shown in  FIGS. 4 a - c , 5 a - f , 6 a - i , 7 a - b , 10 a - b , 11 a   - e ,  15   a - d  and  16   a - d . In the embodiments shown in, e.g.,  FIGS. 4 a - c    and  6   a, c  and  d , the mounting plate  6  has undercuts in the channel  21  that cooperate with a matching profile along the longitudinal sides of the rail  5 . Other embodiments are also conceivable, e.g., that the rail  5  runs in an at least partly closed channel, either in the mounting plate  6  or in a ski (e.g.,  6   e - i ,  10   a - b ). It will be appreciated that that the mounting plate  6  can be mounted on the ski either with the aid of screws, glue or bonding, ref., e.g.,  6   d  and  10   a - b . The mounting plate  6  may also be an integral part of a ski (e.g.,  FIGS. 6 b  and 6 f   ). In the last-mentioned case, it could be said that the ski constitutes the mounting plate and that the ski comprises undercuts and a channel  21 , thereby comprising the same functions and elements as an individual mounting plate  6  that is arranged on a ski. 
     In  FIG. 2 a    it is seen that a motor  3  can be mounted on a forward part of the mounting plate  6  in such a way that the motor  3  is fixed in relation to the mounting plate  6  and the ski. Although the motor  3  is shown mounted in front of the binding or binding components  2  and on top of the mounting plate  6 , the motor  5  can optionally be mounted behind the binding or binding components  2  and/or the heel piece  4 , under the binding or binding components  2  or the mounting plate  6 , under the binding or binding components  2  or the mounting plate  6  integrated in the ski or even in a ski shoe (not shown).  FIG. 2 a    further shows the rail  5  that is mounted extending longitudinally in a channel  21  in the mounting plate  6 . The binding or binding components  2  and the heel piece  4  are mounted in or on this rail  5 , in this case with the aid of a pin or pins  20  on the rail  5  that can be snapped or in some other way inserted into complementary holes or grooves in the binding or binding components  2 , optionally vice versa.  FIGS. 1 b - c    show the embodiment assembled, in the forward and rear position, respectively. 
     An important aspect of the invention shown in  FIGS. 2 a - c    is that the mounting plate  6 , the rail  5  and the binding or binding components  2  form a three-part unit, the binding or binding components  2  forming a lock that holds the three-part unit together, whilst the rail  5  and the binding or binding components  2  are allowed to slide in the channel  21  in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the binding or binding components  2  are locked to the rail in the longitudinal direction whilst the binding or binding components  2  grip around the mounting plate  3  and the rail  5  such that the three parts form an interconnected three-part unit. 
     The rail  5  may be provided with grooves, pins or notches  7  that are suited to engaging with a toothed wheel (not shown) or the like in or from the motor. Glue, hook-and-loop fasteners, bonding etc. may also be used. The grooves or notches  7  may have different configuration or location depending on the configuration and location of the motor  3 . Examples of grooves, pins or notches  7  are, e.g., shown in  FIGS. 5 a - c   . The grooves, pins and/or the notches  7  can also be arranged on the underside of the rail, such that they engage with a motor  3  that is arranged in the ski on the underside of the rail, ref.  FIGS. 5 e - f  and 8 c   . Possible configurations of grooves, ridges, bosses, arms or holes  20  on the upper side of the rail  5  can be seen in  FIGS. 5 e - f   .  FIG. 5 a    shows an embodiment where a friction surface, hook-and-loop fastener or glue/bonding can be used as a fastening means  20  for engagement with the underside of the binding or binding components  2 ;  4  comprising at least one complementary locking device.  FIGS. 5 a - f    show rails  5  which are relatively short and intended only to extend to the forward part of the binding or binding component  2 . It should be understood that the rail can also extend further back under the binding or binding component  2 , e.g., rails  5  corresponding to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 a - c , 7 b , 15 a - d  and 16 a   - d.    
       FIGS. 1 a - c , 2 a -2 c , 3 a - b , 4 a - c , 11 a -11 e   ,  12 ,  13  and  14  also show a mounting plate  6  comprising a longitudinal channel  21  holding a longitudinal rail  5 , the upper side of the rail  5  comprising a plurality of longitudinal grooves  7 ;  20 ;  23  that form one part of a locking device. Furthermore, binding components  2  are shown whose underside comprises a plurality of complementary grooves that form the second part of the locking device. The grooves on the rail  5  and the complementary grooves on the binding components are designed to engage with each other. At the same time, the longitudinal side edges of the mounting plate comprise a profile  33  with undercuts and the binding or binding components  2  comprise a complementary profile  34 . Several of the figures show that the binding components grip around and are locked to the mounting plate in that the profiles fit into each other. In a number of the illustrated embodiments, the rail  5  and the binding components can be moved in the longitudinal direction when the parts mounting plate, rail  5  and binding components are assembled. 
       FIGS. 3 a - b    show an embodiment where a rail  5  is fastened with a pin or the like in front of the binding or binding components  2 . The advantage of this embodiment is that the rail does not need to extend under the binding or binding components  2  in the channel  21  in the mounting plate  6 . In this embodiment, the heel piece  4  moves together with the binding, but the heel piece may also be fixed. 
       FIG. 4 a    shows a plate  6  that is fastened onto the ski with screws in screw holes  22 . FIGS. b and c show an embodiment that can be glued or bonded to the ski. These embodiments also comprise pins  20  for attachment of the binding or binding components  2 . 
     The rail  5  can, as mentioned, comprise grooves, pins and/or notches  7 ;  20 ;  23  that hold the binding or the binding components  2 . If the rail comprises a long row of notches or grooves, the binding or the binding components  2  can be mounted/positioned on the rail  5 /mounting plate  6  in the desired position, ref.  FIG. 7 b   .  FIG. 7 b    actually shows only a few notches or grooves  23  for the heel piece  4 , but the same can be provided for the binding or binding components  2 , where only shown two notches are now shown for a fixed position. It is possible, e.g., to provide sufficient notches/grooves to allow the binding to be mounted within a longitudinal range of 3 or 5 cm (may be more or less, it is of no significance in this example). Thus, the binding or binding components  2  are mounted/attached to the ski in the skier&#39;s neutral or desired longitudinal starting position, after which the motor  3  can move the binding or the binding components  2  back and forth as desired during skiing. Different snow conditions can also make it desirable to change the skier&#39;s neutral starting position. Such a possibility may also be useful if the skier gains or loses weight. 
       FIG. 7 a    shows a so-called “hybrid plate”. In the mounting plate  6 , a conventional binding can be attached without any dynamic system comprising a motor  3 , rail  5  etc. The mounting plate  6  comprises fixed fastening notches/grooves  23 . If the skier wishes to upgrade to a dynamic system, a rail can be placed in the groove  24  and a motor  3  fastened on top of the rail in fastening means  25 . In this case, the binding must be of a displaceable type that does not enter into engagement with the fixed notches/grooves  23 . The motor  3 , rail  5  and binding or binding components  2  shown in  FIGS. 3 a - b    would be suitable for aftermounting on a hybrid plate of this kind. 
     As an alternative to notches/grooves, the binding can also be attached/positioned/connected to the rail with the aid of snap locks, screws, hook-and-loop fastener, adhesive material etc. ref.  FIG. 5 a    (hook-and-loop fastener) and  FIG. 5 b    (screws). The rail  5  and a binding can be moulded in one piece. In another embodiment, the rail  5 , a binding and a motor, optionally also other elements, can form an integral unit, such that it moves in a plate  6  or in the ski. 
       FIGS. 6 e - i    show different embodiments where the ski comprises a groove or a channel  21  able to house or accommodate an energy transfer means  22 ,  23 . The energy transfer means  22  exhibits a worm screw capable of being turned. The energy transfer means  22  exhibits a rod in or on which the binding, or a part of the binding  2 , is fastened. Here, it is fastened with the aid of a screw, but other alternatives can also be used.  FIGS. 10 a - b    show a groove or a channel  21  that is wholly or partly closed. In this embodiment, the motor  3  can either be placed in the ski, on top of the ski or in the binding. 
       FIG. 5 d    shows moreover a rail  5  that can be pulled back and forth with the aid of a worm screw. This embodiment may be an alternative embodiment of that shown in  FIGS. 1 a - c    or  6   e.    
       FIGS. 10 a - b    show, as mentioned, an embodiment of the invention where a rail  5 ;  22 ;  23  or an energy transfer means runs in a groove or a channel  21  in the ski itself. In this embodiment, the ski itself functions as a mounting plate  6 . The opening  24  can house the energy transfer means and other elements such as motor, control system and/or battery.  FIGS. 8 a  and 8 c    show an alternative way of using the opening. Here, a mounting plate  6  is provided with an open chamber  25  that can be placed in the opening  24  or a corresponding opening.  FIG. 8 c    shows a motor  3  placed in the chamber  25 , where it is able to pull on a rail lying above in the mounting plate  6 .  FIG. 8 a    shows a plate  6  that can be glued/bonded onto the ski,  FIG. 8 c    showing a plate  6  that can be screwed onto the ski. The chamber  25  can also hold elements such as control system and/or battery. 
       FIG. 8 b    shows an embodiment of a short plate  6 , where the heel piece  4  is separate and fixed. 
       FIG. 9 a    shows an embodiment comprising two plates  6 , where a heel piece is movable with a rail that extends through both plates. 
       FIG. 9 b    shows standardised fastening means  25  at the front of the mounting plate  6 . The advantage of these is that a motor, a battery, a closing plate etc. can all fit into the same fastening means, i.e., that they are interchangeable. 
       FIGS. 11 a - e   ,  FIGS. 17 a - e  and 18 a - c    show different manual embodiments  13  of the invention where the motor has been replaced by a manipulatable moving and locking mechanism  26 ,  27 . Such a manual embodiment may be relevant for skiers who would like a less expensive product or who do not want the bother of advanced systems. This embodiment can also be a less expensive start package for a skier who would like the possibility of upgrading to a more advanced system at a later stage. This manipulatable moving and locking mechanism  26 ,  27  fits in the standardised fastening means  25 . The moving mechanism may comprise a lever  26  that cooperates with a flexible tongue-like section  28  of the rail  5 . By tilting the lever back and forth, the rail  5  and thus the binding, can also be moved. 
     In the specific embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 a - e   , the flexible tongue-like section  28  is arranged such that it bends up when the lever  26  is tilted upwards over the tilting point, and down on the other side. The point of attachment  35  of the section to the lever  26  is chosen such that the longitudinal force on the rail is sufficiently large that the rail, and thus the binding components  2 , can be securely moved even though snow buildup or icing has occurred. 
       FIGS. 17 a - e  and 18 a - c    show an embodiment like the one shown in  FIGS. 11 a - e   , where the point of attachment  35  of the tongue-like section  28  to the lever  26  also comprises transverse pins  36  that fit into suitable grooves or notches  37 ,  37 ′ in the fixed part of the moving and locking mechanism  27 . The point of attachment  35  of the section  28  to the lever  26  can, in an embodiment, comprise a transverse stud with ends or pins  36  that project on each side of the lever  26 . These projecting pins  36  fit into complementary notches  37 ,  37 ′ in the fixed part of the moving and locking mechanism  27 , one pair  27  in front of the lever&#39;s  26  point of rotation  38 , and one pair  27 ′ to the rear. The advantage of this is that the energy from the skier via the rail  5  is taken up directly by the fixed part of the moving and locking mechanism  27  without being transferred via various links, The notches  37 ,  37 ′ can further be configured such that the pins  36  can be snapped into the notches by means of snap locks  39 , thereby ensuring the pins  36  are held in place and cannot spring up during skiing. A solution of this kind will also help to lock the lever  26  in a locked horizontal direction, so as to prevent it from swinging up in a undesirable manner during skiing. If that were to happen, the binding would “float” loosely on top of the ski, which would in every way be unfavourable and perhaps even dangerous. 
       FIGS. 11 a  and 16 a - d    show a separate tongue-like section  28  that is mounted on a rail  5 . The section  28  may also be part of the actual rail. e.g., in that the rail is basically sufficiently flexible (ref.  FIGS. 11 b - e   ) or in that the rail is tapered at the front. The rail can also be provided with a transverse line of weakness that forms a bending zone or bending point. A separate section  28  can also be fastened to the rail by means of a hinged joint.  FIGS. 16 a - d    show an alternative rail  5  with a section  28 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16 a - d   , the rail  5  comprises two sets of five grooves  23 . It should be understood that fewer or more than five grooves  23  can be used, as well as fewer or more sets of grooves. The advantage of using more grooves  23  is that the binding or binding components  2  can be pre-positioned before the binding or binding components  2  are moved/displaced dynamically whilst in motion with the aid of a motor  3 , optionally with the aid of a manual system. This provides several “layers” of positioning possibilities, e.g., in connection with user/skier adaptation (weight, weight change, proficiency), snow conditions or track profile. In the last-mentioned case, it is conceivable that the track profile permits a lot of poling and little skiing in the diagonal stride technique. In such an instance, the binding or binding components  2  can be pre-positioned relatively far back so as to obtain different degrees of good glide when the position is changed dynamically whilst in motion. In the foremost dynamic position, it will be possible to have relatively good grip in a short steep hill. Conversely, if the track profile has many upward slopes and thus requires a great deal of skiing in the diagonal stride technique, the binding or binding components  2  can be pre-positioned relatively far forwards thereby obtaining different degrees of good grip when the position is changed dynamically whilst in motion. In the rearmost dynamic position, it will be possible to have relatively good glide on flatter terrain. 
       FIGS. 11 a - e    show a rail  5  with one set of one groove  23 . It will be understood that this rail can instead comprise a rail  5  of the type shown in  FIGS. 16 a - d   , i.e., having more grooves  23  in order to allow the aforementioned pre-positioning. The same applies to all the other illustrated embodiments comprising one or more sets of one groove  23 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an alternative manual embodiment  13  comprising a rotary wheel  29  that moves the binding or binding components  2  back and forth. The housing  30  fits and is fixed in the standardised fastening means  25 . The rotary wheel  29  may comprise toothed wheels or cams (not shown) that pull the rail back and forth. The rotary wheel  29 , the toothed wheel(s) and/or cam(s) are fixed relative to the ski in the standardised fastening means  25 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a further alternative embodiment comprising a longitudinal groove  9  and a plurality of transverse grooves  10  that are arranged in a housing  30 . The housing  30  is fixedly mounted relative to the ski in the standardised fastening means  25 . A lever  12  is mounted in connection with the rail  5  such that the lever  12  can be moved from one transverse groove to another. The distance between grooves  10  determines the distance between the different positions of the binding  2 . An overcentre mechanism, screw button or laterally arranged lever etc. is also conceivable. 
       FIG. 14  shows a locking plate or a locking housing  31 . This can be configured such that it fits in the standardised fastening means  25 . The grooves or notches  31  are configured so as to engage with corresponding grooves/notches  7  in the rail  5  so as thereby to lock the binding or binding components  2  fixed in one position. This position can per se be altered by removing the plate  31 , adjusting the position of the rail  5 /binding or binding components  2 , and then replacing the plate  31 . A single plate  31  of this kind can be a temporary solution or sold as a future-compatible system that can be upgraded with a manual or dynamic embodiment. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 14  shows the mounting plate  6 , the rail  5  and the binding components  2  as a three-part unit in which no reciprocal movement is allowed. In this embodiment, the rail  5  is locked to the mounting plate  6  in the longitudinal direction, and the binding components grip around the mounting plate and the rail such that the three parts form an interlocked three-part unit which cannot be moved in any direction, in this case with the aid of the locking plate  31 .  FIG. 14  shows a locking plate  31  that is arranged at the front, but it will be understood that it can be arranged at a point in the middle of or behind the mounting plate system. The locking devices between the mounting plate  6  and the rail  5  and between the rail  5  and the binding components  2  prevent longitudinal movement of the unit, whilst the binding components that grip around the mounting plate and the rail prevent movement in all other directions.  FIG. 14  shows use of a locking plate  31 , but the rail can also be secured in the longitudinal direction with the aid of other locking devices. An embodiment of such alternative locking devices can comprise locking devices between the rail  5  and the mounting plate  6 , either an intermeshing solution (i.e., a form of direct interlocking) or one or more intermediate, separate locking devices. In both the last-mentioned cases, the locking devices between the rail  5  and the mounting plate  6  can be located underneath the rail  5  or around the edge of the rail  5 . 
     An embodiment of direct interlocking is shown in  FIG. 19 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rail  5  comprises “wings”  41  that fit into complementary pockets  42  in the mounting plate  6 . The mounting plate  6  can comprise a plurality of pockets, so that the longitudinal position of the rail  5  can be adjusted. In addition, there may be a number of grooves  23  or similar locking means on top of the rail  5  for additional possible positioning. In an embodiment, the rail  5  shown in  FIG. 19  can be reversed or turned, both transversely and longitudinally. Turning it upside down will give different interfaces above and below the rail  5 , such that different types of bindings, e.g., from different manufacturers can be mounted. A similar possibility may conceivably be obtained by turning the rail in the longitudinal direction, in addition to being able to obtain an adjustment of position in the longitudinal direction: Instead of wings/pockets, similar solutions are possible. e.g., complementary undercuts/grooves, complementary notches, snap locks, swivel locks etc. 
       FIGS. 20 a - c    show how interface can be varied and adapted to different use and/or different binding systems. The illustrated rail  5  is a manual embodiment, but it will be understood that it could just as easily be a dynamic or fixed embodiment. 
     The aforementioned manual embodiment can also be used as a handy spare part that can be taken along during use. If the skier should run into problems with an electric motor, e.g., in that it runs out of battery, is damaged or starts to run sluggishly, the motor  3  can easily be changed and replaced with the manual embodiment as it has the standardised fastening means  25 . The standardised fastening means  25  can be used by both manual and dynamic/electric elements, such that everything can be interchangeable. 
     The manual embodiments will per se not allow the dynamic positioning/gearing that has been referred to above, but will allow future upgrading to a dynamic system or be a temporary alternative. In certain cases, the skier may wish to use a manual system, e.g., during expeditions or on longer trips without access to electricity. The system can thus be modular. 
     The positions or the positioning of the binding or binding components  2  mentioned above can be discrete or continuous. 
     If the system is electric and makes use of electrical signals, these signals can be given or sent from buttons, levers, switches, sensitive zones or similar means, which, for example, can be arranged on a glove or ski pole. Such means could then be said to constitute control or operating means. Other locations and actuating methods are also conceivable. For example, there could be three buttons, “forwards/good grip”, “neutral/standard” and “backwards/good glide”. The system could also be stepless. 
     In addition, there could be a separate position for fastening the ski shoe to the binding/ski. It is, e.g., conceivable that in addition to a forward, centre and rear position, there is a “fourth position” that opens the binding. In this fourth position, the binding can be open and the skier can put on or take off the ski. If the skier wishes to put the ski on, the binding can be locked by being moved to the forward, middle or rear position (there could of course be more positions). Alternatively, the binding could be locked electrically in the fourth position. This aspect can also be combined with a step-in solution, where the skier can step into the binding in any position, but must move the binding to the fourth position for the step-in binding to open. In any case, it is possible to provide a manual open/close system that allows opening in emergencies or in a simpler version of the system. 
     Although an electric motor  3  is described, a pneumatic system, hydraulic system, mechanical system etc. that is capable of pushing the binding or the binding components  2  back and forth between different longitudinal positions can also be used. Such alternative systems can be electrically actuatable. 
     If an electric motor  3  is used, the system must comprise an energy source  7  in the form of an energy storage element (battery, capacitor, spring/dynamo etc.) This or these may be arranged in connection with the motor  3 , at another point on the binding or the ski, in the shoe or at a point on the skier&#39;s body. Furthermore, the system may comprise a signal transponder or other communication means/microprocessor that receives a signal, processes it and sends a signal on to the motor  3  causing it to push the binding back and forth. 
     The motor, the manual embodiment or the locked embodiment can be attached to the ski/plate in different ways. The fact that they are lockably connected results in the advantages mentioned above, i.e., that the skier has the option of changing or upgrading sub-elements. This applies not only to the motor, the manual embodiment or the locked embodiment, but also to the rail, binding, battery etc. 
     Since the forces transferred from the skier via the binding to the ski will be large, the system may comprise elements that lock the binding in the selected position after the motor  3  has displaced the binding (only shown for the manual system). The locking element should in that case be of such a kind that it withstands strong applied forces. Instead of separate locking elements, the locking element may be a part of the electric motor  3  or a pneumatic system, hydraulic system, mechanical system etc. 
     In an embodiment, the locking element may be arranged in connection with the electromotor, e.g., in that a rotating shaft from a motor, optionally via a gearing, is locked in the axial direction. The shaft can thus rotate freely whilst axial forces that are transferred from the binding to the shaft are taken up by the locking element. If the shaft from the electromotor transfers rotational forces via a simple gear system to another shaft, the shaft from the electromotor will in any case not be affected by any axial play or migration that may arise, either through necessary tolerances or wear in the locking element. 
     One or more sensors, in or in connection with a electric actuator, the motor  3  or pneumatic system, hydraulic system, mechanical system etc. can optionally sense and send a signal back to the transponder/microprocessor with information on the position and state of the binding. 
     It will be understood that the system according to the electric version of the present invention in most cases should be sealed or protected from water ingress. Ingress of snow, ice and condensation can also pose a problem against which the system can or should be protected. To mitigate condensation problems, heating elements can be arranged on the inside of the wholly or partly sealed chambers, e.g., in the form of electric resistance/heat wires that emit sufficient heat to cause the condensation to evaporate and penetrate out of the system. One or more of the elements in the system, e.g., the biased spring or springs can per se form such electric resistance/heat wires. Such a drying process can be initiated automatically or manually in connection with charging the power source, i.e., preferably a battery. Alternatively, condensation problems can be mitigated by providing suitable air vents or the like. These can be arranged such that condensation escapes whist snow and ice are not admitted. 
     An advantageous aspect of the present invention is that all the elements, including electromotor, binding, plate/interface (interface usually designates the interface between plate and binding. Different types of bindings and/or binding manufacturers can have different interface), transfer element, fastening means on the shoe/sole etc., can be made independent of one another, i.e., that each element can be improved and changed individually without other elements necessarily being affected or having to be changed. 
     Thus, each element can also be manufactured as “off-the-shelf items” that can be used for different norms, systems and areas of utilisation (professional, performance, touring, back-country etc.). 
     The plate can per se be replaceable. Different types of bindings can be configured to fit the plate. The transfer means can fit different types of bindings at one end, whilst it fits different types of electromotor at the other end. 
     In the above examples and embodiments, a binding system is described that is adjusted as desired by the skier, that is to say, that the skier himself decides what position the binding should have on the ski by sending a signal to the binding system, for example, by pressing on buttons or the like on his glove or ski pole. A fully or semi-automatic system is also conceivable where different sensors in the binding system gather relevant information, such as speed, angles, acceleration, application of force etc. for calculating what the optimal position for the binding is, after which movement of the binding takes place automatically. Such a system can be overridden by manual buttons if the skier is not satisfied with the position of the binding. 
     The examples above show that the binding or binding components  2  are moved as a whole. Individual elements of the binding, e.g., flexor(s), gripping mechanism or other parts can also be moved independent of each other or some elements, but not all. Then a part of the binding will remain fixed whilst other parts are moved. 
     Default mode can be said to be a neutral setting that represents a compromise between all actuatable positions and settings. In the first instance, default mode can be thought of as corresponding to the positions and settings that a conventional ski/binding/shoe will assume/have without the possibility of adjustment. The system can go into default mode when a battery level is low, ski poles break, the control unit(s) cease to work, one or more functions or parts of the system stop functioning as intended because of electrical, mechanical, control, temperature, moisture or other relevant factors or conditions. 
     According to one embodiment of the invention, default mode can be selected in advance, such that certain properties are accorded importance when or if a battery level is low, ski poles break, the control unit(s) cease to function etc. 
     If the operating controls are located on the ski poles, it may be decided to have a redundant system where both poles or both gloves comprise operating controls. The operating controls on both ski poles will then be able to control the system. If one of the poles breaks, the other pole with operating controls will then control the system. Similarly, if something should happen to one of the gloves, the system will still be operable. If both poles should break, or both gloves should be damaged or lost, the system will go into default mode, either factory-defined or pre-determined by the skier or service crew, optionally the system can be controlled externally by the service crew or trainer. 
     As an alternative to changing the position of a binding on a ski, one or more of the elements in the system described above can also be used to alter the properties of the ski in such a way that the net effect will be the same or similar. The purpose of changing the binding position is to make use of changes in the ski camber to achieve a gear effect. Such a gear effect can also be obtained by changing the properties of the ski directly. This can be achieved in that a motor, an energy transfer means, a power source and a control system are used to regulate the rigidity of the whole or parts of the ski, move the ski camber and/or wax pocket, change the configuration of the wax pocket. The properties of the ski can also be changed in other ways, e.g., in that a voltage or current changes the material properties (rigidity/surface/spring-constant etc.) of the ski. 
     The invention thus relates to a mounting system for a binding or a binding component  2 ;  4  on a cross-country ski, where a mounting plate  6  is arranged on a top surface of the ski and where the mounting plate  6  comprises longitudinal side edges that have a profile  33  with undercuts for longitudinal positioning and attachment of the binding, or the binding component  2 ;  4  with the aid of a complementary profile  34  on the binding or the binding components  2 ;  4 . 
     An aspect of the invention is that the mounting plate  6  comprises a longitudinal channel  21  that houses a longitudinal rail  5 , where the upper side of the rail  5  comprises at least one locking device  20 ;  23 , and where the underside of the binding or binding components  2 ;  4  comprises at least one complementary locking device. 
     A second aspect of the invention is that the locking device on the rail and the complementary locking device on the binding or binding component  2 ;  4  are designed to lock together whilst the complementary profile on the binding or binding component  2 ;  4  grips around the profile with undercuts on the mounting plate. 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the rail  5  is designed to slide longitudinally back and forth in the channel  21 . 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the rail  5  is designed to slide longitudinally back and forth in the channel  21  with the aid of a motor  3 . 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the rail  5  constitutes an energy transfer means between a motor  3  and the binding or binding component  2 . 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the rail  5  comprises grooves, ridges, bosses, arms or holes  7 ;  20 ;  23  on the upper side, the underside, the edges or combinations thereof, where the grooves, ridges, bosses, arms or holes form energy transfer means that directly or indirectly receive energy from the motor. 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the rail  5  is designed to sit firmly in the channel. 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the rail  5  comprises locking devices on the underside or around the edge that cooperates with complementary locking devices in the mounting plate. 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the rail  5  in front comprises a flexible tongue-like section  28  that is designed to cooperate with a moving and locking mechanism  27 , which moving and locking mechanism  27  comprises a fixed part  41  and a rotatable lever  26 , the fixed part  41  being fixedly mounted relative to the ski, where the flexible tongue-like section  28  is fastened to the lever  26  at a point of attachment  35  that is located between the centre of rotation of the lever  26  and the outer end  40  of the lever&#39;s  26  manipulatable part, the lever  26  forming an overcentre mechanism that is designed to move the point of attachment  35 , and thus the rail  5 , back and forth in the longitudinal direction in the channel  21 . 
     A further aspect of the invention is that between the lever&#39;s  26  centre of rotation  38  and the outer end  40  of the lever&#39;s manipulatable part there are further provided transverse pins  36  that fit into separate grooves or notches  37 ;  37 ′ in the first part  41  of the moving and locking mechanism  27 . 
     A further aspect of the invention is that the grooves or notches  37 ;  37 ′ in the fixed part  41  comprise snap locks  39 .