Patent ID: 7201392

Claim:
An improved downhill ski binding for connecting a boot to an elongated ski having a substantially planar upper surface on which the binding is mounted, comprising: a boot plate securable to the boot having a forward end and a rearward end; a pivotal toe section affixed to the forward cad of the boot plate constraining motion of the boat plate relative to the ski such that the rearward end of the boot plate can pivot in multiple directions relative to the ski; and a locking means for dynamically locking the rearward end of the boot plate proximate the ski after a pre-selected number of skating motions; a ski plate having a forward and a rearward end, the ski plate secured to the ski at least at the pivotal toe section and disposed between the ski and the boot plate; and wherein the locking means further comprises an operative engagement means allowing the rearward end of the boot plate to pivotably disengage from an engaged position adjacent the rearward end of the ski plate for the pre-selected number of skating steps and securing in the engaged position the rearward end of number of skating steps and securing in the engaged position the rearward end of the boot plate to the ski plate after the pre-selected number of skating motions.