Ski binding and ski therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a ski binding that includes an elastic buffer adapted to exert a return force on a boot when the boot heel is raised from the upper surface of the ski. The elastic buffer has a support surface adapted to come into abutment against the bottom of the sole of the ski boot, the support surface forming an angle with a plane substantially parallel to the upper surface of the ski ranging between 0° and 80°. The invention also relates to a ski in combination with the aforementioned binding.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of French Patent Application No. 09 02922, filed on Jun. 16, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.[0002]This application also relates to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. P38523), filed concurrently with this application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The invention relates to a ski binding for the practice of Nordic skiing, in which the skier alternately raises and lowers the heel, such as when practicing Telemark skiing, ski touring, roller skiing, or cross-country skiing. The invention also relates to a ski including such a binding.[0005]2. Description of Background and Other Information[0006]Ski bindings for the practice of Nordic skiing generally comprise a plate provided with a retaining devi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Therefore, the present invention provides an improved binding, which enables a better handling of the ski by optimizing the transmission of steering forces or of sensory information between the skier and the ski.

[0015]Thus, during compression of the elastic buffer, according to the invention, the support surface no longer comes into abutment against the end of the skier's foot but is offset to be under the skier's foot, which makes it possible to increase the force exerted by the skier, because the skier exerts an essentially vertical force, and also provides the skier with better support stability and greater precision of movement.

[0016]The lever effect around the transverse connector of the boot is accentuated so that torsion of the boot is reduced in the area of the upper and the sole, which improves handling, i.e., allowing for a better control of the ski.

[0017]Moreover, the feeling of comfort is progressive in the entire boot, the skier no longer noticing any abrupt change in the flexibility of the sole of the boot. This results in a better sensory transmission between the skier's foot and the ski.

[0019]As a result, there is sufficient space between the fixed jaw and the rear edge of the support surface to allow for the pivoting of the ski boot on the binding without requiring any raised support or wedge, or any particular cavity provided in the binding.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the upper is less flexible at the end of foot than in other areas, which can cause discomfort for the skier after prolonged use.

Moreover, the end of the skier's foot does not always provide a stable support enabling the skier to have satisfactory control of the ski handling and sensory sensations to be properly transmitted in the area of the skier's foot.

Images