Rear attachment element for ski mountaineering

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rear binding for ski touring, comprising a binding system, a braking system having at least one lever (30) and a control plate (40) pivotally mounted on the lever (30), and an elastic element (50) arranged to cooperate with the braking system. In an uphill mode, the control plate (40) is held against a stop element by the action of the elastic element, the control plate being positioned so as to form a climbing wedge and provide support to the heel of a boot, preventing the boot from being attached to the binding system.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ski equipment and more particularly to ski touring. It relates, more particularly, to a rear binding element for ski touring. State of the art

[0002] Ski touring is a sport that involves skiing down more or less difficult alpine routes. For uphill sections, the skis are equipped with anti-roll bands, called seal skins in reference to the systems used at the origin of the discipline. To allow walking with skis on your feet, the ski binding allows the heel of the boot to be freed, while the boot is articulated at the ankle to allow the ankle to rotate forward and backward. For downhill runs, the skis allow for alpine techniques and have metal edges. The skins are removed, the bindings allow the front and back of the boot to be secured to the ski. The boots can be stiffened at the ankle joint, to allow for normal support on the tongue.

[0003] In terms of safety, bindings offer release options in the event of stress, in order to protect the skier. Thus, if the ski comes off, it is no longer attached to the boot. To avoid losing the ski, which could then disappear under the snow or continue to slide down the slope, either a link called a leash or a braking system known as ski stops, commonly used in alpine skiing, is used.

[0004] A leash simply allows you to attach the ski to your boot, elastically or not. The system is lightweight and effective. However, it must be detached and reattached for certain operations, such as putting the skins back on or putting the skis on a backpack for a walk. These operations are sometimes difficult to perform, especially with gloves, because the attachment systems are generally made up of a small carabiner-type loop. In addition, when the ski is only held by the leash, there are relatively significant risks, especially in the event of a fall, that the ski could hit the skier and injure them, especially with the sharp metal edges.

[0005] The ski-stop type brake system is provided with at least one lever 30 mounted to rotate on a base 28, along an axis X, and a control plate pivotally mounted on the lever along an axis X2 parallel to the axis X. The brake system is capable of evolving between a so-called "descent" mode, in which the lever pivots between a trigger position and a triggered position. A spring member tends to push the lever into the triggered position. In the trigger position, the lever is above the lower level of the ski board and has no braking effect. It is positioned thus under the action of a support, typically of a boot, on the control plate, against the elastic member, when the boot is engaged in the binding and in particular in the rear part of the binding (called the heel piece), to perform a descent.In the released position, there is no boot engaged in the binding, after a fall for example, and the lever is below the lower level of the ski board, under the action of the elastic member. The lever can then anchor itself in the snow to brake the ski and prevent it from rolling down the slope.

[0006] For use in ski touring, it is understood that the brake system must offer an additional mode, called "uphill", in which the lever is held above the lower level of the ski board, without the heel of the boot being engaged in the rear part of the binding.

[0007] This is particularly the case with one of the binding standards mainly used, called "Low tech", which has a binding in two independent parts, one for the front of the boot and the other for the rear. The rear part of the binding has a base 10 capable of being fixed on the ski. On this base 10 is mounted a stud 12 allowing the connection with the boot. Usually, the stud 12 comprises two rods 14, movable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the main plane of the ski. In downhill mode, these rods 14 can be placed in housings 16 which comprise a metal part 18, inserted and fixed in the heel of the boot.

[0008] For the climbing sections, certain lightweight models intended for competition in particular, comprise a movable cover 20, pivotally mounted on the stud 12 between a position in which it leaves the rods 14 free to engage in the housings 16 of the shoe, and a position in which it forms a support surface for the shoe, preventing the rods 14 from engaging in said housings 16. This type of binding comprises a single angular operating position along the z axis. In other words, if the stud 12 can pivot on the base 10 to allow safety release, the stud 12 only has one angular position for normal operation, with reference to the base 10. In general, this type of binding offers only a single climbing position, in this case defined by the support offered by the cover 20.

[0009] Various solutions for ski stops adapted for ski touring are known in the state of the art, in which a manually operable locking system is provided, capable of cooperating with the levers to keep them in an uphill mode. However, these locking systems are not very easy to handle, and can get stuck with freezing snow. Their design is complex, because they must not hinder the passage of the levers in their release or released mode, for the downhill phases. The locking can be carried out for example by rotation of the heel piece, or by translation of a lockable slide. If these solutions can be used for leisure or sport touring bindings, they are poorly suited for lightweight bindings, used in competition, comprising a heel piece equipped with a cover 20 as mentioned above.

[0010] For example, we know the document FR2999091 which proposes a system in which the ski-stop system can be blocked by a blocking system, to keep the brakes in the raised position during the ascent phases. The binding includes a pedal, pivoting freely on a part formed by the brake lever. This pedal can be raised manually to form a climbing wedge. This system can only work with a brake blocking system and it is necessary to position the pedal correctly, and manually, to make it a climbing wedge.

[0011] The simplicity and lightness of the heels of competition bindings make it difficult to combine ski brakes without major modification.

[0012] The present invention thus aims to propose a ski stop system compatible with a ski mountaineering binding heel piece, that is to say light and simple which, moreover, is simple and effective to use, limiting the number of manipulations to be carried out. Disclosure of the invention

[0013] More specifically, the invention relates to a ski brake system as defined in the first claim.

[0014] Another object of the invention relates to a rear binding for touring skis, comprising: an attachment system intended to be fixed to a ski board, and arranged to cooperate with the heel of a ski boot, to be fixed to said boot in a so-called "downhill" operating mode, and to provide support to said boot, without a rigid connection, in a so-called "uphill" operating mode, a base intended to be fixed to a ski board, and a brake system as defined in the first claim.

[0015] Other advantageous features are mentioned in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, made with reference to the appended drawing in which: there Figure 1is a perspective view of a rear binding according to a first embodiment described for illustrative purposes, in descent mode and in the released position, when no shoe is attached to the binding, the Figure 2 is a side view of the rear attachment according to this first embodiment, in mounting mode, the Figures 3 and 4 are side views of the rear binding according to the first embodiment, when changing from the ascent mode to the descent mode, in the release position, by engaging a shoe, figs 5 and 6 represent a chronological sequence of side views of the rear binding of the first embodiment, when changing from the descent mode in the release position to the released position, by disengaging a shoe, the Figures 7 and 8 are perspective and sectional views of another embodiment which is the subject more specifically of the present patent application, the figures 9 to 12represent a chronological sequence of sectional views of the rear binding according to the invention, when changing from ascent mode to descent mode, in the triggered position, the Figure 13 is a sectional view of this rear binding in descent mode, in the release position, the figure 14 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment, the figures 15, 16 and 17 represent another further embodiment, in side view on the Figure 15 and in partial section for the figures 16 and 17 , and the figure 18 represents a variant of the present invention. Method of carrying out the invention

[0017] It has been represented on the figures 1 to 6, a rear binding for touring skis according to a first embodiment given as an illustration of the invention. This comprises a base 10 intended to be fixed to a ski board 22, as well as an attachment system arranged to cooperate with the heel of a ski boot. This attachment system is, preferably, an attachment system of the type known for ski mountaineering bindings. It comprises a stud 12 allowing the connection with the boot. Usually, the stud 12 comprises two rods 14, movable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski and parallel to the main plane of the ski. When the boot is assembled on the binding, these rods 14 can be placed in housings 16 which comprise a metal part 18, inserted and fixed in the heel of the boot.

[0018] For the climbing parts, the rear binding comprises a movable cover 20, pivotally mounted on the stud 12 between a position in which it leaves the rods 14 free to engage in the housings 16 of the shoe, and a position in which it forms a support surface for the shoe, preventing the rods 14 from engaging in the housings 16. As mentioned previously, the stud 12 of this type of binding comprises a single angular operating position, along the z axis. In other words, if the stud 12 can pivot on the base 10 to allow safety release, the stud 12 only has one angular position for normal operation, with reference to the base 10. In general, this type of binding offers only a single climbing position, in this case defined by the support offered by the cover 20.

[0019] Thus, in a so-called "downhill" operating mode, the rear binding is attached to said boot, and in a so-called "uphill" mode, the rear binding is capable of providing support to said boot, without a rigid connection. The boot is then connected to the ski only by a pivoting system, located at the front of the boot, which there is no need to describe in detail because it is well known and does not form part of the invention.

[0020] The binding also comprises a brake system provided with at least one lever 30 mounted to rotate on a base 28, along an axis X, not sliding. The brake system is also provided with a control plate 40 pivotally mounted on the lever 30 along an axis X2 parallel to the axis X, and connected by an elastic member 50 to the base 28, in the first embodiment described.

[0021] The brake system is able to evolve between a so-called "downhill" mode, which it occupies when the binding is also in downhill mode, i.e. when the shoe is engaged in the rear binding, and a so-called "uphill" mode which it occupies when the binding is also in uphill mode, i.e. when the shoe is not engaged in the rear binding. In the downhill mode, the lever 30 is able to pivot between a release position and a released position.

[0022] In the triggered position, the lever 30 is above the lower level of the ski board 22 (i.e. above the level of the sole) under the action of a pressure on the control plate 40, against the action of the elastic member 50. Preferably, the lever 30 is even maintained above the upper level of the ski board 22. In this position, the levers 30 have almost no interaction with the snow, and have no braking action. In the triggered position, the lever 30 is below the lower level of the ski board 22, under the action of the elastic member 50. In this position, the levers 30 can anchor themselves in the snow and brake the ski. Thus, in this downhill mode, the brake system operates in a similar manner to a conventional brake system, including the type used in alpine skiing.

[0023] In the uphill mode, the lever 30 is positioned above the lower level of the ski board 22, preferably above the upper level of the ski board 22.

[0024] In this embodiment, the brake system is arranged so that, in the ascent mode, the lever 30, preferably the levers, is held in position autonomously. Autonomously means that the only constituent elements of the brake system, namely the lever 30, the control plate 40 and the elastic member 50, allow the brake system to be held in place when it is mounted on the ski. Unlike the systems known from the state of the art, there is therefore no separate locking system to be actuated, to maintain the brake system in the ascent mode. In addition, the brake system is arranged so as to automatically switch to descent mode, when the attachment system switches to descent mode by putting on a boot.In other words, the engagement of a shoe in the attachment system, which occurs when putting it on to begin a descent, automatically causes the braking system to switch to descent mode.

[0025] More precisely but not limitingly, the brake system comprises two levers 30 intended to be placed on either side of the ski, thus allowing an action in the snow symmetrical with respect to the ski. The levers 30 are formed of a rod folded into two successive U-shapes. The rod forms a first U, the central branch 32 of which cooperates with the control plate 40 along the axis X2. The control plate comprises a main body, of generally parallelepiped shape, crossed by the central branch 32. The lateral branches 34 of the first U extend into two cuffs 36, parallel to the central branch 32 and which form the central branch of the second U, the central part of which opposite the central branch 32 is therefore absent. These cuffs 36 cooperate with the base 28 along the axis X and are then extended by anchors 38 intended to sink into the snow in the triggered position.

[0026] At a first end, located on the side of the stud 12, the control plate has a cylindrical opening 41, oriented along the axis X2 and inside which the central branch 32 of the first U of the rod is pivotally adjusted. At a second end, opposite the first, the control plate 40 is connected to the elastic member 50.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the control plate 40 is pierced with a hole 42, oriented parallel to the axis X and to the axis X2, to receive an elastic member 50, for example of the wire type, connected to the base 28, but other possibilities of spring members and connection with the control plate 40 are conceivable. For example, it is possible to provide an additional U for the lever and mount the pivoting control plate on intermediate branches, while a spring is arranged between the central branch and a bar passing through X3 ( Fig. 7 ).

[0028] Thus, the control plate 40 can pivot around the central branch of the lever 30, putting the elastic member 50 under more or less tension, depending on the angular position of the hole 42 and therefore its distance from the base 28 and therefore from the attachment point of the elastic member 50.

[0029] Advantageously, the two lower edges of the control plate 40, oriented substantially parallel to the axes X and X2 and located or intended to be located on the side of the ski board 22, are shaped in a particular manner.

[0030] Thus, the control plate 40 comprises, on the side of the edge 43 and close to the opening 41, a pair of fins 45, arranged on either side of the part of the plate crossed by the branch 32. The fins 45 are arranged to cooperate with the ends of the central branch 32, protruding on either side of the main body of the plate. As can be seen in the Figure 2, the fins 45 define a first stop, against which the levers come to bear, under the action of the elastic member 50, when the control plate 40 is in the raising mode. In this position, the resultant of the forces exerted on the control plate by the elastic member 50 and the bearing forces between the fins 45 and the levers 30 is substantially zero. Thus, when the control plate 40 is oriented so as to put the fins 45 in contact with the branch 32, a first stable position of the lever 30 is defined:

[0031] The edge 46 located on the side opposite the stud 12 has a substantially cylindrical surface, the main axis of which is oriented parallel to the axis X. This cylindrical surface is therefore capable of rolling (with or without sliding) on ​​the ski board 22, when the control plate 40 pivots on the central branch 32 of the rod.

[0032] The control plate 40 further comprises two projecting edges 47, located close to the opening 41 along the axis X2, on either side of this opening, that is to say opposite the fins 45, on the other side of the opening 41 relative to the axis X2. As can be seen on the Figure 1 , these edges 47 are located on the side of the ski board 22, when the control plate 40 is oriented in the position corresponding to the descent mode, triggered. The edges 47 are shaped to provide support to the lateral branches 34 of the first U of the levers 30 and define a stop. In this position, the resultant of the forces exerted on the control plate by the elastic member 50 and the support forces between the edges 47 and the levers 30 is substantially zero. Thus, when the control plate 40 is oriented so as to put the edges 47 in contact with the branches 34, a second stable position of the lever 30 is defined.

[0033] Thus, as understood from the above description and as will be further understood below, when the control plate 40 is in the raised position ( fig. 2 ), the vector of the force exerted by the elastic member 50 on the control plate is located at a higher level relative to the axis X2 and tends to rotate the control plate 40 around this axis X2, in a first direction, so that the control plate pivots upwards. As explained above, the fixing system is then in a stable position, thanks to the cooperation between the fins 45 and the branch 32, the resultant of these forces being zero or substantially zero.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the binding system is in the uphill position, pressure exerted on the control plate 40, in the direction of the ski board 22, typically pressure exerted by a boot when putting on the skis to switch to downhill mode, causes the control plate 40 to rotate ( Fig. 3). At least initially, the control plate 40 will roll on the upper surface of the ski board 22. This rotation causes the vector of the force exerted by the elastic member 50 to move to a lower level relative to the axis X2 and tends to rotate the control plate 40 around this axis X2, in a second direction, opposite to the first, so that the control plate 40 pivots downwards. This passage of the vector of the elastic force, on the other side of the axis X2, causes the binding system to automatically switch to the descent mode, described above. Depending on the presence of the boot, the position will be triggered or more logically triggered, if the boot engages in the binding. In other words, as can be seen in the Figure 4 , the support of the shoe on the control plate 40, prevents the elastic member from bringing the branches 34 into contact with the edges 47.

[0035] As illustrated on the Figures 5 and 6 , a release from the release position, releases the brakes, up to the released position, in which the branches 34 are in contact with the edges 47 ( fig. 6 ).

[0036] In the downhill position, the successive putting on and taking off of the bindings corresponding respectively to the passages in the release and released positions, maintain the orientation of the vector of the forces of the elastic member in relation to the X2 axis. The binding system can pass between the release position and the released position, like a traditional alpine ski binding.

[0037] To return the control plate 40 to the raising mode, the latter is manipulated directly. More particularly, the user tilts it to arm the elastic member 50 and make it pass the tilting position, in which the vector of the forces of the elastic member 50 is aligned with X2. Once this tilting position is passed, the forces exerted by the elastic member 50 return the control plate 40 to the stable raising position, resting on the lever by the fins 45.

[0038] In this embodiment, the transition to the ascent mode is done by the sole and unique manipulation (in the literal sense of the term, that is to say by a manual action of the user) of the control plate 40, without actuation of any additional device, locking or other. This manipulation can be carried out in a succession of effective actions, during which the user lowers the cover 20 to begin an ascent. The transition to the descent mode is automatic, by the sole pressure of the boot on the control plate, the pressure being inherent to the fitting of the ski boot on the binding. Without additional specific action, the binding system automatically switches to descent mode when the boot is engaged.

[0039] Naturally, the system must be sized with reference to the height relative to the ski board, of the lower surface of the boot, when it is engaged on the binding, so that putting on the boot induces a rotation of the control plate allowing the tipping point to be crossed.

[0040] THE figures 7 to 13 show another embodiment, using similar kinematics for the control plate to that of the above embodiment, but characterized by another inventive aspect at the basis of the present application.

[0041] As previously mentioned in reference to the Figure 7, the lever has an additional central U compared to the embodiment mainly described above. This central U receives the elastic member 50 which thus connects the control plate and the lever. In the example, it takes the form of a coil spring, but other types of springs can be used. The arrangement of the elastic member of the first embodiment is also possible and another arrangement will be proposed below with reference to the figures 15-17 .

[0042] On either side of the elastic member 50, the control plate 40 is rotatably mounted on the lever, along the axis X2. The branches of the lever arranged along X2 can be in continuity with the central branch of the central U or form first reverses 37, arranged parallel to X2.

[0043] As previously, the levers extend into two cuffs 36, parallel to the central branch 32. These cuffs 36 cooperate with the base 28 along the X axis and are then extended by anchors 38 intended to sink into the snow in the triggered position.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the control plate 40 comprises two legs 60 defining the lateral edges of the plate. The ends of the legs are open into a fork, each of which defines the opening 41 for the passage of the levers along the axis X2. The tension exerted by the elastic member ensures that the levers remain in place in the forks.

[0045] The control plate comprises a through opening in its middle part, parallel to the legs 60 and located between them, in which the elastic member 50 is placed. The latter, connected at a first of its ends to the lever 30, can be fixed by its other end, by any known means, to the control plate. Preferably, the elastic member is arranged so as to exert a force perpendicular to the axis of rotation X2, to limit the forces which would tend to put the control plate 40 at an angle.

[0046] The control plate 40 may also include recesses 49, substantially in the axis of the legs 60. As will be understood below, the recesses 49 are located in areas intended to be in the vicinity of the rods 14 when the rear attachment is in the raised position.

[0047] The base 28 comprises an attached plate 29 which closes a housing provided to receive the levers and allow them to pivot along the X axis, while simplifying their assembly. Advantageously, the plate 29 can be fixed to the base 10. The base 10 and the base 28 could be formed from a single piece.

[0048] According to the invention, the rear stud does not include a cover for producing the ascent wedge. To perform the ascent wedge function, the control plate 40 is capable, in the ascent mode, of coming into abutment against a stop member under the action of the elastic member 50, providing support to the shoe, particularly to its heel, to form said ascent wedge. Preferably, the control plate covers the rods 14 and provides support located at a level higher than said rods. However, it is sufficient that the shoe cannot engage in the fastening system, therefore that the rods 14 cannot engage in the housings 16. To do this, the support provided by the control plate can be located just under the rods, or in front of them, as proposed in the embodiment of the figure 14 which will be described later.

[0049] In the embodiment of the figures 7 to 13, the stop member is formed by the stud 12 or the rods 14.

[0050] A person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the shape of the control plate 40 without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the fact that the control plate 40 serves as a mounting wedge.

[0051] In the raised position, the rods 14 can be housed in the recesses 49, the shape of which is adapted for this purpose. The shape of the recesses can be advantageously adjusted so that the rods participate in the lateral support of the control plate. The elastic member keeps the control plate pressing against the rods. Advantageously, the rods also provide support for the control plate 40, when the user leans on it, during his stride. It is also possible to provide a notched engagement to provide additional locking, obtained by the cooperation of a rib in the recesses and a groove provided on one or more rods.

[0052] In this embodiment, the distal flank of the plate relative to the X axis, i.e. on the side of the edge 46, forms a support surface for the boot in the uphill position. This distal flank is substantially horizontal, i.e. parallel to the ski board, when the control plate 40 is in abutment against the stud / respectively the rods.

[0053] If other shapes are possible, a hinged portion on the control plate 40 may also be provided, which can be manually operated to pivot and take up position on the surface defined by the distal flank, to form a second height of rising wedge.

[0054] In reference to the figure 8, we see the rear binding according to the present invention, in climbing mode. The control plate 40 is raised, resting on the rods 14 and its distal flank forms a support for the shoe and thus serves as a climbing wedge. The control plate is in a substantially vertical position in this mode.

[0055] The continuation of the figures 9 to 12 illustrates the sequence and kinematics of the transition of the rear binding from ascent mode to descent mode, in this case in the triggered position on the Figure 12 , since the boot is not engaged in the binding. The actuation described here is carried out manually by the user. The latter lowers the distal end of the control plate 40 towards the ski board. By bringing the plate into contact with the ski ( Fig. 10), it moves the elastic member 50 to the other side of the tilting point. Compared to the rising mode, the elastic member this time drives the control plate 40 in the other direction of rotation ( Fig. 11 ). Under the action of the latter, the levers 30 are driven below the lower level of the ski board, until the branches 36, or where appropriate another part of the control plate, comes into abutment against the rods ( fig. 12 Or Fig. 7 ). The control plate 40 is also pressed against the ski board.

[0056] In this position, the engagement of the shoe in the binding allows you to move directly to the descent mode trigger position, shown in figure 13 The control plate 40 is then in a substantially horizontal position.

[0057] In the embodiment of the figure 14, the stop member is formed by the lever 30. To do this, the control plate 40 comprises at least one, preferably two, projecting elements, for example two fingers 70, arranged on either side of the control plate. Structures overmolded with the control plate may also be suitable. The projecting elements are arranged so as to be able to cooperate with the branches 34, like the fins 45. Thus, the ski stop system is independent of the stud and the attachment system. A torsion spring device, not shown, may be provided between the base and the lever to keep the control plate 40 in contact with the ski, by the ends of the legs 60.

[0058] It has been represented on the figures 15 to 17an additional embodiment. The control plate comprises a bar 80 connecting the two legs 60. This bar is capable of cooperating with a locking hook 82, integral with the base and extending projectingly, in an essentially vertical direction. The hook acts as a stop member to hold the control plate in position.

[0059] The elastic member 50 is here formed by at least one, preferably two, torsion spring(s), interposed between the base and the lever and exerting a force tending to bring the lever into triggered descent mode. If the control plate 40 is free to rotate on the lever 30, the elastic member 50 can, as will be understood below, exert an indirect action on the control plate, to maintain it in ascent mode.

[0060] The control plate 40 has two edges, similar to those of the first embodiment, also referenced 47, for reasons of clarity.

[0061] In triggered descent mode, shown in the Figure 15 , the locking hook 82 is not in the travel of the bar 80. The control plate 40 is held in a stable position by the elastic member, the edges 47 bearing against the levers 30.

[0062] By pressing the control plate ( figure 16 ) and turning it over to bring it into ascent mode ( Figure 17 ), the locking hook 82 is in the path of the bar 80, the latter coming to rest against the hook, under the action of the elastic member.

[0063] In this variant, the ski stop system is also independent of the stud and the attachment system.

[0064] To the figure 18, an additional variant of the invention has been shown. Indeed, not all boots have identical heel heights. Thus, the dimension between the housings 16 and the lower surface of the heel of the boot can vary between different boot models. However, this dimension is important so that the boot, in downhill mode, presses on the control plate to keep the levers 30 above the lower level of the ski board. If the distance between the housings 16 and the lower surface of the heel of the boot is insufficient, the levers may be insufficiently raised, and have a braking action, which is not desired in the engaged downhill mode, when the boot is engaged in the binding.

[0065] Also, to overcome this problem, a shim or set of shims 200 is provided, removable and interchangeable, which can be fixed on the control plate 40, to adapt the thickness of the latter, and particularly to adapt it to the distance between the housings 16 and the lower surface of the heel of the shoe. In the example illustrated in figure 18 , we have a set of two shims 200, screwed onto the control plate 40. Other fixing methods, in particular by clipping, can be envisaged. Shims of different thicknesses can be used to adjust the setting of the position of the levers, in engaged descent mode.

[0066] At the base 28, the passage of the lever 30 in the base can also be adjusted by spacers 202, making it possible to adjust the position of the axis of rotation X relative to the lower surface of the ski board. In the example illustrated, the spacer 202 is located above the lever 30, which is therefore at its lower level, in a groove 204 formed in the base 28. The attached plate 29 ensures the retention of the lever 30 and the spacer 202. The spacer 202 could also be located at the bottom of the groove 204, to move the axis X away from the lower level of the ski board.

[0067] Thus, the present invention provides a rear binding for touring skis, intended for sporting and / or competitive practice, in which the ski stop system itself forms a climbing wedge. Those skilled in the art may possibly provide variants to the embodiments described above, without necessarily departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. In particular, a system for adjusting the tension of the elastic member may be provided.

Claims

1. Ski brake system with at least one lever (30) mounted for rotation about an axis X on a baseplate (28) suitable for mounting on a ski board (22), and a control plate (40) pivotally mounted on the lever (30) along an axis X2 parallel to the X axis, and an elastic member (50) arranged to cooperate with the lever (30),said brake system being able to move between a "downhill" mode, in which the lever (30) pivots between a release position, in which it can be held above the lower level of the ski board (22) by bearing on the control plate (40) against the action of the elastic member (50), and a released position, in which it is held below the lower level of the ski board (22) under the action of the elastic member (50), and an "ascent" mode in which the lever (30) is positioned above the lower level of the ski board (22), characterized in that, in the ascent mode, the control plate (40) is held in abutment against an abutment member (12, 30, 82) under the action of the elastic member, the control plate (40) then being positioned so as to form an ascent wedge and provide support for the heel of the boot.

2. Rear binding for touring skis, comprising : - an attachment system intended to be fixed to a ski board (22), and arranged to cooperate with the heel of a ski boot, to be fixed to said boot in a so-called "downhill" mode, and to provide support to said boot, without rigid connection, in a so-called "uphill" mode, - a baseplate (28) for attachment to a ski board (22), and - a brake system as claimed in claim 1.

3. Rear binding according to claim 2, characterized in that, in the ascent mode, the control plate (40) is positioned substantially vertically.

4. Rear binding according to one of claims 2 and 3, in which the attachment system comprises rods (14) intended to cooperate with the shoe, characterized in that, in the ascent mode, the control plate (40) provides support for the heel of the shoe located above said rods (14).

5. Rear binding according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said attachment system defines the stop member.

6. Rear binding according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the lever (30) defines the stop member, and in that the control plate (40) comprises at least one projecting element suitable for abutting against the lever (30).

7. Rear binding to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the lever (30) comprises a central branch (32) via which the elastic member (50) connects said lever (30) to the control plate (40).

8. Rear binding as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the control plate (40) is rotatably mounted on the lever (30) on either side of the elastic member (50).

9. Rear binding according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a locking hook (82) attached to the base (28) defines the stop member, and in that the control plate (40) comprises a barrette (80) suitable for cooperating with said locking hook (82).

10. Rear binding according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the control plate (40) comprises a distal flank of the plate relative to the X axis, characterized in that said distal flank forms a support surface for the boot, in the ascent mode.

11. Rear binding according to claim 10, characterized in that said distal flank of the control plate (40) is substantially parallel to the base (28) when the control plate (40) is in abutment against the stop member.

12. Rear binding according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the base (28) comprises an attached plate (29) closing a housing provided in the base to receive the lever (30).

13. Rear binding according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one removable and interchangeable shim (200), fixed on the control plate (40), in order to adapt the thickness of said control plate (40).

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