Heel unit of a ski binding for alpine skiing and ski mountaineering

Abstract

A heel unit includes: a frame with a base fixable to the ski, first elastic means, and a mechanism with a main body movable between first and second main body positions, opposed by the action of the first elastic means. The mechanism includes an interference element interacting with a movable element connected to a pedal, so that when the pedal is depressed, a ski brake is inactive; when raised, the brake is active. The heel unit can assume three operating configurations: ready to receive the ski boot, with the pedal raised; walking uphill, with the pedal depressed and the main body in the second main body position, held in position by the interference element; downhill skiing, activated by the pressure of the ski boot on the pedal and on the stop of the main body. During a fall, the pedal automatically rises, activating the brake and stopping the ski.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Italy application serial no. 102025000003447, filed on February 21, 2025. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0002] The present invention falls within the technical field relating to a heel unit of a ski binding for the practice of alpine skiing and ski mountaineering.Description of Related Art

[0003] A heel unit of a ski binding for the practice of alpine skiing and ski mountaineering is known from EP3075422A1, comprising:

[0004] a base that is fixable to a ski;

[0005] first elastic means that are carried by the base;

[0006] a mechanism which:

[0007] is carried by the base and rises from the base;

[0008] comprises a main body which, in turn:

[0009] comprises a first boot abutment;

[0010] comprises a first stop;

[0011] can rotate between a first position and a second position;

[0012] comprises an interference element which:

[0013] can move between an interference position and a non-interference position;

[0014] is in one piece with the main body so that:

[0015] when the main body is in the first position, the interference element is in the non-interference position;

[0016] when the main body is in the second position, the interference element is in the interference position;

[0017] a ski brake that is carried by the base and that comprises:

[0018] a first braking element which is movable to assume a first active brake position, to brake the ski, and a first inactive brake position;

[0019] attraction or repulsion means acting on the first braking element to exert a force that tends to bring the first braking element into the first active brake position;

[0020] a pedal which:

[0021] is carried by the base;

[0022] can assume a depressed pedal position, that is, in which the pedal is closer to the base, and a raised pedal position, that is, in which the pedal is farther from the base;

[0023] is connected to the first braking element in such a way that:

[0024] when it is in the depressed pedal position, the first braking element is in the first inactive brake position;

[0025] when it is in the raised pedal position, the first braking element is in the first active brake position;

[0026] a locking element that is carried underneath by the pedal;

[0027] a movable or counter-locking element that is movable along the base to assume a forward position and a rearward position;

[0028] second elastic means that are carried by the base and that are interposed between the base itself and the movable element, to move the movable element toward the forward position.

[0029] The interference element is arranged in such a way that, in moving from the non-interference position to the interference position (rotation of the main body from the first position to the second position), it interacts with the movable element by moving it from the forward position to the rearward position, against the action of the second elastic means.

[0030] When: the interference element is in the non-interference position (main body in the first position); the movable element is in the forward position; and the pedal is in the depressed pedal position, then the movable element presses against the locking element, thereby stabilizing the pedal in the depressed pedal position; in this configuration, it is possible to walk uphill. If, subsequently, the main body is rotated into the second position through the rear portion of a ski boot, then the interference element moves into the interference position and the movable element is moved into the rearward position, that is, away from the locking element; in this configuration, it is possible to ski downhill, and in case of a fall the pedal is free to return to the raised pedal position so that the first braking element reaches the first active brake position, stopping the ski.

[0031] The above-mentioned heel unit can assume:

[0032] a configuration ready to receive a ski boot, in which the main body is in the first position and the pedal is in the raised pedal position;

[0033] a walking uphill configuration, which is obtainable starting from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, by bringing the pedal into the depressed pedal position;

[0034] a downhill skiing configuration, which is obtainable starting from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot when the rear portion of a ski boot presses both on the pedal and on the first stop of the main body, bringing the pedal into the depressed pedal position and the main body into the second position, in which the boot abutment of the main body elastically presses the rear portion of the ski boot toward the base.SUMMARY

[0035] Provided is a heel unit for a ski binding for alpine skiing and ski mountaineering, including:

[0036] a frame which in turn includes a base that is fixable to a ski;

[0037] first elastic means that are carried by the frame;

[0038] a mechanism which:

[0039] is carried by the frame and rises from the base;

[0040] includes a main body which, in turn:

[0041] includes a first boot abutment;

[0042] includes a first stop;

[0043] is able to move between a first main body position, which is a stable equilibrium position, and a second main body position, which is a stable equilibrium position, and vice versa, against the action of the first elastic means;

[0044] wherein the heel unit includes an interference element which:

[0045] is able to move between an interference position and a non-interference position;

[0046] is connected to the main body in such a way that when the main body is in the second main body position, the interference element is in the interference position;

[0047] the heel unit includes a ski brake that is carried by the base and that includes:

[0048] a first braking element which is movable to assume a first active brake position, to brake the ski, and a first inactive brake position;

[0049] attraction or repulsion means acting on the first braking element to exert a force that tends to bring the first braking element into the first active brake position;

[0050] a pedal which:

[0051] is carried by the base;

[0052] is able to assume a depressed pedal position, that is, in which the pedal is closer to the base, and a raised pedal position, that is, in which the pedal is farther from the base;

[0053] is connected to the first braking element in such a way that:

[0054] when the pedal is in the depressed pedal position, the first braking element is in the first inactive brake position, and

[0055] when the pedal is in the raised pedal position, the first braking element is in the first active brake position;

[0056] includes a movable element which:

[0057] is carried by the base;

[0058] is able to move between a forward position, in which the movable element interacts with the interference element when the interference element is in the interference position, and a rearward position, in which the movable element is unable to interact with the interference element;

[0059] is connected to the pedal in such a way that:

[0060] when the movable element is in the forward position, the pedal is in the depressed pedal position, and

[0061] when the movable element is in the rearward position, the pedal is in the raised pedal position;

[0062] the interference element is arranged in such a way that when the interference element is in the interference position and when the movable element is in the forward position, then the interference element interferes with the movable element, thus holding the movable element in the forward position and consequently holding the first braking element in the first inactive brake position and the pedal in the depressed pedal position;

[0063] can assume a configuration ready to receive a ski boot, in which the main body is in the first main body position and the pedal is in the raised pedal position;

[0064] the heel unit is able to assume a walking uphill configuration:

[0065] which is obtainable from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot by bringing the pedal into the depressed pedal position and bringing the main body into the second main body position, so that the interference element interferes with the movable element and the pedal remains in the depressed pedal position;

[0066] the heel unit is able to assume a downhill skiing configuration:

[0067] which is obtainable from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot when the rear portion of a ski boot presses both on the pedal and on the first stop of the main body, bringing the pedal into the depressed pedal position and moving the main body towards the second main body position until the first boot abutment elastically presses the rear portion of the ski boot towards the base.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described below in accordance with what is reported in the claims and with the aid of the attached drawing sheets, in which:

[0069] FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively a perspective view and a top view of a heel unit of a ski binding for the practice of alpine skiing and ski mountaineering, which is the subject of the present invention, according to a first embodiment and in a configuration ready to receive a ski boot;

[0070] FIGS. 3, 4, 5 are respectively the views of sections III-III, IV-IV, V-V of FIG. 2;

[0071] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of some components of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, in the configuration ready to receive a ski boot;

[0072] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of other components assembled together of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0073] FIG. 8 is the same view as FIG. 7, in which additional components have been added;

[0074] FIG. 9 is the same view as FIG. 8, in which further components have been added;

[0075] FIGS. 10 and 11 are respectively a perspective view and a top view of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a downhill skiing configuration;

[0076] FIGS. 12, 13, 14 are respectively the views of sections XII-XII, XIII-XIII, XIV-XIV of FIG. 11;

[0077] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of some components of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, in the downhill skiing configuration;

[0078] FIGS. 16 and 17 are respectively a perspective view and a top view of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a walking uphill configuration;

[0079] FIGS. 18, 19, 20 are respectively the views of sections XVIII-XVIII, XIX-XIX, XX-XX of FIG. 17;

[0080] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of some components of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, in the walking uphill configuration;

[0081] FIGS. 22 and 23 are respectively a perspective view and a top view of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a service configuration;

[0082] FIGS. 24, 25, 26 are respectively the views of sections XXIV-XXIV, XXV-XXV, XXVI-XXVI of FIG. 23;

[0083] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of some components of the heel unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, in the service configuration;

[0084] FIGS. 28, 29, 30 are analogous to FIGS. 24, 25, 26 but relating to a second embodiment of the heel unit of a ski binding that is the subject of the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0085] The present invention provides a heel unit more intuitive and simple for the user to use.

[0086] The above-mentioned aim is achieved by means of a heel unit of a ski binding for the practice of alpine skiing and ski mountaineering.

[0087] To ski downhill, the user is aware that the rear portion of the ski boot must be engaged with the heel unit: consequently, when the heel unit is in the configuration ready to receive the ski boot, the user is naturally inclined to press with the rear portion of his or her ski boot both on the pedal and on the first stop of the main body, until the pedal reaches the depressed pedal position and the first boot abutment of the main body elastically presses the same rear portion of the ski boot toward the base.

[0088] To walk uphill, the rear portion of the ski boot must remain free to move with respect to the heel unit. Starting from the configuration ready to receive the ski boot, the user (for example, with the hand) will perform the same movements that would have been carried out with the rear portion of the ski boot for the downhill skiing configuration, that is, will depress the pedal until the depressed pedal position is reached and will move the main body toward the second position. In the absence of the rear portion of the ski boot, the first boot abutment will not contact the rear portion of the ski boot, and the main body may reach the second position so that the pedal remains in the depressed pedal position and the first braking element remains in the first inactive brake position to allow walking uphill.

[0089] Regardless of whether the user wishes to ski downhill or walk uphill, the actions to be performed are the same: depressing the pedal and moving the main body toward the second position, respectively with or without the use of the rear portion of the ski boot. Such a mode of use of the heel unit is therefore simple and intuitive for the user.

[0090] With reference to the attached drawing sheets, a heel unit of a ski binding (1) for the practice of alpine skiing and ski mountaineering is generally indicated with (1), in which:

[0091] it comprises a frame (2, 3, 4) which in turn comprises a base (2) that is fixable to a ski (not illustrated);

[0092] it comprises first elastic means (5) that are carried by the frame (2, 3, 4);

[0093] it comprises a mechanism (6, 10) which:

[0094] is carried by the frame (2, 3, 4) and rises from the base (2);

[0095] comprises a main body (6) which, in turn:

[0096] comprises a first boot abutment (7);

[0097] comprises a first stop (9);

[0098] can move between a first main body position (PPCP) (FIGS. 1-9), which is a stable equilibrium position, and a second main body position (SPCP) (FIGS. 16-21), which is also a stable equilibrium position, and vice versa, against the action of the first elastic means (5);

[0099] comprises an interference element (10) which:

[0100] can move between an interference position (PI) (FIG. 18) and a non-interference position (PNI) (FIG. 3);

[0101] is connected to the main body (6) in such a way that when the main body (6) is in the second main body position (SPCP), the interference element (10) is in the interference position (PI) (FIG. 18);

[0102] it comprises a ski brake (11, 111, 12, 13) that is carried by the base (2) and that comprises:

[0103] a first braking element (11) which is movable to assume a first active brake position (PPFA), to brake the ski (FIGS. 1-6, 22-30), and a first inactive brake position (PPFD) (FIGS. 10-21);

[0104] attraction or repulsion means (not visible in the FIGs.) acting on the first braking element (11) to exert a force that tends to bring the first braking element (11) into the first active brake position (PPFA);

[0105] a pedal (12) which:

[0106] is carried by the base (2);

[0107] can assume a depressed pedal position (PPA) (FIGS. 10-21), that is, in which the pedal (12) is closer to the base (2), and a raised pedal position (PPS) (FIGS. 1-9, 22-30), that is, in which the pedal (12) is farther from the base (2);

[0108] is connected to the first braking element (11) in such a way that:

[0109] when it is in the depressed pedal position (PPA), the first braking element (11) is in the first inactive brake position (PPFD);

[0110] when it is in the raised pedal position (PPS), the first braking element (11) is in the first active brake position (PPFA);

[0111] it comprises a movable element (13) which:

[0112] is carried by the base (2);

[0113] can move between a forward position (PAV) (FIGS. 12, 18), in which it interacts with the interference element (10) when the interference element (10) is in the interference position (PI), and a rearward position (PAR) (FIGS. 3, 24, 28) in which it cannot interact with the interference element (10);

[0114] is connected to the pedal (12) in such a way that:

[0115] when it is in the forward position (PAV), the pedal (12) is in the depressed pedal position (PPA);

[0116] when it is in the rearward position (PAR), the pedal (12) is in the raised pedal position (PPS);

[0117] the interference element (10) is arranged in such a way that when it is in the interference position (PI) and when the movable element (13) is in the forward position (PAV), then the interference element (10) interferes with the movable element (13), thus holding the movable element (13) in the forward position (PAV) and consequently holding the first braking element (11) in the first inactive brake position (PPFD) and the pedal (12) in the depressed pedal position (PPA);

[0118] it can assume a configuration ready to receive a ski boot (FIGS. 1-9), in which the main body (6) is in the first main body position (PPCP) and the pedal (12) is in the raised pedal position (PPS);

[0119] it can assume a walking uphill configuration (FIGS. 16-21):

[0120] which is obtainable starting from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, by bringing the pedal (12) into the depressed pedal position (PPA) and bringing the main body (6) into the second main body position (SPCP), so that the interference element (10) interferes with the movable element (13) and the pedal (12) remains in the depressed pedal position (PPA);

[0121] it can assume a downhill skiing configuration (FIGS. 10-15):

[0122] which is obtainable starting from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot when the rear portion of a ski boot (20) presses both on the pedal (12) and on the first stop (9) of the main body (6), bringing the pedal (12) into the depressed pedal position (PPA) and bringing the main body (6) toward the second main body position (SPCP) until the first boot abutment (7) elastically presses the rear portion of the ski boot (20) toward the base (2).

[0123] Therefore, in the downhill skiing configuration, the main body (6) does not reach the second main body position (SPCP).

[0124] The base (2) may comprise a fastening plate (200) provided with through holes (201) to be fixed to a ski (see for example FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0125] The first elastic means (5) may comprise a spring.

[0126] The first boot abutment (7) may be arranged so that, in the downhill skiing configuration, it elastically presses against an outer edge (21) of the rear portion of the ski boot (20).

[0127] The movable element (13) may be connected to the pedal (12) directly or indirectly, as illustrated in the FIGs., by means of a rotating element which will be discussed below.

[0128] The ski brake (11, 111, 12, 13) may furthermore comprise a second braking element (111), which is movable to assume a second active brake position (SPFA) (FIGS. 1-5, 22-30), to brake the ski, and a second inactive brake position (SPFD) (FIGS. 10-20).

[0129] The first inactive brake position (PPFD) may be such that the first braking element (11) does not brake the ski, for example by placing itself in a raised position that is substantially parallel to the ski when the base (2) is fixed to the ski, as illustrated in the drawings. Likewise, the second inactive brake position (SPFD) may be such that the second braking element (111) does not brake the ski, for example by placing itself in a raised position that is substantially parallel to the ski when the base (2) is fixed to the ski.

[0130] The first braking element (11) may have the shape of an arm. The second braking element (111) may also have the shape of an arm.

[0131] The ski brake (11, 111, 12, 13) may comprise a rigid metal filament, which forms the first and the second braking element (111) (if provided) and which is connected to the pedal (12), as illustrated in the drawings.

[0132] The attraction or repulsion means may comprise elastic means, for example one or more springs, or magnetic means, for example one or more permanent magnets. In the case in which the attraction or repulsion means are constituted by elastic means, these may be integrated into the rigid metal filament, when provided.

[0133] In the case in which the second braking element (111) is also provided, the attraction or repulsion means act also on it to exert a force that tends to bring it into the second active brake position (SPFA).

[0134] The main body (6) and the interference element (10) may be made in one piece (as illustrated in the FIGs.) or may be two distinct parts but fixed to each other (a solution not illustrated).

[0135] Preferably, the interference element (10) is connected to the main body (6) in such a way that when the main body (6) is in the first main body position (PPCP), the interference element (10) is in the non-interference position (PNI).

[0136] Preferably, the interference element (10) is connected to the main body (6) in such a way that when the heel unit of a ski binding (1) is in the downhill skiing configuration, the interference element (10) is in the non-interference position (PNI).

[0137] In accordance with one aspect of the invention:

[0138] the frame (2, 3, 4) comprises a first column (3) that rises from the base (2);

[0139] the main body (6) is constrained to the first column (3) through a first roto-translatory coupling;

[0140] the first column (3) is provided with a first sliding track (301, 302) (FIG. 1), which in turn comprises a first sliding section (301) and a second sliding section (302), which is consecutive to the first sliding section (301) and oriented in a different direction;

[0141] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a first track abutment (601), which is carried by the main body (6) to engage along the first sliding track (301, 302);

[0142] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) is configured so that:

[0143] when it is in the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, the first track abutment (601) is arranged on the first sliding section (301);

[0144] when it is in the downhill skiing configuration, the first track abutment (601) is arranged on the second sliding section (302);

[0145] when it is in the walking uphill configuration, the first track abutment (601) is arranged on the second sliding section (302).

[0146] Preferably, the first column (3) comprises a second stop (303) (visible in FIG. 4) to abut the main body (6) when it is in the first main body position (PPCP).

[0147] The main development direction of the first column (3) is preferably perpendicular to the planar surface defined by the ski when the base (2) is fixed to the ski.

[0148] The main development direction of the first sliding section (301) is preferably substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski when the base (2) is fixed to the ski.

[0149] The first sliding section (301) may form a convex surface.

[0150] The main development direction of the second sliding section (302) is preferably substantially perpendicular to the planar surface defined by the ski when the base (2) is fixed to the ski.

[0151] The first track abutment (601) preferably comprises an idler roller to roll along the first sliding track (301, 302) of the first column (3).

[0152] Preferably, the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a first carriage (61) and a first guide and rotation member (31) (FIG. 8, for example) to form the cited first roto-translatory coupling (see for example FIGS. 4, 7, 8); the first carriage (61) is fixed to the main body (6); the first guide and rotation member (31) is rotatably carried by the first column (3) and slidably receives the at least one first carriage (61).

[0153] The first guide and rotation member (31) may comprise a sliding portion (32), which couples with the first carriage (61) and which forms a parallelepiped. The first carriage (61) may have the shape of a U-shaped seat to receive the sliding portion (32). The first guide and rotation member (31) may further comprise a first pin (14) that rises from one face of the sliding portion (32) to rotatably couple with the first column (3) (FIG. 8).

[0154] In accordance with another aspect of the invention:

[0155] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a housing (15) for a piston (16), which is rotatably supported by the frame (2, 3, 4) and which comprises a first elastic means abutment (17);

[0156] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a piston (16), which is slidably arranged in the housing (15), is provided with a second elastic means abutment (18), and, at its free end, carries or incorporates (see FIG. 3, for example) the interference element (10);

[0157] the first elastic means (5) are interposed between the first elastic means abutment (17) and the second elastic means abutment (18), to exert a thrust on the piston (16) that tends to bring the interference element (10) into the interference position (PI).

[0158] Preferably, the housing (15) for the piston (16) is a cylinder (15), see FIG. 3 for example.

[0159] The cylinder (15) may be rotatably coupled to the frame (2, 3, 4) near its first end. The first elastic means abutment (17) may be arranged near a second end of the cylinder (15).

[0160] The second elastic means abutment (18) may be arranged near the free end of the piston (16).

[0161] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention:

[0162] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a rotating element (19), which is rotatably carried by the base (2) and can assume a first rotation position (PPR) and a second rotation position (SPR);

[0163] the movable element (13) is connected to the pedal (12) through the rotating element (19), so that:

[0164] when it is in the forward position (PAV), the rotating element (19) is in the first rotation position (PPR) (FIGS. 12, 18);

[0165] when it is in the rearward position (PAR), the rotating element (19) is in the second rotation position (SPR) (FIGS. 3, 24, 28).

[0166] Preferably, the rotating element (19) is a crank (19), and the movable element (13) is a connecting rod (13). In that case, the connecting rod (13) may be rotatably coupled to the crank (19) and may perform a translatory or roto-translatory movement between the rearward position (PAR) and the forward position (PAV). The connecting rod (13) may have an elongated development, as illustrated in the figures.

[0167] Alternatively, in a solution not illustrated, the rotating element (19) may be provided with an arcuate toothed portion, and the movable element (13) may be provided with a rack engageable with the arcuate toothed portion.

[0168] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention:

[0169] the interference element (10) comprises a shaped portion;

[0170] the shaped portion is provided with a first sliding profile (22);

[0171] the movable element (13) is provided with a second sliding profile (23) (FIG. 3);

[0172] the first sliding profile (22) and the second sliding profile (23) are shaped so that, when the interference element (10) is in the interference position (PI) and the movable element (13) is in the rearward position (PAR), then the subsequent movement of the movable element (13) toward the forward position (PAV) may bring the second sliding profile (23) into contact with the first sliding profile (22) and consequently move the interference element (10) from the interference position (PI), so as to allow the movable element (13) to reach the forward position (PAV).

[0173] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the invention:

[0174] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a lever (24), which is carried by the frame (2, 3, 4);

[0175] the lever (24) is configured so that:

[0176] from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, movement of the lever (24) along a first trajectory moves the main body (6) into the second main body position (SPCP), against the action of the first elastic means (5);

[0177] from the walking uphill configuration, movement of the lever (24) along a second trajectory moves the main body (6) into the first main body position (PPCP), against the action of the first elastic means (5);

[0178] from the downhill skiing configuration, movement of the lever (24) along a third trajectory moves the main body (6) into the first main body position (PPCP), against the action of the first elastic means (5).

[0179] The lever (24) can therefore be operated manually by the user to facilitate the transition from one configuration of the heel unit of a ski binding (1) to another.

[0180] Preferably, the lever (24) is rotatably coupled to the frame (2, 3, 4); the first trajectory is identified as an arc of circumference travelled in a first direction of rotation, whereas the second trajectory is identified as the same arc of circumference travelled in a second direction of rotation that is opposite to the first direction of rotation; the third trajectory is identified as a part of said arc of circumference travelled in the second direction of rotation.

[0181] Preferably, the main body (6) comprises a second sliding track (25); the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a second track abutment (26), which is carried by the lever (24) to engage along the second sliding track (25) of the main body (6) (see FIG. 4 for example); the lever (24) can move the main body (6) through the sliding of the second track abutment (26) along the second sliding track (25) of the main body (6).

[0182] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention:

[0183] in the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, the lever (24) assumes a first lever position (PPL);

[0184] in the walking uphill configuration, the lever (24) assumes a second lever position (SPL);

[0185] the second sliding track (25) comprises a first stop position (41) (see FIG. 7 for example) for the second track abutment (26), which can be overcome by the second track abutment (26) by exerting a first predetermined force on the lever (24);

[0186] when the lever (24) assumes the second lever position (SPL), the second track abutment (26) assumes the first stop position (41).

[0187] The lever (24) therefore remains stably in the second lever position (SPL).

[0188] The second track abutment (26) may travel along the second sliding track (25) in a unidirectional sense, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures(in particular in an anti-clockwise sense observing FIGS. 5 and 19), so that the first stop position (41) is overcome when the lever (24) is in the second lever position (SPL) and the first predetermined force is exerted on the lever (24).

[0189] Alternatively (solution not represented), the second track abutment (26) may travel along the second sliding track (25) in a bidirectional sense: in that case, the first stop position (41) represents an end of the second sliding track (25), and when the lever (24) is in the second lever position (SPL) and the first predetermined force is exerted on the lever (24), then the second track abutment (26) moves back.

[0190] The main body (6) may form a first recess (see FIG. 7 for example). The second sliding track (25) may be part of the perimeter wall of the first recess (27) (FIGS. 7-9). The first stop position (41) may be obtained by creating a tight curve in the second sliding track (25), that is, an abrupt change of direction.

[0191] In the example illustrated in the FIGs., the lever (24) is disengaged from the main body (6) (FIG. 4) when it is in the first lever position (PPL); the lever (24) engages the main body (6) once it is moved toward the second lever position (SPL).

[0192] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention:

[0193] the second sliding track (25) comprises a second stop position (42) for the second track abutment (26), which can be overcome by the second track abutment (26) by exerting a second predetermined force on the lever (24);

[0194] the main body (6) may assume an intermediate main body position (PICP), which lies between the first main body position (PPCP) and the second main body position (SPCP) (FIGS. 22-27);

[0195] when the main body (6) is in the intermediate main body position (PICP), the second track abutment (26) is in the second stop position (42) and the interference element (10) is in the non-interference position (PNI);

[0196] the second stop position (42) is positioned so as to be reached by the second track abutment (26) when, in the downhill skiing configuration (FIGS. 10-15), a disengagement of the rear portion of the ski boot (20) from the heel unit of a ski binding (1) occurs, with consequent outward movement of the rear portion of the ski boot (20) in a direction lying on a plane substantially parallel to the planar surface defined by the ski when the base (2) is fixed to the ski, so that the main body (6) is pushed by the first elastic means (5) toward the second main body position (SPCP) and stops in the intermediate main body position (PICP) (FIGS. 22-27).

[0197] The second stop position (42) may be a niche (see for example FIG. 13), formed by the shape of the same second sliding track (25), in which the second track abutment (26) can fit.

[0198] As an alternative to the first aspect of the invention, see FIGS. 28-30:

[0199] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises an interposition element (28), which is movable between an active position (FIGS. 28-30), in which it prevents the interference element (10) from reaching the interference position (PI), and an inactive position (not illustrated), in which it allows the interference element (10) to reach the interference position (PI).Preferably

[0200] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises second elastic means (52) (FIG. 29), which are interposed between the frame (2, 3, 4) and the interposition element (28), to move the interposition element (28) into the active position;

[0201] the lever (24) comprises a lever abutment (29) (FIG. 30);

[0202] the lever abutment (29) is arranged so that, during the movement of the lever (24) along the first trajectory, it abuts the interposition element (28) (as visible in FIG. 30) and moves the interposition element (28) into the inactive position (this position, as stated, is not illustrated).

[0203] Preferably, the interposition element (28) is arranged to contact the piston (16) when it reaches the active position (FIG. 28).

[0204] If the lever (24) rotates about a rotation axis, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-30, the lever abutment (29) may be a protrusion extending from the rotation center of the lever (24) and having, for example, an arcuate shape.

[0205] The second elastic means (52) may comprise a spring.

[0206] The interposition element (28), because of the action of the second elastic means (52), may be constantly arranged in the active position, except when the lever (24) performs the first trajectory to reach the second lever position (SPL) and to bring the main body (6) into the second main body position (SPCP), in order to allow the heel unit of a ski binding (1) to reach the walking uphill configuration if, additionally, the pedal (12) is brought into the depressed pedal position (PPA).

[0207] Preferably, the heel unit of a ski binding (1) is configured so that, when it is in the downhill skiing configuration, the interposition element (28) does not contact the piston (16).

[0208] Preferably, the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises third elastic means (53) (FIG. 5) to move the lever (24) toward the first lever position (PPL), for example to rotate (if provided) the lever (24) in the second direction of rotation. The third elastic means (53) may comprise a spring.

[0209] Preferably, the first column (3) comprises a third stop (not visible in the FIGs.) to abut the lever (24) in the first lever position (PPL) (FIG. 5). In particular, the action of the third elastic means (53) may keep the lever (24) pressed against the third stop.

[0210] The cylinder (15) may be rotatably coupleable to the frame (2, 3, 4), for example through a second pin (30) (FIGS. 8, 9). The piston (16) may form, at the free end, a seat (33) (FIG. 24) to abut the second pin (30). The heel unit of a ski binding (1) may be configured so that, in the walking uphill configuration, the seat (33) abuts the second pin (30) (FIG. 18); in other words, the second pin (30) represents an end stop for the piston (16).

[0211] The piston (16) may be rotatably coupleable to the main body (6) through a third pin (34) (FIG. 7).

[0212] In accordance with one aspect of the invention:

[0213] the frame (2, 3, 4) also comprises a second column (4) (visible only in FIGS. 7, 8, 9), which rises from the base (2) and is opposite the first column (3) with respect to the main body (6);

[0214] the main body (6) is also constrained to the second column (4) through a second roto-translatory coupling (not visible in the FIGs.);

[0215] the second column (4) is likewise provided with a sliding track (not visible in the FIGs.) having the same features as the first sliding track (301, 302) of the first column (3);

[0216] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) comprises a further track abutment (not visible in the FIGs.), which is carried by the main body (6) to engage along the sliding track of the second column (4);

[0217] the heel unit of a ski binding (1) is configured so that:

[0218] when it is in the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, the further track abutment is arranged on the first sliding section of the sliding track of the second column (4);

[0219] when it is in the downhill skiing configuration, the further track abutment is arranged on the second sliding section of the sliding track of the second column (4);

[0220] when it is in the walking uphill configuration, the further track abutment is arranged on the second sliding section of the sliding track of the second column (4).

[0221] Preferably, the second column (4) and the first column (3) are symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ski and perpendicular to the planar surface defined by the ski when the base (2) is fixed to the ski.

[0222] The further track abutment preferably comprises an idler roller to roll along the sliding track of the second column (4).

[0223] The second roto-translatory coupling may be equivalent to the first roto-translatory coupling, thus comprising a second carriage and a second guide and rotation member (both not visible in the FIGs.).

[0224] The lever (24) may also be rotatably coupled to the second column (4), if provided.

[0225] The main body (6) may also comprise a second boot abutment (8) (visible for example in FIG. 1), having the same features as the first boot abutment (7).

[0226] The main body (6) may be symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane—for example, the same one mentioned above—so that a first part of the main body (35) and a second part of the main body (36) can be identified (FIG. 2). This symmetry plane may divide the first stop (9) into two parts. The first part of the main body (35) preferably comprises: the first carriage (61), the second sliding track (25), and the first boot abutment (7); consequently, the second part of the main body (36) also comprises a second carriage (already mentioned and not visible), another sliding track (also not visible), and the second boot abutment (8).

[0227] Similarly, the lever (24) may also be symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane, for example the same one mentioned above, so that a first part of the lever (37) and a second part of the lever (38) can be identified. The first part of the lever (37) may carry the second track abutment (26), while the second part of the lever (38) may carry another track abutment (not visible in the FIGs.) to engage along the sliding track of the second part of the main body (36).

[0228] The following describes the operation of the heel unit of a ski binding (1), in accordance with both the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-27 and the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28-30.

[0229] FIGS. 1-9 show the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, in which:

[0230] the main body (6) is in the first main body position (PPCP);

[0231] the interference element (10) is in the non-interference position (PNI) (FIGS. 3, 6);

[0232] the first track abutment (601) is arranged on the first sliding section (301) of the first sliding track (301, 302) of the first column (3) (FIG. 1);

[0233] the pedal (12) is in the raised pedal position (PPS);

[0234] the first braking element (11) is in the first active brake position (PPFA);

[0235] the lever (24) is in the first lever position (PPL) and is disengaged from the main body (6).

[0236] To bring the heel unit of a ski binding (1) into the downhill skiing configuration (FIGS. 10-14), it is sufficient to press with the rear portion of the ski boot (20) both on the pedal (12) and on the first stop (9) of the main body (6), thus bringing the pedal (12) into the depressed pedal position (PPA) and the main body (6) toward the second main body position (SPCP). Before the main body (6) reaches the second main body position (SPCP), the first boot abutment (7) (and the second boot abutment (8), if provided) reaches the outer edge (21) of the rear portion of the ski boot (20), abutting it and elastically pressing it toward the base (2) (FIG. 12). The first track abutment (601) moves onto the second sliding section (302) of the first sliding track (301, 302) of the first column (3) (FIG. 10). Downhill skiing can then be performed. The action of the first elastic means (5) keeps the first boot abutment (7) stably pressed against the rear portion of the ski boot (20) (in particular against its outer edge (21), as mentioned above).

[0237] To return to the configuration ready to receive the ski boot, it is sufficient to move the lever (24) in the second direction of rotation (that is, anti-clockwise when observing for example FIG. 12), against the action of the first elastic means (5).

[0238] In the event of a fall, if the rear portion of the ski boot (20) moves away from the ski in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface defined by the ski (thus upward in FIG. 12), then the main body (6), through the contact of the outer edge (21) with the first boot abutment (7), moves toward the first main body position (PPCP), and the heel unit of a ski binding (1) reaches the configuration ready to receive the ski boot. The rear portion of the ski boot (20) thus disengages from the heel unit of a ski binding (1).

[0239] If instead the rear portion of the ski boot (20) moves away from the ski in a direction lying on a plane substantially parallel to the planar surface defined by the ski, then the main body (6) is pushed by the first elastic means (5) toward the second main body position (SPCP) and stops in the intermediate main body position (PICP) (FIGS. 22-27 and FIGS. 28-30), in which the interference element (10) is in the non-interference position (PNI): consequently, the pedal (12) can reach the raised pedal position (PPS), and the first braking element (11) can reach the first active brake position (PPFA), thereby braking the ski.

[0240] From the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, to bring the heel unit of a ski binding (1) into the walking uphill configuration it is sufficient to rotate the lever (24) in the first direction of rotation, from the first lever position (PPL) into the second lever position (SPL), thus moving the main body (6) from the first main body position (PPCP) to the second main body position (SPCP), and to press the pedal (12) to bring it into the depressed pedal position (PPA). To return again to the configuration ready to receive the ski boot, it is sufficient to rotate the lever (24) in the second direction of rotation until it reaches the first lever position (PPL): consequently, the interference element (10) reaches the non-interference position (PNI), and the pedal (12) reaches the raised pedal position (PPS).

[0241] It is understood that the above has been described by way of example and not limitation, and therefore any constructional variants are understood to fall within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as claimed hereinafter.

Claims

1. A heel unit for a ski binding for alpine skiing and ski mountaineering, comprising:a frame which in turn comprises a base that is fixable to a ski;first elastic means that are carried by the frame;a mechanism which:is carried by the frame and rises from the base;comprises a main body which, in turn:comprises a first boot abutment;comprises a first stop;is able to move between a first main body position, which is a stable equilibrium position, and a second main body position, which is a stable equilibrium position, and vice versa, against the action of the first elastic means;wherein the heel unit comprises an interference element which:is able to move between an interference position and a non-interference position;is connected to the main body in such a way that when the main body is in the second main body position, the interference element is in the interference position;the heel unit comprises a ski brake that is carried by the base and that comprises:a first braking element which is movable to assume a first active brake position, to brake the ski, and a first inactive brake position;attraction or repulsion means acting on the first braking element to exert a force that tends to bring the first braking element into the first active brake position;a pedal which:is carried by the base;is able to assume a depressed pedal position, that is, in which the pedal is closer to the base, and a raised pedal position, that is, in which the pedal is farther from the base;is connected to the first braking element in such a way that:when the pedal is in the depressed pedal position, the first braking element is in the first inactive brake position, andwhen the pedal is in the raised pedal position, the first braking element is in the first active brake position;comprises a movable element which:is carried by the base;is able to move between a forward position, in which the movable element interacts with the interference element when the interference element is in the interference position, and a rearward position, in which the movable element is unable to interact with the interference element;is connected to the pedal in such a way that:when the movable element is in the forward position, the pedal is in the depressed pedal position, andwhen the movable element is in the rearward position, the pedal is in the raised pedal position;the interference element is arranged in such a way that when the interference element is in the interference position and when the movable element is in the forward position, then the interference element interferes with the movable element, thus holding the movable element in the forward position and consequently holding the first braking element in the first inactive brake position and the pedal in the depressed pedal position;can assume a configuration ready to receive a ski boot, in which the main body is in the first main body position and the pedal is in the raised pedal position;the heel unit is able to assume a walking uphill configuration:which is obtainable from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot by bringing the pedal into the depressed pedal position and bringing the main body into the second main body position, so that the interference element interferes with the movable element and the pedal remains in the depressed pedal position;the heel unit is able to assume a downhill skiing configuration:which is obtainable from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot when the rear portion of a ski boot presses both on the pedal and on the first stop of the main body, bringing the pedal into the depressed pedal position and moving the main body towards the second main body position until the first boot abutment elastically presses the rear portion of the ski boot towards the base.

2. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1, wherein the interference element is connected to the main body in such a way that when the main body is in the first main body position, the interference element is in the non-interference position.

3. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1, wherein:the frame comprises a first column that rises from the base;the main body is constrained to the first column by a first roto-translatory coupling;the first column is provided with a first sliding track which in turn comprises a first sliding section and a second sliding section that is consecutive to the first sliding section and oriented in a different direction;the heel unit comprises a first track abutment that is carried by the main body to engage along the first sliding track;the heel unit is configured in such a way that:when the heel unit is in the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, the first track abutment is positioned on the first sliding section;when the heel unit is in the downhill skiing configuration, the first track abutment is positioned on the second sliding section;when the heel unit is in the walking uphill configuration, the first track abutment is positioned on the second sliding section.

4. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 3, further comprising:a first carriage and a first guide and rotation member to form the aforementioned first roto-translatory coupling,wherein the first carriage is integral with the main body;the first guide and rotation member is rotatably carried by the first column and slidably receives the first carriage.

5. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1, further comprising:a housing for a piston that is rotatably supported by the frame and that comprises a first elastic means abutment;a piston that: is slidably arranged in the housing; is provided with a second elastic means abutment, and, at a free end, carries or incorporates the interference element,wherein the first elastic means are interposed between the first elastic means abutment and the second elastic means abutment, to exert a thrust on the piston that tends to bring the interference element into the interference position.

6. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1, further comprising:a rotating element that is rotatably carried by the base and that can assume a first rotation position and a second rotation position,wherein the movable element is connected to the pedal via the rotating element, in such a way that:when the heel unit is in the forward position, the rotating element is in the first rotation position;when the heel unit is in the rearward position, the rotating element is in the second rotation position.

7. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 6, wherein the rotating element is identified as a crank and the movable element is identified as a connecting rod.

8. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 6, wherein:the interference element comprises a shaped portion;the shaped portion is provided with a first sliding profile;the movable element is provided with a second sliding profile;the first sliding profile and the second sliding profile are shaped in such a way that when the interference element is in the interference position and the movable element is in the rearward position, then the subsequent movement of the movable element towards the forward position can cause the second sliding profile to contact the first sliding profile and consequently move the interference element from the interference position, thus allowing the movable element to reach the forward position.

9. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1, further comprising:a lever, which is carried by the frame,wherein the lever is configured in such a way that:from the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, movement of the lever along a first trajectory causes movement of the main body into the second main body position, against the action of the first elastic means,from the walking uphill configuration, movement of the lever along a second trajectory causes movement of the main body into the first main body position, against the action of the first elastic means,from the downhill skiing configuration, movement of the lever along a third trajectory causes movement of the main body into the first main body position, against the action of the first elastic means.

10. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 9, wherein:the main body comprises a second sliding track;the heel unit comprises a second track abutment that is carried by the lever to engage along the second sliding track of the main body;the lever can move the main body through the sliding of the second track abutment along the second sliding track of the main body.

11. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 10, wherein:in the configuration ready to receive a ski boot, the lever assumes a first lever position;in the walking uphill configuration, the lever assumes a second lever position;the second sliding track comprises a first stop position for the second track abutment, which can be overcome by the second track abutment by exerting a first predetermined force on the lever;when the lever assumes the second lever position, the second track abutment assumes the first stop position.

12. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 11, wherein:the second sliding track comprises a second stop position for the second track abutment, which can be overcome by the second track abutment by exerting a second predetermined force on the lever;the main body can assume an intermediate main body position that is between the first main body position and the second main body position;when the main body is in the intermediate main body position, the second track abutment is in the second stop position and the interference element is in the non-interference position;the second stop position is positioned in such a way as to be reached by the second track abutment when, in the downhill skiing configuration, the rear portion of the ski boot disengages from the heel unit, with a consequent outward movement of the rear portion of the ski boot in a direction lying on a plane substantially parallel to the ski when the base is fixed to the ski, so that the main body is pushed by the first elastic means towards the second main body position and stops in the intermediate main body position.

13. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1, further comprising:an interposition element, which is movable between an active position, in which it prevents the interference element from reaching the interference position, and an inactive position, in which it allows the interference element to reach the interference position.

14. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 9, further comprising:second elastic means that are interposed between the frame and the interposition element, to move the interposition element into the active position;wherein the lever comprises a lever abutment;the lever abutment is arranged in such a way that, during the movement of the lever along the first trajectory, it engages the interposition element and moves the interposition element into the inactive position.

15. The heel unit for a ski binding according to claim 1, further comprising: third elastic means to move the lever towards the first lever position.

Images