Compliant ski binding

Abstract

A ski binding assembly for securely attaching a ski boot to a ski is provided. The ski binding assembly includes a base attachable to a ski and a ski boot engagement member pivotally attached to the base. The engagement member includes engagement pins capable of adjustment between an open and a closed position for pivotally attaching the toe of a ski boot to the ski binding. The engagement member includes resilient sections that are configured to buckle in a first direction to bias the engagement pins toward the closed position and buckle in a second direction to bias the engagement pins toward the closed position. The engagement member is integrally formed as a single component to reduce weight and manufacture costs. The described invention provides a lightweight design while maintaining optimized performance by providing secure attachment of the boot to the ski while requiring minimal materials to manufacture.

Description

COMPLIANT SKI BINDINGFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of ski bindings. The present invention relates specifically to toe pieces of alpine touring ski bindings that pivotally engage the toe of a ski boot.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Alpine touring ski bindings are a type of ski binding used for both ascending and descending inclines on skis. Alpine touring ski bindings typically consist of a toe piece and a heel piece connected by a bar of metal. The toe piece and heel piece securely attach a ski boot to the ski for downhill descent. The toe piece is designed to pivotally attach to the toe of a ski boot, and the heel of the ski boot is typically detachable from the binding, allowing the ski boot to move relative to the binding when walking uphill.

[0003] Traditional alpine touring ski bindings typically include toe piece springs that bias the toe piece toward a position of engagement with a ski boot and provide forward release from the binding in the event of a fall. The springs typically contribute substantial weight to the ski and require significant labor to install in the toe piece assembly when manufacturing. This increases the weight of the ski and the time required to manufacture the ski binding, which adds to the cost of the product. Traditional alpine ski bindings have room for improvement in regard to the toe piece assembly and springs. Ideally, a ski binding should be constructed to be lightweight to reduce the burden on hiking skiers, without sacrificing the strength and reliability of the ski binding itself.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One embodiment of the invention relates to a ski binding assembly including a base attachable to a ski and a ski boot engagement member. The base includes a first pivot structure that defines a first pivot axis, a second pivot structure that defines a second pivot axis, and abottom side. The ski boot engagement member includes a first engagement pin located at a first end of the ski boot engagement member, a second engagement pin located at a second end of the ski boot engagement member, and a modified beam that connects the first end and the second end of the engagement member. The modified beam includes a first pivot section and a second pivot section. The engagement member also includes a pin distance defined as the distance between the first engagement pin and the second engagement pin.

[0005] In some embodiments, when the ski boot engagement member is not attached to the base, the distance between the first pivot structure and the second pivot structure is greater than the distance between the first pivot section and the second pivot section such that the modified beam is compressed when the first pivot structure engages with the first pivot section and the second pivot structure engages with the second pivot section to attached the modified beam to the base. In some embodiments, displacing the center point of the modified beam in a first direction causes the pin distance to decrease and displacing the center point of the modified beam in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the pin distance to increase.

[0006] In some embodiments, the ski boot engagement member is integrally formed as a single component. Tn some embodiments, the ski boot engagement member includes titanium. In some embodiments, the ski boot engagement member includes a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, titanium alloy or plastic. In some embodiments, the ski binding assembly further includes a first pivot pin that engages the first pivot section and the first pivot structure and a second pivot pin that engages the second pivot section and the second pivot structure. In some embodiments, the first direction in which the displacement of the center point of the beam toward results in decreased pin distance is directed toward the bottom side of the base relative to the center point of the modified beam. In some embodiments, the modified beam includes a plurality of openings that are perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a ski binding assembly including a base and a ski boot engagement member. The base includes first and second pivot structures and is attachable to a ski. The ski boot engagement member includes a first chamfered pin engageable with a first side of a ski boot, a second chamfered pin engageable with a second side of the ski boot, a first resilient section connected to the first chamfered pin by a first pivotsection, a second resilient section connected to the second chamfered pin by a second pivot section, and a center member connecting the first and second resilient sections. The ski binding assembly also includes a first pin for pivotally attaching the first pivot structure to the first pivot section and a second pin for pivotally attaching the second pivot structure to the second pivot section. In some embodiments, upon pivotal attachment of the engagement member to the base, the engagement member buckles in a first direction to bias the first and second chamfered pins toward each other or a second direction to bias the first and second chamfered pins away from each other.

[0008] In some embodiments, the center member of the engagement member is positioned closer to the base when the engagement member buckles in the first direction than where the center member of the engagement member is positioned when the engagement member buckles in the second direction. In some embodiments, the first resilient section, the second resilient section, the first pivot section, the second pivot section, and the central member are integrally formed as a single component. In some embodiments, the first resilient section, the first pivot section, and the first chamfered pin are integrally formed as a single component. In some embodiments the second resilient section, the second pivot section, and the second chamfered pin are integrally formed as a single component. In some embodiments the first and second resilient sections include non-linear springs.

[0009] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a ski binding assembly including a base and a ski boot engagement member. The base includes first and second pivot structures and is attachable to a ski. The ski boot engagement member includes a first engagement pin engageable with a first side of a ski boot, a second engagement pin engageable with a second side of the ski boot, a first resilient section connected to the first engagement pin by a first pivot section, and a second resilient section connected to the second engagement pin by a second pivot section. The ski boot engagement member also defines a pin distance defined as the distance between the first engagement pin and the second engagement pin. In some embodiments, the first pivot structure pivotally engages with the first pivot section and the second pivot structure pivotally engages with the second pivot section such that the ski boot engagement member is attached to the base. In some embodiments, the engagement member is adjustable between anopen position and a closed position such that the pin distance of the engagement member is greater in the open position than the pin distance of the engagement member in the closed position. In some embodiments, when the engagement member transitions between the open position and the closed position, the first resilient section bends with respect to a first axis and a second axis that is distinct from the first axis, and the second resilient section bends with respect to a third axis and a fourth axis that is distinct from the third axis.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims thereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of various embodiments.

[0012] Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

[0014] FIG. 1A and IB are front-side views of an example embodiment of a ski binding assembly of this invention in which the ski boot engagement member is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an example embodiment of a ski binding assembly of this invention in which the ski boot engagement member is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an exploded drawing of the ski binding assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of the ski boot engagement member of FIG. 2A.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a top view of the ski boot engagement member shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the ski boot engagement member shown in FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 6A is a front-side view of the ski boot engagement member shown in FIG. 4.

[0021] FIG. 6B is a rear-side view of the ski boot engagement member shown in FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 7A is a left-side view of the ski boot engagement member shown in FIG. 4.

[0023] FIG. 7B is a right-side view of the ski boot engagement member shown in FIG. 4.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a front-side view of the ski boot engagement member of FIG. 2B in an open positionDETAILED DESCRIPTION[0025J Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of an alpine touring ski binding assembly are shown. Various embodiments of the ski binding assembly discussed herein include an innovative toe piece designed to provide for a variety of desired characteristics, including a lightweight design, improved mobility, secure attachment of a ski boot to the ski binding and reduced manufacturing costs. The toe pieces of traditional alpine touring ski bindings typically include many components that require substantial labor to assemble, resulting in increased manufacturing costs. Further, traditional alpine touring ski bindings typically include several coiled spring assemblies that contribute substantial weight to the ski binding assembly, only exert forces that bias the ski binding toward a closed position and are only configured to bend about a single axis.

[0026] In some embodiments of the ski binding assembly discussed herein, the ski binding assembly includes an engagement member of the toe piece assembly that is integrally formed as a single component. Applicant believes that integrally forming the engagement member as a single component can reduce labor costs associated with assembling multiple components and can more easily allow for automation of the manufacturing process. In some embodiments of the ski binding assembly discussed herein, the resilient sections of the engagement member are nonlinear springs configured to bend about multiple axes when adjusting the ski binding assembly between the closed and open positions.

[0027] Applicant believes that the ski boot engagement member provided by the ski binding assembly discussed herein can reduce the weight of the ski binding and the costs of manufacturing relative to traditional alpine touring ski bindings. Further Applicant believes that the ski boot engagement member provided by the ski binding assembly discussed herein can do this while providing a variety of additional advantages associated with a secure pivotal attachment of a ski boot to the ski binding assembly.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1 A and FIG. IB, front-side views of a ski binding assembly 2 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Ski binding assembly 2 includes a base 4, a ski binding engagement member 12, an actuating lever 52, and a release switch 54. A bottom side 5 of the base 4 rigidly couples to a ski 1 such that the ski binding assembly 2 is attached to the ski 1. The base 4 includes a first pivot structure 6 that defines a first pivot axis 7 and a second pivot structure 8 that defines a second pivot axis 9 that is parallel to the first pivot axis 7. The first pivot structure 6 and the second pivot structure 8 engage with the ski binding engagement member 12 to attach the engagement member 12 to the base 4. The base 4 defines a lateral axis 48 that intersects the center of the openings in both the first pivot structure 6 and the second pivot structure 8. The ski binding assembly 2 also includes a longitudinal axis 46 perpendicular to the lateral axis 48 and parallel to the first pivot axis 7, the longitudinal axis 46 extending in the direction of the length of the ski 1. The ski binding assembly 2 also includes a vertical axis 50 perpendicular to both the lateral axis 48 and the longitudinal axis 46 that intersects a center point 30 of a modified beam 24 of the engagement member 12.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 A, the ski binding engagement member 12 includes a first ski boot engagement member end 14 with a first engagement pin 18, a second ski boot engagement member end 16 with a second engagement pin 20, and a modified beam 24. In some embodiments, the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20 are chamfered such that there is a sloped surface between the base of the pins and the end of the pins. The engagement member 12 also includes a pin distance 22, defined as the distance between the ends of the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 A shows the ski binding assembly 2 in a closed position, such that the engagement member 12 is configured to pivotally attach the ski binding assembly 2 to the toe of an alpinetouring ski boot 58. When the ski binding assembly 2 is in a closed position, the pin distance 22 of the engagement member 12 is reduced relative to the pin distance 22 of the engagement member 12 when the ski binding assembly 2 is in an open position (FIG. IB).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A, the ski binding assembly 2 is configured such that, when the ski binding assembly 2 is in a closed position, the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20 can engage with a first side and a second side of a ski boot 58 to pivotally attach the toe of the ski boot 58 to the ski binding assembly 2. As shown in FIG. IB, the ski binding assembly 2 is also configured such that, when the ski binding assembly 2 is in an open position, the pin distance 22 is greater than the distance between the first side and the second side of the ski boot 58. As such, when the ski binding assembly 2 is in the open position, the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20 do not both engage the toe of the ski boot 58, thereby releasing the ski boot 58 from the ski binding assembly 2.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1A, the modified beam 24 of the engagement member 12 further includes a modified beam center point 30, a first resilient section 32, a second resilient section 34, and a center member 36. The first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 are capable of bending and allow the modified beam 24 to bend between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 A and the open position shown in FIG. IB. Both the closed position and the open position are stable positions for the modified beam 24 to be bent into such that the modified beam 24 buckles downward into the closed position when force is applied to the center member 36 along the vertical axis 50 toward the bottom side 5 of the base 4 and the modified beam 24 buckles upward into the open position when force is applied to the center member 36 along the vertical axis 50 away from the bottom side 5 of the base 4. When the modified beam 24 buckles downward into the closed position, the first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 bias the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20 toward each other. When the modified beam 24 buckles upward into the open position, the first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 bias the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20 away from each other. When the modified beam 24 has buckled downward into the closed position, the center member 36 and the center point 30 are positioned closer to the bottom side 5 of the base 4 in the direction of the vertical axis 50 than when the modified beam 24 has buckledupward into the open position. When the modified beam 24 has buckled upward into the open position and the center member 36 and center point 30 are positioned farther from the bottom side 5 of the base 4 in the direction of the vertical axis 50 than when the modified beam 24 has buckled downward into the closed position, the pin distance 22 is increased relative to the pin distance 22 in the closed position.

[0032] Referring to an exemplary embodiment of a ski binding assembly 2 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the engagement member 12 includes a first pivot section 26 and a second pivot section 28. The first pivot section 26 and the second pivot section 28 engage with the base 4 to attach the engagement member 12 to the base 4. In some embodiments, the first pivot section 26 of the engagement member 12 pivotally engages the first pivot structure 6 of the base 4 and the second pivot section 28 pivotally engages the second pivot structure 8 of the base 4. The pivotal engagements cause the first engagement member end 14 to rotate about the first pivot axis 7 and the second engagement member end 16 to rotate about the second pivot axis 9 in opposite directions when the modified beam 24 is adjusted between the closed and open positions. As such, the engagement member 12 is pivotally attached to the base 4. In a specific embodiment, the ski binding assembly 2 includes a first pivot pin 38 that engages the first pivot section 26 and the first pivot structure 6 and a second pivot pin 40 that engages the second pivot section 28 and the second pivot structure 8.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, the first pivot section 26 is aligned with the first pivot structure 6 and the second pivot section 28 is aligned with the second pivot structure 8 when the engagement member 12 is attached to the base 4. When the engagement member 12 is not attached to the base 4 and no external forces are applied to the engagement member 12, the distance between the first pivot section 26 and the second pivot section 28 is greater than the distance between the first pivot structure 6 and the second pivot structure 8. As such, the engagement member 12 is compressed when it is attached to the base 4. In some embodiments, the modified beam 24 is compressed when the engagement member 12 is attached to the base 4. In some embodiments, the first resilient section 32, the second resilient section 34, and the center member 36 are compressed when the engagement member 12 is attached to the base 4.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, the ski binding assembly 2 includes an actuating lever 52 and a release switch 54. The actuating lever 52 attaches to the base 4. In some embodiments, the actuating lever 52 pivotally engages with a lever pivot structure 10 of the base 4. The release switch 54 is pivotally attached to the actuating lever 52. When the ski binding assembly 2 is in a closed position (FIG. 2A), users can apply a downward force on the release switch 54 to rotate the actuating lever 52 and apply an upward force on the center member 36 of the modified beam 24. As such, users can press down on the release switch 54 in order to bend the engagement member 12 from a closed position (FIG. 2A) configured to retain the toe of a ski boot 58, to an open position (FIG. 2B) configured to release the ski boot 58. When the ski binding assembly 2 is in an open position (FIG. 2B) users may apply a downward force directly to the center member 36 of the modified beam 24 with the toe of a ski boot 58 in order to bend the engagement member 12 into the closed position (FIG. 2A).

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of ski binding assembly 2. The exploded view shows the first pivot pin 38 that engages the first pivot section 26 and the first pivot structure 6 and a second pivot pin 40 that engages the second pivot section 28 and the second pivot structure 8. This configuration pivotally attaches the engagement member 12 to the base 4 at two locations such that displacing the center member 36 along the vertical axis 50 causes the engagement member 12 to bend and move the first engagement pin 18 and second engagement pin 20 either toward or away from each other.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view of ski binding engagement member 12, bent into the closed position. In general, the ski binding engagement member 12 can be formed from flexible, hard, and durable materials. In some embodiments, the ski binding engagement member 12 is formed from a material including titanium. In some embodiments, the ski binding engagement member 12 is formed from a material including a titanium alloy. In some embodiments, the ski binding engagement member 12 is formed a from material including aluminum. In some embodiments, the ski binding engagement member 12 is formed from a material including magnesium. In some embodiments, the ski binding engagement member 12 is formed from a material including plastic.

[0037] In various embodiments, sections of the engagement member 12 are integrally formed as single components. In a specific embodiment, the first resilient section 32, the first pivot section 26, and the first engagement pin 18 are integrally formed as a single component, and the second resilient section 34, the second pivot section 28, and the second engagement pin 20 are integrally formed as a single component. In some embodiments, the first resilient section 32, the second resilient section 34, the first pivot section 26, and the second pivot section 28 are integrally formed as a single component. In some embodiments, all of the sections of engagement member 12 are integrally formed as a single component such that engagement member 12 is integrally formed as a single component. Any sections of the engagement member 12 that are integrally formed as a single component according to any embodiment discussed herein can be formed through molding, milling, machining, cutting, or 3D printing.

[0038] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate a top view and a bottom view, respectively, of the ski boot engagement member 12. In some embodiments, the first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 of the engagement member 12 may include non-linear springs 44. The force required to compress the length of the first resilient section 32 or the second resilient section 34 may vary as the first resilient section 32 or the second resilient section 34 is compressed, respectively. For example, the force required to compress the first resilient section 32 from its uncompressed length to 90% of its uncompressed length can be more or less than the force required to compress the first resilient section 32 from 90% of its uncompressed length to 80% of its uncompressed length. The first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 may include spring sections 33. The spring sections 33 may vary in stiffness or elasticity such that the force required to compress one spring section 33 to a specific length (e.g., compressing an uncompressed spring section 33 to 99% of the uncompressed length of that spring section 33) is greater or less than the force required to compress an adjacent spring section 33 to the same length. The spring sections 33 may vary in thickness in the direction of the longitudinal axis 46, lateral axis 48, and / or the vertical axis 50 such that a dimension (e.g., height, width or length) of one spring section 33 is greater or less than the same dimension of an adjacent spring section 33.

[0039] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 A, the spring sections 33 of engagement member 12 can include vertical openings 42. In some embodiments, the verticalopenings 42 are defined as the space between opposing arcuate segments that form each spring section 33. As such, the vertical openings 42 provide an area through which the opposing arcuate segments of the spring sections 33 can travel when the modified beam 24 is compressed along the lateral axis 48. In some embodiments, the vertical openings extend generally parallel to the vertical axis 50. As such, the vertical openings 42 are perpendicular to the first pivot axis 7, the second pivot axis 9, and the longitudinal axis 46.

[0040] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate a front view and a rear view, respectively, of the ski boot engagement member 12, bent into a closed position. In some embodiments, the top surface and / or the bottom surface of the engagement member 12 form arcuate surfaces having centers of curvature above the engagement member 12 (e.g., in the direction of the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20 with respect to the center member 36 along the vertical axis 50) when the engagement member 12 is in the closed position.

[0041] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate a left-side view and a right-side view, respectively, of the ski boot engagement member 12. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show the engagement member 12 in a closed position.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the ski boot engagement member 12, bent into an open position. In some embodiments, the top surface and / or the bottom surface of the engagement member 12 form arcuate surfaces having centers of curvature below the engagement member 12 (e.g., in the direction away from the first engagement pin 18 and the second engagement pin 20 with respect to the center member 36 along the vertical axis 50) when the engagement member 12 is in the open position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the engagement member 12 bends around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 46 when transitioning between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments, the modified beam 24 bends around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 46 when transitioning between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments, the first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 bend around axes parallel to the longitudinal axis 46 when transitioning between the closed position and the open position. In some embodiments, the opposing arcuate segments of the spring sections 33 of the first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 bend around axes that are generally parallel to thevertical axis 50. As such, the first resilient section 32, second resilient section 34, modified beam 24 and engagement member 12 undergo multi-axial bending when transitioning between the closed position and the open position. That is, the first resilient section 32 and the second resilient section 34 each bend about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 46 and an axis that is generally parallel to the vertical axis 50 when transitioning between the closed position and the open position.

[0044] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0045] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to aspecific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

[0047] While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0048] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the Figures, are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description. In addition, in various embodiments, the present disclosure extends to a variety of ranges (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%) around any of the absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or determinable from the Figures.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A ski binding assembly comprising: a base attachable to a ski, the base comprising: a first pivot structure defining a first pivot axis; a second pivot structure defining a second pivot axis; and a bottom side; a ski boot engagement member comprising: a first engagement pin located at a first end of the ski boot engagement member; a second engagement pin located at a second end of the ski boot engagement member; a pin distance defined as a distance between the first engagement pin and the second engagement pin; and a modified beam that connects the first end and the second end, the modified beam comprising: a first pivot section; and a second pivot section; wherein, when the ski boot engagement member is not attached to the base, a distance between the first pivot structure and the second pivot structure is greater than a distance between the first pivot section and the second pivot section; wherein the first pivot structure engages with the first pivot section and the second pivot structure engages with the second pivot section such that the modified beam is compressed and attached to the base; and wherein displacing a center point of the modified beam in a first direction causes the pin distance to decrease and displacing the center point of the modified beam in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the pin distance to increase.

2. The ski binding assembly of claim 1, wherein the ski boot engagement member is integrally formed as a single component.

3. The ski binding assembly of claim 2, wherein the ski boot engagement member comprises titanium.

4. The ski binding assembly of claim 2, wherein the ski boot engagement member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, titanium alloy or plastic.

5. The ski binding assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first pivot pin that engages the first pivot section and the first pivot structure and a second pivot pin that engages the second pivot section and the second pivot structure.

6. The ski binding assembly of claim 1, wherein the first direction is directed toward the bottom side of the base relative to the center point of the modified beam.

7. The ski binding assembly of claim 1 , the modified beam further comprising a plurality of openings that are perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

8. A ski binding assembly comprising: a base comprising first and second pivot structures and a bottom side, the base being attachable to a ski; and a ski boot engagement member comprising: a first chamfered pin engageable with a first side of a ski boot; a second chamfered pin engageable with a second side of the ski boot; a first resilient section connected to the first chamfered pin by a first pivot section; a second resilient section connected to the second chamfered pin by a second pivot section; and a center member connecting the first and second resilient sections;a first pin for pivotally attaching the first pivot structure to the first pivot section; a second pin for pivotally attaching the second pivot structure to the second pivot section; and wherein, upon pivotal attachment, the engagement member buckles in a first direction to bias the first and second chamfered pins toward each other or the engagement member buckles in a second direction to bias the first and second chamfered pins away from each other.

9. The ski binding assembly of claim 8, wherein the ski boot engagement member is integrally formed as a single component.

10. The ski binding assembly of claim 9, wherein the ski boot engagement member comprises titanium.

11. The ski binding assembly of claim 9, wherein the ski boot engagement member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, titanium alloy or plastic12. The ski binding assembly of claim 8, wherein the center member of the engagement member is positioned closer to the bottom side of the base when the engagement member buckles in the first direction than when the engagement member buckles in the second direction.

13. The ski binding assembly of claim 8, wherein the first resilient section, the second resilient section, the first pivot section, the second pivot section, and the center member are integrally formed as a single component.

14. The ski binding assembly of claim 8, wherein the first resilient section, the first pivot section, and the first chamfered pin are integrally formed as a single component; andwherein the second resilient section, the second pivot section, and the second chamfered pin are integrally formed as a single component.

15. The ski binding assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second resilient sections comprise non-linear springs.

16. A ski binding assembly comprising: a base comprising first and second pivot structures, the base being attachable to a ski; and a ski boot engagement member comprising; a first engagement pin engageable with a first side of a ski boot, a second engagement pin engageable with a second side of the ski boot, a first resilient section connected to the first engagement pin by a first pivot section, a second resilient section connected to the second engagement pin by a second pivot section, a pin distance defined as a distance between the first engagement pin and the second engagement pin; wherein the first pivot structure pivotally engages with the first pivot section and the second pivot structure pivotally engages with the second pivot section such that the ski boot engagement member is attached to the base; wherein the engagement member is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, the pin distance of the engagement member being greater in the open position than the pin distance of the engagement member in the closed position; and wherein, when the engagement member transitions between the open position and the closed position, the first resilient section bends with respect to a first axis and a second axis that is distinct from the first axis, and the second resilient section bends with respect to a third axis and a fourth axis that is distinct from the third axis.

17. The ski binding assembly of claim 16, wherein the first resilient section, the second resilient section, the first pivot section, and the second pivot section are integrally formed as a single component.

18. The ski binding assembly of claim 16, wherein the first resilient section, the first pivot section, and the first engagement pin are integrally formed as a single component; and wherein the second resilient section, the second pivot section, and the second engagement pin are integrally formed as a single component.

19. The ski binding assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second resilient sections comprise non-linear springs.

20. The ski binding assembly of claim 16, wherein the ski boot engagement member comprises titanium.

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