Safety system for snow gliders

Abstract

The invention relates to a ski binding system for a ski with at least one front and / or one rear safety release jaw with a Z release value setting device for setting a release force or a snowboard binding system with non-releasing snowboard boot bindings. According to the invention, a safety release system is operatively connected to the safety release jaw or at least one of same or to at least one of the snowboard boot bindings, which safety release system comprises a monitoring element which monitors travel states of the ski or snowboard or of the rider thereof and, in the event of dangerous travel states, leads to a release of the safety release system, wherein the release of the safety release system leads to a release of the connected safety release jaw or of the snowboard boot bindings, or releases the force-fitting connection thereto.

Description

[0001] Safety system for snow gliders

[0002] The invention relates to a safety system for snow gliding devices, in particular a ski binding system for a ski or a snowboard binding system according to one of the independent patent claims or a corresponding method for safety release in snow gliding devices.

[0003] For skis, safety-release bindings that open under excessive force to prevent injury have long been standard, or even mandatory. One problem is that this setting is static and inflexible, and especially that sporty skiers often set the Z-value of their bindings, which determines the safety release force, so high that it's too high for their bodies. This is often done to cover rare and short-term peak forces, even though such a Z-value is in a range that is unhealthy for the body.

[0004] The same applies to snowboards or other forms of snow gliding devices that can be strapped to the feet and which are likewise encompassed by the invention, even though skis or snowboards are mentioned here as examples. It should be noted that snowboards often do not have a safety binding at all, but rather a non-releasing snowboard binding that is permanently screwed to the snowboard.

[0005] Many approaches have already been taken to improve the safety of ski or snowboard bindings. Examples of attempts to improve the safety release mechanism of the connection between the skier and the snowboard can be found, for instance, in DE102015007392A1, DE102011100933A1, DE102021002353A1, or DE202009018905U1. None of these solutions has gained market acceptance, as each has its drawbacks, is very complex, or only solves a minor detail problem, but is not convincing overall. The object of the present invention is therefore to create a device or provide a method to better protect skiers or snowboarders from injuries. In particular, it is important to improve ski bindings in this respect. Preferably, however, the design should not deviate too much from the proven, safety-tested, and approved safety binding solution (which promotes acceptance).Nevertheless, an improvement in safety should be achieved, and reliable triggering should be ensured – but only in genuine emergency situations.

[0006] The problems are solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments and embodiments are set out in the figures and in the dependent claims, as well as in the following description.

[0007] In simple terms, the invention is a safety system that can trigger the bindings of snowboards independently or in combination, so that the rider is not injured by the bindings releasing too late or too hard.

[0008] According to the invention, a ski binding system for a ski or other snow gliding device is provided, comprising at least one front and / or one rear safety release jaw. This safety release jaw includes a Z-release value adjustment device with which a release force can be set, and a measuring sensor that, during operation, measures or determines the force exerted on the safety release jaw by a ski boot. When the Z-release value is exceeded, a release is triggered, meaning that the binding releases the ski boot, allowing the ski to detach from the skier and preventing excessive force from being applied to the skier, which could lead to injury. This is analogous to, or in the form of, known and commercially available safety ski bindings with front and rear safety release jaws, which feature a Z-value force release that can be preset via a screw.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, a safety release system is force-fit connected to the safety release jaw(s) or at least one of the safety release jaws. This safety release system comprises a monitoring element that, independently of the measuring sensor, monitors the skiing or skiing conditions and triggers the safety release system in dangerous skiing conditions. Triggering the safety release system results in the release of the connected safety release jaw or the disengagement of the force-fit connection to it. This provides an additional level of safety. In particular, it ensures reliable triggering in dangerous skiing conditions—and only in these—while simultaneously preventing unwanted triggering in non-dangerous skiing conditions. Both aspects improve the skier's safety.

[0010] Preferably, the safety release system comprises a ski binding plate that is movable relative to the ski, carries the safety release jaw, and is positively connected at one end to a sliding element that is supported at the other end relative to the ski. This results in a simple and compact design, and a reliable release can be achieved with a single movement.

[0011] Preferably, the ski binding plate can be attached to the ski in a sled or rail system. This allows it to be moved. In particular, known and existing sled or rail systems, such as those used in the prior art for sole length adjustment or binding position adjustment, can be used or adapted.

[0012] The monitoring system can be, for example, an electronic system on the ski, binding, ski boot, or skier, or a combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be an external monitoring system, such as a camera system, a course marshal, or a coach.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, a binding plate or ski can be designed with a rear binding block located in a sled / rail system. The binding block can move away from the boot so quickly that the boot is released in fractions of a second. This can be achieved, in particular, by means of external energy (e.g., electricity, spring storage, etc. pre-tensioning), whereby the binding block is held in place during normal operation and is only triggered by an external or internal signal (e.g., from or remotely from the snowboard operator). For example, a signal can trigger the movement of the block via an actuator. This triggering can be achieved by a signal determined by algorithms or sensors (e.g., acceleration or G-sensors, gyroscopes, motion, load, or torque sensors, but also others).Specifically, the signal can be triggered by an algorithmic evaluation of one or more sensors (sensor fusion), including non-binary or non-linear evaluation and triggering. Triggering can be, for example, mechanical or electrical. In particular, it is possible to trigger without actually activating the safety release jaws.

[0014] An example of an integrated release mechanism is a lever or similar device located under the rear of the shoe. This lever is pre-tensioned but held in place by an external energy source (e.g., electricity, a spring mechanism, etc.) and is triggered by an (external or internal) signal. The lever can be of any shape and material and should offer an efficient force-displacement conversion during release to optimize the use of the external energy.

[0015] In one embodiment, a ski binding system for a ski can be designed with at least one front and / or one rear safety release jaw. This safety release jaw comprises a Z-release value adjustment device with which a release force can be set, and a measuring sensor that, during operation, detects and measures the force exerted on the safety release jaw by a ski boot and triggers a release when the Z-release value is exceeded. According to the invention, a safety force release system that can be supported against the ski is provided, which triggers the safety release jaw(s) in dangerous skiing situations by directly or indirectly applying an additional force, so that the additional force is added to the force corresponding to the skiing situation and, consequently, the Z-release value is reached earlier than by a continuous increase of the force corresponding to the skiing situation.

[0016] The safety force release system includes a monitoring element that, independently of the measuring sensor, monitors the ski's operating conditions and triggers the safety force release system in dangerous operating conditions. This activation of the safety force release system results in the application of additional force, which, once the Z-release value is exceeded, leads to the conventional release of the associated safety release jaw.

[0017] Preferably, the design is such that the safety force release system acts on a ski boot sole in the ski binding in the operating state, or that the safety force release system is connected to a component of the safety release jaw that supports the release and thus introduces the additional force into the safety release jaw in the release state.

[0018] Preferably, the safety force release system includes a force storage device which, in the response state, introduces its additional force into the safety release jaws or into the ski boot sole.

[0019] Preferably, the safety force release system is connected to the front safety release jaws via a pull or push rod and / or a toggle lever. It includes a force storage device which, in the activation state, transmits its additional force to the front safety release jaws.

[0020] In other words, in the above embodiment, an increase in force can be used to initiate the triggering process.

[0021] The additional force applied to the boot or existing binding can be applied once for the sole purpose of triggering the binding release. Alternatively, this additional force can be applied from the beginning to artificially reduce the effect of the set Z-value. This can be useful, for example, when muscles and joints are still unwarmed and unprepared at the start of a skiing session. Later, this additional force can be reduced using this new device, thereby restoring the release value to the set Z-value. In a further embodiment, this adjustment can also be dynamically controlled, meaning that the high Z-value for, e.g., maximum speed on descents, is dynamically adjusted by the force applied to the boot or existing binding so that the Z-value is lower for less critical conditions, such as...Slower driving in curves is reduced to a level that is healthy for the driver.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention for a snowboard, the snowboard binding system can specifically consist of two non-releasing snowboard boot bindings. According to the invention, the two snowboard boot bindings are encompassed by a common safety release system with a snowboard binding plate that can be detachably attached to the snowboard and is separated from the snowboard by the safety release system in the event of release. Thus, a safety release according to the invention can also be achieved on a snowboard using the safety release system described herein.

[0023] Preferably, the snowboard binding plate is positively connected to a sliding element, which is supported at the other end against the snowboard and is slidable on a carriage or rail system. In one specific sliding position, the snowboard binding plate is released from the rail or rail system, while in other sliding positions it remains firmly connected to the snowboard. This allows for a reliable release in a simple manner.

[0024] Preferably, in all embodiments, the safety force release system can be triggered by an acceleration sensor or a motion monitoring sensor. In particular, the safety force release system can also be triggered by an image-capturing sensor or by arbitrary remote triggering. This enables reliable detection and signaling or triggering in the event of danger.

[0025] For example, a binding plate or a ski with an integrated, additional release mechanism according to the invention can be provided on or in the binding block at the front – acting by means of external energy (such as electricity, spring storage, air pressure, actuator, etc.) and triggered by an external signal remote from the snowboarder and / or by an internal signal at the snowboarder (e.g., a ski airbag signal or by other sensors on the rider and / or snowboard, binding, binding plate, etc.). The release is triggered by a signal determined by algorithms or sensors (e.g., G-sensors, load sensors, force sensors, but also others), specifically by algorithmic evaluation of these signals.

[0026] The release can be synchronized or simultaneous, particularly with multiple bindings or snowboards, especially with, for example, two skis, so that the skis release from the skier at the same time. In another embodiment, it can also be triggered individually, particularly by an external signal or by a signal from the skier or the skier's airbag, so that the release of the skis is controlled and coordinated, allowing for better fall arrest. Sensors on the respective snowboard can also be used; for example, the left ski can release the left ski alone, or the right ski can be released simultaneously.

[0027] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] The list of reference numerals, like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, forms part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. Identical reference numerals denote identical components; reference numerals with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

[0029] This shows:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system on the rear binding block,

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system under the ski boot, Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system under the ski boot, Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system on the front and / or rear binding block,

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system on the front binding block,

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system on the rear binding block,

[0034] Fig. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system on the front binding block, Fig. 8 shows a first embodiment of a snowboard binding system according to the invention with a safety release system, Fig. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system under the ski boot, Fig. 10 shows a ninth embodiment of a ski binding system according to the invention with a safety release system at the front of the ski, and Fig. 11 shows a second embodiment of a snowboard binding system according to the invention with a safety release system.

[0035] Fig. 1 describes a side view of a ski boot (9), held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks 3, 4 and an additional mechanism (6) which, by means of a motor (5) and energy storage device (10), in addition to the actual binding system (3, 4), pulls the rear binding block (4) away from the ski boot towards the rear end of the ski and thus releases the ski boot.

[0036] Fig. 2 describes a side view of a ski boot (9), held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks 3, 4 and an additional piston (11) which, by means of an energy storage device (10), in addition to the actual binding system (3, 4), pushes the ski boot away from the ski and upwards, triggering the rear binding (4).

[0037] Fig. 3 describes a side view of a ski boot (9), held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks 3, 4 and a wedge (12) which, by means of an energy storage device (10), in addition to the actual binding system (3, 4), pushes the ski boot away from the ski and upwards, triggering the rear binding (4).

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a top view of a ski boot (9) held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks 3, 4, which together or separately can move the ski away from the boot in the longitudinal direction of the ski by means of a mechanism (6), motor (5), and energy storage device (6), thus releasing the ski boot. Fig. 5 shows a top view of a ski boot (9) held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks (3, 4), wherein a toggle lever (15) acts on the binding block (3) via a mechanism (6) by means of a motor (5) and energy storage device (10), thus spreading the binding block and releasing the ski boot.

[0039] Fig. 6 describes a side view of a ski boot (9) held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks (3, 4) wherein energy storage (10) via a cylinder (13) opens the rear binding block (4) and releases the ski boot (9).

[0040] Fig. 7 describes a side view of a ski boot (9) held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks (3, 4) wherein energy storage device (10) via a cylinder (13) opens the front binding block (3) and releases the ski boot (9).

[0041] Fig. 8 describes a top view of a snowboard (1, 2) and bindings (3, 4) which can be separated from the snowboard by means of a mechanism (6) and motor (5) and by means of external energy (10).

[0042] Fig. 9 describes a side view of a ski boot (9) held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks (3, 4) wherein energy storage (10) via a cylinder (13) and a pivot lever (14) pushes the ski boot (9) out of the binding block (4).

[0043] Fig. 10 Figure 10 describes a top view of a ski boot (9) held on the ski (1, 2) by the binding blocks (3, 4) wherein energy storage (10) and motor (5) actuate a pivot lever (14) and push the ski boot (9) out of the binding block (3).

[0044] Fig. 11 shows a top view of a snowboard (1, 2) and bindings (3, 4) which can be detached from the snowboard by means of a mechanism (6) and motor (5) using external energy (10). It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments and approaches shown or described in the different figures shown here can also be combined and interchanged in ways other than those shown, in accordance with the invention.

[0045] Reference symbol list

[0046] Binding plate

[0047] Snowmobile

[0048] front binding block

[0049] Rear binding block, motor

[0050] Triggering mechanism

[0051] Front of the sled

[0052] Rear slide

[0053] shoe

[0054] Energy storage

[0055] Pistons

[0056] wedge

[0057] cylinder

[0058] Swivel lever

[0059] Knee lever

Claims

Patent claims 1. Ski binding system for a ski with at least one front and / or one rear safety release jaw, which safety release jaw(s) comprises: a Z-release value adjustment device with which a release force can be adjusted, and a measuring sensor which, during operation, measures the force acting on the safety release jaw by a ski boot and triggers a release when the Z-release value is exceeded, characterized in that a safety release system is force-fit connected to the safety release jaw(s) or to at least one of the safety release jaw(s), which safety release system comprises a monitoring element which, independently of the measuring sensor, monitors the driving conditions of the ski or a skier and, in the event of dangerous driving conditions, triggers the safety release system, wherein the triggering of the safety release system leads to the release of the connected safety release jaw, or releases the force-fit connection to it.

2. Ski binding system according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety release system comprises a ski binding plate which is movable relative to the ski, which carries the safety release jaw and is positively connected at one end to a sliding element which is supported at the other end relative to the ski.

3. Ski binding system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ski binding plate can be attached to the ski in a sled or rail system.

4. Ski binding system for a ski with at least one front and / or one rear safety release jaw, which includes safety release jaws: A Z-release value setting device with which a release force can be adjusted and a measuring sensor which, during operation, measures the force acting on the safety release jaw by a ski boot and triggers a release when the Z-release value is exceeded, characterized in that a safety force release system supported against the ski is provided which, in dangerous driving situations, triggers the safety release jaw(s) by directly or indirectly applying an additional force, so that the additional force is added to the force corresponding to the driving situation and consequently the Z-release value is reached earlier than by a continuous increase of the force corresponding to the driving situation, and wherein the safety force release system comprises a monitoring element which, independently of the measuring sensor, monitors the driving conditions of the ski and, in dangerous driving situations, triggers the safety force release system.the activation of the safety force release system leads to the application of an additional force which, once the Z-release value is exceeded, results in a conventional release of the associated safety release jaw.

5. Ski binding system according to claim 4, characterized in that the safety force release system acts on a ski boot sole in the ski binding in the operating state or that the safety force release system is connected to a component of the safety release jaw that supports the release and thus introduces the additional force into the safety release jaw in the release state.

6. Ski binding system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the safety force release system comprises a force storage device which, in the response state, introduces its additional force into the safety release jaws or into the ski boot sole.

7. Ski binding system according to claims 4 to 6 characterized in that the safety force release system is connected to the front safety release jaws via a pull or push rod and / or via a toggle lever and comprises a force storage device which, in the response state, introduces its additional force into the front safety release jaws.

8. Snowboard binding system with two non-releasing snowboard boot bindings, characterized in that the two snowboard boot bindings comprise a common safety release system with a snowboard binding plate which can be detachably attached to the snowboard and is separated from the snowboard by the safety release system in the event of release.

9. Snowboard binding system according to claim 8, characterized in that the snowboard binding plate is positively connected to a sliding element which is supported at the other end against the snowboard and is slidable on a sled or rail system, wherein in a certain sliding state the snowboard binding plate is released from the rail or rail system and in the other sliding states remains firmly connected to the snowboard.

10. Ski or snowboard binding system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the safety force release system can be triggered by an acceleration sensor or by a motion monitoring sensor, in particular by an image-capturing sensor or by an arbitrary remote release.

Images