Binding system
First Claim
1. A Telemark binding configured to releasably couple a boot to a ski comprising:
- a toe receiving member configured to engage a toe portion of the boot;
a releasable system configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states, wherein a first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is free to rotate with respect to the ski, and wherein a second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski, and wherein the releasable system further comprises;
a switching mechanism configured to transition the releasable mechanism between the first and second state, wherein a first force is required to switch the switching mechanism between the first and second state and a second force is required to switch the switching mechanism between the second and first state, and wherein the first and second force are oriented in substantially the same direction; and
an engagement mechanism configured to engage the toe receiving member in the second state.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism. Additional states may also be included such as a third state in which both the toe receiving member and a heel portion of the boot are fixed with respect to the ski.
14 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A Telemark binding configured to releasably couple a boot to a ski comprising:
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a toe receiving member configured to engage a toe portion of the boot; a releasable system configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states, wherein a first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is free to rotate with respect to the ski, and wherein a second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski, and wherein the releasable system further comprises; a switching mechanism configured to transition the releasable mechanism between the first and second state, wherein a first force is required to switch the switching mechanism between the first and second state and a second force is required to switch the switching mechanism between the second and first state, and wherein the first and second force are oriented in substantially the same direction; and an engagement mechanism configured to engage the toe receiving member in the second state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A Telemark binding configured to releasably couple a boot to a ski comprising:
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a toe receiving member configured to engage the toe portion of the boot, wherein the toe receiving member is configured to accept boots including a boot which conforms to the 75 mm boot standard; a releasable system configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states, wherein a first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is free to rotate with respect to the ski, and wherein a second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski, and wherein the releasable system further comprises; a switching mechanism configured to transition the releasable mechanism between the first and second state, wherein a pushing force is required to switch the switching mechanism between the first and second state and between the second and first state, and wherein the switching mechanism is disposed at a frontal location with respect to the toe receiving member; and an engagement mechanism configured to engage the toe receiving member in the second state. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method of switching between a first and second ski binding operational state comprising the acts of:
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providing a ski binding which releasably engages a toe portion of a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states, wherein the binding includes a first state in which a boot is free to rotate with respect to the ski, and a second state in which a portion of the boot is substantially fixed with respect to the ski; receiving a first force on a switching mechanism causing a first change in operational states; and receiving a second force on the switching mechanism causing a second change in operational states, wherein the second force is substantially aligned with the first force. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification