DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a ski binding hav ing improved features.

General ly, a ski bi ndi ng comprises a toe binding and a heel binding to connect the boot to the ski respectiv ely at the toe and the heel of the user' s foot.

It is also known that the position of the toe binding and/or of the heel binding must at times be varied to ensure optimal coupling of the boot to the ski. For example, this can occur in the case in which the user requires to change boot or to modify skiing mode for any reason.

In more conventional ski bindings, the toe binding and/or the heel binding of a ski are connected directly to the ski by means of fixing screws inserted into threaded holes made in the ski. Naturally, this solution causes structural weakening of the ski.

To avoid these drawbacks, the use of ski bindings provided with adjusting plates fixed to the ski and usable as connection support for the toe binding and the heel binding has become increasing widespread. In this way, the posi tion of the toe binding and/or o the heel binding can be adjusted, while maintaining the structure of the ski substantially integral.

Some bindings of this latter type enable substantially continuous adjustment of the position of the toe binding and/or of the heel binding.

For example, the ski binding, described in the patent application EP729770, comprises a fixing plate provided with a rack for adjustment. The heel bindi ng is provided with a reversible blocking and adjusting mechanism, actuatable by the user and comprising a tooth removably engageable wi th the rack.

In the ski binding described in the patent application DE2246668, a rack and pinion system enables simultaneous adjustment of the position of the toe binding and heel binding of the ski binding, slidingly connected to a fixing plate solidly connected to the ski.

Similarly, in the ski binding described in the patent application WO2002/005909, a system of pulleys simultaneously moves two plates (connected respectively to the toe bindi ng and heel binding) in relation to a base, solidly connected to the ski.

The patent US6471235 describes a ski bindi ng comprising a toe binding and a heel binding capable of sl iding freely along the ski.

The ski binding comprises a first blocking plate solidly connected with the ski, a second blocking plate solidly connected to the toe binding and a third blocking plate solidly connected to the heel binding. These blocking plates are superimposed one on another in a sandwich structure and are provided with toothed surfaces mutually coupleable in a selective manner. A blocking screw is used to couple the plates to one another and fix the position of toe binding and heel binding with respect to the ski.

Prior art ski bindings have relatively complex and bulky structures.

Moreover, operations to adjust them are somewhat laborious and often require the use of special equipment and/or the assistance of specialized personnel.

These drawbacks can make the ski bi ndi ng difficult to use, especially for inexperienced users, and unavoidably lead to relatively high industrial costs and production times.

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a ski binding that allows the drawbacks of the prior art described above to be overcome.

Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to produce a ski binding that facilitates adjustment of the toe binding and heel binding position with respect to the ski.

A further object of the present invention is to produce a ski binding that is easily used by the user, even in adverse weather conditions.

One more object of the present invention is to produce a ski binding that has a structure that is sturdy and of limited size, relatively easy and inexpensive to assemble and to manufacture on an i ndustrial scale.

This aim and these objects, together with other objects that will be more apparent from the subsequent description and from the accompanying drawings, are achieved, according to the invention, by a ski binding according to claim 1 and to the related dependent claims proposed hereunder.

In general defi nition, the ski binding, according to the invention, comprises a toe bi ndi ng and a heel binding free to slide with respect to the ski at respective first and second sliding seats. The ski binding, according to the invention, comprises a blocking and adjusting mechanism to fix the toe bi nding and heel binding position with respect to the ski .

Thi s blocking and adjusting mechani sm can be operated simply by means of an operation lever.

Adjustment of the toe binding and heel binding position can thus take place simply and directly, through easy manual operations.

The ski binding, according to the invention, has a structure of limited size, in particular according to a direction perpendicular to the upper surface o the ski.

The ski binding, according to the invention, also has a structure that is relatively simple to produce and assembly on an industrial scale.

Further characteristics and advantages of the ski binding, accordi ng to the present invention, will be better understood by referring to the description below and to the accompanying drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example, wherein: Figs. 1-9, A, 10- 1 1 represent some schematic views of an embodi ment of the ski bind i ng, according to the present invention;

Figs. 12- 19 represent some schematic views of a further embodi ment of the ski binding, according to the present invention .

With reference to the aforesaid figures, the present invention refers to a ski bindi ng 1 configured to be mounted on a ski 100.

For the sake of clarity, it is specified that the ski binding 1 will be described in the following with reference to its operative mounting on the ski. The relative positioning and the orientation of the parts of the ski bindi ng 1 will thus be described with reference to the case in which the ski biding 1 is mounted on the ski.

The ski 100 extends along a main longitudinal axis 103 and comprises a lower sliding surface 102 and an upper surface 101 , opposite to the surface 102.

According to the invention, the ski binding 1 comprises a toe binding 2 and a heel binding 3 configured to b operati vely connected to the ski at the upper surface 101.

In particular, the toe binding 2 and the heel bi nding 3 are sl idingly coupleable to the ski 100, preferably at first sliding seats 54, 1 04 A and at second sl iding seats 350, 104B, respectively.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-9, 9A, 10- 11 , the ski binding 1 comprises the first and second sliding seats 54, 350 for the toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3, respectively.

In this case, these seats consist of shaped grooves (substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103) produced respecti vely in a block ing plate 5 and a support plate 35 of the ski bindi ng, solidly connected with the ski.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 12- 19, the ski 100 comprises the first and second sliding seats 1 04 A, 104B for the toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3, respectively.

In this case, the sliding seats 104A, 104B consist of shaped grooves (substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103) formed in the ski, at the upper surface 101.

The sl iding seats 104A, 104B are preferably formed by the walls of a shaped recess 1 04 that extends along the ski, parallel to th longitudinal axis 103.

Preferably, the toe binding 2 compri ses a first base 2 1 for coupl ing with the ski and a first upper portion 22 for coupling with user' s boot.

The upper portion 22 (which can be of known type ) is positioned superimposed on the base 2 1 (taking as reference the surface 101 of the ski) and is sol idly connected to this latter with known connection means (such as screws).

The base 2 1 advantageously comprises a plurality of first coupling surfaces 2 1 1 , 2 12 with the upper portion 22 of the toe binding.

According to the embodiment shown i n Figs. I -9. 9 A, 10- 1 1 , the base 21 of the toe binding is coupleable to the blocking plate 5 of the ski binding at the first sliding seats 54. The plate 5 can be, in turn, solidly connected with the ski 100 by means of known connection means (such as screws).

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 12- 19, the base 21 of the toe binding is directly coupleable to the ski 100, at the first sliding seats 104A produced on the ski.

The base 21 of the toe binding is provided with first shaped guiding edges 210 slidingly coupleable with the first sliding seats 54, 104A to allow the toe binding 2 to slide (reference

501) along the ski (i.e. along the longitudinal axis 103) simultaneously preventing all lateral

(i.e. perpendicular to the axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101) or vertical (i.e. perpendicular to the axis 103 and to the upper surface 101) movement thereof.

The heel binding 3 comprises a second base 31 for coupling with the ski and a second upper portion 32 for coupling with user' s boot.

The upper portion 32 (which can be of known type ) is positioned superimposed on the base 31 and is solidly connected to this latter with connection means of known type (such as screws).

The base 3 1 of the heel binding advantageously comprises second coupl ing surfaces 3 1 1 with the upper portion 32.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-9, 9A, 10- 1 1 , the base 31 of the heel binding is coupleable to the support plate 35 of the ski binding at the second sliding seats 350. The support plate 35 can be, in turn, solidly connected with the ski 100 by connection means of known type (such as screws).

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 12-19, the base 31 of the heel binding is directly coupled to the ski 100, at the second sliding seats 104B produced on the ski.

The base 3 1 of the heel bi nding is provided with second shaped guiding edges 310 slidingly coupleable with the second sliding seats 350, 104B to allow the heel binding 3 to slide

(reference 502) along the ski, simultaneously preventing all lateral or vertical movement thereof.

According to the invention, the ski binding 1 comprises a blocking and adjusting mechanism 4, reversibly actuatab!e by the user between a blocking posi tion and a release position .

At the aforesaid blocking position of the mechanism 4, the toe bi ndi ng 2 and the heel bi nding 3 are solidly connected to the ski 100 in a fixed position.

At the aforesaid release position of the mechanism 4, the toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3 are free to slide with respect to the ski 100 along the longitudinal axis 103 (references 501, 502).

According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises the blocking plate 5, sol idly connectable to the ski 100.

The plate 5 can be solidly connected to the ski with connection means of known type (such as screws).

Preferably, the plate 5 comprises a first lower surface 51 oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski, and a first upper surface 52, opposite to the first lower surface 51 and parallel the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

Preferably, the surface 51 is coupled with the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

The plate 5 is operatively coupled (in a sliding manner as mentioned above) to the toe binding 2, in particular to the first base 21 thereof, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

The base 21 of the toe binding 2 is at least partially superimposed on the plate 5, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

As mentioned above, according to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1-9, 9A, 10-11, the plate 5 comprises the first sliding seats 54 of the toe binding 2.

In this case, the seats 54 are formed by lateral grooves 54 of the plate 5, operatively connectable (through positive fit) with the first guiding edges 210 of the base 21 of the toe binding 2.

According to the invention, the plate 5 comprises first blocking means 53.

Preferably, the blocking means 53 are positioned at the first upper surface 52.

The first blocking means are preferably formed by first blocking teeth 53.

Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 are positioned at the first upper surface 52 and are oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the upper surface 101 of the ski.

Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 are positioned transversally with respect to the ski, according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

Preferably, the plate 5 is formed by a first and second portion 56A, 56B spaced from each other.

The portions 56A, 56 B of the plate 5 are substantially symmetrical and extend along the ski

110, according to directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 103, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski. According to the embodiment of the invention shown i n Figs. 1-9, 9 A, 10-1 1 , the plate 5 comprises a transverse portion 57 that joins the portions 56 A, 56 B distally positioned with respect to the heel binding 3, when the ski bindi ng is mounted on the ski.

The portions 56 A, 56 B and 57 define a coupling seat 57 A of the plate 5 configured to house, at least partially, a blocking and adjusting rod 6 of the mechanism 4.

The plate 5 is connectable to the ski 100 (in a fixed manner) at the longitudinal portions 56A, 56B.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 12- 19, the plate 5 comprises a lower transverse wall 59 that joins the portions 56A, 56 B distally positioned with respect to the heel binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted on the sk i .

The lower transverse wall 59 is superimposed on the upper wall 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski .

Preferably, the plate 5 comprises an upper transverse wall 58 that joins the portions 56A, 56B proximally positioned with respect to the heel binding 3, when the ski bi nding is mounted on the ski.

The upper transverse wal l 58 i s spaced from the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

The base 21 of the toe binding 2 is superimposed on the upper wail 58 of the plate 5, when the ski binding is mounted on the sk i.

The portions 56 A, 56 B and the walls 58, 59 define the coupl ing seat 57 A of the plate 5 configured to house, at least partially, the rod 6 of the mechanism 4.

The plate 5 comprises, at the upper wall 58, a first numbered scale 58B indicative of the operation position S I of the toe binding 2, with respect to the ski.

The numbered scale 58B can advantageously be inspected through a first window 29 of the base 21 of the toe binding 2.

The plate 5 also comprises, at the upper wall 58, a second window 58A, at which it is possible to inspect a second numbered scale 67 present on the rod 6.

The plate 5 is connectable (in a fixed manner) to the ski 100 at the lower transverse wall 59. The plate 5 also comprises third fasteni ng edges 55 that protrude laterally from the portions 56A, 56B of the plate 5.

The fastening edges 55 are advantageously shaped so as to be coupleable with third fastening seats 104C consisting of shaped grooves (substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 103) of the ski 100, at the upper surface 101.

Preferably, also the fastening seats 104C are formed by the walls of the shaped recess 104 that extends along the ski 100 at the upper surface 101.

Referring again to both the embodiments of the invention shown in the cited figures, the first blocking teeth 53 of the plate 5 are preferably positioned at the longitudinal portions 56A, 56 B of this latter.

Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 are arranged in parallel rows that extend along the portions 56A, 56B according to directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 103.

Each row comprises a number of consecutive blocking teeth 53 arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

Preferably, each of the longitudinal portions 56A, 56 B comprises a same number P of blocking teeth 53.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 -9, 9 A, 10-11, the blocking teeth 53 are proximaily positioned with respect to the heel binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown i Figs. 1 2- 19, the blocking teeth 53 are distally positioned with respect to the heel binding 3, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises the blocking and adjusting rod 6. The rod 6 comprises a first and second end 61, 62 opposite each other.

At the first end 61, the rod 6 is solidly connected to the heel binding 3, in particular to the base 3 1 thereof, by fixing means of known type (such as screws).

In this way, the rod 6 is free to slide (reference 502) along the ski 100 (i.e. along the longitudinal axis 103) together with the heel binding 3, when the mechanism 4 is in release position.

The rod 6 comprises a third portion 66 distally positioned with respect to said first end 61. Preferably, the third portion 66 of the rod 6 comprises the second end 62 thereof.

At the third portion 66, the rod 6 is slidingly coupled to the plate 5.

In particular, the third portion 66 of the rod 6 is advantageously housed, at least partially, in the coupling seat 57 A of the plate 5.

Inside the coupling seat 57 A, the rod 6 is free to slide along the longitudinal axis 103 when the mechanism 4 is in release position.

Coupling with the seat 57A of the plate 5 prevents all transverse movement of the rod 6 during movement of this latter along the ski (reference 502).

The rod 6 is operatively associated to the toe binding 2, at the third portion 66. When the ski binding is mounted on the ski, the base 21 of the toe binding 2 is at least partially superimposed on the rod 6 at the portion 66.

The base 21 of the toe binding 2 defines, in cooperation with the ski 100 and the plate 5, a volume inside which the rod 6, in particular the portion 66 thereof, is free to slide with respect to the ski, when the mechanism 4 is in release position.

It is important to note that the rod 6 and the toe binding 2 are free to move with respect to the ski 100 and with respect to each other, when the mechanism 4 is in release position.

Preferably, the rod 6 comprises a second lower surface 63 oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski, and a second upper surface 64, opposite to the second lower surface 63 and parallel the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

Advantageously, the second upper surface 64 of rod 6 and the first upper surface 52 of the blocking plate 5 are co-planar along a same reference plane parallel to the upper surface 101 of the ski.

According to the invention, the rod 6 comprises second blocking means 65 distal ly positioned from the first end 61 and proxi mally positioned to the second end 62.

Preferably, the blocking means 65 are positioned at the th ird portion 66 of the rod 6.

Advantageously, the blocki ng means 65 are positioned at the second upper surface 64 of the rod 6.

The first and second block ing means 53, 65 are thus arranged on surfaces 52, 64 of the block ing plate 5 and of the blocking and adjusting rod 6, which are substantially parallel to the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is arranged on the ski.

Preferably, the first and second block ing means 53, 65 are arranged on substantially co-planar surfaces 52, 64 of the blocking plate 5 and of the blocking and adjusting rod 6, which are arranged along a same reference plane parallel to the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is arranged on the ski.

Preferably, the aforesaid second blocking means are formed by second blocking teeth 65.

Preferably, the blocking teeth 65 are positioned at the second upper surface 64 of the rod 6 and are oriented in the opposite direction to the upper surface 101 of the ski.

Preferably, the blocking teeth 65 are positioned transversaily with respect to the ski, according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101 , when the ski bind ing is mounted on the ski.

Preferably, the blocking teeth 53 of the plate 5 and the blocking teeth 65 of the rod 6 are arranged along a same plane parallel to the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

Preferably, the rod 6 comprises a row of second blocking teeth 65 that extends according to a direction paral lel to the longitudinal a is 103, between the parallel rows of the blocki ng teeth 53 of the portions 56 A, 56 B of the pl te 5, when the ski bindi ng is mounted on the ski.

Such a row comprises a number of consecutive blocking teeth 65 arranged along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101 , when the sk i binding is mounted on the ski.

The second blocking teeth 65 can therefore be in different positions of alignment S 1 with the first blocking teeth 53, according to directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101.

Each of these positions of alignment can be selected by sliding the blocking and adjusting rod 6 along the ski, in particular by sliding the thi rd portion 66 of the rod 6 along the coupling seat 57 A of the plate 5.

Given that the rod 6 is solidly connected with the heel binding 3, each of the positions of alignment corresponds to an operation position S2 of the heel binding 3 with respect to the ski and can be selected by moving the heel binding 3 along the second sliding seats 350, 104 B. Given that the rod 6 and the toe binding 2 can move with respect to each other, each operation position S2 of the heel binding 3 can be selected independently from the operation position S I taken by the toe binding 2.

Preferably, the rod 6 compri ses, at the second upper wall 64, a second numbered scale 67 indicative of the operation position S2 of the heel binding 3, with respect to the ski.

According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises one or more blocking wings 7, 8. Each of the blocking wings 7, 8 comprises a third free end 7 1 , 8 1 , oriented towards the heel bindi g 3 ( when the ski bi nding is mounted on the ski), and a fourth constrained end 72, 82, opposite to the aforesaid third free end and solidly connected to the toe binding 2, preferably to the coupling portion 22 of this latter.

The blocking wings 7, 8 can be fixed independently to the toe binding 2, at the related constrained end 72, 82.

Preferably, each of the block i ng wings 7, 8 is solidly connected to a common connection plate

78, at the related constrained end 72, 82, so as to form one piece with this latter. In turn, the plate 78 is solidly connected with the toe bi nding 2 by connection means of known type (such as screws).

Preferably, the blocking wings 7, 8 are arranged side by side with one another and extend along directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 103, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

The blocking wings 7, 8 are elastically deformable by bending.

The definition "elastically deformable by bending" means that, during normal operation of the ski binding, each of the blocking wings 7, 8 is capable of returning to its original shape and volume at rest, after having been subjected to mechanical deformation ( bending) in response to a bending moment applied.

In practice, each of the blocking wings 7, 8 behaves like a pinned-free beam having a point of constraint at the fourth end 72, 82 and capable of elastic deformation in response to the application of a bending moment.

Preferably, the blocking wings 7, 8 are shaped so as to be elastically deformable by bending in response to the application of a bending moment F directed towards the ski 100, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

The blocking wings 7, 8 are shaped so that, in a condition at rest, the third free end 71, 81 is at a greater distance from the ski with respect to the fourth constrained end 72, 83, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

According to the invention, the blocking wings 7, 8 comprise (preferably proximally positioned to the third free end 71, 81) third blocking means 75, 85 reversibiy coupieable with the first and second blocking means 53, 65.

Preferably, the third blocking means 75, 85 are positioned at the third free end 71, 81.

Preferably, the aforesaid blocking wings comprise at least a first blocking wing 8 that comprises a third lower surface 83, configured to be oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski, and a third upper surface 84, opposite to the lower surface 83.

Preferably, the third lower surface 83 is oriented towards the second upper surface 64 of the rod 6, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

Preferably, the first blocking wing 8 comprises third blocking means formed by third blocking teeth 85.

Preferably, the teeth 85 are positioned at the third lower surface 83.

Preferably, the teeth 85 are oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski and are positioned transversal ly with respect to the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski. The teeth 85 are arranged on the surface 83 so as to extend aiong a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

The third blocking means of the blocking wing 8 are adapted to interact with second blocking means 63 of the rod 6. Preferably, the second blocking teeth 65 and the third blocking teeth 85 are selectively mutually coupleable, at different coupl i ng positions.

Each of these coupling positions can be selected by sliding the rod 6 and the toe binding 2 along the ski.

Gi ven that the rod 6 is solidly connected wi th the heel binding 3, each of these coupli g positions corresponds to:

an operation position S2 of the heel binding 3 with respect to the ski, selectable by moving the heel binding 3 (reference 502) along the second sliding seats 350, 104B ; and an operation position S I of the toe binding 2 with respect to the ski, selectable by moving the toe binding 2 along the first sliding seats 54, 104A.

Preferably, the aforesaid blocking wings comprise one or more second blocking wings 7.

Preferably, the second blocking wings 7 each comprise a fourth lower surface 73 configured to be oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski, and a fourth upper surface 74, opposite to the fourth lower surface 73.

Preferably, the fourth lower surface 74 is oriented towards the first upper surface 52 of the plate 5.

Preferably, the second blocking wings 7 comprise thi d blocking means formed by fourth blocking teeth 75.

Preferably, the teeth 75 are positioned at the fourth lower surface 73.

Preferably, the teeth 75 are oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski and are positioned transversally with respect to the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski. The teeth 75 are arranged on the surface 73 so as to extend along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski.

The third blocking means of the blocking wings 7 are adapted to interact with first blocking means 53 of the blocking plate 5.

Preferably, the first blocking teeth 53 and the fourth blocki ng teeth 75 are selectively mutually coupleable, in different coupling positions.

Each of these coupling positions can be selected by sliding the toe binding 2 along the ski. Each of these coupling positions corresponds to an operation position S I of the toe binding 2 with respect to the ski, selectable by moving the toe binding 2 (reference 501) along the first sliding seats 54, 1 04 A.

Preferably, the aforesaid blocking wings comprise a single first blocking wing 8 and a pair of second blocking wings 7 arranged side by side and mutually parallel, with the first blocking wing 8 positioned between the blocking wings 7. Advantageously, the first blocking wing 8 is superimposed on the rod 6 (in particular on the third portion 66 of this latter) while each of the blocking wings 7 is superimposed on a corresponding portion 56 A, 56 B of the plate 5, when the ski bi nding is mounted on the ski. In principle, as mentioned above, the number of the first, second, third and fourth blocking teeth 53, 65, 85, 75 can be any according to requirements.

Preferably, the blocking teeth 53, 65. 85. 75 are prearranged so that the following relations are valid: N > X I . P > X2, X1=X2, where N is the number of teeth 65 of the rod 6, P is the number of teeth 53 of each of the portions 56A, 56 B of the plate 5, XI is the number of teeth 85 of the first blocking wing 8 and X2 is the number of teeth 75 of each of the second blocking win s 7.

From the above it is evident that, when the mechanism 4 is in blocking position:

al l the teeth 75, 85 of the blocking wings 7, 8 engage and mesh with the teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the rod 6;

some (XI) teeth of the rod 6 engage and mesh with the teeth 85 of the first block ing wing 8:

other (N-Xl) blocking teeth 65 of the rod 6 remain free;

only some (X2) teeth 53 of each of the portions 56A, 56B of the plate 5 engage and mesh with the teeth 75 of each of the second blocking wings 7;

other (P-X2) blocking teeth 53 of each of the portions 56A, 5 B remain free.

According to the invention, the mechanism 4 comprises an operation lever 9 solidly connected to the toe binding 2.

The operation lever 9 moves solidly with the toe binding 2, when this latter slides along the ski 100 (reference 501).

Preferably, the operation lever 9 is free to rotate with respect to the toe binding 2, according to an axis of rotation 92 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 and parallel to the upper surface 101 of the ski, when the ski binding is mounted on the ski .

Preferably, the lever 9 is rotationally connected to the base 21 of the toe binding 2 by means of a connecting pin, arranged along the aforesaid axis of rotation 92.

The lever 9 comprises an actuation surface 91 reversibly coupleable to the blocking wings 7, 8.

Preferably, the actuation surface 91 is coupleable with the upper surface 74, 84 of the blocking wings 7. 8.

Preferably, the lever 9 is located in superimposed position with respect to the blocking wings 7, 8. when the ski binding is mounted on the ski. The lever 9 is reversibly movable in a first operation position A (for example during adjusting of the ski binding), at which the actuation surface 91 is decoupled from the blocking wings 7, 8 (Fig. 10), and in a second operation position B (for example during use of the ski), at which the actuation surface 91 is coupled with all the blocking wings 7, 8 (Fig. 11).

Preferably, the lever 9 comprises a shaped box-like body having a lower surface that forms the actuation surface 91, a front surface 93, a rear surface 95 and an upper surface 94.

Preferably, the actuation surface 91 is at a greater distance from the axis of rotation 92 with respect to the front surface 93.

In this way, the lever 9 forms a cam actuation element (having a cam- shaped surface formed by the surfaces 91 and 93 described above), which is capable of transforming its rotational movement around the axis 92 in a translational movement of the blocking wings 7, 8.

Preferably, when the lever 9 is i n the operation position A (with the sk i bi ding mounted on the ski):

the front surface 93 is oriented towards the upper surface 101 o the ski but is not in contact with the blocking wings 7, 8:

the upper surface 94 is instead oriented towards the toe binding 2;

the actuation surface 91 is oriented towards the heel binding 3;

the rear surface 95 is oriented in the opposite direction with respect to the upper surface 101 of the ski.

Preferably, when the lever 9 is in the release operation position B (with the ski binding mounted on the ski):

the actuation surface 91 is oriented towards the upper surface 101 of the ski and is in contact with the blocking wings 7, 8, at the surfaces 74, 84 of these latter;

the front surface 93 is oriented towards the toe bi nding 2;

the rear surface 95 is oriented towards the heel binding 3;

the upper surface 94 is oriented towards the heel binding 3.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the operation lever 9 is reversibly movable in a third operation position (not shown), which is intermediate between the operation positions A, B descri bed above.

Said third operation position of the operation lever 9 corresponds to a partial blocking position of the blocking and adjusting mechanism 4, in which the actuation surface 91 is coupled only with at least one of the second blocking wings 7 and is not coupled with the first blocking wings 8 (and possibly with the remaining non-actuated blocking wings 7).

In this way, the blocking means 75 of the actuated blocking wing 7 engage with the corresponding blocking means 53 of the blocking plate 5 whereas the blocking means 85 of the blocking wings 8 remain disengaged from the corresponding blocking means 65 (and possibly the blocking means 75 of the remaining non-actuated blocking wings 7 remain disengaged from the corresponding blocking means 53 of the plate 5).

According to this embodiment of the invention, the actuation surface 91 is shaped so as to have at least a protrusion at the at least one blocking wing 7 to be actuated with the lever 9 in said third operation position.

In this way, when the lever 9 is in said third operation position (with the ski binding mounted on the ski), the actuation surface 91 is oriented along a plane forming an angle (e.g. 45°) with the upper surface 101 of the ski and the protrusion of the actuation surface 91 pushes the corresponding actuated wing 7 towards the blocking plate 5, so that the blocking teeth 75 of the actuated wing 7 couple with the corresponding blocking teeth 53 of the blocking plate 5. Preferably, the lever 9 is housed in a housing 27 of the base 21 of the toe binding 2. This enables improved structural integration between parts and a further reduction of the vertical dimensions of the ski binding.

Preferably, the actuation surface 91 and the front surface 93 are substantially flat.

Preferably, the actuation surface 91 and the front surface 93 are generally arranged along intersecting planes forming an angle a.

Preferably, the angle a ranges from 83° to 89° (more preferably = 86°).

This solution is advantageous as it allows the lever 9 to stably maintain the operation position A, during adjusting of the ski binding.

Moreover, the lever 9 is also capable of stably maintaining the operation position B during use of the ski, given that the user' s boot is superimposed on the upper surface 95, when coupled to the ski binding.

According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1-9, 9A, 10- 11, the ski binding 1 comprises a protection element 150 of the rod 6.

The protection element 150 can be solidly connected with the plate 5 and the support plate 35, in turn solidly connectable to the ski 100.

The protection element 150 is shaped so as to form a shell configured to protect the rod 6 superiorly and laterally.

The protection element 150 comprises an upper wall 151 and, at this latter, a first numbered scale 153 indicative of the operation position SI of the toe binding 2, with respect to the ski. The first numbered scale 153 is advantageously inspec table through a first window 29 of the base 2 1 of the toe binding 2. The protection element 150 comprises a second window 152 at which it is possible to inspect a second numbered scale 67 (indicative of the operation position S2 of the heel binding 3) present on the rod 6.

Operation of the mechanism 4 of the ski binding 1 will now be described in further detail with particular reference to the embodiments shown in cited figures.

To adjust the position of the toe binding 2 and of the heel binding 3 with respect to the ski, the user can manually actuate the lever 9 taking it to the operation position A corresponding to a release position of the mechanism 4 (Fig. 10).

With the lever 9 in the operation position A, the third blocking means 75, 85 are decoupled from the first and second blocking means 53, 65.

The lever 9 does not exert any force on the blocking wings 7, 8 which are thus in a position at rest, at which the teeth 75, 85 of the blocking wings 7, 8 are decoupled from the teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the rod 6.

With the lever 9 in the operation position A, it is therefore possible to adjust the position of the toe binding 2 and of the heel binding 3 with respect to the ski ( independently), by sliding these latter along the respective sliding seats (references 501, 502).

During adjusting of the ski binding, the user can advantageously inspect (through the inspection windows 29 or 58A, 152), the numbered scales 58B, 153 or 67, respectively indicative of the operation positions SI and S2 of the toe binding 2 and of the heel binding 3. Preferably, the number S I of operation positions available for the toe binding 2 is given by the relation S1=P-1, where P is the number of teeth 53 of each of the portions 56 A, 56 B of the plate 5.

Preferably, the number S2 of operation positions available for the heel binding 3 is given by the relation S2=N-1, where N is the number of teeth 65 of the rod 6.

After selecting the operation position desired for the toe binding 2 and the heel binding 3, the user can manually actuate the operation lever 9 taking it to the operation position B that advantageously corresponds to a blocking position of the blocking and adjusting mechanism 4 (Fig. 11).

In this operation position of the lever 9, the third blocking means 75, 85 are engaged with first and second blocking means 53, 65.

The lever 9 exerts on the blocking wings 7, 8 a force F (bending moment) directed towards the upper surface 101 of the ski.

The blocking wings 7, 8 are forced into a bending position, at which the blocking teeth 75, 85 of the blocking wings 7, 8 are engaged and mesh with the blocking teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the rod 6.

In particular, all the teeth 75, 85 of the blocking wings 7, 8 engage and mesh with some teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the rod 6 while other teeth 53, 65 of the plate 5 and of the rod 6 remain free.

The blocking mechanism 4 prevents all longitudinal movement of the toe binding 2 and of the heel bi nding 3 with respect to the ski.

The position of the toe binding 2 and of the heel binding 3 with respect to the ski is thus fixed. The operation position B of the actuation lever 9 can be safely maintained during the use of the ski as the ski-boot of the user is superimposed to said lever when the ski biding is coupled to the ski-boot.

According to the alternative embodiment of the present invention described above (not shown), when it is moved in the intermediate third operation position, the lever 9 exerts a force F (bending moment) directed towards the upper surface 101 of the ski only on at least one block i ng wing 7 to be actuated with the operation lever 9 i n said third operation position . The blocking wings 8 (and possibly the remaining non-actuated blocking wings 7) are not yet subject to any force.

The actuated blocking wing 7 is forced into a bending position, at which the corresponding blocking teeth 75 are engaged and mesh with the corresponding blocking teeth 53 of the plate 5.

The teeth 85 of the blocking wings 8 (and possibly the teeth 75 of the remaining non-actuated blocking wings 7) are instead still disengaged from the corresponding blocking teeth 65 of the rod 6 (and possibly from the corresponding blocking teeth 53 of the plate 5).

In this way, the block ing mechanism 4 prevents the longitudi nal movement of the toe binding

2 only. Instead, the heel binding 3 can still be freely moved with respect to the ski.

It has been seen in practice that the ski binding 1 according to the invention solves the problems of the prior art and offers numerous advantages with respect thereto.

The blocki ng and adjusting mechanism 4 of the ski binding 1 is easily actuatable by the user.

When it is in release position, it allows the user to easily adjust the position of toe binding and heel binding, without requiring special equipment and/or the assistance of specialized personnel , even in adverse weather conditions.

When it i s in blocking position, it ensures an effecti ve actio to retain toe bindi ng and heel binding in the desired operation position.

The ski binding 1 has a particularly simple and sturdy structure, easily able to withstand the normal mechanical stresses deriving from sporting activity. The ski binding I i relatively simple to produce on an industrial scale and at limited costs.