RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a cont inuat ιon-ιn-part o-f our U.S. Patent No. 4,920,665 issued 1 hay 1990 and relates to our U.S. Patent Nos . 4,667,769 and 4,839,97E issued 7 Julv 1987 and ΞO June 1989, respectively.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to improved equipment in the form o ski and binding apparatus or that allows elimination o-f the -flat spot typically occurring on the central section o-f a ski between the -front and rear bindings when used with flexing ski boots.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Improvements are regularly made to skiing equipment ; for example, our earlier patents were each directed to ski boots having heel portions that pivot with respect to the toe portion while preventing relative torsioπal rotation therebetween .

In order to understand and appreciate the scope of the present invention, a discussion of alpine ski technology is necessary, especially as it relates to the evolution of modern alpine skis. Central to the structure of modern alpine ski technology is the use of a side cut which structure configures the ski to be wider at the tip and tail and narrower at a mid or central portion to which the bindings are mounted. The side cuts along this central portion of the ski permits the ski to flex and form an arc as a skier rolls the ski onto an edge in order to turn and thereby change directions. The greater the amount of side cut, the quicker the ski may turn, that is, the skier may turn on smaller radii. Conversely, less pronounced side cuts create skis that turn on longer radii.

Bindings are mounted directly to the ski and are longitu inally spaced apart from one another to hold a ski poot , and these bindings are structured to permit a modes amount of longitudinal separation from one another during use

to accommodate limited degree of ski flex. Modern bindings include a front binding that has an "ant l-fnet ion device" structured as a rearwardly extending platform. The rear binding also incorporates a platform under the heel of the boot so that the ski boot sole is positioned in spaced-apart , generally parallel relation to the central section of the ski between the bindings. No contact is made, then, between the sole of the ski boot and the region between the front and rear bindings since ski boot soles are typically rigid from toe to heel. Accordingly, all of the forces exerted by the skier must be coupled to the ski through either the front binding or the rear binding. There is no contact along this central section, however, even though this is the section wherein the side cut is most pronounced for highest performance.

Despite recognition that a ski will turn most effectively when flexed along the central section of the ski between the front and rear bindings, equipment currently in use does not provide for an effective force transfer along this area. Thus, a ski has what is known as a "flat spot" underneath the boot. When a rigid soled boot is clamped into the bindings, flexing of the ski in the central section is resisted and is onlv accommodated bv any longitudinal spreading provided bv the binding. The problem of the central section flat spot has been heretofore recognized, and some bindings have been designed in order to shorten the distance between the bindings mounts to thereby reduce the effective length of the flat spot. There remains a need, however, for improved technology further reducing the effective length of or eliminating any flat spot in a ski between the front and rear bindings and for apparatus which allows force to be directly applied to the central

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful apparatus which substant ial lv reduces or eliminates the flat spot normally existing between front and rear bindings of the ski and allows increased flex of the central region of the s i.

Another object is to provide apparatus allowing the deep flex of a ski to increase overall performance and reduce the turning radius of a ski for a given side cut.

A further object is to provide a combination of a flexing ski boot with a structure that allows application of force, during flexion, so that a bending force is directly applied to the central section of the ski.

According to the present invention, therefore, an improvement is provided to apparatus which is adapted to mount on a person's leg and foot for use in skiing, such apparatus including the ski, front and rear bindings mounted to the ski and a ski boot which is mounted between the front and rear bindings. According to the present invention, the ski boot has front and rear portions which are interconnected pivotally and which define a ski boot sole relatively flexible in a region proximate the ball of the foot. A fulcrum element is positioned along a central section of the ski and is operative in response to the flexing of the ski boot to apply a bending force on the central section of the ski.

The fulcrum element may be in the form of a transverse block that is either directly mounted to the central section of the ski, formed integrally with the ski at the central section, is mounted on or integrally with the ski boot sole, or is formed as an extension of one of the front and rear bindings. The fulcrum element may have an outer low friction surface area of may be constructed entirely of low friction material. Both the height and position of the fulcrum element may be made adjustable, if desired.

The ski boot may either be formed as separate front and rear portions hinged to one another by a hinge assembly, or, alternatively, the ski boot sole may be formed out of an integral piece of stiff, yet bendable material. In either event, the fulcrum element is preferably positioned proximate the bending or pivoting axis so as to maximize the force applied to the central section of the ski when the ski boot moves towards the flexed position.

These and other objects of the present invention will

become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a ski boot, ski and binding construction according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure S is a side view in elevation of a ski boot, ski and binding combination according to the prior art in an unflexed or flat position;

Figure 3 is a side view in elevation of the ski boot, ski and binding combination of Figure S according to the prior art with a bending force applied;

Figure 4 is a side view in elevation showing the ski boot of Figure 1 according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a side view in elevation showing the ski boot of Figures 1 and 4 in a flexed position with a bending force applied ;

Figures 6a and 6b are block diagrams showing the dynamics of the prior art apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the mechanics of the ski boot, ski and binding apparatus of the present invention with the fulcrum element ;

Figure 8 is a side view in elevation showing a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein the ski is modified to have an integrally formed fulcrum element;

Figure 9 is an enlarged side view in cross-section showing the modification of Figure 9;

Figure 10 is a side view in elevation of a ski boot modification according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is side view in elevation showing a modification to the front binding according to the present invention;

Figure 12 is a side view in elevation showing a modification to the rear binding according to the present invention;

Figure 13 is a side view in elevation showing the present invention used on a ski boot having a unitary, stiff yet bendable ski boot sole;

Figure 14 is a perspective view, broken away, showing the fulcrum block in the present invention in greater detail;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 15-15 of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a perspective view, broken away, showing the longitudinal adjustable positioning of the fulcrum block according to the present invention; and

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the fulcrum block shown in Figure 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed to an apparatus which is adapted to mount on a person's leg and foot for use in skiing. The improvement of the present invention is directed to the combination of a ski boot having a bendable or pivotable sole in combination with a ski and wherein the ski boot is retained bv front and rear bindings. The improvement specifically taught by the present invention is directed to providing a fulcrum element or block that is located along a central section of the ski between the front and rear bindings. The fulcrum element is thus located in the region between the ski boot sole and the ski so that , as the ski boot sole flexes or pivots, force is directly applied to a central section to cause the central section to bow under such force.

It may be seen with reference to Figures 1 , 4 and 5 that a first exemplary embodiment comprises an apparatus including a ski boot 20 which is mounted to a traditional downhill or alpine ski 10 by means of a front binding 12 and a rear binding 14. Rear binding 14 is spaced rearwardlv along ski 10, in a longitudinal direction, so that a central section 16 of ski 10 is located between front binding 12 and rear binding 14 underneath boot 20. As is best seen in Figures 4 and 5, front binding 12 includes a rearwardlv extending platform or tongue 13 which underlies a toe portion of ski boot 20 while rear binding 14 includes a forwardlv extending platform or tongue 15 which

underlies a heel portion of ski boot 20. As is known, a ski boot, such as ski boot 20, is operative to receive the foot and lower leg 18 of a skier, as is shown in Figure 1.

As is shown in Figures 4 and 5, ski boot 20 according to the present invention is substantially similar to that discussed with respect to our U.S. Patent No. 4,920,665 and could also be ski boots similar to those disclosed in our U.S. Patent No. 4,677,769 and our U.S. Patent No. 4,839,972.

With references to Figures 4 and 5, then, ski boot 20 includes a front portion 22 which has a front sole 24 and an upper shell 26 formed intregally with one another and configured to extend around and enclose a forward part of the foot of the skier. Likewise, ski boot 20 includes a rear portion 32 having a rear sole 34 and an upper rear shell 36 which extends around and encloses the ankle, lower leg and rear part of the skier's foot. Front and rear portions 22 and 32 are interconnected so that front sole portion 24 and rear sole portion 34 define a ski boot sole. It should be understood that front and rear sole portions may relatively flex with respect to one another in a region that is proximate the ball of the foot when the foot is received in the ski boot so that front portion 22 and rear portion 32 of ski boot 20 may relatively move between a flat orientation and a flexed position. As is shown in Figures 4 and 5, this interconnection is by means of a trunnion hinge assembly 28. A baffle 30 is provided to prevent unwanted ingress of snow or other materials when the ski boot is utilized. A recess 51 is located on the ski boot sole to receive fulcrum element 50. Thus the contact surface is protected against undesirable scuffing when the skier walks in the ski boot thereby maintaining a low friction contact area for the fulcrum element on the sole.

As discussed at length in our earlier patents, there are numerous advantages to having a ski boot 20 wherein a front and rear portions may relatively pivot with respect to one another, for example, in telemark skiing, walking and the like. The present invention. however, is directed to the use of such boots which pivot between the flat position, such is shown in

Figure 4, and a flexed position, such as shown in Figure 5, when a pivotal ski boot 20 is used in an alpine skiing mode. In such mode, as is shown in Figures 1 , 4 and 5, toe 23 of ski boot 20 is received in front binding 12 and a heel 25 of ski boot 20 is received in rear binding 14. These bindings, 12 and 14, are of a type known in the art, and include means to release the toe and heel, respectively, of the ski boot when excessive torque forces, lateral forces or vertical forces are exerted on the leg of the skier, thereby helping to forestall, prevent or minimize injury.

In order to understand the improvements of the present invention over the prior art , reference mav now be made to Figures 2 and 3 wherein a prior art ski boot 40 is shown mounted between front binding 12 and rear binding 14 on ski boot 10. Again, central section 16 of ski 10 is located between bindings 12 and 14. With reference to Figure 3, when a downward and forward force F is exerted on ski boot 40 by the skier, this force acts to bend or flex ski 10, as described below. With reference to Figure 3, it may be seen that force vector F resolves into two force components, a vertical component F. and a horizontal component F-,. Vertical component F* if of greatest to the present invention since, as is shown in Figure 3, this force bends a forward portion 42 of ski 10 about bending axis 44 that is located proximate front binding 12. Forward portion 42 of ski 10 thus takes an arcuate shape from binding 12 to the front ski tip (not shown) as a result of the resistance of the ski slope 46 about a radius "r," . The amount of curvature of forward portion 42 is dependent, of course, on the length and construction of forward portion 42 of ski 10 as well as the direction and magnitude of force vector F.

Of significance importance in the structure shown in Figure 3 is that central section 16 of ski 10 remains relatively unaffected by the force vector F, so that , while some minor flexing may occur along this central section, generally speaking it stays flat during the application of this force. Rear portion 48 may take its natural shape about a second bending axis 45 located proximate rear binding 14. This flat region or

"flat spot" between front bending axis 44 and rear bending axis 45 decreases the performance of ski 10 by preventing ski 10 from flexing as it is designed to do. This, in turn, affects the ability for the ski to grip the snow, that is, to create a better edge grip. As a result, the ski is less responsive to the skier and increases the turning radius of the skier when changing direction. The longer arc to achieve the same change in direction results in increased time to turn which is undesirable in a racing situation.

Turning to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1, 4 and 5. therefor, it may know be seen that an advantage in the reduction and/or elimination of the flat spot results from combining a ski boot having a flexible or somewhat pivotal sole with a fulcrum element or block. As is shown in these figures, the present invention utilizes a fulcrum element or block 50 which is of an ant l- n t ion type having at least a distal surface 52 thereof formed of an ant i-fnet ion material, that is, a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction, such as polvtetrafluoroethylene . In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, fulcrum block 50 includes a flat base section 54 and a central fulcrum section 56 with base section 54 being secured to ski 10 by means of mounting screws 58 so that fulcrum section 56 extends transversely across the upper surface of ski 10. When mounted, as is shown in Figure 4, the sole of ski boot 20 formed bv front sole portion 24 and rear sole portion 34 is supported by means of anti- riction 13 and platform 15 along with fulcrum block 50 so that the ski boot sole is in spaced-apart , generally parallel relation to ski 10.

In use, as is shown in Figure 5, application of force vector F. and specifically vertical force component F,, results in a different dynamics than that with respect to the prior art shown in Figure 3. Here, the flexing of ski 10 is relatively uniform throughout its length so that it is arcuate generally along a radius "r _P " : specifically, though, it should be appreciated that central section 16 is no longer flat but takes this arcuate shape due to the application of force vector F, on fulcrum block 50. Thus, both of beπdinq axes 44 and 45, are

eliminated effectively by applying a vertical force F, to fulcrum block 50. The net result is that the ski 10 may now grip the snow surface thereby allowing the skier to turn in a shorter period of time to achieve the same change in direction. The dynamics of the prior art in the present invention is further diagra at ical ly shown in Figures 6-8. As is shown in 6a and 6b, the prior art alpine ski of Figures 2 and 3 may be represented to include a ski 10 having a central section 16 between front binding 12 and rear binding 14. A rigid, inflexible ski boot sole 29 extends between attachment points 27 and 31 at front and rear bindings 12, 14, respectively. When vertical force vector F, is applied to ski 10 through ski sole 29, it mav be seen in Figure 6b that ski 10 has a forward portion 42 that bends about bending axis 44. Central section 16 remains generally flat due to the inability to apply downward force directly on the central section 16 because of the rigidity and spacing of sole 29.

With the addition of fulcrum block 50 in conjunction with a ski boot having a pivotable or flexing sole, however, as is shown in Figure 7, different dynamics obtain. Here, force vector F, becomes effectively applied on the fulcrum block 50 thus exerting force directly to central section 16 to cause a relative uniform bending of central section 16 as sole portions 24 and 34 move toward the flexed position. Accordingly, a greater curvature of central section 16 results, thereby increasing the performance of ski 10.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that in order to accomplish the broad objects of the present invention, it is necessary to have a ski boot sole that at least is somewhat flexible or which is formed of two portions that relatively pivot, in addition to the use of a fulcrum element between the front and rear bindings of the ski that supports the ski boot . With respect to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5. this fulcrum element was in the form of a fulcrum block constructed of intregal low friction material that was secured to central section 16 of ski 10. Other embodiments of this fulcrum element are within the scope of the this invention, with

various ones of these embodiments shown in Figures 8-12.

Thus, for example in Figure 8, the fulcrum block 150 is formed intregallv with ski 110 and is used with a ski boot 120 having a front portion 122 that pivots with respect to a rear portion 132 about a trunnion hinge assembly 128. It mav be noted that ski boot 120 eliminates baffle 30 since there is shown only a limited amount of relative flexing between front and rear portions 122, 132. Front portion 122 of ski boot 120 has a rear edge 123, and it may be seen that fulcrum element 150 is located proximate the pivot axis of trunnion assembly 128 immediately forward of rear edge 123. Further, as is shown in Figu-re 9, fulcrum element 150 mav be covered bv a low friction laver 152 which mav be any suitable low friction plastic, polvtetrafluoroethylene or other material that is attached to the upper distal surface 156 of fulcrum element 150.

Figure 10 shows a fulcrum element 250 that is formed adjacent the rear edge 223 of a front portion 222 of a modified ski boot 220. Here, again, front portion 222 is pivotal Iv attached to a rear portion 232 of the ski boot 220 bv means of a trunnion hinge 228. While the embodiment shown in Figure 11 has a disadvantage when a person seeks to walk while wearing ski boot 220, it has an advantage in that no modification is necessarv to either ski 10, front binding 12 or rear binding 14. Accordingly, this embodiment is highly useful for an individual that owns his/her own ski boots but may rent skis or use non-modified skis and bindings. Likewise, rental companies can rent the boots shown in Figure 11 without employing special modification to their binding and ski combinations.

Figures 11 and 12 show modifications to the front and rear bindings, respectively, to incorporate a fulcrum element therewith. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, ski boot 120 is mounted between a modified front binding 112 and rear binding 114. Here, front binding 112 includes a fulcrum element 350 which is formed as an enlarged transverse rib on fulcrum extension plate 352 that extends rearwardlv of ant l- rict ion platform or tongue 113. Fulcrum element 350 may terminate at a location proximate rear edoe 123 of front portion 125. In

Figure 12. rear binding 114 is modified to include a fulcrum element 450 in the form of a transverse rib formed intregallv with a fulcrum extension plate 452 that extends forwardlv of rear platform or tongue 115 of binding 114. Extension plate 452 is sized so that fulcrum element 450 is located proximate forward edge 133 of rear portion 132. With respect to either embodiments shown in Figures 11 or 12, however, the respective extension plate 352, 452 may be dimensioned that the fulcrum element is located at any desired location between bindings 112 or 114.

Another structure according to the present invention is shown in Figure 13 wherein modified ski boot 220 is shown. Here, ski boot 220 includes a front portion 222 and a rear portion 232 which are provided with an intregal sole 229 formed of a stiff yet bendable material. Front portion 222 has an upper shell 226 formed of a relatively rigid material, and likewise, rear portion 232 is formed of a relatively rigid shell 236. Front portion 222 and rear portion 232 may pivot with respect to one another about a rotational axis 228, and a baffle region 230 is provided to cover cut-out region 231 located between front and rear shells 226, 236. Here, it may be seen that fulcrum block 50 is mounted by screws 58 so that it is directly underneath pivot axis 228.

While it should be appreciated that the fulcrum block according to the present invention may be constructed as an intregal piece of material, it is desirable that, in certain instances, the effective height of the fulcrum element vertically adjustable. For example, as is shown in Figures 14 and 15, a fulcrum block 550 includes a base portion 552 that is mounted bv means of screws 558 to a typical ski 10. Base portion 552 includes a central fulcrum portion 554 that has a pair of threaded bores such as bores 556 adapted to receive bolts 560. Each of bolts of 560 has a lower threaded shank portion 562 which is received in a bore 556. A bolt head 564 is located opposite threaded shank 562. Intermediate between shank 562 and bolt head 564 is a disk shaped structure 566, and it mav be seen that fulcrum element 550 has an upper movable

head 570 which includes a channel 572 that receives central section 554 of lower section 552. Upper head 570 has a pair of inwardiv projecting shoulders 574 which rests on and is supported bv disk structure 560. Thus, as may be seen in Figure 16, advancement and retraction of bolt 564 in threaded bore 566 results in upper structure 570 respectivelv moving awav from and toward lower section 552 in the direction of arrow A, thus increasing and decreasing the effective height of fulcrum element 550. It is within the scope of this invention that this height adjusting means could be built into the sole of the ski boot utilizing a similar movable surface that would contact the fixed fulcrum block in an adjustable manner.

In some circumstances, it mav be desirable to provide longitudinal positional adjacent of the fulcrum element. To this end, as is shown in Figures 16 and 17, a fulcrum element 650 includes a base plate 652 which is secured to ski 10 bv means of screws 658. Plate 652 includes a pair of longitudinal slots 654 which receive bolts 656. Bolts 656 each have shanks 657 which extend upwardly through bores 662 formed in a fulcrum block 660 and shanks 657 are threadably received bv nuts 664. Nuts 664 may be loosened thus allowing block 660 to be slid longitudinally within slots 654 after which bolts 664 are tightened to lock block 660 into a selected longitudinal position along central section 16 of ski 10.

It should be understood from the foregoing that a variety of constructions of the fulcrum block incorporating the concepts of the present invention along with a variety of pivotal or flexible ski boots are all within the scope of the teachings described herein, as would be understood by the ordinarily skilled person in this field of invention. Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined bv the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes mav be made to the preferred embodiment of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.