The presented invention relates to a system for optional dynamic positioning of a ski binding on a ski during use to improve an athlete's performance and user experience. The invention also relates to a ski boot for use in such a system.

From US 8910967, we can now manually change the position of a cross-country or tour binding in longitudinal direction by means of a manual device, for example, with a lever or rotary knob. The publication points out the benefits of being able to change the position of a binding on one ski to improve an athlete's performance and user experience. By moving the binding forward relative to the neutral position, the athlete will notice that the friction or the grip on the terrain improves. This is due primarily to the fact that it is now easier for the athlete to press the ski's grip zone down on the ground. By moving the binding backwards on the ski relative to the neutral position, the grip will deteriorate, but the ski will glide easier and faster. According to US 8910967, advantages are gained by moving the binding back and forth by a manually operable lever or rotary knob, which, via a gear or another toothed element, causes the binding to be displaced between two or more longitudinal positions on the ski.

US 8910968 has experienced some drawbacks and problems. To move the binding, the athlete must stop completely, or at least bend down while moving, to reach the lever or knob and operate these. This is a disadvantage during use, where one will lose time and efficiency with the loss of rhythm. For the same reasons, it is impractical to operate the lever or knob often, even if you want to. If the terrain often changes in character, for example, with an undulating trail or terrain, it would be optimal to change the binding's position before and/or on every hill. For these reasons, US 8910968 is best used on a course or in a ski area where it is not appropriate or desirable to adjust the binding's positions often.

It is therefore a goal of the presented invention to provide a solution, which is not encumbered with the above disadvantages.

The presented invention is defined in the appended claim 1. Further advantageous features and embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

The following is a non-limiting description of advantageous embodiments with reference to the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the present invention.

Initially, a general system for optional dynamic positioning of a ski binding on a ski (21) during use to improve an athlete's performance and user experience are discussed and displayed. Otherwise, reference is made to the Norwegian application NO20150320 concerning such a system where the binding can be moved by means of an electric actuator and/or motor.

According to the present invention, one or more of the elements or features described above may also be implemented in a ski boot (13). Figure 1 shows a ski boot (13) comprised of an upper part and a lower part in the form of a sole or combination of sole elements. Both are referred to below as a "sole" or "soles". The sole comprises a front part (19) and a rear part (20). The rear part (20) may include a heel.

According to one embodiment of the invention, such ski boots can be arranged to provide an optional dynamic positioning of an athlete on a ski (21) during use to improve the athlete's performance and user experience.

The elements which provide such an optional dynamic positioning of an athlete on a ski (21) will at least include the following elements: motor (14), a transmission mechanism (15), a control mechanism (16) and a power source (17) for driving the motor (14) and the control mechanism (16).

In this first embodiment, one or more of these elements may be arranged in the ski boot. According to an embodiment of the invention, the motor (14) and the power transmission mechanism (15) are arranged in the front part (19) of the sole, while the power source (17) is arranged in the rear part (20) of the sole, for example, the heel. The controller (16) may be arranged in the forward or the rear part of the sole (18). The controller (16) may be adapted to receive signals from the athlete and then command the motor (14) to drive the power transmission mechanism (15).

The power transmission mechanism (15) causes the athlete's position on the ski (21) to change, for example, longitudinally. Alternatively or additionally, the driving mechanism (16) can be automatically able to decide the best position for the athlete on the ski (21).

The ski boot (13) is attached to the ski (21) by means of a binding. The attachment/binding can be designed in many different ways. It is understood that a binding is herein defined as the point of attachment between the ski boot and the ski (21). The ski boot (13) may include a mounting mechanism, for example, a traditional sole stick that may form part of or be moved by the power transmission mechanism (15), but the invention will work equally well with other mounting mechanisms, for example, hoop, cleats, DynafitTM, KandaharTM, ski bindings, randonee, snowboarding, etc. In the case where it is desired for the athlete to move forward or backward on the ski (21), the fastening element will thus, or part thereof, be moved forward and backward in or on the sole of the motor (14) via the power transmission mechanism (15). This can be a linear movement or a more complex motion, for example, in that the fastener is rotated on the horizontal plane, rotated on the vertical plane, transverse movement, off- center, or a combination thereof.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, one or more of the elements can be arranged in the ski boot and on the athlete's body, for example, the power source (17) can be carried by the athlete in a pocket with a strap or similar. The driving mechanism (16) may be integrated with the power source or not. Advantages of such an embodiment are that the power source (17) is kept warm, there is more readily available reading of information or change of mode, and/or is easily replaced. According to a third embodiment of the invention, such ski boots can, alternatively, be arranged to provide an optional dynamic positioning of a ski binding on a ski, such that the ski boot comprises the means to cooperate with other elements arranged on or in the ski (21), i.e. the elements are divided between ski boots and skis, including the athlete's body. For example, the motor (14) can be arranged in or on the ski (21), while the power transmission mechanism is arranged on or in the ski boot. Alternatively, the transmission mechanism (15) may be shared, for example, 2-piece, wherein one part is on the ski boot (13) and another part is on the ski (21). Similarly, the motor (14) may be disposed in the ski boot (13) while the transmission mechanism (15) is on both the boot (13) and the ski (21) so that the power transmission mechanisms (15) move the athlete together on the ski (21). Similarly, the power source (17) and the control mechanism (16) are arranged in or on the ski (21) or in or on the ski boot (13).

Figure 1 shows one possible distribution of items between the ski boot (13) and the ski. It is understood that elements can be rearranged arbitrarily within the scope and the idea.

The transmission mechanism (15) may be comprised of a pneumatic, hydraulic and/or mechanical system. Examples of mechanical systems are one or more tracks, poles or rods that push/pull, gear, pinion, screw mechanisms, cam system, or combinations thereof.

The motor (14) may include an electric motor, a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, or combinations thereof.

If the motor (14) is an electric motor, then this can be selected from the group comprising: a step motor, a linear motor, a screw motor, a telescopic motor, a gear motor, or a

magnetic/solenoid switch.

The power source may include a battery or other energy circulation generating mechanism, (condenser, spring, pressure), to supply the motor with power, or a combination thereof.

The control system may include one or more microprocessors and other necessary electronics, or include other driving systems, electronic or not.

The above examples and the accompanying figure primarily show variations related to classic cross-country skiing. Other styles and disciplines can also benefit greatly from a similar system, for example, alpine, randonee, jumping, snowboarding, etc.