Releasable systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilize at least one torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upon a releasable member. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski system incorporating at least one torsion member, a base, and a releasable member. The at least one torsion member is fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member. The releasable ski system may be incorporated within any system to provide a lightweight and compact releasable system. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi mode releasable ski binding system. The system is configured to switch between at least two modes including a fixed mode and a free mode. The fixed mode corresponds to a position in which the base is fixed with respect to the mounting plate and the free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to rotate or pivot with respect to the mounting plate. In addition, an optional or alternative spring biased free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to pivot against a spring with respect to the mounting plate. A third embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski toe binding system in which a ski boot is releasably coupled directly to the base to further minimize the components necessary for providing an effective releasable ski system.

1 . A releasable ski system comprising: 
 a base;    a releasable member disposed over the base; and    at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member, wherein the at least one torsion member induces a releasable binding force against the releasable member.    
   
   
       2 . The releasable ski system of  claim 1 , wherein the base further includes a fixed retention member.  
   
   
       3 . The releasable ski system of  claim 2 , wherein the fixed retention member includes a curved surface.  
   
   
       4 . The releasable ski system of  claim 2 , wherein the fixed retention member includes at least one roller.  
   
   
       5 . The releasable ski system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one torsion member is coupled to at least one roller to provide the releasable binding force against the releasable member.  
   
   
       6 . The releasable ski system of  claim 1 , wherein the releasable member is a plate configured for attachment to a foot supporting system via a coupling system.  
   
   
       7 . The releasable ski system of  claim 6 , wherein the coupling system is a plurality of threaded recesses.  
   
   
       8 . The releasable system of  claim 6 , wherein the foot supporting system is a binding.  
   
   
       9 . The releasable ski system of  claim 6 , wherein the foot supporting system is a boot.  
   
   
       10 . The releasable ski system of  claim 1 , wherein the releasable binding force couples the releasable member to the base unless a sufficient lateral release force is applied by the releasable member with respect to the base.  
   
   
       11 . The releasable ski system of  claim 1  further including at least one roller disposed between the at least one torsion member and the releasable member.  
   
   
       12 . The releasable ski system of  claim 11 , wherein the releasable member includes at least one receiving recess.  
   
   
       13 . The releasable ski system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one torsion member includes at least one torsion spring.  
   
   
       14 . A multi-mode releasable ski binding system, comprising: 
 a base;    a releasable member disposed over the base;    at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member, wherein the at least one torsion member induces a releasable binding force against the releasable member; and    a mounting plate, wherein the base is rotatably coupled to a front portion of the mounting plate, and wherein the mounting plate includes a mechanism for securing the base to the mounting plate thereby providing a free mode and a fixed mode.    
   
   
       15 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the base further includes a fixed retention member.  
   
   
       16 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 15 , wherein the fixed retention member includes a curved surface.  
   
   
       17 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 15 , wherein the fixed retention member includes at least one roller.  
   
   
       18 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one torsion member is coupled to at least one roller to provide the releasable binding force against the releasable member.  
   
   
       19 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the releasable member is a plate configured for attachment to a foot supporting system via a coupling system.  
   
   
       20 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 19 , wherein the coupling system is a plurality of threaded recesses.  
   
   
       21 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 19 , wherein the foot supporting system is a binding.  
   
   
       22 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 19 , wherein the foot supporting system is a boot.  
   
   
       23 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the releasable binding force couples the releasable member to the base unless a sufficient lateral release force is applied by the releasable member upon the torsion member.  
   
   
       24 . The releasable system of  claim 14  further including at least one roller disposed between the at least one torsion member and the releasable member.  
   
   
       25 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the releasable member includes at least one receiving recess.  
   
   
       26 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the releasable mechanism for securing the base to the mounting plate includes a pin and lever system.  
   
   
       27 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the mounting plate further includes a spring for providing resistance upon the base as it rotates with respect to the mounting plate in the free mode.  
   
   
       28 . The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of  claim 27 , wherein the mounting plate further includes a release mechanism that disengages the spring which therefore allows the base to pivot freely with respect to the mounting plate, wherein this system is a three-mode system including a fixed mode, a spring-biased free mode, and a free mode.  
   
   
       29 . The releasable ski system of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one torsion member includes at least one torsion spring.  
   
   
       30 . A releasable ski toe binding system comprising: 
 a base;    a ski boot including a toe extension portion, wherein the ski boot is disposed over the base; and    at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the ski boot via the toe extension portion, wherein the at least one torsion member induces a releasable binding force upon the ski boot via the toe extension portion, and wherein the at least one torsion member is shaped to provide a toe bail over the toe extension portion.    
   
   
       31 . The releasable ski toe binding system of  claim 30 , further including a releasable heel portion, wherein the releasable heel portion is rotationally and elevationally releasable.  
   
   
       32 . A Telemark ski system comprising: 
 a base coupled to a ski surface;    a toe plate rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the toe plate includes a boot retention system for releasably securing a boot within the toe plate; and    a torsion member configured to provide a spring bias upon the toe plate as it rotates with respect to the base.    
   
   
       33 . The Telemark ski system of  claim 32  further includes a retention member configured to adjust the biasing properties of the torsion member.  
   
   
       34 . The Telemark ski system of  claim 32 , wherein the boot retention system includes a cable and a heel throw.