Binding systems for skis

Abstract

Binding systems for skis are provided which include a support structure mounted on a ski and bearing at least one binding for a boot, in which the support structure is adapted to take up a first operational configuration, in which it is rigidly mounted on the ski, and a second operational configuration, in which it is articulated to the ski along a transverse axis of rotation behind the boot and is capable of oscillating in a longitudinal plane orthogonal to the ski.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A binding system for a ski, comprising a support structure bound to a ski and bearing at least one binding for footwear, which support structure is adapted to take up a first operational configuration, in which it is rigidly bound on the ski parallel thereto, and a second operational configuration, in which it is articulated to the ski along a transverse axis of rotation behind the footwear and it is capable of oscillating in a longitudinal plane orthogonal to the ski, the front end of the support structure being connected to the ski by a kinematic mechanism forming a system for guiding the lifting travel of the structure, the binding system being provided with a locking mechanism adapted to switch between a first stable operational position in which the kinematic mechanism is locked, so that the support structure is rigidly bound to the ski, and a second stable operational position in which the kinematic mechanism is released, so that the support structure is capable of oscillating with respect to the ski,
 and wherein the support structure comprises at least one longitudinal beam, articulated at the front end to a pair of arms of the system for guiding the lifting travel of the structure, so that the support structure and its associated lifting guide system define at least one opening for removing the snow.   
     
     
         14 . The binding system of  claim 13 , wherein the kinematic mechanism comprises a front compass-like articulation which includes a pair of first arms rotationally articulated to the support structure at a top end, and at least one second arm at a bottom end, said second arm being rotationally articulated at the opposite end to a mounting base anchored to the ski, the lifting travel of the support structure being limited by the angle of articulation of said second arm with respect to the ski from a special end stop. 
     
     
         15 . The binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a slidable stop formation, adapted to shift between a withdrawn position, in which the stop formation interferes with a shaped bearing surface of the oscillating support structure, and an advanced position, in which it is disengaged from said bearing surface. 
     
     
         16 . The binding system of  claim 15 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a slide which is mounted slidably in said mounting base of the articulated kinematic mechanism and is bound thereto by means of a first locating pin and a second interference pin, the ends of which are slidably received in respective shaped guide paths, said slide being urged in such a way as to make the locating pin follow the profile of the guide paths so that it is adapted to engage a first advanced location corresponding to the position of the interference pin in which the latter is disengaged from the bearing surface of the support structure, or a second withdrawn location corresponding to the position of the interference pin in which the latter interferes with the bearing surface of the support structure. 
     
     
         17 . The binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotating fastening formation adapted to engage on a hinge pin of the top end of said pair of first arms with the support structure. 
     
     
         18 . The binding system of  claim 17 , wherein the locking mechanism includes an oscillating assembly comprising a shaped fastener block having a cavity adapted to engage said hinge pin, said block being coupled to a balance fastener adapted to assume a first operational locking position, in which a pair of pawl formations surrounds said pin, and a second operational unlocking position, in which a stop pin integral with the balance fastener is in bearing engagement with said mounting base of the kinematic mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The binding system of  claim 14 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises an elastically deformable shaped plate including a pair of transversely opposite protruding formations which have an entry profile facing towards a hinge pin of the top end of said pair of first arms with the support structure when it is received at the mounting base of the kinematic mechanism in a position in which the kinematic mechanism is released, and an abutment profile facing towards said hinge pin when it is received at the mounting base of the kinematic mechanism in a position in which the kinematic mechanism is locked. 
     
     
         20 . The binding system of  claim 19 , wherein the shaped plate comprises a flexible flat end portion including a seat which can receive the tip of a pole, which is adapted to bend downward so as to disengage said hinge pin from the abutment profile. 
     
     
         21 . The binding system of  claim 14 , further comprising a safety locking system which comprises a transverse peg adapted to engage the support structure to the mounting base of the kinematic mechanism. 
     
     
         22 . The binding system of  claim 13 , wherein the support structure is articulated behind the footwear to a mounting plate integral with the ski by a transverse hinge or a flexible cross section. 
     
     
         23 . The binding system of  claim 13 , wherein said oscillating structure comprises a seat for the anchoring of a rear binding which comprises a movable slide. 
     
     
         24 . The binding system of  claim 13 , comprising at least one gull-wing plate associated with the support structure, below said at least one longitudinal beam, forming a wedge facing toward the surface of the ski or another device adapted to prevent the accumulation of snow between the support structure and the ski.