摘要 |
The present invention relates to ski bindings. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable heel retention system, which includes a base, a climbing bar, a climbing bar interface member, and a heel throw. The base is coupled to a ski or snow sport device in a fixed manner. The climbing bar is rotatably coupled to the base to provide an extended and retracted position. The climbing bar interface member is configured to bear against the climbing bar in some manner when the heel is retained. In one embodiment, the climbing bar interface member is rotatably coupled to the climbing bar. Alternatively, the climbing bar interface member may be shaped to selectively hook under the climbing bar when the heel is retained. The heel throw is a lever type releasable coupler for coupling to the heel region of a boot. The heel throw is directly coupled to the climbing bar interface member. In one embodiment, the heel throw and climbing bar interface member are rotatably coupled to the climbing bar. Alternatively, the heel throw and climbing bar interface member may be coupled to a cable. The releasable heel retention system of the present invention may be completely independent of any of binding systems or used in conjunction with an existing binding system to provide an improved multi-use binding.
|