DE9422308U1 - Arrangement of a cross-country ski binding and a cross-country ski boot adapted to it - Google Patents

Description

MEISSNER ₅ BOLTE & PARTNER*

Law firm GbR

PO Box 860624
81633 Munich

Applicant: Date: 14 September 1999

Rottefella AS Our reference: MB/PO/IN/fr

3490 Klokkarstua WIT-031-DE/III Norway

Branch from P 44 28 154.4-15

Arrangement of a cross-country ski binding and a cross-country ski boot adapted to it

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement of a cross-country ski binding and a cross-country ski boot adapted thereto according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an arrangement is known from DE 9200453 Ul. In this known arrangement, an elastically deformable element or flexor is also used for elastically returning the boot from a raised position to a position approximately parallel to the ski, with the elastically deformable element or flexor being assigned to the front end of the sole. Although this arrangement has proven itself in practice for cross-country skiing in general, it is only partially suitable for so-called "skating". "Skating" is understood to mean a skating-like movement on skis, which has recently become increasingly important, especially in competitive sports, as a particularly fast form of movement. In conventional cross-country ski bindings, the joint-like connection between the joint axis on the one hand and the binding-side retaining hook on the other hand is located at or even in front of the front end of the sole. This allows almost the entire sole of the cross-country ski boot to be lifted off the top surface of the ski body. Exact ski guidance and maximum power transfer to the ski body cannot be achieved with this, or at least only to a limited extent.

Meissner, BOLTE & PARTNER Our Zeibheri: &udigr;&iacgr;/<&iacgr;?&Igr;&Tgr;·-'031«&Ogr;&Egr;&Lgr;&Rgr;&idiagr;&Igr;

EP 0 136 310 B1 describes a combination of a cross-country ski binding and a boot adapted to it, in which the cross-country ski binding has a coupling element for connecting the boot, which can be connected to the ski body at its front end and to the boot in the ball area at its rear end. The coupling element is designed to be flexible in such a way that the heel of the boot can be freely raised during cross-country skiing, similar to conventional cross-country ski bindings. This combination cannot be used for competitive sports either, as it is not suitable for "skating" due to a lack of sufficient lateral stability.

Finally, the known designs have in common that the skier is not given the feeling that the front sole of his boot is always in full contact with the ski.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing an arrangement of a cross-country ski binding and a cross-country ski boot of the generic type adapted thereto, which is characterized by maximum power transmission to the ski body and improved ski control compared to the prior art and, moreover, gives the skier the feeling of always having full-surface contact with the ski with the front sole of his boot.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the binding comprises a sole support surface which is widened at least in the area of the ball and the front sole of the cross-country ski boot, such that support surfaces projecting laterally over the top surface of the ski body are formed.

Meissner, BOLTE & Partner Our mark: &Mgr;7&Ugr;&Igr;&Ggr;&Idigr;-031-'&oacgr;&eacgr;:&Pgr;&Igr;&Igr;

These design measures give the skier the feeling that the front sole of his boot is in full contact with the ski, which is particularly noticeable when "skating". This fact, which is not only a feeling, also significantly improves the feeling of power transmission and ski control. The sole support surface designed according to the invention also significantly improves the power transmission from the ski boot to the ski body. Finally, the arrangement according to the invention is particularly suitable for "skating", primarily due to the connection of the boot to the ski in the ball area of the front sole of the boot.

Advantageous embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention are described in the subclaims. It should be noted that it is advantageous if the joint axis is located in the ball area of the front sole and that an elastically deformable element (flexor) is effective in the area in front of the joint axis between the sole and the ski top surface. 20

A greatly improved power transmission is ensured if the flexor is designed in such a way that the sole or its tread in the area between the ball or the front end of the sole can be pivoted around the joint-like connection at an angle of approximately 2° to 12°, in particular from 2° to 8°, preferably from 4° to 6° against the effect of the flexor.

Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention, as shown schematically in the accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cross-country ski according to the invention.

Meissner, BOLTE & Partner Our timehsn: m/wit-031*-*De/iii

Ski binding without flexor and snow deflector element in the boot release position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism for the binding according to Fig. 1 in shoe

release position;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment

according to Fig. 1 in the closed position; 10

Fig. 4 the locking mechanism according to Fig. 2 in the closed position;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a sole running surface of a cross-country ski boot adapted according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a partial longitudinal section through the sole according to Fig. 5 along line VI-VI;

Fig. 7 a partial longitudinal section through the sole according to

Fig. 5 along line VII-VII;

Fig. 8 a cross section through the sole according to Fig. 5

along line VIII-VIII;
25

Fig. 9 a cross section through the sole according to Fig. 5

along line IX-IX;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexor designed according to the invention including

bellows-like snow deflector element;

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section through the snow deflector element according to Fig. 10 along line XI-XI, in an unloaded state;

Meissner, Bolte & Partner

Our Ze*ithJn: WwPT-031*-*DB/III

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through the snow deflector element according to Fig. 11, in a loaded state;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a detail of the

Snow deflector element according to detail XIII-XIII in Fig. 10 in enlarged scale;

Fig. 14 a partial longitudinal section through the binding housing according to Fig. 1 along line XIV-XIV together with a

Part of the snow deflector element according to Fig. 13 in enlarged scale;

Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a longitudinal

cross-country ski binding mounted on a ski according to the invention;

Fig. 16 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of a cross-country ski binding according to Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a sole contact element as used in the embodiment according to Figs. 15 and 16; and

Fig. 18 is a side view of the sole contact element according to Fig. 3.

The embodiment described below comprises a cross-country ski binding 10 according to Figs. 1 and 3 and a cross-country ski boot 12 adapted thereto, of which only the sole with its running surface 14 is shown in Figs. 5 to 9. This sole or its running surface 14 has a front end 16, a ball area 18 and a rear end 20.

Meissner, Bolte & Partner

Our Zefche*n: M/WIT-03I*-DB/III

In the ball area 18, complementary engagement elements that can be inserted into engagement elements of the binding 10 are provided to produce a joint-like connection.

The sole-side engagement elements comprise a hinge axis 22 (Fig. 5) which is arranged in a recess 24 of the sole or its tread 14 and extends transversely to the sole longitudinal direction and approximately parallel to the sole tread 14.

The complementary engagement elements on the binding side comprise a retaining hook 26 (Fig. 1 to 4) which engages behind the joint axis 22 and forms a hinge joint with it. The retaining hook 26 can be moved from a closed position (Fig. 3 and 4) into a release position (Fig. 1 and 2) and vice versa.

It is formed by a flat element made of plastic or metal, in particular aluminum or stainless steel, which is mounted in a flat binding housing 28 that can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the ski (double arrow 42) and is attachable to a ski body 32 by means of screws 30. The holding hook 26 is held on the ski body 32 by a holding and guide bracket 23 made of plastic or preferably metal, which can be fixed together with the binding housing 28 by means of the screws 30 on the ski body 32. On the one hand, the holding and guide bracket 23, which overlaps the holding hook 26 near the boot connection area or at the rear end 34 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski, serves to laterally guide the holding hook 26, which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the ski. On the other hand, the holding and guide bracket 23 supports the holding hook 26 upwards, i.e. holds the retaining hook 26 on the ski body 32 even under load. Due to the stable design of the bracket 23 made of plastic or, better, metal, wear in the area of the articulated connection as a result of high tensile forces and torques is reliably counteracted.

MeissNER, BOLTE & PARTNER Our Ze^rche^: µ/&Ngr;&Igr;&Tgr;-03&Ggr;^&Agr;&Ogr;&Egr;&Ggr;/&iacgr;&idiagr;&Igr;

The (ski) rear end 34 of the retaining hook 26 is deformed in the upward direction and towards the tip of the ski into a U-shaped retaining bracket 36, which in the closed position cooperates with the binding housing 28 to fix the joint axis 22 in the ball area of the boot sole. The (ski) front end 38 of the retaining hook 26 is connected to an actuating element 40 mounted on the binding housing 28 in such a way that the movement of the actuating element 40 can be converted into a translatory back and forth movement (double arrow 42) of the retaining hook 26 or retaining bracket 36.

In the embodiment of the binding 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the actuating element 40 is designed as a rotary disk at the front end 50 of the same, to which the front end 38 of the holding hook 26 is eccentrically connected. Instead of the rotary disk 40, a rotary latch, pivot lever or the like can also be provided. As clearly shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the holding hook 26 is divided into two parts. The rear end 34 of the holding hook 26, which is deformed into a U-shaped bracket 36, and the front end 38 of the holding hook 26, which is eccentrically connected to the actuating element 40, are connected to one another via a common joint connection 44.

The joint-like connection between the sole-integrated joint axis 22 and the holding hook 26 is designed such that the sole running surface 14" is held in the area of the ball 18 on the cover surface 46 of the ski body 32.

Between the sole running surface 14 of the cross-country ski boot 12 and the cover surface 46 of the ski body 32 or here the binding housing 28, there is an elastically deformable element,

namely a flexor 48 according to Fig. 10 to 14, for elastic support of the cross-country ski boot 12 at the

Cover surface 4 6 of the ski body 32 or on the surface of the

binding housing 28. Specifically, the flexor 48

MEISSNER, BOLTE & PARTNER Our reference: Mt ⁴ W 13>-031"

between the joint-like connection on the one hand and the front sole end 16 on the other hand.

As can be clearly seen from Fig. 11 and 12, the flexor 48 is designed such that the sole tread 14 (not shown there) in the area between the ball 18 and the front sole end 16 can be pivoted against the flexor 48 starting from the joint-like connection at an angle α of approximately 2° to 12°, in particular from 2° to 8°, preferably from 4° to 6°. This measure allows a natural rolling and gripping movement of the foot to be maintained. In order to further facilitate such a natural rolling and gripping movement of the foot, the sole tread 14 is designed to be curved upwards in the area between the ball 18 and the front sole end 16 starting from the sole-integrated joint axis 22 in the direction of the front sole end 16, as shown in Fig. 6 and 7. 6 and 7, the curvature of the sole tread extends over an angle β of approximately 2° to 12°, in particular from 2° to 8°, preferably from 4° to 6°, relative to the horizontal plane 52 running through the hinge-like connection, which extends perpendicular to the blade plane.

Returning to Fig. 10 to 14, the flexor 48 is assigned a bellows-like snow deflector element 54 for keeping the sole running surface 14 of the cross-country ski boot 12 free of snow in the area between the ball 18 and the front sole end 16. The snow deflector element 54 is approximately U-shaped, but in particular is adapted to the respective outline of the sole running surface 14 of the cross-country ski boot 12 in the area between the ball 18 and the front sole end 16.

The snow deflector element 54 is deformable (elastically) in accordance with the flexor 48. In particular, the snow deflector

Meissner, Bolte& Partner Our reference:

element 54 is integrally connected to the flexor 48 in the embodiment shown. The flexor 48 and the snow deflector element can be fastened together to the binding housing 28 in the described embodiment.
5

The snow deflector element 54 itself is essentially made up of a bellows-like wall 56 and a lower support tab 58, between which the flexor 48 is accommodated. The bellows-like wall 56 extends laterally approximately vertically and in the front area diagonally from the front bottom to the back top. The support tab 58 adjoins the underside of the wall 56 and runs radially inwards approximately in a horizontal direction. The flexor 48 is arranged on the inside between the wall 56 and the support tab 58.

In order to be able to attach the flexor 48 together with the snow deflector element 54 to the binding housing 28 in a simple manner, a locking, snap or similar device 60 in the form of a plurality of locking, snap or similar lugs is provided on the underside of the support tab 58, which can be inserted, inserted or snapped into correspondingly shaped recesses 62 on the binding housing 28. In a corresponding manner, it is also conceivable to attach the flexor 48 and/or snow deflector element 54 to the sole running surface 14 of the cross-country ski boot 12.

In order to be able to mount the flexor 48 and the snow deflector element 54 on the binding housing, the binding housing 28 is widened at least in the area of the ball 18 and the front sole end 16 of the cross-country ski boot, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Accordingly, two lateral support surfaces 64 of the binding housing 28 protrude beyond the top surface of the ski body 32 or its side walls. In this way, precise ski guidance and maximum power transmission to the ski body 32 are made possible at the same time, particularly during so-called "skating".

Meissner, BOLTE& Partner Our reference:

- 10 -

According to Fig. 1 and 3, the binding housing 28 is provided on the top with two guide or support ribs 66 for receiving corresponding grooves 67 on the underside of the sole or in the sole running surface 14 of the cross-country ski boot 12 (see Fig. 5), which run essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ski. In particular, the support ribs 66 are formed integrally with the binding housing 28. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 3, the holding hook 26 is advantageously arranged between the two support ribs 66, which each have corresponding recesses 68 in the area immediately in front of the holding hook 26, which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski and are intended to receive the hinge axis 22 of the cross-country ski boot 12.

The functionality of binding 10 is explained in more detail below:

First, the retaining hook 26 or retaining bracket 36 is in the release position. The hinge axis 22 of the cross-country ski boot 12 is then received or rests in the two corresponding recesses 68 of the support ribs 66. By rotating the actuating element 40 according to arrow 70 in Fig. 2, the retaining hook 26 is moved forward in a translational manner in the direction of arrow 72. The retaining bracket 36 assigned to the retaining hook engages the hinge axis 22 of the cross-country ski boot 12, which on the other hand is fixed to the binding housing 28 by the rear end faces 74 of the front support ribs 66, which limit the front end of the recesses 68. The retaining hook 26 or its retaining bracket 36 are now in the closed position, as shown in detail in Figs. 3 and 4. In order to move the retaining hook 26 or the associated retaining bracket 36 from the closed position back into the release position, the actuating element must be rotated again, but this time in the direction of the arrow 7 6.

·

·

Meissner, BOLTE & Partner Our time:

- 11 -

In the embodiment according to Fig. 15 ff, the cross-country ski binding 10 also comprises a flat binding housing 28 which - as shown in Fig. 15 - is fastened to the top surface of the ski body 32 by means of the screws 30.

The binding housing 28 has a rear, a middle and a front section.

In the front section, an actuating element 40 with an actuating lever 41 is rotatably mounted, similar to the binding housing described above. The holding hook 26 with U-shaped holding bracket 36, which is slidably mounted in the front part of the rear section of the binding housing 28, can be moved back and forth in the direction of the double arrow 42 by means of the actuating element 40 in the manner described above. The mechanics of this locking mechanism are described in more detail in connection with Figs. 1-4. Reference is made to this.

The rear section of the binding housing 28 has a surface that is associated with the rear part of the sole of the cross-country ski boot. On this surface, two guide ribs 66 run in the longitudinal direction of the ski, parallel to one another and spaced from one another, which enter into corresponding grooves on the underside of the sole of the cross-country ski boot for lateral guidance of the same.

To the front, the rear section of the binding housing 28 is adjoined by a sole contact element 49, which is arranged in the middle section of the binding housing, i.e. between the rear and the front section. It is pivotably mounted in the area of the ski deck surface 46 (double arrow 39 in Fig. 16) and comprises a first support surface 65 which is pivotably arranged at an angle of 2° to 12 ^P to the ski deck surface 46, at the front end of which there is a shorter, second

Meissner, BOLTE& Partner Our reference: *M/WPT-031*- ^# DE/III

Support or contact surface 71 adjoins, whereby this contact surface 71 extends upwards at an angle of approximately 135° relative to the support surface 65. The two surfaces 65 and 66 are part of a one-piece component, namely the sole contact element 49.

The part of the sole lying between the sole-integrated joint axis 22 and the front end of the sole is supported on the support surface 65, while the front sole end 16 rests on the contact surface 71.

In the longitudinal direction of the ski as well as parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, two guide ribs 67 extend rearward from the contact surface 71, which enter into correspondingly formed grooves on the underside of the sole of the cross-country ski boot.

In the present embodiment, an elastic return element 48 (flexor) is arranged both between the underside and between the front end of the sole contact element 49 on the one hand and the binding housing 28 on the other hand, against the action of which the sole contact element can be pressed or pivoted in the direction of the ski cover surface 46. When the sole contact element 49 is not under load, the support surface 65 forms an angle of approximately 6° with the ski cover surface 46. However, other angle settings are also possible if desired.

Alternatively, the elastic return element 48 can also be assigned either only to the underside or only to the front end of the sole contact element 49.

In two projections arranged at the rear end of the sole contact element 4 9 and at the front end of the rear section of the binding housing 28, which in the assembled state

Meissner, BoLTE & Partner Our reference: *m7 WIT- 031*- DP/I

between the said projections, transverse bores are provided through which an axis 73 extends, parallel to the ski deck surface 46 and transverse to the ski longitudinal direction.
5

If the sole contact element 49 is loaded, it is pivoted downwards about the axis 73. In particular, it is provided that the sole contact element 49 can be pivoted in an angular range of 2° to 12° relative to the cover surface 46. Alternatively, a pivoting of 4° to 6° or in another angular range can also be provided.

According to Fig. 15 to 18, the top of the guide ribs 67 is each convexly curved such that their rear ends open into the support surface 65. The rear guide ribs 66 also open with their front ends into the binding housing 28. This defines an area 69 between the guide ribs of the binding housing and the guide ribs 67 of the sole contact element 49 in which there are no guide ribs. The cross-country ski boot is linked in this intermediate area 69.

To get into the binding 10, the operating lever 41 is brought into a position in which the retaining bracket 2 6 is in its rear position.

The plate-shaped sole contact element 49, which is preferably made of weather-resistant plastic, is urged by the elastic element 48 into a position in which it is pivoted upwards by approximately 6° relative to the ski deck surface 46.

If the cross-country ski boot is placed on the cross-country ski binding 10, the rear sole part rests on the rear section of the binding housing 28 and the front sole part

Meissner, BOLTE& Partner Our reference:

on the sole contact element 49 or on the support surface thereof; and the front end of the shoe or the sole engages the contact surface 71 of the sole contact element 49.
5

The sole-integrated hinge axis of the cross-country ski boot is located in an area 69 without support ribs. By forming an articulated connection between the ski binding and the cross-country ski boot or its hinge axis 22, the actuating lever 41 is then moved into a position such that the U-shaped retaining bracket 36 reaches its front closed position.

If the heel of the cross-country ski boot is lifted off the ski during the cross-country skier's movement, the front part of the sole presses the sole contact element 49 onto the ski deck surface, thereby transferring movement and steering forces to the ski.

The front part of the sole of the cross-country ski boot remains in engagement with the support surface 65 of the sole contact element 49 at all times, due to the elastic return element 48, both in the unloaded and in the partially or fully loaded state.

Since the guide ribs 67 of the sole contact element 4 9 are completely received in the corresponding grooves on the underside of the sole of the cross-country ski boot even when the heel is lifted to the maximum, exact lateral guidance of the ski is ensured even in this state of movement.

Finally, the cross-country ski boot rests at the front on the contact surface 71 of the sole contact element 49, so that the forces driving the ski forward are transmitted well.

Meissner, BOLTE& Partner Our reference: M/WPT-031-DE7III

- 15 -

According to Figure 16, it can also be provided that a counter-bracket 77 is fixed to the binding housing 28 in a mirror image of the U-shaped bracket 36 in such a way that when the U-shaped bracket 36 is in the front position, a through-opening 79 extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski is created between the U-shaped bracket 36 and the counter-bracket 77, through which the hinge axis of the cross-country ski boot extends. The counter-bracket 77 can act as a support for the contact surface 71 and also transfer the forward-directed forces of the cross-country ski boot to the binding housing 28 or the ski. Furthermore, it prevents the hinge axis and the retaining bracket 36 from disengaging.

The aforementioned arrangement thus ensures good power transmission from the boot to the ski with precise guidance, particularly in the "skating" technique commonly used in racing. In addition, attention is paid to the anatomy and biomechanics of the foot, so that the - albeit limited - rolling and gripping movement of the foot is not hindered by unnatural bending of the toe joints by the sole contact element 4 9 which can be pivoted in a direction approximately perpendicular to the ski deck surface.

Claims (28)

1. Arrangement of a cross-country ski binding ( 10 ) and a cross-country ski boot ( 12 ) adapted thereto, which has complementary engagement elements on its front sole that can be inserted into engagement elements of the binding ( 10 ) to produce a joint-like connection, wherein the sole-side engagement elements comprise a joint axis ( 22 ) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski and approximately parallel to the sole running surface ( 14 ) of the cross-country ski boot ( 12 ), and the complementary binding-side engagement elements comprise a retaining hook ( 26 ) that engages behind the joint axis ( 22 ) and forms a hinge joint with it, which can be moved from a closed position into a release position and vice versa, characterized in that the binding comprises a sole support surface that is widened at least in the region of the ball ( 18 ) and the front sole of the cross-country ski boot ( 12 ) in such a way that laterally over the cover surface ( 46 ) of the ski body ( 32 ) projecting support surfaces ( 64 ) are formed. 2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sole support surface is part of a binding housing ( 28 ). 3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the articulation axis ( 22 ) is arranged in the ball region ( 18 ) of the front sole, and that an elastically deformable element (flexor 48 ) is effective in the region in front of the articulation axis ( 22 ) between the sole and the ski cover surface ( 46 ). 4. Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the flexor ( 48 ) is designed such that the sole or its tread ( 14 ) in the area between the ball ( 18 ) and the front sole end ( 16 ) can be pivoted about the joint-like connection at an angle (a) of approximately 2° to 12°, in particular from 2° to 8°, preferably from 4° to 6°, against the action of the flexor ( 48 ). 5. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sole tread ( 14 ) is curved upwards starting from the hinge-like connection in the direction of the front sole end ( 16 ). 6. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the sole tread ( 14 ) is curved upwards at an angle (β) of approximately 2° to 12°, in particular of 2° to 8°, preferably of 4° to 6°, relative to the horizontal plane ( 52 ) running through the articulated connection. 7. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the space defined by the front sole on the one hand and the ski cover surface on the other hand is laterally delimited by a film-like, in particular bellows-like, snow deflector element ( 54 ). 8. Arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the snow deflector element ( 54 ) is approximately U-shaped, in particular adapted to the outline of the sole running surface ( 14 ) of the cross-country ski boot ( 12 ) in the area between the ball ( 18 ) and the front sole end ( 16 ). 9. Arrangement according to claim 7 and/or 8, characterized in that the snow deflector element ( 54 ) is elastically deformable, in particular integral with the flexor ( 48 ). 10. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the flexor ( 48 ) and/or the snow deflector element ( 54 ) can be fastened to the binding housing ( 28 ). 11. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the flexor ( 48 ) and/or the snow deflector element ( 54 ) can be connected to the binding housing ( 28 ) by means of a locking, snap or similar device ( 60 ). 12. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the holding hook ( 26 ) is formed by a flat element which is mounted in the binding housing ( 28 ) so as to be displaceable back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the ski, the rear end ( 34 ) of which is deformed in the upward and forward direction to form a U-shaped holding bracket ( 36 ) which, in the closed position, cooperates with the binding housing ( 28 ) to fix the sole-integrated joint axis ( 22 ), and the front end ( 38 ) of which is connected to an actuating element ( 40 ) mounted in the binding housing ( 28 ) in such a way that the movement of the actuating element ( 40 ) can be converted into a translatory back and forth movement (double arrow 42 ) of the holding hook ( 26 ). 13. Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating element ( 40 ) is designed as a turntable, pivot lever or the like, to which the front end ( 38 ) of the holding hook ( 26 ) is eccentrically connected, wherein an articulated connection ( 44 ) can additionally be provided between the front end ( 38 ) and the U-shaped holding bracket ( 36 ). 14. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the holding hook ( 26 ) is arranged between at least two support ribs ( 66 ) which run essentially parallel in the longitudinal direction of the ski and which have corresponding recesses ( 68 ) in the area immediately in front of the holding hook ( 26 ) for receiving the hinge axis ( 22 ) of the cross-country ski boot ( 12 ). 15. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that the support ribs ( 66 ) are formed integrally with the binding housing ( 28 ) on its upper side. 16. Arrangement, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that an elastically supported sole contact element ( 49 ) is provided in the region in front of the articulation axis between the sole and the ski cover surface ( 46 ). 17. Arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the sole contact element ( 49 ) is hinged to the ski deck surface ( 46 ). 18. Arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that the articulation of the sole contact element ( 49 ) is located in the region, in particular immediately in front of the articulation of the shoe. 19. Arrangement according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the sole contact element ( 49 ) can be pivoted through an angle of 2° to 12°, in particular 2° to 8°, preferably 4° to 6°. 20. Arrangement according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the sole contact element ( 49 ) has a sole support surface ( 64 ) which, in the unloaded state of the sole contact element ( 49 ), lies in a plane which encloses an angle of up to 12° with the ski cover surface ( 46 ). 21. Arrangement according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the front end of the sole contact element ( 49 ) has a contact surface ( 71 ) for the front end of the sole of the cross-country ski boot. 22. Arrangement according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the sole contact element ( 49 ) comprises at least one guide rib ( 67 ) extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski, each of which cooperates with an associated, complementary groove on the underside of the sole of the cross-country ski boot. 23. Arrangement according to one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the elastic return of the sole contact element ( 49 ) is carried out by an elastically deformable return element (flexor 48 ) arranged between it and the ski or the binding ( 10 ), and that the sole contact element ( 49 ), the elastic return element ( 48 ) and the binding housing ( 28 ) form a structural unit which is sealed to the outside so that no snow, ice or dirt can penetrate between the individual parts mentioned. 24. Arrangement according to one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the binding-side engagement elements ( 26 ; 36 , 77 ) comprise a counter-bar ( 77 ) which cooperates with the U-shaped retaining bar ( 36 ) in such a way that, in the closed position of the U-shaped retaining bar ( 36 ), a passage ( 79 ) defined by the latter and the counter-bar ( 77 ) is defined, through which the sole-side engagement element of the cross-country ski boot extends when the arrangement is assembled. 25. Arrangement according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the elastic return element ( 48 ) is arranged between the ski cover surface ( 46 ) or the binding housing and the front end of the sole contact element ( 49 ) in the manner of a conventional flexor for returning the boot and ski. 26. Cross-country ski boot for a cross-country ski binding according to one of claims 1 to 25, which has complementary engagement elements on its front sole that can be inserted into engagement elements of the binding ( 10 ) to produce a joint-like connection, wherein the sole-side engagement elements comprise a joint axis ( 22 ) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ski and approximately parallel to the sole running surface ( 14 ) of the cross-country ski boot ( 12 ), and the complementary binding-side engagement elements comprise a holding hook ( 26 ) that engages behind the joint axis ( 22 ) and forms a hinge joint with it, which can be moved from a closed position into a release position and vice versa, characterized in that the joint axis ( 22 ) is arranged in the ball region ( 18 ) of the shoe outsole. 27. Cross-country ski boot according to claim 26, characterized in that the running surface ( 14 ) of the boot sole is curved upwards starting from the hinge axis ( 22 ) arranged in the ball area in the direction of the front sole end ( 16 ). 28. Cross-country ski boot according to claim 26, characterized in that the sole running surface ( 14 ) of the cross-country ski boot ( 12 ) is curved upwards at an angle (β) of approximately 2° to 12°, in particular from 2° to 8°, preferably from 4° to 6°, relative to the horizontal plane running through the sole-integrated joint axis ( 22 ).