EP0430805A1 - Device to join together two skis by using a gliding surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a rigid member (1) for front securing, into which the tips (6) of the skis (5) are fastened, and a rigid member (3) for rear securing which fits over the skis (5). A rollable or foldable gliding running sole (4) is arranged between these members (1, 3), which is strengthened transversely (8) at least from place to place. The running sole (4) fills the space between the skis (5) and bears at least partially under the gliding surface of the skis (5). Bearing means (11) on the upper face of the skis (5) by cohesion. The device, which occupies little space and is easy to use, makes it possible, with any type of ski, to form a vehicle of the monoski, snowboard and even sledge type, reacting like these latter even on unpisted snow. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to the field of skis, snow or for other uses, on water, sand, etc., and relates to the coupling of two skis which can make them, by joining them together, a single and unique sliding instrument or vehicle. .

In order not to make the following description too complex, we will limit ourselves to an application to snow skis, it being understood that those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, will be able to "mutadis mutandis" the necessary transpositions and obvious from his routine art.

Many practitioners of classic skiing wish to experience monoskiing or snowboarding (sometimes called "surfing"), but these practices involve specific equipment and therefore necessarily expensive. This trend is evident, but the general public is not generally able to meet the expense of specialized equipment for these activities. However, there is a craze for these evolutions which can be, or are generally exerted on ungroomed virgin snow, therefore requiring a sliding surface large enough to almost float above the layer of snow, and a large audience is constrained. stay on the sidelines of these activities, due to a lack of financially accessible equipment.

The present invention aims to meet this public demand by proposing a solution which remains accessible to this same public by its simplicity of implementation and, of course, by its cost, and which, except for this specific case, does not change anything. to his habits as a classic skier.

Solutions have already been proposed for securing two skis so as to constitute, at least temporarily, a single sliding instrument or vehicle.

Thus, for example, in document FR-A-2,609,901, it is proposed to join two skis by embedding them in two rigid elements forming spacers, and connected together by a tightening strap. This device can only be used with a width of skis defined once and for all; but above all, the sliding surface obtained is strictly the same as that of the two skis and therefore only lends itself quite poorly to developments on ungroomed snow since the skis, although joined, will sink into the snow layer , just like independent skis.

This drawback is found in document EP-A-0 159 952 where, although the expression "monoski" is used, only a device is described for connecting two skis of predetermined width, without the surface of sliding of the set of two skis is in no way modified to approach a sliding effect close to that of a monoski.

In document FR-A-2,579,474, a sliding surface which is close to that of a monoski is obtained by connecting two skis and placing between them what may be called a third intermediate ski. This technique first involves special skis with a particular profile and a third ski, a rigid and bulky piece that must be transported with the other accessories when the user makes conventional use of his skis.

Even more bulky and as impractical as the previous one is the device described in document FR-A-2,613,240 which however has the advantage of providing a sliding surface in one piece. In fact, it is a question here of bringing two conventional skis onto a monoski sole, which is not without its difficulties.

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art mentioned by proposing a ski coupling device, normal, and not special, while achieving a real sliding surface effectively resembling that of a monoski. or a snowboard for which is its technical effect, especially on ungroomed snow, a device which can be quickly implemented for the production of a monoski, a snowboard, or even a sled, while remaining light and compact. and transportable for example in a small bag, or hung on the user's belt.

This is why the present invention relates to a device for quickly coupling two skis and constituting a vehicle having a sliding surface, comprising rigid members for securing the front and rear of the two skis, which device is characterized in that between these rigid members is subject to a rollable or collapsible sliding sole filling the space separating these skis and resting at least partially under the sliding surface of each of the skis.

Advantageously, the front rigid member is raised in the form of a spatula and has two shaped housings so that the spatulas of the skis can be embedded therein. The rigid posterior member is in turn shaped to fit from above on the skis.

Preferably, the sliding sole has from place to place support means on the upper face of the skis.

Advantageously, the posterior rigid member is provided with means for adjusting the spacing between the anterior and posterior rigid members.

According to a first embodiment, the sliding sole is constituted by a flexible strip secured at each of its ends respectively to the rigid front member and to the rigid rear member. It carries from place to place rigid transverse spacers.

Preferably, the sole extends beyond the end of the heels of the skis, wraps around a rigid return member in which the heels of the skis are embedded and become subject to the rigid posterior member.

According to a second embodiment, the sliding sole consists of successive rigid elements. These elements are connected to one another by articulations of transverse axis, or are shaped to fit into each other. In addition, under the deployed soleplate, an adhesive sliding skin is added.

According to a third embodiment, the sliding sole is constituted by a flexible strip, the front end of which comprises a flexible plate provided with a bar cooperating with a recess formed in the first rigid member.

Advantageously, the second rigid member comprises, firstly, two pairs of bases each having a recess, secondly two coupling bars comprising heads cooperating with the recesses and the space between the bases of the same pair, and thirdly two pairs of cover plates fixed on each pair of bases. The second rigid member also comprises two reinforcing plates arranged between the bases of the same pair.

Preferably, the rear end of the sole includes fixing means cooperating with coupling means located on a coupling bar. These coupling means are located on the coupling strip closest to the first rigid element.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de dessus d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale correspondant à la figure 1,
• La figure 3 est une vue de dessous correspondant aux figures 1 et 2,
• La figure 4 est l'illustration d'une variante du mode d'exécution des figures 1 à 3,
• La figure 5 représente en perspective un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• Les figures 6, 7 et 8 représentent trois variantes de réalisation selon la figure 5,
• La figure 9 montre en coupe transversale éclatée un exemple de réalisation de l'un des éléments des figures 6, 7 et 8,
• La figure 10 illustre en coupe transversale éclatée un autre exemple de réalisation d'un élément rigide démontable d'un dispositif selon l'invention,
• La figure 11 illustre en perspective un autre mode de réalisation d'un dispositif selon l'invention constitué d'éléments discrets successifs emboîtables les uns dans les autres,
• La figure 12 illustre en perspective un autre mode de réalisation d'un dispositif selon l'invention présentant une grande légèreté,
• La figure 13 est une vue partielle en éclaté d'une partie du dispositif selon la figure 12, et
• La figure 14 est une vue en éclaté d'une autre partie du dispositif selon la figure 12.

The characteristics of the invention and other advantages will become apparent in the light of the description which follows and for the understanding of which reference will be made to the drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a view in longitudinal section corresponding to FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a bottom view corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2,
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of a variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3,
• FIG. 5 shows in perspective another embodiment of the invention,
• FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 represent three alternative embodiments according to FIG. 5,
• FIG. 9 shows in exploded cross-section an embodiment of one of the elements of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8,
• FIG. 10 illustrates in exploded cross-section another embodiment of a removable rigid element of a device according to the invention,
• FIG. 11 illustrates in perspective another embodiment of a device according to the invention consisting of successive discrete elements nestable one inside the other,
• FIG. 12 illustrates in perspective another embodiment of a device according to the invention having great lightness,
• FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view of part of the device according to FIG. 12, and
• FIG. 14 is an exploded view of another part of the device according to FIG. 12.

According to the invention, the device consists of a rollable or foldable sliding sole on itself, disposed both between the skis, to fill the space which separates them and at least partially under the skis by resting on their own sole and creating only a small excess thickness, so as to constitute a continuous and homogeneous sliding surface over almost the entire width of the new device produced. This sole is stiffened transversely at least from place to place to maintain the interval separating the two skis while avoiding coming together and provided with means of attachment to the upper surface of the skis for good cohesion. It is also provided with means for securing the skis at the front at the level of the tips and at the rear, tensioning or compression means ensuring between these securing means a uniform and continuous plating of the sole under the surface. Skis.

A first embodiment of a device according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, where it is shown mounted on a pair of skis 5. The sole 4 consists of a flexible band whose lower face has good sliding qualities as to its surface condition and its coefficient of friction on snow. It is secured at its front end to a first rigid member 1, profiled externally in the shape of a spatula and into which the tips 6 of the skis come to fit together. It is also secured at its rear end to a second rigid member 3 , capable of being fixed to the skis 5 by interlocking from above on the heels of the latter behind the bindings 7 of shoes. This second rigid member 3 is provided with an adjustment device 13, for example with a screw, cooperating with a fixed part of the skis 5, for example a location of the bindings 7, intended to adjust the position of the rigid member 3 on the skis 5 to ensure for example by tensioning an optimal deployment of the sole 4 under the skis 5. Transversal stiffening elements or spacers 8 are from place to place secured, for example by bonding, to the upper face of the sole 4 They can advantageously be provided at their ends with springs 11 or with pivoting parts coming to bear on the upper surface of the skis 5 to perfect the securing of the device to the skis 5.

The implementation of the device for producing a single sliding vehicle is as follows.

In the first rigid member 1 of the sole 4, initially wound, the spatulas 6 of the skis 5 are fitted. The sole is unwound along the sliding surface of the skis 5, until it is placed on the skis 5 of the second rigid member 3. To ensure proper positioning of the sole 4 under the skis 5, it is then tensioned by action on the adjustment device 13, ensuring that the stiffening spacers 8 are positioned correctly. Any springs 11 or pivoting parts are then placed in their positive bearing position on the upper surface of the skis 5.

The tension of the sole 4 between the rigid front 1 and rear 3 members in conjunction with the action of the springs or support pieces 11 ensures good positioning of this sole under the skis 5 to produce a continuous, homogeneous sliding surface, without wrinkles, blisters or other surface irregularities.

To perfect this result, the sole 4 on its face bearing on the sliding surface of the skis 5 will advantageously be provided with a permanent layer of adhesive material ensuring excellent bonding while allowing, after use, easy takeoff without damaging this sole 4 , as it is known for modern seal skins.

During use, this plating of the sole 4 can not only be maintained, but improved by the contact pressure of the snow.

As we understand from the above, the device described can adapt perfectly and indifferently to any length and type of ski: piste, background, hike ... and allows the creation of a monoski, a snowboard , or even a sled depending on the circumstances and the temporary wishes of the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the previous embodiment in which the sole 4 extends beyond the end of the heels of the skis, forms a half-loop around a rigid return member 2 in which, for example, the heels of the skis, and ends with a tension strap 17 provided with a member 9 for securing and adjusting tension of the usual type coming to cooperate with the second rigid member 3 already mentioned and shaped for this function, and fixed to the skis 5 of any appropriate way (to the fastening 7, to the possible brake, or other body). In this case, recesses for the heels of the skis of the return member 2 may advantageously have a shape with a decreasing section towards the rear to receive any width of skis.

In FIG. 5, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this case, the sole 4 is made up, apart from the anterior 1 and posterior 3 rigid members, of a succession of rigid elements or plates 18, articulated to each other in the longitudinal direction and playing both the role of the spacers 8 of the previous case with their support members 11 on the upper surface of the skis and, in the deployed state, forming by their lower face the sliding surface of the sole 4.

The articulation between these successive elements 18 can be done, as illustrated in FIG. 6, by the elasticity of a very flexible sliding skin 41, glued on elements 18, and allowing their easy folding. From place to place, a larger gap 45 can be left between two successive elements 18 to allow accordion folding, a removable element of appropriate shape and advantageously provided with support members 11 on the upper face of the skis, coming after deployment ensure the mechanical continuity of the sole.

In FIG. 7, another type of articulation of the rigid elements 18 is schematically represented. This articulation is done by conventional hinges 46, placed alternately in the upper part and in the lower part of the elements 18 to allow easy accordion folding. These elements 18 already have on the underside the necessary qualities of sliding on snow. Otherwise, an adhesive sliding skin can always be added before use, as is usual with the usual seal skins.

The elements 18 can also be, as shown in FIG. 8, discrete detached elements coming to nest successively in each other by complementary shapes 47, 48, the problem of the sliding surface being solved in an identical manner to the previous case.

In FIG. 9, an exploded cross-section is shown, an embodiment of one of the elements 18 corresponding to FIGS. 5 to 8. The element comprises a rigid core 40 corresponding to the thickness of the skis 5 and to their spacing, and carrying support members 11 on the skis 5. This core 40 is made integral with a larger plate 43 on which the lower face of the skis 5 is supported. This plate 43 can serve as a sliding surface but advantageously it will be coated with a flexible sole 42 ensuring this role and which may, if necessary, after assembly, be itself coated with a sliding skin 41, as already mentioned.

In FIG. 10, an exploded cross-section is shown, an exemplary embodiment of a type of removable element 18. In this case, the preceding core 40 constitutes a single piece with the support members 11 on the skis 5 in the form of leaf springs fixed on the plate 43. This plate 43 carries means 44 for defining the spacing of the skis and receives, if necessary, as previously mentioned, a sliding skin 41 removable and adhesive after mounting .

In an order of idea close to that immediately preceding, it is possible to design a device made up of elements which can be inserted one after the other, it being understood that for the sliding surface, we will find ourselves in the same conditions as before, it will be possibly advisable to report as a seal skin, an adhesive skin, as already said in connection with the embodiments or variant embodiments already mentioned above.

Such an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention is illustrated in exploded perspective in FIG. 11. It essentially consists of discrete discrete successive elements 18, positively fitting into each other, unlike of the overlap of FIG. 8. The rigid anterior 1 and posterior 3 terminal members have the female and male shapes allowing an interlocking which will ensure excellent cohesion of the device assembled for use. FIG. 11 is particularly explicit in this regard, and it is not useful to make other developments for the understanding of a person skilled in the art. The elements 18 are drilled in the longitudinal direction of at least one longitudinal central channel (this could also be two lateral longitudinal channels) to allow the passage of a tension member, for example a strap or a cable 17 anchored in the rigid front end member 1 and coming to be subjected after return to the rigid rear end member 3 by a tension adjustment device 9 which may be of the type already mentioned with reference to the device in FIG. 4. The mounting on the skis having already been carried out, a sliding skin 41 can, before use, be attached by adhesion, as in the previous cases.

From the various examples of embodiments which have just been quickly described, it is clear that certain arrangements can without difficulty for those skilled in the art be transposed from one mode to another, individually or in combination, depending on the quality sought for the device by the user, the practical aspect (transport, removable) and the cost which may be favored over the expected performance or, on the contrary, become of less importance with respect to the technical effect sought , especially with regard to the cohesion of the whole: for example, the use of an adjustable tension member 17, compression of rigid elements 18 by a device for adjusting the latter 13, connection under the device of an adhesive and removable sliding skin 41 etc.

Figures 12 to 14 relate to another embodiment of a device according to the present invention having in particular greater lightness.

In this exemplary embodiment, the sole 4 is constituted by a flexible strip, one end of which, called the front end, is integral with the first rigid member 1 externally shaped in the shape of a spatula and into which the spatulas of the skis 5 fit together.

This front end of the sole 4 comprises a flexible plate 104 which is made integral with this sole by any known means, and which comprises a bar 105 cooperating with a recess 106 formed in the rigid part 1: once in the recess 106, the sole 4 is integral with this rigid part 1. This end is wider than the rest of the sole 4 so as to be able to rest on the surfaces of the skis 5.

The width of the sole 4, beyond the flexible plate 104, is substantially equal to the space separating the two skis 5: it passes over a plate 107 located on the skis 5 near their tip, then under the second rigid member designated as a whole by the reference 3.

This second rigid member 3 is, in this embodiment, located on the skis 5 where the shoe bindings will be placed. It comprises, firstly, two pairs 108 and 109 of bases each comprising a recess 110, secondly, two coupling bars 111 comprising pins 112 cooperating with the recesses 110 and the space 113 between the bases of a same pair, and thirdly two pairs of cover plates 114 and 115 fixed on each pair of base: these cover plates constitute a continuous sole. In addition, the second rigid member 3 comprises two reinforcing plates 116 arranged between each pair of bases 108 and 109: they help to maintain the space between the two skis 5.

The sole 4, as said above, passes under the second rigid member 3, then is brought back from below so that its rear end 117 can be fixed on the coupling bar 111 situated on the side of the tips of the skis 5.

This fixing can be achieved by cooperation between holes 118 made in this rear end 115 with a stud 119 located on this bar. This rear end of the sole 4 can also be fixed by clipping or by any other equivalent means.

Anyway, with regard to the wishes or requirements of the user, the device according to the invention, in one embodiment or the other, or by combining them according to his choice, makes it possible to compose from classic downhill, cross-country or touring skis, a new snow-making instrument such as a monoski, snowboard or even a sled.

Claims (17)

Device for quickly coupling two skis (5) and constituting a vehicle having a sliding surface, comprising rigid anterior (1) and posterior (3) securing members of the two skis (5), characterized in that between these rigid members (1 and 3) is subject to a sliding sole (4), which can be rolled up or folded, filling the space separating said skis (5) and resting at least partially under the sliding surface of each of said skis (5 ). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front rigid member (1) is raised in the shape of a spatula and has two housings shaped so that the spatulas (6) of the skis (5) can be embedded therein. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the rear rigid member (3) is shaped to fit from above on the skis (5). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sliding sole (4) has from place to place support means (11) on the upper face of the skis (5). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rear rigid member (3) is provided with means (13, 9, 17) for adjusting the spacing between the front rigid members (1) and posterior (3). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sliding sole (4) is constituted by a flexible strip secured at each of its ends respectively to the anterior rigid member (1) and to the posterior rigid organ (3). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the sole (4) carries from place to place transverse spacers (8) and ridges. Device according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the sole (4) projects beyond the end of the heels of the skis (5), wraps around a rigid deflection member (2) in which are embedded the heels of the skis (5) and is subject (17, 9) to the rigid posterior member (3). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sliding sole (4) consists of successive rigid elements (18). Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the elements (18) are connected to each other by articulations (46, 47, 48) of transverse axis. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the elements (18) are shaped to fit into each other. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an adhesive sliding skin (41) is attached to the deployed sole (4). Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the sliding sole (4) consists of a flexible strip, the front end of which comprises a flexible plate (104) provided with a bar (105) cooperating with a recess (106 ) formed in the first rigid member (1). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the second rigid member (3) comprises, firstly, two pairs (108, 109) of bases each comprising a recess (110), secondly, two coupling bars (111) comprising pins (112) cooperating with the recesses (110) and the space (113) between the bases of the same pair (108 or 109), and, thirdly, two pairs (114, 115) of cover plates fixed on each pair of bases (108, 109). Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the second rigid member (3) also comprises two reinforcing plates (116) arranged between the bases of the same pair (108, 109). Device according to any one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the rear end (117) of the sole (4) comprises fixing means cooperating with coupling means located on a coupling strip ( 111). Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the coupling means are located on the coupling strip (111) closest to the first rigid element (1).

Images