EP0804949A1 - Binding device for holding a boot on a snowboard - Google Patents

Abstract

The boot retainer consists of a base which is attached to the snow board, and a rear support which is pivoted to the base. The base and rear support are connected by a spring-loaded element with a brake (30,49) which opposes the rotation of the pivot in an anterio-posterior direction. The rear support can be in one piece or in two sections, an upper shell and a lower arch which is articulated to the base. The spring-loaded element contains a compression spring which tends to push the base and support apart. The brake is formed by a friction element (30) or a fluid inside a cylinder (17).

Description

Device for retaining a shoe on a sliding board intended for the practice of surfing.

The invention relates to the field of means for retaining a shoe on a gliding board intended for the practice of snowboarding. The invention relates more particularly to means for retaining a shoe which allows movements of flexion or inclination of the leg relative to the foot of a user.

In the practice of snowboarding, the user drives his board on paths which can be substantially straight or curved. In all cases, driving can only be precise if the support of the board on the snow is controlled by the user.

Experience shows that the control of the supports is done well when the trajectories are relatively straight, but that the control is delicate or even impossible when the trajectories are curved.

Indeed, the user is always required to make movements with the body and the limbs to manage his balance at the same time as he is driving the board. It turns out to be very difficult to perfectly coordinate the management of balance and the handling of the board in curved trajectories, in turns or on a bump.

In fact, the movements made to maintain balance disturb the support control necessary for precise driving. In particular, when the user flexes and tilts his legs to maintain balance, he cannot at the same time avoid causing a change in the sometimes abrupt inclination of the board relative to the ground.

This change in inclination generally has the effect of suddenly modifying the contact surface of the board on the ground. As a result, the driving is disturbed and the trajectory control is random, because the reaction forces of the ground on the board vary in considerable proportions.

This phenomenon is particularly true when the user needs to keep his balance and to press towards the ground with the side of the board located behind his back.

The prior art has proposed devices which give a certain flexibility of positioning between each foot and the board.

This is for example the case of document FR 2 650 752, the aim of which is to allow the user to place himself in the most comfortable and balanced position during the changes, thanks to flexible joints arranged between the feet. and the board. The device according to document FR 2 650 752 does not, however, allow the user to manage the support variations. Indeed, the flexibility of the joints does not favor precise guidance and does not allow the user to correctly identify the sensory information he receives. Therefore, this system is not really satisfactory and control of curved trajectories is difficult, if not impossible.

Document DE 89 02 125 proposes a device for retaining a shoe on a board comprising a shell articulated on a base along a transverse axis. The articulation allows a range of the device for transport. A removable elastic means is able to hold the shell relative to the base in a position of use. The elastic means acts to imitate a flexing movement from the lower leg to the foot. It follows that the user can easily take support with the forefoot.

On the other hand, it is not possible for the user to easily master curved trajectories because of the elasticity of the device. In particular, it is practically impossible to keep a curved trajectory chosen in the case where it is necessary to manage both the balance and a grip on the ground with the side of the board located behind the user's back.

The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks listed above. To do this, it proposes a device for retaining a boot on a gliding board, the device notably comprising a back support element for ensuring the rear support of the lower leg and a base intended to receive the sole of the shoe, the back support element being articulated on the base along a substantially transverse axis YY 'of the device.

The invention is characterized in that at least one braking means opposes an articulation movement of the dorsal support element relative to the base along the axis Y-Y ', in at least a sense of articulation.

This structure makes it possible to damp the articulation movement in each direction in which the braking means acts; in movement in this sense, only sensory information useful for driving pass through the device, while parasitic vibrations are absorbed. The user can therefore advantageously drive the board with better control.

The device according to the invention is also characterized in that a return means keeps the back support element substantially in contact with the lower leg. It follows that the back support element is permanently in contact with the lower leg. Consequently, the braking means acts, in each of the possible directions, as soon as the lower leg moves. The advantage is that the driving test is instantaneous.

The device according to the invention is preferably characterized in that the braking means opposes the articulation movement relative to the axis YY ′ of the back support element relative to the base in one direction anteroposterior.

Consequently, when the user stretches the legs after a flexion, the back support position returns gradually. The user can advantageously take his rear supports with good progressiveness.

According to one embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the back support element is in one piece. This structure gives the device a lateral stiffness with respect to the foot which is suitable for cornering.

According to another embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the back support element comprises a shell and a hoop articulated relative to each other along an axis XX 'situated in a substantially longitudinal plane of the device. This structure gives the device a degree of lateral freedom of the lower leg relative to the foot which is suitable for the execution of figures of style.

The invention is also characterized by the fact that a stop means limits the articulation movement of the back support element relative to the base along the axis YY 'in a direction of extension from the bottom leg relative to the foot or anteroposterior sense.

Consequently, the user can take a rigid rear support on the ground when he must not suddenly change his balance.

According to an alternative embodiment, the invention is characterized in that at least one elastic means cooperates with the braking means. Preferably, the elastic means permanently urges the dorsal support element relative to the base in a hinge movement along the axis Y-Y 'in a postero-anterior direction.

This structure favors the bending movements of the legs of the user who can advantageously lean forward with vivacity.

According to one embodiment, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic means is a compression spring, one end of which urges the back support element and the other end of which requests the base, in one direction distance, and in that the braking means is a fluid contained in a sheath. This structure makes the device insensitive to moisture.

An alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the elastic means is a compression spring, one end of which urges the back support element and the other end of which urges the base, in a direction of distance, and in that the braking means is a friction joint integral with a bar and rubbing inside a sheath.

The advantage is that the spring eliminates the snow wedges and that the shock absorber is simple to manufacture.

Another variant embodiment is characterized in that the elastic means is a torsion spring, one end of which is linked to the back support element and the other end of which is linked to the base, and in that the means of braking comprises at least one layer of a viscoelastic material associated with two toothed wheels.

The advantage of this structure is that the viscoelastic material makes the device insensitive to moisture.

Another alternative embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the elastic means is a torsion spring, one end of which is linked to the back support element and the other end of which is linked to the base, and in that the braking means is a friction disc associated with two toothed wheels. This alternative embodiment has the advantage of a small footprint.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une planche de glisse avec deux dispositifs de retenue selon un mode de réalisation,
• la figure 1a est un agrandissement d'un dispositif de retenue de la figure 1,
• la figure 2 est une vue latérale d'un dispositif de retenue de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est similaire à la figure 2 mais correspond à une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 4 est une coupe selon IV-IV de la figure 2 ou 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue latérale d'un dispositif de retenue selon un autre mode de réalisation,
• la figure 6 est une coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 5.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawing illustrating, by non-limiting examples, how the invention can be implemented and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gliding board with two retaining devices according to one embodiment,
• FIG. 1a is an enlargement of a retaining device of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 2 is a side view of a retaining device from FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 but corresponds to an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 4 is a section on IV-IV of FIG. 2 or 3,
• FIG. 5 is a side view of a retaining device according to another embodiment,
• FIG. 6 is a section on VI-VI of FIG. 5.

Figures 1 and 1a show a gliding board 1 on top of which are fixed two retaining devices 2 of the shoes 3 of a user. Each device 2 comprises a base 4 for maintaining the foot and a back support element 5 for taking support, in particular when cornering where the user leans on the rear edge and has his back facing the slope. The devices 2 are oriented respectively in a substantially transverse direction of the board 1, so that the ends of the feet are close to a longitudinal front side 6, and the heels are close to a longitudinal dorsal side 7 of the board 1 .

Each device 2 comprises means for retaining the boot 3 on the device 2, represented in the form of straps 8, 9, the straps 8, 9 holding the boot 3 on the base 4 at the level of the foot, and comprises a means of the back support element on the lower leg, shown in the form of a strap 10 holding the shoe 3 on the back support element 5 at the lower leg.

On each device 2, the back support element 5 is articulated relative to the base 4 by an articulation means, represented here in the form of rivets 11, so that the back support element 5 can pivot relative to the base 4 about an axis YY 'substantially transverse of the device 2. The axis YY' is transverse relative to a longitudinal direction of the device 2 s extending substantially from the fingers to the heel of the foot.

In accordance with the spirit of the invention, an elastic means permanently biases the back support element 5 relative to the base 4 according to a rotational movement relative to the axis YY ′ in a direction of bending of the lower leg towards the foot. This elastic means can be a compression spring 12 visible in FIGS. 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4.

As shown in Figure 4, the spring 12 is guided by a bar 13 of cylindrical section. The spring 12 is supported by one of its ends on a cup 14 secured to the bar 13 by any suitable means such as a weld 15. The spring 12 is supported by the other end on a plug 16 itself fixed on a sheath 17, for example by means of a thread 18. The plug 16 is pierced in its center by a reamed hole 19 which serves to guide the rod 13 in a direction of compression or extension of the spring 12. The sheath 17 is extended at its end opposite to the plug 16 by a flat 20 pierced with a hole 21 with an axis 22. The bar 13 is extended at its end exiting by the reamed hole 19 by a flat 23 pierced with a hole 24 d axis 25.

The bar 13 is therefore able to penetrate into the sheath 17 against the action of the spring 12 while being guided in the sheath 17 by the reamed hole 19 of the plug 16.

In practice, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1a, the sleeve 17 is articulated by the axis 22 common to a pin 26, to the hole 21 of the plate 20, and to two orifices of a base 27, on the element back support 5.

The bar 13 is articulated by the axis 25 common to a pin 28, to the hole 24 of the plate 23, and to two orifices of a base 29, on the base 4.

As the spring 12 continuously urges the cup 14 and the plug 16 in a direction of separation, the back support element 5 and the base 4 are permanently urged in the direction of flexion of the shoe 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, a braking means permanently damps a reentry movement of the bar 13 in the sheath 17; this braking means is shown here in the form of a circular lip seal 30, the lip being oriented in a direction which opposes the entry of the bar 13, but which does not retain its exit.

The seal 30 is retained on the bar 13 by any suitable means, such as two rings 31, 32 themselves immobilized on the bar 13 by two pins 33, 34.

Means for stopping the movement of the back support element 5 relative to the base 4 in a direction of extension of the foot is produced for example by the combination of the bottom 35 of the sheath and the tip 36 of the bar 13. When the bottom 35 and the tip 36 are in contact, the spring 12 is in a state of maximum compression.

Thus produced, the retaining device 2 allows a user to flex the legs quickly and easily while urging the longitudinal dorsal side 7 of the board 1 towards the ground, thanks to the permanent action of the spring 12. As a result, permanent contact is made between the dorsal side 7 and the ground in turns or on bumps where the user has his back facing the slope of the terrain. The movements of the body and legs made to maintain balance therefore do not disturb the handling of board 1.

Of course, all known techniques and materials can be used to carry out the invention.

In particular, provision can be made to make the metal sheath such as aluminum or plastic and composite materials. The plug 16 could be made of bronze, the bar 13 made of steel, the spring 12 made of alloy steel. The lip seal 30 is preferably made of rubber or molded polyurethane.

Two variants of the embodiment described appear in side view in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In FIG. 2, the back support element 5 comprises a shell 37 and a hoop 38 forming a single block, obtained for example from injected plastic.

In FIG. 3, the back support element 5 comprises a shell 39 articulated on a hoop 40 along an axis XX ′ substantially longitudinal of the shoe; the articulation can be done using a rivet or any other means and facilitates lateral inclinations of the lower leg, along the axis XX '.

For these two variant embodiments, the spirit of the invention is unchanged. In fact, the spring 12 always biases the lower leg in flexion relative to the foot in the direction of the arrow F, by acting permanently between the arch 38 or 40 and the base 4 in a respective direction of separation.

Another embodiment of the invention is proposed using FIGS. 5 and 6. For reasons of convenience, the same parts are designated by the same references.

There is a back support element 5 comprising a shell 37 and a hoop 38 articulated on a base 4 along a substantially transverse axis Y-Y '.

As shown in the section in FIG. 6, a torsion spring 41 acts permanently between the base 4 and the arch 38 to urge the arch 38 and maintain contact between the shoe 3 and the shell 37. In fact, ends 42 and 43 of the spring 41 are secured respectively to the base 4 and to the arch 38 passing through holes in the base 4 and the arch 38. The spring 41 remains in place thanks to the permanent stress an elastic washer 44 which is interposed between the base 4 and a shoulder 45 of a rivet 46 of axis Y-Y '.

The rivet 46 serves to hold the base 4 and the arch 38 relative to each other, and also serves as a guide in rotation to a wheel 47, a wheel 48 and a disc 49, all drilled in their center. for the passage of the rivet 46, and all located between the base 4 and the arch 38.

The wheel 47 comprises a flat side 50 secured to the base 4 by any means such as bonding, and a toothed side 51 opposite the flat side 50.

The wheel 48 includes a toothed side 52 whose profile is complementary to the side 51 of the wheel 47, and a flat side 53 secured to the disc 49 by any means such as bonding.

The disc 49 comprises a side 54 secured to the wheel 48, and a side 55 capable of rubbing on the hoop 38.

The toothed wheels 47 and 48 behave like a ratchet freewheel allowing only one direction of rotation relative to the axis Y-Y '. The disc 49 behaves like a brake which dissipates energy by friction.

In operation, a movement of the arch 38 relative to the base 4 in the direction of the arrow F in FIG. 5 is quick and easy, while a reverse movement is slowed down by the friction exerted between the surfaces common to the disc 49 and roll bar 38.

Indeed, the teeth of the wheels 47 and 48 are able to move relative to each other when the arch 38 moves so as to allow bending of the foot, because the elasticity of the washer 44 allows a slight relative movement in a direction of separation from the walls constituting the arch 38 and the base 4 following the action of the teeth. Of course, the inclination of the teeth acts in one direction. When the leg makes an extension movement relative to the foot, the arch 38 tightens the spring 41 and the teeth of the wheels 47 and 48 remain in engagement. In this case the wheels 47 and 48 and the disc 49 rotate together, the disc 49 rubbing by its side 55 on the hoop 38.

The movement of the arch 38 and the shell 37 in the opposite direction to the arrow F is limited by a stop 56 which rests on one face 57 of the base 4. The technical effects of this embodiment of the invention are identical to those of the first mode.

Provision may be made to produce the spring 41, the toothed wheels 47, 48 and the elastic washer 44 made of metal or a metal alloy. The rivet 46, the base 4 and the arch 38 can be made of metal or of synthetic material shaped by any known means such as injection or machining.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments thus described and includes all the technical equivalents which may fall within the scope of the claims which will follow.

In particular, one can imagine removing the straps 8, 9, 10 and replacing them with any automatic fitting system that can be inserted between the shoe 3 and the base 4, or that can be located on one or more sides of the shoe 3, and comprising a means for returning the back support element 5.

One can also provide an intermediate piece between the shoe 3 and the base 4, the shoe 3 being held on the intermediate piece by the straps 8, 9, 10, and the intermediate piece being held on the base 4 by a means of automatic snap retainer. In this way, the user can optionally detach the straps 8, 9, 10 or the self-locking retaining means, depending on the conditions of practice and use of the gliding board 1.

It is also possible to plan to use several springs, for example two, arranged on either side of the back support element 5.

Claims (12)

Device for retaining (2) a boot (3) on a gliding board (1), the device (2) comprising in particular a back support element (5) for ensuring the rear support of the lower leg and a base (4) intended to receive the sole of the shoe (3), the back support element (5) being articulated on the base (4) along a substantially transverse axis YY 'of the device (2),
characterized in that at least one braking means (30, 49) opposes an articulation movement of the back support element (5) relative to the base (4) along the Y axis -Y ', in at least one direction of articulation. Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a return means (10) keeps the back support element (5) substantially in contact with the lower leg. Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the braking means (30, 49) opposes the articulation movement relative to the axis YY 'of the back support element (5 ) relative to the base (4) in an anteroposterior direction. Device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the back support element (5) is in one piece. Device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the back support element (5) comprises a shell (39) and a hoop (40) articulated with respect to the another along an axis XX 'situated in a substantially longitudinal plane of the device (2). Device (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a stop means (35, 36, 56) limits the articulation movement of the back support element (5) by relative to the base (4) along the axis YY 'in the anteroposterior direction. Device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one elastic means (12, 41) cooperates with the braking means (30, 49). Device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastic means (12, 41) permanently urges the back support element (5) relative to the base (4) according to an articulation movement according to the axis YY 'in a postero-anterior direction. Device (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the elastic means (12) is a compression spring, one end of which urges the back support element (5) and the other end of which urges the base ( 4), in a remote direction, and in that the braking means is a fluid contained in a sheath (17). Device (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the elastic means (12) is a compression spring, one end of which urges the back support element (5) and the other end of which urges the base ( 4), in a remote direction, and in that the braking means is a friction joint (30) integral with a bar (13) and rubbing in the interior of a sheath (17). Device (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the elastic means (41) is a torsion spring, one end (43) of which is connected to the back support element (5) and the other of which end (42) is linked to the base (4), and in that the braking means comprises at least one layer of a viscoelastic material associated with two toothed wheels (47, 48). Device (2) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the elastic means (41) is a torsion spring, one end (43) of which is connected to the back support element (5) and the other of which end (42) is linked to the base (4), and in that the braking means is a friction disc (49) associated with two toothed wheels (47, 48).

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