EP0811329A1 - Energised skate with aligned wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

The in-line roller skate has a boot (5) whose sole (6) is fixed to the upper plate (3) of a chassis (1) carrying the rollers (4). The boot has a low upper (10) with a rear stiffener (12) on which a rigid collar (13) is articulated. The collar surrounds the wearer's ankle and is able to pivot about an articulation (19) and act against an elastic return (100) interposed between the upper and the collar. The elastic return is employed when the collar pivots rearwards from an inactive vertical median equilibrium position (00') along an angular path. This path is limited in amplitude by an end of travel stop (101) fixed on a part of the upper. The collar is returned elastically to the front with an energy value proportional to the angular travel of the upper, within a maximum limit determined by the position of the collar stop.

Description

The present invention relates to a skate of the in-line wheel type comprising a shoe, the sole of which is associated with an upper plate of a chassis on a lower part of which the skating wheels are arranged, said shoe comprising a low rod provided with a rigid rear buttress on which an equally rigid collar is articulated capable of surrounding the ankle of the user, and being able to pivot freely around the articulation.

This type of skate constitutes a sport in itself, and can also be intended for the training of skaters on ice, except skating rink, but also for all sportsmen wishing to maintain or improve on hard paved, cemented ground, ... etc, techniques used in sliding sports such as downhill skiing, cross country skiing, ice skating, ... etc.

In this type of sport, it quickly proved necessary to have an energizing device capable of assisting the muscles in certain phases of skating, as already known in cross-country ski boots for example.

It is thus known, in a cross-country ski boot, to energize a collar towards the rear relative to a shoe upper by means of elastic return means interposed between the upper and said collar , but this without limitation of amplitude. However, depending on the skill level of the user, controlling this amplitude, hence the energization of the collar, is not always easily manageable by the user.

In addition, it could be noted that the control of a rear energization of the collar was mainly reserved for high level skaters, and that in the case of beginners up to a good level, it was important to be able to have a energized rear and front support, and a rear stop capable of imitating the race of the collar relative to the rod.

Also, this is essential for the proper use of a brake when the skate is fitted with it.

It is on the basis of these observations and these reflections that the invention was imagined.

It relates to an in-line roller skate comprising a shoe, the sole of which is associated with an upper plate of a chassis on a lower part of which the skating wheels are arranged, said shoe comprising a low rod provided with a rigid rear buttress on which is articulated a collar also rigid capable of surrounding the ankle of the user, and being able to pivot freely around the articulation to act against elastic return means interposed between said rod and said collar, characterized in that these elastic means are urged at least during a pivoting towards the rear of said collar from a median inactive position of equilibrium, substantially vertical, and according to an angular travel limited in amplitude by a rear end-of-travel stop of the collar fixedly fixed on a part of the rod or on a corresponding part of the collar, so as to provide an elastic return to the collar link at least forward, according to an energy of value proportional to the angular travel of the rod within a maximum limit determined by the position of the end stop of the collar.

Furthermore, the rear end stop is particularly important for the proper use of a brake controlled by the rearward tilting of the user's ankle.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the elastic return means are urged during a rearward or forward pivoting of said collar from the substantially vertical median inactive equilibrium position.

The present invention also relates to the characteristics which will emerge during the description which follows and which should be considered in isolation or according to all their possible technical combinations.

• la figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un patin à roues en ligne selon un premier exemple de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 4 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 5 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 6 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 7 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 8 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon une variante de réalisation,
• la figure 9 est une représentation schématique d'une chaussure selon une variante de réalisation.

This description, given by way of nonlimiting example, will make it easier to understand how the invention can be implemented, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 is a side view of an in-line roller skate according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to an alternative embodiment,
• FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to an alternative embodiment,
• Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a shoe according to an alternative embodiment.

The shoe shown in Figure 1 consists of a frame 1 of cross section in the shape of "U" and consists of two side flanges 2 on which are fixed the wheels 4, and a mounting plate 3 on which is fixed , by its sole 6, the shoe 5.

The shoe 5 has the appearance of a normal low shoe on the outside, and therefore consists of a low flexible rod 10, that is to say of a rod whose rigid parts do not extend in height at beyond the malleoli, provided on its front part with an opening 11 for the passage of the foot and with a closure system 20 of a type known per se, for closing the shoe and tightening the foot.

The rod 10 is provided at the heel with a rigid rear buttress 12 which can be produced in any way known per se, and which in fact constitutes the only rigid part of the rod.

This buttress 12 is preferably made of rigid synthetic material and extends over the entire rear part of the shoe, all around the heel thereof.

This buttress 12 extends, in the region of the malleoli, up to the top of the rod for the reception of an articulated collar 13 and has externally at the level of these malleoli a boss projecting outwardly extending substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the buttress.

Of course, the collar 13 could also be mounted in another way allowing easy disassembly, and for example by a bayonet system or by snap-fastening known per se and not described below, for changing the collar or the use of the shoe with a simple low rod.

The articulated collar 13 is constituted by a cuff made of rigid material and in particular of a synthetic material such as that known under the trade name Pebax.

This collar 13 extends up to the bottom of the calf and surrounds the entire lower leg. It is open at its front part to allow the foot to be placed in the shoe and is provided with clamping means 15 of a type known per se, and constituted for example by hook-and-loop means.

This collar 13 is also provided at the rear with a notch 13a intended to facilitate the rearward rotation of this collar.

As will be readily appreciated, the large height of the collar 13 allows excellent lateral holding of the leg during the practice of the skate, such a height also allowing a greater distribution over the leg of the reaction forces and consequently, better comfort for the user.

However, this height of collar 13 does not hinder the forward / backward flexion movements of the leg relative to the foot, and can even be increased, for example, up to the mid-leg so as to reduce the efforts on the leg.

According to the invention, the inline skate 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises elastic return means 100 interposed between the rod 10 and the collar 13.

These means are, according to the invention and in general, requested at least during a pivoting towards the rear of said collar 13 from a median inactive equilibrium position 00 ′, substantially vertical and along a stroke angular limited in amplitude by an end of travel stop 101 fixedly disposed on a part of the rod 10, or on a corresponding part of the collar 13, so as to benefit from an elastic return of the latter at least towards the front , according to an energy of value proportional to the angular travel of the rod within a maximum limit determined by the position of the stop 101.

In this case, the elastic return means 100 are inactive from the median equilibrium position 00 ′ of the collar 13 towards the front.

Still according to FIG. 1, the elastic return means 100 consist of a double pin comprising an upper branch 102 and a lower branch 103, abutting respectively with the collar 13 and a rear support stop 104 disposed on the rod 10, said pin 102-103 being stressed only when the collar 13 is pivoted backwards.

The pin is also passed around the articulation 19 of the collar 13 to hold it in place.

In this case, the pivoting of the collar towards the front is completely free, while its pivoting towards the rear is exerted against the elastic member 25 which on the other hand facilitates the return towards the front of said collar.

Of course, the elastic return member 25 could be produced in a completely different way, the main thing being that it exerts a return force on the collar during a pivoting of the latter towards the rear. It could for example be a spring of a different type, coil spring, elastic buffer, etc. This elastic member could also be designed as an integral part of one of the elements of the rod, and could thus be constituted by an elastic branch coming from the articulated collar and cooperating with a stop provided on the rear buttress, or another part of the rod 10. Conversely, it could also be an elastic branch coming from the rear buttress of the rod and cooperating with an associated stop of the collar.

In all cases, such an arrangement tends to assist the leg muscle which controls the raising of the ball of the foot relative to the leg, and therefore makes it possible to imitate the fatigue thereof when practicing sport.

Another important advantage of this elastic return member is that it provides a sort of rear support with progressive resistance to the athlete's leg, and above all that it gives the latter a rearward referencing of the position of his leg, that is to say it allows him to locate the position of his leg relative to the vertical, particularly important information for maintaining balance in such a sliding sport.

Finally, the provision of a rear end-of-travel stop for the collar 13 is particularly important for the proper use of a brake controlled by the tilting of the user's ankle towards the rear.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but encompasses all similar or equivalent embodiments.

Thus, in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 9, the elastic return means 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, respectively, are also stressed during pivoting, not only towards the rear but also towards the front of said collar 13A to 13G from the substantially vertical median inactive equilibrium position 00 ′ shown in these figures.

More particularly according to the embodiment of Figure 3, the elastic means 200 are constituted by an energy tab 202 from the rigid collar 13A and extending beyond its articulation 19 on the rod 10A in the direction of its front part, the end of said tab 202 being integral with the latter to constitute a fulcrum 203 both when pivoting backwards and when pivoting forward, for energizing the tab of identical value in both ways.

This energization depends in fact on the quantity of material placed on either side of a line Δ joining the two joints or securing points 19, 203, and which is stressed in compression during forward bending or the back of the collar. If this quantity of material is for example greater below said line Δ, the compression force and therefore of energization will be greater towards the rear than towards the front.

According to this same example, a rear end-of-travel stop 201 for the collar 13A is arranged on a part of the rear buttress 12 opposite a corresponding part of the collar 13A.

According to the example of FIG. 4, the elastic return means 300 are constituted, on the one hand, by a first energy tab 302 coming from the rigid collar 13B and extending beyond its articulation 19 on the rod 10B towards its front part. The end of said tab 302 is integral with this rod 10B to form a fulcrum 305, when the collar 13B pivots both backwards and forwards, this for energizing said tab 302, of equal value in both directions. On the other hand, the elastic return means consist of a second energy tab 303 also coming from the rigid collar 13B and extending beyond the same articulation 19, in the direction of its rear leg, the end of said second energy tab 303 being free in angular movement, so that during a pivoting of the collar 13B towards the rear, the tab 303 encounters a rear support stop 304 of the rod 10B to cause energization, during a pivoting of the collar 13B towards the rear, of the second tab 303, this energy adding to that supplied by the first tab 302.

Such a construction makes it possible to add an additional energization towards the rear to that already provided forwards, and therefore makes it possible, with simple means, to have a higher energy ratio towards the rear. This ratio will depend on the type of user and may for example be of the order of 1 to 4.

According to this same example, a rear end-of-travel stop 301 is disposed on a part of the rear buttress 12 opposite a corresponding part of the collar 13B.

In the two exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the energy tabs 202, 302, 303, can be made in one piece with the collar 13A, 13B, as shown, or be attached, which allows in particular to have the realization of the collar a more flexible material allowing a better wrapping of the calf, the legs of energy then being in a stiffer and elastic material.

According to the example of FIG. 5, the elastic return means 400 consist of an energy bar 402 extending freely in a substantially vertical direction, laterally to the collar 13C, from its articulation and towards its upper part, said bar 402 forming at its lower part, from the same articulation 19, two divergent legs 403 and 404, one 403 in the direction of the front of the rod 10C and the other 404 in the direction of the rear, the two legs 403 and 404 being integral with the rod to constitute a front 405 and rear 406 fulcrum, so as to energize the bar 402 during a pivoting of a collar 13C forwards or backwards, by means of a front energy stop 407 which cooperates with the energy bar 402 when the collar 13C is bent forward, and by a rear energy stop 408 which cooperates with the bar of energy 402 when bending backwards, these two stops are ant arranged on the collar 13C on either side of the bar 402.

The front 407 and rear 408 energy stops are preferably adjustable in position along the bar 402 as a function of the desired front or rear energization values.

Furthermore, a rear end-of-travel stop 401 is disposed on a part of the rear buttress 12 opposite a corresponding part of the collar 13C. The front fulcrum 405 could possibly be replaced by two stops of the same type as the stops 407, 408.

According to the example in FIG. 6, the elastic return means 500 consist of an energy bar 502 extending freely in a substantially horizontal direction, laterally to the collar 13D from its articulation 19 and towards the rear part of the rod 10D which comprises a housing 503 into which opens the end of the bar 502 to bear there up or down, depending on a pivoting of the collar 13D forwards or backwards, the energization of the bar 502 being effected by means of a front energy stop 504 and of a rear energy stop 505 disposed on the collar 13D on either side of said bar 502, and cooperating with the bar 502 respectively when pivoting forwards or backwards of the collar 13D.

Also, the front 504 and rear 505 energy stops are adjustable along the bar 502 according to the desired front or rear energization values.

Furthermore, a rear end-of-travel stop 501 is disposed on a rear part of the collar 13D opposite a corresponding part 506 of the rear buttress.

According to the example of FIG. 7, the elastic return means 600 consist of a double pin 602-603 comprising a lower branch 602 secured to a lower end of a rod 604 extending behind the collar 13E with which it cooperates at its upper part by means of a lug 605 capable of struggling in a housing 606 of said rod 604 between a lower plane 601 constituting a rear end-of-travel stop and an upper plane 607 on which takes support said tab 605 during a front pivoting of the collar 13E, said support causing the lower branch 602 of the pin to move, and consequently, its second upper branch 603 until the latter comes into contact with a stop of front energy 608 obtained on a vertical extension 609 of the rear buttress 12, moment from which the pin 602-603 undergoes compression for forward energization. The backward energization is also carried out by compression of the pin 602-603 obtained by means of a rear energy stop 610 secured to the collar 13E and acting on the upper branch 603 of said pin until that the tab 605 comes into contact with the rear end-of-travel stop 601, constituted by the lower plane of the housing 606 of the rod 604, for a maximum compression value in rear energization.

Also, the rear energy stop 610 is adjustable along the upper branch 603 as a function of the desired rear energization value.

According to the example of FIG. 8, the elastic return means 700 are constituted by a double pin 702-703 comprising a lower branch 702 which is free in angular movement forwards and in abutment backwards against a bearing abutment rear 704 formed on the buttress 12 and against which it is pressed during a pivoting towards the rear of the collar 13F by means of a rear energy stop 705 secured to said collar 13F, bearing on the upper branch 703 of the pin, to stress it in compression. Energization of the collar forward is also effected by compression of said pin 702-703 by exerting traction on its upper branch 703, by pivoting of the collar 13F forwards, the lower branch 702 of the pin being in contact with the rear support stop 704, the traction taking place by means of a cable 706 connected, on the one hand, to the end 703a of said upper branch 703, and on the other hand, to a upper part 706 of the collar 13F by means of a return pulley 707 disposed on a rear part of the buttress 12 of the rod 10F.

In this case, a rear end-of-travel stop 701 of the collar 13F is produced by an extension 708 of the rod 10F in the direction of said collar 13F.

According to the example of FIG. 9, the elastic return means 800 consist of a rear rod 802 in connection with its lower part 802a with the rear buttress 12 of the rod 10G and freely crossing in a substantially central area, an appendage 803 of the collar 13G constituting a front or rear energy stop, a first front energizing spring 804 being disposed on the rod 802 at its upper part between said central appendage 803 and an upper end stop 806 of the rod 802, then that a second rear energizing spring 805 is disposed on said rod 802 at its lower part, between said central appendage 803 and a lower end stop 807 of the rod 802. In this way, a pivoting of the collar 13G towards the front compresses the first upper spring 804 for an energization before while a pivoting of the collar 13G compresses the second lower spring 805 for rear energization.

In this case, the position of the appendix 803 of the collar 13G forming a front or rear energy stop as well as the force and the length of the spring 804 and 805 are defined as a function of the desired front and rear energization values.

Also, a rear end-of-travel stop 801 of the collar 13G is produced on a corresponding part of the rod 10G.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or to the inline skating / inline skating application described, but also applies to all sports articles having to solve the same foot holding problems. ankle, muscle support, ... etc.

The invention could also be applied to shoes comprising completely rigid upper parts.

Claims (21)

Skate of the wheel or in-line wheel type comprising a shoe (5), the sole (6) of which is associated with an upper plate (3) of a chassis (1) on a lower part of which the skating wheels ( 4), said shoe comprising a low upper (10) provided with a rigid rear buttress (12) on which is articulated a collar (13) also rigid capable of surrounding the ankle of the user and being able to pivot around the articulation (19) for acting against elastic return means interposed between said rod and said collar, characterized in that these elastic return means (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) are stressed at least during a pivoting towards the rear of said collar (13 to 13G) from a median inactive equilibrium position (00 '), substantially vertical and according to an angular travel limited in amplitude by an end stop racing (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801) fixedly arranged t on a part of the rod (10 to 10G) or on a corresponding part of the collar (13), so as to benefit from an elastic return of the latter at least towards the front, according to an energy of value proportional to the angular stroke of the rod within a maximum limit determined by the position of the collar end stop (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701, 801). Skate according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic return means (100) are inactive from the median equilibrium position (00 ') of the collar (13) towards the front. Skate according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic return means (100) consist of a double pin comprising an upper branch (102) and a lower branch (103), in abutment respectively with the collar (13) and a rear support stop (104) of the rod (10), said pin (102-103) being urged only when the collar (13) is pivoted rearward. Skate according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic return means (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) are biased when pivoting backwards or forwards of said collar (13A at 13G) from the substantially vertical median inactive equilibrium position (00 '). Skate according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic means (200) consist of an energy tab (202) coming from the rigid collar (13A) and extending beyond its articulation (19) on the rod (10A) towards its front part, the end of said tab (202) being integral with the latter to constitute a fulcrum (203) both during a rear pivoting and during a front pivoting, for energizing the tab in both directions of pivoting. Skate according to claim 5, characterized in that a rear end-of-travel stop (201) is arranged on a part of the rear buttress (12) opposite a corresponding part of the collar (13A). Skate according to Claim 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (300) consist on the one hand of a first energy tab (302) coming from the rigid collar (13B) and extending beyond its articulation (19) on the rod (B) in the direction of its front part, the end of said tab (302) being integral with the latter (10B) to form a fulcrum (305), during pivoting of the collar (13B) both backwards and forwards, for energizing said tab (302), of identical value in both directions, and on the other hand, by a second energy tab (303) also from the rigid collar (13B) and extending beyond the same articulation (19), in the direction of its rear leg, the end of said second energy leg (303) being free in angular movement, so that during a pivoting of the collar (13B) backwards, the tab (303) meets a rear support stop (304) of the rod (10B) to cause an energization of the second tab (303 ) adding to that of the first (302). Skate according to claim 7, characterized in that a rear end-of-travel stop (301) is arranged on a part of the rear buttress (12) opposite a corresponding part of the collar (13B). Skate according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (400) consist of an energy bar (402) extending freely in a substantially vertical direction, laterally to the collar (13C), from its articulation and towards its upper part, said bar (402) forming at its lower part, from the same articulation (19), two divergent legs (403 and 404), one (403) towards the front of the rod (10C) and the other (404) towards the rear, the two legs (403 and 404) being integral with the rod to constitute a front (405) and rear (406) fulcrum, so energizing the bar (402) when pivoting a collar (13C) forwards or backwards, by means of a front energy stop (407) and a stop d 'rear energy (408) arranged on the collar (13C) on either side of the bar (402). Skate according to claim 9, characterized in that the front (407) and rear (408) energy stops are adjustable along the bar (402) according to the desired front or rear energization values. Skate according to Claims 9 or 10, characterized in that a rear end-of-travel stop (401) is arranged on a part of the rear buttress (12) opposite a corresponding part of the collar (13C). Skate according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (500) consist of an energy bar (502) extending freely in a substantially horizontal direction, laterally to the collar (13D) from its articulation ( 19) and towards the rear part of the rod (10D) which comprises a housing (503) into which opens the end of the bar (502) to bear there up or down, according to a pivoting of the collar (13D ) forward or backward, the energization of the bar (502) being effected by means of a front energy stop (504) and a rear energy stop (505) arranged on the collar (13D) on either side of said bar (502). Skate according to claim 12, characterized in that the front (504) and rear (505) energy stops are adjustable along the bar (502) according to the desired front or rear energization values. Skate according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a rear end-of-travel stop (501) is arranged on a rear part of the collar (13D) opposite a corresponding part (506) of the rear buttress. Skate according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (600) consist of a double pin (602-603) comprising a lower branch (602) secured to a lower end of a rod (604) s extending behind the collar (13E) with which it cooperates in its upper part by means of a lug (605) capable of struggling in a housing (606) of said rod (604) between a lower plane (601) constituting a rear limit stop and an upper plane (607 ) on which bears said tab (605) during a front pivoting of the collar (13E) causing the lower branch (602) of the pin to move, and consequently, its second upper branch (603) until this comes into contact with a front energy stop (608) obtained on a vertical extension (609) of the rear buttress (12), moment from which the pin (602-603) undergoes compression for energization towards the front, the backward energization is also effected by compression of the pin (602-603) obtained by means of a rear energy stop (610) integral with the collar (13E) and acting on the upper branch (603) of said pin until the tab (605) comes in contact with the rear limit stop (601), constituted by the lower plane of the housing (606) of the rod (604), for a maximum compression value in rear energization. Skate according to claim 15, characterized in that the rear energy stop (610) is adjustable along the upper branch (603) according to the desired rear energization value. Skate according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (700) consist of a double pin (702-703) comprising a lower branch (702) bearing against a rear bearing stop (704) provided on the buttress (12) and against which it is pressed during a pivoting towards the rear of the collar (13F) by means of a rear energy stop (705) integral with said collar (13F), bearing on the upper branch (703) of the pin, to urge it into compression, the energization of the collar forward also being effected by compression of said pin (702-703) by exerting traction on its upper branch (703 ) by pivoting the collar (13F) forwards, the lower branch (702) of the pin being in contact with the rear support stop (704), the traction taking place via a cable ( 706) connected on the one hand, to the end (703a) of said upper branch (703) e t on the other hand, to an upper part (706) of the collar (13F) by means of a deflection pulley (707) disposed on a rear part of the buttress (12) of the rod (10F). Skate according to claim 17, characterized in that a rear end-of-travel stop (701) of the collar (13F) is produced by an extension (708) of the rod (10F) in the direction of said collar (13F). Skate according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (800) consist of a rear rod (802) in connection with its lower part (802a) with the rear buttress (12) of the rod (10G) and freely traversing in a substantially central area, an appendage (803) of the collar (13G) constituting a front or rear energy stop, a first front energizing spring (804) being disposed on the rod (802) at its upper part between said central appendage (803) and an upper end stop (806) of the rod (802), while a second rear energizing spring (805) is disposed on said rod (802) at its lower part, between said central appendage (803) and a lower end stop (807) of the rod (802), so that a pivoting of the collar (13G) forwards compresses the first upper spring (804) for energization before while a pivoting of the collar (13G) comp rhymes the second lower spring (805) for rear energization. Skate according to claim 19, characterized in that the position of the appendage (803) of the collar (13G) forming a front or rear energy stop as well as the force and the length of the spring (804 and 805) are defined as a function desired front and rear energization values. Skate according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that a rear end-of-travel stop (801) of the collar (13G) is produced on a corresponding part of the rod (10G).

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