EP1128877B1 - Flexible connection between sports device and shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

The connecting element (11) in the form of a band is flexible and can be re-adjustably deformed on a vertical plane (8). The end parts (17,18) of the connecting element spaced part from each other in the lengthwise direction of the foot's tread surface (5) are each joined to a shoe-sole (6) forming the tread surface, and too the piece of sports equipment (2). A side guide (30) consists of a protuberance (28) corresponding to a recess in the shoe sole.

Description

The invention relates to a pivotable connection device between a sports device and a footprint for a foot of a user and a shoe and a sports device for the connecting device according to the preambles of claims 1, 22 and 23.

WO 96/37269 A1 discloses a device for connecting a shoe to a sports device. This device comprises an upper subframe, which is connectable to a user's shoe and articulated via a hinge mechanism comprising a plurality of transfer arms and hinges to a lower subframe adapted for attachment to various sports equipment. The joint mechanism connecting the upper and lower subframes is constructed such that pivoting of the upper subframe relative to the lower subframe simultaneously effects a relative displacement between the two subframes. Furthermore, restoring spring means are provided, which press the two sub-frames in a predefined relative position resiliently together. The disadvantage here is that the proper function can be easily impaired under adverse conditions.

WO 87/01296 A1 discloses a binding unit between a shoe and a sports equipment, in particular a touring ski binding, whose articulated connection to the sports equipment is made in the area associated with the ball of the foot. The binding unit for the user's shoe can be displaced relative to the sports device in an upper active position, in which a pivoting about the joint connection relative to the sports equipment is possible, and also in a lower blocking position in which a pivoting of the binding is prevented, adjusted. The disadvantage here is that a conversion from the active in the locked position of the joint connection and vice versa is difficult to perform and place the shear forces or torsional forces related to a vertical axis between the sports equipment and the foot of the user high demands on the parts used. In addition, occurs in the active position of the binding unit, a high load of the sports equipment in the center area below the user's shoe, since small-area or linear support points are formed. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that supine positions of the user can lead to an increase in the front area of the sports equipment.

FR 2 573 317 A1 shows a connecting device between a shoe and a sports device, which comprises both a pivoting of the shoe relative to the sports device allows a transverse to its longitudinal axis extending pivot axis and beyond at the same time provides a relative displacement of the shoe in the longitudinal direction of the sports equipment. The disadvantage here is that the user of this connection device no stable grip on the sports equipment can be taught, whereby the performance of the same is reduced. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the movement achievable with this device is difficult to control and certain instabilities in the sequence of movements can not be avoided, in particular when changing the terrain conditions.

A ski binding for ski hiking is described in CH 659 397 A5. In this case, a first plate is provided, on which a ski boot can be fixed. This first plate is connected via a stable lever with two provided in the end regions joints with a second plate. The second plate is formed like a shoe sole to be absorbed by a conventional ski binding analogous to a ski boot. In the initial or rest position of this device, in which the first plate and the second plate are substantially parallel to each other, the first plate is supported load-transferring on the second plate. In addition, a flexible, elastically stretchable strap between the first plate and the second plate is provided, which is stretched at a pivoting of the first plate relative to the second plate, and thus the movement of the first plate opposite to the second plate provides a resilient resistance and subsequently the Resetting movement supported in the home or rest position. This construction results in a two-stage movement, wherein in a first phase of movement of the connecting lever is pivoted together with the first plate to an end position and only at the end of this movement phase, the first plate facing joint is effective. These temporally successive pivoting movements about the two mutually spaced pivot axes of the joints cause a disadvantageous movement transition or an abruptly changed from a certain tilt angle adjustment. This movement change occurs at the transition from the first pivot phase to the second pivot phase, namely, when the adjustment is completed about the first joint and then the second joint is activated with another pivot center. A similar movement jump occurs in the return movement in the initial or rest position.

FR 2 659 534 A1 shows a so-called folding skate arrangement in which a sports shoe is releasably connected to a skate pad, if required, via an articulated connecting device. This connecting device comprises one by means of an actuating lever adjustable Klauenanordung, which is positively coupled with a shoe-side axle. This axle is fastened in the front toe area of the shoe. In addition, this connecting device comprises a resilient abutment, which is supported on the toe area and opposes a high pivotal movement of the shoe a corresponding mechanical resistance. The disadvantage here is that the pivoting of the sports shoe takes place primarily in the foremost toe area about a rigid axis. This suffers from the naturalness of the running movement.

The present invention has for its object to provide a pivotal connection device between a foot of a user and a sports equipment, which is able to increase the performance of a user.

This object of the invention is achieved by the features specified in claim 1. Particularly advantageous in this design is that with relatively few and simple components, the natural rolling motion of the foot is modeled on the toe bale and thereby the performance of each user can be increased. The achievable with the inventive training performance gain is associated in a surprising manner but not with losses in comfort behavior. Rather, a comfort gain can be determined by the harmonic or round movement of the connecting device. The combined or substantially rigidly coupled translational and rotational movement of the foot of the user relative to the sports device during the active phase of the connecting device, ie while taking a specific pivot position, gives the user the feeling of stability and reliability. This allows him to concentrate entirely on the respective performance reserves and does not have to consciously pay attention to a proper sequence of movements, since this is to some extent preprogrammed by the connecting device. In addition, the connecting device comprises a few individual components, which allow a weight-optimized design and still give the advantageous, translational and rotational movement. At the same time undesirable degrees of freedom between the foot of the user and the sports equipment, such as twisting about a vertical axis can be reliably prevented and can be withstood high forces. Furthermore, due to the low number of bearings friction losses between the joint parts of the connecting device can be kept particularly low, so that the available power potential of a user can be implemented to a large extent in kinetic energy for locomotion of the sports equipment. Another significant The advantage is that the sole of the sports shoe, for example, a cross-country ski, compared to identical type, conventional sports shoes can be performed relatively rigid, since the required for optimal movement, harmonious or flowing movement can be achieved by the connecting device. The natural rolling over the heel ball while walking or running is in fact now simulated with the connecting device according to the invention and thereby increases the well-being when using the sports equipment. As a result of the comparatively stiffer dimensioning possibility of the sports shoe, the repulsion energy to be applied by the user can be converted more effectively into locomotion energy, thereby simultaneously increasing the criterion of high efficiency, apparently contradictory to the comfort behavior.

The embodiment of the side guide device according to claim 2 also allows easy running with the sports shoe in a separate state of the connecting device state.

In this case, an embodiment according to claim 3 is advantageous, since an unhindered pivoting of the sports shoe relative to the sports equipment is thereby made possible via the flexible connecting element, and nevertheless the sports shoe is held in the longitudinal direction of the sports device.

Also advantageous is a further embodiment according to claim 4, characterized as a wide swiveling can be achieved and for this pivotal movement, if necessary, no mechanical resistance must be overcome.

A compact design of the spring means can be achieved by the embodiment according to claim 5.

A robust and extremely reliable connection between the sports shoe and the sports equipment is achieved by the advantageous embodiment according to claim 6.

Due to the configuration according to claim 7, a good grip of the sports shoe in the longitudinal direction of the sports equipment is achieved and still achieved the desired degree of freedom, namely the pivoting movement relative to the sports equipment about a horizontal axis.

Due to the design according to claim 8, a harmonious, the natural movement sequence when walking largely corresponding motion is simulated and thereby positively influenced the sensation and, consequently, the performance of the user. Furthermore, it can be used by a comparatively dimensionally stable shoe sole, through which an optimal, instantaneous energy transfer to the ground to achieve an efficient locomotion is achieved.

Due to the design according to claim 9, there is sufficient space for unrolling the sports shoe over the rolling body, without the shoe itself or the shoe sole having to be deformed in the initial phase of the high-pivoting movement.

By virtue of the embodiment according to claim 10, the shoe tip region can simultaneously move in the direction of the sports device during the upward pivoting movement, whereby tilting movements of the sports device about its longitudinal axis relative to the sports shoe during the repelling process are counteracted and thus the repulsion energy is transmitted as lossless as possible.

By the embodiments according to claims 11 to 13, a stable lateral support of the sports shoe is achieved on sports equipment. Furthermore, the risk of buckling of the connecting element is minimized by the all-round enclosure of the band-shaped connecting element, thereby effectively preventing jerky adjustment of the sports shoe relative to the longitudinal direction of the sports device.

Another advantage is also an embodiment according to claim 14, as this at least a linear arrangement of the sports equipment is achieved without additional precautions and negative impact air gaps are prevented.

The preferred embodiment according to claim 15 allows the realization of different damping characteristics of Hochschwenkbewegung and constantly results in a tendency to return to a defined starting position.

Relatively high damping forces or high Verschwenkwiderstände can be constructed by the embodiment of claim 16 in a simple manner.

Tendencies relating to a lifting of the sports shoe from the sports equipment when pivoting about the imaginary axis formed by the connecting element is effectively counteracted by the embodiment according to claim 17.

Lifting movements of the shoe tip area of the sports equipment are excluded even when taking supine positions of the user by the advantageous embodiment according to claim 18.

The embodiment according to claim 19 ensures that the sports equipment normally does not lift off from the underside of the shoe sole and thus there is always a touch contact of the shoe sole to the sports equipment, whereby a positive performance or a positive driving feeling is achieved.

Further advantageous embodiment variants of unilaterally deformable or limited deformable connecting elements are characterized in the claims 20 and 21.

The invention also includes a shoe as described in the preamble of claim 22. This shoe is characterized by the features in claim 22. The achievable advantages are shown in the detailed description of the figures.

Furthermore, the present invention comprises a sports device, as described in the preamble of claim 23. This sports equipment is characterized by the features in claim 23. The achievable advantages are shown in the detailed description of the figures.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Verbindungseinrichtung zur Halterung eines Benutzers auf einem Sportgerät in Seitenansicht und stark vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 2

die Verbindungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 in hochgeschwenktem Zustand des Sportschuhes, z.B. während einer Abstoßphase vom Untergrund in stark vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 3

die Verbindungseinrichtung in Querschnittsdarstellung, geschnitten gemäß den Linien III - III in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine andere Ausführungsvariante der erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungseinrichtung zwischen einem Sportschuh und einem Sportgerät mit einer zusätzlichen Gelenksanordnung zwischen dem Sportschuh und dem Verbindungselement in stark vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 5

eine weitere Ausführungsform der Verbindungseinrichtung zwischen einem Sportschuh und einem Sportgerät in Seitenansicht und stark vereinfachter, schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 6

die Verbindungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 5, geschnitten gemäß den Linien VI - VI in Fig. 5.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a connection device according to the invention for holding a user on a sports equipment in side view and greatly simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 2

1 in swung-up state of the sports shoe, for example during a repulsion phase from the ground in a greatly simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 3

the connecting device in cross-sectional view, taken along the lines III - III in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

another embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention between a sports shoe and a sports equipment with an additional joint arrangement between the sports shoe and the connecting element in a highly simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of the connecting device between a sports shoe and a sports equipment in side view and greatly simplified, schematic representation;

Fig. 6

the connecting device according to FIG. 5, cut along the lines VI - VI in FIG. 5.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the various embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, wherein the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals and component names.

1 to 3 is an embodiment of a connecting device 1 according to the invention between a sports device 2 in the manner of a sliding or rolling body 3, such as. a ski 4 or a skate, and a footprint 5 for a user's foot. The footprint 5 for the foot of the user is preferably formed by a shoe sole 6 of a sports shoe 7.

Alternatively, a separate, profile-like and largely dimensionally stable support element can be used to form the footprint 5 for the foot of the user, which is designed for supporting or releasably receiving the sports shoe 7.

The connecting device 1 can be found in a variety of sports equipment 2 application. In particular, the connecting device 1 is suitable for connecting corresponding sports shoes 7 with skis for cross-country skiing and / or touring skiing. Likewise, the connecting device 1 can be found in skates and / or in single or multi-lane skates application. In these cases, then sports equipment 2 skating or a single or multi-lane reel body or a support frame for roles to understand. Such sports equipment is also referred to as a folding skating shoe or folding skate.

The sports shoe 7 or the footprint 5 for the foot of the user is pivotable relative to the sports device 2 about an imaginary or ideal axis, which runs perpendicular to a vertical plane 8. This imaginary vertical plane 8 extends in the longitudinal direction - double arrow 9 - and is further oriented substantially perpendicular to the footprint 5 for the foot. Relative to the sports device 2, the vertical plane 8 thus extends parallel to its longitudinal extent and substantially at right angles to a running surface 10 of the sports device 2.

The an ideal pivot axis forming connecting device 1 comprises at least one connecting element 11, which represents the only connecting member between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2 in the illustrated embodiment.

The connecting element 11 is elastically resiliently deformable in the vertical plane 8. In particular, the connecting element 11 is deformable in shape when projecting onto the vertical plane 8 or when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the vertical plane 8 in this plane.

The flexible connecting element 11 between the footprint 5 and the sports device 2 is preferably made by a resiliently resetting leaf spring 12 made of a metallic material, such. Spring steel, formed.

The two broad sides 13, 14 of the band-shaped connecting element 11 are aligned substantially parallel to the contact surface 5, provided that the connecting device 1 is in the rest or initial position shown in Fig. 1. 1, a pivoting angle 16 enclosed between the contact surface 5 and the running surface 10 or an upper side 15 of the sports equipment 2 is approximately 0 °, ie. the footprint 5 and the tread 10 and the top 15 of the sports equipment 2 are aligned substantially parallel to each other.

When the heel area of the sports shoe 7 is pivoted up relative to the sports equipment 2 about the ideal axis formed by the band-shaped connecting element 11, the swivel angle 16 increases and can be up to 90 °, usually approximately up to 45 °.

The band-shaped, resilient connecting element 11 naturally has a width dimension which is a multiple of the height dimension or the thickness of the band-shaped connecting element 11. As a result, the connecting element 11 and the leaf spring 12 is relatively easily deformed under load in the vertical direction to the two broad sides 13, 14 and returns through the elasticity inherent in the connecting element 11 in a discharge back into the initial or rest position. In the initial or rest position, the connecting element 11 or the leaf spring 12 preferably assumes a substantially rectilinear, elongate shape.

Furthermore, the connecting element 11 is largely formed stretch and crush resistant. These properties can be achieved in a simple manner by a metallic strip of appropriate thickness or corresponding elasticity or strength.

Due to the band-shaped configuration of the connecting element 11 formed from metallic materials and / or from flexurally elastic plastics, a high bending stiffness of the connecting element 11 with respect to occurring deformation forces is achieved around a vertically extending axis in an advantageous manner. Already by the leaf-spring-like design of the connecting element 11 so a high resistance to rotation of the footprint 5 is achieved about a vertical axis relative to the sports device 2.

In the longitudinal direction - double arrow 9 - the footprint 5 and the sports equipment 2 extending leaf spring 12 and the corresponding connecting element 11 is in the longitudinal direction relative to the end portions 17, 18 on the one hand with the footprint 5 and the shoe sole 6 and on the other the sports equipment 2 connected. In particular, the front end region 17 related to a usual direction of travel - arrow 19 - of the sports device 2 is connected to the sports sole 2 with the shoe sole 6 and the rear end region 18 of the connecting element 11 related to the direction of travel - arrow 19.

Of course, it would alternatively also be possible to fix the front end region 17 on the sports device 2 relative to the longitudinal direction - double arrow 9 - and to connect the rear end region 18 to the sports shoe 7. This connection can be made detachable or non-detachable as required be. Accordingly, the connecting element 11 can be screwed or riveted or even glued to the shoe sole 6 or to the sports equipment 2 via schematically indicated fastening means 20, 21. Furthermore, it is possible, the connecting element 11 and the leaf spring 12 in the end regions 17, 18th To connect with the respective components additionally or exclusively positively. In addition, it is possible to inject or integrate the connecting element 11 into the shoe sole 6 or into the sports device 2 or into an additional component of the connecting device 1 which takes over an assembly and support function during the manufacturing process or subsequently to anchor it thereto.

In this case, all known from the prior art fastening or connection methods can be used. It is only necessary to ensure that the connecting element 11 and the leaf spring 12 is connected exclusively in the end regions 17, 18 with the shoe sole 6 and the sports equipment 2 and the intermediate middle region remains largely unbound or unfixed, so that a distortion-free deformation of the Connecting element 11 is possible at a pivoting of the sports shoe 7 relative to the sports equipment 2.

In particular, a two-point attachment is provided, wherein the first connection point between the first end portion 17 of the connecting element 11 and the footprint 5 and the shoe sole 6 and formed the second connection point between the second end portion 18 of the connecting element 11 and the sports device 2 or an additional Rolling body 22 is formed on the sports equipment.

In order to enable a harmonious, energy-optimized lifting and / or pivoting movement of the sports shoe 7 about the ideal axis relative to the sports equipment 2, the rolling body 22 between the footprint 5 and the shoe sole 6 and the top 15 of the sports device 2 is arranged. The rolling body 22 between the shoe sole 6 and the sports equipment 2 is preferably arranged in a portion of the bottom sole associated with the toe bale and positively and / or non-positively connected to the sports equipment 2, such. screwed, glued, latched or integrally molded on sports equipment 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rolling body 22 is screwed via fastening means 23 with the sports equipment 2, in particular with the ski 4.

As a result of the described intermediate circuit, this rolling body 22 provides support for the footprint 5 or the shoe sole 6 at a vertical distance 24 above the upper side 15 of the sports device 2.

The rolling body 22, over which the shoe sole 6 is supported on the sports equipment 2, has at least one arcuately curved rolling surface 25, 26 for the shoe sole 6. These rolling surfaces 25, 26 preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the sports device 2 or the contact surface 5 and are aligned at least in a partial region substantially parallel to the contact surface 5.

Preferably, two perpendicular to the vertical plane 8 spaced-apart rolling surfaces 25, 26 are provided, which are mainly associated with the longitudinal side regions of the shoe sole 6 and provided for supporting the same. Between the two longitudinal sides of the sports equipment 2 associated and extending in the longitudinal direction of rolling surfaces 25, 26, a further rolling surface 27 is preferably provided, which predefines the rolling curve or the deformation of the connecting element 11 and the leaf spring 12 at a pivoting of the sports shoe 7.

The middle rolling surface 27 for the connecting element 11 is arranged higher relative to the two lateral rolling surfaces 25, 26 for the shoe sole 6.

Viewed in cross-section - according to FIG. 3 - the rolling body 22 has a substantially rectangular contour shape with a centrally arranged projection 28 for forming the rolling surface 27.

The middle projection 28 between the rolling surfaces 26, 27 on the rolling body 22 is designed for positive engagement in a groove-shaped depression 29 in the shoe sole 6. In particular, the mutually engageable projection 28 and the approximately opposite recess 29 in the shoe sole 6 form a side guide device 30, which prevents a lateral deviation of the sports shoe 7 relative to the sports device 2 and relative to the connecting device 1. In addition to avoiding perpendicular to the vertical plane 8 directed sliding movements between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2 and the rolling body 22 or the connecting device 1, the side guide device 30 also counteracts rotational movements between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2 about a vertical axis.

The rolling body 22 of the connecting device 1 thus assumes a support and management task for the sports shoe 7 relative to the sports equipment 2, so that an orderly sequence of movements for efficient movement is achieved with the sports equipment 2.

The side guide device 30 of the connecting device 1 and the rolling body 22 is in particular formed by vertical side surfaces 31, 32 of the projection 28 in cooperation with side walls 33, 34 of the groove-shaped recess 29. In the ready-to-use state of the connecting device 1 are at least portions of the side surfaces 31, 32 of the projection 28 largely free of play on the approximately vertically oriented side walls 33, 34 of the groove-shaped recess 29 in the shoe sole 6.

For a long-term exact guidance between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2 or the rolling body 22, the side walls 33, 34 and the side surfaces 31, 32, starting from the sports equipment 2 in the vertical direction based on the cross-sectional view - as shown in FIG. 3 - conically tapered to each other. The side walls 33, 34 of the recess 29 can thus always exert a certain contact pressure for a play-free contact with the side surfaces 31, 32 of the projection 28.

The side guide device 30 between the shoe sole 6 and the rolling body 22 forms a possible low-friction guidance. This can be done for example by a targeted choice of material with corresponding coefficients of friction. Preferably, the material for the rolling body 22 and the shoe sole 6 is formed by a hard plastic with the smoothest possible surface. Optionally, at least the side surfaces 31, 32 and / or the side walls 33, 34 may be provided with a friction reducing coating, e.g. in the form of a teflon or lubricant coating.

The rolling surfaces 25 to 27, on which the shoe sole 6 or the connecting element 11 formed, for example, made of spring steel rolls predefined when the sports shoe 7 is pivoted upwards relative to the sports equipment 2, proceed from a starting region 35 of the usual direction of travel, as indicated by arrow 19 Rolling body 22 toward a front end portion 36 of the rolling body 22 increasingly toward sports equipment 2 and increasingly towards the top 15 of the sports equipment 2, ie a support height 37 of the rolling body 22 with respect to the top 15 of the sports equipment 2 increases with progression in direction to the front of the sports equipment 2 or with progression towards the toe area of the footprint 5 increasingly. A supporting height 38 in the front end region 36 of the rolling body 22 is therefore only a fraction of the supporting height 37 in the starting region 35 of the rolling body 22. In particular, the supporting height 38 can become zero as the movement or travel direction - arrow 19 - of the sports device 2 progresses ,

In particular, the rolling surfaces 25 to 27, starting from a region of the contact surface 5 closest to the heel ball, increasingly extend in the direction of a region of the contact surface 5 assigned to the toes in the direction of the running surface 10 or the upper side 15 of the sports device 2.

The rolling surfaces 25, 26 arranged on both sides of the middle, higher arranged rolling surface 27 thus form a downwardly running rolling track for the shoe sole 6 and the middle, higher lying rolling surface 27 forms a downhill curved path for the flexible connecting element 11 in the direction of the sports equipment 2 ,

Projected onto the vertical plane 8, the rolling surfaces 25, 26, 27 have a convex curvature with respect to the upper side 15 of the sports device 2. The radii of curvature of the rolling surfaces 25, 26 can be differently sized, in particular larger, relative to the radius of curvature of the rolling surface 27. The different radii of curvature of the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 are dependent on optionally in the longitudinal direction - double arrow 9 - the footprint 5 varying depths of the groove-shaped recess 29. Optionally, the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 are shaped such that, despite varying depth dimensions of the recess 29 in the shoe sole 6 with as many recordable pivoting angles 16, an approximately linear contact between the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 and between the rolling surfaces 25, 26 and the bottom of the shoe sole 6 exists.

Specifically, the middle rolling surface 27 forms a backdrop for the leaf spring-like connecting element 11 and the both sides of the central rolling surface 27 arranged rolling surfaces 25, 26 form a backdrop for the rolling movement of the shoe sole 6 in a pivoting movement of the sports shoe. 7

The deformation resistance of the flexible connecting element 11 or the leaf spring 12 is preferably dimensioned such that the force acting on the leaf spring 12 by the sports equipment 2 gravity when lifting the sports equipment 2 from the ground at most a slight deformation of the connecting element 11 results. Thus, the sports equipment 2 can not be significantly removed from the sports shoe 7 or from the shoe sole 6 when lifted from the corresponding ground. The sports device 2 or the rolling body 22 is thus largely free of play on the shoe sole 6 in the bare lifting of the foot from the ground, provided that no additional forces, such as extraordinary centrifugal forces or inertial forces act. The flexibility or the deformation resistance of the connecting element 11 or the leaf spring 12 can be influenced by the choice of a corresponding thickness, shape or by an appropriate choice of material and adapted to the corresponding requirements.

Also, by an appropriate choice of the weight distribution or the mounting point of the connecting device 1 on the sports equipment 2 can be prevented that the sports equipment 2 is pivoted relative to the sports shoe 6 and the footprint 5 in the bare lifting off the ground. This can be achieved, for example, that the front part of the sports equipment 2 related to the direction of travel - arrow 19 - has a higher mass than the rear portion of the sports equipment 2 relative to the direction of travel - arrow 19 starting from the assembly point of the connection device 1 an appropriate choice of the deformation resistance or the flexibility of the leaf spring 12 can be counteracted unwanted pivoting of the sports equipment 2 relative to the sports shoe 7.

The deformation resistance of the leaf spring 12 is therefore about 10 N for relatively light sports equipment 2 and up to 100 N for sports equipment 2 with higher mass.

However, the deformation resistance is always such that it can be easily overcome by the foot of the user in an intended Hochschwenkbewegung the footprint 5 relative to the sports equipment 2.

The resilience of the band-shaped, flexible connecting element 11 and the leaf spring 12 may optionally also be supported by the arrangement of an elastically resetting spring means 39. This spring means 39 is designed or arranged such that it opposes the Hochschwenkbewegung the footprint 5 relative to the sports equipment 2 a overcome by the foot of the user, mechanical resistance and urges the footprint 5 in the initial or rest position shown in FIG unless force is applied to the foot of the user. The spring means 39 may be formed by a resiliently resilient and resilient damping element 40, in particular of an elastomeric plastic. This designed for compressive damping body 40 is arranged in particular in the toe region of the footprint 5, between the bottom of the shoe sole 6 and the sports equipment 2, so that the Hochschwenkbewegung of the sports shoe 7, a mechanical, preferably steadily increasing resistance is opposed.

Likewise, a spring means 41 shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4 may be provided which tensile stresses opposes a defined deformation resistance and in particular is formed as a resilient tension band 42 made of an elastomeric plastic. This resiliently restoring tension band 42 would then be arranged in relation to the usual direction of movement or direction of travel - arrow 19 - of the sports device 2 in front of the connection point between the connecting element 11 and the shoe sole 6 between it and the sports equipment 2. In particular, the spring means 41 or tension band 42 designed for tensile stresses would, on the one hand, be connected to the shoe sole 6 and, on the other hand, fastened to the sports equipment 2 or to a component of the connection device 1.

The spring means 41 and the drawstring 42 may be arranged as an alternative to the damping body 40 or arranged in combination with this.

The spring means 39, 41 may in this case be formed by hollow bodies, in particular by damping cushions, in order to allow a relatively large damping path, as shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2. As will be explained in more detail below, the spring means 39, 41 may also be formed by hollow profile-like damping body 40 or by damping body 40 with incisions in the peripheral region.

With a suitable choice of the flexibility of the leaf spring 12, the additional spring means 39, 41 may be optionally provided.

Coming back to the illustrations in FIGS. 1 to 3, a guide member 43 is preferably arranged in the heel area of the footprint 5 or the shoe sole 6 between this and the sports equipment 2, which in cooperation with the shoe sole 6 a relative displacement between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2 in the vertical direction to the vertical plane 8 prevents when the sports shoe 7 rests with the heel area on the sports equipment 2. In particular, the stationary mounted on sports equipment 2 guide member 43 acts in the mounted position of the sports shoe 7 on sports equipment 2 with a running in the longitudinal direction of the footprint 5 recess 44 in the heel or heel area of the shoe sole 6, so that lateral deviations movements in an intervention of the guide member 43rd are prevented in the recess 44.

In Fig. 4, another embodiment of the connecting device 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the same reference numerals used for previously described parts become.

Here, the connecting element 11 is not as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 largely rigidly connected to the footprint 5 and the shoe sole 6, but connected via a joint assembly 45 with the footprint 5 and with the shoe sole 6 pivotally connected. The joint assembly 45 between the shoe sole 6 and the associated end region 17 of the connecting element 11 forms a perpendicular to the vertical plane 8 extending pivot axis 46. This pivot axis 46 allows a pivoting of the footprint 5 and the sports shoe 7 relative to the connecting element 11 and relative to the sports device 2. The pivot axis 46 formed via the hinge assembly 45 extends substantially parallel to the footprint 5 and substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction - double arrow. 9 The articulated connection between the shoe sole 6 and the band-shaped, flexible connecting element 11 forms a vertically adjustable pivot axis 46 relative to the sports device 2. This vertically variable in the vertical plane 8 via the flexible connecting element 11 pivot axis 46 favors the rolling of the sports shoe 7 relative to the sports equipment 2, so that a natural movement as possible is achieved. In addition to the pivoting movement of the sports shoe 7 relative to the sports equipment 2, which is made possible via the flexible connecting element 11, a further degree of freedom in the form of a swivel possibility is thus given by the additional joint arrangement 45.

The pivot axis 46 moves on one of the rolling surfaces 25 to 27 and the elasticity of the connecting element 11 specific circular path 47 towards the sports equipment 2 when the foot of the user loads the footprint 5 in a certain phase of the Fortbewegungszyklusses accordingly. In particular, the front area of the sports shoe 7 assigned to the toes or the footprint area 5 approaches the sports equipment 2 when the area assigned to the toes or toe bales is vertically loaded and the heel area is raised and rolls on the rolling body 22 in a defined manner.

These rolling movements can be opposed by the arrangement of the spring means 39 and / or 41 between the bottom of the shoe sole 6 and the top 15 of the sports equipment 2, a corresponding counterforce.

Between the sports shoe 7 and the shoe sole 6 and the connecting device 1 am Sports device 2 is preferably also provided as needed releasable coupling device 48. If required, detachment or connection of the sports shoe 7 from or with the connection device 1 or the sports device 2 is made possible via this coupling device 48. This coupling device 48 can be designed in accordance with all known from the prior art quick coupling systems, which are preferably manually and without the aid of tools operable.

For example, the coupling device 48 may be formed by at least two bearing jaws 49, 50 which are adjustable relative to one another. The relative displacement of the bearing jaws 49, 50 to one another can take place via an actuating member 51, which is in operative connection with at least one of the bearing jaws 49, 50. The actuator 51 may for example comprise a threaded spindle assembly with associated nut, via which at least one of the bearing jaws 49, 50 is linearly displaceable upon rotation of the actuating member 51. The bearing jaws 49, 50 form a receptacle for a pivot pin, which is fixed in the end region 17 of the connecting element 11 at this. The bearing jaws 49, 50 are preferably integrated in the shoe sole 6 or fixed thereto. The bearing jaws 49, 50 are preferably arranged in the recess 29 of the shoe sole 6 and do not protrude beyond an underside of the shoe sole 6, so that a possible unhindered locomotion is made possible with sports shoe 7 separated from the sports equipment 2.

In the direction of travel direction - arrow 19 - related rear end portion 18, the connecting element 11 is fixed rigidly on the upper side of the rolling body 22.

In addition to a corresponding dimensioning of the flexible connecting element 11 to avoid deviations between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2 when lifting the foot from the ground, a connecting element 11 with limited deformability can be used to achieve a steady contact between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2. In particular, this restrictedly deformable connecting element 11, starting from the sports device 2 in the vertical direction, can not be deformed beyond a certain deformation limit. This deformation limit can be defined, for example, by the elongate shape of the band-shaped connecting element 11. For this purpose, the connecting element 11, for example, by a link belt with starting from the top 15 of the sports equipment 2 in the vertical direction stop limits pivotable members are formed. Also, this link belt is adjustable, starting from a substantially elongated position in a direction of the sports device 2 curved position and also recoverable. This link belt can be assigned to the provision in the approximately extended position or in the starting position shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the resilient leaf spring 12. In particular, the individual, the stop limit effecting members may be postponed on the leaf spring 12 and a deformation over a certain limit stop, for example, beyond the elongated shape addition, prevent and thus preclude lifting the sports shoe 7 of the sports equipment 2.

Another Abhebsicherung 52 for the sports shoe 7 from the sports equipment 2 can also be formed by a tension-resistant securing element 53. This securing element 53 is on the one hand connected to the sports equipment 2 and on the other hand with the footprint 5 or the shoe sole 6 and dimensioned such that it is stretched or elongated when taking the initial or rest position of the sports shoe 7 relative to the sports equipment 2. This securing element 53 may be formed, for example, by a tensile but compressible or foldable band 54, e.g. from a textile material or the like., Be formed. Likewise, it is possible to form the securing element 53 by at least two levers which are connected in an articulated manner to one another in the mutually facing end regions and are connected in each case to the sports device 2 or the shoe sole 6 in their ends facing away from the common joint axis. Such a design may also be referred to as a toggle lever arrangement.

5 and 6, a further embodiment of the connecting device 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the same reference numerals are used for previously described parts.

Here, the side guide device 30 between the sports shoe 7 and the sports equipment 2 includes a separate guide member 55 which cooperates with the stationary on the sports equipment 2 rolling body 22 to form the side guide device 30.

The executed as a separate component guide member 55 is provided for connection to the shoe sole 6. In particular, the guide member 55 comprises a mounting plate 56 whose top 57 is provided for connection to the underside of the shoe sole 6. In this case, a releasable connection between the largely horizontally oriented mounting plate 56 and the shoe sole 6 can be provided by arranging a corresponding coupling device 48. This coupling device 48 may comprise any known from the prior art connecting organs, which by a shift and / or by a twisting movement, the shoe sole 6 and the mounting plate 56 can put in or out of positive engagement. As a result, the sports shoe 7 can be separated in a simple manner from the sports device 2 or from the connecting device 1 if necessary, and the user can, if required, also move without a sports device 2.

The guide element 55 of the connecting device 1 comprises at least two mutually spaced and projecting from the mounting plate 56 in the direction of the top side 15 of the sports device 2 side walls 58, 59. The inner, facing side walls 33, 34 of the side walls 58, 59 are for largely play-free system formed on the side surfaces 31, 32 of the rolling body 22. The inner side walls 33, 34 of the guide element 55 are therefore largely free of play and as large as possible on the side surfaces 31, 32 of the rolling body 22 at. The side surfaces 31, 32 and side walls 33, 34 extend parallel to the vertical plane 8.

The guide element 55 thus has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape and engages over the rolling body 22 at least partially with the mounting plate 56 and the two side walls 58, 59. In particular, the at least partially bounded space between the side walls 58, 59 for receiving the rolling body 22 is provided.

The band-like, flexible or resettable deformable connecting element 11 is in this case provided for connecting the guide element 55 with the rolling body 22. In particular, the connecting element 11 or the leaf spring 12 is in the longitudinal direction - double arrow 9 - related end portions on the one hand connected to the rolling body 12 and on the other hand connected to the guide member 55. In particular, the forward end region 17 of the connecting element 11, which is related to the usual direction of travel or travel (arrow 19), is connected immovably to the underside of the mounting plate 56 and the second end region 18 of the connecting element 11 distanced therefrom is connected to the rolling body 22 in a manner fixed to movement. The two mutually distanced connection points can be accomplished by fastening means 20, 21 described above.

The band-shaped connecting element 11 prevents primarily relative displacements between the rolling body 22 and the guide member 55 in the longitudinal direction - double arrow 9 - the sports equipment 2, but still allows pivotal movements of the guide member 55 and the sports shoe 7 relative to the rolling body 22 and relative to the sports equipment 2 to an ideal perpendicular to the vertical plane 8 extending pivot axis 46th

In addition, this connection device 1 comprises another embodiment of the Abhebsicherung 52. Here, the Abhebsicherung 52 consists of at least one arcuately curved guide slot 60, 61 which cooperates with at least one projection 62, 63.

Preferably, the projection 62, 63 associated with the rolling body 22 and engages in the provided in the side walls 58, 59 arcuate guide slots 60, 61 a. In particular, peg-like projections 62, 63 are provided on the side surfaces 31, 32 of the rolling body 22, which engage in the arcuate guide slots 60, 61 in the side walls 58, 59.

Preferably, the projections 62, 63 formed by a guide pin 64, which passes through the two side walls 58, 59 and the rolling body 22 in the direction perpendicular to the vertical plane 8.

In the starting or rest position of the connecting device 1 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the projections 62, 63 at the lower end of the Führungsungskulisssen 60, 61, so that a lifting of the guide member 55 is prevented by the rolling body 22 but still a pivoting of the same around the ideal pivot axis is possible. A center point of the arcuately curved guide slots 60 lies in the vertical plane 8 above the upper side 15 of the sports device 2. In particular, an imaginary center point of the curved extending or arcuate guide slots 60, 61 relative to the vertical plane 8 arranged higher than the guide slots 60, 61st Optionally, the guide slots 60, 61 may also be arranged according to the embodiment shown in dashed lines. In this case, an imaginary center point of the curved running or arcuate guide slots 60, 61 with respect to the vertical plane 8 is arranged lower than the guide slots 60, 61 forming recesses in the side walls 58, 59th

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rolling surface 27 constitutes the rolling track for the connecting element 11 as well as for the guide element 55 or for the sports shoe 7 and no further curved rolling surfaces 25 to 27 are provided on the rolling body 22.

Optionally, the lower edges 65, 66 of the side walls 58, 59 at the top 15 of the sports equipment 2 support. In such an embodiment, the lower edges 65, 66 have an arcuate course, so that an unobstructed pivoting and also a support of the guide element 55 on the upper side 15 of the sports device 2 is made possible. In this case, the side cheeks 58, 59 assume the function of the previously described rolling surfaces 25, 26.

Of course, it is within the scope of the invention also possible to use the illustrated embodiments, e.g. the side guide device, inversely form and therefore, for example, to let stand from the bottom of the shoe sole a strip-shaped guide member which engages in a corresponding recess in the rolling body.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the structure of the connecting device 1, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

Claims (23)

1. Flexible connection (1) for mounting between a sports device (2) and a support surface (5) for a foot of a user, which support surface (5) can be pivoted about an axis extending approximately parallel with the support surface (5) and transversely to the longitudinal extension of the sports device (2) and into a position closer to a sports device (2) disposed in at least a first or front part-region, and which has a connecting element (11) which is flexible and can be deformed and rebound in a vertical plane (8), by means of which the support surface (5) can be displaceably connected to a sports device (2), characterised in that the support surface (5) sits on a roll-off element (22) with an arcuately curved roll-off path oriented essentially parallel with the support surface (5) in at least a part-region, and a lateral guide mechanism (30) is provided between the support surface (5) and a sports device (2) in order to prevent shifting movements in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plane (8) as well as turning movements about an axis extending in the vertical direction.
2. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the lateral guide mechanism (30) is provided in the form of a groove-shaped recess (29) extending in the longitudinal direction (9) of the support surface (5) and disposed in a shoe sole (6), and a projection (28) on a sports device (2) co-operating with this recess (29).
3. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting element (11) is of a strip-shaped design but is highly resistant to strain and tensile stress, and is connected so as to be prevented from moving respectively to a shoe sole (6) constituting the support surface (5) and to a sports device (2) in the end regions (17, 18) spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (9) of the support surface (5).
4. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting element (11) in the end region (18) co-operating with a sports device (2) is rigidly connected thereto and in the end region (17) co-operating with the support surface (5) is connected thereto by means of an articulated link arrangement (45).
5. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the articulated link arrangement (45) pivotably connecting a shoe sole (6) to the connecting element (11) is provided with an elastically rebounding resilient element, in particular in the form of a torsion spring, which opposes a mechanical resistance of the vertical pivoting movement of the support surface (5) relative to a sports device (2) which can be overcome by the foot of a user.
6. Flexible connection as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (11) is provided in the form of a leaf spring (12) made from a resiliently elastic, rebounding metal material.
7. Flexible connection as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (11) is provided in the form of a flexible strip which is resistant to strain and largely resistant to compressive strain but is reboundingly deformable in the direction perpendicular to its two width faces (13, 14).
8. Flexible connection as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the roll-off element (22) forms at least one curved roll-off surface (25, 26, 27) with respect to the essentially linear support of a shoe sole (6) on the roll-off element (22) extending in the direction perpendicular to the vertical plane (8).
9. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the roll-off element (22) supports the support surface (5) for a shoe sole (6) at a vertical distance (24) above a top face (15) of a sports device (2).
10. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the roll-off surface (25, 26, 27) on the roll-off element (22) extends from a second or rear region of the support surface (5) in the direction towards the first or front region of the support surface (5) in the direction towards a running surface (10) or in the direction towards the top face (15) of a sports device (2) or extends close to it.
11. Flexible connection as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the roll-off element (22) forms at last three mutually spaced roll-off surfaces (25, 26, 27) and what is the top roll-off surface (27) by reference to the vertical direction forms a pre-defined roll-off path for the connecting element (11) as the support surface (5) pivots vertically relative to a sports device (2), and the roll-off surfaces (25, 26) lying lower than the top roll-off surface (27) on either side of the top roll-off surface (27) are designed for rolling off the first or front region of a shoe sole (6) in the direction towards a sports device (2) during a vertical pivoting movement relative to a sports device (2).
12. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that the middle roll-off surface (27) on the roll-off element (22) forms a slide track for the leaf spring-type connecting element (11), and side faces (31, 32) of the projection (28) on the roll-off element (22) are designed to sit in a largely clearance-free abutment on side walls (33, 34) of a groove-type recess (29) in a shoe sole (6) in order to form the lateral guide mechanism (30).
13. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that the roll-off surfaces (25, 26) disposed on either side of the middle roll-off surface (27) form a slide track for the rolling-off movement of a shoe sole (6).
14. Flexible connection as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a deformation resistance perpendicular to the width faces (13, 14) of the connecting element (11) is selected so that it is higher than a gravitational force acting on the connecting element (11) via a sports device (2).
15. Flexible connection as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support surface (5) or a shoe sole (6) co-operates with an elastically rebounding spring means (39, 41), which forces the support surface (5) into a position approximately parallel with a sports device (2).
16. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the spring means (39) is provided in the form of a damping element (40) which is resiliently flexible under the effect of pressure and rebounds, in particular made from an elastomeric synthetic material in the first or front region of the support surface (5) between the latter and a sports device (2).
17. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that the spring means (41) is provided in the form of a tension belt (42) which is resiliently elastic under tensile stress and rebounds, in particular made from an elastomeric synthetic material disposed in front of the connecting point between the connecting element (11) and a shoe sole (6) by reference to the longitudinal direction (9) of the support surface (5), and is connected to a shoe sole (6) on the one hand and to a sports device (2) on the other hand.
18. Flexible connection as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rebounding movement of the connecting element (11) in the vertical direction starting from a sports device (2) is limited by a fixing element (53) of high tensile strength comprising a lift-off fixing means (52) connected to a sports device (2) and a shoe sole (6).
19. Flexible connection as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (11) is able to change shape to a limited degree in the vertical plane (8) and is deformable in the vertical direction starting from a sports device (2) but not beyond an initial shape or a shape in its non-operating state or not beyond a largely extended shape.
20. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 19, characterised in that the connecting element (11) comprises a link belt with links in the vertical direction starting from a sports device (2) which are pivotable and restricted by stops.
21. Flexible connection as claimed in claim 20, characterised in that the link belt can be displaced from an extended position into a curved position in the direction towards a sports device (2).
22. Shoe with a flexible connection (1) as claimed in claim 1, which shoe can be releasably connected to the flexible connection.
23. Sports device (2), in particular a gliding or rolling element (3) designed to provide a gliding or rolling support for the foot of a user with a flexible connection as claimed in claim 1, designed to accommodate or retain the flexible connection (1).

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