EP1166669A1 - Snowboard boot - Google Patents

Abstract

The snowboard boot comprises a sole assembly including a walking sole (1), whose lower front surface (4) comes into contact with the ground, and a reinforcing piece. There is a component (10) in an elastic material interposed between a transverse spindle (5), whose ends engage fixing jaws, and the sole assembly. This element is able to deform to allow a lateral displacement of the boot relative to the fixing.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of sliding sports. It aims more specifically a shoe intended for the practice of snowboarding. It relates to more particularly the connection between the shoe and the organs which on the shoe cooperate with the binding.

Previous techniques

In a known manner, snowboard boots can be, depending of the type of practice, either rigid like a ski boot, or flexible. The invention relates in particular, but not exclusively to this second family.

This type of shoe generally includes a flexible upper, relatively deformable to allow movement of the leg and be comfortable. This upper is associated with a sole assembly which notably comprises a sole step, relatively flexible and deformable, so as to allow a good course of the foot during walking movements. This sole assembly also includes cooperative bodies with complementary fixings. These cooperation members are mechanically anchored in this sole assembly, and in particular in a reinforcement piece associated with the sole.

There are a large number of types of cooperation bodies, including the geometry and the architecture depend on the type of fixing used. So some fixings cooperate with the shoe at an axis or a transverse plate which protrudes on each side of the shoe. In other standards, fixing cooperates with inserts located on either side of the sole. In systems still different, the attachment may include jaws which come imprison a stud located under the sole of the shoe.

The sole assembly, and in particular the reinforcement piece in which are anchored the cooperation bodies with the fixation depends, of course, on the type of these organs. This reinforcement piece can be located inside the shoe, above the tread, and take the form of a frame receiving the foot. This reinforcement piece can also be smaller dimensions, and form a plate which can be optionally embedded inside of the tread, or embedded in a housing provided for this purpose in the outsole.

This anchoring creates a rigid mechanical connection allowing the transmission effective efforts from the user's foot to the gliding board. The attachment between the cooperation members of the shoe and the binding is done in at least two points or two contact zones, so that the shoe is completely mechanically secured to the board when the binding is engaged. This joining allows very good transmission of forces necessary for driving. However, this firm and permanent hanging prohibited lateral movement of the shoe. We know that in certain surfing practices, in particular "free-style", the position of the user varies continuously from the board and the inclination of the leg changes Consequently. Firm and permanent attachment of the shoe to the board therefore limits the possibilities of inclination of the leg, and therefore the ability of the board for the practice of "free-style".

A problem which the invention therefore proposes to solve is to facilitate the lateral inclination of the leg while ensuring an effective and rigid attachment of the shoe on the binding.

According to a more precise analysis, the behavior sought is that observed with a strap fastening, the foot can be oriented inside the fastening following a rolling movement resulting from the deformation of the sole assembly combined with a swivel. This allows the foot to receive the sensations in provenance of the board over a relatively large area. In other words, it it is important that this rolling movement of the foot does not take place at the expense of ease of hanging the shoe on the binding.

In other words, another problem which the invention seeks to solve is that to reconcile the ability to roll movement with a firm and easy attachment of the shoe on the self-fitting binding.

Several solutions have already been proposed to give a degree of freedom to the connection between the shoe and the board.

Thus, in document US 5,971,419, a fixing has been described comprising two elements, namely a base secured to the attachment and a platform mounted on this base. This platform is connected to the base by an axis longitudinal articulation allowing the lateral deflections of the platform, and so from the shoe she receives. This binding has multiple disadvantages. Indeed, due to its architecture, this fixation only works for rigid shoes. Furthermore, only the fraction of the sole of the foot located vertically on the articulation axis can exert support, which translates by loss of sensation. In addition, this fixation keeps the foot relatively away from the board. More specifically, the shoe pivots about an axis which is located below the sole. However, for optimal practice, we rather seek to keep a permanent support.

A similar solution has been described in document DE-U-88 15173.5. A such a device includes between the base and the pivoting platform, a layer of compressible material ensuring damping of the lateral movement. This solution has the major drawback of requiring a large number of parts mechanical which increase the cost of fixing, and the risk of breakage mechanical. Furthermore, such a fixing is not designed to trap the shoe by an automatic shoeing, but on the contrary requires manipulations on the part of the user.

It has also been proposed in document FR 2 734 167 to fix a particular type which only cooperates with the shoe on one side of this last. In this way, the shoe has a capacity for relative movement by relation to the board along an orientation axis oriented in the longitudinal direction of the shoe. Because of its asymmetry, this device favors the transmission of efforts on one side of the shoe, which is penalizing for certain types of practice. In addition, to prevent the side of the shoe which is not secured the board lifts too strongly, it is necessary that the sole is sufficiently rigid, which goes against walking comfort.

Finally, the attachment relative to the fixing taking place only on one side of the shoe, the mechanical stresses exerted on such a fastening are particularly high, which increases the risk of tearing bodies of cooperation with the fixation.

Furthermore, in document WO97 / 27773, a shoe has been described. surfboard whose sole has means of cooperation with the binding consisting of two axes located along the median longitudinal plane of the shoe. These longitudinal axes are trapped by complementary jaws of the fixation. The peripheral zone of the sole of this shoe consists of a compressible material. So when the user wants to bend his leg laterally, the sole pivots around the axes of cooperation with the binding, and the compressible area crashes. This shoe has the disadvantage of exposing the compressible zone in contact with the ground when the shoe is used for walk. This results in accelerated wear of this compressible zone which is produced made of a material which is not very resistant to abrasion. After wear of this material, the shoe no longer carries laterally on the board, and therefore pivots freely relative to the longitudinal axes, thus inducing a feeling of instability. In addition, the ability lateral movement of such a shoe is difficult to adjust, since it depends almost exclusively on the thickness of the compressible peripheral zone.

A problem which the invention proposes to solve is to allow a lateral movement of the shoe relative to the binding or a possibility of roll, while ensuring firm and effective support of the shoe relative to the board, and authorizing the boot automatically.

Statement of the invention

• un ensemble semelle comprenant notamment :
  • une semelle de marche dont la face inférieure est destinée à venir au contact du sol;
  • une pièce de renfort;
• des organes de coopération avec des agencements complémentaires de la fixation, lesdits organes étant mécaniquement solidaires de l'ensemble semelle.

The invention therefore relates to a shoe for snowboarding, which comprises

• a sole assembly comprising in particular:
  • a walking sole, the underside of which is intended to come into contact with the ground;
  • a reinforcement piece;
• cooperation members with arrangements complementary to the binding, said members being mechanically integral with the sole assembly.

This shoe is characterized in that it comprises an element made of a material having elastic properties interposed between the cooperation members and the sole assembly, said element being able to deform to allow lateral movement or a rolling movement of the shoe in relation to the binding.

In other words, the bodies for cooperation with the binding are connected to the rigid part of the shoe by an elastic connection which allows a slight relative displacement of these organs relative to the shoe, and therefore of the shoe compared to binding and board. So while maintaining a firm and permanent attachment of the shoe to the binding, the user has an additional degree of freedom allowing roll movement of the shoe with respect to the binding. This additional degree of freedom is conferred by the very structure of the shoe, as opposed to the systems of Art Anterior, in which the possible degrees of freedom result from the configuration of the interface between the shoe and the binding.

In practice, the deformation of the elastic element is done by compression or tensile in a vertical direction, and by shearing in a horizontal plane. The combination of these two deformations of different natures makes it possible to obtain the Roll movement sought, favorable to the good perception of sensations. Through abuse of language, this movement is called "rolling", or preferably by the English expression of "rolling". This movement results in a displacement vertical different from the two lateral edges of the shoe, with possibly a slight transverse translation.

In practice, the bodies that cooperate with the fixation can advantageously be anchored in the reinforcement piece.

Depending on the architecture of the cooperation bodies, the elastic element can be consisting either of an area of the tread, or also of an element additional interposed between the sole assembly and the cooperation members.

Thus, in the first case, the bodies for cooperation with the fixation are placed in a recess in the sole, and the fraction of the sole included between the reinforcement piece and the cooperation members, acts as an element elastic. The walking sole then has sufficient flexibility to deform under the effect of the forces exerted by the user.

In the second scenario, the cooperation bodies are set up under an additional element, itself arranged under or on the sides of the sole Steps.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the shoe can comprise in addition means capable of limiting the movement of the cooperation bodies by compared to the sole assembly.

In other words, the range of motion of the cooperation bodies is limited, which is useful especially when putting on. When the user snaps his shoe into the binding, he exerts a vertical force oriented downwards, which tends to deform the elastic element. If this item elastic deforms too much, the interlocking of the cooperation in complementary fixture arrangements could prove in some difficult, if not impossible, cases. Thus, in certain geometries, the means for limiting the movement of the cooperation members allow a optimal and automatic fitting.

By choosing an elastic element made of several materials, it is possible to favor the deformations of the latter in certain directions. The compression or stretching of the elastic element is therefore different from one side to the other of the shoe. Thus, when the elastic element is asymmetrical, we facilitates the movement of the shoe on one side of the shoe relative to the other.

It is also possible to obtain asymmetric behavior by adapting the geometry of the different parts of the shoe. So we can provide stroke limiters that are different from one side to the other of the shoe. These limiters can advantageously be adjustable. We favor thus the clearance on one side of the shoe relative to the other.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the shoe can comprise also means capable of ensuring pivoting of the cooperation members relative to the reinforcement piece. In other words, we favor the deformation of the elastic element in a certain direction, and in particular that which leads to a lateral inclination of the leg. Thus, the elastic element is forced to deform as a function of the pivoting movement of the cooperation members. In addition, pivoting means ensure direct transmission of the forces exerted vertically, and which are not intended to induce an inclination of the leg. Screw with regard to these efforts, it is thus possible to avoid stressing the elastic element.

Advantageously in practice, the element interposed between the reinforcement piece and the cooperation member may have viscoelastic properties making it possible to favor slow deformations while remaining nervous during deformations fast. In addition, this element thus absorbs part of the transmitted vibrations. from the board towards the rest of the shoe.

As already said, there are very many types of cooperation bodies many of which can be used for a shoe conforming to the invention.

Thus, in a first family of variants, the cooperation bodies may include a transverse axis whose ends are intended to be trapped by jaws of the fastener. In this case, the shoe can have a plate covering the transverse axis to maintain the axis transverse under the tread. In this case, the plate is secured to the reinforcement piece by the connecting members.

Advantageously in practice, the plate can slide relative to these connecting members so as to authorize, but also to limit displacement cooperation members with respect to the reinforcement piece and therefore the underside of the outsole.

To allow the shoe to pivot relative to the transverse axis, one can foresee that said axis comprises a bulge coming into contact with the plate, thus allowing the axis to pivot relative to the plate and therefore by relative to the reinforcing element.

The shoe according to the invention may include another type of member cooperation, consisting of a transverse plate whose ends are intended to be trapped by the fixation.

Advantageously, the shoe can then include connecting members through the plate, which are anchored in the reinforcement piece, and which thus allow the plate to slide relative to the connecting members. This plate can be move relative to the reinforcement piece according to different modes of operation. Thus, under the effect of a force exerted downwards, the material interposed between the plate and the tread works in compression. AT conversely, under the effect of an upward force, this same material works in traction.

The invention can also be adapted to another type of cooperation device which include two cavity inserts each arranged on one side of the shoe, and intended to receive fixture arrangements, each insert being embedded in a housing formed in the element of material having properties elastic, said element itself being embedded in the tread.

In this case, the attachment includes levers, part of which is housed in the inserts, on each side of the shoe. These inserts are mounted at inside the thickness of the tread, and are linked to the latter by the characteristic elastic element. These inserts therefore have a certain capacity movement inside the elastic element, which therefore allows the lateral movement of the shoe.

Advantageously in practice, the elastic element can itself be embedded in a base itself secured to the reinforcement piece. In this case, both bases, each receiving a side insert are integral with each other, which avoids excessive deformation of the sole, and improves the grip and cooperation with fixation.

The shoes according to the invention can also accommodate another type of cooperation device, consisting of a stud located under the sole, and intended to be trapped by fixture arrangements, such as jaws. In this case, the stud can for example be directly mounted in a obviously under the sole, which has an area of material below the stud elastic constituting the characteristic elastic connection. The shoe can also receive a fully-fledged elastic pad, which is placed in a housing under the sole between the tread and the characteristic stud.

Advantageously, one can provide connecting members passing through the stud and anchored in the reinforcement piece passing through the material element and having elastic properties, so as to allow the stud to slide by report to the liaison bodies.

The invention is not limited to the only types of cooperation bodies described above, but also covers solutions in which the binding cooperates with the shoe at several points on each side of the shoe. We can thus provide two (or more) axes or transverse plates, or even two (or more) side inserts on each side of the shoe.

Brief description of the figures

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective sommaire de la semelle d'une chaussure incluant un axe transversal de coopération avec la fixation.

La figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un détail de la figure 1 au niveau de l'axe transversal.

La figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale au niveau de l'axe transversal d'une chaussure réalisée selon une variante de celle de la figure 1.

Les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues en coupe longitudinale d'un détail d'une semelle réalisée sur des variantes d'exécution de celles illustrées aux figures 2 et 3.

La figure 6 est une vue en perspective sommaire de la semelle d'une chaussure incluant une plaque transversale de coopération avec la fixation.

La figure 7 est une vue en coupe transversale de la figure 6.

La figure 8 est une vue en coupe transversale d'une variante de réalisation.

La figure 9 est une vue en perspective sommaire de la semelle d'une chaussure selon une autre variante de réalisation d'une chaussure comportant une plaque transversale de coopération avec la fixation.

La figure 10 est une vue en coupe transversale de la figure 9.

La figure 11 est une vue en coupe selon le plan XI-XI' de la figure 9.

La figure 12 est une vue en perspective sommaire du dessous d'une semelle équipée d'inserts latéraux, destinés à coopérer avec un autre type de fixation.

La figure 13 est une vue en coupe transversale de la figure 12, au niveau des inserts.

La figure 14 est une vue en perspective sommaire du dessous d'une semelle équipée d'un plot central de coopération avec la fixation.

La figure 15 est une vue en coupe transversale de la figure 14, au niveau du plot de coopération.

La figure 16 est une vue en coupe d'une variante d'exécution.

The manner of carrying out the invention as well as the advantages which result therefrom will emerge clearly from the description of the embodiments which follow, with the support of the appended figures in which:

Figure 1 is a summary perspective view of the sole of a shoe including a transverse axis of cooperation with the binding.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a detail of Figure 1 at the transverse axis.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view at the level of the transverse axis of a shoe produced according to a variant of that of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views in longitudinal section of a detail of a sole produced on variant embodiments of those illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Figure 6 is a summary perspective view of the sole of a shoe including a transverse plate for cooperation with the binding.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment.

Figure 9 is a summary perspective view of the sole of a shoe according to another alternative embodiment of a shoe having a transverse plate for cooperation with the binding.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view along the plane XI-XI 'of FIG. 9.

Figure 12 is a summary perspective view of the underside of a sole fitted with side inserts, intended to cooperate with another type of attachment.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 12, at the inserts.

Figure 14 is a summary perspective view of the underside of a sole fitted with a central stud for cooperation with the binding.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 14, at the level of the cooperation pad.

Figure 16 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment.

Ways to realize the invention

As already said, the invention relates to a surf shoe whose organs of cooperation with the binding are linked to the sole assembly (1), and more in particular to a reinforcement piece (2) associated with the sole, thanks to a connection elastic allowing lateral movement of the shoe. The principle of the invention can be applied to shoes which have very diverse cooperation, each corresponding to different types of fixation.

All the variants described below therefore use the principle of the invention consisting in interposing an elastic element between the cooperation members, and the rigid part of the sole through which the supports are transmitted.

First way of carrying out the invention

Figures 1 to 4 describe a shoe equipped with a first type of organs cooperation, taking the form of a transverse axis (5). This transverse axis (5) is arranged at the middle level of the shoe, at the level of the clearance (3) of the sole. It protrudes laterally by its ends (6, 7) which are trapped by jaws or hooks (not shown) of the fastener. These ends (6, 7) are locked at a fixed level with respect to the board, so that the axis transverse (5) is held stationary relative to the binding and therefore the board.

This cylindrical axis (5) consists of a metal bar, with a diameter close to 10 millimeters. According to the invention, this bar (5) is sheathed with a tube (10) made of an elastic or even viscoelastic material with a thickness close to a few millimeters or even a centimeter. The bar (5) and the elastic sheath (10) are held integral with the shoe by a plate (12). This plate (12) has at its central level a transverse groove (13) intended to accommodate the transverse axis (5). The width of the groove (13) is slightly greater than the diameter of the transverse axis (5) and of the elastic sheath (10). This plate (12) extends over a substantial part of the width of the sole (1), in the area where it is installed. However, in variants not shown, this plate could be replaced by several independent elements located side by side.

The plate (12) is secured to the sole (1), more precisely to the piece of reinforcement (2) by means of four fixing screws (15). These screws can be added during the assembly of the axis (5), or even be replaced by extensions forming an integral part of the reinforcement piece (2) located inside of the shoe.

In the simplest form illustrated in Figure 2, the axis (15) is connected to the plate (12) by means of the elastic material (10) which is integral at the same time of the plate (12) and of the axis (15). The plate (12) is then fixed under the assembly sole (1). The shoe can then move in all directions, within the limits deformation of the elastic element (10).

According to another characteristic of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, the axis transverse (5) has, at its median level, a bulge (20) allowing it to come into contact with the underside (4) of the tread (1), and the plate (12). In this way, the sheath (10) of elastic material is divided into two parts (21, 22) located on either side of the bulge (20).

In operation, when the shoe is mounted on the binding, the ends (6, 7) of the transverse axis (5) are trapped and constitute points fixed. The reinforcement piece (2) therefore has a degree of freedom relative to the face top of the board. Indeed, when the user exerts a force F on one side of the reinforcement piece (2), for example when it inclines its leg laterally, the portion (21) of the elastic sheath located between the underside (4) of the sole and the transverse axis (5) tends to compress on the side where the forces are exerted. The contact area between the bulge (20) and the underside (4) of the sole tread (1) forms a pivot point around which the tread (1) as well as the reinforcement piece (2) tend to pivot. So the opposite portion (22) of the elastic sheath tends to be stretched. It therefore follows that the reinforcement (2) also tilts on the side where the forces are exerted, which results therefore by the lateral movement of the shoe. So while maintaining a particularly firm and effective attachment of the transverse axis (5) and therefore of the shoe, the latter has a degree of freedom allowing the inclination lateral leg.

This deformation is accompanied by the crushing of the area or areas of the outsole which come into contact with the binding or the board. The lateral areas of the tread sole located in front and behind the recess (3) are therefore made from a relatively deformable material.

In addition, this bulge (20) maintains a certain thickness of the elastic sheath (10) near the center of the axis (5). This bulge ensures also a transmission of the forces exerted vertically from the shoe to the axis (5), and therefore to the attachment. So even when the user exercises significant efforts, by its weight for example, the bulge takes the place of always tilts and allows lateral movement of the shoe. This provision is particularly advantageous during putting on, because it allows the footwear without compression of the elastic element.

In another variant also favoring the footwear illustrated in the figure 4, the plate mounting screws (15) include smooth portions (16) allowing the vertical sliding of the plate. This provision turns out advantageous when fitting the binding. When the user presents the shoe opposite the binding, the transverse axis (25) comes into contact with the additional fixture arrangements. The user exerting an effort towards the bottom, the transverse axis (25) therefore approaches the underside (4) of the sole Steps. The sliding capacity of the plate (26) relative to the sole allows the plate to follow the movement of the transverse axis (25), and thus to prevent the elastic sheath (10) connecting the transverse axis (25) the plate (26) from is too strongly stretched.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the element made of material elastic (30) can be interposed directly between the upper face of the axle transverse (31) and the underside (4) of the walking sole (1).

In this case, the transverse axis (31) and the plate (32) are integral one and the other, for example by welding or screwing. The plate (32) has openings (33) inside which passes a smooth part (34) of the fixing screws (35) on the reinforcement piece (2). Thanks to this sliding capacity of the plate (32) by compared to the fixing screws (35), the transverse axis (32) has a capacity of displacement. Thus, when efforts are exerted by the user on one side of the reinforcement piece (2), the portion of the elastic element (30) located directly above the area of application of these forces is crushed, which therefore allows the movement of the shoe.

It goes without saying that the axis (31) may also include a bulge similar to the one illustrated in figure 3.

Second way of carrying out the invention

Figures 6 to 8 relate to shoes fitted with another type of bodies for cooperation with the fixing, consisting of a transverse plate (45). Nevertheless, certain operating principles stated for the variant previous are also respected.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the members for cooperation with the attachment consist of a transverse plate (45). This plate (45) has a length, measured in the longitudinal direction of the shoe on the order of a few centimeters. The dimension of the plate in the transverse direction corresponds substantially to the width of the sole (41). In this way, the lateral ends (46, 47) of this plate (45) are located directly above the lateral zones (43) of the sole (41). Between the ends (46, 47) of this plate and the underside (44) of the tread, are housings (48, 49) intended to accommodate the fixing jaws or hooks (not shown). This type of organs advantage of cooperation is that it does not extend laterally from the sole of the shoe and therefore facilitate walking.

The underside of the tread (41) receives an element (50) in elastic material such as natural or synthetic rubber, of hardness between 30 Shore A and 60 Shore D, which comes by its face upper (51) in contact with the tread (41). This element (50) in elastic material has a slightly pyramidal shape to form the lateral housings (48, 49) into which the arrangements of fixation, while maintaining a sufficient volume of material to ensure the effect elastic desired. However, the invention is not limited to this single form elastic element but covers other variants of geometry.

This elastomeric element (50) may be an element added at the time of mounting the cooperation plate. It can also be an integral part of the outsole and be molded with it.

The elastic element can also be partially inserted inside a cavity (not shown) provided for this purpose under the tread.

The transverse plate (45) has one or more openings (52) allowing the passage of connecting members (53) with the reinforcement piece (42) integral with the sole (41) of the shoe. These openings (52) are made in recesses (56) set back from the lower face (57) of the plate (45), to allow the accommodation of the connecting members (53). These liaison bodies (53) may be screws or any other similar means secured to the reinforcement piece when mounting the cross plate. These liaison bodies can also be downward extensions of the reinforcement piece (42), and have ends allowing the establishment of the transverse plate.

The openings (52) in the transverse plate (45) have a sufficient diameter to allow lateral movement of the transverse plate (45) when the latter inclines relative to the underside (44) of the tread (41). The lower end (54) of the connecting members (53) is wide enough to cooperate with the bottom of the recesses (56) provided in the plate (45) and thus prohibit any movement of the plate (45) below of a certain level. In other words, when the shoe is tilted laterally, a first zone of the elastic element (50) is compressed, while that the other undergoes a slight stretch. The connecting members are therefore arranged to limit this stretching, and avoid possible tearing or at least takeoff of the elastic element (50) relative to the underside of the sole.

In addition, the connecting members (53) include a shoulder (58) against which abuts the upper face of the plate (45) when the elastic element (50) is very compressed. This limits the crushing of the elastic element when the shoe is highly stressed, and in particular during the operations of boot.

In operation, when the user presses F on one side of the reinforcement piece (42), for example by tilting its leg laterally, the link (53) located on the forces side slides inside the opening it cross, and the area of the elastic element (50) located on this side is compressed. he ensues that the reinforcement piece (42) inclines relative to the transverse plate (45), and therefore relative to the upper face of the board.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the reinforcement piece (62) can assume a shape as it extends downwards to open out under the tread. In this case, the elastic element (60) is put in place under the protuberance (63) of the reinforcement piece (62). The plate (65) located under the elastic element (60) is anchored in the reinforcement piece (62) by means of screws which can advantageously include shoulders (68) identical to those described in the Figure 7. The shape of the protrusion (63) of the reinforcement piece (62) and the plate (65) define the lateral housings (69) into which the fastening arrangements (not shown).

Although not explicitly mentioned in the drawings, the plate transverse may have a bulge ensuring its pivoting relative to the sole assembly, like the bulge (30) illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative embodiment operating on a particular type of shoe, such as that described in the document FR 2 786 371 of the Applicant. More specifically, these are flexible shoes whose the reinforcement piece (112) has protrusions sinking into the sole of step (111). More precisely, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the rigid reinforcement (112) has four zones crossing part of the thickness of the sole of step (111), to come close to the underside of the latter. These protruding zones form four studs (115-118) by which the supports exercised by the user are effectively transmitted to the board. These studs come into contact with the board or binding when the shoe is held by the fixing.

In this case, the stiffness of the reinforcement (112) prevents the tread (111) to deform as for the variants described above. The plaque transverse (45) can therefore move relative to the tread (111) under tensile forces generated, especially when the user tilts his shoe around a side edge. More specifically, and as illustrated in the Figure 10, the reinforcement (112) has two portions (113,114) descending nearby of the underside (119) of the tread (111). The background (120,121) of these portions (113,114) is drilled to let connecting members pass (122,123) which cross the tread (111) to anchor in the plate transverse (45). In their upper part, the connecting members have a stop (124,125) blocking the upper part of a spring (126,127) working in compression. These springs (126,127) also rest on the bottom (120,121) of the protruding areas (113,114).

In operation, when the user leans his leg sideways, and his foot is raised on the left side for example, as illustrated by the arrow F of Figure 10, it exerts a vertical force which tends to raise the left side of the shoe, and therefore the same left side of the reinforcement (112). The transverse plate (45) being integral with the attachment, it follows that the spring (126) is compressed by the ascent of the bottom (120) of the protruding area (113). This movement is possible despite the rigidity of the right side of the sole, resulting from the presence of studs (115,116).

Of course, the shape of the protruding areas (113,114) may differ from that drawn in FIG. 10, as soon as the reinforcement has an area against which can compress the spring. The spring could be replaced by another elastic means such as a pad of elastomeric material for example.

The traction mode described above can also be transposed to other types of cooperation body, such as in particular the axis transverse described in Figures 1 to 5.

According to another characteristic of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11, applicable to the shoes described above, the tread (111) can at level of the support pads, have a transverse curvature facing upwards. In the area opposite, the binding (130) has a similar curvature, so that the tread (111) can more easily move laterally, depending on the roll movement mentioned above. The protruding studs (115-118) located under the rigid reinforcement (112) have a lower face (131,132) which is not parallel to the upper plane (133) of the board, but oriented according to the curvature of the underside of the tread (111). In this way, when a vertical force F is exerted on one side of the shoe, the component F⊥ parallel to the underside (134) of the walking sole (111) induces a slight transverse movement participating in the rolling movement.

Third way of carrying out the invention

Figures 12 and 13 relate to shoes fitted with another type bodies for cooperation with fixation, more particularly consisting of inserts lateral (75) housed in the thickness of the tread (71).

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the walking sole (71) of the shoe includes, approximately at the median level of its length, a reinforcement piece (72) which extends on either side of the shoe. This piece of reinforcement (72) receives the user's foot on its upper face (79). Of each on the side, this reinforcement piece (72) receives two lateral inserts (75). These inserts (75) consist of metallic or plastic parts forming a cavity, substantially parallelepiped shape, and having an opening (78) oriented on the outside of the sole (71). These inserts (75) are intended to receive the end of a jaw forming part of the attachment (not shown).

These inserts (75) are embedded inside a housing (79) formed in the element of elastic material (70) which comes into contact with the insert (75) on all the faces of the latter located inside the volume of the tread (71). Typically, the thickness of this element of elastic material (70) is of the order of a few millimeters on the upper (73) and lower (76) faces of the insert (75) and on the order of 1 millimeter on the front and back sides and on the inside (74) of the insert (75).

The elements (75) of elastic material are embedded in a base (80) made up of a metallic or plastic part which follows the external contour of the elastic element (70), on all the faces of the latter located inside the volume of the tread (71). However, in some forms particular, this base may only be present on the upper, inner faces and lower of the elastic element (70), excluding the front and rear faces of this last. The two bases (80, 81) are each embedded in the part of reinforcement (72) which is either embedded inside the tread (71), as in the form illustrated, either placed above the latter inside the shoe .. In some cases, the elastic elements can be put in place directly in housings provided for this purpose on the sides of the room reinforcement, without using the metal bases described above.

In operation, when for example the user exerts forces F of a side of the reinforcement piece (72), this force is exerted downwards on the base corresponding (80). The part (77) of the elastic element (70) located between the face upper part of the base (80) and the upper face (73) of the insert (75) therefore has tends to compress, and the base (80) tends to descend relative to the insert (75).

On the opposite side, the insert (85) performs an opposite movement relative to the corresponding base (81). As a result, the reinforcement piece (72) tilts so laterally with respect to the direction connecting the two inserts and therefore by compared to the board.

It is obvious that in many cases only one side of the shoe is stressed, for example in traction upwards, and in this case, the other side is not does not necessarily distort. Similarly, we can note the possibility of compression or pulling the portions of the elastic element located at the bottom of the bases, this which gives the possibility of obtaining some lateral displacement and therefore the roll movement sought.

Fourth way of carrying out the invention

The shoe according to the invention can also be fitted with another type of cooperation members such as that illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16. This type of cooperation bodies comprises a rigid stud (95) of substantially shaped frustoconical or the like which is situated at the median level of the shoe, at the location of the arch (93). Such a stud (95) cooperates with jaws of a fixing (not shown) which come to trap the stud (95) by contact with the contour of the latter.

According to the invention, the upper face (96) of this stud (95) comes to contact of the underside (97) of an element (90) of elastic material, which comes itself in contact with the underside (94) of the tread (91). The shape of the elastic element (90) can be variable depending on that of the stud (95). This element can therefore adopt for example a cylindrical configuration, resting on the upper face (96) of the stud (95). In a variant not shown, this stud can also be partly embedded in a housing provided for this purpose under the tread (91). This stud can also be part integral with the outsole by constituting a downward extension obtained by multi-injection techniques

As illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, the stud (95) has in the center of its face lower a through opening (97) in which is placed a member connection (98) of the screw or similar type. This connecting member (98) crosses the elastic element (90) and the tread (91) to the reinforcement piece (92) in which it is firmly united. To allow slight movement of the stud (95) relative to the connecting member (98), the opening (97) pierced in the stud (95) has a divergent profile, open at the bottom. In this case, the opening (97) has a shoulder into which the head (99) of the screw (98) can be inserted forming the connecting member. The diameter of this head and the dimensions of the shoulder are determined to allow sufficient movement of the stud (95) relative to the connecting member (98) while ensuring that the latter is maintained by compared to the shoe.

In a variant not shown, the connecting member can be constituted by an extension of the reinforcement piece which passes through the tread, the element elastic and the stud.

In operation, when the user exerts forces F on one side of the reinforcement piece (92), these are transmitted by the tread (91) to one side of the elastic element (90) which is compressed between the sole of step (91) and the upper face (96) of the stud (95) which is fixed relative to the board.

In this case, the connecting member (98) moves inside the opening (97) formed in the stud (95), and the shoe therefore tilts laterally.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 16, the connecting member (108) integral with the reinforcement piece (102) has at its lower end a ball joint (103) cooperating with the stud (105). So when efforts are exerted by the user on the reinforcement piece (102), and that the latter are not parallel to the connecting member (108), the latter pivots relative to the stud (105) causing the crushing of one side of the elastic element (100). The shoe therefore undergoes a lateral movement sought. The position of the patella or more generally of the pivot point between the connecting member and the stud may be different from that illustrated in Figure 15, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In this case also, the elastic element works both in compression / traction and shear in the horizontal direction, which allows to obtain the desired roll movement.

• un mouvement de roulis de la chaussure par rapport à la fixation, tout en assurant un maintien ferme et efficace par rapport à la fixation ;
• un retour en position de repos favorisé par la présence d'un élément élastique ;
• la possibilité d'absorber une certaine partie des vibrations par l'emploi d'un matériau élastique amortisseur.

It appears from the above that the shoes according to the invention have multiple advantages and in particular the possibility of authorizing

• a rolling movement of the shoe relative to the binding, while ensuring firm and effective support relative to the binding;
• a return to the rest position favored by the presence of an elastic element;
• the possibility of absorbing a certain part of the vibrations by the use of an elastic damping material.

Claims (21)

Shoe for snowboarding, comprising a sole assembly comprising in particular: a walking sole (1) whose lower face (4) is intended to come into contact with the ground; a reinforcement piece (2); cooperation members (5) with arrangements complementary to the attachment, said members being mechanically integral with the sole assembly; characterized in that it comprises an element (10) made of a material having elastic properties interposed between the cooperation members (5) and the sole assembly, said element (10) being able to deform to allow lateral movement of the shoe in relation to the binding. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the deformation of the elastic element takes place by compression or traction in a vertical direction, and by shearing in a horizontal plane. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the element having elastic properties has an asymmetric deformation capacity, different from one side to the other of the shoe. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means capable of asymmetrically limiting the lateral movement of the shoe. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooperation members (5) are anchored in the reinforcement piece (2). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (60) made of a material having elastic properties consists of an area of the walking sole (61). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (10) made of a material having elastic properties is interposed between the walking sole (1) and the cooperation members (5). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means (12) capable of limiting the movement of the cooperation members (5) relative to the reinforcement piece (2). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means (20) capable of ensuring pivoting of the cooperation members (5) relative to the reinforcement piece (2). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (10) interposed between the reinforcement piece (2) and the cooperation member (5) has viscoelastic properties. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooperation members comprise a transverse axis (5) whose ends (6, 7) are intended to be trapped by arrangements complementary to the binding. Shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a plate (12) covering the transverse axis (5), said plate being secured to the reinforcement piece (2) by connecting members (15). Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the plate (12) is capable of sliding relative to the connecting members (15). Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the transverse axis (5) has a bulge (20) coming into contact with the plate (12). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooperation members comprise a transverse plate (4, 5) whose ends (46, 47) are intended to come into contact with the binding. Shoe according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises connecting members (53, 55) passing through the plate (45), and anchored in the reinforcement piece (42), said plate (45) being able to slide by report to said connecting members (53, 55). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the element interposed between the cooperation members (45) and the sole assembly (112) is formed of at least one spring working in compression. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooperation members comprise two inserts (75) forming a cavity, each arranged on one side of the shoe, and intended to receive fixture arrangements, each insert (75) being embedded in a housing (79) formed in the element (70) of material having elastic properties, said element (70) itself being embedded in the tread (71). Shoe according to claim 18, characterized in that the element (70) of material having elastic properties is embedded in a base (80, 81) integral with the reinforcement piece (72). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooperation members comprise a stud (95) located under the sole (91), and intended to be trapped by fixture arrangements. Shoe according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises connecting members (98) passing through the stud (95) and anchored in the reinforcement piece (92) passing through the element (90) of material having elastic properties, said stud (95) being able to slide relative to the connecting members (98).

Images